^/// o rys Defenders! A MILITARY DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. WRITTEN BV G R E E X LEAF S . 1^ U K E r. WA L T E R E. S I if M O X S P H I I. T r V W. (J O L L I F F . 3X>=tOO- BOSTON : ROCKWELL k CHURCHILL, PRINTERS, 12 2 Washington S r r k e t ." 18 7 3. l/GIZ.C Our Coimtiys Defenders! A MILITARY DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. WRITTEN BY GEEENLEAF S. TUKEY, WALTER E. SIMMONS, PHILIPP W. GOLLIFF. -oo'iQ^^ BOSTON : ROCKWELL & CHURCHILL, PRINTERS, 122 Washington Street, 1873. TO JOSEPH HOOKER POST 23, DEPARTMENT OF MASS., G. A. R. THIS PLAY IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHORS. Any persons playing this piece without the consent of the authors will be prosecuted to the utmost extent of the law. All communications should be addressed to PHILIPP W. GOLLIFF, Business Agent, 191 Webster Street, East Boston, Mass. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year in the oflBlce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. O. XY GRKKN'l.KAK S. TUKEY. AV.VLTEU K. SIM^IOXS. PHILIPr W. GOLLIKK.- CAST OF CIIAriACTERS, AS ORIGIXALLY TERFORIMED BY JOSEPH HOOKER POST 23, G. A. R., East Boston, April 22, 1872. his sons Edward Clifford . Guy Lockwood . Sani'l Huntington Charles Huntington Harry Huntington Wm. Bryant Alphonse DePeyster Nath'l Foster Fritz Spcigclhalter Tom Swift . Capt. Gregg Pompey Policeman . Capt. Perry Lieut. Harrison Tom Marlinspike Jack Tarbox Pedlar Dr. Swett . Jas. Harris Henry Crittenden Newsboy .... Major McKee ^ Capt. Toombs > Confederates Wm. Small > Maud Huntington Lucy Clifton Widow DePeyster 1 I Y I J of the sliip Pembrolie Union Prixafes Greenleaf S. Tukey Walter E. Simmons Geo. A. Butler Wm. A. Waterhouse W. S. Greenough Geo. E. Harrington Wm. A. McLarty Isaac B. Noble . John Henry . Samuel Holt W. H. AVarner Geo. H. RymiU Geo. H. Brown A. N. Proctor S. P. Hampton H. A. Lampher S. S. Sampson Charles Melville J. C. Littlefield F. V. Christian Frank E. Dodge- Master Wm. McBride Wm. H. LcAvis yco. H. Whalebone Edw. Smith Mrs. Georgie C. Metcalf Miss Mary Kczer Mrs. Wm. H. LaAvrence "^^^ Nurses, Goddess of Liberty, angel, soldiers, sailors, citizens, etc. COSTUMES, Samuel Huntington. Modern suit of black, gray wig and side whiskers. Cha's Huntington. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Colo- nel's full dress. Harry Huntington. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Ser- geant. Third — old rags. Fourth — dressing-gown and slippers. Edw. Clifford. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Sergeant. Third — old rags. Fourth — shirt sleeves. Guy Lockwood. First — Modern suit. Second — Kebel Colonel Cavalry uniform. Wm. Bryant. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Corporal. Third — old rags. Alphonse DePeyster. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Private. Third — old rags. Nath'l Foster. First — Modern suit. Second — Union Sergeant. Third — old rags. Iron-gray wig and whiskers. Fritz Speigelhalter. First — Dutch suit. Second — Union Private. Thomas Swift, First — Modern suit. Second — Union Private. Third — old rags. (This character is intended to be made up fat, until the Prison Scene.) Capt. Gregg. Union Captain's uniform. Pompey. Full Contraband costume. Dr. Swett. First — Union Lieutenant's suit. Second — Modern suit. Capt. Perry. Naval Captain's uniform. Gray wig and whiskers. Lieut. Harrison. Undress Navy uniform. Jack Tarl)ox r,^^ Tv/r T ^^ <- Uuiou sailors' costume, lom Marhngspike Maud Huntington. First — Modern evening suit. Second — plain black suit. Lucy Clifton. Plain black suit. Widow DePeyster. Plain black suit. Nurses. Black dresses. Wigs and beards for stockade scene. Goddess of Liberty, angel, soldiers, citizens, etc., in appropriate costumes, according to their respective characters. TIME — 18G1. Time of performance two hours forty-five minutes. OUR COUNTRY'S DEFENDERS. ^r^^^ ACT I. SCENK I. — HuNTixGTOX's private office. — Enter Nathaniel, r., with hooks and papers; sets them doivn, and arranges office. Nath'l. Quarter to nine, and none of the boys here yet. It's all very well for them as loni? as the old man comes late, but some fine day he will take it into his head to come early, and then look out, Mr. Billy. {Noise iit outer office.) There they are, and Justin time, too, for here comes Hunting'ton, Enter Huntington, ii. Hunt. Good morning, Nathaniel. NailCl. Good morning, sir. Hunt. Where's Edward? Natlil. He lias just stepped out a moment, sir. He wrili be in (Huntington talces coat off, sits, looks over papers and mail.) Hunt Nath directly (llxj'STi^GTOii^ lays down paper ^ and remo.rks :) Hunt. What a mixed-up state of affairs the country is in at present ! There seems to be great excitement in the South, over the election of Abraliam Lincoln to the Presidency. I trust nothing serious will take place. Enter Ed^yard Clifford, r. Hunt. Ah, Edward ; good morning, Ed.ward. Good morning, sir. Hunt. Have you been down on 'change tliis morning? Edward. Yes, sir; I have just come from there. Hunt. How is cotton ? Edward. Gone up, a half to three-quarters. The excitement is very great, on account of the anticipated trouble with the South. Hunt. Has Mr, Lockwood called this morning? Edivard. No, sir; he has not. Hunt. By the wvcy, Edward, you do not seem to esteem Mr. Lockwood very highly. I noticed last evening that you did not 6 OUR country's defenders, treat liim liarcliy with civility. You cannot but reinember that ten years ago you came to my office a poor boy. I took you in my employ, and by your faithfulness and fidelity you have risen to"^your present position, confidential clerk to the largest cottou house in tliis city, and aflianced husband of my daughter Maud. Edicard. For all your kindness to me, Mr. Huntington, I as- sure you 1 am deeply grateful, and I sincerely hope the trust and confidence you have placed in me may never be betrayed. Hunt. My business relations with Mr. Lockwood have ever been the most pleasant. This is his first visit to our city, and I wish to extend to hiui that courtesy that is not only due him from our house as a business man, but as becomes his poe^ition as a gentleman. During my late visit to the South, he did everything in his power to make my stay agreeable, and I hope nothing will occur to mar the pleasure of this, his first visit to our city. Edward. I confess I have a dislike to Mr. L., and though he may be what he seems, a perfect gentlemau, I have formed a difierent opinion of him. Iluvt. What particular reason have you for forming other than a fav()ral)le one? Edward. We sometimes form dislikes for people we know but little of; but to be frank with you, Mr. Huntington, I think he pays more attention to Maud than he should, knowing our rela- tions to eacii other. Hunt. Ha! ha! ha! Why, Edward, — jealous? I am sur- prised. Edivard. I think I have good reasons to be so. It is true Mr. Lockwood is your guest, and as such should treat Maud with the utmost rospecL; but for almost an entire stranger, I think he is too attentive to her. Hunt. I think you misjudge him. It is quite natural in your position to feel as you do, I suppose; but I really think you make loo much of the matter, as Enter Billy Buyant, r. Billy. Mr. Lockwood. {Exit.') Enter Lockwood ^.molting; lows coolly to Edwaed. Edward samxe to liim. Lode. I trust I am not intruding. Hunt. Oh, no; not at all. I am glad to see you. I have been expect iiig you all the morning. Loci:. J intended to call sooner, but have occupied the morning in writing letters to ray friends and in reading the news. I see by the morning papers that cottou has advanced one-half to tiirec-quai'ters. It is a fortunate thing for you that I nnide that last shipment just as I did, for if the cloud which now hangs o'er us, and threatens to envelop the country in a civil war, should OUR COUNTRY S DEFENDERS. 7 not clear awa}', the prospects arc that cotton will Idc cxcecdiDgly hii;li, if p.ot impossible to get. Hunt. Is it your opinion ihat matters ^Yill prove so serious as to cause a war? God forbid that such a terrible thing should take place between brothers, as it were; altiiough, if the South persists in cari'ying out tlie principles of secession that they have already put forth, it will be necessary for our government to take a firm stand, cost what it may. Lock. {Aside.) Humph! {Aloud.) I Iiardly know what an- swer to make you, for, to tell you the truth, I have given but little thought to affairs of state, although there seemed to be considerable excitement in the South when 1 left there, ^vhich, after all, maj' blow over befoi'e anything serious takes place. {Aside.) But I hope not. Hunt. Well, Avell; time will tell, (^o Edward.) Edward, make out a check for five thousand dollars, to the order of Messrs. White, "Woodward & Co., and step down there and settle our account with them. (Edward malces out cJiecIc, and Huktixgton signs it.) {Exit Edward, r.) Lock. Pardon me, Mr. Huntington, but it seems strarige to me that you should have allowed this young man to become so inti- mate with your daughter. The position he holds in j'our house does not seem to me to warrant his assuming such familiarity. He is nothing but a clerk in your employ, and although he may hold a responsible position, still the very fact of his being but a clerk should have made you hesitate in giving him the hand of your daughter Maud. Hunt. It may perhaps seem strange to you that Mr. Clifford should have so lar worked himself into m}^ affections as to have obtained my permission to woo my daughter, particularly as his station in life is so far beneat;h hers. But he has proved him- self to be a young man worth.y of conhdence and esteem. He came to my office several years ago, a mere boy and an entire stranger. Won by his frank and honest appearance, 1 gave hira employment. By his energy and faithful attendance to business he inis worked himself to his present position. Having no friends in the cit}^ I gave him a free invitation to my house, where he soon became acquainted with Maud and her brothers. An intimacy grew up between tnem which I rather encouraged than disapproved, having taken a strange liking to the young man. In short, he won Maud's love; and I am confident that in placing her in his care I am giving her to one who, though not her equal in wealth, is in every other wa}'' worthy of lier. Lock. I by no means intend to insinuate that he may not be a worthy young man, and capable of filling the position lie holds in your office; but as to his being worthy of your daughter, ex- cuse me, if I very much doubt it; but then, our ideas of such things are vastly different. We at the South would not tolerate OUR COUNTRY S DEFENDERS. sncli a matter. But aside from all this, without any intentions of injurinii- liim in your estimation, there are other reasons for his not bein:^ worthy your daughter's love. Hunt. Other reasons! Why, sir, what do you know of the young- man ? Lock. I know but little, having seen him but a few times, and therefore am not perhaps competent to judge of his character; had it not been for something which transpired a few evenings ago, I should have hesitated in expressing my opinion of his