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7
" WHEN GEORGE THE THIRD WAS KING
))
AN HISTORICAL DRAMA
IN III. ACTS,
— I5V —
CATHARIIIE ElKA MERRITT (U.E.L.).
TORONTO: RowsELL cS: Hutchison, Printers.
1897.
PRICE 25 CENTS,
Entered according to tlie Act of Parliiunent of Caiiiula, in the your of our Lord one thousand eight liundred and ninety-seven, by Catiiauink Nina Mkkritt, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
SYNOPSIS.
t
Act I.
Mr Fordyeo, a ),'outU'ni:ia of .^ooil oirumustiuK.-.^s ami position, is living neai- Ali)iiny. His .lauglitcT, Margaret, is eiigage.l to a nsing liostoii lawyer, fr„in whom they first l.-ani of tiie serious ooiulition ..f atlairs in that town MaiV'aiet, on learning ius disloyal sentiments, l.reaUs her engagement an.l (Usmisses him. Mr. Fonlyoe is suspected hy the rel)el.s of seeretly working tor the Loyalist Party, and l.cing a strong opponent, tiiey ende.ivor to have him brou'dit to i'hiladelphia untler the pretext of his presence heuig re.pured tor sonie°le-al l.usiness. In tlie absence of Mr. Fordyee. tlie despatch is hande.l to Clol Wallace, the man supposing him to he the master ot tiie iiouse. Angry words pass between them, the result being that Col. Wallace- is shot.
Act II.
Durin.' the rebellion, two Hritish ollicers riding through the country take slielter in Uie house of Mr. F.u-.lyce. The rebels track the.n and search the house but the olUccrs being concealed, they fail m their ol),iect. ihe men have no sooner emerged from their hidmg-place than a Scotchman comes to warn Mr. Fordyee that the rebels are returning to take lum prisoner and have been ordered to leave a strong guard in ttie house. In consequence ot tins timely warning, all the men are enabled to escape to Canada. 1 he women are left, trusting to ( I en. Schuyler-s promise of protection. I hey are atlerwards taken as hostages to Albany, but are ev mtually allowed to join their family.
Act III.
Mr Fordvce, having settled his wife and daughter, goes to rejoin his regiment, taking Henry with liim. Tlieir lioiue-coining l.rmgs joy to the women. Andrew declares his love to Margaret, winch is reciprocated, and tlie announcement of tlieir beuig atHanoe.l causes gimeral satisfaction. I he sudden appearance of a band of Indians brings consternation, but it is soon discovered tiuit they are friendly. Elizabeth has a vision of a hundred years m the future.
CHARACTERS :
William Hrnry Fokdyce, . Mrs. Elizahetii Fordyce, (his wife.) Ma iu;aret Fokdyce, . (his dauglitor.) Hknky Fordyce, . (his sou.)
Nathaniel Crawley, .... Coi.. James Wallace, .... Mrs. Caroline Wallace, (his wife.) Andrew Wallace, . (his sou.)
Iaehecca,
Nkd,
Col. Hoff,
Cai'T. Bennett,
Macdonnell,
Rebel officer. Men attending Rebel
King's Attorney-Geu.
Bos5ton Lawyer. (Retired.)
Negro Woman-servant. Neiri'O Maii-sorvaiit. Otficer in Rebel Army. In Rritisli Army. Scotch Settler.
oiric(!rs. Rabble.
Hen.
Ned. Hen. Ned. Hen.
Ned. Hen. Ned.
Hen.
Act I.-
Arr II. Act I II.
-1773, December.— During Boston Riots. -177(1, June. — During Rebelli<Mi. -178;}, May. — Refugees in Canada.
ACT I.
Drawing Room in Mr. Fordyce's House. Henry and Ned discovered.
Go on Ned, never mind the silver, what <lid tlie King do then ? Did he set to work and build himself an(^ther castle ?
Do King ? de King i Heah de chile '. Why bless yo' heart, honey, kings don't do nulHn, <ley jes' set round!
Do you think our King Ueorge does nothing but just " set rcuud," Ned ^.
(Scvdtching Li^ head.) King George, him mighty l)ig king, Mass' Henry, I guess him lie down.
You think he lies down ? And do you tliink that is why he cannot stop the riots in Boston, because, if a mail is lying down, you know, he cannot do much,
can he ? , , ,
(Loo/.;.s' puzzled.) No : Mass Henry, no sail . he
don't do much !
But Ned, do you tliink if King George got up he could make those"' Whigs behave themselves ?
Why how you do talk, honey ! Heah de chile ! .De Kino" : him ^ far 'way ! him not do nuthn ! him not stop'de tightin' ! not de Boston hghtin' '.
Oh : you do not think so ? Well ! never mind the bothersome old Whigs, Ned, tell me about the King in your story. What did ho do, after his unruly sub- jects knocked down his castle ? {rushes Jdm into a chair.) Go on, Ned ! what did he do ?
6
Ned. (Ri'Ktsti'iifj.) Now! Mass' ir<'my; Icalx- dc; olc tiitr- giih »l() his work, lionuy ! Ijiinc by, liiiii tell you what do Kino- clo I ITiwi mus' <fo shine do silver ; Mass' Henry, you loabo him j^o ! (Enter Ukii.)
Reb. Wliy ! what you doin' hoah, you hi/y iiit^^oah ^ I
done l)Cen h)okini,' all t'lou' do house I'o' you, you j4()(j(l- for-nullin Idack man • lleah's folks comiu' dinnah dis evenin', an' 30U sittin' doi- jos' de same e,s if you was do massa hisset", an' iiufHii to do hut jes' talk, talk !
