The DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, makers of better things for better living
through chemistry, presents the cavalcade of America.
Tonight's star, McDonald Carey.
That story, Incident at Lancaster.
My name is Lee, Captain Daniel Lee, 3rd Massachusetts Regiment.
I joined the Continental Army right after the Battle of Trenton.
And now, the year 1782, I'm attached to General Hazen's headquarters at Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
I'm a plain man, nothing out of the ordinary about me at all.
Come to think of it, maybe that's just why General Hazen sent for me that particular morning.
When I arrived at his headquarters, he got straight to the point.
This is the situation, Captain Lee.
It's a serious one.
In the last six months, 40 British soldiers have escaped from our prison camp at Lancaster
and found their way back to British lines.
It's got to stop.
That's why I sent for you.
Yes, sir.
Now, what do you think of this scheme?
Suppose I put one of my own men into Lancaster, disguised as a British prisoner.
Oh, I see.
By pretending to be a British prisoner, he might get wind of how the trick is done, is
that it?
Exactly.
Good idea, sir, if it'll work.
I reckon it might.
General, the man will have to be pretty well disguised.
Simple, my boy.
According to it.
I'll take a medium-sized man, like you, for instance, Lee, dye his hair black if, like
you, he happens to be fair, give him a week's growth of beard, and I'll wager even your
own mother won't recognize you.
Me, sir?
Next time we get a batch of red coats, we'll put you in the stockade with them.
Oh, I see.
And in the meantime, get acquainted with your new self.
You're no longer with the Third Massachusetts.
From now on, your name is Peter Graves, a lobsterback.
But that means passing myself off as an Englishman.
I have no British accent.
You'll be a Tory.
You'll pass yourself off as a loyalist to the Crown.
From now on, you're fighting for the right to keep on licking King George's boots, and
you've no use for these Yankee rebels.
Well, I never thought I'd have to say another good word for old George.
Now, there's one thing I must warn you about.
In your British uniform, you'll be safe enough in camp, but once outside, you run the risk
of falling into British hands.
And if they find out who you are, well, you know what that means.
Don't worry.
I don't aim to be shot as a spy.
Very well.
You have your orders.
I'm counting on you.
Don't forget the name, Peter Graves.
Peter Graves.
It'll take a while to get used to that.
Hey, you have a week to forget Captain Daniel Lee ever existed.
See that you make a good job of it.
Your life may depend on it.
So, two weeks later, as Peter Graves, I found myself outside the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment
and inside Lancaster Prison.
Despite the fact that I couldn't recognize my own face when I looked in the mirror, I
couldn't believe that the red coats wouldn't see through my disguise straight off.
But nothing happened.
One day, I began to get discouraged until one day, out in the yard, an old woman selling
apples came around the corner of the stockade.
Apples!
Nice red apples!
Not today, thank you, ma'am.
Juicy fresh apples, sweet and ripe as the lips of a girl.
Not today, old man.
We'll have an apple.
Apples!
Apple for you, red coat.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
Don't mind if I do.
One heap in it.
All right.
I'll be right back.
Yeah?
There you are.
Say, they're beautiful apples.
You must be a new one.
I don't recollect your face.
The rebels captured me most a week ago.
I'm just sort of getting my bearings.
My peculiar, you sound like a Yankee.
I'm a, I'm a loyalist.
My name is Peter Graves.
Oh?
My fine eating apple.
Do, do you come to camp often?
Almost every day, yes.
I sell cakes, meat pies.
I'm just a poor woman trying to do her best.
And a hard time I've had since the trouble with my boy.
Oh?
What kind of trouble?
Oh, dreadful trouble, dreadful.
My boy was a volunteer in the Continental Army, a private in the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment.
The 3rd, the 3rd Massachusetts?
That's right.
You ever fought against them?
Well, I, I've been in battle with them.
Oh, you don't say?
Well, you're not apt to have fought my will.
He wasn't along with them.
Oh?
Oh, why not?
Those Yankees had him put in jail.
And all because he brought home a blanket or two and a few trinkets, thinking of his
old mother he was.
And is he still under detention?
Oh, not him, no.
Oh, then I suppose he's back with his regiment.
Well, not get him to do any more soldiering for him.
He deserted.
What do you think of that?
I don't blame him, but what if they found him again?
Those Yankees, they aren't smart enough to catch my will.
Sure, it stands to reason they wouldn't be rebels if they had any wits.
You know, come to think of it, that's real nicer than letting you come into this camp
with your wares.
