^ v^ .'.lick:* <^ J.- vO-Tt* V *• •J^ ' e • " • • ^"^ . . * JS, ,/\-^^'.\ co^^^,>.. ./\.jaj;r.\. ./.. ^°-;.^ V ^^ *• .^/./X°'^*"y** '--iip:-" /\ °'TO^*" -.* /.C;^.*°o JO" • ♦ aV '5'. . -o V^^ / o.'^^'^'\ ''•'^^*' V^^^^ \^j^** -j.^^^^ °-^^*' -^^^^ '• V ••"^'^ V^ "' . *• ^* -* nf % Designed by THE Literature Department of THE North Carolina Sorosis TO Review the Heroic Traditions OF THE Lower Cape Fear as an Incentwe TO THE Achievement OF A More Glorious Future SPENCER COMPTON . Earl of Wilmington and Viscount Pevensev, Speaker of the House of Commons From the portrait by Bosdet, Royal Academy Courtesy of lite owner, Dr. James Sprunl A Pageant of % Written in Collaboration cy CITIZENS OF WILMINGTON IN NORTH CAROLINA W'lTH THE SLiiPERVISION OF Frederick Henry Koch Professor of Dramatic Literature in the University of North Carolina printed by Wilmington Printing Company Wilmington, N. C. po - r, WA.l.' To JAMES SPRUNT A Loyal Son Of The Cape Fear Whose Efforts Have Preserved Our Glorious Traditions To Posterity National recollection is the foundation of national character. Edward Everett. ffiontenta Communal Pageant-Making 7 Foreword 11 The Prologue 21 The First Part 23 Episode 1 27 Episode II 39 Episode III 47 The Interlltde 53 The Second Part 55 Episode 1 59 Episode II 65 Episode III 75 The Interlude 81 The Third Part 83 Episode 1 87 Episode II 97 Episode III 107 The Interlude 113 The Fourth Part 115 Episode 1 119 Episode II 123 The Committees of the Pageant 125 The Players of the Pageant Stat nf IlluatrattonH The Earl of Wilmington Frontispiece FACING PAGE The Live Oaks of the Cape Fear 19 Orton Plantation 37 CoRNWALLis' Headquarters 53 The Second Attack on Fort Fisher , . . . 81 The Gateway Port of North Carolina . . .113 OInmmunal fagpant-lHaktttg By Frederick H. Koch OUR CAROLINA country from Cherokee to Currituck— from the Great Smoky Mountains to the shifting dunes of Hatteras— afifords a remarkable ground-soil for pageantry. Here is an untouched store of brave tradition— legends of the "Lost Colony" of Sir Walter Raleigh, of the intrepid pirate Blackbeard, of the Croatan outlaw, Henry Berry Lowrie; here are brave tales of the Revolution, of hair-breadth escapes of blockade runners in the War Between the States; here the deeds of the in- domitable pioneers, of Daniel Boone, of bonny Flora Macdonald, of the patient Town Builders of Old Salem; here, too, the lore and balladry of our sturdy mountain- folk— a wonder-field for the making of pageants and plays of the people. Because of her unique position in the making of American history, it is especially fitting that the City of Wilmington in North Carolina should embody her heroic heritage in an historical Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear. Here was the first armed resistance to the tyrannous Stamp Act; here, at Moore's Creek, was the first victory of our American arms in the War of the Revolution. Also in her contribution to the beginnings of Ameri- can dramatic literature Wilmington has played a notable part. Here, in Wilmington, Thomas Godfrey wrote The Prince of Parthia, the first tragedy written in America by an American. Here flourished for many years a noteworthy group of amateur players. The Thalian Association, including in its active member- ship such distinguished citizens as Edward B. Dudley, (7) 8 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear the first Governor of North Carolina elected by the people, and boasting a theatre of its own as early as the year 1800, when the town could claim scarcely more than fifteen hundred souls. A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear was written in collaboration by a group of citizens of Wilmington, members of the North Carolina Sorosis. Fifteen people contributed to the gathering of historical in- cidents; the text is the joint product of five different writers. So the Pageant is a fresh instance of co- operative authorship in the making of genuinely com- munal drama. Such collaboration is significant. It should have a widespread effect in enlarging the horizons of dra- matic literature by stimulating the people en masse — not simply as participating actors in the pageant, but also as joint authors. So a socialized literary as well as histrionic art may be cultivated, and the folk-con- sciousness awakened to fresh forms of expression. And it is well for us to remem.ber in this connection that the collective intelligence of the community is determined largely, not simply by the extent to which society is able to understand itself, but also (and per- haps more powerfully) by the extent to which society is able to express itself. It will be readily admitted, I think, that communal expression in drama will most completely approximate a representation of the life of the comm.unity when the authorship is collective rather than individual. Then the composition is enriched by as many view points as there are writers, as cannot be the case when there is but a single author — often a professional, not a resident of the community, engaged to write the pageant for the city or the tov/n. Communal Pageant-Making 9 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear will be staged in a natural amphitheatre on the banks of the Cape Fear River. This is altogether fitting since the historic River really forms the life-current of the play. By the River came the first explorers and the settlers; over its waters moved the human tides through all the changing years. Some of the Pageant scenes actually take place on the River. The pirate sloop of Blackbeard, moored just ofi shore, will form an important part of the stage-picture in the Money Island incident. In the exciting action of the daring little blockade runner, Lilian, a replica of the original will be used. This will add much to the reality of the scene, as will the appearance of a group of Cherokees in the espisode of the Cape Fear Indians. These, coming from their reservation in the western part of the State, will have an active part in the play, speaking their own language. Five hundred citizen players will take part in the performance. All the costumes will be home-made, except certain historic costumes to be worn by actual descendants of the characters represented in the Pageant. Hundreds of others will have a part in preparing for the production; so the Pageant will represent the entire community. But the most significant feature of A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear, it seems to me, is its literary form. It is not merely a spectacle, but a worthy pioneer in communal authorship in our State. It carries on the ideal cherished by the author in Raleigh: The Shepherd of the Ocean, of the pageant-form as not merely dramatic, but as dramatic literature. In this Raleigh Tercentenary Pageant- Drama, pro- duced at Raleigh, North Carolina, last October, was 10 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear demonstrated beyond question that the mass of the people today really crave the spoken word. Each night the vast audiences that filled the amphitheatre to overflowing, listened to every word with the utmost quiet. The spell of the poetry of Sir Walter Raleigh, written on the night before his execution, brought a hush like that of a waiting congregation in a great cathedral. Pageantry should be more than spectacle. It should cherish the spoken word. It should arouse the people to an active participation in literature by giving them a living voice. For the sound is the soul of the word. By giving to the people such opportunity of communal expression as pageantry affords may we contribute somewhat toward the making of a new literature in America, which will be genuinely national. Chapel Hill, North Carolina, March 18, 1921. The first recorded mention of the Cape Fear is in the narrative of Sir Richard Grenville's expedition in June 1585. Our later introduction to the noble stream which takes its name from the Cape of Fear, involves a tragedy clouded by a mystery which 350 years has not revealed. The scene is laid in "The Kingdom of Silence and Awe disturbed by no sound save the sea gull's shriek and the breaker's roar." In Robert Sanford's account of conditions on the Charles River (subsequently called Cape Fear) we read a pathetic story in the quaint vernacular of the 17th century, of the expedition from Barbadoes under command of Sir John Yeamans in October 1665, in a "Fly boate" of about 150 tons called "Sir John", accompanied by a small "Friggatt" belonging to Sir John Yeamans and a "Sloope" purchased by a "com- mon purse", for Colonial service. After the three vessels had been separated at sea by a great storm in which the "Friggatt" lost all her masts and was very near foundering, the three vessels were provi- dentially brought together again in the beginning of November 1665, and came to an anchor at the mouth of Charles (Cape Fear) River, from which they were shortly afterwards driven to sea by a hurricane. Again were they guided by Divine Providence into the haven where they would be; and for a third time they en- countered heavy weather, and the "Fly boate" was driven ashore on the middle ground (off the present Fort Caswell) and, sharing the fate of hundreds of others on this treacherous shoal for 256 years, was "beate" to pieces. The crew reached the shore, but their victuals and clothing, arms, powder, and military (11) 12 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear supplies furnished by the Lords Proprietors were lost; "but when," as the narrative proceeds, "the great and growing necessitys of the English Colony in Charles River heightened by these disasters began 'clamorous- ly' to crave the use of the sloope in a voyage to Virginia for their speedy relief, Sir John acquiesced, and he himself returned in the 'Friggatt' to Barbadoes. The sloope returning from Virginia loaded with victuals, being ready by reason of her extreme rottenness to sink, was driven ashore by a storm in the night on Cape Lookout. With two exceptions the crew es- caped drowning and the survivors proceeded to join the colony of English at Roanoke." Meantime Captain Edward Stanion having been dispatched with his small vessel from Virginia was returning from Barbadoes with supplies for the Cape Fear people. It appears from the depressing narrative that he left Barbadoes under-manned. He was with- out a "pilote" or a mate to share the responsibilities of the voyage, and his ship having been "driven b\' the contrary winds and tossed for many weeks and he himself conquered with care, vexation and watch- ing," brave heart and hero as he was, felt the sadness of despair. He had kept watch day and night with- out intermission for many days, doubtless snatching an hour's sleep at intervals; torn with anxiety, exhausted with never ending work, his eyes blood-shot and weary, his beard tangled and neglected, now "lost his reason and after many wild extravagances leapt overboard in a frenzye leaving his small company and vessellto the much more quiet and constant though but little knowing and prudent conduct of a child, who yett assisted by a miraculous providence after many wander- ings, brought her safe to Charles (Cape Fear) River Foreword 13 in Clarendon, her desired port and haven." And so the mysterious chronicle ends. Who the child was, his subsequent fate, will never be revealed. Years ago I searched with the late Professor Holmes among the ruins of the Charlestown settlement at Old Town Creek for some relics of this turbulent colony, for they were a "mutinous and undeserving rabble", but we found nothing but a small cannon which had been previously unearthed by a pony plough, a gift of the Lords Proprietors, and which was sold to junk dealers in Wilmington after it had lain for centuries almost unnoticed. How