Hen. ISow ! do not he so cross, Kobecca, it is my fault ; I was making him tell mo a story. You do not look pretty, when you are cross, Rebecca I (J'JxU Ned, dvoul- iuji He 1 5.)
Keb. Mass' Homy I aint yon 'shamed o' yo'sef :" What
yo' faaver say '. ^lakin' he jioi'o olo nij^Ljah .sot down in de palar, an' tollin' you stories, an' de silbali ! — {Grmnbliiiy to herself, and (iHstrii(/. Enter Mail (VikI
CUAWLEV.)
Hen. (Jood day, Mr. Crawlo}' ! Mari;aret I you have just come in time to pnt Rebecca in a ijfood humor; she is cross at Nod, becau.so ho was telling mo stories. (Mar. crosses to Rel).)
Have you had a nice I'ide, Mr. Crawley ''.
CllA. A very enjoyable ride, my young friend ; but rather
too cold ! 1 find the animals over-fresh on, these frost}' mo mini's I
Mak. Nevermind, Rebecca! do not bo cross! Old Ned will work all tlie better for a few minutes' play, and our guests are sure to be late ; for they have a long way to come, you know. Now% I am going up to put on my frock for dinner. You will come and help mo, in a few minutes, will you not, Rebecca ? Mr. Crawley, I crave your pardon for leaving you; I would have speech with my brother. Come, Henry ! {Exit Mar. and Hen. Crawley follows to door, then turns.)
Reb. Dat blessed chile! What fo' she marry dat long- legged Yankee, dat pore tan trash ! Him play possum mighty good ! {Exit Reb. Enter Mr. Fordyce.)
Cra. Ah ! sir, I was about to seek an interview w-ith you !
And if I am not encroaching too much upon 3'our valu- able tiuie ; may I bo permitted to crave your attention for a short space ?
For. Surely ! surely ! Take a scat my young friend ; I
^ shall be glad to serve you in any way within my power;
but wo shall have ample opportunity to discuss all
matters of interest at our leisure. Your stay, I trust,
will not be limited ?
CUA. Sii"! I HUi ffticc'd to leave your ho-pitalilc roof, I regret to say, this evoiiiiiL;;. 1 receivoil a dispatch this iiioriiin'j, U'- I ro(h' fortii with your (hiii^ditii-, cHlliiiLf mo hack iiiuut'diatt.'ly to JJostuii on important l)usim'ss. Sir! I wish, hetbre I leave, to .settle detinitely tlie date of my marriaL;o witli your estim;i,hh' "hi'i^hter. I slicMdd feel at ease if we could hx it for next month, towards the end. Wt; cannot ttdl what may h.ipjien from da}' to (hiy. Man is but mortal; and, as for her dowr}-, sir !
Fou. Stay ! stay ! J3e not too hasty in your conclusions. Have you spoken to our daui^ditei of tliis hasty mar- riaL^o. yhe is yet over-youii!,' to leave lier parents' roof.
Cra. Nay, sir ! I have not ! She hut i^'avi; me her consisnt
to our union at some future time! I made n(j mention of any special date, but when she liears of my pr(jsp(^ets, I luiike no doubt, she will consent.
Foit. Your i)iiu,'tice is increasin^^ then :* It is well ! Had 1 not unilerstood that you were a man of ability ami industry, I could m'V('r have consented to your luai"- ria<^e witli our pi-ecious child! To be candid, ! an; averse to vour reliifious views, and tbr some time I do mui'red, thinkiucj, perhaps, it were w.ron^ to alhjw our daughter to unite with one prcjb^ssini;' a ditfereiit form of worship ; but slu; seemed so much t() have set her heart upon this match, that I yielded to her entreaties, an(b sir! 1 hope you are too mucli of a '^'ontleman to urij^e upon her a creed which ma}' be; contrary to lu.'r convicticjiis.
Cra. You may trust nie, sir! as if I weie your son [ shall endeavor to promote her ha[)piiiess to tht3 best of my means and ability.
For. Then, vou have my consent to address her yourself reyardino- the time of youi- marriag'e. We shall miss her sorely — she is always such a l)right spot in our old home— but if this uni»)n constitutes her happiness, we must not be selfish enoui^h to keep her from its con- sunnnation. And now, tell me, I pray you! what do you think are the chances of ([uelling these ri(jts in Boston :* I have had but little opportunity o( seeino- you alone to cpiestion you on the subject, and I do not wi.-h to discuss it l)efore my wife and daui^hter least they should become alarmed at the sei'ious aspect of affairs. A few more such men as my friend, Governor Hutchinson, would soon bring the leaders of these riots to their piopor minds, methinks, without the necessity of using military force.
CUA. Nay, sir! f do not think tliat oven one hun(ln>(l such men ns (Jovcinor Hutchinson wouM ho sutticic.'Ut to suh(Kif> the spii'it of tho lioston j)f'o])I('. Sir! you can- not understand the doterniinaticjn of these men. Tliey are, (h-spei-ate ; they will <;o to any lenifth to ol)tain their riL,dits. 1 have hcsre the flispatch, which I received this nioininn', (!<tntiiinin^f inteUi^^ence, which, 1 fear, will be pain and disappointment to your hopes. The first consignment of the Ivist India (.'ompany's tea arrived in JJoston Hariior ahout a wet;lc sinc(;. Tlie people boarded the ship and threw eveiy case into the sea.
For. It is inercdiljle! What vvanfon, cowardly destruction!