uu= worthiness as 1 have. Last Monday evening, as you are aware, 1 attended the opera. After the peribrmance, it being very stormy and disagreeable, I made all haste to reach your house; being unable to obtain a conveyance, I was obliged to walk. I had gone but a few blocks, when my attention was arrested by a man and woman who passed me, the woman apparently intoxi- cated. Something in the appearance of the gentleman led me to think I had met hlrn before. My first thoughts were to continue on my way, without taking further notice of them, but curiosity or something or other, I know not what, led me to follow them. They passed through several of the principal streets, down into a locality, which, although unknown to me, showed in itself the nature of its inhabitants. Arriving at a filthy alley, they passed down, and were lost from my view. I stepped into a doorway, thinking that the young man might soon return, as I desired if possible to get a better view of him. After waiting some time, he made his appearance; as he passed by me, I found that my first suppositions were correct, and I fully identified him as Ed- ward Clifi'ord, your confidential clerk. Hunt. Edward Clifi'ord ! in)possible! You must be mistaken; your acquaintance with him is so limited, that it is very likely you have made a great mistake in the person. Lock. Upon my honor as a gentleman, I assure you that the man I have spoken of was no other than Mr. Clifi'ord. However, don't let this circumstance prejudice you against him, as lie can jpossilly explain the matter satisfactorily. Hunt. I am confident he can, as I have full faith in his honor and integrity. In the mean time, I will give this matter farther thought, and take the first opportunity to speak to him on the subject. (Huntington Zoo/cs a;^ his ivatch.) Half-past two, — I had no idea it was so late. Come, let us go to dinner. Lock. You will please excuse me, Mr. Huntington, but I have an engagement which will prevent me from accepting your in- vitation. Present my compliments to your daughter, also ray regrets that I am obliged to dine elsewhere to day. Hunt. Very well, we shall expect you this evening. Jjock. Certainly! GoCd morning ! (^'.t^Y Lockwood, r.) Hunt. There seems to be some mystery here; it certainly is very strange that Mr. Lockwood should meet Edward at such an iiour of the night, in company with a woman of doubtful ap- pearance, more especially after his having just left my daughter's presence. Either Mr. Lockwood must have made a fearful OUR COUNTRY S DEFEXDERS. y mistake, or Edward must be a consnniinate villain. And I can- not believe tliat. Tlie only tliin.i;- to be done, however, is to hear Edward's story and see what he has to say for himself. (Hun- tington calls Nathaniel.) Enter Nathaniel, k. Natia. Sir! Hunt. Tell Edward, when he comes in, that I shall not return this afternoon. If Mr. Walker, the lawyer, calls, tell him I will see him to-morrow mornitii;: at nine o'clock. Nath'l. Very well, sir ! (^xi« Huntington, ii. Nathaniel goes to table and takes vp newspaper.) I wonder what the news is; I have been tryin<>- all day to <>-et hold of a newspaper. Holloa! what's this? (Reads aloud.) "Great excitement in Charles- ton, South Carolina. Tlie people of the South preparin.2,- for war. Raising-of the Palmetto fl:ii? on several of the public build- ings; the American flag trailed in the dust." I was afraid it would come to this. It seem strange that a people should so far forget themselves as to turn against their own interests. {Noise and boisterous loAighter in outer office.) There's tliose plaguey boys again up to their old tricks; the minute their em- ployers bick is turned, it's leave business, and go to playing, (Nathaniel looks out the door.) Just as I expected, there's young Bryant on a stool playing tragedy, with Alphonse for an au- dience. (Billy Bryant recites outside.) *'At midnight, in his guarded tent. The Turk wa> di-eaming of the hour When Greece, her knee in suppliance bent. Should tremble at his power." Enter Billy and Alphonse, r. Billy. "To arms ! To arms ! they come ! the Greek ! the Greek !" (^Seats himself in chair, putting his feet on the table.) I say, fel- lows, aint tills a perfect home for a man? Nathaniel, Nathaniel, go to the office for the mail. Alphonso, go make out a check for ten thousand dollars. Nathaniel, bring rae- the morning paper. (Nathaniel brings paper.) Nath'l. Here's the morning paper, mj'' young friend, and there's something in it you had better read. Perhaps you won't feel so much like shouting "To arms! To arms!" {Shoius Bryant paper tciih paragraph.) Billy. {Reads.) " Great excitement in Charleston, South Car- olina! The people of the South getiing ready for war! Eaising of the Palmetto flag on several of the public buildings! The American flag trailed in the dust! " NatlVl. What do you think of that, sonny? You may have a chance to show your warlike spirit in something besides words. 10 OUn COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. Billy. We'll fi.i>-ht " till from our bones the meat be hacked; " won't wo, Phony? Alplionse. Not if I know myself, and I think I do. I never fou.iiht but once, and then I got licked; and I darsn't try it again. Billy, Villain! wilt thou go back on me? Follow me, and do as I do. NatKl. Yes; follow you! If he did, the first thing would be to cut and run. Billy, " He who fights, and runs away, M;iy live to fight another day." I sny, Nat, don't you think I would make a good actor? NaiKl. I think if you paid more attention to business, and less to that infernal spouting, you Avould get along better in the world. Only day before yesterday Mr. Clifi'ord wanted to know if there was any one sick in the outer office, when yon were giv- ing Alplionse a taste of your extraordinary dramatic abilities. Billy. What a pity that two such intelligent persons as you and Ned should have such a fearful lack of appreciation. Phony is the only one in the office that has got any sort of taste for the fine arts. Never mind, I forgive you both. I dare say you never saw Foi'rest play " The Gladiator." Nath'l. Can't say that I ever did. Billy. That's what I thought. No wonder that you can't tell a good thing when you hear it. Now there's that place in the Gladiator where he says — ^'' Noiv hy Jove, U is!" but just wait a moment, and I will give it to you. Naih'l. Oh! for mercy sake, don't. Billy. Oh, it is no trouble at all. I know you are too bashful to ask me, so I will volunteer. Alplionse. That's right, Billy; go ahead. Billy. {Puts chair on fable.) Tliere, Phony, you get up there in the private box {pointing to stool). Nat, you set down there in the pit. Now, tlien, no applause ; let me see. {Starts from hack and comes down furiously. Nat holds his hands over his ears.) Billy. " Now, by Jove, it is ! These things do Romans ! But the earth is sick of conquerors. There is not a man, not Koman, but is Rome's extremest foe. And such am I! Sworn from that hour I saw those sights of horror, AVhile the Gods sup- port me. To Wreak on Rome such havoc as Rome wreaks — Carnage and devastation, woe and ruin! Why should I ransom, when I swear to slay ? Begone ! " — During the above, Edwaud and Makry appear, R. Harry. {Coming down.) Bravo! Billy. Bravo! (Alpiionse slides down off tke table, takes down chair, and writes furiously. Billy, confused, goes to table, as if looking after something) . OUR corxTRY's DE FE XDE n>;. 11 Edivard. Well, what is all this? You seem to 1)0 haviim: a gooil time here all alone by youi-selves, at the tiim's expense; if yon wonld like to have me, I will aslc j\Ir. linniini;ton to lurn his ortice into a theatre, and procure yon some scenery. Billy. You needn't mind it. I can do just as well without it. NatWl. Better get him a strait-jacket, sir. {Exit Natii'l, n.) Ediiard. Perhaps that would be more appropriate under the circumstances. It's a pity you can't attend to business, except ■when some one is watching you. You hud Ijetlei", both of you, go and tini?;h up your accounts, instead of fooling away your time in such a manner. Billy. Come, PJiou., let's go; our talents aint appreciated here. Alphonse. That's so ! (Exit Buajy and Viio:sY.) Barry. {Laughs.) Now, what's the use blowing thera up, Ned? You must remember William's weak propensities, and make some allowance for him. Edivard. I haye no objections to his amusing himself, but this is not the proper place, Harry. I enjoy his nonsense at tlie armory or anywhere else as well as an}' one, but I cannot permit it here. (Harry and EdWxUID seated, Edward writing a letter.) Harry. By the way, Ned, speaking of the armoiy, don't forget there's a special meeting to-night, and it's necessarj^ t^.xcvy mem- ber should be there. Edward. So there is! I had almost forgotten it. My time has been so taken up the past day or two, that I have had but little chance to think of military matters. Barry. No doul)t your time is verjMnuch taken up; it could not be otherwise for a man in your situation ; but come, haven't you got most thi'ough with that letter? We promised to meet Smitli at Parker's at four o'clock, and it wants twenty minutes of it now; and I have got a little errand to do for Maud, before I go there. Edward. Don't be impatient. There's plenty of time. Just a minute longer, Harry, and I will be through. Barry. Well, hurry up, then; I don't want to stop here all the afternoon. Why don't you shut up your office in decent season, same as we do down to the bank? (Edward ^nzs/ies letter, folding and sealing.) Edivard. There, I am all ready now. Just step down to the post-ofUce with me, until I leave this letter, and tiien we will keep our appointment witli Smith. Barry. Send Billy with the letter. What do you want to bother with it for? Edward. Because it's of great importance, and I waut to be 12 OUR COUNTRY* S DEFENDERS. sure that It gets into the office all right, so as to go by the five o'clock mail. Coiue, it will not put us out of the way two min- utes. Harry. All right. Go ahead! (Exit 'EiDWAiny and Harry, r.) Scene II. — Armory of the Bay State Rifles. Rack of muskets at hack. Billy Bryant, Alphonse ajid members of the com- pany discovered. Nathaniel, as armorer^ cleaning musket. Billy. Shine 'em up, Nat! Put in all the elbow-grease you can ; I wouldn't wonder if we had to use them before long, if there is any truth in the latest reports from the South. Nath'l. Yes ; and you will find it somewhat different having to clean your own musket after using it, than having some one to do it for you. It's all very nice now% when you go out on pa- rade, to come in and find a clean musket; but when you have to keep it clean yourself, it's another thing. Alphonse. Do you suppose there will be a war, Nat; and if there is, do you suppose our company will go? NatKl. Can't say. Phony. I wouldn't be surprised if it finally came to war, and I would not wonder, in that case, if the boys received orders to go. Billy. Perhaps that is what the special meeting is called for; but then, war hasn't been declared yet, and they can't call us out un]i;ss they do declare it. NatKl. Very true ; but they can hold you in readiness for any emergency. Fritz. Veil, I can't go; I am very sorry, but I can't. Billy. Wliy, what is the matter with you, Dutchy ? Fritz. Soraeting the matter mit ray feet; the toe-nail grows in, or sometings. Billy. Something the matter with your feet? They are big enough to be healthy. One of your shoes would make a splen- did tiig-boat. If you only owned the ground your feet cover, you could set yourself up in the real estate business. Fritz. Oh, vat's the matter mit you? Don't make me so much foolishness, always speedling about dose feet. I can't help it what I got big feet. Aiut it, Swifty? Thomas Sicift. No, it aint your fault, Fritzy. Don't mind those fellows ; they don't say half what they mean. Fritz. Veil, I don't care soraeting much if I do wear number seventeen boots. I don't be spouting out all the time like Billy does, rait (Recites and imitates) "' Is dat a cheese knife when I see, — now I don't see it, and den I saw it," and all such stufi* like dat. Swift. There's a hit for you, Billy! Billy. How Swift you are to see it! Never mind, Fritzy, you are all right. If you had to hold Tom's body, you would want bigger feet than you have got now. (All laugh.) Well, Fritzy, we will call it square if you will give us a song. (Fritz sings Dutch song.) OUR couNrnr's defendees. 