HUHDp YEjlI|S /GO 58567 EN 'J FRED according to Act of Congress in the year 1876, by John Lesperan'C^, at '.he Office of the Librarian of t)ie Congress, Washington. » J Wvv,^ti:Kv. L^ju^ru^OL^ ■ . One HQNDRED YEARS AGO. ^^^ 5-22 5-f L SiSKv AN HtSTORICAL DRAMA (s) OK THE OF ipEPEpEflCE I N 4 ACTS AN 1) Xw LA MINERVE" steam TRESSES, 212 A 2I4, NOTRE DAME STREET, 1876 ^ist of i(|;haractcr^ Madison, Andre, Parker, Chambers, Arnold, Washington, t.a fayette, Clinton, Hamilton, McHenry, Varick, Talmadge Rochamheau, Haron de Viomesnil, Marquis de St. Simon, Dumas, Earher, Greene, Knox, Frank, Soldier, Magistrate, Paulding and Skinnkks^ Cow-BoYS, Footman, (Negro) Nelly, Eva, Madam Arnold, SUZAN, Chamber jNTaid English, French and American Officers and Soldiers, '. • ' : . LaDIEo, PLOPi-E. J^CT I. TABLEAU FIRST. {A door in Ihc, bachfiround openiiif] on a corriilor. Door overlook- iiifj a garden which surrounds the house. The scene is nt Nero York in August 1780. Mr. Parker, n wndth^ ship huildcr.1 (done in his study, rending a royalist neirs- poper. furniture of Iheperiod. A harpsicord). SCENE FIHST. PAHKER, (ieoi'fj;ia rec.oiKjiiorod, the two Carolinas in the power of the royalisis, the rchels beaten at Savaiinali, Gharlps'itoii aii'l Cambden evidently the canse of Independence is hiineii. True, the arrival of a French squadron is announced, but it is too late However, should the war continue, so much the better for me. Whilst others are fightinp:, I am making' money. To no one is the war more profitable than it is to myself. SCENE II. (Enter Parker's two daughters, Nem-v and Evai PAIlKEn. lAccnsting them). How charming you are, my dears ! You look like brides! NELI.Y. Whv do von speak tluis, father? Yon know verv well that •0 h ^ " - - • . lasts. wo have no chance of getting married so long as the war PAIIKEH. That may be true so far as Eva is concerned, Imt, Nelly, what prevents you mairying Chambers, one of the nmst eli- gilde men of New-York, an army contractor, a young fellow lull of promise who has just cleared £10,000 by his last con- tiact ? Nelly, you can hardly bpstow a thought on sergeant Henry, a young enthusiast who dreams of nothing but — ('. plory aivl iiulopiMidencH, and who fanrics that tlu^ '^"ly aveniit; of sikvh'ss in llic. world, esuecially in America, lii*s in notions and sonlinientality. Wiiat we want in lliisconntty are practical men, business men likti Chambers. NELI-Y. Mr. Chambers is perhaps loo mncli a man of bnsinoss. I do not like men who see nothing beyond money in this world, and for whom every thing is mere merchandise. PARKEn. Oh, you prefer people who have always fine phra?es on their lips, and no money in their pockets, like that Henry of yours. NELf.V. This love for Henry, why, father, you forget that you yourself helped to kindle it in my breast. Were yon not in the habit of bestowing the highest broker letter praise on h\s talents and character? PARKER. Yes, but then Henry was a business youth, an employee in whom I had the greatest confidence. I should have made his fortune if he had remained with me. But no, he must be carried away by the fine speeches of the Washingtons, the Franklins, the Adams, the Jeffersons, dreamers who Inrn all heads with their high-sounding words about liberty, patriotism and independence. To day he is a soldier, a sav- geant in the rebel army A fine position ! NELLY. In the first place, father, he is no longer sergeant ; he has been promoted for his good conduct to the rank of Captain. And then Major Andre, whom you like so much ami would gladly accept as a son in law, is he not also a soldier? PARKER. True, but the cases are very different. Major Andre is on the right side, the side which opens an avenue to fortune, the side wliich is bound to tri\miph. After the war, he will be a Colonel, perhaps a General, whereas when the rebel* nie over\vlii;lnie(l, their leaders impi-isoii<' fiitiirt', i\iu] see tilings vvliicli are iiivirfilMc toman. Hvit we had lii'tl.r not discnss this interesting,' (jiier-tion jnst now. Tell iis riilliei', Miss Eva, what these niii»k'«>anl forebodings niav he. EVA. Von will learn Iheni lalei', Major. CHAM in; IIS. ( Who had drawn near Netli/ on his arrical and hud vaiiih/ olhinpted to entjiif/e her attvnlton). Mr. Parker, yon speak of flu; sadness of Miss Eva, hut it appears to nie that Miss Nelly is not nmch l)eller. I never saw her so preoccni>ied, so distracted. PA UK KM. The truth is that if VjMX is low s[)irited, Nelly has an ailment which is about as had. She has deep sym]iathies I'ur the rtdiels. CHAMHEIIS. I*eriiaps for n rebel, instead of the rebels. NEM.Y. Singular or plural, the word '' rebel "' does dot frighten nie. PAIIKEII. (/// a low voice). 1 hear a knock. The man himself is coming. SGKNE IV. {Footman vshcrs in Capt. Henry Madison, lie bows to Mr. Parl{''r, and his daughters and Chainders. Nelly introduces him to Major Andre who shows surprise on seciny hi)n and heariny his natiie). MADISON. It is really I, Major, the prisoner of yesterday who takes advantage of liis liberty to salute these ladies before his departure for West I*oiiit. ANDIIE, I am happy to in ike your aciiuaintance, Sir. If you became — 10 — our iiiisoner, il was lliroiigli no fault of yours. You did your bt'.-l t ) taste of our bullets. ■ " ' . MADISON. Ht'lieve me, Major, I feel Uattered by praise comiu;z from one oftbe bravest and most distinguisbed otlicer of the King's army. CHA.VFIERS. How amusing to bear compliments bandit.'d between men wbo may perhaps kill eacb other to morrow. ( While Chambers speaks these words, Madison sits down at Nelh/s side at her invitation. Major Andre ivalks with Eva toward the window which looks into the garden. Chambers., visibly annoyed, is next to Parker.) NELLY. Do you know, Mr. Madison, that it is a long time since we bad the pleasure of seeing you ? But we have heard of yon. You have been made Captain and it seems the honor is not, undeserved ; you have been distinguishing yourself, and even exposing yourself too much. CHAMBERS. That is wrong, Mr. Madison. If you got killed, I know- some persons who would be inconsolable for your loss. MADISON. Really, Mr. Chambers ? And you are doubtless of the luimber. In that case, I will take care of myself, as I should be loath to cause you any distress. CHAMBERS. I am sure of il. NELLY (to Chambers). How your mind is turned to pleasantry this evening, Sir. Perhaps you are even ironical ? CHAMBEHS. .\re not these war limes? II MADISON. Yos, even-y one fights after his n\v:i fashion. (Chambers bites his lips). NEM.Y. N it true, Mr. Madison, that you are to li^avo us so soon — pi'rliaps to morrow moniiug ? ' MADISON'. Duty forces me to go. CHAMBKnS. Insteail of wandering on the banks of the Hudson, why does not Mr. Washington establish his qiiartijrs in New- York? We should thus have the pleasure of seeing you oftener. MADISON. \Ve wait till the British army comes to West Point. As, your profession obliges you to follow the army, we should tlien be sure to meet. CHAMHEns (ironically). I should fear to be made prisoner. MADISON. Oh ! fear nothing. We never take the troul)le of capturing iion-combatants. PARKER. • There is a rumor that the colonial army is in want of everything and badly demoralized. Also that Washington himself despiirs of being able to continue the war. Of course the slory is groundless ? CHAMIIERS. 1 imagine that if the continentals had the tea which they threw oVerb:>ard in Boston harbor, tiiey would make a better use of it. MADISON. .\nd I f.incv that, if the thing were (o be done over again, the British would be more accomodating in deUvering the — 12 — tea to the inhahitants of Boston. {Tununfj to Mr. Parker] I heuj '•' your pardon, Mr. Parker, lor not answering your (jneslion.s sooner. NELLY. It was not your Jaiilt, Sir. iMADlSON. It is true, Mr. l\irker, that our army has sull'ored nnu'h and still sutlers. It is in want of clothiuf;, shoes and often of bread, hut its patriotism and eoirage are always the same, and to supjiort its privations, it lias the example of its illus- irious chief. 'l"he assistance just received from France has naturally increased our conlidence in the success of our cause. CHAMHKHS. It is a (jneor patriotism wliicli invokes the help of foreign nations, .MAinso.N. Tlie cause of lh(i tliirtuuca>tatonr feel. CUAMnERS. Since we have heen s[)i\iUing of music, please induce Major And'c, Miss Kva, to siuir us a song or military hallad which he has lately composed and of which I have heard some of our otiicers speak. EVA. What, Majoi" ! You have written a song and told us nothing of it? 'Phis is very unkind. 14 — NELLY. Yes, it is too bad, and if you wisli to escapt' our wrath, you must sing it at ou<:o. ANDRE. I bpf? pardo!!, ladi(!S, but I would hardly like to sing a song wliicli might inn;, ihe feelings of Captain Madison. It might hiu't your own feelings, al?o, Miss Nelly, if report says (rue. MADISON. I promise you to regard only the merit of the oomposiliou and the talent with which it is sung. PARKKR. We are here on neutral ground. We may sing and do what we like so long as we don't fight. {Nelly nnii Eva prevail upon Andre, and he sing^ a royalisl bidlad of llie period. Parker and Chanibcis applaud loudly. \ CHA.MHEnS. Wliat do you tiiink of that, Caiitain Madison? MADISON. As well sung as it is well written. ANDRE (lo Madison). As we are on neutral ground, we should now have a song more suited to your ideas and feelings. PARKER. That is true. Captain Madison, you have the right of re- venge. Take it. {Mailiiif>n iniijhi be made, to ainn a ^onq in favor of indepm- i'i'aei\ if the arior is et/ual to it. O'herwise Nelly i)iiay only ilie taxes to which they cousent, combat and overturn an arbitrary government, they have laid down piincipleswhicli shall be the foundation of future ( onsiitutious and the seeil id' liberty throughout the world. You, gentlemen, who admire only what comes from Britain, call to mind the woi'ds of the great Chatham regarding the aulhois of ourDeclaration (d" Indep(nideuce. '' History, my Lords, has always been my favorite study. " Proud of being an Knglishman, I have made it my plea " sure and business to feed my intelligence \ipon the great " examples of Greece and Rome. \Yell, I declaie that in — 17 — '' thor,e classic lands of liberty, I read of no poople, no se- " nato, whose conduct appears to tne nobler and firmer than " that of th<^ Congress at l'hil;uloli)iiia. Blind Ministers I Do " you not see liiat America has 'Is Sydneys? The spirit " of 0[)position which animates it 60 day is the same which '* inspired our incestors when they ollered resistance to arbi- " .rary imposts and when, in aj^'es gone by. they consecra- " ted the principle that no subject of Great-Britain can be " taxed ag.iinst his consent." With regard t3 the misfortunes of the war, which we speak of, the responsibility must rest upon those who provok- ed it, and in any case, liberty is always worth the price which it may cost. ANDRE. Very well. Captain, you Speak as well as you fight. You are a dangerous nuui. The next time you are taken prisoner, you will not be released. MADISOM. I w 11 take care th«n not to be captured again. ANDHE. The next time, we shall do you the honor of seeking you on your ground, even at West Point. MADISON. You forget that West Point is guarded by Ainold and pro- tected by Washington. ^ ANDRE. So much the more reason to go there. PARKKU. Ah! really, Major Andre, you make me laugh. It would be very amusing if this thing happened. CHAMBERS. It is only natural that the matter should end thus. The insurgents have a General who appears to rely for success rather upon Providence than on his military abilities or the valor of his army. It would appoar that he expwcts a miracle from Heaven in his favor, 2 — 18 — MADISON. 