interesting it would be to find some later record of the little lad, the Cape Fear Pilot, who steered the relief ship through stormy seas into the quiet haven of Old Town Creek! Not far from this abandoned settlement may still be seen a moss covered grave-stone with its mysterious and only inscription, "Known in Heaven." So mote it be with the miracu- lous child navigator of our earliest history. The Colony at Old Town Creek numbering about 600 souls was short-lived and Charlestown, as it was called, began to break up after its first year. The leading spirit, John Vassall, a worthy man, wrote to Sir John Colleton, of Essex, one of the Lords Pro- prietors, October 6, 1667, a wailing Jeremiad blam- ing "the rude rable of our Inhabitance for al! the reverses and for their mutanous conduct which dis- courage those who would have otherwise remained." He says that the Indians were troublesome, running off the cattle, but this might have been overcome had even twenty men stood by him, there being less than six men who would remain, so that Samuel Maverick writes from Boston, October 16, 1667, "the plantations J 4 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear at Cape Feare are deserted, the inhabitants have since come hither (to Boston), some to Virginia." The solitude remained unbroken after this failure for fifty-two years, when Steed Bonnet, an infamous pirate, established himself within the harbor of Cape Fear — where Bonnett's Creek retains his name — and made such depredations on the commerce of Charleston that Colonel Rhett organized an expedition against him. A notable battle took place near where Southport now stands, ending in the destruction of Bonnet's vessel and the capture of many pirates. Two days later other pirate vessels were taken at sea, and more thanahundred pirates were hanged at onetime on the wharves of Charleston, and many others on Cape Fear. It is supposed that some of Bonnet's men escaped and made their way up the river, eventually amalgamating with a small tribe of Indians on the Lumber River, where, soon after the permanent settlement of the Cape Fear in 1725, a considerable number of English speaking people were found. Although it appears that there were occasional difficulties with the Indians during the early settle- ments, the first real trouble occurred during the gen- eral uprising of 1711, when the Tuscaroras fell upon the colonists in Albemarle with great slaughter and butchered one hundred and thirty persons in two hours. The white people of North Carolina would probably have been exterminated but for the timely assistance of South Carolina, from which it was separ- ated a year later in 1712. Four thousand pounds sterling was voted to equip troops; Colonel James Moore, son of Governor James Moore of South Caro- lina, came at the head of a second force of troops; and a third army was sent under Major Maurice Foreword 15 Moore, who, after peace was restored, remained in Albemarle. The next year Maurice Moore had oc- casion to cross Cape Fear near Sugar Loaf on his way to his native province to assist in overcoming the danger that threatened of an Indian rebellion, and he was so pleased with the river lands, that he came subsequently with kindred and friends from South Carolina and from Albemarle, and made his home in the Cape Fear country. His brother, Roger Moore, came with his hundreds of slaves, and built Orton, while Maurice Moore selected a most admirable site on a bluff near Orton, fifteen miles below the present city of Wilmington, and laid out a town which he called Brunswick, in honor of the reigning family. It became the capital of the Province of North Caro- lina; but this roadstead proved to be unsafe in stormy weather, and because of this fact and of the growth of a village fifteen miles farther up the river called New Liverpool, afterwards Newton and subsequently Wilmington, which absorbed the trade of the two branches of the river near that point and prospered, a gradual exodus from Brunswick began and con- tinued; so that while Wilmington flourished and be- came the capital of the Province, Brunswick dwindled and during the Revolutionary War was wholly abandoned. And so the River moulded the fortunes of the people who came to live upon its banks; for situation and current, and cove and tide decided the location of the settlements, and it was, after all, as the River willed. Strange sights it saw as the years passed. The famous Scottish heroine and beauty, Flora Macdonald, passed by on her way to her future home at Cross Creek; royal salutes from the British sloops-of-war thundered 16 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear across it in honor of the coronation of King George; excited men who had once sworn allegiance to tho crown, marched up its banks when the days of their independence were at hand, and denounced the Parlia- ment and all its works. It saw the shadows of an approaching revolution, and the changes and chances of a war of independence which followed More than three quarters of a century later it witnessed a mightier conflict and a bloodier war; and it might tell of the consecrated ground near by, over which hung the cloud and along which raged the iron storm of battle, — of the fair white banner and its starry cross which waved for a time so gloriously, then drooped and died with a nation's hopes. It might tell of the fiercest bombardment in the history of gunpowder, when Fort Fisher fell, after a strange traffic in which more than a hundred swift steamers were engaged through a beleagured port and city — the era of the blockade running. But the saddest episode in its ageless life was when it recently bore away on its bosom in silent ships to the unknown sea, thousands of its own lads grown to manhood in intimate contact with its waters, that they might be swept across the broad ocean to the continent from which their forefathers came, to bleed . and die, to make men free, and to establish a peace upon the earth, which, after more than two years cessation of strife, seems now still far away. In A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear, we seem to have reached at last a community consciousness. We have a composite picture arranged for dramatic presentation, of facts that are proved on high author- ity, and which have been compiled and woven into a harmonious whole by many minds, each contributing something of its own interpretation of the things which Foreword 17 were enacted on this New Hemisphere. It is no small achievement to have brought out in orderly procession that series of events which is the biography of Wil- mington from the Colonial Period to the present Era of Progress; it is no small achievement to have in- spired so many citizens of our town with the desire to look into the old landmarks; and it should be a matter of real pride that those who have undertaken it have persevered through a long period of patient seeking for accuracy of detail, discarding non-essentials to get at the really significant crises of the life of Wil- mington. We cannot fail to admire the high standards which they set up and consistently maintained to collect the facts for this Pageant, in no wise content with anything less than the very truth. Like all per- fectly honest endeavor, it will have a lasting place in the history of the section, and the painstaking effort to set a true course for the goal, will not be without its influence on those of the younger generation, who will find that A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear can be depended upon for real historic data. James Sprunt. THE LIVE OAKS OF THE CAPE FEAR THE PROLOGUE (19) [The Pageant is announced by three heralds with a salvo of trumpets.] [The Spirit of Wilmington enters. She is a stately woman, in white flowing garments, bearing on her shield the seal of Wilmington. With her enters a Chorus of Attendant Spirits.] The Spirit of Wilmington Time turn back your written pages That the product of the ages, These, who dwell upon the shore, Those may see, who went before. Here may see their joys and trials, Happinesses, self-denials. Spirits, go, bring Venture here, Patron of the Pioneer. [The Spirits dance off, returning with Venture, dressed in flowing green, bearing a sword.] Venture Here where Past and Present meet, Wilmington, I bid you greet Red men fierce — though some were true, When a friendly heart they knew. See the settlers who were daring, Sturdy folk, all hardships sharing. (21) 22 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Down the ages here resounding Echoes from the distant founding Of our city. Hear rejoicing O'er success, and proud men voicing Gladness, that through toil and strife They have brought a town to life! See the pirates, famed in story, Heroes of a doubtful glory, Executing darkest plot, Making hard the settlers' lot. Not by facts or records stable, But through legendary fable And by supposition old. Know you of the storied gold On Money Island, where they say Blackbeard hid his chests away. These I led at my own beckoning Forth to face a future reckoning ; Some to triumph, some to die, Good and evil passed they by. Living shadows in Time's glass, Venture calls them, lo, they pass! [The Spirit of Wilmington retires to a dais at the right where she can observe the pageant of events. Venture stands by her side. The Spirits dance off. During the Prologue and the Interludes, the Spirits dance an harmonious accompaniment.] Olljf Jirat fart The Natives, the Pioneers and the Pirates (23) THE FIRST EPISODE The Springtime Gathering of the Indians, 1663 (25) We made a purchase of the river and land of Cape Fear, of Wakoosa, and such other Indians as appeared to us to be the chief of those parts. They brought us store of fresh fish aboard, as mullets, shads, and other sorts, very good. ANTHONY LONG, WILLIAM HILTON, PETER FABIAN. [Lawson: History of North Carolina, quoted in Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 29.] 26) EPISODE I. ®I|f Springtime (fiatl|mng of tl\t 3lttbian0, lHfi3 The Characters: Watcoosa, Chief of the Cape Fear Indians* Mahaiwee*, Watcoosa' s daughter LEELINAW^ another daughter WAHGEGWANEE^ a scout and interpreter Other Indians of various tribes, having come from the back country for their Springtime Feast' Captain William Hilton, an Englishman sent from the Barbadoes to explore the Cape Fear River Anthony Long, in Hilton's party Peter Fabian, another member of the party Other Englishmen of the Expedition The Time: The spring of 1663* The Place: Crane Island, in the Cape Fear River [The Indians are gathering for their great Spring Festival. The squaws are making yopon tea, and cooking fish and game which the men bring in.] [A brave comes in crying, "Watcoosa, Chief Watcoosa.''] [Watcoosa and his two daughters enter. The Chief sits in the place of honor, with a daughter on either side.] 1 Little is known of the Indians who lived on the Cape Fear. S. A. Ashe says they "are said to have been Congarees, a branch of the old Cheraws, James Mooney and Fred. A. Olds say they are possibly Siouan. ^ Fictitious names. ^Sprunts Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 14. ^December 1, 1663 is the correct date for the land purchase from Watcoosa, but the action here is put in the spring so as to include the picturesque Spnng- time Feasts of the Indians. (27) 28 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Watcoosa Di gwege. Gawl oo loss ah. Gaw geh oo lootch ha. Gah law ned i gi stell lah. A tsi yu wi yah. Aw si aw gi yel lah ye tsaw lah. Le ye tsal skiis si. E tsal ski. My children, the long winter is over, and the Spring Festival is at hand. Manitou has blessed us. The Cape Fear Indians, the mighty tribe of the Sapona\ give welcome to you all, and ask that you will help them celebrate