CllA. (Opens (clfer iinil rends.) My friend says, that "Men and women, rich and ^ioo\\ standing together, threw into thi; sea £IS,()()() worth of something they priiceil," and furthi'i* on, "Governor Hutchinson saith, if they go to tile lengths which they thi-eaten, he will be obliged to retire to the castle, as he cannot otherwise make any exertion in su])port of the King's authority; he doth greatly fear another attack upon his Ikjusg." {FoIAk letter.) And now, sir! doth that convince you of the powei'lessness of Governor Hutchinson and his like, — nay ! of everj' man, in the service of King Geoi-ge the Ty (recoreriiKj), King George the Third ?
For. This is woi-se than I suspected, — far worse! We live here, so unmolested, and secure in oui" homes, that we cannot realize the truly tei'rible state of confusion and rebellion existing in yom- part of the world.
Cra. My good sii'! you will be forced to recognize it
shortly. The spirit of lilterty is spreading with the raj)idi«.y ol"a forest fire.
For. j)ut they are mad ! They are mad ! Let them but have patience ; their g)-ievances will be hear<l by par- liament and, in due time, redressed ! They repealed the Stamp Act, and I doubt not sir, that oui* govern- ment will settle the tax question to the satisfaction of
, both parties on this continent, wouM the Whigs but
give them time ! The war with France in Canada was reopened entirely for our safety and protection, and is it not just that we should bear our share of its expenses?
Cra. It may be so ; but such talk in Bost(m would but doom a man to destruction and exile !
For. ^ Destruction? Exile? Then let me be destroyed! But here comes my daughter. (Enter ^[ah.) Not a word of this before the ladies ! Ah ! Margaret, my blessing. Your fine appearance makes me i-ealize the lateness of the houi-, and the unfitness of mj- habit! Good sir ! I beg that you will pardon my absence ! My
Mai{. Cha.
JMak.
CllA.
Mai:. Cha.
Mau
Cua. Mar
Cua
Mar
CllA.
Mar
cliuiuhtLT will entortiiii. you, doulitlcss, butter than I can do Marnfirc't, will you niKlortaku tlie task f {K.rit
It will not lie such a iiard one, father {{(IikjIik), nov the tir.^t time I have tried it !
(h'.rcllnl.) Ah: Marn-aret! How l.ejiutifid you are* When 1 see you, I f(»rnet everythinL^ I have left l)ehind me, an<l everythin*;- that lies before, and my one desire is to cidl yoti "wife," now, at once! Yet, I know, that cannot be. Sucli things re(|uire a few arrano-ements — line latlies, like you, must have fine frocks and t'arthiniLfales !
And l»!i'nty of time to brini,' them aenxs the seas'. 'Ay', ay : "^ ]jut listen, Margaret: There are times wlien we niay not wait for all we want, but must take what we cairget. At such times, one moments delay may lo^e us all :
\Vhat mean you by these words? Your looks are more serious than your speech would wari'ant.
I mean, that I want you to say that you will fix the date of our marriai;e in one month from now. I have your father's consent to speak with you. Tell me, Margaret, that you will grant my wish : 1 must re- turn to Boston this eveinng. Send me l)ack the hap- piest man in all America: Margaret: tell me that 1 may return in one month and take you to my home.
Nav : nav : be not so hnstv, mv <lear Nathainel ; it is no proof of any change in my atiection, that I cannot grant your wish.
Cannot : why cannot t What lies in the way ? My parents lie in the way, and my brother, he is over- young to be left without me. He hath never had another companion or play-fellow lieside, and he woidd miss me more than anyone. In a few years he will be grown old enough to go to Harvard College, and then, there will not lie so great need for me to stay at honie, and I shall be of a titter age to take upon me the duties of a wife.
In all your calculations ytn\ do not take nie into account. Why should I be obliged to give up my desire, to please your parents and your young brother ? Because, in so doing, you will be pleasing me. {ImixitieDt.) But you are frivolous: You do not considei- the importance of our immediate marriage. If we are not wedded within a month, we may never have another opportunity.
Why so ? What is to come between us ! If there i.s chance of either breaking faith, 'twere better proved !
10
Cka. Nay I You do not understand, — how should you ? I have l)usiiiess on hand of the i,a"eatest importance, wliich may keep me so busy at home that I shall have time for naujxht else ; or, it mav take me abroad, and keep nie close in some foreii,ni land.
Mar. Then, shouM your wife have but a dull time of it,' twere better she should bide at home where she hath com- ])anions about her who have the leisure to think of her, and talk to her.
Cra. Ah : I see there is no use tryinn' to persuade you in this manner. I nuist risk something'. ]\Iaro-aret I I will trust you, and tell you all. Can you keep a secret?
Mar. I can, and will ! What is it ? "^
Cra. CiVhisprvN.) Mavo-aret ! If you will marry me now,
I. will I'aise you to be one of the liinhest ladies '.-i the land, — your beauty and lofty bearing shall help me to climb up, step b}' step, into power and wealth, and who knows ? one day vox. may be the wife of the President of the greatest Republic in the world.
Mar. {Frifildened.) Republic! I know not what you mean I
Cra. (Excited.) ^M}- love ! you have hear;! of these riots in Boston ? These rough men are but the liand-dogs, the tools in the hands of a lew men of intellect, who have met in secret council, and have determined that this glorious land of America shall be free from the rule of the Tyrant ! It shall no longer be o])pressed and sub- missive to the dictates of his pam})ered minions. Mar- garet ■ Among the names of those men who liave taken solenui oath to free this country from the rule of George the I'yiant is that of Nathaniel Crawley ! ^largaret ! my love, do not draw away. Come I share with me the glorv and renown of being one of the first men to stand for the freedom of this glorious land.