1 did not know, until now, how far I should treat seriously a man who knows so well how to use the war to enrich and amuso himself, while others are stirring and shedding their blood for the cause which they have espoused. Bui I can- not allow him to insult, in my jiresence, the great man whom my country has plact d at tliP head of its armies, or to turn into ridicule the sentimHUts ol honor and piety which are his glory. Yesl the man who, for the pa^t five years, with a few regiments of improvised militia, badly clad, poorly fed, has withstood the torniidable armies of Great Britain, has won tho brilliant victories of Boston, Trenton and Monmouth, has borne iniiumfrable reverses Without flinching, — that man has reason to believe that Heavflu is with the nations struggling for their liberty. PARKER. Come, Gentlemen, let us be calm. We are three against one, we can afford to be generous. MADISON. Thank yon, Mr. Parker, for your good intentions, but this is not the first time that the rebels, as Mr. Chambers calls them, have fought one against three. NBLLY. You are not alone I can not help admiring tho noble, generous senlimenls which you have just expressed CHAMHERg. Capital ! Now even tln! women are having their head* turned by this fine talk of rebels. NELLY. And why should women remain strangorsto what is going on around them ? Why should they not have patriotism as well as men ? Is thf noblest of all feelings out of place in a woman's heart? The women of South Carolina, at this moment defending tlieir heartftones with arms in their hands, set examples of heroism which do honor to our sex, and whoever does not appreciate these acts of devotion is much to be pitied indeed. — 19 — MADISON (excitedly). Tli.'iiiks, thanks, Miss Nelly, for your generous words. CHAMnKUB (risin/j in vexation and taking his hat). I understand, miss, that I am out of place hero. PAHKEn (to Chambers retiring). What? you will not leare us Mr. Chambers, for such a trifle. (Chambers exit). PARKKn. This is just what happens when women meddle in matters which do not concern them. What do you say. Major ? ANDRE. I think that Miss Nelly hns nothing to reproach herself with. She was provoked by Mr. Chambers, and had a right to reply as she did. MADISON. I regret, Mr. Parker, that I was the involuntary cause of what has happtMied. But it was hard for me to allow that cause to be insultt.'d for which I expose my life every day. ANDRK. Well said I am bound to admire in general tne senti menls which you have expresged. PARKHR. Well, well. I am out of my depth. (Madison rises to leave. Andre approaches Parker). ANDRE (tu o low voice). This man cannot be won to our cause, but is there not at least some means of inducing him to remain here ? He is a valuable man. — JO — PAHKER. {Suvpnseily but seeitiy that Andre is serious, exclaiynt). I will try. {To Madison Irnviny) Captain Madison, I wish to have a word with you. (Madison caiues hack.) ANDHK. Will the ladies tike a tnrn in the garden ? NEI.LY AND EVA. Willi pleasure. The weather is ho fine ! {Exeunt). S(JENE V. (Parker and Madison alone). p/vnitr.n. Ynu Ri'p aware, Henry, that I have alwa\s esteemed you, and that I did all 1 conhl to keep yon with nic, and thus prevent you from plunging headlong into advenUires which would diistroy your future. I should haveheen happy to lake you in as my partner and even ?iccept you as my son-in-law. Vou renounced the pros[iecls 1 olfered to emhrace a hopeless cause. I have heen forced locastujy eyes elsewhere. I thought I could find in Mr. Chamhers the man to suit me MADISON. At the risk of being snsiiecled of jealousy, I will lake the liherty lo s'-iy, Mr. Parkei', that your choice appears to me an unfortunate out-, and I would advise you AitKi;ii. He is a business man ; but let us drop this point. Listen lo me. 1 am prrjiared still to do for you what I originally intended. You have already done enough for the cause of your choice. Give up war, remain with me, you will be iiiy partner and son-in-law. MADISON. Thanks, a thousand thanks for your generous ofi'er, l)ut 1 — n — cannot accept it under the circumstances. It would bo trea- son to my country. PARKEH. Rellect well. It is a fortune that you refuse. MADISON. I know it. I'AHKEn. It is your happini'S:;,and that of Nolly (Madison's face fpvios dark, he rises ayitated anil nervous.) MADiaON. My happiniiss ! The happiness of Nelly ! What you tell me is cruel Mr. Parker but it is impossibl(> impossible Duty before (iverythiug Miss Nelly will appreciate the motives of my refusal. ♦ PARKEn. Is this your last word ? MADISON. Yes, Sir. PAIIKBH. You understand, Mr. Madison, that too intimate relations with my family might be akward in future. MADISON. I will respect yonr wishes, Mr. Parker, the future will determine which of us was right. But have a care, Sir, that you do not learn at your own oxponse that it is less dangerous to CDufide the honor and the interest of one's family to men of conviction and devott'dness than to such faithless, heartless men as saci-ifice everything lo their own s<>lhsh ends. PAUKEn. Thanks for the lesson, Mr. Madison, I shall try not to forgot it. [Nelly enters followed by Eva and Andre). NELLY. What does this mean ? ')2 — ■^^ ^. [Drairs the sfieic and papers fall oai, Panldiii'i p''-hs ihrat vpK A plan of West PoJiii, des[)atclies addri'SLied to General Clinton. 'I'liis is a spy. ANDKl!:. Genil(!mi'n, I will give you my \\ai( h and all the money I have on me, if yon will l.'t me continne on my way. OSK OF MEX. Won't yon givi> more than ili.d, ? ANDliK. Yes. Name ilie sum. One of y(jn will go to New York for the money and I will remain here till \\\> return. PAL'I.MNd. Noi for ten thousand pound-! Our duly is to coudnct you to ColonelJamis!)!! who comm.uids the nearest post. \Exvuni). — n'i — TAIJLKAU V. SCKMC I. AriKihl ill /irioiilf n)ii>n nf his lirdihjuarlcrs al liobiiisnn's Jiuusc. \\'(tll, hd't him Andre is jnst the man lo !)■ enirapix-d. he 'S loo open hearted ir 1h' Wi'ii: (• ipmreil l''or Uw fii'st iim(! in my life I tremble .... The Llum-ht, overwiielnis me lini no, it is impossihh' n \vo\ihi he too lerribhj Wasliinglon and Ijal'ayetie will soon l)e here; couie, let ns p Genei'al came forth from llie house ai IIarll'oi-d wht're the confereU'-e took place, a large ci'owd gatlier(>d and gave him an enlhiisiaslit' ovation. Men, women and (diialren rushed forward to see him, \n touch him ev(Mi, and the. univei's.d cry was : '• Ifunali I'oi' Wash- inuton," '•Hurrah for the father of his country."' \\'a^iiiugion was pi'(»foundly moved, and iiiriueg towaiwU tli. l'"reii(di olficei'-, he e.\ciaime(f : "We uiay he lieateu jiv the Hnglisji, but see Ihe army which they will nevei' couijiu'r.' AnxoL'). (/// (// case\. 'Ihat w.-s indejd well said. M'HLNHY. (To Arnold). You doubtless know that, out of conj[ilimiMit to the French officers, the Commander-in-Chii.'f iuis orden.'d our oiiiceis to w-ear hereafter the white and idack cockade, — 30 — AIINOM). Tho arrival nf tlu! KhmicIi scoiiih lo l:av»> maile a gveat iniiirossiou upon Wasliiiigioii. UAMIt.rOV. Yos, GtMicral. Ik; iiciicvcsllicy will <^'wv us that siijxM-iority al s(>a which wo have; laclu'd till iiuw and vvhii'h li.is hi'lpeil the Biilish so nuich. M"HENnV. lit; lnv(>s Laray<'tt(; nion> than cvim-, biM'anse it is really lhronf,^h him thai wt> arc in }j:i('.it [tarl iiulclitcd for this Frcnci' sncfor. And it is not only soldiers that Wf gft, hut mont'y, clothing and shoos What is not jjenorally kiuiwn is thai tho Marquis of I-arayctlc not only gives ns tho advaiilago of his military abilities and the oxani[)le of his hi'aveiy, but he has ali'oady sacrificod a I'onsiderablo iiorlion of his own forlnno to food and clothe tho corps which lit; cuinmands All NOLO. (Distracted). That is noble. IIAMn.TON. We have contracted a debt towards GoneralLafayctle which I hope wo shall be able lo discharge. MRS. AliNOLl). Tell me, Colonel, what sort of men are these French oilicers ? nAMii/roN. They are charming, ^hulanl,and b(;long for the most part to dislingnislnMl families. 1 need Jioladd that, being French, they are all gallant. AiiNor.n, {fi/fecliiifi jtleaaniUnj). Don't speak too highly of these Fren(dim(>n, gcntb men, for yon might excite a cnriusily in ^Irs. Arnold whi(di would make nio jealons. MRS. AltNOI.I). At the risk of enconnieiing yoni- jealousy, General. T will confess my extrenif; desire of meeting these; Firnch oilicers. — 37 — SCENK II. \Entcr soy/rniU until tetter for Arnold.) (Arnold opens and rewls without hetraying his emotion; rises.) AnNOLD. G(MitI(;m(Mi, r Im'l,' your pardon. l)iit, an iinportaul matter oblif^os mi^ to start at once lor West Point. IMcaso e.xcuso Mrs. Arnold also, for a nioniont. {Exeunt hoth.) SCKNK in. [Jhnnilton and Mellennj at table.) HAMILTON. What is tho nialtor? What ^'nu call (Icnoral Arnold away so snddiMily to West F^oint ? He iiinst liav(.' received some important news. Otherwise he would have waited for the Commander- in-Chief. McHknuy. The British ai-my is perhaps moving forward. Sir Henry CUiilon may have made up his mind to attack West Point. HAMILTON. Yes. He seems to have seen hai-horing the project lor some time back. Captain Madison told me yesterday that ^lajor Andre had threatened to make him a prisoner at West Point. Andre perhaps s[»oke on information. McHenrv. Ah ! You snatched Madison from the hands of the British ? HAMILTON. Yes, but with some difTiculty. The British were as anxious to keep him as I was to rescue him. Mc Henry. What does he say altout the Provost guol and its keeper, the brutal Cunningham ? — 38 HAMILTON. Ho is (lelprmined Indie rallier than again fall in the hands of thai devil. Hnt I have advised iiim not. !o exitoso himself so nineh in futuio. T do not believe thai lliere is a Ijolder man in Iln3 army. 3IcHen'RV. And they say that his strength is eqnal to his valonr. HAMILTON. He hasjnsl proved that. Yon may ]ieri\aps know that he was taken prisoner l)y a hand of Co\vi)oys. near Dohl)'s Ferry, and succ(>eded in escaping tVoni them by llooring half a dozen of tiie brigands. McllENnv. Yes, I have hoard abont that. [Enlcr Major Varirh, Arnohrs aide-dc-curnp. Uamillon and Mrllcnri) rise and yrect hun.) SCENE [V. llA^^I,T()^■. What news. Major ? vaiih;k. News ? That is just what I como to yon for How comes it that yon are alone ? HAMH.TOX. The Mast(n' and Mistress having loft ns, we have taken possession of tlu; honse, VADICK. I know that General Arnold is gone lo West Point, hnt how is it that Mrs. Arnold is not here ? HAMILTON. She was to liave returned and finish iier breakfast with ns. VAni.;K. Wait a moment for nir, if you pleas", 1 will try to see Mrs. Arnold. (Exit.) — 30 — SCENE V. McilicNnv {In Ildiiulton). IL is strougc siie (loos not I'oluni now the GtMicral is gone. HAMII.TOX. PiM'h.'ips hor infant dt'tains her. \oii know sho is crazy about the child. [liiilcr Varick much troubled). What is it? VAIUCK. I found Mrs. Ai'uold ins(ui';ihlo in Ium' I'ooin. Thi* maid who entered with me couUl ;:ive no explanations. I sent for the doctor. HAMILTON. \ery strange. She was (juile well when she loft lu;ie witli the General. VAIUCK. {Moving (ihonlmixiouslij ) I must t^o to see about this. {To Mclk'iiry.) will you conic with me, (lolonel ? McIIenhy. Certainly. SCENE vr. {IlnriiiUoii riiifis. Killer wuilcr.) HAMILTON. Clear ihe talilo. \Wailcr nhfi/s. IfKiniltoii i'v///,-s abmil r"pec- ling.) It is astonishing. [Eiilcr LirnlriKnil Allni.) ALLi;\. Colonel, liere are letters and papers for the Commander- .u-Cbief from (.'.olonel Jameson. 1 HAMILTON. Very well. Hand them to me. I will deliver thorn to the Commander-in-Chief, who will be here in a few moments. {Exit IJculcH'intj oiHi Ilainiilon sits ilowii at tabic.) — 40 — IIVMir.TON. ripllprs nnrl papoi's fiorn Jnmeson I Snrnotliiiifi impoi-tant must have liapinMiofl I Ihink I had bettor read iIilmti at oucf} (Uiisenis a Icltrr and v'n/ls) Major Audrn arrested as a spy ! Important [)apors found u]>ou liis pei'soii Let us sop those papers, [oppux !hrm). Wliat .loos it mean ? A plan of West Point A list o'" iho garrison Information on the means of defence and attack {Eaitr Mclh'nni and Varich). SCENE VII. VAl'.K.K. No news? MAMU.TOK. Gentlemen, please wait liere an iu-Lanl. I must go imme- diately and nieel (Ik; ComniandiM' iu-Cliief. I have just re- ceived momenlons despalche;-;. (Exit.) v\r,icK. . . MoJ'o myshu'v. Colonel, there is something wrong, lint I must retnrn to jioor Mrs. Arnold. [Exit ) SCENE VII I. [Washmgton., Lfif your .u-ri'f, >[adani. I d(^[)lore iiio sad event whicli sti'iki's you so ( riiclly and d('[irivf-< ns ol' one of our bravest olhcers. a brotlier-in-arms\vlioni J loved. He assured, Madam, that we will do all in onr power io alieviale youi' mislorlnnH. Mas. AliNOI.D. Yon will no; throw nic into pi'ison 1 You will not separate me from my child ? .VASHINl'.rON. Certainly not, Mad;iiii. When you wish lo deiiart I will have escorted you as hii' as yoti likc^. Gud forhid that I should heighten the m!>roi'lunL' v.'hirh ovci v^'hehns you. Mas. ARNOLD [wreping). Poor child I whai I should I do if it were taken froni me? Poor darling! what will hecouie of it. What a terrihli- fu- ture the iniprudeucc of its lather re-erves for it I I v/ho built such hi'autiful projects in its lieJialf. Why was ii j)ori> ? Better that it had nevi-r .-eeu the lighi.... lint so long as I live, no one will take it from me. No, never. (>'/('■ ii'ses) General, you do not know what a niolher can do lo dei'end her child. WASHINTON. Be calm, Madam, I pray you. What can I say to con- vince you of my sympathy and regard for you? - 'la — ;.rr!s. AiiXOLn (s>/tiijr/ doirn (rfj, Madam, liial I wdl I)e ^nuided iu my rond'ict towards hiui by no iecliiig ol' liaii', iuit, only l)y the uiierest ol' the (..•ountry ami iiie honor n'i tlu' ai'my. iMrx. A. ovrrcomr, tisks lo rrlir". Kxil suj>poii''il bij the i,irs iiave iii-en cairled oui. biiL ii was too hite lo overtake Arnold. On leaving here, he ihrew iiimsell" into a barge was iianspoied by I'apid oar lO ilie VnlLore, and [lassi d ihrough our biie.