with dance and feasting the coming in of Spring. Let the dance begin . [The dance begins.] [Cries of "Daw gwa\^^ an Indian cry of lamentation, are heard. The dancers stop, listening intently.] [Wahgegwanee runs in, excited and out of breath.] Wahgegwanee Ni he. Ha tu gah gah ! Woe is me! Watcoosa hear! ^Sapona is an Indian name for the Cape Fear River. ^Although it is thought that the Cape Fear Indians were perhaps Congarecs, or possibly Siouan, the liberty has been taken of putting their conversations in the Cherokee dialect, and also using Cherokee customs. If the Congarees were a branch of the old Cheraws, and if the Indian tradition is true "that before the coming of the Englishmen the principal body of that tribe, called Cheraw- (or Chero-) kees, after a long fight with the Catawbas, removed to the mount- ains" (Ashe in Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 25), we are not far wrong in choosing this dialect. Another determining factor in our choice is that we have a Cherokee Indian Reservation in our State, and the Cherokees are the only large tribe now remaining in the State. George Allen Owl of Ravensford, Swain County, North Carolina, has made the translations into the Cherokee. He is one of a few of the Reservation Indians who can speak and write Cherokee. The Cherokee language has its own alphabet, but is put into the English letters here, to give an idea of its pronunciation. The Springtime Gathering of the Indians, 1663 29 Watcoosa Daw tah dun ni? What news have you? Wahgegwanee [Pointing to the river.] A ni you neg gah ! The pale faces are coming! [The other Indians take up the cry of lamentatioti.] Watcoosa [Rising with dignity.] Ches di Wahgegwanee. Watcoosa guest ya dah sky e hah. Oo nul stite dah di nel li. E gah lee ge sest di. Peace, Wahgegwanee, peace, my children, Watcoosa does not fear the pale faces. We will give them fish and furs and they will be our friends. Wahgegwanee [Pointing to the river where a boat is seen nearing the shore.] Ni! They are here! [Several Indians cry, "Ah ni look kH", "They are here!'', and start toward the river.] 30 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Watcoosa E jen nah. Di g ne hest sti. E jalk kest sti. E g yu wi yah hi. Go, each in order with his gifts, remember you are Cape Fear Indians. [The Indians go quietly in single file and wait for the boat to land.] [Captain Hilton, Anthony Long, Peter Fabian and others from the boat come forward. The Indians offer their gifts. Watcoosa, with his daughters, comes slowly down to meet them.] Watcoosa and the Interpreter* [Addressing Captain Hilton.] E g you neg. Eh gawn di g sauch jah aw si ah gi yel lah. Mighty pale face, you come from the big sea-water. You are welcome. [Captain Hilton is taken aback. Not knowing what else to do, he bows.] Watcoosa and the Interpreter Watcoosa jal stite cha neh huh, Gaw law gwe ski del li. Le whisk ski. Watcoosa friend to pale face. He give game and furs. Pale face give fire-stick and fire-water. 'All the speeches of Watcoosa and the Interpreter are spoken first in Chero- kee by Watcoosa, and then in English by the Interpreter. The Springtime Gathering of the Indians, 1663 31 Peter Fabian [Aside to Hilton.] Zounds, the patriarch hath an eye for the main chance; but tell him we must have more than fish, we must have land. Have at him. Captain. Captain Hilton [Aside to Fabian.] Peace, Peter, peace. Try to look solemn. This is no Vauxhall comedy. Peter Fabian [Pulling a long face.] Ahem! Watcoosa [Aside to his daughters.] Mahaiwee 00 gu we yah hi ah. Squeest 00 do li. Ji gah yu li you. Awg soo le gawge de gul li hu i. E gah lee geh sest di. Daw tah dun ni Mahaiwee? Mahaiwee, this is a mighty pale face chief, he will ask much from the Cape Fears. I grow old and can- not lead my warriors into battle. I must make peace. You are fair to look at. I will give you to him for a wife, and he will be friend to Watcoosa. What you say, Mahaiwee, will you go? Mahaiwee Cha yu ga ghen nah. Oo yaw e di cunt di yu. O father! No! I could not leave you and my sister, Leelinaw. I do not like his great white face. 32 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Watcoosa Ah seh jan nu sti. Child, you must help me. Leelinaw A gih dawd da. I ghen nah. Ah gwa do H ah gwen nu sti. Daw tah du ni Mahaiwee? Father, I have a plan; though I am the younger, I have the bolder spirit. I will go too and be his wife, then we shall be together; so big and rich a chief as he would want two wives. Besides I should so love to travel. What do you say, Mahaiwee? Mahaiwee E youst ti gwa geh su. E yah gwa dun ti. Guest aw si yeek di cu ti you. Whatever you wish I will do. I could not bear to leave you and I do not like his great white face. Watcoosa Leelinaw he skii yah yah. Leelinaw, you are a bright child. It is the greater honor that I give two daughters . [By this time the Englishmen are surrounded hy the curious Indians. Watcoosa comes toward the group, having procured the peace pipe from one of his braves; he motions the men to be seated, and passes around the pipe. The daughters of Wat- coosa remain in the background.] The Springtime Gathering of the Indians, 1663 ZZ Watcoosa and the Interpreter Watcoosa 00 nah lee you neg ga. Tal de gu yah kass da jah dah lee. Watcoosa friend to pale face. Watcoosa give two daughters to pale face chief to wife . [There is a great sensation among the Indians and they talk excitedly among themselves. The daughters come forward and bow before Captain Hilton. Hilton and Long are thunderstruck; Peter Fabian is irrepressibly amused.] Peter Fabian [To Hilton.] Captain, you have all the luck. I wonder if he has any more daughters. I wouldn't mind a few myself. Captain Hilton 'Sblood! This is no jest. You know I have a wife already. [He consults with Long.] Peter Fabian This is not England, Captain; if the girls are willing — Anthony Long [Interrupting him.] Cease your ribald jesting, Peter, this is life or death. The Chief grows impatient. Tell him, Captain, that for fire-sticks and fire-water we must have more than ^Sprunt records in Tales and Traditions of the Lower Cape Fear {1896), the tradition of Watcoosa's offering his two daughters to Hilton. 34 A Pageant oj the Lower Cape Fear wives; we must have land. Tell the old Turk that you will accept his offer, plus the land; but are not prepared to receive your wives as is befitting to the daughters of a chief. Tell him you will go on to pre- pare a suitable home, and will come back in state to take them thither. Give him fair words, Captain; we are but few, and they a mighty tribe. Peter Fabian [To Hilton.] Take them by proxy. Captain. I was ever willing to do a favor for a friend. [Long suppresses him.] Captain Hilton I am slow of speech and these girls abash me strange- ly, but I'll do my best. [To Watcoosa.] Watcoosa, Chief of the Cape Fears, hail ! [The Interpreter explains Hilton's proposals to Watcoosa as they are made.] Peter Fabian Hear ! Hear ! Captain Hilton You do me honor. The pale face chief will ever be your friend. Your daughters will be treated as befits a chief's wife. Peter Fabian Wives, man, wives! The Springtime Gathering of the Indians, 1663 35 Captain Hilton But each wife must bring a goodly share of land as dowry. For this you shall have fire-sticks and fire- water. I am not yet prepared to receive your daughters. I go now and make ready their home. In four days I will come again with many gifts. [He seems exhausted by his effort.] Wh-ew! Peter Fabian [To Hilton.] Fine, Captain, fine! You will soon be used to three wives, you old Solomon. Watcoosa and the Interpreter [With dignity.] Aw si ni hi tsa jel li tsic god dah. Chas yel liwg gaw yeek chuck t yes di. A gwege tsi. It is well. The land is yours. Is not the Cape Fear big enough for the pale face and the red? My daugh- ters will wait for you here. [The white men go down to the boat, say good-bye to the Indians, and row off. The Indians follow in the direction of the departing boat, the tivo girls standing apart.] Mahaiwee Leelinaw, yu gah gah look gi g gaw watt tah. Leelinaw, he will not come. I know, I saw it in his eye. 36 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Leelinaw Squaw. Chest hi naw sell lah ah gi daw du. You nah gu lunk gah. I saw it too, but do not tell our father. He would be angry and go on the war path. The young one that laughed, he would have taken us. Mahaiwee Gaw si. Ah gi yel lu. Ah ni yu wi yah hi. I am glad. I do not care for any man. But I like them best with nice red faces. [Watcoosa signs to his daughters, and they follow him.] THE SECOND EPISODE The Founding of Wilmington, 1735 (37) This roadstead proved to be unsafe in stormy weather and because of that fact and of the growth of a village IS miles farther up the river called New Liverpool, after- wards Newton, and lastly Wilmington, which absorbed the trade of the two branches of the river near that point, and prospered, a gradual exodus from Brunswick began and continued. So that while Wilmington flourished and became the capital of the Province, Brunswick dwindled and during the Revolutionary War was ivholly abandoned. [Sprunt: Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 45.] (38) EPISODE II. Sfyp J^nunbtttg of litlmmgton, ir35f The Characters: John Maultsby, an early settler in Newton John Watson, an early settler and surveyor Jehu Davis, an early settler Roger Moore, owner of a large plantation at Orton Maurice Moore, his brother Gabriel Johnston, Governor of the Province of North Carolina Michael Higgins, surveyor Joshua Granger, surveyor James Wimble, surveyor Citizens, laborers, and men in the stockade The Time: May 13, 1735 The Place: The water front in the village of Newton (an early name for Wilmington) [The street has a busy appearance. Market wagons are being loaded and unloaded by the river. Men are carrying produce of all kinds to the boats. Every- thing indicates a thriving town. John Maultsby, John Watson and Jehu Davis come in from the right; Roger Moore and Maurice Moore from the left. They meet at the stockade.] Jehu Davis Good sirs, now you know my mind. There is no other site that can compare with this. Just think you of the convenience of the situation. It is the meeting of the two great branches of the Cape Fear (39) 40 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear River, The depth of the water is sufficient to receive vessels of considerable burden; it is here most proper that the town be erected. Good friends, do I speak sooth ? Roger Moore Master Davis, you speak sooth in all but one thing* All you say is true of Brunswick, but not of Newton- Maurice Moore [Pointing to the scene at the river front.] At Brunswick, we can double that. Jehu Davis Aye! Brunswick is a goodly place, but I have it on authority that the Governor hath decided that this shall be the town. Roger Moore An His Excellency hath already decided, I stand by his decision. Maurice Moore Spoken like a true man, brother. A Man In the Stockade [He is drunk.] Faith, sirs, the sooth falls from you like honey from the heavy laden bee. An I were free from this stock- ade, my voice should go with yours — my voice and that of all my companions in misfortune. [To the other men in the stockade.] How say you, friends, are we not one in mind and voice with these fair gen- tlemen? The Founding of Wilmington, 173$ 41 The Men in the Stockade [Laughing.] Yes, yes, Newton, Newton forever! John Maultsby Peace, peace, you noisy clowns. These are weighty matters to be decided by those constant in spirit and full in judgment. Wag not thy tongue so freely at thy betters! Jehu Davis Good Master Maultsby, be not wroth with the poor fellows. Belike their fault was but a trifle. Tell us, fellow, how came you to be housed like this? A Man in the Stockade A trifle as you say, fair sir . . . but a trifle too much ... I came too often by the Dram Tree'. Had it not been for that, I had been as constant . . . modest . . . and sober . . . as Master Maultsby him- self. And so it was with all of these. [To the other men in the stockade.] How say you, lads! Are we not dutiful . . . grave . . . and . . . purged in judgment? The Men in the Stockade Yes . . . yes! . . . We are . . . we are. 1 An old cypress tree "the passing of which was signahzed in 'ye olden time by the popping of corks.... Lilie a grim sentinel, it stands to warn the out-going man- ner that his voyage has begun, and to welcome the incoming storm-tossed sailor to the quiet harbor beyond." Sprunt's Tales and Traditions of the Lower Cape Fear, 1896, p. 35. 