Mar. Traitor! stand back ! Do not ai)proach me ! do not touch me ! Happily, you have revealed your true nature, by yoin- words, befoi'e it was too late ; and your etlbrt to win me, by your piotlered share of gain, has but lost me to you forever. You must have been woe- fully mistaken in me if you thought that I, the daughter of a Tory, and one of the most loyal in America, would aid you in your treacherous design to overthrow the King.
Cra. ' Nay ! But, Mai-garet ! hearken ! There is no treach- ery !
Mar. Speak not again ! I cannot persuade n^j-selfthat you ar(^ the same man before me, whom late I sanctioned to address me tender words. Oh ! shame ! — if my father
n
knew of thi.s, inotliiiiks liis anger \V()uM outstriJe his
hospitality. I will keep my pledije of secrecy as best I
may, but I cannot trust myself if you remain within
my siMit ; nevertheless, by i-eason of mv late re'jfard for
you, I would wish that no injury may come to you
while in this liouse ; therefore, I beseech you, take
your departure without delay. I will invent some
excuse which will sutisly my parents' fears.
Cra. It is hopeless, then ^ Vote iniU not let me .>,peak ?
(Mar. slutkes her head.) Tlien nmst I '^o, without a
word, without one little ray of hope, that I may live ?
Mar. One word of hop(; I i^nve 3'ou,ere we part. That you,
and all your pack of hounds, may well be punished by
the JCing-, as you deserve ! Go ! f^o ! (Kvil OiiA.)
(Mar. aiiiks into chair (ind baries her face in Iter hands,
sot)hi iKj. Recovers herself as Eliz. enters.)
Eltz. Mow now, Mar^^arot ? Where hath Mr. L'rawley
o-one :' Your father hath iufoimed me of his desire to
earrv vou away from us in January. Hath he been
speaking with you on this point, my child ? (Mar,
nods.) And what hath Ijeen yonr verdict — to go, or
not to go :* (.Mai{. sh(d:es Iter hj'.ad.) i own, I am not
over-anxions for this match, and nevei" was; but if it
makes my child the liappier ■
Mar. {Sobbi/n;/, throws herself at her motluyrs feet and hides Iter face.) Oh! mother! mother! I will never leave you. I told him so ; he has gone; he will not come back again, never ! I could not leave you all ! Eliz. There! there! be([uiet; calm yourself ! What now you tell me, does m<; good to hear. I never fancied much your choice ; but then your father tlujught him clever, shrewd, a man of intellect and power in law. It is true his ])arents are of humble birth, and worsliip with a sect called "Independents." I know not what they are — they may be worthy people, too ! Neverthe- less, the young mau pleased me not, and right glail am I to know that you prefer to bide at home, I hope for many years. Come ! dry your eyes, for presently our guests will be ari'iving, and you would not wish to have them catch yon thus, in such a pliglit ! (.to ! wash away the traces of your tears, and put away your troubles, in the entertainment of our guests. (Exit Mar.) Poor child ! There's something lies beneath her mere reluctance to be married soon,— she hath discovered something in the man to disappoint her hopes. {Enter Foit.) For. What ^ Crawley gone ? What hastened his dei)art- ure i But now, I met young John, the groom, who said
12
he .saddled Mr. Crawley's horse some ten minutes since, and that he rode away with speed. What means this haste ?
Eliz. He hath had speech witli Margaret, and not only did he tail to ]>ersuade her to mai'iy him iix January, hut now, she doth declare, she will not marry him at all. Methinks tliey njust have quarrelled, and he left her in a huH'. For my own part, William, I should not be sorry to see this match broken off entirely.
For. Hum ! hum ! I know not what to think. These loveis' (|uarrels ever end in smoke. But, hark ! I hear the crunch ot" wheels within the drive ! Our guests arrive ! (FoK. r/oe.s to dour.)
Eliz. "J'will not take n)uch to .shake his admiiation of Na- thaniel Crawlew 'Twere best to sav no mcjie. (Door tliTOwn open hy Ned, wlio tales cloaks, etc. Enter Col. Wal., Car. and And.)
For. Welcome, ma(him 1 Welcome, sir ! 'Tis many weeks .since we have had the pleasure of your company, I trust you lioth enjoy the best of health ! And our young friend, just finished with his college course ! We need not ask him how he fares, for vouth is ever light and strong. Margaret ! VVhcj'e is j\largaret ? Shf will be rejoicerl to see her old companion back agairi. {Erdev Mak.) Ah ! here .>he comes I
Eliz. {To Col, Wal.) How these children grow ! 'Tis hard for us to realize that they are children now no ■ more. How fares it with your sons ? '' hev both are with their regiment ? You nuist be glad that they are old enough to fill your vacant place. And doth your wound still trouble ?
W^AL, Ay ! sometimes it doth, in cold weathei', most of all ; but. I would go throuoh the same ag-ain to be at another taking of Quebec; and, 'tis not so bad that I could not raise a carbine still in face of any of the Kind's enemies at home or abroad I
Mar. What mean you, that you will not touch my hand ! You .surely must be jesting !
And. I mean, that with this hand I have perjured mine honor and my soul, and until I have redeemed the one and chastened the other, I dare not call myself a gentle- man ; and none but a gentle man, in thought at least, should take the hand of ai;y gentle maid ! [They nil look in siivprise.)
Wal. My son I what meaneth this ? What have you done, that vou need be ashamed to take a lady bv the hand ;'
^1
13
And. Father, I have p'liposoly concealed from you what now I am about to tell. Mr, Fonlyce is my revered god- father ; his wife, my well-loved g.jdinother, and his
daughter, my my companion and cherished friend.