Why shouldn't they?
Now I ask you, what harm could an old woman like me do?
What harm indeed.
I wondered.
I decided that the old apple woman was definitely worth watching.
But she didn't come back to the camp the next day, no, the next.
And I began to worry that something I'd said might have made her suspicious.
Then I ran into the biggest piece of luck I ever hoped to see.
One night I was lying on my bed in the barracks, wide awake, although it was very late.
Suddenly the door opened and a figure crept into the room and bent over a bed just down
the road from me.
It was the apple woman.
I lay very still and listened.
Wake up, wake up, soldier.
What's that?
Oh, it's you.
I'm sorry, I meant to stay awake.
Is everything all right?
Already.
Hurry now, take your boots and meet me outside.
I got another man to wake him.
Right.
Now let's see, third bed down and the second row here.
Oh yes, this must be it.
You, you, wake up.
What's that?
What do you want?
I have the guards on us with your noise.
Follow me quickly.
Follow you?
Where?
If you've lost your nerves, stay where you are.
We don't want any cowards around.
Wait, wait, I'll come.
One minute while I get my boots.
Hurry now, follow me.
What took you so long?
This one wasn't so sure that he wanted to come.
Who are you?
I thought Jeff was the man chosen to go.
The plan was changed.
I'm going in his place.
Leave off the speech, if I am.
We've had enough talk.
You're still a long way from escaping me, bucko.
Yes, but how are we to get by the sentry?
Never mind the sentry.
He's filled up on my own special cider.
I promise you he'll sleep well.
Come on now.
I'll lead the way to the woods and I'll have you safe at the hut in no time.
Your son will meet us there?
Your son?
That's right, laddie.
It's my will who's to lead you back where you belong.
The British lines.
Will, Will, quickly open the door.
You got them?
Good.
In with you quickly.
No trouble, mother.
Never am I.
Like always, son.
You've been well done, madam.
I can recognize you.
You're young.
I am.
And you must be Jeffrey.
I'm afraid not.
Peter Graves is the name.
Graves?
Who are you?
What are you doing here?
Well, to tell you the truth, it all happened so fast I didn't have time to explain.
Your mother told me to come along.
It was a chance to get away from the Yankees, so I didn't waste time.
I knew Jeffrey was supposed to come.
I tried to tell your mother.
I went to the bed you told me to, Will.
I swear I did.
You blinding old fool.
Oh, no, Will.
No, it wasn't my fault.
Leave her alone.
It isn't her fault.
I went to the third bed, just like you said.
Forced bed, forced bed, you stupid old cow.
All right, get along now, Peter.
I'll be right back.
I don't like to see women full candle like that, and I don't aim to see any more of it.
Yes, I'm a spartan.
Listen, the both of you.
You might as well learn right now.
You're both to keep quiet and do exactly what you're told.
I'm in charge.
You understand?
Well, I suppose we have very little choice.
You have none at all.
Now, Graves, I suppose you think you're pretty smart, weaseling in on another man's
chance to escape.
I don't like it.
What would you have done?
A chance to get back with your own troops?
You expect me to say no?
Besides, what difference does it make whether it's me or another?
Well, the truth is I was paid for two.
A trip wouldn't be worthwhile only for one.
Don't let him come, man.
But in the King's name, let's get out of here and on our way before they miss us.
All right, all right.
Wait, though.
Not so fast.
No.
You see this Bible?
I want each of you to touch this Bible and swear never to reveal to a living soul how
you escaped from my castle.
Say that's quite unnecessary.
I swear.
Very well, I swear.
Never to reveal how you escaped.
So help you God.
Never to reveal how I escaped.
So help me God.
All right, Graves, I don't see why I should take an oath.
I wouldn't be apt to tell people how I escaped.
Put your hand on this Bible and repeat after me.
I swear.
Just a minute.
I'm not a man that likes words put in his mouth.
No, listen to you talk.
I've got the feeling you and me have met before.
I don't think it's likely.
Yes, I could almost swear I know your voice.
Will you get on with it?
What's that?
The alarm gun.
I could like to say they've discovered that you're gone.
We've got to move fast.
Quick now.
All right, you two, we'll stop a minute here.
Good idea.
Young's finding it pretty tough going.
I'm afraid I'm a bit weak with this sort of thing.
I wouldn't have made it without your help, Graves.
Thanks.
Stop your blaster talking.
Now, not a word out of either of you while I signal.
Why doesn't the fool answer?
Think something's gone wrong?
Quiet.
Yes, there it is.