13 Enier Capt. Gricgg, Ned and IIakky. Alphonse. Holloa, boys ! Here's the captain, with Ned and Harry. Ned a7id Harry shake hands iviih hoys. Captain goes to his desk and takes pajjers out of his pocket. Metnters talking, etc. Capt. Gregg, rapping: Capt. Gregg. You -will please come to order. In pursnance with orders from headquarters, I have caused a special meeting to be called here this eveniug. That j^ou may understand its ob- ject, I will read the order received. {Reads order.^ COiSniOXWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. Headquarters, Boston, Jan. 16, 18G1. Gen. Order No. 4. — Events which have recently occurred and are now in progress, require that Massachusetts should be at all times ready to furnish her quota, upon any requisition of the President of the United States, to aid in the maintenance of the law^s, and peace of the Union. His Excellency, the Com- mander-in-Chief, therefore orders : That the commanding officer of each compan}^ of Volunteer Militia examine with care the roll of his company, and cause the name of each member, together with his rank and place of resi- dence, to be properly recorded, and a copy of the same to be forwarded to the office of the Adjutant General. Previous to which, commanders of companies shall make strict inquiry whether there are men in their command who, from age, physical defect, business, or family causes, may be in- disposed to respond at once to the orders of the ('ommander-in- Chief, made in response to a call of the President of the United States, that they may be forthwith discharged, so that their places may be filled with men ready for any public emergency which may arise, whenever called upon. Major-Geuerals Sutton, Morse and Andrew^s will cause this order to be promulgated throughout their respective divisions. By command of his Excellency, JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor and. Commander-in-Chief. WILLIAM SCMOULER, Adjutant Gen'l. From this order you will see that we are to ascertain how many of this company are willing to hold themselves in readi- ness at a call from the Commander-in-Chief, Men, it is useless for me to inform you of the present state of the country. We are no doubt on the verge of a civil w'ar; every report from the South shows us that it is inevitable; we must tliertfore look the matter squarely in the face, and let every man think well before giving his answer. The sacrifice you will be called upon to 14 OUE country's defenders. make will be a great one. Home, friends, and everything dear to you must be left behind, for the hardships and privations of the camp and field. I feel confident, however, that I can return to the Commander-in-Chief a unanimous vote of this company to respond at any time to his call in the defence of the country. I should like to hear the opinion of every member on this im- portant subject. (Capt. Geegg sits.') Ed%vard. Mr. Commander. Capt. G. Sergeant Clifford. Edivard. In my opinion, sir, the time has arrived when we should know whether we live under a constitutional govern- ment or not, and since our country is threatened, it is high time we should know who are its friends and who its enemies. It seems to me, with all due deference to the various public opin- ions that have been expressed, that our minds should be fully made up to the great occasion that now awaits us. I fully agree with you, sir, that the war is inevitable, and that it becomes us to give this matter our serious consideration. Our first duty is to our country ; and though it may be hard to part with those near and dear to us at home, yet that duty must be fulfilled. I for one, sir, am ready and willing to place my name upon the roll. Harry. Mr. Commander. Capt. G. Orderly Sergeant Huntington. Harry. I fully endorse the sentiments so ably expressed by Sergeant Clifibrd, and also stand ready to sign the roll. Nath'l. Mr. Commander. Capt. G. Private Poster. Natli'l. lam much pleased to hear the opinions expressed by those preceding me. I have watched with great interest the ac- tions of the South, and cannot but feel that it must come to war. I am sorry for it, but yet stand read}'^ to-day, as I stood fifteen years ago, to support my country and my flag. I know full well the hardships and privations of a soldier's life; it is' no boy's play. I have been through the Mexican war, and speak from experience. I am not an old man, though I am fifty years of age; and there is still life enough in me to fight for the old flag, and I should consider it a great honor if I might be allowed to place my name first on the roll. (Sits.) (Applause by the Company.) Billy. Mr. Commander, Capt. G. Corporal Bryant. Billy. I, too, am ready to sign. Alplionse. And I, too, sir. Fritz. I goes me mit dem oder fellers. Capt. G. I am glad you have expressed your opinions so freely and so nobl3\ Those of you who are now willing will step to the Orderly's desk, and sign your names. (All come forward. Okdkki.y Huntington hands the pen to Nathaniel.) Billy. Three cheers for the Bay State Rifles! (Cheers given.) OUR country's DKFES'DERS. 15 TABLEAU. Goddess of Liberty, u'iih roll and fag. MUSIC. Viva la America. Scene III. — Street scene. Enter Mr. Lockwood, r., smoking cigar. Neivshoy. {Outside.) 'Ere's your Herald, Transcript, Jourual — last edition — latest news from the South! {Enter.) Have a paper, sir? Lock. Give me a Journal. {Buys a paper.) Newshoy. {Going out.) 'Ere's your Herald. Last edition. Demand of the surrender of Fort Sumter by Governor Pickens of South Carolina, {Exit Newsboy, r.) Lock. {Reads.) "Col. Hayne, of So. Carolina, as agent for Governor Pickens, reached Washington on the 12th, demanding tlie surrender of Fort Sumter, as essential to a good under- standing between the two nations of South Carolina and the United States." So far so good. Matters appear to be coming to a crisis in the old Palmetto State. I must hurry up matters here, and get home again in time to be on hand for the first blow. My worthy friends here would not perhaps treat me as well if they knew I was colonel of a So. Carolina regiment of militia, and one of the prime movers in this rebellion; but even tliat might not affect them so much as the fact of my having shipped five thousand arms to the South. That was a good trick of mine, buying arms as agent for a Western State, and then running them to Charleston. It is very unfortunate for me that I was obliged to come here just now, but it had to be done. The old plantation is heavily mortgaged and pretty well run out; money must be had, especially at the present time-, but how to get it — that is the question. Fortune deserted me at the gaming table, and I determined to try another scheme. Knowing that the old man Huntington was very favorably im- pressed with me, I resolved to visit him, get into the good graces of his daughter, marry her if possible, and in that way retrieve my lost fortune; but I find an unexpected barrier to my determinations in the person of this Clifford, to whom it seems Maud is engaged. But for all that, I shall not give it up tamely, and if it is possible to injure that young chap in the old man's estimation, why, I am just the one to do it. {Exit J jQCKWOODy L.) Enter Bryant, Alphonse, Fritz and Swift, l. Alphonse. Well, we had an exciting meeting to-liight, eh, boys? And the best of it is, all the fellows that were there 16 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, signed the roll, and I guess the rest of the company will sign, too. At least, the captain saj^s so. Billy. I say, Phon, if our company goes, it will be rough on the old man. There will be Ned, Nat, you and I go out of the office. He had better shut up shop and go with us. Did you see Fritz's hand tremble, fellows, when he signed the roll? You are a dead Dutchman, sure, Fritz. Fritz. (Noisy.) Who trembles my hand? Vat are you talk- ing about? Aint you so funny, always picking on me? I pet you ilve hundred tollars my name is so much better written like yours. Enter Policeman. Watches them. Swift. That's so, Fritzy. I saw Billy when he signed, and he left a big blot after his name, his hand shook so. {Loud laughter.') Fritz'. How's dat, Mr. Billy? Police. Here, move on ; you are making too much noise, Billy. So am I. Police. Well, now, I don't want any of your back talk. So jog along. Fritz. (Goes vp jfo Policeman.) Say, Mr. Watch-house, vat's the matter mit you? Who owns this place? Aint I Police. Now, look here, if you don't move on, I will put you all in>the lock-up. Alphonse. Come on, Fritzy; let's go home. All start out, Swift walking slowly. Policeman comes up behind him; gives him a push. Police. Come, get along there. Fatty ; if you don't I'll help you. Swift. I know; but what's the rush? (Fxtt Swift and Policeman.) ScicNE IV. — Parlor in Huntington's house. — Maud and Mr, LOCKWOOD discovered seated at table. Lock. Your father informs me that you intend crossing the Athmtic tjiis spring. Maud. That was our intf ntion, but papa says vv^e may be obli- ged to postpone it on accountof the present state of the country. I am very sorry, for I had anticipated so much pleasure. Do you candidly believe that these ditlicultics cannot be settled, ex- cept by war? You are from the South, and ought to know the feelings of the people there. Loch. Tru'', Miss Maud, I ought, and I think I do know some- thing of tlie sentiments of the Southern people. They are ter- riblv ill earnest, and unless the United States Government ac- cedes to them the rights they demand, I fear civil war will be the result. OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, 17 Maud. And should it fnuilly come to war, I suppose you will I agree with Harry that you are entirely innocent of the charges brought against you. Edicard. Thank you, Charles, you give me courage b}'' your kind words. Heaven only knows how I have suflered from this injustice! Had your fjither but been willing to listen to me, I could have easily convinced him there was no truth in the mat- ter, but as he saw fit to condemn me without giving me a chance to vindicate myself, I must abide the issue and await patiently until such time as he himself shall find me innocent. Oh! had Maud but believed in me, as you have done, I could have borne Uiy burden without a murmur. I could have even forgiven your father for his rude treatment of me, knowing that I still possessed her love. Harry. Cheer up, Ned. I am half inclined to believe that Maud does not think as ill of you as you iinagim.'