It is more bitter to me to confess my crime before these, than to you and my mother nlone. ^ly punishment deserves to be the most severe I know of, therefore, let me speak ! Car. My son ! you speak in jest, — you mean not all you
sa}'- ! Axu. Mother'. T mean it all; let me speak: You are aware that I but lately returned from a visit to one of my Harvard friends in Salem, near Boston, and that I did not remain as long as T had intended ; the reason of my hasty departure I am about to relate. (Caii. tries to^ interrupt liim, hat ho stops her vjith <t motion of Ids hviid.) On the night of the 5th, my friend and I were invited to suj) at a young men's clult, — all Whigs, my friend being also of "these politics. After su))i)er, there were some bold speeches made; one man, rising, pro- posed a toast to the freedom of America and the down- fall of George tlie Tyrant. In an instant I was on my feet, crying, treason ! treason ! Inuuediately, they seized me, held down my arms, and bound them to my sides. I struggled desperately; they laid me on the floor, and forced my teeth open with a wedge, deter- mined that I should drink the toast. Glass after glass they poured into my mouth, but I resisted swallowing, so that the wine flowed all over my face au'l on the floor. Gradually, as the fumes I.egan to stupefy ine, I lost all power of I'esistance, and at last, was in such a Btate of intoxication that when unbound I could not raise myself from the floor. After this, I knew nothing until I awoke the next morning in my friend's hou.se. Saxter came in and congratulated me on having joined the "winning side," as lie. called it, and told me that iviiich made me burn with rage. He said that when unconscious, they had held my hand, and made me sign a document, swearing allegiance to "Free America, " and renouncing my King as "Geoi-ge the Tyrant." L would not believe it ! He took me to the club, and there in the presence of ten members, he read me that accursed document, most villainously signe<l, ''Andrew Iveith Wallace." I tried to seize the paper, l)ut was dragged away. I struggled, and struck out. My blows were returned tenfold. Seeing I was overwhelmed and powerles.s, I retired battled and beaten, and left the house of John Saxter— my friend no more— with the
14
fii'iu resolve to join the Queen's Rangers and be among the first to strike a blow lor our <;oo(l Kinfj;, and ^ivo the lie to that damning evidence, now held in traitor hands ! Father ! can you forgive me ? {Sln/vS into chair <ind hides face.)
Wal. Good God ! my son, what news is this ?
FoK. Take it not thus, my friend, the lad hath nobly done, it was no fault of his, he was overpowered. The fel- lows v/ere cowards all! Come! Come! my la<l, take heart, the i'ault was no moi'e yours than Margaret's here ! Stand up, and bravely face the lie, for lie it was, and never hand of yours that wrote ! Come forth, my lad ! come take the air ! A little saunter in the garden now, will somewhat clear away the clouds and lend you better appetite, (And, riset^.) Margaret ! will you join us in our stroll ?
Mar. Ay ! that I will !
For. We'll i>o and visit Chen'v in her stall, and take her carrots to subdue her greed. Margaret ! you tried her pace to-day, 1 warrant, {Exit For., Mar. and And.)
Car. My poor boy ! how terribly he doth take this dis-
grace to heart, and yet it was no fault of his !
Eliz. Indeed ! no fault of his ! He is a noble lad to have endured so long such brutal usage as they put him to. Wliat fiends are men, when unrestrained by any high resolve !
Wal. Such men, indeed, are brutes and fiends, and any countr}' governed by their like, would be a very hell ! Heaven guard this land from rule of selfish men, who turn the raoinn; rabble loose to serve their hateful ends. {E)dev three men. One advances and extends 'paper to Wal.)
Stran. You are bid to follow me, I am to escort you to Philadelphia. Read !
Wal. Who bids me go ? That paper bears not the seal of the King. / ivlll not read !
Stran. The King ! Ha ! ha ! (All the men laugh.) We do not know the King. Mean you the Bastard Tyrant, Geo. the Third ?
W^AL. (Seizes 'poker and threatens stranger.) I'll teach you to insult the name of the King !
Stran. And I'll teach you to defy the authority on which I act {draivs pistol and fires, the other men level pistols at the women, Wal. springs after him, he fires again. Wal. falls).
Stran. To horse ! to horse ! [Exit three men.)
Hen. {Enter Hen. running.) WHiat ! Shot ! Wlio did it ?
Eliz. Make haste, your father's gun, fly ! {Exit Hen.)
15
Cak. For.
Eliz.
Hen.
And.
Car.
Kkd. Emz.
Car. Eliz.
Car. Wal.
Ben.
And.
(Looshuj Wal.'^ necl:duih.) Oh', my husband : He is quite unconscious, (juite, James '. .James !
{Enter 'nil'<istc For., Mar. ami And.) What were the shots we heard ? How ? Wallace wounded, who hath done this deed i
Three men, who entere<l, armed, to carry him away, he defended himself and- the name of the Kini;' : One fired, and then they all esca[)ed ! (Kilter Hen. 'ivitk <nin.) Here is your gun, you yet may get a shot at them.
Fatlier! There's five of them, they took the road, and if you run across the lawn, you'll catch tl"-- - at the old thorn hedge 1 {Exh V< R.)
Find me a gun, good l)oy, and run with it to where vour father's gone. The hounds! (Enter Ned (uul ilEB, Exit And. ami Hen.)
He <loes not speak to me '. he's still unconscious ; oh ! what if I should never heai- his voice again ?
Sakes, alive : ef Ma.ssa Wallaee ain't, been shot?
Ned ! get the brandy quickly, Reb, some cold water. (Exit Ned and Rer.)
Mrs. Wallace, take heart, he lives, he breathes, and vet, I fear the wound lies in a vital part; we cannot staunch the fiow of blood !
Oh ! if he would but speak !