42 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Jehu Davis Enough for now, good friends. Governor Johnston will this day be here, and I will speak to him con- cerning you. John Watson Look where the Governor comes with Masters James Wimble, Michael Higgins and Joshua Granger, — a goodly set of surveyors. John Maultsby Let us go meet his Excellency. [All the men remove their hats, and go forward to meet Governor Johnston and the surveyors. The men at the river stop work and come fonvard to see the Governor.] Jehu Davis Your Excellency is most welcome. An it please you, I and my friends will recount for your under- standing why we deem this the goodliest site for our town and township as against Brunswick. Governor Johnston Good Master Davis, we have gone into all that — I and my surveyors — and we are full decided that this shall be our town. The Men in the Stockade Bravo! Bravo! Newton and Johnston forever! The Founding of Wilmington, 1735 43 Governor Johnston My men, what do you here so poorly housed? You shall have something more befitting than a mere stock- ade. A goodly jail I shall have built for you. [Laughter in the crowd.] But not at Newton. Hear all of you, both you within the stockade and you without. This day, I, Gabriel Johnston, by God's grace Governor of this Province, do proclaim this spot the site and situation of the town and township of Wilmington, named in honor of my friend and benefactor Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington and Viscount Pevensey. [The crowd cheers.] And furthermore, this day the land office shall be opened here, the Court of Exchequer shall meet here, likewise the New Hanover Court and Council. All this I decree by the advice and consent of his Majesty's Council and the General Assembly of this Province*. [More cheers from the crowd.] Hear me, good friends and gentlemen, this day shall be a gala day in Wilmington; all shall spend the hours for their pleasure, and you, my friends in the stockade, the day is yours as well. The freedom of the town is yours. Look to it though, that when next we meet, it be not in the same fine jail I told you of! [Much laughter.] [To the surveyors, Davis, Maultsby and Watson.] What say you friends, shall we go? There is much business to be done and already the sun is high. [They go out.] [The men from the stockade go out in the opposite direction, cheering and calling, '^Johnston and Wilmington forever!''] "The historical material in Governor Johnston's speech is adapted from Swann's Collection of Public Acts; North Carolina, Chapter LV, p. 99. THE THIRD EPISODE The Treasure of Money Island, 1719 (45) If sailor tales to sailor tunes, Storm and adventure, heat and cold, If schooners, islands, and maroons And Buccaneers and buried Gold, And all the old romance, retold Exactly in the ancient way. Can please, as me they pleased of old, The wiser youngsters of to-day: — So he it, and fall on! [Stevenson: Treasure Island.] (46) EPISODE III. The Characters: Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, famous pirate Captain Redfield, Blackbeard's right-hand man Francesco ^ _ y members of Blackbeard's crew Pedro I Roger ^ Other members of his crew The Time: 1719 The Place: An island off the mainland, now known as Wrightsville Beach [A schooner is lying off shore. The pirate crew in gay turbans and sashes may be seen on deck. They are laughing and drinking. Some of the men are singing.] Fifteen men on the dead man's chest — Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest — Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! [Blackbeard and Captain Redfield come up from the hold. With a gesture Blackbeard silences the crew.] Blackbeard Ho, lads! An there be four sober ones amongst you, let them step forward. [Four pirates come forward.] Francesco, Roger, Pedro and Pierre! Into the hold 1 This episode, though of an earlier date than the preceding one,, is placed here for dramatic emphasis. 2 Stevenson's Treasure Island. (47) 48 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear with you, lads. Bring forth the chests and digging tools. Lower the boat, load the chests and pull for shore. [The men follow the orders. Blackbeard and Redfield step into the boat, and the four sea- men man the oars. Blackbeard calls to those left on the ship.] I will be back anon. Look that there be one of you sober enough to receive me. [He signals to the oarsmen who rapidly make for the shore, sing- ing as they row.] [On landing, Blackbeard and Captain Redfield come forward, leaving the men near the boat to amuse themselves shaking dice.] Blackbeard Bob Redfield, I would entrust you with a most im- portant service. There lives no man that I so pin my faith to as to thee. Wilt do this for me, Bob^? Captain Redfield Aye, sir, your wishes are my orders. Blackbeard Well then, 'tis this. I am something overstocked. Before I sail again I wish to deposit some of my treas- ure. Thou knowest, Bob, how the coast is larded with my gold. There is a lonely island hidden in these marshes that suits my fancy. There will I bury the greatest treasure of them all. It shall be our Money Island. Wilt thou stay and guard it? These same four trusty buccaneers shall stay to aid you. Give them a stoup of rum three times a day, and Old Nick himself hath not four braver followers. Does this suit thy will? ^The conversation between Blackbeard and Captain Redfield was in part taken from Andrew J. Howell's Money Island, whose story is the inspiration for this episode. The Treasure of Money Island, lyig 49 Captain Redfield Your wishes are my orders, sir. Blackbeard Swear then, by the Holy Virgin, that thou wilt faithfully watch over this treasure; that thou wilt give no information, nor unfold to any man whomso- ever, the reason for thy life in that particular spot. Swear! Captain Redfield [Taking off his hat and raising his right hand.] Captain, I so swear. Blackbeard Thy hand with the oath, Bob. I thank thee. And if in any special need I send for some pieces of eight, trust no one who comes without an order stamped with my signet. Look, keep this. [He takes a signet from his pocket and hands it to Redfield.] Is all well. Bob? Captain Redfield All is well. Captain, I have given my oath, and naught but death shall break it! Blackbeard [Calling to one of the crew.] Francesco ! Francesco Aye, aye, sir! 50 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Blackbeard Come hither, man. Francesco [Leaving the game, he comes forward.] Aye, aye, sir! Blackbeard Art thou sober, 'Cesco? Francesco {Swaying slightly.] Aye, aye, sir. Blackbeard [Mocking him.] Aye, aye, sir! 'Tis all the English that he hath. Art thou drunk, 'Cesco? Francesco Aye, aye, sir! Captain Redfield [Laughing.] Zounds, methinks he tells the truth; he is part sober and part drunk. Blackbeard He is soberer than e'er I saw him these ten years. But drunk or sober 'tis a good lad, tried and true. 'Cesco, call the other lads here. The Treasure of Money Island, 17 ig 51 Francesco [In a drunken voice.] Pierre . . . Pedro . . . Roger . . . {The men stop their game and come forward to join Francesco.] Blackbeard My men, for ten years ye have sailed with me. The Men Aye, aye, sir! Blackbeard In all these years, in fair times and in foul, have I ever failed you? Francesco Aye, aye, sir! [The others suppress him and cry, "Nay, nay, sir!"] Blackbeard Then will ye do me one more service, faithfully and true? The Men Aye, aye, sir! Blackbeard All hands to the oars then. We have a long jaunce in the dark. Once under way, we will unfold our secret. [The men return to the boat shouting, "Aye, aye, sir!''] 52 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Blackbeard [To Redfield.] 'Sblood, these "aye, aye, sirs!" will be the death of me. I tell thee what, Bob, thou hadst best get thee a good English wife that can say, "Nay, nay, sir!" Captain Redfield [Laughing.] With all my heart, sir! [They all get into the boat and row out of sight, singing as they row.] Come all you men and maidens as wishes for to sail, And I soon will let you quickly hear of where you must aroam. We'll embark into a ship, which her topsails is let fall, And all unto an island, and never more go home. Especially you ladies that's anxious to rove, There's fishes in the sea, my love, likewise the buck and doe. We'll lie down on the banks of some pleasant shady grove. Thro' the wild woods we'll wander and we'll chase the buffalo. Thro' the wild woods we'll wander, and we'll chase the buffalo.* Blackbeard Ho ! For Money Island ! Ho ! ^The Buffalo, an old Buccaneer song from Sea Songs and Shanties, collected by W. B. Whall. James Brown & Sons, Publishers, Glasgow. RESIDENCE OF LORD CHARLES CORNWALLIS IN APRIL 1781. In tin bajsntmi wa; a mili'.ary prison. St. James Church is in the foregroiitid. [The Spirit of Wilmington and Venture advance to the center of the stage. The Spirits now appear dancing with scarlet scarfs.] The Spirit of Wilmington Spirits, who my words attend, Beg of Courage that she lend Her presence in attendance here. Sponsor in an age when fear Had made of men the slaves of kings. Courage, by the life she brings To all men's hearts, inspired the folk. So that, throwing off the yoke Of bondage, stood they hand in hand — Colonials in Freedom's land! [The Spirits depart and presently return with Courage dressed in flowing scarlet garmefits, holding a torch of liberty.] Courage O Wilmington, to you I show Powdered wig and furbelow ; Customs, manners of the land And Welcome with an ovitstretched hand. Versed in wit, in grace, in song — Yet these men could right the wrong, Drop the book and take the gun. Fighters till the cause was won For Freedom. Then the Stamp Act bold And Moore's Creek Bridge were stories told. [The Spirit of Wilmington retires to the dais. Ven- ture and Courage remain with her, the Spirits dancing off.] (53) (S\^e ^Honh Part Colonial and Revolutionary Wilmington (SS) THE FIRST EPISODE The Reception to Flora Macdonald, 1774 (57) upon the arrival of the heroine {Flora Macdonald) in Wilmington there was a general turnout of people and she and her daughter ivere treated uith great distinction. A great hall was given in her honor and tradition says that she was especially pleased by the attentions paid to her daughter by the gentlemen of the town. — ^Waddell. (58) EPISODE I. 5Il|? ^tttptxon to Mom ifflarbnnalb, irr4 The Characters: Flora Macdonald, Scotch loyalist, noted for her act of loyalty in saving the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Annie Macdonald, her daughter George Washington, distinguished visitor* JosiAH Martin, Royal Governor of North Carolina Hugh Waddell, Colonel, distinguished in military annals of the State Cornelius Harnett, Son of Liberty; representative in the Assembly for Wilmington; Pride of the Cape Fear. He gave his wealth and life for the cause of the freedom of America. William Hooper, able jurist; prominent member of the Safety Committee; presided over the meet- ing of the inhabitants of the Wilmington District, which was