^, wavi.ig a white handkeK.'hier. He is now oul o'' oin. resell. wx.iHwivvoy. {To Varifk.) Pleasc go and tell M'/s. Arnold tiuU, having done all I could to captu.'e her liusband and not liavMig — u — aiK '^oodod. I iirvH tlio plo.'isuro Oi" iiiforminf,' lier ihat ho is now in safety. You may siay willi her and see thai she receives oil the attention which her sad state requires. (Exit Viiyick.) HAMILTON. (icneral, Major Andre will soon be here. What are your oj'ders in regard to iiim. WASHiNrrroN. Keep liim underslrictgn.ii'd, and send liim to the head(|uar- lOis at Tappan. I will summon a court martial immediately. HAMILTON. F will confide him to Capiain Madision. lie is a thoroughly i'elialdfi man. WASHIN(;'''0N. Yes, li(? is. I know him. He will he I'esponsiide for Major Audi'O until his fate is decided. (E.vunt all except HainiUon.) SCENE XII. (Enlcr Andrt with Tahnadfje.) HAMILTON. [Glviiuj his hand to Andre). I regret what has happened, Majo'. ANDRK. Thank yon, Colonel, but I willed it. SCENE XIII. {Emer Madison.) ' HAMILTON (iO McidisOll). Captain, the Commander in Chief has given orders that the prisoner be put under your Cctre and conducted by your c.ompany to ihe headquarters at Tappan, there to be kept anlil further orders [Andre and Madison look at each other and €onnot rev r ess a cry of surprise.) — 45 — MADISON (Uoldiivj out his hand) Major, you will lielieve mo when I cxpioj^s iny i-ogrt^i iu boiii,Lr charg(Hl wilh a mi>si()n which [so little oxpoct'Ml, Duly is often terribly (.'xacliiig. ANDIU:. Captain Ma.lison, yon have reason to bo si li'isod, lor rlii- is very (liirerent I'roin wiiat I foretold you iu New-York. But it is an honor to be j.Miai-(le(l by .-iucli brave and loyal otiieers as Miijor Talmad-e and your:^elf. Exeunt Aiulrc^ 'la- dison^ Talmadije luilcr Varick. SCKXE. {Hfunillon and Varicli.) HAMILTON. Is poor Mrs. Arnold any l)etter? VARICK {GhoinUv). Yes, a little. HAMI/.TOX. So inueh the better, f fi'art'd that she mi.'^hl lose her reason. VAIUCK. Small wondtM' if she had. Hu\ iell me, Coloiud, wliat dor- all this mean ? I have my susiiicions indeed, but ilicy ar." so terrible th^it T dare not enirrt.-iiii llii>m. iiAMii/rox. It is only loo true. Arnold is a traitor. VARICK {iJi'sprraicli/]. Arnold a traitor? \Yhat will become of ns ? What a dis- grace ! lIAMir.TON. Be calm, Major. We may thank Ib.'ivi'ii tint ihe cojis- piracy was discovered in tinKn Come with me to W'cl Point, Major. Y'on require a little distraction. {E.rruiU.) — 40 — TACLHAU V. illiOiliiiiai tcrfi (t( Tiijijiaii^ Madi^uii ir(il!;i,i;/ up ai./l tluivn musiii;/.) MADISON. I'ooi' M.ijor AiMJrc coiKlcinucd lo (Icjilli Viid such a (loall, ...Mar'i.'il law is iii(\\(^'ai>lt' ^o nobh; and so .'^eiit'r- oiis.. ..(iOiidemned lo d'o like a vile iinirdcnM- Oli ! why did I ];now hiin! Is il possihlo io s<'0 him. to ajiKroich him. wilhoul, loviii.^ him ? lie does ool. know Ihe kind of death ;!wailin^ him, o:' i-ather lie will iiol believe il SCICNE r. SHUCI-ANT. C;i]it.'iii>, some of l!i'> niei) ha\t' jnst (M'l/i.'sled a Wfjuiaii v»"hi) asl.s 10 lie l)i'(Mi,!4hl licd'oie yoi!. MADISON. Send Inn- in. \Enli'r Eva Parhcr.) MADISON (10/7/; siirprific I It is not possilt'e My eves d(M'eiv(> me IL is noL Miss i;vA. Yes, Sir, il is I. So soon as ! le;i"ned Ihal Majoi" Aiidiv iiad l)oen (■a;ilni'"d, ■•ind Ihal ins life was in d;>.ny"!-. ' se^ on! ,11, o ore. ivavidliii;.; iiiuiil and dn. an.'S ymn- family kntnv \^■he"e yon axe, whal daniicrs yon an.' incnrj'in!.;' ? l-VA. My lather km^v/s maiiin;;-. iinl Nelly knows all. and, instead or dissuading me, .sue said that, in my [ilace, she would do the vei'y same tiling. I / MADISUN \lJir/ili/ UloVt'dl. Hoally, I do not I;no\v wli;it to .'iiiswcr So niiicli dt'votediiess und iinpriuloiicc (]nUi' U[isi t, inc. KVA. Spoak lo nio ni)onl Major Amlre. How is he? What is to 1)0 h's laic ? MADISON {prrplrxcil and lusildtiiig]. EVA {cniiliiiiiiinp. Do not f(>ai' to loll nif tlic tnilli. He is iiol already dead ? MAItlSOX. No. No. i'lit li(> aii[K'ar('d Iii'roi'(> a I'lnirt niai'i'al Con 'osspd ovoi'vl hill, u acduiowJiMlj^t'd Ilia! I'l' had vio- Ifited Ihc hnvs of war, and has hi'cn roiKk'niiu'd on his own conu.'ssion. KVA. That is, condemnod to dealh? MADISUX. Alas KVA. Captain. t;i!:(' mv divocHy lo ilu^ Com'naiid '■■-i!i-C!ii(!f. MATilSOX. I a'li t'.vpedi'iL;- him liiu\' Tip w he is. SCF.XK ][. KVA {III) otrinii hcrsflf iil tl\- frcl of ]\'(islu'n'jloiiK Gtiicral, I have I'onioto s^-(? win tlicr i! is Iriio that yon a"(> as !Ji'n'':'ons, as they say. I couic to ask the pardon of Major .Andre. WAsniNr.TON (ih'arrUjili'Uj]. Rise. Mad.iii. Who ;"■:! you ? Whori? do yon conio from ? \Shi' riscs). — w — MADISON, liiM' namf,' \^ Miss Ev;i Parkci'. She ih tho ilaugh(ci' Oi one of lilt' prii^cipiil citiz(!ii;i of N(>w ^'o^k. AVASHINC.rON. I Know ilio nauiP. l/o Era) Dear lady, your flevodoii louciies me. Yniir act is iuipruclt'iil. Imt ^\oi'iliy of praise But \vliat Iran do? lean a{)pn'cialn ilic Aympiiliy wliicli this yotuif? oilicor pxcitcs. I licir on all ^i(!<.'s ilie iiiost. ilatlci-iiip; praisH of liis ''liaracttM' and mi. id. Mnl Cap- tain Madison mnsl havo inrormcd you that ho Ikc^ jn^t !)oen ('ondcnmt'd by a court niai'tial on liis own coni'o^•■ion. and thai he a(dvno\vled'rt's Iho justice ol' llie seiuonc(3. KVA. (leiici'al, [ do not know the laws of war. [ ■•idniil, wliai I 'iav(> often JjeiMi told, that llii' British have; iheniielvcs laid down the rules and precedents to he foilowHl in sU'h e.'i-.:'b as ihis. All I know, and what oni^ht to niovi' yon I- lliai Major Andre is th' viclini of ins i-iMierosity, aiid devotion lO til" ''ausi> wliifdi he has enihr.iced and whicli he I)>di"ves, the I'i.'^lit one, Ih.- is ^uiiilty luily of Iiiiviu^ doie ei-^ duiy in oheyin^^^ the orde:'s of hi- snjMMior ollicer. WASniNT.rON. riiftn'tunalidy. dear hnly, the law aduiiis no exc(^pi,lon-<. It deUnes ;uid [finishes au o!l'.'iici' and aiipli(!> it to all pn'sons W'.thonl rii>liiiciion, [ am nior(> than eviM- int'i'esied in your n(di!e client, hut no oiie h.is jet shown me ihe means of si.vin,!:;' liiui. EVA. 'rher(> is hut oiit^ voice anioiij, both the friends and adver- saries of Major Andre to say that it is unfortunate he should l)e punished when the r-<(l culprit, is at lib 'rty. AVASniNCTOX. Your nolileand fiidicious imiarks, lady, havi; more weight with me than llu,' tlirealsof G(Mieral Arnold and the rude eon- duct of those whom GoiKM'al (jlintou has despaltdied hero You say with reason that tlie ^reat culprit is (ieneral x\riiold Well; let him I'O surri'iidered and Majoi' Andre is free. — 49 — \Eva ionkiiifi up hoprfully) Wn/thiniiioi) co)ilinurs. Do not rejoice prtMiiatiinily, luiwovoi-. I am [icrhaps wrong to slicd a ray of lio|)e oil youv luiiid, hocausc it is loo late to o;n[)loy the means w'lich I suggest, ami Sir HtMiry Clinton will not surrender Arnold. MADISON. Cannot Loid Clinton be sounded on that subject ? WASHINGTON. Yes provided nobody consider himself authorized to make such a pi'oposition. But such a mission would require a man of character and intelligence. EVA. Oh, thanks, thanks, General. The man you look for is here. (Poinlinrj to Madison). WASHINGTON. Will you go. Captain ? MADISON. I will. General. When shall 1 set out ? WASHINGTON. Go and get ready. To day is the 29th. You will have to be back here before noon of the 2nd October. Miss Parker will accompany you doubtless? EVA. Yes, General, I will go to Sir Henry Clinton with Captain Madison and I will tell him that the only means of repairing ih>' fault he committed in exposing the life of such a man as Ma,oi" Andre is to accept your offer. If he refuses, on him will weigh the responsibility of the death of a man whom even his enemjes will i-egn.'t. Genera!, before going, I have another favor to ask. Might I see Major Andre ? WASHINGTON. I regret, lady, that I cannot grant the recjuest. T con Id not allow the interview without violating the strict orders which I have given, and the conditions which I have imposed upon — 50 — mysolf in this sad businoss. But Major Andro will be apprized of the noble steps voii li;ue taken in his behalf. Captain, go with Miss Paiker to make your final pieparatinns. Bill I must give you a jiassport, and a lelie;' for Ge'ieral Clinton about his last propositions (The writes two paprrs mul gives them to Madison). WASHINGTON. I wish you holh a good jonrnt-y and a good success. {Exeunt Madison and Ecu thauKmg Washington. Hamilton comes in). SCENE III. WASHINGTON {to Hamilton.) Happy to see yon, colonel. What news at West Point ? HAMILTON. Everything quiet. Lord Clinton has not moved and our army is full of spirit. The tn\'ison of AnioM has not produ- ced such bad result as might have been feared and there is no other defection apparent in our ranks. WASHINGTON. Thank Heavens ! Colonel will yon come with me to examine some works which I liare oriJered to be made? (Exeunt). TABLEAU VL [Clinton at head quarters, No. "^ Broadway^ New York, with some of his principal officers. Paci's up and dotvn agitated). SCENE L CLINTON. So, it is all over threats, prayers all in "aiii Poor Andre must die die the death of a spy No way of saving him .... Noble youth, whom I loved as a son My friendship and confidence have been fatal to him What deplorable termination of a project on which I had counted so much All seemed so well combined, so admirably — 51 — prepared I already fancied I saw llio Royal standard waving over the lorls on the Ilndson \Vliat a triinnpli for Hie Now the reremain only the shame of failnre and the legnit of having sent to deaih, to the scaflbld, the hest heloved of my ofllcers, Andre who sacrihced himself lo pleast; me and serve the army Oh ! what would 1 not do to save him ! (Enter sergeant giving letter to aidcde cav\p who hands it to Clinton. Clinton reads). * CLINTON. Show them in. SGKNE II. {Enter Madison and Eva.) MADISON. [Handing message to Clinton). Your E.xcellency, a message from General Washington. CLINTON. (lie reads). Yon are Captain Madison ? MADISON. Yes, Your Excellency. CLINTON. .\nd yon, Miss ? (Looks with surprise). But I recognize you. Yon are Miss Parker. EVA. Yes, Sir Henry. CLINTON, (to Madison and Eva ) Do you desire a private interview ? MADISON. If Your Excellency pleases. (Officers retire). CLINTON. How come you, Miss Parker, to be in company with Captain Madison ? 52 EVA. ! corno fcom Topj^an, the ho;ulqiiarters of thti continental army. I woul Ihore to i)i'ovei)l tho sacrifice to Imrharous customs of a man wiioni yon esteem, whom everybody loves, and whose death would be a disgrace to all those responsible for it. CLINTON. Yon know, Miss Parker, that no one would regret the death of poor Andre mon; than 1. Yon know also that I have done ev>*rything to save liini. But up to the present all has been usL'lesj. MADISON. All of ns, from the Commander-in-Chief down to the lowest soldier, desire the rescue of Major Andre, bnl we also Jill nnih'rstand that the laws and customs of war, the honor and interest of our causi^ demand the punishment of a fault whose gravity Major Andn; himself acknowledges. There is only one way of conciliating our sympathies for Major Andre with the exigencies of war. Having in our possession one of the authors of the conspiracy, we cannot release him except, perhaps, if the other and principal agent be surrendered to us. CLINTON, (impatient). Captain, yon make an impossible demand. You speak of tho laws and usages of war, and you would have int; violate them by giving up (icneral Arnold My sympathies for Major Andre will not induce me to commit an act of baseness anil cowardice. EVA, {oery excitedly]. General, tluM-e is no cowardice in repairing a fault, in taking the only means which remains It) prevent a great injustice. If it is true, that the deed committed by the Major is so grave as to deserve death, you astonish me with your >cruples, for after all it is yon that is the real culprit, since it is you that took advaut.ige of M;ijor Andre's generosity and made him commit this act. since it is for your sake that he is expos(Kl to die on th(; scaffold. You speak of eowardict^ bu! it seems to me that it would be less cowardly to deliver General Arnold into thehandsof those whom he has betrayed, — 53 — for the purpose of satinp Major Andre, than it was to have bought him and charging a man like Major Andre with a mission so repugnant to his lofty sonl. CLINTON. Miss Parker, yon will please withdraw, because I fear that my regard for your sex and your family would not sullice to retain on my lips words which I would regret to have uttered. To speak to me as yon have don(^ when I am racked and tortured with the regret that I cannot save the man whom T have so lov(>d, whose di'votion and aU'ection I can novt-r forget, oh ! it is crucd. ... No. I cannot save him hut 1 will avtmge hmi. Every hair of hish(»ad will be [laid for in blood. Ah ! you want the war of savages, war to th(^ knife, ])ilil('ss, relentless ! Well, you shall have it. Captain, you shall have it. MA»H0N {with aniinadon). General, this will bo nothing new. The war of savages, war without truce or mercy, you have waged it against us this long time, [s it we wlio aiassacre defenceless women and children, who apply the torch to houses and harvest fields ? Is it under ourtlag that the tomahawk of the Iroquois flashes? Do we pay savagi^ hordes to commit tlie atrocities which the greatest of your orators has denounced in the Parliament of Great Britain ? CLINTON {very angry). Enough, Captain, enough Here is General Arnold him self. Let us drop the subject. SCENE II. {Eutrr Arnold). t ARNOLD. Excuse me, Yonr Excellency, for entering so abruptly, but a most pressing alTair has brought me to you. (Recognizes Eva). If I mistake )iot, this is Miss Parker. CLINTON. Yes, General, and this is Captain Madison. (Arnold efftrs hit hand to Eva. She refuses to take it). — 54 — EVA. Never, General. There is but one way of repairing your fault. Siirreiider yoursHlf to those whom you have betrayed, and save the life of Miijor Andre, i ARNOLD. Really, your love for Major Andre has affected your reason. CLINTON. 