. But why don't you get this woman, bring her to our house, and prove to them your innocence? Edward. I could do so, but I prefer to have them lind it out themselves. 1 have a request to make of you, Harry ; before you go, I wish to speak to your father on this subject. Will you ob- tain nie an interview ? Harry. I will, Ned, and do anything in my power to assist you. 28 OUR country's pEFENDEBS. CliarJes. And so will I. Harry. Won't you walk down to the armory with us, Ned ? We were just on our way there when we met you. Edward. I shall be happy to accompany you. Charles. Do, Ned, and on the way give us further particulars in regard to this matter. {Exeunt, L.) Scene III. — Friends congregated on the streets to witness the de- parture of the troops. (Maud, Mr. Huntington, Ciiaeles, Mrs. De Feystek, Policeman, Newsboy, and others.) Hunt. Do the boys seem to be in good spirits, Charles? Charles. They do, sir. I came from the armory not half an hour ago, and they are wild with excitement. Ned Clifford arrived from New York yesterday, and tlie warm reception he received must be particularly gratifying to him under the present circum- stances. Maud. {3Iuch agitated.) Will he be here with the company? Charles. He will, and I think it your duty to at least bid him good-bye. Hunt. Most assuredly we will. If a cheering word from us will do him any good, we will not withhold it. (Cheers and drums at a distance.) Enter Troops headed by Capt. Gregg, l. c. Copt. Gregg. Halt ! Front ! Order Arras ! Rest ! (Alphonse and Bryant come down.) Alphonse. Here we are, mother, all ready to go. 3Irs. De Peyster. Alphonse, my darling boy, may Heaven bless you and keep you from all harm. "lis hard to say good-bye. but I will not discourage you. I will try and be cheerful and wish you a safe return to me. (Captain Gregg comes down.) Alphonse. Mother, this is Captain Gregg. Capt. Gregg. I am happy to meet you, madam Mrs. De Peyster. Captain, I give my boy into your charge. Take good care of him and keep him from all evil, for he is my only son. Alpiionse, take this Bible; read it my boy, for it will bring you comfort in your hours of trial. {Puts ring on his finger.) I give you this ring as a talisman. Whenever you are tempted to do wrong, look at it, and remember mother put it on your finger. CorpH. Bryant. We will take good care of him, Mrs. De Pey- ster; don't give yourself any uneasiness on tbat score. {Retire and talk dum,h-show.) (Harry comes doivn.) Harry. Leather, Ned wishes to speak a few words with you and Maud ; will you not grant him this privilege, for my sake? Hunt. Certainly, Harry, we will give him our best wishes. (Harry goes back, brings down Edward, and then goes to> Charles.) OUR country's defenders. 29 Edward. Mr. Ilmitiiii^ton, notwithstnnclinn' your havins: forbid- den me to spenk to you or Maiul a,£>-ain, I desire to say a few words before my depanure. Will you do me tlie favor ito call at this address {handing him card)? You may, perliaps, obtain such iu- forination as will convince you, as I liave not been able to do, that you have done me a great wroni;-. Hunt, t will do as you request, Edward, and if I have wron^jed you. be assured I shall not rest easy until I have made amends for my conduct. You deserve my thanks, for so nobly responding- to your country's call, and for that reason, if no other, I wish you God speed. (Gives his hand.) (Mil. PIuntington retires to Charles and Harry.) Edward. TNIaud, in a few moments I must leave you, perhaps never to return. When I placed my name upon the roll, three months ago, to hold myself in readiness for any emergency, I little thought our parting would be like this. I had looked for- ward to this hour with the feeling that I should be cheered on my way with your love and blessing. I have no father or mother, brother or sister, to say good-bye, and wish me a safe return, but I could have forgotten that, had your love been spared to me. Have you not a cheering word for me before I go? It would re- pay me somewhat for the sufferings of the past three months. Maud. Heaven knows you wrong me, dear Edward, if you think I do not love yon. I, too, have suffered since oar parting. Your assurance that yon were innocent of this dreadful charge has found a place in my heart, and I cannot let you go away wiUi one single feeling of doubt that my love for you is not as deep as ever. Though you have no father or mother, sister or broth- er to cheer you on your way, yet my love shall supply their places. May the kind Father guard and protect you, and keep you from all harm. (Drums beat.) CapJ. Gregg. Fall in ! {Friends lid the soldiers good-hye. and the lays talce theirplaces i7i the ranlcs. Captain gives orders : Attention, Corapa.ny ! Shoulder arms ! Right face ! Forward, march ! Troops march around stage, and exit r. b. Friends retire hack, cheering and u-aving handkerchiefs. Exeunt allhut x)oiiceman and newsboy. As the policeman is going out, ii., newsboy pulls his coat-tails. Police- man turns to chase newsboy out, l., and runs into Fritz, who enters l., out'of hreath, with gun in one hand, and large Bologna sausage in the other. ) Fritz. {Hitting policeman on head ivith Bologna.) Gone away, old useless! If you don't I'll shoot myself. Police. If you calculate to go away wilii Captain Gregg's com- pany, you had better be going, without aiij' more chat. Fritz. Mind my own business. {Takes a huge bite from the sausage, and exits R.) Enter Swift, l., slowly. Swift. Say, have the soldiers gone? 30 OUR country's defenders. Police. Yes, lightning; and have got into battle by this time. Swift goes out n., slowly, speaking as he goes. S%vift. Well, then, I will JiuiTy up and caich 'em. Police. Do. You will probably overtake them by the time the war ends. Exeunt Swift r,, Policeman l. Scene changes. Scene IV. — Lucy Clifton's room. Enter Lucy, r., ivith work, Lucy. {Laying doivn her ivoo^k.) There! that is the fourth garment I have tinished to-day, and with the others already done will make a dozen. How kind in Mr. Clifford to obtain me such good work, and with such nice people ! They really take a great interest in me, but I suspect it is more on his account than oe my own. It seems very strange that he does not come here. Siiice the night lUtle Minnie died I have not seen him. I hope nothing has happened to him. (Knock at door.) That must be Mrs. Peters, who lives on the second floor. Come in. Enter Mr, Huntington, Maud, and Charles. Lucy. {Rising.) Strangers! I beg your pardon for not open- ing the door. Pray be seated. Hunt. Is your name Lucy Clifton? Lucy. It is, sir. Hunt My name is Samuel Huntington, and this is my daugh- ter Maud, and my son Charles, We called to see you, at the re- quest of your husband, who has just left Boston in the Bay State Rifles. Lucy. My husband! I don't understand you, sir. I am a widow. My husband died six years ago. You must have made a great mistake, LIunt. I think not. I refer to Mr. Edward Clitford. Lucy. Mr. Edward Cliftbrd? What do you mean, sir? What reason have you for supposing he is my husband? My name is not Clifl"ord, but Clifton. LIunt. It makes but little difierence in regard to the name. My object in asking you is this. Mr. Cliftord was engaged to my daughter until three months ago. One evening, while at my house, a letter was haLded him which appeared to attect him very much. During his excitement he dropped it. It was picked up and handed to me, as the information it contained was of the utmost importance. That letter came from you, and was signed, as you can see {handing her the letter), your loving wile, Lucy. (Lucy takes the letter, reads it. ) Lucy. I did write a letter to Mr. Cliflbrd, and probably on the very evening to which you refer. This letter, sir, is not the one I sent, although it is very nearly like it, except that I did not sign myself your loving wife, Lucy. OUR couy try's defkndkrs. 31 (Huntington o-eiurnsio Ciiarlks, expresses astonishmevi.) Maud. {Crosses to Lucy.) And do yon trnly say that Edward Ciittbrd is not your luisbnud? Lucy. Sincerely I do. Maud. Then what relalionsliip exists between you? Lucy. He is my ])enefactor, and a true i'riend to me. But for him 1 shoukl liave perished from starvation and exposure. Maud. Is it possible? How strange that Edward never men- tioned you to us ! Lucy. Not so very strange. Mr. Clifford is not a man to trumpet forth his aciions to the world; he is satisfied with hav- ing relieved a suffering fellow-creature from distress, and there- fore had no desire to speak of it, not eveu to you, miss, of whom he has often spoken, and always in terms of highest praise. Maud. O father! I fear we have done Edward a great wrong. {To Lucy.) Will you tell us the circumstances of your becom- ing acquainted with him, and how he relieved you from vvant? Lucy. I will, with pleasure. But, first, I will give you a little history of my life. I was married ten years ago to Mr. John Clifton, of New York. We lived happily togetlier for four years, when he was taken from me, leaving me with an infant child, alone in the world. He left me a little property, which, with careful management, lasted until a few months iigo, I was then taken sick, and being unable to work we were reduced to ex- treme want. One night last January, after having been without food all day, I wandered forth into the streets, determined, if I could oi)tain help in no other Avay, to beg. It was a bitter cold night, the storm beat down furiously, and the streets were almost deserted. Men hurried by me, and to my entreaties for help, only buttoned their coats tighter and passed on. In my despair I threw myself down on the sidewalk to die. Just then i\Ir. Clifibrd came along, and, seeing me, stopped and spoke to me. I told my story, and he took pity on me. He took me back to my miserable home, procured me fire and food, and left me, promising to call and give me further assistance next day. Maud. {In tears.) How nol)le ! How like his dear, geneious nature! And to think that we should have believed him such a villain! Oh, 1 can never foi'give myself for having listened to it, much less believed it! Bunt. I begin to think we were rather hasty, and I am vexed with myself for not having given him a chance to tell his story. It would have saved the poor boy many hours of pain and suf- fering; but go on with your story. Liicy. True to his promise he called upon me the next day, cheered me by his kind words, and made the future look brighter to me than it had before since my husband's d'^ath. He removed me from the miserable place I was then living in to this comfort- able home, procured me good work, and at much better pay than I could have obtained without his assistance. Quite often he called here to see if we were comfortably situated, but since the night I wrote him I have seen nothing of him, and now you say lie has gone to war. 32 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, Himt. Yes, lie left j^esterclay, unci before going he wished us to come and see you, saying that you could explain matters to our satisfaction. I am now thoroughly convinced that you are not Edward's wife, for I have listened to your story with interest, and believe it to be true, and if I could only account for that letter I should be perfectly satisfied. Luc^j. Can you think of no one who would have an object in in- juring Mr. Clifford, and who might have written the letter? Charles. (^Starting suddenly, as though struck with an idea.