the first movement to provide a Revo- lutionary Government; later, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Robert Howe, wit, scholar, famous soldier; later, on Washington's staff. Alexander Lillington, prominent member of the Safety Committee; later. Colonel of the Minute Men of the Wilmington District, and hero of the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. John Ashe, well known Colonel Samuel Ashe, distinguished General 'In reality, George Washington visited Wilmington at a later time, April 20, 1791, occupying the house on the comer of the present Dock and Front Streets. (59) 60 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear James Moore, Colonel of two regiments to serve in the Continental Army; in command at Moore's Creek. Maurice Moore, learned jurist and judge; author of the celebrated letter to Governor Tr>'on, signed "Atticus." Frederick Gregg William Campbell William Wilkinson George Moore Frederick Jones John Quince Francis Clayton Robert Hogg John Ancrum Archibald MaclainE/ John Robinson James Walker )Sons of Liberty, organized in 1765. members of the Committee of Safety, elected Novem- ber 23, 1774. Thiscommit- tee continued to use its in- fluence during 1779-81 when it exercised con- stant vigilance over the Tories, who were support- ed and strengthened by the British. William Hill Samuel Small Samuel Swann Abner Nash Sampson Mosely George Merrick prominent Revolutionary^ fig- ures. Mistress Tom Hooper Mistress Jack Walker Mistress Robert Howe Mistress Eleazar Allen The Reception to Flora Macdonald, iyy4 61 Mistress DeRosset Mistress Schaw Mistress Rutherfurd Other Guests Zip Coon ) ..... Old Dan Tucker } ^'^^^^'^ Other musicians Negro servants The Tlme: 1774 The Place: An Assembly Hall in Wilmington, North Carolina \In the receiving line are Governor Martin, Mistress Flora Macdonald, her daughter Annie Mac- donald, and George Washington. An old negro servant announces each guest. The fiddlers play while the guests are arriving. When the company has assembled, the music for the minuet is played, and the dancers take their positions for the dance\ After the minuet the company adjourns to the re- freshment room with much hilarity.] A f *J ?? ""^ °^ *^"°,^ "^^ reception to Flora Macdonald was given at a later date than the events, that follow in the next scene. However, the event serves here to portray a typical Colonial gathering. THE SECOND EPISODE Resistance to the Stamp Act, 1766 (63) ^?r» -- -TSK&r JRa^ EPISODE II. EpHTHtanrr tu thr §lamp Art. ITfifi The Characters: Wtt-tj^m Tryon, Royal Governor of the Pro\'mce and Lieutenant-Colonel of the Queen's Guard William Fexxington. His Maje5t>-'s Comptroller Colonel John Ashe, leader of the miHtia that kept stamped paper from being landed; Speaker of the Assembly who repHed when Tr\'on asked what they would do about the Stamp Act: ''It will be resisted to blood and death." Colone:l Hugh Waddell, leader with Ashe in keeping the Diligence from landing the stamped paper Cornelius Harnett, head of the detachment de- manding Comptroller Pennington Colon'el James Moore, also with the detach- ment The militia from Brunswick and New Hanover Counties Negro slaves of Governor Tr\-on The Tdie: February- 21, 1766 The Place: Russellborough, about half a mile to the south of Orton. Before Governor Tr\^on's palace. [Th€ members of the militia enter — some on horseback, some afoot, Jiaving left their horses farther aivay from the house. The company has just come from Brunsu^ick where they let Captain Phipps of the Diligence know that stamps should not he landed.] (65) 66 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Colonel Ashe At least we've kept the stamps from being landed'. Our guards will see that the Diligence and the Viper do no harm. Phipps, of the Diligence, seemed very calm — quite a philosopher. Colonel Waddell Which is more than Tryon will be when he's aware we're here. Moore, please fetch Comptroller Penning- ton. [Moore goes] Tryon will try all blandishments to move us from our purpose, but we'll get Pennington. Colonel Ashe Why did you let our guard separate and part go on the river? Colonel Waddell A rather prankish thing, dear Ashe. The men did swear they'd have a souvenir of this same ship that brought the damned stamped papers. Cornelius Harnett And here they come, the boys. Colonel Waddell [Laughing.] They'd have a souvenir ! [The militiamen break into hearty laughter and good- naturedly slap each other on the hacks, as six men carry in on their shoulders one of the English ship's boats in great triumph.] •November 28, 1765, at Brunswick. Resistance to the Stamp Act, 1766 67 The Militia [Shouting wildly.] Bravo! Bravo! A bold feat, lads! Colonel Ashe And how came you with this? One of the Men The nearest thing to stamps that we could lay our hands on. We watched and waited near the Diligence; and when our Southern sun proved too good tonic for those English knaves, we borrowed this little chip from them. And now we'll carry it to Wilmington, and what a celebration we shall have — with flags and lights and crowds — such joyous crowds! [Governor Tryon is announced, and attempts to conciliate Ashe, Waddell and Harnett in his welcome.] Governor Tryon In right good time you've come, my friends. The 'cue is just done roasting. Colonel Ashe We have not come to feast with you, your Honor. Our business we'll dispatch and then we'll leave you. Our men have pigs on the other side Cape Fear; they came not this long way to eat your pigs. One of the Men You mean, sir, we came to get the English pig — Comptroller Pennington. ^Febniary 19, 1766. 68 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Colonel Waddell Be quiet, sir. [Negro servants enter with platters of barbecue.] Governor Tryon You must not, men, refuse our Carolina hospitality. Cornelius Harnett Your Carolina hospitality is stamped. We'll have the stamps; you keep the hospitality. Governor Tryon Such unbecoming words from men of Wilmington ! Cornelius Harnett Our courtesy, I fear, is lacking. We are brief and to the point; we want Comptroller Pennington. You know your house is sheltering him. Governor Tryon But— Colonel Waddell Do you remember November sixteenth last, when Stamp-Master William Houston resigned his ofifice?^ If you forget this, Tryon, our Mayor DeRosset* and several Aldermen will help you bring it back to mind. Governor Tryon [Annoyed.] Ah, come, my friends, a little toothsome bit, and then to business. The barbecue grows cold. 'Houston resigned at the Court House at the intersection of the present Front and Market Streets, November 16, 1765. "By a careful, discriminating reading of all the subject-matter at our command, it will be easily seen that the indignation of the people of 1765 was not directed against Houston, nor against any conduct of his, but against the principle of the British Stamp Tax." J. O. Carr, in Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 101. ^Moses John DeRosset. Resistance to the Stamp Act, 1/66 69 Colonel Waddell. To hell, sir, with your barbecue. Men, throw it in the river. [The militiamen take the trays from the servants and throw them into the river. Tryon is too amazed to remonstrate with them.] Cornelius Harnett The banquet's over, sir; and now to business. Where's William Pennington? [The three leaders face Tryon menacingly.] Governor Tryon Pennington came into my house for refuge, he is a Crown officer, and as such I will give him all the pro- tection my roof and the dignity of character I hold in this province can afford him. Cornelius Harnett We would not insult you, but we must be detained no longer. Governor Tryon An insult that will not tend to any great consequence when you have already offered every insult you could offer, by investing my house and making me in effect a prisoner, before any grievance had been presented to me. [Tryon goes off in a rage.] 'This disposition of the banquet took place in 1766. "These speeches are recorded by Tryon in a letter to the Right Honorable Henry Seymour Conway, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State. 70 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Colonel Ashe Another William Houston resignation! I doubt it not. These English knaves must finally yield to our determination or they'll find out of what good stuff our Carolina men are made. [Tryon returns accompanied hy Pennington.] Comptroller Pennington Yes, Tryon, I am resolved. Rather resign my office than do any act contrary to my duty.' Cornelius Harnett I hope you won't do that, sir.' Governor Tryon Your resignation, Pennington. Ink and paper. [Servants bring ink and paper, and Pennington writes out his resignation, and hands it to Tryon.] Comptroller Pennington To be in force at once, sir. Governor Tryon Good, Pennington. [Tryon retires; Pennington remains.] 'These speeches are recorded by Tryon in a letter to the Right Honorable Henry Seymour Conway, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State. Resistance to the Stamp Act, i'j66 71 Cornelius Harnett And now an oath, sir; for you shall never leave us free till you have sworn that you will never issue any stamped papers in this Province. Comptroller Pennington If I am compelled to, I will swear. Colonel Waddell Is that your oath? Comptroller Pennington So help me God ! [Pennington leaves.] Colonel Waddell Now back to Wilmington. I've picked my men to go to Fort Johnston. Cornelius Harnett A word before we go, you Sons of Liberty. There are more clouds ahead; I would we all were bound by common oath. What say you men? The Militia An oath ! An oath ! •Colonel Waddell with an armed force marched to Fort Johnston (now Southport) to take possession of it, February 19, 1766. 72 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Cornelius Harnett But be not moved by momentary whim. Give this your sane deliberation. We'll meet again and pledge ourselves. See how this fits our needs, my men, for the defense of our country: "We do unite ourselves under every tie of religion and honor, and associate as a band in her defense against every foe; hereby solemnly engaging that whenever our Continental or Provincial Councils shall decree it necessary we will go forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom and safety."' The Militia We will make this pledge at once. Cornelius Harnett May God bless us in this our resolution. [Waddell and his men go on their way to Fort John- ston. Harnett, Ashe, Moore and their men go in the opposite direction to Wilmington — some taking up the boat, others mounting their horses and riding aivay.] iThis actually occurred later, on June 19, 1775, when the citizens of New Hanover met and made this pledge. ^The historical facts in the foregoing scene are taken from The Stamp Act on the Cape Fear, by Colonel A. M. Waddell, North Carolina Booklet, Vol. 1. No. 3. THE THIRD EPISODE The Battle of Moore's Creek, 1776 (73) Eighteen miles northwest of Wilmington, North Caro- lina, on a low sandy bluff overlooking a deep, wide creek whose sluggish waters flow into the Black River, a tribu- tary of the Cape Fear, there stands to-day a simple brown- stone monument with this inscription on its western face: In Commemoration Of The Battle Of Moore's Creek Bridge, Fought Here 27th February, 1776. The First Victory Gained By The American Arms In The War Of The Revolution. The right to this direct claim to precedence in Revo- lutionary success and material glory is one of North Carolina's greatest historic possessions. [M. C. S. Noble: The Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, North Carolina Booklet, Volume III.] (74) EPISODE III. ail|f Sattb of ManxtB (UrttK IT7B The Characters: Cornelius Harnett John Quince Francis Clayton William Hooper Robert Hogg Archibald Maclaine John Ancrum John