{Enter Ned and Reis.) {Glees hrandij.) This will restore him to consciousness.
]\ly husband ! speak to me, one word, just one !
(thr)j raise his h 'ud.) My country ! my poor
country !
[End of Act I.]
Ben.
ACT II.
Dini.nt; Room in Mr. Fordyce's House, Incongruous
FuRNiTURK. Union Jack Hanging on Wall.
Andrew and Captain Bennett Seated
AT Breakfast, Served ijy Ned.
I doubt if we shall gain Niagara, if reports be true,
that all this country is being scoured by General
Schuyler's troops.
Ay": but under cover of night, we may win Sir Guy Johnstone's Indian encampment, where the loyal Chief Brant will give us safe conduct for the rest of the way. I doubt not; but methinks many inhabitants of this district, are either loyal, or indifferent in their feelings. That may be so :' but so long as Albany is in the hands of the rebels, it seems that no man's property is
IG
safe, and scnrcely their lives, inetliinks, from what one lieurs ot' the maraudincT and lootinu' in the past vear.
And. A}' ! it hath been terrible, and many loyalist families hiivv already aliandoned their homes and their farms, and have taken refiii^e in the back woods of Canada.
Eliz. [Ivnter Eliz.) I trust that Ned hath been looking after you, gentlemen, it is but poor fare that we can otter you in these unsettled times. The country is constantly being scoured and robbed for the p' jvision- ing of General Schuyler's troops, and everything is rising ra})idl3' in price ! (Ned clears table amd exit.)
And. Indeed ! my dear godmother, we have ftired
admirably ; and feel hugcdy refreshed by your hospi- tality, aftei" our long night's ride ; but I fear we must furthei" trespass on your goodness, for we dare not journey forth in daylight. iMr. Fordyce tells us there are spies in all directions, and numerous scouting par- ties, therefore, we beg that you will l)ear with us until to-night.
BliN. We have no great desire to spend oui- strength shut
up as prisoners of war. Our horses, too, have need of rest and food.
Eliz. And you, yourselves, have need of rest and sleep. Indeed! it is no imj^osition to entertain our friends ; and news, fresh from the seat of action is most accept- able. My husband hath been longing for some infor- mation foi- weeks past. It is difficult for us to obtain any letters from our friends ; for they are generally intercepted and sent to Albany.
Ben. Have you ever been molested f»y these bands of
mai'anders that infest the coun "v I
Eliz. indeed ! we have, last year they surrounded this house, under pretence of searching for hidilen arms and ammunition; they ovei'tui'ned the whole place, carrying away whatever they could lay their hands upon.
And. What:* They entered the house, the thieves 1
Eliz. Ay ! entered the house and picked up everything they thought ot any value, in many cases, when the articles were too cumbersome to take away, they dashed them on the floo.r, or threw them out of the windows.
Ben. Wanton destruction ! Was there no cliance of mak-
ing resistance to such conduct I You have many loyal Scotch settlers among you, I understand, could you have done nothing in self-defence ?
Eliz. Useless ! A month before this occurrence. Gen- eral Schuyler marched here from Albany with o,0()0 men, and forced all the loyalists (a small number) to lay down their arms, allowing my husband alone, to retain
17
liis cavltino, only on thf.se conditions would lie promise to leave ns unmolested. And. I warrant Mr. Fordyee eotisonfed to these terms for
l*'^'"1* the sake of the women jind children.
Eliz. Ay ! ibr their sakes, Nevertheless, resistance would have been useless, some twenty men nyainst :i,000 ? What could they do ? 'Twere wiser to bide their time and strike wlun the blow will count.
Ben. And what of the Oeneral's promise ? it doth not
appear that he hath kept it very well 1
For {EnU'v Fordi/ce brcijldcss.) Andrew. Sir! You
must seek some place of safety ; if you <lo not wish to be cariied away to Alliany. From th<' hill behind the stables, I saw a band of rebels some oOO strong, march- ing along the road, and I concluded that this house is tlieir destination, as there is no outlet beycmd the farm, and the}- know the country well ! Where can we store these gentlemen in safety, Elizabeth i
rfhinking.) I ha^e it! (Jn the roof, the parapet will hide tliem ; go you too, William, you know not what orders they may have, or what they may con.sidcr as their duty.
'Tis true ! It may be prudent nor to show myself ; trust to a woman's wit to find a hiding-place. And your wife? Will they resjK-et her sex ? Av! They must, I have a promise signed by General Schuyler, when we delivered up our arms, to leave the women unmolested, and I have no fear for them. 'Tis my own Innnble person that they wish to lay their hands upon ; they're doing every thinL,^ within their power to hinder us from making our esca^ie, an<l take up arms against them. (Evtcr Hkn. runnin;/.)
Hen. Father ! iMother ! Rebels coming up the road!
Eliz. Go ! get you to your hiding place, and keep your- selves in close concealment till I call.
Hen. Mother ! where go they ? {Exil For., And. and Ben.)
Eliz. To the roof ! Go ! tell the men to lock the stable doors and hide the keys, and they themselves to keep well out of sight. (Exit Hen.)
Reb. (Enter Reh.) Sakes! Miss Lizzie, here turn dem
white debils again ! Dere ain't much lef fur dem to take away, 'cepen de winnnen!
Eliz. I nuist go and sj)eak with Mrs. Wallace, she will greatlv fear these men after her husband's cruel death. {Exit'¥AA7..)
Keb. Sakes alive ! T done l)en lef heah all 'lone, I guess I folia Miss Lizzie. (About to exit, lumps against Ned.)
Eliz,
For.
Ben. For.
18
Reh.
Ned.
Reh. Ned.