1 have hinted as much to Miss Parker. EVA {in great distress). I have reason enough left to understand and proclaim that the betrayal of West Point will be the eternal disgrace of the traitor, and the shame of the man who purchased him. CLINTON. Miss Parker ! EVA. And that both will bear the responsibility of Major Andre's death General, rejoice, you eause the death of a man who was always ready to sacrifice his life for you and the British army, and you get in exchange a man who, for money, will betray you to-morrow, as he has betrayed his countrymen. [Eoa retires towards the do»r). AANOLD [to Madison who also retires). I say, Captain, what would you do to me, not if I surren- dered myself, which is absurd, but if I were made prisoner? MADISON (excited). We would cutoff the limbs that have received wounds in the service of our country, and the rest of the carcass would be hanged 1 {Exeunt Eva and Madison). SCENE III. CLINTON AND ABNOLD. ARNOLD. What are they after ? — 55 — CI.1NT0N. They want to exchange Major Andre for you, General. AJINOLD. A nice idea ! CLINTON. 1 have rejected it, but, General, I will confess that I should not have undertaken this business had I foreseen the fate of poor Andre. ARNOLD. It is true, Sir Henry, that I have not given you what I pro- mised, but let me have the chance to show my zeal for the British cause and you shall be satisfied with me. I am as much interested as Your Excellency to revenge the failure at West Point and the death of Major Andre. CLINTON. 1 have already thought of despatching you to Virginia, Ge- neral. Come with me to consent Admiral Ronney on the subject. (Exunt). TABLEAU VII. {Washington^ Green^ Knox, Lafayette, Hamilton^Talmadge, together at headquarters, Tappan, 2nd October, about 11 a. m. WASHINGTOM. No news yet from Captain Madison. HAMILTON. No, but he will arrive before the stroke of noon if he is alive I hear a sound It is perhaps he (Looks through the door.) It is he. (Enter Madison covered with dust). WASHINGTON. What news, Captain ? MADISON. Lord Clinton refuses General. — 56 WASHINGTON. What is to be done, .eentlemen ? Shall the sentence of the Court be euforred or set aside ? I know,l!iat the -e'ease of Ma- jor Andie would lie populnr in the n.w.y and I have no per- sonal motive In desire the dealh oT ll'is yoiiiig nia:i, but do the interests of our cause and llie laws oT war autho- rise us to liberate a man who is condcirned as a spy ? [Letlcr broufjht in, Hamilton hands it to Wasliitujluu who opens it). It is from Major Andre {Heads] " liuoyed above il e le "o'' of death by the consciousness of a life devoted to hono;able pursuits, and stained with no action that can give nie remorse, I trust that tlie request I make lo Your Excellei cy at this serious period and which is to soften my last momeuis, will not be rejected. Sympathy toward a soldier will surely induce Your Excellency, and a military tribunal, to adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a man of honor. Let me hope, Sir, that if aught in my character impresses you with esteem toward me, if aught in my misfortunes marks me as the vic- tim of policy and not of resentment, I shall experience the operation of these feelings in your breast by being informed that I am not to die on a gibbet." {All sad). WASHINftTON. Gentlemen, your opinion, if you please? GREENE. Although it may appear cruel to refuse Major Andre not only the liberty which he no longer exp'^cts., biH even the request contained in this letter, yet I am of opinou that we cannot set aside the sentence of the court iuartla' wiJiout declaring, coutraiy to the confession of Major Andre himself, that he did not play the spy when he penetrated within our lines, under disguise, to negotiate the most infunious treason that was ever perpetrated. It would establish a dangerous precedent. KNOX. That is also my opinion. LAFAYETTE. And mine. WASHINGTON. ( To Hamilton ) Colonel, give orders for the execution of the — 57 — sentence, and you, gentlemen, ito lalmadgc and Madison) who have so sincfre a friendship fur Major Andre, go and prepare him for his fate, but do not acquaint him with ihe result of this letter. The hope of a favorahle reply will soothe him up to the last moment. [Exeunt Talmadge and Madison}. WASHINGTON. Let us go and have the troops put under arms. {Exeunt). TABLEAU. Tappan Prison. — The 70 Stonp House. — Tiro American Officers (Lieutenant and Ensign), with drawn sicords. — .^ajor Andre. SCENE L Andre having received his regimentals from New York.^ has finished dressing. His servant., an English soldier^ attending him is weeping. ANDRE [to the servant). Leave me until you can show yourself more manly (Exit servant). SCENE 11. Andre seated at his table draws a pen and ink portrait of himself Enter Madison. ANDRE [rising to meet Madison). It is you, my dear friend ? Oh ! let me thank you for all you have done for me. How can I testify my gratitude ? MADISON [feelingly). Do not speak so I have done for you only what you would have done for me. Only, you would perhaps have been more successful ANDRK. I know all. Let us say no more about it. You see I am prepared for what is going to happen. I have dressed for tke occasion. But Miss Eva, who has given such a striking proof of her love, how is she ? 58 — MADISON. As you know, she came with me to see Sir Henry Clinton, and she was very s'rong so long as she retained a hope, but when I left her she was downcast, indeed. ANDRE. What a noble young lady 1 Captain, souls like hers make us cling to Mfe {wulk up and down). My dear Madison, I would write her at least one little word. Will you deliver it? UADISON. Yes, Major {Andre writes a few lines which he hands to Mad' ison). ANDRE {reflecting). My dear mother and my dear sisters! what a blow for them ! (He is absorbed and rises). Madison, pardon, but I owed a last thought to those I love and who have loved me. MADISON. And they are so many ! ANDRE. Yes. in my brief career, I have met with many noble souls, many generous hearts and the last are now the least {saying which he gives his hand to Madison). Madison, there is one thought which distresses me. It is that Sir Henry reproa- ches himself with my death. But I have written to sooth, him aud to let him know that I alone am guilty, because in penetrating your lines and disguising myself, I contra- vened his express orders. This letter will set him at ease. Madison, is il gen'^rally allowed that, in acting as I did, I was actuated only by hoHorable motives ? MADl^K. Not a soul doubts it. ANDRE. I am satisfied, Captain. Will you allow me to give a last stroke to this portrait Here, {showing it) how do you like it ? — 50 — MADISON. But it is your own likfuess. You drew this without a looking glass ? (aside) and at such a moment. ANDRK. (Drawing). Oh! I know myself well, (finishing sketch and giving it to Madison). It is for you, will you accept it ? MADISON. I am unworthy of this token of friendship. ANDRE. Please accept it for my sake. {Madison takes portrait. Enter Hamilton. Andre greets him with affection). SCENE III. ANDRK. Well, Colonel, do you fetch me an answer to my last letter ? HAMILTON. {Embarrassed) Alas ! No, Major. ANDRE. Oh ! I entertain no doubt, that the Commander-in-Chief will grant me this last favor. He has been so kind to me since I have been here. I have written to Sir Henry Clinton that I received every attention from General Washington and his officers. I quite understand he could not set aside the sentence of the Court Martial. Hence, as you know, I have never asked but one thing. That was to die the death of a soldier. MADISON. Hamilton and Madison strive to hide their emotion. A noise at the door. Enter Officers and' soldiers in two rows. ANDRE. I understand, gentlemen. I am ready. (He starts holding Madison and officer by the arm, — the scaffold might be seen by Andre in the distance. Seeing the scaffold, he steps back a little). — 60 — MADISON. Why. this emotion, Sir? ANDRE. I am reconciled to my doath, but I detest the mode {Recovering] Il will be but a mom(mtary having. (After advancitig a feiv steps farther^ he turus and says] : I pray you to bear rao witness that I meet my fate like a brave man. j^CT III. EIGHT TABLEAU. {Ur. Parker in full dress in his study. Is reading newspaper.) PAnKisn. Just as I suspected. The oliject of Washington in feigning the siege of New York lately, was to withdraw the ailenlion of General Clinton, and send his Itnops down to Virginia without being molested. (Heads.] "The French fleet, has reached the mouth of York river" So that Gornwallis, who boasted of cornering Lafayotle, and who di>clared with confidiMice : " 'Ike boy will not escape me, " CornwalUs is blockadi'd at Yorktown and hemmed in on all sides. I shouldn't wonder that Gornwallis were forced to surrender to the combined force's of W^ashington and Ijafayette. The issue of the war will probaldy be decided before York- town I shouldn't bo soriy to see the war come to an end, for things are bi'ginning to" look bad Nelly's mar- riage with Ghambei's would suit me now better than ever But so far from loving him, slie has declined his offer and he is much put out about it. SCENE II. (Enter Nelly in ball costume.] NELLY. All the guests are arriving, father. I have come to fetch you. PARKER, One moment, Nelly. Yo\i are awar» that I give this enter- tainment for the purpose of pleasing the officers of the Britieh 61 — army, vvilli whom it is more tliau ever my inlcrest to be on good terms. I trust that you and Eva will do your b,3St to be amiable Poor Eva! Will she lay aside her weeds to night? and shake off some of that sadness which has overwhelmed her lince the death of Major Andre ? KELLY. Yes*father, she will, and I think you will be satisfied with her. She is receiving at this moment and is charming. PARKER. Another word, Nelly. I have received a letter from Cham- bers. He is very much annoyed. I regret thai yon should offend a man of whom I stand in need and who may do me an injury. NILLY. Gome, dear papa, as you desire that I ihould be in good spirits, do not refer to that man. SCENE III. (Enter Eva.) EVA. What are you doing here 1 You are expected in the drawing room. (Parker looks at Eoa admiringly.) PARKER. How handsome, my dear ! 1 am delighted ! {Kisses Eva. on forehead). Let us go. [Excunl]. TABLEAU IX. (Parker's drawing room. Arcade in background opening on wide corridor^ window and glnsx door opening on the garden. A dozen of couples, all almost officers of the British army with wives and young ladies promenading through drawing rooni.^ corridor and garden. Two young officers^ both Captains^ awaiting the return of Nelly and Eva.) — 62 — SCENE 1. {A Colonel and wife slop th» two young men). COLONEL, Gentlemen, you are iinpalienlly expecting your two charming partners. The fad is that the Misses Parker were never so charming and so beautiful. Really if 1 were younger. WIFE. Colonel, you are young enough too young even, COLONEL, You flatter we, ray dear. But I was about to say that if younger, and if I had not had the happiness of marrying you, i hhoiild not allow two suck beautiful young ladies to be snatched from my gr.isp by any body, especially not by rebels. (M. Parker and daughters enter, ihe two young officers give their arms to Nelly and Eva respectively.