Robertson James Walker George Moore John Ashe Sam Ashe James Moore Frederick Jones Alexander Lillington members of the Commit- tee of Safety, freeholders of New Hanover, newly elected committee mem- bers, and others, who, having met and ap- pointed d e 1 e g a t es to a Revolutionary Con- gress in New Bern, August 25, 1774, are now preparing to consid- er the threatening Tory forces assembling under I General Macdonald, Colonel McLeod and others, assisted by Governor Martin. Minute Men Other citizens, among whom is Parker Quince The Time: February 9, 1776 The Place: Wilmington, North Carolina. Before the Court House at the intersection of Front and Market Streets. [The crowd of citizens assembled is greatly excited. From time to time men and women of the town stop for a few minutes to hear what is going on before resuming their errands.] (75) 76 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear William Hooper Sirs, it has been decreed by the Royal Governor that no legislative body must meet in our Province, but since we met to elect delegates to the Revolutionary Congress in New Bern it now becomes necessary to appoint suitable and efficient committees for the vigi- lant protection of our common and sacred rights. It is also here and now a suitable time to indorse the action of the Boston Tea Party and to assume that the "Cause of Boston is the cause of all"/ A Citizen [Enthusiastically.] Aye, aye! The cause of Boston is the common cause of all America. Hurrah! Cornelius Harnett We will sacrifice our lives and fortunes in order to secure the safety and freedom of our country. Let any and all who will, subscribe to the relief of our suffering countrymen in Boston. Parker Quince I will equip a ship and take a load to their relief. [A Courier enters.] A Courier Sirs, the enemy is assembling and is even now at our doors. The British fleet is momentarily expected with reinforcements. [Excited exclamations.] ■■Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 110. The Battle of Moore's Creek, iyy6 77 Cornelius Harnett They mean to crush our spirit, take away our rights, and reduce our Province to subjection. Colonel Lillington We will never submit to injustice and oppression. The idea of subjection is abhorrent to all freebom Americans. Colonel Moore I will assemble the Continental troops at once. \H.e goes out.] Colonel Lillington Our Minute Men may now be called to act their part. I'll summon them. [To the Bugler.] Bugler, the call. [The Bugler sounds the call to arms.] Colonel Ashe And I will hurry with the Independent troops to Campbellton. Colonel Purviance will remain here with the militia for the protection of Wilmington. [The Minute Men having assembled, Lillington calls them to attention and they march out amid cheers from the crowd. A Courier runs in with a dispatch.] The Courier The Tory forces are rapidly gathering at Cross Creek and danger seems imminent. The Macdonalds, McLeod, and Campbell are in charge. Flora Mac- 78 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear donald is using her utmost influence to augment their force. Not only is she stirring up resistance to the Whigs, but she is accompanying the Tory forces to encourage the men with her own fine spirit/ Cornelius Harnett Against an army of eleven hundred determined men, Macdonald will find his march to the east halted, me thinks. [Cheers from the crowd.] Voices From the Crowd He will never reach Fort Johnston! [Another Courier runs in with a dispatch.] Cornelius Harnett [Reads.] Macdonald has changed his plans. With danger threatening on all sides he is pushing towards Wil- mington. But our General has ordered Colonel Cas- well to join him at Corbett's Ferry to cut off the Tory march. [Cheers from the crowd.] Lillington and Ashe are to join Caswell and make a forced march to Moore's Creek. [ Vociferous cheers from the crowd.] [Another Courier rtms in.] *Caruthers: Revolutionary Incidents of the Old North State, The Battle oj Moore's Creek, 1776 79 The Courier Macdonald's army has crossed the river and is advancing toward the Creek. But Lillington and Caswell have reached the crossing, undermined the bridge, thrown up breastworks, and the battle is on. McLeod and Campbell have fallen pierced by a score of bullets. Dozens of men have fallen into the stream never to rise again, while all who have succeeded in getting across are either mortally wounded or taken prisoners. [Another Courier arrives.] The Crowd Bravo ! Bravo ! The Courier The Tory army scattered panic-stricken, when "Old Mother Covington" was turned upon them. The stream is full of dead and dying. Only twenty men succeeded in getting over the bridge alive, and these are mortally wounded. But we have not lost a man! {Great excitement in the crowd.] The Whigs have captured 850 prisoners, 1500 rifles, 350 guns and shot bags, 250 swords and dirks, with much other valuable equipment, including wagons, horses, medicines and supplies, besides money discovered to the value of $75,000. Cornelius Harnett Friends and countrymen, God is with us! May our cause prosper as this our first victory happily portends. Let us go and assemble all loyal citizens for a service of thanksgiving and praise. [The people go off cheering ivildly.] MacRae's Flora Macdonald has been drawn on for some of the historical materials of this scene. [The Spirit of Wilmington with Venture and Courage now advance to the center of the stage. As the Spirit of Wilmington speaks, the Spirits waving blue scarfs enter. They are accompanied by Loyalty, dressed in fiowitig blue, carrying a Confederate flag.] The Spirit of Wilmington A friend whose staunchness will not fail Is Loyalty. All hail! All hail! Loyalty I bring you times of happiness Of planters' life; until distress Of war and yellow fever came. But everlasting is the fame Of those brave souls who, from the sea To Wilmington, the way kept free — Brave leaders and their daring aides, Who ran Confederate blockades. [The Spirit of Wilmington retires to the dais. Ven- ture, Courage and Loyalty remain by her; the Spirits dance off.] (81) ®l|t ®ljtrb Part Confederate Wilmington (S») THE FIRST EPISODE A Plantation Wedding, 1861 (85) When 'Lincoln's call was made for y 3,000 men 'to put down the rebellion,' the whole of the Cape Fear section was fired, and with scarcely any exception looked upon secession and war as the inevitable outcome. [Sprunt: Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 271, narrative of Mrs. William Parsley.] (Sfi) EPISODE I. A plantation WeJiJiing, IBBl The Characters: Bob Harrison, the groom Agnes Harrison, the bride W. L. DeRosset, Captain of the Wilmington Light Infantry O. P. Meares, Captain of the Wilmington Rifle Guards James I. Metts, later Captain of Company G, of the Third North Carolina Regiment C. Cornehlson, Captain of the German Volunteers James Stevenson, Lieutenant Commanding the Cape Fear Light Artillery Mrs. James C. Stevenson John L. Cantwell, Colonel of the 30th Regiment, North Carolina Militia O. A. Wiggins, Captain, Company E, 36th North Carolina Mrs. O. a. Wiggins Henry Savage, Captain, Company G, 18th North Carolina Mrs. Henry Savage Other wedding guests SciPio, negro bodyguard and slave of Harrison Slaves, musicians and dancers The Time: April 15, 1861 The Place: An old plantation near Wilmington, North Carolina (87) 88 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear [The scene opens with the darkies gathered about two of their number who are playing the fiddle and the banjo. They are singing chanties, John Kooner songs, and plantation melodies.] [SciPio enters excitedly.] SciPio Marse Bob and his bride am acomin' disaway! [Excitement among the negroes. Amid merriment and laughter, the wedding party enters. The bridesmaids and groomsmen enter two by two forming an arch through which the bride and groom advance to the center of the stage. The wedding party forms about them, the darkies filling in the background.] Bob Harrison Scipio ! SciPio [Bowing and scraping.] Yassir. Bob Harrison Tell the fiddlers to play a reel. Scipio [To the darkies.] You lazy niggers, ain't you got sense 'nough ter know what Marse Bob wants you ter do, 'thout him havin' ter tell you. Now gib us a sho 'nough reel. [A Virginia Reel is danced by the wedding party.] A Plantation Wedding, 1861 89 Agnes Harrison [To her husband.] Bob, dear, let us rest, and watch the games the negroes have been practicing for us. Bob Harrison That's right, I reckon you are tired. Scipio! SciPio Yassir. Bob Harrison Now show us those dances you have been practicing to welcome your new mistress. Scipio Yassir. [Turning to the other darkies.] Come on, you niggers. We's gwine ter celebrate. [Led by Scipio, the darkies go through the cotton-pick- ing and the corn-shucking dances, the wedding party watching and chatting lightheartedly. Colonel Cant WELL enters in militia uniform, evidently much perturbed.] Colonel Cantwell Forgive me for interrupting the festivities, but I have a summons from the Governor. Bob Harrison From the Governor? 90 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Colonel Cantwell [Taking a telegram from his pocket, reads.] Colonel John L. Cantwell, Commander of the Thirtieth Regiment, North Carolina Militia, Wilmington, North Carolina. You will at once assemble the Wilmington Light Infantry, the German Volunteers, the Wilmington Rifle Guards, and the Cape Fear Artillery, proceeding as soon as possible to Forts Caswell and Johnston, to take them without delay, and to hold them against all comers. John W. Ellis, Governor. [A momentary silence follows. Then Captain W. L. DeRosset, of the Wilmington Light Infantry, steps forward.] Captain DeRosset I will assemble my men at once. Bob Harrison You mean, John, it's war? Colonel Cantwell Yes, war. The Secretary of War has demanded two regiments of North Carolina troops to help suppress the rebellion, and Governor Ellis has answered him in the only way a North Carolinian could. *Spnmt's ChronicUt of the Cape Fear Riter, p. 279. A Plantation Wedding, 1861 91 Captain DeRosset When do we start? Colonel Cantwell As soon as we can assemble the companies. The boat is ready at the foot of Market Street to take us down the river. Lieutenant Stevenson [Coming forward,] I am ready. Colonel Cantwell I left orders with one of your lieutenants to muster out the Cape Fear Artillery. Your men are assembling at the Armory. [Stevenson salutes. DeRosset and Stevenson go out.] Colonel Cantwell James I. Metts! James Metts Ready, sir. Colonel Cantwell The Rifle Guards are meeting before the Court House. 92 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear James Metis I will join them. [He salutes and withdraws.] [Cantwell calls, one by one, the other men in the party. As their names are called they report for duty and go out to join their respective companies. Only Harrison is left. Cantwell turns to him.] Colonel Cantwell Bob, you are my Adjutant, and I have a right to excuse you from duty. Bob Harrison I am going. Colonel Cantwell But your bride Agnes Harrison I would not keep him from such a glorious adventure. Bob Harrison That's the way to talk! We'll lick the damned Yankees before the watermelons get ripe, eh, Scipio? SciPio Take me, Marse Bob. A Plantation Wedding, 1861 93 Bob Harrison [Slapping him on the hack.] Of course I will. Do you suppose I am going to black my own boots? Come, let's get ready. [All leave; Cantwell going in one direction, Har- rison, Agnes Harrison and SciPio in another.] THE SECOND EPISODE Running the Blockade, 1862 (95) The month of September, 1862, was one of great calamity to Wilmington. The alarming forebodings of the visitation of yellow fever in a pestilential form had ripened into a certainty. . . The blockade was being maintained with increased vigor. . . Panic, distress, mute despair, want had fallen upon a population then strained to its utmost. [Sprunt: Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 284; Dr. Thomas F. Wood in his sketch of Dr. J. H. Dickson. 