} Yes. Let me see this terrible letter, if you please. I have never seen the cause of all this mischief before. (Lvcy hajids iheletter to Charles; he reads it, then carelessly turns it over and starts). Eather, did you read the whole of this letter? Hunt. {Taking letter.) Why, yes, of course I did. Charles. Both sides of it? Turn it over, please. Hunt. (Turns over letter, and reads): " Send shipment of Sea Island Cotton and oblige, yours truly, Sam'l Huntington." (All listen eageoly.) Why, I have never seen that before! Charles. Do you remember writing such a letter. Hunt. I do, some six months ago, to Mr. Lockwood. Charles. Exactly. There you have the mystery cleared up, as it might have been months ago, if j^ou had read the whole letter. Hunt. I understand. You wish to imply that Mr. Lockwood wrote that letter, and put it in the envelope in place of the original. Charles. Eight. It is as plain to ray mind as though I saw him do it. Maud. Do you think he would do such a thing as that? Charles. No; I don't think so, I know it. You don't know that man as I do! He is capable of anything, no matter how rascally it may be. Hunt. But what could be his object in injuring Edward? Charles. I don't know, unless he was after Maud, and wished to get rid of Edward in that way. Hunt. What could 1 have been thinking of that this did not oc- cur to me before ? It is all clear now, — Mr. Lockvvood's endeavor- ing to make me believe that Edward was not worthy of Maud, his being so ready to show me the letter, and his appearing to be so gratified at the result. I wonder at my being so blind. Charles. So do I, but not so much at you, as at Maud. Her love should have kept her faith in him proof against all calumnies. Hand. Charles, do not condemn me. I was so overcome by what that letter contained, that I had no time to think. Since then I have thought it all over, and my heart told me, just what has been proved here, that he could clear himself. Father, now that I know Edward is true, I ean stay at home no longer. With your permission I am goins; to Washington, volunteer my services as a nurse, and take an active part in this rebellion. Lucy. Take me with you, I have nothing to keep me at home, and I, too, long to take an active part in this war. Will you not OUR couNrnr's defexders. 33 let nie ^o with yon ? and toiicMior we will work to relieve the suf- fering of tliose wlio are so noljly (ialitingfor our country's defence. Maud, 1 should be delighted to liave yon go. Call at my house to-morrow, antl we will talk this matter over. Hunt. Mrs. Clifton, if there is any assistance I can render you, or if you require my services in any way, don't hesitate to call upon me. ^ Lucy. Thank you, I know of nothing now. 1 only wish that this affair could have been cleared up before Mr, Clifford went away. Hunt. No more than I do. We will bid you good morming, and remember, if there is anything you need, do not be afraid to speak of it, Maud. Don't forget to-morrow, {Exit Huntington, Maud, and Ciiaki.es.) Lucy. {Goes to table, sits, and takes up ivork.^ What a very Strange affair! And to think that I should be interested in it, too. I am surprised that Mr. Huntington and Maud, knowing Edward as they do, should not have seen through this trick as easily as Mr. Charles did. {Drojys her work.) J)ear me, how sleepy I ami My good, kind benefactor, would that you could know this night how fully you are exonerated from all blame ! Heaven spare your life and shield yon from the enemicfe' bullets, for where the tight is the thickest, there I am sure you will be found. (Falls asleep.) MusiC. — Pianissimo. Animated Tableau (at back.) (Lucy's Vision.) 34 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. ACT III. SCFNic I. — Camjy. — Row of ienis on each side, vjitli ivall tent at back. — Bugle sounds " Reveille " outside. — Drums heat same on stage. Ord. Serg. Huntington. {Coming out of his quarters.') Turn out, boys, for roll call. {Soldiers come out of tents and form line, all but Swift and Fiirrz. Private HarhJs, in shirt sleeves.) Ord. Serg. 11. Harris, go back to your quarters and get yonr blouse. {Calls roll.) Serg. Clifibrd (here) ; Serg. Foster (here) ; Serg. Brown (on guard); Corp. Bryant (here); Corp. Benson (here); Corp. Heushaw (on guard) ; Corp. Jenning (here ; Prir vate Butler (here) ; Priv. Chittenden (on picket) ; Chester (here) ; De Peyster (here) ; Dudley (here) ; Davis (here) ; Farquharson (here) ; Harris (here) ; Picket (here) ; Pulsifer (here) ; Ray- mond (here) ; Rogers (here) ; Ranson (on guard) ; Speighelhaul- ter {asleep in his quarters ;) Swift {coming out of his quarters, huttoning up his blouse, aiid in his stocJcing feet) (here) ; Pi'ivate Swift, go back to your quarters and put on your shoes; Private Sampson (on guard) ; Private Thompson (here) ; Tewksbury (here). {Ord. Se7'g. HvwriNGTO^ details guard). Serg. Foster, Corp. Benson, Privates Picket, Pulsifer, Raymond and Rogers. Camp Guard. Corp. Bryant, Privates Dudley, De Peyster and Davis for police duty. Right face, break ranks, march. {Troops go to their tents.) Corp.Brj^ant, j^ou will excuse privates Dudley and Davis from police, and put in their places privates Swift and Speigelliaulter. {Serg. II. goes to his tent.) Corp. Bryant. {Goes to Private Davis' te^it, and to next tent.) Private Davis, you are excused from police. Private Dudley, you are excused from police. {Goes to Fiuxz' tent.) Dutciiy, you and Fatty Swift are put on police. Swift. What's that fo\-? Fritz. Dat ish played out. I vas on polices yesterday. I have got me orful sick. I am going up to see the sturgeout, when the sick call comes round rait the drum. Corp. Bryant. Well, you will have to goto the Orderly; I can't excuse you. {Orderly com.es doivn. Swift and FniTZ go to him.) Swift. Say, Sergeant, I Wasn't detailed for police. I was on guard yesterday. Fritz. I can't go me on polices; I got sick mit my stomach. Oh, I feel so ba(f! Ord. Sergt. II. You are both put on police for not being at roll- call this morning. Stvift. I was at roll-call, sergeant. Ord. Sergt. II. Yes, I know you was, after the roll was called. OUR country's defenders;. 35 Fritz. Sci'ijeant, I was sicker mit mv stomach, as all iiii^ht I could n't crawl me out mit the tent. Ord. Sergt. TI. You were all ri«;fht at the cook-hoiise, last night. Fritz. I knows, but dis is since that. Ord. II. Well, you must fall in at the sick call, antl if the Doctor excuses you from dutjs all right. Fritz. Veil, I goes mit the sick doctor, w^en he calls mit the bugle, {Rubbing his stomach.) Oh, mine Got in Ilimmel, Ise so sick! {Breakfast call sounds on bugle, men fall in ivith folates and tin dippers.') Fritz. {Forgetting his sickness.) Breakfast ; veres my dishes. {Runs and gtts his disJies and crowds into head of line. Company march out and get rations, and return to quarters. Fritz, Swift and Alpiionse come together, and sit doxvn in front of their tent, Fritz eatin g furiously. ) Alphonse. Fritzy, you don't eat much like a sick man. I guess you feel better. I should hate to have to feed you if 3^ou were well. Fritz. Veil, I feels a little mite better. VeD I eats I always makes me better. Sivift. Say, Fritz, go light on that, that's all you'll get to day. Fritz. Don 't I got me no dinner ? Swift. Nary a dinner. The cook told us last night they was going to issue rations in the morning for all dny. Fritz. {Dropp)ing his knife.) Den I gone right off and change my boarding house." If I can't got me three meals a day, 1 go . me back home again. {Holding up hard tack.) You think that last me all day. Bryant. Judging from the sick night you had, and the way you have commenced, I don't think it will. Fritz. What's de matter wid you, Smarty? Whose stomacli is this what I got to feed, ain't it? {Bugle sounds sick call.) {Three or four men fall in.) Brant. There you go Fritzy ; fall in with the lame, sick and lazy. Fritz. 1 ain't got me done mit my preakfast yet. {Fills his mouth full and puts the rest under his blouse, and ivhilc heisniarch- ing out, keepfs taking bite on the sly.) FiUTZ and other sick men come back, Fritz looking thoroughly disgusted. Alphonse. Did the doctor excuse you? Swift. Did he give you any medicine to cure you? Fritz. Don't speak mit me. Bryant. What's the matter, Dutchy? What did he say to you? Fritz. Veil, I went up there, and he told me vat vas the matter mic me, and I said I feel very bad of my stomach, so he gave me sometings nasty and told me to took it, and den I vould veel me 36 OUR country's defenders. better. I took it, and dnnder and blitzen wasn't it dirt}' ; and den I thoni>-l)t lie wonld say, go baclv and lay down mit your tent. Alplionse. Well, what did he say? Fritz. Ven I took the stuff he says, man, you feel all right ; you can go back and report for duty. If I ever catch me mit that doctor ven I get home, I makes him take something vat he don't like. Corp. Bryant. Well, fall in for police duty. Alphonse, Swift, ajic? Fritz go down to cook-house, comeback, and sweep company street. Bugle calls for guard mounting. Ord. Serg't. H. Fall in for guard mounting. {Men detailed for guard, fall in, march off.) Enter Pedler witJi two baskets, apples and oranges. Pedler. Here's your nice oranges and apples ! {Boys all crowd around him. Swift and Fritz get up nearest to the man.) Swift. How much do you ask for apples ? Pedler. Five cents apiece. Swift. Got any little ones for a cent? {Soldier reaches behind the man, and takes an apple. Ped.ler turns round.) Pedler. Here! what are you doing there? {As he turns round some one pushes Fritz over the basket, and the apples and, oranges roll around the stage. Boys all scramble for tlieon. ~EuiT7j picking himself up.) Fritz. Oh, vat's the matter? Say, Swifty, give us a bite of that apple. Pedler. Now, who is going to pay me for that fruit? {Ttvo or three of the boys grab him and put him. out, and then throw his bas- ket after him.) Filter Pedler and Capt. Gregg. Capt. Gregg. Which one of you was it that tipped over the man's basket? All say. It was Dutchy ! Fritz. 'Twasn't me ! Some feller pushed me and tumbled me down. I could't help it. You fellers are always laying everything on me. So help me General Butler, captain, I did not get a bite ! Capt. G. {Turns to Pedler.) It will be pretty hard work, my man, to find out any particular one who did it. The whole com- pany aie to blame, and if I punish one I must punish the whole. 