^ and the guests come forward te salute M. Parker). SCENE II. COLONEL. I must thank yon, Mr. Parker, for haying had the happy idea of giving us a ball before our departure for Yorktown, where we art going to make the rebels dance to the sound of cannon. PARKER. Take care. Colonel, that you don't arrive after the ball is over. COLONEL. No danger. Washington always takes his time. PARKER. This time, however. Colonel, he seeras to have marched fast enough to get there before you. (Several couples come up). AN OFFICBR. Mr. Parker, the ladies ask that the dance begin. — 03 — PARKER. Very well. The inusir is ready. Take your placos. SCENE III. (The dancf. Oddities of the old Coloiul during the dance at the option of the actor). SCENE IV. [Promenade. Nelly and partner engacjcd in earnest convrrsntion) ofFiCKR, {aloud). Evidently, Miss Parker, you are always a rebel. {Nelly withdraivs her arm secminyly annoyed). Yo"u rebel against the admiration and love of every one e.xcept CapUiiu Madison. NELLY. Ah ! that is better. OFFICER. But alas ! If it is true all the same. NELLT. As you are not asking me a question, there is no need of my replying. OFFICER. Do ynn know, Mr. Parker, that I have half a notion sometimes of going over to the enemy, in the ho[ie of becoming more agreeable to you. NELLY. Oh, now. Although, as an American, I am proud of a cause which produces so many great deeds and reveals so many noble characters, I cannot help seeing what is good on your side also But it is warm her(». Let us walk toward the garden, if yo.u pleas*. Captain. {Exeunt). Scene iv. i Eva and partner enter drawing room convcrsimj. They stop). — 6i — EVA. f Well, 1 am lionml lo ac'knowlo(l,ad ? [ftr/idimi siynatiin". I'i'oin Nelly ! [Runs etjr orcr paper) But I must he iiiistaUeii It is an hallucination. (Pnssiwj his hand over his jorrfiend). Eva as-^assinated At a l)all ! oh! this is iHi'rihlel Poor Kva what a nol)le charac^tcr I wiiat adniirahle devotion! And the antlior of the rrinie! Let nie see what slu^ says [reads nn). It is snijposed to have heen an act oi' vengeance on a Ivoy.'ilist family hy the rebels, it is not my opinion •' 1 dare imt pay it, bnl somethini; makes me snspect that we know the assassin well and that he mistook his victim." {Hrjircts . Perhaps he mistook his victim ? Could it he he? [Rises excited) Oh ! If I were ihere to assist in his discovery... Bnl no, this snspicion is ahsnrd And yet... the wrelcli... {An, American soldier of ii'^li/ nppeai-ance and hypocritical inirn, comes up while Madison spealis.) MAUISON. Ha ! it is yon, Prank. — ()(; — M\ANK. K.\cii?i' nil', (laiit.iin, |iim1i;iiisI (li*tinli yon. MADISON. No. I li.ivc a [ii(M'(' of liad news lo ltIvc yon. Miss \\\;t I'arker is dcail. KllANK. DtMd : MADISON. Miir>J(M'('(!. FKANK. MiirdiTcd I By whom ? MADISON. That is iiol known. Sn.Mi a fine yong huly I niANK. MADISO.v;, I''i'aiiii, while, yon were at M. Park t'"s, did yon know Mr r.hambei> ! lliANK. Y-'s, ('aptaiii oh 1 knew him liy si-jhl on'y. I did not lilve liis face MADISON. ^Vhy SO? IliANK. Well, there was something ahoni him {nuihs siiins iriih Ikuh/x] yon know what I mean. MADISON. Hid yon any s[)e('ial reason for not tmsting him. FRANK. Oh! Xo. 1 wonld not say anything ai^ain-t. him. I have ;iiy own I'aults aiil don't care to s[»eak of those of others. ^^\Dlso^. When did von h ave New ^drk for onr aiinv? " FIIANK. Wliy, ;il)o It a nioiiih ;i.na. MAniSON. W.is Mr. ('.li.imbtMS in llu luiliil of vi>i;iiig ,il Mr. I'atk-'i's llKill? FH.VNK. \>s, Ciptaiii. h ' w.Mil Uu^rrt p;vliy ofiiMi, hut I lliink Mi-s Nt^lly loveii anolher hettni' lli;iti liim. MADISON. Will) w.ns lh:il? FRANK il<) ikx Ush'iliU'f nl Mulisi))).] A British ofVu'cr, a fmn lookiiii,' man. Wh.'ii I w.mu omi ^vllll Miss I'arker, wt? uljI him ol'teu. MADISON ri))i'yolli'iij liiuiaelf, b)')ks ul lil:< iratrk.'' I must ^'0 t(i thi' hcailqnarltM's of tlit; ic\^iini'nt. 1 will s^^ft you a^aiu. iKcit.i ri'.AVK. Aha I The h'ow went hoMic. For tJit- first timi^ I hav.-i'u'L (lonu hadly. The part [ have trot f<> jilay is r.aUior important — f:ive aid ami ('(nufori lo tiie Hoyalistarmy and make oul ihat it is Madis(jii who docs so. Luckily 1 am In ^cl \h,>. rtnvard 1 liave thrown already two hMfors to tho British pickets They cout.iiiiei useful inl'ormatious. iJui now General Washinglon must he made lo helieve it was Madison writes them, or at loast suspjct him. {UrtiuH unsealed letter from fits pockft, nj)i')i:i ami looks * hitter oil his path Jhrous U., All riu'ht Mr. (Ihamh.'r* g.'l your moiii'y. ready. iExil.) ( \\'iisli'}i'jion (iii'l IhimtUon romvvj up.) WASIUNC.TON. It is singnlai'. Hut of lat« lln» enemy seems to know all aljout our plans, liavi; you not noticed this, Colonel ? us — G8 — HAMILTON. Yv's, Gonei-iil. U is clear that the enemy has spies among WASHINGTON {lrampUust, h(» ck'ait'il up. iVease tell Captain M tdisoii '0 rt'iioi't 10 liiiailijurti'tcrs at oiu;.', I will cxptHil him, TABLEAU XI. Wushiiifilon^ I.afin/iiii'^ llamUlon ottrrinq at hrailqKdi-lCfs. Enler MuU^ion. Snlnles. The scene yrprrsnits a tcnl. SCENE [. .MADISON. Gcuoial, yon havt^ orileiorj me htn-p. WASHINGTON. Yes, Captain. Do von somotiincs s'roll along the road leadiiifi to York rivtM- ? do, (l(Mieral. MADISON. WASH1N(,T0N. ^Vel'(' voii tlior' this morning 1 was, GtMiLMal. .MADISON. WASHINGTON. {A)i.rions\. Is ihis your wriliiig ? MADISON. If i', is not niint^, it looks v«M'y iniuii lik-^ it. WASH IN (.TON. l''oase r.'ad, and IcU us if you wioto this l< Her. MADISON. JiKiilinf] adflitfis). To Lord (jOI uwallib ! \SUif)ified. As he rewis, his face becomes dislvrted tritk confusion and in< I i(} nation). No, Geiu'ral, \ did uolwrile tins lelier, {Spcahs vith strong sfunp cinjihasis.i WASHINC. TUN. 1 thoDpht, so. but can you litdp us in solving this inyslery? MADISON. 1 cannot. (loiUM'al. WASlHNdlON. iGently). You quite undcrsiand, C;i[)lain, that io spite of 0' !' coulideuce in your loyalty, il, wa* our duty to demand an exidanaliou oi you, and ask you to assist us in discovering the spies \\ lio for sevci'al days back liave been giving infor- mation to the enemy. Do you not. sutpose thai souubody fias been counleifr iting your bandwriling? MADISON. Ves, (leneral. that is piobable. \VASHI(;i'Oi". Tlien go, Captaiii, and try to discover the sj'y who is thus plotting against us and you. MADISON. I will do so, General, not to disculpate myself, or avert snscicions from myself, but in the interest of our cause. It is the first lime. General, that J liave brcn suspected. It will be ihelast. Periiaps I have not done erjongh for ourcommoi! cause, have not exposed my life often enough. It is true I have only one life. I ought to h-ive two. {Great noisf inoiwd h€adhowo(l me that lie douhtei my loyalty. I would hol-j him to an acconnt, were he Major, Colonel or General. iPut hix hand •ou the hill of his sword.) But what is the use of getting excited. There is a nohlei' wav of defvinji mv adversary It is to dare him to follow me to night in the stoiminfi- of the redonht, to hrave death as I will for the honor and snceess of otir army Oh ! betray my Hag, the glorions Hag for which I have sacrified so much,d*>sert Ihe canse for which I conld shed tlie last drop of my blood, at the moment when it is ahont to tiinmph ! No, no one believes it, and the brave uhmi of ifiy couijiany have just jM-oved that no one l)eli<>ves it But the Commander-in-chief conld mjt do otherwise than ask me for information, for the appearances were certainly against me. It is my handwriting.. .. Who is the wretch that wonkl disgrace me ? And who is the devil that is egging I'lim on ? Ah I I suspect him, lint tlie proof ! the proof ! 1 am on the spot where tln^ letter Avas found. Let me re- inemlier what took place When I left heie, Frank remain- ed and the Cornmander-in chief must have passed a few moments later, l-'rank! I do not like his face and his way, hut how can 1 suppose that he conld imitate my writing. lie is too »illy for that. And yet \Thr men of the coinpaay rti^h ill pnshinfj Fronh before thivi. They rail, (aplani Madison.) MAIiISON. What is it, my hoys ? si-:h(;i:ant. Captain, here is the sp\- Noticing that wo suspected hin). he tried to escape and we captured him just as he was about to leap into tiie British trenches. \\'e searched him from head to foot and this is wtiat we found. [Theij (jive Madison several papers.) .MADISON [r.raininiiuj papevf;\. A letter from nie 1 Copies or rather facsimiles of th(^ letter! Ah: ah! I iiiKlcrst-iiid It is not al! tin- b-'- ginning of a hMlor givmu inlorinaliun Lo the eueuiy 'lliere IS jio loiixt'i- any But., yon rascal, ^vh(^ had snllicient t'ni[Mre over you to diiM' yon [o such infaniv '! ii;ank. Nobody. M.VUlSoN. Liar! But this is snllicieiit Thanks, my frit'iids, a thonsand thanks, h)i' this mark of devotedness. 'I'iiaiika for ixdivinj; in my hiyalty and having' so \v«!ll (h^hmded the honor of yonr Ca[>lain. Vonr eondnct does not snrprisi? nw. for men who iiyhl so well liave mjlde lnvii'ls. (io, my fritMids, take this inan to head([nartern. It is only just that yon shonld yoursfdves show the Commander-in (diief the result of yonr search, iltr-iunm pnpfrs to Sm/canl. irhii ^jors mil irith his mm slunitiiHj: iinnahfor Madiaon.''') TABLEAU XIH. |77(/' sroir rcpn'Kenla a IniLt {WashiiKjtnii and prinr/pal offirrrs of Amoicaii and I'reiirli aruiies tliniiKj logethcr at headijuartvrs^ 1 i ocluhrr 1781. WAsniivr. TON. This has been a f^Dod day. Our artillery has [ilayed havne within the enemy's trcniches. The enj^ineers report that there is a bnvich in the palisades. Wliat do you tliink, Ge- neral ? i'fn Kiicluunlit'au.) ]!Oi;HAWin:.\r;. I think thai the [uize is now within our rerndi. ItAnON vm.ViKNIL. 1 lhouj,'ht as nuirh two days ago, luit yon were right, (m- UfM'aLand I stdze the oj>iiortnnity to asfk yonr [lai'don for lb'" impatience wliich had well high cost na dear, since, to coi:- vince nie, yon so heroically reronnoitret' Vorkluwii. aii'l [u'ohably lia-lHii iln siii r^'iidcr of Lord (loriiwallif, we iiiiisl a(J()(ji every innasoi-H lo eiihiiiv sticv,ess. To rouse the eimi'atioii of ill.- men, we have (ielerniiiud liirit, llie refloiiht, on Un,' hftshtll he assailed hy llu' French iiuder llie (HMuiiiaiiJ ol' the li.iion Vioiiu'iiil, and liie redouhl on liie rij:l)i hy the Americans iiiuitT (h* M-irijiiis de Lafayelle. i)o I he.Ne dis|)0silit)n.-. iiifel wilh yftin ;t|.|)ro\ar.' ( )c.s', jjrsi. Ii.\lt()> VKtMKMI.. \Bo(istin;jly ,. 'I'he left n'ddiiht heinj; thn hev,l del'eiuied and niusl diiliciilt to i-aptui>', it, was I'l^hl lo allot il soldieis who are old in Ui^* service and uune exiioicmed m ihals^p-cies of a I lack. i.Ai A'l i;t!i:. \S{ii.ril<l iutenlion of inipiigniiu' Ihf valor of ilie American lrouj,.s. I.Al'WKTTK. And as for me, IJaroii, hi' [n-r-^naded that, as a Frenchman, 1 will rejoi<'.e to morrow il ihe soldiers of France covec thiiar»' your liiimipli. [. \r\vi:rii:. n>liL!Vti m ', (n'li'Mal. Ill it 't w.is no' .^r-ne o-ily, hut \\r <■ s>ily wliirh indncfd uw. In rail in your assii'lanrn and th ii of th'* Ih't't. It was ill ' on y nuMiis of success. MA It Of IS S'l". SIMON. A-^ we are speaking of tin; M-u'iinis de I.afay.' l^\ h-l nis I'.iall a cirfiim^lanct! which redounds to his hoinn-. In our impatieiic(! to come to c ose qnarlers, and in cousideralioii of the pressure laid upon ns hy the Admiral (e yi*dded and we waited t(iiiptinif>e\. WASniN'I'ON. ricnllemeu, ihc Maninis de f. iHix- It.- lias so accustoiue I ns to admire his conra;,'.\ tahnil and ^eiieiosi'v lh;it iiolh n;4 can take ns by sni[iiiS'.; o.i his [).iil. i,ArA^i;!'Ti:. After < luiisi liinni[di. \Vli<;n tlii> American |)('0[>1(', frci! and iudo- (icndiMit, will cclchralc llic nicnMi'v of tlic aniliors of Itifir iiiii'i'ty, they will not forfj;et. Lo assocjali' in lli»'ir>;raliludi,' tin; names of VVasliiiii^ton and liafavclle, and oll'tu' ihem tin; sain<^ liomagL's, the sanii.' f^arlands. [Guuil, (jood). [So'sr (il Ihr ilnnr. A inrssihjt! sent- in to ]\'- oiii' t'.ivoi'. It is to |Mit, rny coinpaiiy in liui vaii-Kiiard In iii.uht in assailing' ilic vri- ^ioiiht. [Sulilirrs nppUnul). wasiiinmTon \to Lu/iii/itlr and IhutiHiow. (Tt'iillcnii'ii, do yon coiisciil '/ i..\rAVi;rri-: anu iiamii.ton. Wi« do. WASIlINiil'ON. I loo I'oiisfir, wilii jtlrasui'L'. [Sitblirn shmil ami crriiiif'. Now, gtMilleiucii, I tliiidv il is linio to send lih' lioiijis I'oi- ward. Kvory iii-ui to his jiost. I am ('onlidnil ilni ihi' cdih- jial will be biiid' and llic vicloi'y deidsive. TAULKAU XIV. Vdi/iloirn in I hi' liiicl;iiroiu>// on I hi; Janirs. — Tiro rntiuihts il - fi'Hilcd In/ (litrlirs^ ahatlis and pnlisddrs. — Tlu' Amrrimn. • :ud hj'i'ncli Ironjis /nkr llirir pnsiliitns. — llnmiliini's ri i/inirnl. in ailvnnre wiili Mailiann. and liis rompninj in fnnti i anh. — Laf(i[H'Llc^ I.iivnln anil stn/f o'Jirci;^ in rnn\ Til'' Frmch opno^ili' III" i-i'jlu rrdi)'ih' undrr tlu' ronnnaml •>/' WilUain di' ffi'iix funis, (rcncrnl Hitrhnnihcnii. Union Vi irns (ihoul In shoot him nx h'' Vforht'tl thr pdvajiel. leajis into thr rnlonhl aiid jilmits his rohirs, shoiitinij " llumih I'm' luilcprnili'iii'i'y 'Ihr Ainrricnii troups ansver the rrdooht , iiiiil ijvaaps ihr hand of Stodiaon. Thr Hvitish lay diiini thrir (inns., and llw xhmiis rmlonhh. i.\i'.\vi:tik dit thr rrd(inht.\ Wlio will o;»rr\' :\ il('-^[i:ilrli to Miisli il X'idmciiil '! 