Re]j. Ned.
Eliz.
Car. Mah.
Eliz.
HOFF,
Eliz.
Off.
Eliz.
Off.
HoFF.
Hoff. Eliz.
Wey y(ju ! wliere you bon, you lazy ni^'ijal) ? Hoah's (le lebels coiuin' l<)n<,' de road, eii you not »loin' nufiin to proteck de missus. Heah's poo' Miss Wallace rnos scared to death !
Shoo', now, you ^o loriLf and ([uit yo' callin' names. You don t know nulHn, I heJi protectin' de missus, I ben tiohtin', fightiu' hard.
Dat true, Ned ? Why ! where you been fi<,ditin' ?
Fijrhtin' ? At tie war ! Bless yo' soul, I ben to de war! 1 cut an' I slash, an' I cut an' 1 slash, till I cut all de feet off '
Shoo ! you silly ole black niggah ! What fo' you not cut oti' de heads ?
Ha! ha I What vou take me fo', vou take me fo' ono stupid Avhite Yankee fool ^ 11a ! ha ! De heads was off ijefo'I {Enter Eliz., Cau. and Mai{.) {Shouts wlth- oat.)
Ned! I toltl you not to show yourself; go ! go at once and hide within the barn. (Ned Hikjcvs.) Do you want to go as piisoner to Albany ? Go ! I connnand you ! {Exit Ned 'i nutter la(j. Eliz. t^lts v^'itlc embroi- der jj.)
1 cannot feign indiflerence ! Am I pale ? I am trem- bling all over ! Margaret, child, come near me !
Have no fears, we are safe enough, the General pro- mised it. {Knocks heard. Eliz. siyni^ to Reb. to open door, she hesitates.)
Rebecca; open the door at once ! {\Ikv>. opens. Tivo rebel ojjticers enter, Eliz. rises to meet them.)
Do you wish to have speech with me, sir ?
I am Col. Hofi!s. Have I the honour of addressins: Mrs. Fordyce ? {She boivs.) I regret to say, madam, that I have orders to demand the surrender of two British officers, who were seen to enter this house early this morning. If you do not give them up instantly, the house must be searched.
There are no British officers within this house.
{Hotly.) Do you deny that they were here ?
Sir ! I do not deny that they were here ; I said they were not in this ouse, nor are they, at this ]»resent.
It is a lie! I.iu house hath been watched ; they have not been seen to leave it. We will search the house.
Keej^ thy whetted tongue within thy teeth. I am thy superior officer, and I can execute my orders, I
guess
(2\) Eliz.) Do you refuse to tell me where the offi-
I'S
I do.
cars have gone ?
19
HOFF
Eliz.
HOFF,
Eliz.
HOEF
Eliz.
Mar.
Car.
Reb.
HOFF,
Mak.
HOFF,
Off.
(To Off.) Tlicn go uiid suarcli tlie house iiml Ifuvc MO corner unvisitcd. (I'Jx'it Off. releamt;/ (Ihjnifji) And now T guess I'll take my oase, for niarcliing don't altogi'thcr suit my coiistitoc^tion or style of Iteauty. {Seafx JiiiDst'/f v'llit feet on iohle dud iniUs out chjor.) Wall, old lady, I gue.s.s I wonidnt oljJL'ct to somewhat wherewith to slack my thir.st. What ha' ye got t I'm told tliat you soft-living Tories have the hest wine-cel- lars in the country ! Now, let »js sen what you can do for us. What will ye bring forth wherewith wo may drink the health of (leneral Washington ?
Sir ! oui' cellar lialh ln^en sacked of its contents, and naught remains us save a little honie-hrewed ale, shall my servant fetch you that :*
Anythink ! anythink ! Half a loaf is better than no bread. (2o ^iAU.) Eh 1 my i)retty ?
(7'(> ReI!.) Rebecca! go and fetch a Jul;' of ale and biscuits to refresh this gentleman. (A',»i/ IxEi'..)
]ia ! that sounds good to a famished warrior. (iSVe.s flag). Ho ! what have we here ? I'fnith a pretty bit of colour : t'will serve to make my wife a jannty petti- coat, for which she stands in need. (Go^'v toirnvth jlag.)
(PI ach) (J herself in front of ihicj.) Touch that Hag if you dare, I defend it with my lite. (Oar. and Mar. join Iter hi line.)
And I with mine.
And T. {Enter Rem. with ale and hhcuitii.)
You lay yo' fingah on dat flag, yo' ])o' white ti-ash, you Yankee man, an' dis yere niggah smash yo' spotty face, so's you brudder not know^ you, not ef he was to see you at de meetin'-house.
Wal, ladies, if you are so mighty set on kee|)in' that there old rag, I guess I ken attbrd to be magnanimous, and leave you keep it. Mayha]), my wdfe would rather have a red satin petticoat, anyways. Do not you excite yoursehes, now, my dear ladies, 1 will let the old thing hang till the next time I come round. (Lriuks from juq) Here's to the health of Oeneral Washington. Pretty nice ale this ' Who'll drink the toast ? {Ofers juf/ to Mar.) Here ! you take a pull, 'twill do you good, you have a scai-ed look !
Sir ! I am not scared and I wdll not drink.
Come now ! Miss Haughty ! None of your high and mighty airs wnth an American officer. Them ways may go down with the British curs, mayhap ; but they suit not our metal. {Enter Off.)
We have searched from attic to cellar, and not one living soul we've clapt our eyes upon, I guess we had
20
licttor take the vvonuMi alonj^ tlian >jro empty-handed. (Sc-lzcH Mar. hi/ ivrint, slw mntaiiix.)