1 will take care it does not occur again. Pedler. But who is to pay me for my apples and oranges? Cap)t. G. HoAv much were they Avorth? Pedler. Five dollars. Bryant. Don't you give it to him, captain. He did not, have a dozen of any kind. Give him a half a dollar, and let him go. All say. That's so ! Kick him out! {All make a rush toward him.. Captain orders them hack.) ovn corrxTnY\'^ defexdehs. 37 Capt G. Stop, boys! no violence. My good man, you had bet- ttM-get out of this belbre you get liiu-t, (Pedler exits hurriedlu, it.) Ente?- private Ciiitten'DEX ivith a co7itrahand. Boys gather around him. Harris. Where did yon get that crow-foot, Henry? Chit. Picked Iiini up on the outpost. He says he wants to be a Yanlvee. Bryant. Well, thou, he has got to be whitewashed. Ponipey. I wouldn't be de first whitewashed nigger in de camp. (C.vPT. G. comes out of his quarters.) Capt i-r. What liave you there, private Chittenden? ' Chit. Contraband, sir, from the outposts. He wanted to come into our camp. Capt G. Do you want to stop with us? Pornpey. Yes, massa, I spec's I does. Capt G. What's your name ? Pompey. Pompey Napoleon Washington Jackson. Capt G. What can you do, Pompey? Pompey. Can't do nutRii, massa. Capt. G. Where did you come from? Pompey. Came from down de road yere, a piece, I reckon on. Capt G. Where do you. live? Pompey. l)on"t live nowhere, massa. Stops around anywhere I can get a place. Capt. G. Are there man}' rebs over where you came from? Pompey. Is dere many rebs? De wood is full of him. Dere is more than fourteen hundred thousand over yonder in dat to- bacco field. Capt G. Come into my quarters, and I will see if I can't find something for you to do. They go into quarters. Captain gives him sivord and piece of rag. PoMPEV comes out cleaning sivord, takes off his coed and hat and throws them down side of tent, and comes doivn singing. Boys crowd around him. Bryard. Pompey, can you sing? Pompey. No, massa; I never sing 'cept sometimes when I goes to meeting. Bryant. Well, what do you sing there? Pornpey. AVe sings psalms, hymns, and odder tings. Bryant. Give us one. Pompey. Oh no! I can't, deed I can't; I never sings only to myself. Bryant. Just once, Pompey, and we will join in the chorus. Boys all say. Yes; give us a tune. Pompey. Well, if you will join in the chorus, I will sing for you. (^Strikes up camp-meeting hymn. Boys join in the chorus.) 38 OUR covntey\s defenders, Ord. Serg't II. {Comes out of quao-ters.) Boys, no dress parade this afternooD. {Retires.) While the lays are singing chorus, Fritz is malting violent gestic- ulations, as if in pain. Swift. Say, Billy, look at J'ritz ! See liow pale he is. Billy. Wiial's the matter, Dutchy? Got the colic? Fritz. I doD't know \vhat you call it, but I got soraetings. I tink it was dat stufi' vat the sturgeon gave me. I wish he got it back again 1 Billy. Well, never mind. You will get over it soon. "VVe will cure you. (Bkyant takes Ehitz down front. They talk in dumb show. Boys bring in blanket. Billy backs Fkitz into it. Boys toss him up.) Swift. How's that, Fritz? Don't that make you feel better? Fritz. {Speaking as he goes tip and doivn.) 'Tis all right when I go up, butven I come down I don't like it. {Bugle calls tattoo. Boys drop blanket and go into their tents.) Fritz. {Shaking himself and muttering.) I tink dat Billy makes himself a good doctor. I recommend him to cure the colic every time. If he got me mad I kick him all full of holes 1 SergH Foster goes around to different tents with candles. Boys light up, come outside of tents, and sit down on stage smoking and talking in dumb show. Music and singing until taps. Taps beat, lights shut out, and all quiet. Long roll beat at a distance; taken up by drums in camp. Capt. G. com,es out of tent and orders. Capt. G. Turn out, boys ! Long roll ! {Men rush out in con- fusion.) Battle Business, Scene Closes. Scene II. — Interior of the old Stone Church. Soldiers bringing in ^voundcd 'men on stretchers. They bring in Alphonse, wounded in the leg. Buya'ST follows behind the stretcher; Swift wounded in the head, supported bij two soldiers. Foster ivound- ed in the right shoulder, brought in by arms and legs. Two or three wounded Rcbs brought in with others. Edward, wounded in left shoulder, brought in on stretcher, Ka^uy following. Nurses awe? Surgeon (Maud awe? Lucy as nurses), enter with the soldiers, R. and L. Harry. {To Edward.) There Ned, how do you feel now. Are you in much pain. Edward. {Speaking with effort.) Not much Harry, don't mind me ; go and look after some of the boys that are more badly wounded. OUR couxmy's defexders. 39 Reh. Priv. Small. Walcr; water; for the love of heaven give me just a drop of water. Edward. Who is that c;ills for water? Harry, tliere is a little in m\ canteen; give it to the poor fellow. (Hauuy carries can- teen to rebel private Small; gives him a driiik.) Small. 'J'iiank yon, Yank. You are a good fellow. Give us your hand. (Shake hands.) We are all on a level now, and we don't liold any hard feelings, do we? Harry. No. Not one. (Lucy and other Nurses attend the wounded.) Maud. {Goes to Swift.) Where are j'on wounded? Sicift. In llie head, marm. (Rubbing his hand on ivound.) j^aud. (Binding up his head.) AVluit company do vou belong to? Swift. Bay State Rifles, from Boston. Mnnd. Bay State Kities! Do vou know Sergt. Huntington and Edward Clilford? Swift. Yes, marm. Ned is badly wounded, and I think they brouiilit him here, with the rest of ns. iVniid. (In cnniing down meets FTarry. In surprise each call the other by name.) Are vou wounded? Harry. No. 1 escaped without a scratch, but how came you here ? Maud. I volunteered as a nurse, just after your company left home, and have been in Washington and following the array ever since. Is Edward here? Harry. Yes, and very badly wounded. Maud. Oh, where is he? take me to him. Harry. (Caj-ries Maud to where lLmyAT>.D is lying.) Ned, here is some one you would like to see. Edward,. (Opening his eyes in astonishment.) ^laud Huntington, am I dreaming? 3[avd. No, dear Ned. It is I; thank heaven we meet again. Are you badly hurt? E'livard. I think not. I shall be all right by and by. But where did vou come from? Maud. From Washington. After you left I could not content myself with the listless, humdrum life at home, when I knew so many of our brave boys needed assistance. I came to Wash- inuton accompanied by Mrs. Clifton. We volunteered a>< nurses, and since then have followed the army, caring for the wounded and sick. Edward. That's like you both, looking after the welfare of others, at the sacrifice of your own pleasure. Maud. Edward, can _you forgive me for thinking you were false? We called upon Mrs. Clifton as you requested, and heard from her lips the story of your kindness and charity. 40 01772 COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS, Edward. I have notliing to forgive, Maud. INIy onl}^ regrets are that you could not have known the truth before. Maud. And will you forget what has happened, and let us be to each other as we were before? Edward. Aye. Gladly will I forget it; hereafter it shall never be mentioned between ns, and if the thought of it ever comes to our minds it shall only bind us closer to each other, and make our love still stronger. (Edwakd grows faint. Maud siippoi'ts him.} (Enter Pkivate Harkis, hurriedly.) Private Harris. The Kebs are coming down the road on the double quick. 'J'hose of you wlio can walk had better get out of this, if you don't want to be captured. Alplionse. You had better go, Billy; there is no need of your staying to be taken. Bryant. No, Phony, I promised your mother, when we left home, I would take care of you, and if I go and leave you I shan't be true to my word. Alphonse. Never mind, Billy, go ahead; you are not wounded, and can easily get back to our lines. Bryant. Well, if you say so, I will go; but I don't want to. I had rather stay, even at the risk of being taken pi'isoner. {Shakes hands with Phony, and exit, r.) Edward. Harr}', take Maud with you, and escape before it is too late. Maud. No, Edward, I will stay with you, no matter what the risk. Harry. That will be foolishness, Maud. If you were to stay you would only receive ill-treatment at the hands of these bar- barians. Edward. You must both 2:0. It would be folly to stav. Harry. Maud, fly with the surgeon, and these men who are not badly wounded. I am determined to stay with Ned, and you can't change my mind. Be quick. (Maud goes to Ned.) You haven't a minute to spare. (Maud stoops down and kisses Ned, then goeshackto LuCY.) (Enter Rebels headed ly Major McKik, Col. Lockwood with them, hi^inging in Bryant, whom they have captured.) Jjocktvood. Major, pick out our men, send them to the rear and see that they are well cared for. These cursed Yankees you can put under guard ; we will cart them to Eichmond, they ai-e so anxious to get there. (Coynes down to where ILdw aud and Harry are.) (Sarcastically.) Holloa, who have we here? GentU-'Uien, this is indeed a surprise. I am delighted to see you, under the circumstances. Considering the very hospitable treatment I re- ceived from your father, my inclination would be to send you OUR country's defenders, 41 home; but my patrldtisiii and duty to the cause I represent obliges me, very unwillinuly I assure you, to send you to Kich- niond with the other i)risoners. By the way, Mr. Clifl'ord, how did you settle that little afl'air Avith your beloved? Did the old man take you back aij^aiu? Are yon married; or did Miss Maud think you too much married already? Enter Rebel Cavalryman wUh despatches to Major jMcKie, duriyig the above. Major McKie comes cloivn to Lockavood. Maud and Lucy also come doivn. Major McKie. {Saluting.') Colonel, information has been re- ceived from one of Capt. Toombs' spies that Col. Chas. Hun- ting-ton will be the bearer of important despatches to Gen. Barry. Lockivood. Have Capt. Toombs take his men down to tlie Stone Bridge. I will meet you there. {Exit Major McXie, r.) {To Haruy.) If I am fortunate enough to capture your bi'other Charles, I assure you I shall not send him to Richmond. I will swing him up. He and I have a little private matter to settle. {To Edwakd.) I had almost forgotten. I have something be- longing to you in my pocket. Oh, yes, here it is; the original letter you received from Lucy Clifton. {Takes out letter, and holds it up.) Edwa.