'I'lie alteinpt is [ii'i'ildiis. \lAl)lr>0,V. 1 will. i.vi.wirr: r. Ni>. Yon li;iV(' done (,'iion''li for oin' daw i will, ("iiMliMM {■.III.ONKI. U\llli!;i!. l.At AVICTTi;. Well, (to ;iiii1 It'll llu- Maislial that !hi' Ainri'ioims art' ill tticir rt'(l<)iil)l and lioix' ihal llic l''iiMir|i will sooi. In: in llioirs. (Harlior hrars thr >iirss(hir pnssiiiif thvouijh thr nirmp's firf. He is striirk onrr. fills^ hut rrri)r,-)'s and finishes his jonrnnj.. HAIlJtLR III) l.iifayrllr.) The Vionrh Marshal riMiIics that he has nut r,';ndii'd his redoubt, yet, lai! will do so u ilhiii live niinulcs. \Thr Frrnrh nl this ynomrn! Itud fpit as far as thr j^Uisade^, fiiarrhiin/ in ultrr silrnce. and e.rposcd lo a i/alli'inrapi'l fulUnipd hy xtrfnil oflirns, st'rrnil «/" vliom are vonndcd and fall, he Dru.r l'(t)ilx fjivi's ihi' nrdfv Id Imp into tlif irdouht, uiiirc the llntish defrml Ih^'Diselrrs fiyliliiig hflmid kiiyshcnds. l)r fhiix I'oitls xpnnijs I'll') llf rrduuhL irymy : " Vuv Ir l{(>i\" and lUr Frrnch repeal the shunt. The British suj'riinlfr. tJi- Ihusinxlir. rrirs from both rcilonhix. \t the siyht of Wmhinih ton ndvanriini, trmch and Aoirn'nnis rry •• Hurrah fir \\ipnnion.\ D'-uiandi; ;a raun''- ricaiii ponrijuoi on ih' S'^ IkiI |i is aiijouril'Liiii .' Wha! ? rni-; ami:iu(;a.m. THE Kiti:Ni:ii\iAN. Wliv we iiol flu: hi to dav ? — 80 — 'im: A Ml- HI CAN. I'ecause the British Geiior^il has askiMl ;i siisj-enaiuii of urms lor *J4 iiours. Ho wan is to sun'eiiiliM'. SE\EIiAL KHENCJIMKN. Qii'tisUct' '.(iril (lit ? Is'l' KliKNCHMAN. Me says tliat Ui<^ KiiuHsh (IruiM-al waius lo capitulate. [Sen- snlton.) .'Mi nUiN{;}l.MAN. II ferail iiiiciix t]r st' (h'cidt'r iinmediati'ineiil. II faiU lou- jOui's Men (iii(! i;a 1 iiisx' pai- la. ^Vhal '.' AM Eh I CAN. MlKNCll SOI.niKH, He says luitcr foi- the Englisli lo sui'ieiidff iinmeJiately I'i.i'aiisc li.> caiiiioL I'scaiK'. 'J 111-; AMKUICAN. \'.m will learn id speak Knjilish first- rale if you slO[) with Tlil-; KIlENCH.MAN. (Hi 1 HO, not it'iiiain here. Niec; country, but no French uoinans. 'I'hr Freiicli [las i'a[tal)h' iJe vivre without womaus. THE A MEM [(.AN. V.'lial ? ANOTHEH amehi<:an. Uf says I'"rerH hniiMi can't live without wonifn. ts'l' AMEHiCAN. 'i'here aic wuiutn iiere also. KIIENCHMAN. \eF, Icit they are too still' and thvy don't underslanl r>eiich. T!1K AMERICAN. You will not loave us Iit'fort' you have coiHjufred oui' iuilepeiuloiice. TUn FKENCUMAN. i P!H'i)Os() not, siucu we come for that. Biil it will g) quick Eiiglisk ihesilates) pas capable..... 1 ol alile lo figlit with French. THE AMIilUCAN. The French ?oi(liers are brave and good. Th"y are all lik.j t I'etnrn an answer lid'oi"!' an ho'.ir, we will make leady for the iinal assault. \ niMICMI,. Yes. the last oui'. Oni' soldiei's ai'e liej^iniiiuL: to ,i;rnmhle. Thev find we are i:(iiiiL: too slowlw — S:l — W ASIIIMITUN. Brave Froui'liniHii I \Eiitry jhnj of titirf pyecedril hi)i'ii\vallis siiriciiiltM-s willi liis whoh' aiiiiv and acrcjits the rondiliniis which lir liimseU" imposed ii[)(i!i (ItMH'i-al I.iiici)hi al Chaidt'stnii. 'I'hc British Irooi)- will lilo uiil today al "2 o'lihi'k with i'ohU'd cohjis and witti- uiil the hfat of diuni. I AIAVKl'TIi And that ihi^ i(''v(^nij;i' nia\' he <;oiii|ili'ti'. I diMnand lint the sniTtMultT 1m' made into the hands of (liMit'ial Lincoln. wiisniN>;'rux itn pa;/ nf iriirr.) \on I'.in iclirc. I will senii my ri'ply to liOrd (\nv\i wailis. \'li) Ills ii/Jirfrs.) Well. gentlfinHn, this '< ttie crowniiiLr (donr lahois. Ainiounce llii; glad lidijigs, and give oi'd.'rs to draw n|» th(> army, and have evei'^lhing i1om(> in a nianiiri' worthy ol'llit' ulorions event whicli assures the triumph ol the canst; lur w hndi we li.ive slrnggled ihesi' live yc;irs. TABLKAU XVL 77/'' Vniti h mill Ainrriraii Irnn/is ilrair)! up in iiro hill's. On line .siili' I lie Jinrrirniis villi Wushiin/lon ami his sla/f: mi tha nllin\ IfiP h)rnrh vilh Horltamhrua and his slnjj'. lUm- rroft says : '• Tlir raptire annij app'-onrhrd niuvinn slnviy iu nilanin, ailh ip-acr and precision, f'nirersal silence icus ohserved (in)iilsl the rust coiicunrse and the ainwst decnicii prerailed." (Heueral. (t'llara ordered bij ( orna'allii to rep/acr him. advanced, loohinn liijhl and (cfi. a% if seelnnij Si>nieo)n\. .{djulanl-Ge/i>'ra( Damns a:ho had reccired orden tn direct llie rapitiiliitoj's Icdiips ici'nl fn' icm-d gind plncfd liims'-'f ai OlUua's left. O IIAl'.A. >Vliere is (leni'ral Hoch.nnlieaii ? — 84 DUMAS. On our left, at the hend of the French army. OH-na ivrm i,j Ifial direction and offers him his svord. HOCHAMHKAU. Herp. is Gf.'iieral Wasliington [poinlinip. at thp h(>ad of th^? head of Iho Ami'rlcaii army. The Frem^h army being an aiixi liary on this fonliiient, it is the American General who will give yon your orders. O'llara tur/is to ]\'ashin;jtn)i ami offers his su'urd. WASfllNG'lON Never from so good a hand. IMr.ise ;ipply to Gfuer.il Lin- coln. Lincoln, riiles forward and indicates the spot uhere the British troops aye to lui/ down their arms. The garrison marches past and lays doxrn its arms there. Several soldiers break their 7nns- kets. ioUnui Abercromhi/ covers his face ichtn his rwa lay doivit their arms and hites at his sword. SGFNK II. (77ii.s Scene may finlow or take the phn'r nf the n/hry (iccordin j to circinntunces). Twenty four British officers iin line) deliver the colors of their anny to twenh/ fiuir Americnn Sergeants. Ensign \yitson^ the youngest officer of the aony., conduct the ceremony). WILSON {To the British officers and American sergeants). GHiulcnien steps forwJird. [Tke British officers hesitate an I kci-p their places). Gentlemen, why do yon not advance? A niUTISn CAF'TAIN. \Vg are not obliged to surrender onr tolois to non com- missioned oflicers. nAMlI.TON. (Adva)ires]. Wilson, receive tlic colors yourself, and hand lliem to the s(!rgeants. [The Standard are give)! to Wilson v:ho lams them over to the scrgeinds.) H,-) — TAliI>EAU XVII. Washinrjton oiil ihr Ainorictut oll'irers ffu'li^'i ^'il (it lh'>. .\vi*'rii-iin hrad-qiuirlCTS nl lltad-of Elk hi bid ftimriU (o l.tifuyelte. Il''tjiii- Utiig iif Ih'cembcr ITSi . WASiiiNcio?;. Ill the iiaiiif (if liii' anny, in llic p.iiii' of tli;! iiatinii, 1 wish yoii a liapj))- return Id your hiMiiL'.riil I'imiili y and I lay al yoiirrrel llu,' j^ratitmlc nl' a iicojilc wIid r'\i:ai'il yon asUicir ])fncrHclor. (^dULiress has nll'i'i'cd yon a tcslnnony ol its i;ral'- liidc, Ijiit how can we ever worlhily rcconnize tin; i^M'calucss of yonr st'i-vii'cs? Belter than any one else, I liave li;id occasion til know and ajiiireciali^ your nnaHm-alilt' di'votinu from the day that you laiidiil on these; shores io oiler ns iIh; assistant! ol' your sword and the heiudit ol' yonr talents — a ucnerosity the rernenihrance of which will never he suthciently impres- sed on the hearts oF the peopln of tlics • rniled States. Whili; still in the hlooin (jf youth yon toi'e yourself away from the einhj-aces of a youn,^ wih' worthy of )-onr love, ahandoned your country, hi'oke all the ties that altaidied yon lo your native soil, incuri'eil the displcasiiri! of yonr Sovcreii;!!, tlu; leproaches of yonr family and friends, to serve ourc;iuse at, a lime when it was in the most critical condition. Your nohh; j'.xample moved all Lieui'rous souls and awakened in all hearts sentiments of (^uthusiasni and patriotism. How shall 1 recount all the great and hei'oic deeds which yon havt; jircriniplished since youi' arrival amouL; ns ? Which shall we most admii'e — your courage and ahility on the field of bailie, or yonr wisdom and [)rudence at the council tal)le? iNot con lent with e.\[)Osiup yonr life for our cause, and frequently bringing victory to (jur standards, you saciiliced a portion of your fortune to feed and clolln; unr hungry, naked soldiery. it is lo yon that wt' are indidited, in a great measure, for the assistance of those soldiers and skilful J'"rench otlicers who havt? proved in America, as they ha\(! dont; in Europe for teiiluries, lliat Frani'e is alwiiys the mother-land of lofty ideas and mai'tial valor. Yon iiave crowned your cai'eer, (je- neral, by a camitaign whi(di is the admiratiou of all Europe, and the losnltof \\hi(h is the capture of Yoi'ktown and tiie hiirrender of the liritish aiaiiy. You have Lfiveii us so much and will accept nothing from us ! You have r.xpecU.'d no olher reward than the triumph of our cause ! If tiu! Ijniled States should ever forget you, I hey will cease to deserve Uieir freedom. And what shall I say (jf the marks of synipa- — S(i thy. (li>iiil(Mt'^lrilii('ss ;iii(i '"--ti'tMii w liicli \(iii li;i\t' so ot'tt"'!i I'xhitiilcil Lowai'ii myself ? i!)rei>y nim-rih. Yon know, (ifMitM;il, lliat I lovrd you Ifoni llic tirsL (l;iy lliat we iiid, and tliai, my ailrcrion li.is always .ironc on (^■r[)(Mli:l_^ I should h^^ (iist.n'ss»\l al [laitiiij; Irom yon did I nol trust llnl you will I't'tni'ii to us somi' day. and did I not know that, in Kiauc'' ^is in Amofica, your servici's will always he at our dispo-;al, FaroW(dl thru, Cicncral, larowcll. {Idis/niii/ his Imn'h May tlu' jii'ayois (J I' a wliolc [i('o|il(' wall vou sah'iy ovcc tin' ocean, and niav llnavfoi pri'scivi- you for Lin' honor and .irhu'V id' Fraiii'P. lii'caiist^ vou are dcsliui'rl to he the iiert) of free ioni on two (lonlincntiJ. Madame Lafayc •'xi-K'uce. i^e iili'ased to pi'esent our te on whom we imnlore a:l 1 he-t wishi'S to ji.cssmjs oi i.ArAViM 'ii:. Thanks. (IcnTal. Ihaiiks. hrave (dTu'ei's I'oy your s\iii;»athii'S and kind w ishe^. 'I'he rejj:ri'| whieh I e\|ieneuce on jwirtiu'.^' from yon an.i my hrave lirothei's in arms is tempered hy the IhfMieht that if I do n(»l return in youi' midst, it will hf l)ecanse the cause for whudi we have co nhatti'd loijellier will havij triumphed. Thai triumph is now assured, and yon ai'o rij^dil ill i-ayiiiLT that I have never looked hir any oilier I'cward. \U\\ I have received a further reeompense — the memory 1 that must thank yon. Ci(Mieral, for liaviiig allowed my name to lie Imkeii with yours in one of Ih^' u)ost glorious siriiggles the world ever saw, for having allorded me the oiiportunity of realizing lh(> dreams of glory and liberty in whitdi my ciiildhood wa-. cradled. Those generous as[iiratioiis, those sentiimMils of urandpiir and inde{)endeiire, Ifiose mascnliiie virtm-s whose ideal fascinated me, I have found thiMii in America. I liave seen armies, soldiers who deS'M ved to found a republic, and a nation lijie for liheiMy. And 1 am convinced that the United States are destined to lemnv the type of the ancient republics wiiose glorious memory keefts aiivc,' tiironghont the world, tlie sat.Med fire of lilKU'ly. They will be the sidiooi, the toi'ch of freedom thronghoid the woild. TIk; Declaration of Imh - jn'iidence of the I'nited States of America h is laught nations their rights and kings their duties. It has gmie around the world awaking in all souls those s»'iriments of honor, ji.itrio- lisme and manliness which are the terror of l\ ranis and — S7 — i,h(^ s!i't' 'titli of iiaiioiis. 'I'lii' innsif of ihi' Si.iIm House \to\\. a*. l*hiliult'liilji;i. wliicli, on the 4 July ITTli, aniioaiicod Ih j Declaration of Ind^pumli'iio', was tlia knell of tlie despotism, lilt.! iibiis(!s aiiii Ihi' oilioiis |ii'i\'ilei,'es "vliicli disj^'face most inonarchies. You hive taiij:!it I'lurojie liow a people cnri liiid in the love of lih'rlv. llie heroism required to hre.nk it.s ciiains aud restore to niodein nations their tramplod riuiit^ and to lih;.'rly the .ulorions rliarters covered wiih the dust ol' cenliiries. At no distant day yon will coiiqilete the grpi', work of emaneipatiou wliich yon have undertaken hy abo lishinj:, slavery. It is tip' natural and neressary coiueijuenci! of the principle ofeipialify. the cornei' stone of that Decla- ration of PiiLrhts ilrauuhted hy the authors of your indt'penl- ence. I'arewell, (leneral, farewell, uohle companions in arms, lie assured thai (lit,' memory of your kiulnoss, virlutes and coura&co will live forever in my heart. 1 thank yi)U foi'vour u'ood wishes to me and my I'ami'y. i.S7('//r''.s' IhDt'ls. H'ilh all the ajjicrrs idkI ir/,'li,lirnr.v. TADLKAU Will. At I'rduiiri'' s Tiirri'ii, Nrir-Yorli. ]V(ishiii liccu ;ilili> to scivc yon. iTh'' nffi:;>-rs continue to bid him farfweU. Winhiinjlitii leurrs Ihr lnvnn ful- loved hij his o/ftccrs. I)ii-sulrin siiiir.! witli a iiKiui'iiliil ail'. Acclaiiiatidiis nt' llu' cidwil a?seiiilile.l.) TAiil.KAi: XIX. (,1 prinilr rdotn. Chdiiilit'is intrriiiij i)i iifjilalion ) SDKNIi I. r.AANiUKiiS. He has ai'tivt'd. I saw hini anion.t;- llie ollir(Ms al Fraumi'"- Tavern lie apficarrd in trood sjiirits Doiiidless he smo- ceeded in his li'ip What shall I do now ? [Walla oJi- svrlu'd. Hap al the door. Ur ojxiis. Entfr i/nawj iprl.^ SCIiNI' II. CIIAMUKIiS \tO nil I. I It is yon, iiiv i^ood Susan. How ulad I am lo sei^ yon ' \Vhal news '! Ha\e you a Icl't'r? sr.SAN. Yes, I liave just I'ecrivt'd one. chammehs. Let nie have it. [Talcrs Irltir and reads addrfss.