Carmen, you two stay behind those bushes.
Don't move from here and don't make any noise.
It'll be the worst for you if you do.
Our guide is hardly what women call a friendly type, eh, Graves?
Yeah, as far as he's concerned, it's a toss of the coin.
He either saves us or shoots us.
Well, I suppose in an enterprise like this, one must take what help one can get.
How long do you think the trip will take?
Let me see.
The way I figure, we've traveled close to 20 miles.
You wouldn't dare move us during daylight, so four or five more nights should do it.
Oh, I hope I'll be up to it.
I'm pretty well used up at the moment.
It's almost dawn.
You won't be going much further than night.
Well, we'll soon know.
He's coming back.
All right, get moving.
Then follow me sharp.
We've been open field across.
Listen, man, can't you see the sun coming up?
It'll be daylight in 10 minutes.
You can't keep going after daylight.
I don't know my business.
There's a farm just beyond those trees.
I'm betting you're down on a barn over there.
We'll move on again tonight.
Oh, a farm.
So we have friends in these parts, do we?
I thought they were all rebels around here.
You think too much, Graves.
Come along now.
Move fast and keep low and remember this.
One wrong move and I put a ball between your ears.
Tonight on Cabalcade of America, MacDonald Carey is starring as Daniel Lee, a Revolutionary
Army captain sent to Lancaster prison camp to discover how British prisoners of war are
escaping.
Disguised as Peter Graves, a loyalist soldier, he soon finds an opportunity to take part
in an escape himself.
Guided by a deserter from the Continental Army, he and a British prisoner named Young
have come to a farm and are about to hide in a barn.
All right, here's the barn.
Get in quickly.
I'll go up to the farmhouse and get some food.
Food is the least of my worries at the moment.
A bed is all I ask for.
It looks like you've got one if you'll settle for hay.
Ah, feels right good to me.
Young, you'd better be nice and spry when you wake up.
You've a long way to go and I'm not waiting on stragglers.
I'm going up to the house now.
Don't stare out of here.
Anybody going to be looking out for rebels?
Graves, you're too nosy by now.
I want to make sure the Yankees don't walk in on us while we're asleep.
They must be all over the countryside by this time.
Sounds to me like you're scared.
Yes, yeah, that's right.
I'm scared to death.
And you would be too if I could ever figure out where I've seen you before.
Well, I'll figure it out before long.
Well, maybe we'll have some peace from that fellow for a bit.
Graves, what in business are you doing?
I figure if I stand on this box, I can see out of this window.
See what?
You'd better be wise and then take Will's advice and observe nothing.
Could be dangerous, you know, knowing too much.
Well, not much to see anyway.
Not a landmark, so I'll know where we are.
Wait a minute.
What's wrong?
A Yankee patrol.
They're coming into the barnyard.
What are we going to do?
We can't just wait here for them to find us.
They're talking to the farmer.
He's shaking his head.
Are they coming this way?
One of them is moving towards the barn.
We've got to get out of here.
Wait a minute.
He's been called back.
I guess the farmer's told them he hasn't seen us.
Yes, it looks like they're leaving.
That's good news.
They're moving towards the road.
What do we do now?
We'll know in a second.
Will's coming out of the farmhouse.
Oh, that was a close one.
For a minute, I was sure they were going to find us.
No, we're all right, I guess.
There's the last of them going around the bend.
Graves, get down from that window.
I told you to get away from that window.
Take your hands off me.
Be quiet, fool.
I'm not going to let you get away from that window.
They couldn't have seen me through the window.
I was well back.
Keep your hands off me, understand?
Sure, Mr. Graves, I understand.
I understand right well.
Now, we're going to change our arrangements.
The Yankees about this barn isn't safe.
They'll probably go to search the woods, but they could come back.
Well, you're not going to leave here in broad daylight.
Not likely.
But you'll be safer up at the house.
There's a cellar there the Yankees will never find.
I'll go and get the Yankees.
You'll be right back for me, Will.
Don't worry about that, Mr. Graves.
I'll take care of you.
Never fear.
I didn't like the look on his face when he said he'd take care of me.
I like it even less when I found a bolt of the door.
I was sure now that will recognize me as his former officer in the third
Massachusetts. I decided it was time to make tracks. Maybe I could catch up with
the patrol in the woods and get the help. Luckily we'll have forgotten the window.
I was like. A long drop to the ground.
So I said. All I had to do was to sneak by the house.