1 (96) EPISODE II. Sunning tlj? llnrkai^, 1H62 The Characters: Mrs. Arm and DeRosset, mother of Captain W. L. DeRosset, president of the Soldiers' Aid Society Mrs. Alfred Martin, vice-president and co-worker Mrs. Bob Harrison General W. H. C. Whiting, in command of the fortifications of the Cape Fear Dr. George Thomas, port physician Captain J. N. Maffitt, commanding the Confed- erate steamer Lilian SciPio Citizens, sailors and stevedores The Time: September 29, 1862 The Place: The waterfront of Wilmington, North Carolina [The wharves are piled high with cotton. Sailors and steve- dores from the compresses are lounging about. There is an epidemic of yellow fever and the air is filled with a pall of heavy black smoke from the burning tar barrels in the streets. Except for the men on the wharves, the streets are practically deserted.] [Mrs. DeRosset and Mrs. Martin enter with market baskets on their arms, evidently returning from the morning's shopping.] Mrs. DeRosset Isn't it dreadful? $500 for a barrel of flour! (97 98 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Mrs. Martin And $50 for a ham! I don't see how people are to live with prices so high. Mrs. DeRosset I heard this morning of a new substitute for coffee. It is— {The conversation is interrupted by the entrance of General Whiting, who salutes the ladies with a sweeping how.] General Whiting And how are you, good ladies of the town, this morning? Mrs. Martin In excellent health, but there are many sick here, and many are dying with the yellow fever. General Whiting If necessary, have you room for some wounded? Mrs. DeRosset Always. General Whiting The bockade runner Lilian is expected today from Bermuda, and I fear that she will have a hard fight to cross the bar. The cordon of blockading cruisers grows tighter every day. ^ Running the Blockade, 1862 99 Mrs. DeRosset We will be ready. [Mrs. DeRosset and Mrs. Martin go out. Dr. Thomas enters with a newspaper in his hand.] General Whiting What of your patients, doctor? Doctor Thomas You know Dr. Dickson died? Bad, bad. Van Bokkelen is also dead. Read this. [Handing him the paper.] General Whiting [Reading.] They praise your work very highly. Doctor Thomas The praise belongs to the ladies. [Mrs. Harrison comes in.] Mrs. Harrison Have you seen Scipio, Doctor? Good morning, General Whiting. 'Sprunt'e Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 285. 'There were comparatively few people left in Wilmington during the yellow fever scourge, as the men were anxious to move their families to safety. Mrs. DeRosset and Mrs. Martin, though not in the yellow fever epidemic, were, as noted, conspicuous in their care of the wounded soldiers. Dr. Dickson and others "remained to nurse the sick during the horror and few survived." 446 of 3000 inhabitants remaining in the city died within three months. Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 287. 100 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear General Whiting Good morning, child, you are looking too pale. Doctor Thomas Mrs, Harrison, they need workers at the emergency hospital. Some wounded are expected. Mrs. Harrison Thank you, Doctor, I will go there. And if you see Scipi Doctor Thomas I will send him to you. [Mrs. Harrison nods and goes out.] Doctor Thomas You know, General, neither Mrs. Harrison nor the darky will believe that Bob is dead. Besides her work for the soldiers, he is her only comfort. The rascally negro has been missing for three days, now. I hope he hasn't left her for good. [A little boy runs up from the wharf, calling — ] The Boy The Lilian is docking ! [A crowd begins to gather as the Lilian moves slowly to the dock under the burden of her crippled engines, and moors at the wharf. Captain Maffitt and others come ashore.] Running the Blockade, 1862 101 General Whiting Maffitt! And never a scratch ! Any one hurt? Captain Maffitt Never a man, but we had a perilous run! General Whiting How did you pass the blockade? Captain Maffitt We were in great danger because we were loaded to the hatch combings with gunpowder for Lee's Army. Just to the north of Cape Lookout we were chased and attacked by the Shenandoah. We were on the point of lowering the boats when a boiler burst, and we lost sf)eed. She forged ahead in the fog, ignorant of our position. We limped behind and lost her, hav- ing been under continuous fire for four hours. Doctor Thomas Sounds as though Providence took a hand, doesn't it, General? General Whiting The fog was fortunate. Captain Maffitt It was indeed, and it helped us over the bar, too. We were hailed, and a voice roared at us, "Heave to, or I'll sink you." They could have done it very easily, so our bridge shouted back, "Aye, aye, we'll stop our engines", and while the cruiser thought we were wait- ing for her boats to be lowered, we slipped under the cover of the fort. ^Spnint's Derelicts, p. 263 fif. 102 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear General Whiting Tell me, did you learn anything of the corvette Florida? Captain Maffitt We met her the second night out, came alongside, and took on some packages of opium for the hospitals. And when we dipped our ensigns in parting, I think it was the only time that the Confederate flag has saluted herself on the high seas/ General Whiting Captain Morris was well? Captain Maffitt Very. He is a gallant spirit, if there ever was one. Doctor Thomas He is indeed. \A diversion is created by the advent of SciPio, who stumbles down the gang-plank of the Lilian looking half dead and much bedraggled.] Doctor Thomas Why Scipio, where have you been? SciPio I done been most 'roun' de worl' by now I reckon! *Sprunt'8 DertUcts, p. 263 ff. Running the Blockade, 1862 103 Captain Maffitt We picked him up the first night out of Bermuda. He was drifting in a ship's boat out on the open seas, frightened to death. SciPio I sho' wuz. I had done been out dar mos' a month 'thout nothin' ter eat 'cep'en a loaf er bread, an' you know a loaf er bread aint nothin' ter a nigger what's got a appetite lak I is got. Doctor Thomas How in Heaven's name did you get way out on the ocean.? SciPio I wuz lookin' for Marse Bob, an' I stowed away on de boat ter go ter Washington an' fin' him. De Cap'n er de ship warn't no decen' man — he turned me aloose way out dar, des' ez soon ez he foun' me hidin' down in the cott'n. Doctor Thomas He was a scoundrel! SciPio Yassir. An' one night I got awful scared, kaze I heerd a bell aringin' way off dar. An' I hollered, an' a big boat come along an' picked me up. An' dar on it was Marse Jeems, whut useter play wif Miss Agnes. 'James Sprunt, purser of the Lilian. The run of the Lilian here de3cribed actually occurred at a later date, 1864, but it is placed at this time for dramatic eflect. 104 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear General Whiting Well, Scipio, Miss Agnes wants to see you now. SciPio Yassir, I'm agoin'! [Scipio runs out. Dr. Thomas, General Whiting and Captain Maffitt go out at the left. The crowd of onlookers has dispersed.] THE THIRD EPISODE The Fall of Fort Fisher, 1865 (165) Thus fell Fort Fisher after three days' battle un- paralleled in the annals of the war. [Sprunt: Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 384; General Whiting's official report of the taking of Fort Fisher on the night of the 15th of January, 1865.] (106) EPISODE III. all|p Jail of Jort 3Ft0l|?r, lBfi5 The Characters: General Braxton Bragg, who had replaced Gen- eral Whiting Aides of General Bragg Bob Harrison Agnes Harrison SciPio Citizens of Wilmington The Time: January 15, 1865 The Place: A street in Wilmington, North Carolina General Bragg Is everything ready for the review? The Aide Yes, sir. General Bragg Tell Mrs. Bragg to leave town. There is no danger, but it is best to be prepared for the worst. Tell her to get everything ready, and when the review is over I will come to see her off. The Aide Yes, sir. [He goes out.] (107) 108 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Another Aide You think there is danger of Fort Fisher falling? General Bragg Not the least in the world. If there were, do you think I would be reviewing the troops? I would have listened to Whiting's letter and to the suggestions of Hoke, and posted them at the Point. But I do not worry. [He laughs.] The Aide What if Fisher should fall? General Bragg Then, as the Richmond paper says, "Goodbye, Wil- mington." The Aide You place all faith in Fisher, then? General Bragg Why shouldn't I? They have been firing at the Fort for four years, and they haven't hurt it yet. Come along! It would never do for me to be late to the review. [They go off.] [Guns are heard booming in the distance. Several citizens enter.] The Fall of Fort Fisher, 1865 109 The First Citizen Fisher is in danger. The Second Citizen I fear so. [They pass on. A Confederate Soldier enters, limping. His uniform is old and torn, his face covered with a straggly heard. He sits for a moment on a box to rest, looking about with an air of intense longing, SciPio enters.] [Rising.] The Soldier Scipio ! Yassir. SciPio The Soldier Where is your mistress? Scipio Fo' de love er Gawd, ef it ain't Marse Bob! Yassir, de missus and me, we ain't never b'Heved you wuz dead, no sir, we knowed you wasn't. Harrison What? Scipio Yassir, eb'rybody else said we wuz plum' crazy, but we kep' er tryin' ter fin' — 110 A Pagean oj the Lower Cape Fear Harrison Take me to Miss Agnes, right now. No, I have a commission. You go find her. The Third Citizen [Coming in.] Bob Harrison? Harrison The same. The Third Citizen How? I can't understand. Harrison I was wounded and left dying on the field, made prisoner, and finally recovered. I was exchanged, and landed yesterday at Fort Fisher. Colonel Lamb sent me up today to ask Bragg to send General Hoke's men back to aid the Fort. The Third Citizen How goes the fight? Harrison The Fort is doomed. The Third Citizen I'll take you to Bragg at once. [A Courier from the Fort rushes in.] The Fall of Fort Fisher, 1865 111 The Courier Fort Fisher has fallen! Harrison Fallen? The Courier Colonel Lamb is mortally wounded, and General Whiting made prisoner. {Exclamations of dismay from the citizens.] The Courier The General seeing the Federal flags planted on the traverses, called on the troops to follow him. They fought hand to hand, and took one traverse. Just as the General was climbing the other and had his hand on the Yankee flag to tear it down, he fell, wound- ed in two places. A half hour later Colonel Lamb was shot through the hip. In the hospital he said, "I shall never surrender," and General Whiting re- plied, "If you die. Lamb, I will assume command, and I will never surrender." Harrison And yet it fell? The Courier Major Reilly made the last gallant stand, and his men did all that mortal men could do. [Agnes Harrison enters with Scipio.] ^Sprunt's Chronicles of the Cape Fear River, p. 386. 112 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Mrs. Harrison Bob! [They embrace.] Harrison Agnes ! SciPio Yassir, I done tole her dat ef she'd quit cryin' you'd bring her some'n pretty. I hope you got lots er things out er dem Yankees, kaze now they's done got every- thing we used ter have. [Harrison, Mrs. Harrison and Scipio go out.] [Enter Bragg ivith his aides.] [The Courier comes in, and salutes.] The Courier Fort Fisher has fallen, sir. General Bragg Fisher fallen? Well then Wilmington, goodbye! 