-d. Then you are the cause of all my misery. May heaven foriiive you. I never can. Harry. Yow are a heartless villain, Guy Lockwood, to taunt ii poor wounded man in this way. You would not dare to do it if he did not lie here helpless. Lochwood. Don't get excited, young man ; keep cool. I hold no hard ieelings against him. We were after the same object, your lovely sister. He wanted her for her love, and I for her money, and to all appearances neither of us will gain our object. Edward. I will live in spite of all you can say or do, and will yet wed Maud Huntington. Lockwood,. {TauntingVy shaking the letter in his face.) Per- haps you will, young man; but you don't look much like it DOW, though. (EDW^\.RD grabs letter and aims revolver at Lockwood. Lock- wood d.raivs sword, throws vp Edwai:d's arm. I>()CKW(^od in the act of stabbing Edward. Lucy x'laces cross in front 0/ Edward. Tableau of Characters. Scene closes. Scene III. — Awood. Enter Pompky, k. Pompey. Dis is the worsted times I ever seed; tings aint now as they use to was. I'se just been down to see de olc woman, and such a mess as dere is down dere, I never seed. De ole 42 OUR country's defenders. woman is clone gone off, and the Avhole roof is blown off de shanty. Nice and airy down dare now. Holloa, who's dis? Enter Maud and Lucy, r. diaiid. Oh, sir, can you direct ns to the Union camp? Pompey. Sartin sure I can, misses; you see dat ole shanty down dar, wid the r()of clean gone. Well, you go down by dat, den you take the fast turn to de right; den you go along a piece till you come to the cross roads, and dat will bring you to de Union camp. Lucy. Shall we4)e likely to meet any Rebels? Fompey. Don't tink you will, misses; dey's done gone off the Oder way. Aint seen any of the Johnnies anywhere around here for sometimes. 3Iav.d, Heaven grant that we may be in time to warn brother Charles! It can't be more than two miles to camp, and if we can reach there in an hour we may save him. {To Pompey.) Will you not go with us as far as the picket-lines? Pompey. Ob course I will. I'se just going down dat way my- self. {Exit Maud, Lucy a nc? Pompey, l.) Scene IV. — Mountain Pass. Chakles LIuntington comes down path, and enters on the stage from hack., L. Charles. What a very lonely I'oad this is to be on. I hope I haven't lost my way, . I must proceed carefully, for I have yet three miles to go, and it won't do to be captured with these des- patches on me.. (Examines revolver.) Let me see. Pass the old mill and take the tirst right hand turn. (Starts off, u. u. e.) (As he starts off, two Rehs come down from the right in rta.r of him. Rebs come in on each side of stage. Enter Col. Lockwood, Mc- KiE and Capt. Toombs, r. u. e.) Col. Lockwood. M.ij. McKie, search that man and see if you can tind any important papers about him. (3Iajor searches CoL. Huntington ; takes papers and hands them to Lockwood.) Locktvood. You diduL expect to see me here, did you? I have been waiting for you for the last hour, and began to think thafc I wasn't to have the pleasure of your company. Do you remem- ber the last time we met? I promised you that if the fortunes of war permitted us to meet again, I should spare no pains to remind you how you blocked my little game. Well, here we are, and I hold tlie winning ijand. What do you suppose I am going to do witli you, eh Charles? Charles. You can do nothing with me, according to the rules of civilized warfare, but keep me as a prisoner until I am ex- changed. Jjockwood. Damn civilized warfare; what do you think I care for it. In your case I propose to take the law in my own hands, I am going to be judge, jury, and executioner. You see that orn country's defenders. 43 tree over lliere? Well, I intend to try the strength of one of its liinljs by snspendinii; yon by the neck from it. To come to the point, Charles, I am going- to hang you if the cursed ro[)e don't break. Chailes. You dare not do it. I am a conunissioned oflicer in the Federal Army, and if you attempt to carry your barbar- ous threats into execution, mv government will retaliate two- fold. Lockxvood. Never mind that, I am willing to take the respon- sibility on ni}'- own shoulders. I'll do it first, and consider the results afterwards. String him np, you curs. (Kkbs take Ciiaklks to tree, put rope around his nech and prepare to storing liim v]p.) Lochivood. What do you think now about my daring to hang you? Maud. (Appears suddenly lack, L.) I will tell you what he tliinks, Guy Lock wood. You dare not hang him. (As Maud speaks, Rebel Soldier raises his musket to fire. L,OCK\vOOD starts vp towards him, tliroivs his gun up.) Lockxvood. Put down your gun, fool. Leave her tome. (To Maud.) Bravely said, sv,'eet Maud. I admire your courage; but, it strikes me you are rather putting your head in the lion's mouth. (Jestingly.) On what terms shall we surrender? Mavd. Release my brother instantly, or I will fire. Lockwood. Don't use such forcible arguments. I will tell you what I will do. If you will promise to marry me, I will agree to release your brother and send him back to camp. If you don't accept my proposition, I will swing him up, and take you along with me. What do you say? I will give you one minute to decide. Maud. ( Waves handkerchief. Bugle sounds outside.) There's my answer. (Union troops come in and form tableau. Union soldier aims at LocivWOOD. Soldier in act of cutting rope. PoM- PEY stands over. Characters range themselves.) Music — Yankee Boodle. Tableau. 44 OUR COUNTEY^S DEFENDEJRS. ACT IV. Scene T. — Rebel Stockade. — One year is supposed to have elapsed bettveen thio'd and fourth Acts. — Slow music. — Act opens tcith thimder-storm. — Characters arranged in different positions, ly- ing doivn, walking, etc. — Harry lying down back. — Rude shel- ter-tents of blankets, etc. Alphonse. Ain't it most time for them to serve out rations, Billy? I am so hungry, Billy. I am afraid v/e shan't have anything to-day, Phony; our rations have been stopped for two days, so they say, because some of the boys were caught tunneling out. Alphonse. It don't seem possible I can go without food much longer. 0, Bill}'^, I fear I shall never live to go home again. Billy. Don't get down-hearted, Phony. Try and keep up a little while longer. We may be exchanged. Harry. {Coming down.) Have any of you seen Ned this morning? Stvift. He has gone to take a walk over to the other side of the stockade. Enter Sergeant Foster, l. Harry. Did you find out what the firing was about, last night? Foster. Yes. They caught some of the men trying to escape, and fired on them. About fifty have got away, and they are after them now with the dogs. There is some talk about an exchange, but I don't know as it is true. Hurry. We have heard that story so many times before that I glian't believe it until I see it done. Oh, I wish it could be so, for I am dreadful tired of this life. {Enter Ed^svard with small bundle of tvood, R.) Why, Ned, where did you get that wood, and where have you been? Edward. I helped to carry poor Dick Rogers out. He died about two hours ago, and we have buried him. Poor fellow, with his last breath he implored me to give him food. But I had none for him. This is the first time, Harry, siuce we have been shut up in this terrible place, that I have seen the outside of the pen. Oh, I cannot find words to describe how beautiful the grass and woods seemed to me. If what the Surgeon told me is true, there is some hopes that our sufierings will soon end. Harry. What did he say, Ned? Foster. Do you think there are any prospects of going home? Edward. He said there would be an exchange shortly. But OUR country's DEFKXDKIIS. 45 we cannot place any conlkkMice in what lliey say, for tlicy liave proniiscHl todo so before. {Turns to \lii\\y.\\) How is Pliony this niornin.ir. Hilly ? Bryant. 1 tliink he is worse, Ned. I am afraid he is giving np altogether. Edwakd, Harry and Billy, go down io Phony. Edivard. Coni(!, clieer np, Phon.y ; don't give np in that \Ya\'. xUphonse. No, Ned, I cannot cheer np any more. In a little while 1 shan't want anything to eat, for 1 feel all gone here. {With great effort puis hand on stomach.^ Billy. Don't talk so, Pliony. I can't bear to liear you. Wh}^ Phony, Where's yonr ring? Alphonse. {Raising himself slowly. Billy supports him.) When I was out there (pointing to right), just now, an angel *came and took it and gave it to my mother. {Falls back dead.) Tableau. — An Angel handing ring /"o "Widow DePeyster. — Sloiv music io end of tahleaii. Billy. Ah, Harry, he is dead. (Characters come and looJc at him, rnurmur on stage, and. o'esurne their former p)Ositions.) Foster. Here comes McKie, boys. Enter Major jMcKie and. two -rebel soldiers, r. lie goes around stage till he comes to Pik^ny. McKie. Halloa, boys, there's another ration less. Take off that carcass with the rest. Here, some of you Yanks, help lug it out. Bryant. Please, Major, let me help bury him. He and I weie friends. McKie. No, stay where you are. If you go out there llie dogs will bile you. (Two soldiers take body out, l.) Come, Sergeant, fall in your Yankee liorde. Foster. Come, fall in, boys. (Men all fall in line.) (McKie, Eeb soldier and Foster go down the line.) McKie. Don't see but yon are. all in good condition this morn- ing; only one man from this squad gone to the Devil. (Turns io Harry.) Ain't you got about sick of this? Come, go outside to work and get gray clothes, and plenty to eat. Harry. No. I enlisted to serve my country, and I will never desert the cause. McKie. (To Edward.) Won't you take the oath, or will you stay here and die of hunger? Edicard. You can starve my body, but you cannot stain my soul with treason. 46 OUE country'' S DEFENDERS, McKie. Humph! (To the other prisoners.) Men are wanted to woik clown on the Islands, under <;uard, as prisoners. Yoa won't have to take a musket. Yon are not obll^i>ed to go ; but those who do go, will be made to perform the work required of them, whether they like it or not. In return, we will give you rations of flour, meat, rum and tobacco. All those who will avail themselves of this opportunity, can pick up their traps and get ready to leave the prison. {Exit McKie, r.) {3Ien start to follow him.) Edward. Stop ! Fellow-prisoners. You have heard what this man has said. The work required of you is to dig rifle-pits for the enemy, though he has not squarely said so. You are called upon to desert the old flag, and to give assistance to our foe. Although many of you are slowly dyiug of hunger, yet it is treason to accept the proposition. "l, too, am starving. You can see written all over me, long imprisonment. We are fam- ishing; but let us show our enemies that we are not hirelings, but patriots; that we can die, but will not be dishonored, "is there one here, after sufl'ering for so glorious a cause, that will brand himself with traitor? {Prisoners shout — No, No, Never ! Prisoners sing chorus of Star Spangled Banner. Rehs outside sing chorus of Bonnie Blue Flag. Gun heard outside. Characters rush toicard wing, l. Bryant goes out. Returns, l.) Foster. What was it, Billy? Bryant. Notliing but a poor fellow who went over the dead- line, and was shot. Barry. He at least is out of misery. {Enter COL. Lockwood, McKie and Rebel Soldiers, \\.) McKie. {To Foster.) Fall in your squad again, Sergeant. Tell your men to pack up their spare clothes, and pick up their traps. Some of you will have a chance to get out of this. {Men cry " Exchange / " " Exchange /" and fall in.) Lockwood. Pick out only such men, Major, as will never be able to enter the service ag.iin. My orders are, to exchange no man that can handle a musket again. (Major goes doivn line and p)iclis out Harry, Edward, Foster, Bryant, and others; these go to left.) 3IcKie. Colonel, I have selected from this squad, if you will look them over, I will go to the otlier squad and pick out the men from them. {Exit McKiic and Rebel soldiers, l.) Lockivood. {Goes to squad selected men, looks them over until he comes to Harry and Edward.) What, you here ! It seems as OUR