\ " To Mi-s N.Uv l^H'ker.)' liretdis seal ami lunks al siynature.) It is he. — 89 — [>«;l lis SCO wliat he says, ilirnilxj Di'riaratinns of lovi> Let us skip that. It is always liio same story irocoui plains of Inviiitj: rercivj'd no lotlors in llirt'c monllis. Tli il is no wonder, is il, Susan siiico siio did not n-ccivc liis Ah! this is geltin;,^ int'rt>sl,iiiLr lIi- s;iys that he coiiifS from the capital with ,tro()d news for iicr falhcr. tliat hi? will !•-> in New-Voik (»ii ihi' ilh and at .^Ir I'aikcr-;, the same evening' about 7 o'clock, i W'llk.i nud rrihrt^A Say, Susan, arc vou sni'(> Ihcic liasr )i'(.':i im l^'ltcrs of late.' l,)iiit'^ sure. Si!'. •r<\N. CIIAMIU.US Veiy w.'ll. You may l(i). 'l\tk ■ this ujivimj hi:r n cni}. S/f (/fparls. //'' rails her back'. Don't foryct ilwil you havt^ sworn to hold your lon;j:ue If y >u say n woi'd. \o i know what awaits yon. liOok at ilns iT'ihcs pinol fyn)n his pnchcl ani< piiints it at lii'v brcasl). SUSAN. I Ai;//i/.'f/ o^( /i^r /i/i/<'.s). Oil, Mr. l',i! kpi-, doii'l kill inc. Iiuvt'r said a ward and iiev.?r will. CHAMIiKI'.S. I only wanted to i-piniiid you of your [no ni^cs. You may {^0 now. SCKNK 111. CIIAMHKMS. lie will be tli'-rc to iiij^ht ami has good inws. That m< aus that, lo night, father and daughter will receive Madison as i)iHii-s;ivioi'. This is the result of the laiunili it'oiis, ihe toitnres which 1 have endured dnrnig the [)ast five yeai's The result itoa-i'ri));/ his V(iire) of inycri-ncl U it was be done jiurain, 1 would make no mistake. If I hnd fores-en that one (lay the old man wonld be ruined, 1 slio ild not have beer. forced to such lengths to have his daugliter Unt now, it 's too late.... [ love her.... I love liei .... This love devours me, kindles Hiy blood, gnaws to the marrow of my bones. Mveu the crime which I connniited seems to iiic,if»ase the fire which consumes me. Day and night, Ihcy both pursue me, one to torment me wiih remorse, the other with love This life of torture must end what is the use of fortune. — <)(l — •.(f this iiioiU'V , lliis ;.'iili to whirli I li;ivi' sm rilicrd hvoiv- (liiil;; '.' .Ni>\\. iillcr Jill lliai I h ivh (Idhh iiiid snir.;rt'il, I luu^i '^o on 10 'he f-ii i.- Slirt loves aiiolli/'i Sue in the arnis ol" that Madison w lioni I ahlior lniiio>siliit' inifiossihlt' .... Ill' will ari'ivi' loo laic. 01' nol aiiiv*- ;tt all \L'uil;s nl his aalflij. It is Inni' o'l'lock. Time lacssi's. 'I'lif uld •.'iMiUtMuan must liavi' I'l'rrivrd llic IcUcv in \vlii« li I in|d liim ilial I <'onl(l no lon.Liri' yiiaianicc his iiaiMT if Nt lly did not ronscnt to hefoiric ni\ wil • al once. 'I'ln' (dd in.in !\no\\s tlial I can nid only niin liiiu, lail dis^tart; him, I'of thonuli it, is ti'ur 1 allowed him lo >«i,L:n my nam • lo cfrlain papiM's. yci I can dens' if lif'l 11^ !Jo and s( !■ wdia! ell'iM-t m\ \f::>'V has pi'odnci'd, Liih. ■r.\i;id;At w. I//' I'liiiit'r in hi< /iri'^nle iipurl'it'ii'. .I/'-/ nn I •■(i.-riroi-n. Jlj'ily Chniiili'i-'s iflh r ill hi'i li'inil. SCKNK 1. 'Thi; I'alal limii' wlindi I surcfcdei! H lu'cpin;.' hark hir si'veral ninnt!i> hasal ien,i;th arrived. Tin' thieaii nf destiny suspHiided over my liead is ahniit, lo hreaK. 'The I'orlurK; t'oi' \\hi< h 1 worked >-o haid, slips !hroni:h m\' lin,t:ers lud'ore I have had lime to enjoy il. al an a^-e wlien I iiave no lon,L:er the >lren^,'lli t(»h(',L.';n a'_'ain Ilnin Icrrihl" word and whal is still more lerrih'e, mv lale is in lie,' hands of (Ihani- he]'s. lie knows il and ahnses it .\o aih^wer IVom ihe Anieriean authorities whom I jiefitioned lor the reeo- vcry ol my property. Ahandoneci hy ail the world at. I he mercy yn;|. p,i|..( .' ^■(1ll siTiii Miiiir .ill\inil> ih.Tl il-l,:i!. rAiUsKi;. \!asl Nelly, 1 am iuJi'cd s;ul, ln'okeii il )\vii, as fiv^MAvlit-lin t'd as wht'ii jtnur I-iva was lorn IV(»!ii us so snildoiily. Siiii-n tlifMi, 1 have not asniucli strcnj;!!! lo pul up witli niisroi'tnn'. 1 am gi'ttifi.u' old. Nrllw I ii^Mcci vn that I have not tli' saiiio vi^'in' lor wiuk, and yi't I will liav to \v(»ik nior(! tli in <>vfi-, IV)!' I shall soon li ', rl('>iit,ni(> ai' ni -aiis. An 1 noii, my doar Nelly, whom 1 should have liki'd to s'l' wiMllhyaiil happy, you will hi- pnoi' and wirichrd. ni:m.v. \,M!l' on my accitiiiil, lor I never thon;.'hl, il, ni're->.,ii'y to he ri
  • older i .ucl, the iu'llri' I perceive Ihal iL is \\'-ons wh'.cli will enahlc up' lo uMia an hoiiorahli.' living lor luith ol' n-. i'\i;Ki;ii. My di'ar N^'lh'. Iliaiil\^ tor your cnin'aj; • an I di'volion, hat. ihin^sai'e worse Ih.iii you seem to imairine. While awaitup^ the result ol my negotiations with th<^ Anir>rican i^overnnit'iil lor ihe recovery of my pi'opert\', I was ohli,i.'ed to hav.' recourse lo C.hamhers All my altcmpls have hiihul, and (Ihambi'rs iid'orms me in this h'ti.-r slrl have an iininedi:i!i' sell iemeiii. lltl he h IS no rcasdn to drive yd i In tin' wall. U) iiili'r> st in iireci[iilatiug your ruin. Wiiat, is hi^ iihp'ct ' i'AHKi-;ii. Jlis ohjt.'cl, his sid" ohjc^'t is If) ,!:;<•! ynnr liaii !. — '.)-2 — NiM.i.v \iudiijnnnl\. * Thai is to say, that, not being able to win \\\\ hisarl, hi* ninst bny my hand. Oh! father, what, hsvt; I done (o be 311- jecled lo snc'h hiinulialion. Ask me all that yon wish, father. I am ready to do aiiythini,' to airiti-il yon l)^>a('.e ami cou tenlnient. I will work night and uay. 1 will hep; even, if need 1>i'. bnt marry that man — du not mention it, I entreat yon. Siiir,e tht^ death of Kva, since that fatal shot which is always rinj^Mnjj: in my ear-s. I cannot hidiold tin; man witlMot terror Ht' frightens nii'. lie cliiils my blood. i'aukkh. Vonr ii'.sinnalions ari' not jnstifiable, Nelly. Yonr pi'oj'i- dices against Chambers makt! you nnjnst After all. In* most lovo yon sincendv to insist npon mai'rying yon whe:i he knows yon are penniless, l^isten, Xelly. Now, less than ever, wonid I force your will. In asking you to consent to this match. I did only what most parents would do in the interest of their children. At filly, we see with other eyes than at twenty. The older we get, the nmre we see that ibe illusions of love are short-liv.'d, ih;»t the blossoms of passion hoon fade, leaving only ihoiais when life has not becni [liaoed above want. m:;.i.v. It is [»ossible lln.t at fifty thi?y ajipcai' so, t>ut is it wise to be old before one's time, lo deprive one self of those illnsioits which embellish the best {)art of our lives, giving tll^' hope so needful amid the p(>rils and vicissitudes of life." Do we strip the tree of its leaves or the llovrer of its fragraiuM' because the autumn will come? I)r) we not I'.ather strive lo enjoy as long as possibh; th(> pleasnri- of spring and to ward oir llie cold blast of winter ? PAHKEK. Fine ihoughls, b(,'autifnl senlinunits, my dear N^dly, but nect'ssily often forces us to reconcile our ft'elings with our interests. If I have spoken to ymi once more of this marria- ge, it is because, believing yon lo be abandoned by the man you loved, 1 thought you would have less objection to a" union which would, perhaps, save oni- fortune. — t»3 — NELLY. II is Iriie Ihal Major Madison seems lo liave deserlod iiih. His silence dislressos nn'. But the Ain«;ricaii army has only jiisi bt!eii disbanded, and in il not Ihis very day thai (nnieral Washinglon bids farewell to his army ? I'AHKEU. ll is. NELLY (yclleclinij\. "Why then is Mr. (-Iianibers so particnlai in recjnirinfj^ my ronsenl to-day ? Why does h<.' jiress ns thus? Is not this ha:-le suspicions ? I'AHKEU. 1 will say no nion', Xelly. As Mr. (ihamb .rs himself will ^ soon be here. I will add oidy one word [iJecply in()viui.\ 1 have to make a confession wiiicii 1 would have jjladly avoid- ed Not only Mr. Chambers can ruin ni(\he can disgrace me, li in a spirit, of revenge he^wei*; capable of a wicked action. [Hides his fiice in. his hamls.) NELLY {OVCiCufiU''. Disgrace I..... oh 1 tleai'cst papa, pai'don nu! for h.iving <]i'iven you lo so painful an avowal {Hcflccls and masters herself.) My dear father, 1 will save you at the expense of my honor, if it must b". Only I ask three days to give a final answer lo Mr. Chambers. He cannot refuse me these Ujree days of grace. {She falls on her knees.) Oii ! my Cod, grant th »t this sacrifice b(; not consummated. PARKEn. My dear daughter, Mr. Ch'amber-i camiol refuse this. It is imposeible Thanks for you;- dovo'iou and may llt?aveu avert the sacrifice. {Noise at the r/yor, as of p'ople (/Harrcltintj.) PARK EH. {Goes to the door, sees his wtjro servant under excilemtnl.) '"What is the matter, Tom ? — !U — TUM. It's ;i lifgyar, Mass.i. A rdx.'l soKUlt who wauls to gi'l in. NEI.U-. Vn\r.t. let, liiin foiiK^ in. il" you pl.MSf. Ifuiter f^olilifr, hadhf (lieiSfil utitl liiukiufj icrtlvknl.) SCn.NK III. NKI.I.V. ^^'llal (!o you ilcsirc. my ,iiO(id man ? S0M)IEK. Very lilllc, iiidt-td. Miss; a few ilnllais only to pay my \vay ItacU home. Il is now goinj^ on thit-e ynars since I liavti seen my wife and two idnldrcn. I'AUKKR. ^Vll(•I■t' have yon hccn all this linit'? SOLDIER. Alin()>l all the lime in llrll. \KtUy xiUna n cry nf luirror.) I'ABKliH. In hell '! ^Vhal do \oii mean li\- that ? soi.niKR. Dnn'l yuu know Ihal we ^avc the nam-'ol' Hidl to thi'Jerse\- 'f imiu()i.i)ii;i!. Oil! Sii'. ii' you liad s]»iMil only -2] hours in lln- JcrsfN-. voij would nol consider our accounl of iluj i)risons ;is overdone. NKf.I.V. Tt'U us in a icw woi' Is what xmi have suUcred. so!.iiii:». Well, Miss, we were as many as a thousand al a time in the .lorsey. We were allowed a hrealh of aii' ilurinu the day. Init, ;is «(»on as the siui disajipeared, the>- shouted to us " down. rel)els, down." Then we were huddleil down to llie hole. Then; we were S'luet.v.ed in, jamineii, and sometimes stuck to an unl'orlnnate lellow laid up with small po\, or typhus, and somelhnes even to a rorpse. K\tMy moi'nii'.:^ they cried o\it to us: •• I?el)els turn out. your dead." Tiie d(;;ui were picked out Iroiu amou^^ Ihe livinL\ sewed n[) in sacks and iiurriedly huriod on the shoi'e. What shall 1 say of the air that we hrealhed, the water we drank, the too 1 wt^ ate and the clothiuL; inat we i^fvt ? Molteuness. vermin ami ahominalion. .Iu,-^t to think of it makes me vhndder. NKI.I.V. ( l/etVr/.i I'NitKIM!. FJnoujih. enoiiuh. I am sure that if the tiiii:.u were to he (lone at: lin, \'on would not. e\po>e vonrstdf to i^o hack thi're S()i.nii;r.. Pardon me. Sir. 1 h ive snHered mui'li. 1 lia\(' lost an arm. — \m — I have oflon faced dcalli, but I am happy, bccausi^ our caust; has Iriuiiiphed, and il" it wore Lo be done ai^ain, I slioiild act as 1 have acted. NKJ.LV. You are a man of spirit, SOLDIER. You see, Miss, when oiio rij,'hts for the liberty of his eouulry and has for (ieneral a man like ^Vashill"glon, h« sntl'ei's or dies with pleasure. NKLLY. You love Cleuiial AVashingion, tlien ? SDI.DIKIl. (Jh, yes, Miss, it is almost as much for his saki\ as For that of our country, that we fought and put up with so much. How could we refuse to sull'er when wt! saw him suffer with us, pily our misfortunes and seek lo relieve them ; when Wi; saw him prayinj,' to God for our success. For you know, Miss, that lie was seen at Valley Forjje, when he thou^-'ht he was alone, on his knees. i)rayiug to Heaven, in a loud voice. How could wo hold back on the battle field, when we saw him L'oing forwaids in the midst of balls and bullets? More than unce lie was thought to have been killed. nki.lv. Providence neeiled him to accomplish a great work. SOLDIER. To tell the truth, Miss, I believe tiiat there never was such a man as (ieneral Washington, and never will be. PARKER, Tell me, friend, where did you lose your arm ? SOLDIER. At Vau.xhall, Sir, I was at the side of Captain Madison, another brave man. NELLY. {Moved). You know Captain Madison ? — 97 — ' flOLBIBR. Why, yes, Miss, I have heen a sorgcaiU in his company. NKI.I.Y. You liave not seem him sinco, have you ? tOLDIER. No, but I am certain that if he is not dead, we shall hear of him again. That man is much like Washingloi». {Noise at Ihf door). PARKER. It must be GhambiTs. NELLY. Some one is coming, my brave friend. I give you all I have about me, and I wish you all the happiness which you deserve. (Shr givr him monnj. Soldier thanks her and goes out by one door^ and Nrliy by the other. Chambers enters from back ground). SCBNE IV. CHAMBERS. Mr. Parker, you havL' received my letter ? PARKER. Yes, Sir, and it is a cruel letter. You charge dear for your services. CHAMBERS. Nothing for nothing, Mr. Parker. Is not that the lesson you taught me ? PARKKH {restraining himself). Your iilcasanlry is out o.'" place, Sir But lt,'t it pass Yi)u cofiie for the answer to your letter. Here it is. Nelly (loi's not refuse, {Ch'imben hriijtitens\ but she ask« three days for an aiiswiu" [Chambers impatient'^. CHAMBERS. Thi'se are not my conditions. I wanted an answer this very day. [Softening]. Hav,e I not waited and suffered long enough, Mr. Parker ? Why this delay of three davs ? 