2Il|f Sttt^rluii^ [The Spirit of Wilmington, Venture, Courage and Loyalty advance to the center of the stage fol- lowed now by the Attendant Spirits, with gold colored scarfs. At the Spirit of Wilmington's command they dance out, returning immediately with Progress, likewise in gold, with a ship's model in her arms.] The Spirit of Wilmington Spirits, go on dancing feet That our hearts and hands may greet Whom you bring to join our train — Progress — or all else were vain. Progress Wilmington behind me stand Whene'er a crisis is at hand. You bravely stood, as nations know, At call to arms four years ago. Now that peace has come once more, Turn your gaze upon our shore ; See our port, a growing pride, Foreign vessels side by side With our boats; and ship-yards vast. May the Future bless the Past! [The Spirit of Wilmington retires to the dais, Ven- ture, Courage, Loyalty, Progress and the Attendant Spirits grouped about her.] (113) Sijf a^ourtl? Part The Present and Future of Wilmington (US) THE FIRST EPISODE The Call to Arms, 1917 (117) These are the deeds which should not pass away And names that must not wither, though the earth Forgets her empires with a just decay. (118) EPISODE I. ®Ij? (KaU to Armfi, IBIZ [In response to the bugler's call to arms, there assembles a host of soldiers and sailors accompanied by represen- tatives of the various war time organizations: Red Cross nurses, canteen workers, motor corps, work-room workers, home service workers, and Juniors; workers of the National Special Aid, Salvation Army, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., Boy Scouts, Hemenway Drum and Bugle Corps. The Service Flag of New Hanover County is unfurled as the Star Spangled Banner is played.] (119) THE SECOND EPISODE The Future Port of Wilmington Oil) Bear in mind Your labor is for future hours. Advance! Spare not! Nor look behind! Plow deep and straight with all your powers! R. H. H. HoRNE. (122) EPISODE II. ®ljf 3\xtmt Port of litlmmgtan [All the players of the Pageant assemble on the water front to review the Procession of Ships, suggesting the future of Wilmington symbolized in the develop- ment of her port. As the ships pass in review, all join in singing, America, the Beautiful, with particular emphasis on the last verse.} O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America ! America ! God shed His Grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea! (123) APPENDIX (124) QIl|^ piagprB of tl|f Pag^atit. Act well your part, there all the honor lies Alexander Pope The Heralds Masters Ernest Beale, Robert Grady, David Harris, Peter Brown Ruffiti, William Whitehead, Thomas Darst, Jr., Sothern Hatchell The Spirit of Wilmington Mrs. Frank Ross Venture Miss Helen Menzies The Attendant Spirits Misses Evelyn Harriss, Caroline Bear, Chris- tine Butler, Dorothy McNair, Elizabeth Campbell, Ruth DeWilt, Charlotte DeWitt, Lillian Newell, Mary Bethany Sivley, Mag- gie Cantwell, Miriam Weeks, Jean McCabe Watcoosa.__ Mr. Lacy Hunt Mahaiwee Mrs. A. B. Skelding Leelinaw Mrs. Walter Storm Wahgegwanee Mr. James E. McClaren Medicine Man._ ..Mr. Harry Hubbard William Hilton Mr. Leslie Hummell Anthony Long Mr. W. D. MacMillan, Jr. Peter Fabian._ Mr. Edward Hardin Indian Chief ...Mr. Henry Number ger Indian Girls Misses Mazie Vaughan, Mary Lane, Beverly Northrup, Mary Allen Skelding, Nannie Burr, Bettie Willard, Lillie VanLeuvan, Nellie Longfellow, Dorothy Old- ham, Ruth Marshall, Charlotte Maffitt, Margaret Grant, Mary W. Pearsall, Rachel Hunt, Helen Bleeker, Mary Scott, Helen Farmer, Kitty Cor belt, Zelle Williams, Lillian Grant, Anna Love, Louise Dick, Thelma Snipes, Hazel Knight, Mary Benson, Nellie Goodlet, Rena Yates, Ideala Crocker, Erma Motte, Janie Pigott, Emma Greett, Elizabeth Duffy, Nell Hubbard, Francis Sloan Indian Boys Masters Roland Divine, Robbins Fowler, Charles Bolles, Patterson Pretlow, Joel Cook Pretlow, Henry Macmil- lan, John Cantwell, Lee Morrison, Mangum Turner, Herbert Goodwin, Joe Stone, David Wilcox, Aubrey Parsley Indian Squaws Misses May Wright Taylor, Essie Harriss, Sophie Northrup, Josie Wright, Gladys Taylor, Mesdames M. J. Dauer, Edward T. Taylor, W. G. James, Robert Cantwell, Jr., J. V. Grainger, Clarence Maffitt Indian Men Representatives of the Red Men John Maultsby ...Mr. Albert Brown John Watson Rev. J. E. W. Cooke Jehu Davis Mr. Fred Poisson Roger Moore Mr. Roger Moore (125> 126 A Pageant oj the Lower Cape Fear Maurice Moore Mr. Maurice Moore Governor Gabriel Johnston „ Mr. Louis Poisson Michael Higgins Mr. Hart McKoy Joshua Granger ....Mr. Laurens Wright James Wimble Mr. Dorsey Lynch The Man in the Stockade Mr. George Hewlett Other Men in the Stockade Messrs. Wilbur Dosher, William Struthers, Frank Briltian Citizens Men jrom the Newport Shipbuilding Company Edward Teach (Blackbeard) Mr. E. E. Graham Bob Redfield.__ Mr. Thomas R. Ames Francesco Mr. John Slocumb Pierre Mr. John Plummer Roger Mr. Edward Y. Woollen Pedro Mr. John Hazelhurst Other Pirates Messrs. Patrick Gerkin, Leader, William Hobbs, George Dew, John Saunders, Ben Watts, Carl Hill, James Risen, T. W. Croom, Clarence Pales, William Quin- livan, Fred Hatch, MacB. Wilson, 0. P. Herring, Daniel Lockjaw, John Foreman, Grey Hicks, Harris Courage Mrs. Fred Schiller Flora Macdonald Miss Mary Hall Annie Macdonald Miss Florence Alley George Washington.. Mr. Theodore Empie Governor Josiah Martin Mr. Warren Saunders Hugh Waddell Mr. Joseph W. Little Cornelius Harnett Mr. George Peschau William Hooper Mr. Jesse F. Roache Robert Howe Mr. Herbert O'Neill Alexander Lillington ; Mr. Rufus Hicks John Ashe._ Mr. Kenneth Burgwyn James Moore... Mr. Walter Blair William Campbell Mr. W. W. Black Francis Clayton Mr. Clayton Giles John Ancrum Mr. James Hasell McKoy Robert Hogg Mr. Eugene Beery Archibald Maclaine Mr. Milton Calder Frederick Gregg -...Mr. Hargrove Bellamy William Hill __ Mr. R. D. Cronly, Jr. Samuel Small Mr. Commodore Chinnis Sampson Moseley. Mr. Charlcton Symmes Abner Nash ^...Mr. Kenneth Burgwyn James Walker Mr. Sidney MacMillan Colonial Ladies Mesdames Clayton Giles, A. S. Williams, Thomas H. Wright, Sidney MacMillan, F. B. Gault, J. B. Hat- chell, Thomas Green, Philip Delano, John L. Ham- mer, Henry Taylor, Misses May Hardin, Elizabeth Sloan The Players of the Pageant 127 Dancers in the M-mxrE/iMisses Katherine Elliot, Mary Giles Bellamy, Lucy Murchison, Ruth Pleasants, Mary Pic- kett, Fannie Grainger, Harriet Bellamy, Alice Walker Messrs. W. Foivler Morrison, Sam Norlhrup, Walker Taylor, Jr., R. Willard Cantwell, Thomas R. Whitehead, John Dennen Corbett, J. Larry O'Neill, James Ha sell McKoy, Maurice Moore Zip Coon Mr. William Ham^annon Old Dan Tucker Mr. Sam Ruark Other Fiddlers The High School Orchestra Messrs. George Leftwick, Kenneth Scott, William King Butler... Levi Governor William Tryon _ ..Mr. Cyrus Hague William Pennington Mr. Emmett Bellamy Negro Slaves The High School Orchestra Militia... Men from Delgado and the High School Parker Qthnce Mr. Robert Cantwell George Moore Mr. John Murchison Couriers Messrs. George Pick, David Bradshaw, John Bunn, James Rtissell, Montrose Hinnant, Elmore Hinnant, Thomas H. Wright, Robert Tate Colonial Girls Misses Amanda Springs, Katharine Brothers Loyalty Mrs. Hugh Colder Bob H.4RRISON Mr. David Oliver Agnes Harrison Miss Katherine Taylor W. L. DeRossett Mr. Burke Bridgers James I. Metts — Mr. Edwin Metts O. P. Meares.__ Mr. Robert Williams C. Cornehlson Mr. Charles Parmelee James Ste\t:nson - Mr. T. E. Brown John L. Cantwell Mr. Paul Cantwell C. A. Wiggins Mr. Octave Wiggins Henry Savage ...Mr. James Durham Mrs. Armand De Rosset Miss Jane MacMillan Confederate Ladies Misses Crowingshield, Annie Balzcr, Carrie Too- mer, Theodosia Cantwell, Athalia Bunting, Mesdames J. Gilchrist McCormick, H. E. Rodg- ers, James Durham, M. A. Spooner, M. M. Riley, Fred Willefs, Robert Williams, J. I. Campbell, Thomas Speeden, A. M. Hall, Daniel Lockfaw, Ledley Symmes, R. H. Hubbard, Misses Burnett Owens, Marie Lockfaw, Eliza Davis Bridesmaids Misses Laura Parsley, Kate Faison, Julia Faison, Sue Lovering, Margaret Elliott, Marjorie Willard, Mela Rountree, Carolyn Northrup, Sue Northrup 128 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Flower Girls Misses Elsie Cleve, Mahle Gore, Mollie Holton, Mary Wilson, Aletha Ellis, Connie Watson, May Walters, Matlie Fergus, Alberla Batson, Beltie Jenkins, Naomi Penny, Annie McDaniels, Hazel Smith, Lucille Smith, Mary Huey, Geneva Matthews, Minnie Sandlin, Edith Walters, Minnie Jones, Leonora Mills, Thelma John- son, Mary Etta Marshburn, Vera Milton, Maurine Dyer, Nannie Capps, Margaret Mote, Pauline Futch, Thelma Shephard, Mary Lewis McNaull Confederate Men Wilmington Lodge of Elks Plantation Slaves Colored Spiritual Singers Mrs. Alfred Martin Mrs. James Sears W. H. C. Whiting Mr. James F. Sears George Thomas Mr. George Thomas John Newland Maffitt Mr. Clarence Maffitt A Boy Mr. Frank Hall James Sprunt Mr. Peter Brown Ruffin Braxton Bragg Gen. James L Metts Aides Messrs. Fred E. Little, J. Reilly Boys in the Street Messrs. Jack Sullivan, Walter Been, Charles, Peschau, James Allen, James E. Holten, Tom Croom, Daniel Ellis Citizens Messrs. R. H. Hubbard, John Hall Progress Mrs. Cyrus Hague The Spirit of War Miss Rosa Thompson The Nation.... Miss Bessie Burkheimer Participants in the 1917 Call to Arms, Representatives of the various patriotic organizations A pageant of tir? ICowi^r (Enpe Iftwc Under the Direction of ELIZABETH B. GRIMBALL Executive Committee Mr. James H. Cowan, Chairman (Chamber of Commerce) Mrs. John DeWitt (North Carolina Sorosis) Mrs. Louis T. Moore (Colonial Dames) Mrs. W. G. Whitehead (United Daughters of the Confederacy) Mrs. L. B. Sasser (Young Women's Christian Association) Mrs. Herbert Bluethenthal (North Caiolina Sorosis) Mr. W. H. Stone (Wilmington Automobile Association) Major W. A. Graham (Superintendent of the Public Instruction) Mr. Robert S. Carver (Rotary Club) Mr. Louis Poisson (Young Men's Christian Assocoation) Mr. Theodore James (American Legion) Mr. Fred Banck (Wilmington Lodge of Elks) Mr. Addison Hewlett (Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of New Hanover County) Mr. W. H. Struthers (Kiwanis Club) Mr. George Honnet (Retail Merchants x\ssociation) Authors Mrs. John DeWitt Mrs. Herbert McClammy Miss Ehza Davis Miss Athalia Bunting Mrs. Herbert Bluethenthal Contributors to the Text Mrs. Malcolm Little Mrs. I. C. Wright Mrs. O. G. Kelly Mrs. Gaston Phares Mrs. C. Meister Mrs. J. B. Cranmer Mrs. E. V. H. Peschau Miss Margaret Gibson Mrs. R. A. Parsley Mrs. Clayton Grant Mrs. M. G. Saunders Mrs. Henry Bear Mrs. J. B. Sidbury Cast Committee Mrs. W. G. Whitehead, Chairman Mrs. A. M. Waddell Miss Leonora Cantwell Mrs. Fred Schiller Miss Carrie Myers Mrs. J. V. Grainger Miss Jennie Murchison Mrs. A. M. Hall Mr. James H. Cowan Mrs. Sidney MacMillan Col. Walker Taylor Mrs. Lawrence Sprunt (129) 130 A Pageant of the Lower Cape Fear Costume Committee Mrs. Louis T. Moore, Chairman Mrs. E. K. Bryan Mrs. Clarence Maffitt Mrs. D. C. Love Miss Kate Fairley Mrs. Andrew Harriss Mr. V. B. Rann Mrs. James Menzies Dancing Directors Miss Leonora Cantwell Miss Bessie Burkheimer Director of Lighting Mr. Raymond Hunt Director of the Chorus Mr. E. H. Munson Spiritual Singers Rev. Frank Dean Auditorium Committee Mr. C. C. Chadbourn, Chairman Mr, Herbert A. Lynch Mr. James Wade Mr. James F. Cause Major J. R. D. Matheson Publicity Committee Mrs. E. B. Burkheimer, Chairman Mr. James Cruikshank Mrs. J. B. Sidbury Mr. Thos. H. White Miss Margaret Gibson Ship Committee Capt. Jas. S. Williams, Chairman Mr. C. D. Maffitt Mr. Fleet Williams Mr. E. A. Metts Book Committee Mrs. Herbert Bluethenthal, Chairman Mrs. L. B. Sasser Mr. Robert Carver Mrs. John DeWitt Mr. John DeWitt Finance Committee Mr. C. VanLeuven, Chairman Mr. J. F. Roache Mr. J. Holmes Davis Mr. E. Fred Banck Mr. Clarence LeGrand W 80 '•°*'-.~^'"'/' "V'^^'^V V^^'^o'' "\'*^ » * ^ "VIA*'" • ■ 1 ^i- *• tSM' * K* AT "^ ''•^^^* «7 "o^