COUXy'RV's DEJ'KXDKRS. ' 47 thoug'h we were fated to meet uikUt all circn instances. So .you have been picked out to be exclian,:;ed ! (yoIlAUUY,) Well, I guess you can go. As for you {to Edwahd), I guess you can stand it to sta}' a little while longer. You look Iiale and hearty. Harry. Oil, please, Colonel, let him go with us ! The I\Iajor picked hiin out. Lockicood. We can't spare him ; the officers here have become so attached to him that they cannot bear to give liim up ; be- sides, 1 have not forgotten, that in spite of me, he was going to marry your sister. But it won't be on this exchange. {Jerhs Edward io other side.) Get over there with the rest of the scum. (Harry starts to go to Ked.) Where are you going? Harry. If he must stay her^, I am going to stay witli iiim. Lockwood. What disinterested friendship! You stay where you are, if 5-ou know when you are well ofl'. {Draws revolver. To reh soldier.) March these men out to the gate.) {Men march out, R. Harry gets out of ranks, and, onixes with remaining prisoners. Comes dovjn to Edward as he is fainting.) Edward. {To Lockwood.) Oh, let me go with them ! lam dying from hunger I Have you no heart, that you can see me here in this condition, and yet taunt me in such a manner? Here at your feet I humbly implore you to take me Avitli you. Lockwood. No; stay here and die like a dog. Y^ou shall never pass the threshold of that gate alive, if I can help it. {Exit, R.) Ilarry. Ned, don't give up. I will stay with you, and if we must die, we will starve together. Edward. Harry, why didn't you go when you had the chance? Ilarry. Because I couldn't go and leave yon here alone. Re- member our tunnel, Ned; iji tliat there is still a hope. (Prisoners heard in the distance singing, — " ITe are going home.") Characters roR:\r Tableau. Scene II. — Wood. — Exchanged jprisoners march across stage, singing, — " We are going home.'' , Scene III. — Deep wood, trees at hack. Enter Harrit, with branch of tree, svrpporting Edward, l. Edward. I can go no further, Harry. I am completely worn out. My limbs refuse to support me. Harry. Keep up a few moments longer, Ned. We can't be but a little way behind the other men. Hark I I hear some one coming. {They retire hack hehind a tree, L.) 48 OUJl COUKTRY^S DEFENDERS. Enter rebel Pkivate Small. Small. I thoiig'lit I saw them pass this way. (Rests his musket on stage ; looks off, r.) Harry. {Creeping down behind him.) Oh, if I can only have the strength to strike a decisive blow/ (Hits rebel. Rebel falls. Harry drags reb out, r., taking his musket.) (Enter 'LocKWOOjy. L,. ;S'ee5 Edward. Grabs him by the throat, drags him doivn front, and throws him, upon the stage.) Lockwood. Now, then, I have got you. You thouglit to escape me, did you? If it had been any one else but you, I should not liave taken the trouble to follow. I'll soon put an end to yotir miserable existence. (Draws, and cocks his revolver.) Harry. Entering, r. I'll first put an end to yours. (IIakry Jires. Lockwood drops the revolver, and falls.) Lockwood. You have done it for me this time, Harry Hunting- ton ! Oh, I could have met death upon the battle-field, and welcomed it; but to die here by your cursed hands ! Ha! Ha! Don't think I am afraid of death! You cannot get away. Here Toombs, McKie, this way. (Falls back dead.) Tableau by characters. Scene IV. — Wood near the Coast. Enter Jack Tarbox and Tom Marlinspike, l. Tarbox. Well, shiver my timbeps, but this are a queer place, Tom. Tom. So it are. Jack. I reckon we must have lost our way. Ler,'s go down 'ere a piece and take a hobservation. Jack. All right, 'eave a'ead. I'll follow in your wake. We 'aven't got much more time to find the gig before dark. Tora. No more we hain't. Jack. We had better be getting li'out of this 'ere blasted place. I don't like the looks of it. I should 'ate to fall into the 'ands of the henemy. Jack. Eight you are, Tom. But what are this a bearing down on us ? Tom. What, that 'ere h'object? Why, that's a h'african. Jack. A h'african ! What's a h'african? Tom. Why, a hunbleached hamerican. Enter Pompey, slyly, r. Jacki. Come here. Nig. Where are we? Pom-pey. 'Specs your here, ain't you? Tom,. Where's 'ere? Pompey. In de woods, ob course. Is you blind? Jack. Well, we want to go to the coast. OUR CO UA' try's defenders. 49 Pompey. Wli^v de clebil don't yon ij;o dar, den? Jaclc. Can yon show ns tlie way? Pornpey. In course I can. What yon doins: ontlicre? Dos yon know where you are? Dere's Kehs all through dese woods. Tom. Let's iret h'out then. Nig-, which way shall we go? Pompey. Whar do you belong? Jaclc. To the transport "Pembroke," bound for Fortress Mun- roe, with exchanged prisoners. Pompey. Goin' norf, is you ? Will you take me wid you ? Jack. Yes; yon can go if yon will help us out of here. Pornpey. Come along, den. I show you de way. (Business. Exit Po:\ipey, followed by Jack and Tom, e.) Scene V. — Peck of the Transport " PernhroJcc." — Capt. Perky, Lieut. Harrison, and Sailors discovered. — Sailors busy about decks. — Q^\pt. Perry looking through spy-glass. Perry. Here they come, Mr. Harrison. I can see them, just down by the bend in the river. Send the boats ashore. Harrison. Ay, ay, sir. (Goes to side of vessel.) All right there ; shove off. (Cheers heard in the distance.) Perry. (To HaPvKISON.) Poor fellows; who can describe their sufferings? And how happy they must feel, to know that they will soon be under the prolectiou of the old flag. Harrison. It must, indeed, be a beautiful sight for them to behold, after their long imprisonment, — the stars and stripes again. (Cheers nearer.) Perry. Ay, and they appreciate it, too. This will be the fifth load of exchanged prisoners I have carried home; and the scenes that I have witnessed on the deck of this vessel have been heart-rending, and impossible to describe. Men, both old and young, and of all classes, so famished and weak that they could hardly crawl, have got up here on the quarter-deck, and sat for hours watching that flag, the tears streaming down their cheeks, and the only words coming from their lips, " Thank God ! Thank God ! " (Loudj cheering outside.) Haro'ison. Here they are now. Bear a hand there. (Sailors go to side, and assist PnisoNEUs on deck. — Bii.LY Buyant, Swift, Poster, and others. — Sw'IFT sits doivn by the side of the vessel, looks up at the flag, and comriiences to cry.) Billy. What's the matter, Swift? ^ What are you crying about? Swift. (Pointing to flag.) I can't help it, Billy; 1 feel so happy. 50 OUR country's defenders. Billy. (^Turns aivay, almost crying.') Well, there's no use cry- ing about it. Foster. (^Goes to Capt. Perry.) Captain, couldn't you haul that flag down a little — just so we can touch it, only to see if it's real? Ferry. Certainly, if it will be any satisfaction to you. I will do so in just one moment. (Going to Lieut. Harrison.) Every- thing is in readiness. Give oi-ders to get undervveigb. Harrison. But, sir, Jack Tarbox and Tom Marliaspilie are ashore in the gig. Ferry. Send a boat ashore after them. Harrison. All right, sir. (Goes to give orders.) Ferry. (Taking Ms glass and looking.) Wait a moment, Mr. Harrison. I see them now. No, it ain't them-, it appears like two prisoners. They are running along the shore, and making motions to us. What is that behind them? Heaven have mercy on them, it is two blood-hounds, coming down the hill, in full chase! They cannot escape ! Ah, good! there's a boat coming out of the creek, just in front of them. It's Jack and Tom in the gig. The prisoners see them! They wade out into the water! JSow they are taken into the boat ! (Characters all cheer.) Just in time; not a second to spare! Thank heaven, they are saved ! (Shot fired outside.) Good, Tom; that blood- hound will never track another Union man. (Fanse.) Here they are! (Cheers. 3Ien all go to side of vessel. As Harry and Ned enter.) Captain haids down flag.) Enter Harry, supported by Tom, and Ned, hy Pompey and Jack Harry. See, Ned, the old flag ! Safe, safe, at last ! (Music. — " Star-Spangled Banner.") Tableau by Characters. OUR country' S DEFENDERS. 51 ACT V. Scene I. — Room in Huniingion''s house. — Characters discov- ered. — Slow music. — Sloiu Curtain. Huntington. {To Doctor.) How do 3^011 think he is this mornina", Doctor? Dr. Su-ctt. (ShaJcing his head.) I see no change, either for better or -".vorse. In a few moments the fever will have reached its crisis, and we sluili then know whether he will live or die. Maud. Will he not recover con.'-ciousness again. Doctor? For two weeks he lias been delirious, and has recognized no one. Is there do hope ? Dr. Sicett. While there is life, there is hope. Harry. Few could have gone through what he has and lived to reach their home ; for besides the hardships lie has under- gone, he was suflering from his wound. INIany a man, but for his cheering words of comfort, would have laid himself down in despair to die. (Edward, delirious, o]pens his eyes vjildly, tries to raise himself itp.) Fdu-ard. Follow me, boys ! I'll lead you on ! Rally around the flag, and every man stand firm ! Ha! Ha! Guy Lockwood, 5''ou wrote that letter ! You are the man who has caused me so much misery ! But I will live in spite of you ! — Oh, please let me go with the other men. I am so hungry. I am starving here. Oh, let me go ! Hark, Hariy, do you hear the blood-hounds ! See ! they are after us ! Let's get into the brook, and then they cannot track us ! — That's it! That's it! Now up that tree! — There's a Union vessel! Do you see the old flag flying there? Isn't it glorious! — Harry, the hounds are after us again! Quick into the boat! There, now we are safe ! {Falls hack exhausted.) Lucy. (Goes to Maud.) O ^Maud, this is terrible. (Edward again ojjens his eyes.) Edward. Where am I? {Pause.) Dr. Su'ett. The crisis has passed — he will live. 3Iaud. Thank heaven. {Comes around to front of cot and kneels dou-n.) Do you know me, Edward? Edivard., Yes; it is Maud. {Siie takes his hand.) Is Harry here? Harry. Here I am, Ned. {Assisted to Ned.) Hiintington. Edward, you have been very sick ; very near to death's door; but thanks to the mercy of the Infinite Father, you 52 OUR COUNTRY^ S DEFENDERS. are jiow out of clanger. Eest easy here, for you are in my house, and shall be cared for as my son. Your every wish shall be an- ticipated, and all that can be done, shall be done for you. Dr. Swett. He must be kept very quiet, and avoid all excite- ment. A relapse at this time would prove fatal. Maud. He shall receive the best of care. Doctor, be assured of that. We love him too well not to do all we can to aid his recovery. Beside his being very dear to us as a friend, we owe him a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. He has served his country faithfully ; has fought nobly in her defence ; and all that we might live at home in peace, and that the Union might be maintained, Edward. For all the sufferings I have endured I am amply re- paid in knowing I have done my duty. And now the prospects are that our nation will be triumphant in this glorious struggle, I am proud that my name \n\\\ forever go down to posterity as one of our country's defenders. Tableau. — Our Country's Defenders. END OF DRAMA. ^31