7 -98- PARKnn. I cannot toll It is Nelly's final dfilerniination and 1 cannot aik hor to change her mind. If yon love her, as yon say, you cannot refuse Iwr re|iu)st. If yon persisted, she might suspect your intentions. CHAUDEHS. That's true (aiidf). Very well. I will wail. I will relnrn in tlirec days. {Exit). PARKi;ii. 1 Itegin to a;,'ree with Nelly ahiMit this man. Poor Nelly ! Is it possible that, to save mt.', she must marry a man whom she abhors? {luit i TAIJLKAU \XI. A public stiiuirc or vncant fjrouiul Sf[ ivilh hers. — 7 o'cloi'k p. m. (Homy xreatkfv. — Two suspicious looking men behind the Irecs tirar a beaten foothpalh. — Enter Madison. — On pas'iix) near the two men a jiistulshot is heard and the tu:o rush upon him with poniards. — Siruijgle.— Madison succeeds in freeimj himself and with a pisttd ^hid stretches one of the assassins on the (jround. — The other jlics but is arrested by police. MADISON (to two policemen). Gentlemen, I acltMl in self defence. After liring at me, they fell upon me wilh dirks. Ask the man if that is not so. PRISONER. Yes, it is true. That is the man [pointing to Chambers) who made me do it. MADISOtf. An iin[)oVtant affair calls me to Mr. Parker's, a few steps from here. If you want me, you will find mo there. [He ad- vances to ihc place where Chambers lies and feels his pulse). Take care of this man. He needs it. (H.ceu)it ) TABLEAU XXII. Mr. Parker and Nelly in drawitiffi'oom. Doth downcast). - 99 - SCENE I, PARKKR. My dear Nelly, now tli.il you have made the sacrifice which I demandoi of you, I am distressed at having driren you to it. Poor child I Ihit Mr. Clianih^Ts consents to wait ihrec days. NKM.Y. The thine; is not done yet, dear father. I rely on Providen- ce, on the l)ounty of God. PAIIKER. > Happy they who have faith I NKI.I.V. And I must I'll yon what has just happened. .While I w;is weeping' in my room, Susan approached mo and said : '• Miss Nolly [ am sorry to see you cry. Will you promise never to speak of what I am goinjr to t<'ll you ?" I jiromised and she added. '-Well, don't give up. Perliaps you will have a surprise" And then sh'; ran awny. P.VRKEll. That is singular. That girl knows more than she is will- ing to tell. We must f}uestion her. [Slrps are heard, the door opens and Madison enters). SCENE II. NELI.V. Thanks be to the Almighty! It is he \iriih dilJir.ully restrain- ing herself.) MADISON [extend inn his hand). What h;is happened? How is it that my ariivai causes such a stir? PARKEa. Major, it is only natural that your sudden and unforeseen arrival should, under the circumstances, move Nelly. iOO — MADISON. But, really, you must have receiyod Ihc loiter hi which I announced my coming this evening. NELLY. T have received no loiters from you thcpo three months, although I wrote to you twice. MADISON. Why, I have received no news from yon since the letter in whicii you spoke of certain l)usiness mailers which concerned your family and which I allcnded to {Reflect in rj). '^nl what I's the moaning of all this ? It is strange, mysterious. PARKER. Alas 1 We have been living in mystery for two years. Mis- fortune has not spared us. MADISv^N. 1 know it, sir, and believe me that I have felt for the troubles which have befallen your family. Oh ! how often I wished I were near you to ferret out the vile assassin who snatclied from you a daughter so worthy ol love and admiration. NELLY {frightened, and distracted). But what is the mailer? Your coat is torn and there is blood on your hands. MADiaoN {embarrassed}. Oh I Nothing, nothing at all. NELiY. Hide nothing from me. Tell me what has occurred MADISON. I Well, yes, something has happened. I was attacked on arriving near here. A pistol was fired at me and the ball grazed my shoulder. Two men then fell upon me with dirks. I stretched out one of Ihem witli my pistol and the other was captured by the police. — 101 — NELLY {agitated). Dut the man who Dred at you— did yon recognize him ? MAIJISON. No. I thought they were two robhcrs, for on closing with mo they put their hanJs in my pockets. PAntsii. The mystery deepens. This pistol shot might h.ive con npction with ihat other one {Rnp at the door. Ijoor opens. Bnter a magistrate and liis clerk ; they Oowk SCENE III. THE MAGISXnATK. Mr. Parker, excuse my troubling you at this hour, but duty and tiie law oblige me to act. I was called, some minute's ago, to the side ofa dying man. This man. who could scarcely sppak, gave mo to understand that hn had attacked Wajor Aladison, and that M.ijor Madison in self defence had wounded him mortally. He added, wiih much difliculty, that a servant maid, by the name of Susan, could make lurlher revelations, and he said no more. PARREn. The name of this man, Sir ? MAGISTRATE. I thought T had given it. lie it well known. Mr. Alfred Chambers. PARKER AND NELLY. Chambers ! MADISON. I did not recognize him, but I might have known it. MAGISTRATE. Have you a servant by the name of Susan ? PARKER. Ves. — 102 — MA»I8TRaTB. I'loaso call lipr (.V. Par!:4r rings inter Siisan). SCENE IV. PARKKR. Susan, come here. Tho Marristrate wants to speak to you {Susan trembles from head to foot). MAGISTRATE. • {Willi dignity). Keep cool, my girl. Yon will snlTfr no harm if you tell the truth. SLSAN. Oh ! I will loll the tnilh. I will tell it, if M. Cliauib ts don't hurt me. MAGISTRATE. M. Ghaml)(!rs id dead. You onprhl lo know it since ho was killed by Major Madison, and he told ni»; h'.d'ore dying to conae and question yon. SUSAN. He is dead, that wicked man ? There is no danger of his killing rae? I can speak then at last ? MAGISTRATE. Yes, tell us all you know, but let it be the truth and nothing but the truth, liosin {To his clerk). Write. (To Susan) What is you name ? •UIAN. Susan Vandrick. MAGISTRATE. Now tell us what you know about the matter before uh. SUSAN. {Ingenuously) What affair, your Honor ? MAGISTRATE. No beating around the bush, girl. I question you in the - \0:\ — namo of Iho law. TfMl iis what kas just, taken plare hclwofiii Major Madison and the dead man. SUSAN. What dead man ? MAOISTRATE. (Vexed). I just told yoii. The man who was killed, M. Chambers. SLSAM. Oh, yf s, M. Chanilieis is (load, oh! llio bad man. He won't frip:hleen me any more. I won't carry him the IcltiTs any more {She wrcps Mr. Parker and Nelly look at each other). MAUISTnATB. {Impatient). I don't iindrrstand you. Will you tell me, yes or no, what yon know? did you see Mr. Chambers fire on Major Madison ? SUSAN. No, I saw nothing. That's not the aff.iir that I know. MAIJISTnATE. {To Clfirk and risiwj). Write down thnt the witness refuses to speak. When she gets into prison she will, perhaps, eon- sent to speak (Susan weeps). MADISON. Sir, I do not think lliat the girl refuse's to speak. But she is troubled. Ask her wliat she means bv that other all'air. MAGISTRATE. I hare no objection, but she is hard-headed. Tell us then what you meant by the other affair ? srtAN. I rnearil IIk.' death of [loor Miss Kva (HVrp,';! MAGISTRATE. What Miss Kva ? SUSAN. Miss Eva, the sister of Miss Nell v. — 104 — MAaitTRATE. Well, what about that ? ■L'lAN. The dead man told me once when he was about crazy that it was he who killed her. (Sensation. Nelly letters a cry of hor- ror). He told me, however, that he had made a mistake, th.it it was Miss Nelly he wanted to kill. PARKKR. It is incredible ! NBLLY. The wretch ! and he asked to marry me ! MAGISTRATE, (To Clerk). Write, sir, write. eUSAxN. When Mr. Chambers said that he got furious. Ho took a pistol, put it to my breast and said that if ever I said a word, he would kill mi*. And I didn't say anytliing, because he would have killed me (To Madiwn). Ts ho really dead ? There is no danger of kis coming to '/ MAGISTRATE. Then there are the letters. SUSAN. You see, your Honor, I was so afraid of him that he could have made me do whatever he liked. One day, he poiuled the pistol at me again, and ho made me promise to fetch him all the letters that Miss Nelly sent to Mr. Madison and all that were sent to her from him. Not lo be killed I fctcht>il iiim all the letters these three months He got furions when he received the last one received lo day. He setMUfd to have some bad plan in his head. [Nelly ovcrhelined\. PARKER. Oh ! It is frightful ! Enough lo turn one's h'vid. (Ri$cs and moves about). — 105 — MAGISTRATB. Is that all you know ? SUSAN. Yes, your Honor. MAGISTItATE. Very well. I will rolir^^ Mijor Madison, you will please come to court to morrow to make yonr(i(^posilion. M. Parker, T charge you witii the custody of this young girl till to mor- row, when we shall require h"r pres«nce. [Exit with clerk). SCENE V. (Parket\ Nelly and Madison stlent and overcome). r MADISON. What a revelation of mysteries and crimes ! It was he who caused me to be arrested by the Cow-boys, he who tried to compromise mo at Yorktown by making me pass for a spy. PARKER. I must tell yon, Major, that Chambers, the monster, threa- tened this very day to ruin me to disgrace me, if Nelly did not consent to bcconic his wife forthwith. Nelly to save me, asked for a delay of three days. NELLY. There was something told me that Heaven would not allow the sacrifice to be fulfilled. I was not mistaken since God sent you. MADISON. I never had confidence in that man. NELLY. Nor I. PARKER. m Yes, and yon were both ligiil major, yon must pardon me, on account of the tioubl • of Mind in which you found us, for not having congratulated you on your brave conduct and vour success duiing ihe war. — 106 — MADISON. f thank yon, Miss Nelly and Mr. Parker. But I did only my duty As you require rest after so many painful emo- tions, allow me to turn at once to another subject I have th(; honor, Mr. F\irker, to ask of you the hond of Miss Nelly, will her consent. {Nelly holds out"bolh hands.) PARKER. With pleasure this time But you know, of cours that I am a mined man, and that this marriag.> will not be so ad- vantageous as it might have been formerly. MADISON. I hope I have proven that I never expected any other for- tune than the love of Miss Nelly [she looks at hiiu fondly). As the war is over and my country no longer neeils my services, 1 intend to labor for its prosperity in another sphere. Would you be disposed, Mr. Parker, to give me, as you once offered, a partnership in your business ? PARKER. Surely, Major, your demand is ironical. I can only offer you a share in my ruin. MADISON. Very well, Mr. Parker, we shall say no more about it. 1 will only show you, however, that although my demand may have b(>en indelicate, it was not ironical. Take and read this. [Plates papers in his hands.) PARKER (reading and brightening as he reads.) What does all this mean? My property restored to me An indemnity of £50,000 for my confiscated ships You are making fun of me, Major ! It cannot be HADIION. It is all the same quite true. Read the note addrnsed to the war department. — 107 — "^ PARKER (reads on) "Major Madison has clearly proven the claims of Mr- Parker. I rejoice, in acconiphsliing an act of jnstice, to do a service to one of the truest and most faithfnl oHlcors of my army " (Signed) George Washingtom." NELLY. Oh ! how can we recognize what you have done for us ? MADISON. By your love, Miss Nelly. PARKER [Besidf, himself with joy). During the past two years I came nmr losing my reason several times through excess of grief and anxiety. Now I fear I shall became crazy with joy. (Embraces Nelly and presses iladison's hand}. » MADISON. I will add that if I did not return to New-York with the army, it was beciuse I wished first to go to the capital and have the decision of the Commander-in-Chief ratified by the war office. PARKER. I have one more f;ivor to ask you, Major Madison. It is that, to fulfil the dream which I formerly had, you will con- sent to become my son-in-law and partner. MADISON. » I accept on one cohdition — that I shall be at liberty to take up arms should my country again require my services. PARKER. Oh ! yes, and this time if I am not too old, 1 will go with you Major Madison and Nelly, my daughter, you are both angels and 1, with all my experience, am no better than an old fool. You triumph along the whole line. The love of money made Arnold a traitor, ChSimbers an assassin, while patriotism, devotion and all the noble sentiments which I lacked produced Washington and independence. — 108 — # MADISON. And may the American people always imitate the patrio- tism and the virtues of the immortal father of their indepen- dence, in order that, one hundred years hence, all nations of the earth wondering at their progress and prosperity, may exclaim : " These are the fruits of liberty ! " (At that moment a band of music passes through the street^ followed by a crowd shouting " Long live Washington ! " " Hurrah for Independence ! " PAnKBR (going to windowl What is it? MADISON (hastening to windoiv tvith Nelly). It is the people acclaiming the officers of the army. (Some on in the crov)d recognizing Madison., cries out ^^ Hurrah for Madison! "—The crowd re-echoes the cry. — Band plays a na- tional aiUj. Apotheosis of Washington or a tableau representing La- fayette offering his sword to Washington. , >■■ a ■ ' i J » C 1. V « K . u '■ c 4 t ^- ''' il d C O f