And suddenly will voice may be stopped. For a moment listen. Change the way he
looks but I knew that voice the minute he popped me out there in the bar you must be
mistaken no. I'm not taking chances with that I'm going to take care of him right
now. I don't want to. Stop it.
Way you. Missed him never mind he won't get far I know these words and he doesn't
he hasn't got a chance.
It's time I stopped listening to him coming behind me. It was getting closer I knew
I couldn't go much further I was hopelessly lost there was no sign of the
patrol. There was only one chance for me I could climb a tree swing down on him when
he passed I might be able to get his pistol before he saw me. I myself up in
three fast. I waited. Sure enough will came along moving right in the position
beneath me. He stopped.
I grew my breath and I jumped. He just a hand free and got it is just so.
He missed me. Will wasn't through. Oh I have in the ribs knocked the wind out of
me the next thing I knew we had his hands around my throat.
I'm going to squeeze every last breath out of you.
The Yankee patrol. Was the Yankee patrol they must have heard the pistol shot and
the flash will took to his heels.
I'll take care of this one on the ground never mind me there's a British prisoner
hidden up at that farmhouse take a farmer into he's in on it hurry man before they
get away. Don't tell me what to do. I'm Captain Daniel Lee third Massachusetts
a lot that's right Lieutenant General Hazen put me in Lancaster to find out how
the prisoners were escaping and you found out didn't you captain did you say
you were look I tell you there's an escape redcoat in that farmhouse and
people who were helping prisoners get away from Lancaster go see for yourself.
What have you got to lose. My very investigating of that. Bentley Jackson
get out of that farmhouse all that he wanted to find. And if you my friend you
would better be telling the truth it happens to be the truth take me to
General Hazen at once why don't worry captain I'll take you all right. Come
along. Jailer Taylor there's been a mistake. Lobster back set yourself down.
Nobody ever escaped out of this jail but I tell you I'm not a British soldier
we do things different here in Philadelphia. Lock our prisoners up right
and tight listen to me I'm an American officer. Lieutenant warned me don't
listen to him he said if he says he's a Yankee so it won't do you a bit of good
not here. You hear the duration lobster back so you might just as well sit your
mind to it. What's the use. Now you're being sensible. Tell me whatever it
possessed you to try it all. Never mind just forget what I told you it's only.
Wait a minute. You really want to know why. I've been I've been trying to get
to General Hazen. Yes I've got some information for him very important
information. That kind of information would you have that the general be
interested in. About a little scheme General Clinton's a little surprise for
you Yankees. What kind of surprise. Well tell me maybe it's important no no no
not you but you see I I figured this way if I tell the general what I know he
might be willing to make a deal I'm sure of one thing the general will be mighty
grateful to anyone who puts him in the way of getting my message.
Just what kind of message would you want to. I know you do it now listen carefully
I'm going to write a letter to General Hazen he's in Lancaster right now see
that he gets it as soon as possible.
Any word now no sign of that young fellow I sent off with your message it's
mighty peculiar something's gone wrong something must have gone wrong I'm
beginning to think I was crazy to ever believe that story you know. Where I
listen someone's here. Oh there are what kind of a compounded general Hazen my
boy are you all right did you get them we got them both the apple woman or
son good it was those two behind all the escapes they had four or five farmers
working with him to I've had a whole spiring operating in my territory most
likely reporting to the British and every move we made you've got a fine job
Captain we're very grateful General I'd be grateful to for a change of uniform
and a change of duty you know what I mean back to my old regiment and back to
winning the war.
Our thanks to McDonald Carey and the Cavalcade players for tonight's story
Incidents at Lancaster.
Next week DePont Cavalcade will present the popular screen star William Holden
our play The Sitting Duck tells an exciting and true story of an adventure
that took place last July in enemy territory in Korea be sure to listen.
Tonight's DePont Cavalcade Incident at Lancaster was written by Rosemary Foster
based on the book Wonderful Escapes by Americans published by Houghton Mifflin
Company music was composed by Arden Cornwell and conducted by Donald
Voorhees the program was directed by John Zoller with McDonald Carey tonight
you heard Frank Reddick Betty Gard Carl Harbord Scott Tennyson Eugene Francis
and Robert Dryden. Mr. Carey can currently be seen in the 20th Century Fox
production Let's Make It Legal.
Don't forget next week our star William Holden the DePont Cavalcade of America
comes to you from the Velasco Theater in New York and is sponsored by the DePont
Company of Wilmington Delaware makers of better things for better living through
chemistry.
Next Hollywood theater stars Tarone Power on NBC.