HoFF. Yon loavo f,'o, you liound ! 1 luivt; my orders from tlio (luneral not to touch tlie women. I oliey ! I am thy su|)eri')r otlicer, tliat's me ! I am a ])effeck Cijentle- niiin. You do my hiddini;', liear '. Wal ! I j,aies.s they ain't so fur upon the road, that if wo nallo]) fast wo can- not overtake tliem. Farewell, ladies ! I regret that I must leave you, a thousand tlianks for your hospitable entertainment. The next time I am in those parts, I will L,^ivo you another call. CJome, men, to lujrso. {Exit Wovv and Off.)
Car. Thank heaven ! They have f^ono ! ( Fulls Into chair.)
How faint I feel,
Mah. Oil ! the bullies, the cowards, how I hate them !
Eliz. Hush, my child, thoy may be still in earshot.
Reb. {Shakincj fist.) I says mo', I calls 'em debils, ebery
one.
Eliz. Rebecca! Call your nuister now, he climbed out by the trap door on the roof. {Kxit RkI'..)
Car. My dear friend, I cannot thank you enough for your goodness to us, my son had surel}' l)eon taken prisoner ■ if you had not thought of so excellent a place of hiding. Your kindness and generosity to myself I nevei" can re- pny ; ever since my husband's death n'ou have given me a home
El^Z. My poor * 'end, do not speak of that, were I in like circumstances, you would do the same for me. Yet, me- thinks, we caimot stand this life for long : we soon must seek a home in Canada, where we may live in (]uiet, un- disturbed.
Car. Ay, Canada, whore tliore is three njonths summer and
nine months winter, 1 am told ; yet 'twere bettor to freeze in liberty, than to boil and l>urn with indignation hei-e. [I'Jnter For., And. and Ben'.)
For. Our positions have been somewhat cramped. Me-
thinks the rebels must have known they had us cooped up in uncomfortable (juarters, and kept us there as long as possible. {Enter Hfn. slioutin;/.)
Hen. Hurrah ! They've all gone ; gone down the road to- wards Albany. They spied me peeping through the hedge : they dragged me out, and tried to make me tell them where the officers had gone, but I would not, I held my peace, and so they hchl me hanging in the well, and cried, " Tell us now, or we will drop you down," but I never spake. Verily, I believe one of them would have let me go, if it had not been for the long man, he seemed to think it all a good joke , so they
21
let mo free, an<l lie said, " Wall, sonny, I y;ue.sH you'll bo aiiotliev GeJienil Wushiii^'ton afore loirj,." Ben. Well (lone, niy Itoy ! You have i^ood pluek. 1 shouM
1»L' |)1'oih1 t(j own such a sitn. and sueli a wife and dauL;htrr. I tnl^t, ladies,. that you have not been greatly alarmed; wt; need to make our most huud)lo apologies. This aimoyance, I Tear, hath been entirely on our aceoniit, and doubtless 'tsvere better if we made our way north at onee. Fou. You cannot do so ; Lake (Jhaniplain is in the hands
of the rebels; those who were repulsed from the attaek in C.'ana<la. Y'ou must strike; west from here, until you fall in witli. Sir (Juy Johnstone, and his iViendly ally Brant. Bex. I have lieartl much of tliat extraordinary man. Is it
true that tlie rebels tried to win his favour '. Foi;. Ay! (juite true I It hath never been my i^ood for-
tune^ to meet hin) ; but shortly l»efore his escape, Sir John Jolinstone told me that they snu<-ht to ,ij;ain his symijathy through Mr. Wheelock, a Ibiiner Indian Mis- s'ionai'v. The reply of Brant was full of tact and firm- ness. He alluded to the days of his education, and expressed the deepest gratitude for all that he had learneil while under the Doctors rooi". He said he never could forget the iamily prayei's, and one passage in particular was so ofti-n repeated, that it never could be ettaced from his memory, it was tlie prayer that they might be able to live as good subjects to "Fear God and Honour the King."
It was well answered ; I warrant they tried no further their })ersuasions.
I am told that Sir John hath been driv(!n from his estates antl hath escaped to Canada!
Ay ! They came to seize his jterson, but happily he was*^ warned in time to make his escape wdth some of the friendly Indians. {Eider Ned.)
Massa! 'Dere be one Scotchman, him run mighty hard ! him big hurry ! him got no bref !
Show him here instantly. {Exit Ned.) I doubt not .some new annoyances have transpired ; they are now becoming matters of daily occurrence. {Evtcr Ned. and Mac, Ukw. foUoiulng.) Ah! Macdonell, be .seated, take your time to i-egain your breath. Mac. No time ! Escape ! At once ! Dispatch sent to meet Hotl" at Curtis' Inn ! Woman heard envoy bragging that he is to take you back to Albany, alive or dead. Strong guard to be left in house. Woman ran to tell me. Tliey nmst have reached Inn by now. If you
Ben.
And. For.
Ned, Foe.
99
are seen you will l>o sliot ! No time to loso : I will ;^'o nloii;,' with you. We will inalvo I'or Sir (juy's Indians.
For.. TIh" ladies must eonie too, I cannot l(>avo thoui hore alone. I'onic ladies, ])Helv yoursclvtj.s in shawls and f)fF! Ned ! fetch that hox of papers iVoni my study; hide it in the ash pit. Uehecea ! get the l^>il)le, where the l)irths and deaths are rei,dstered. ('ome, my wife I
Em/. Nay! William, nay, my hushand I \vv. are safe! th(!y will not hai'm us here: we should hut stay your speed. Nay ! tarry not, i)ut i^fo ! When; is Henry i Here, my boy, I would have wpeeeh with you 1
Mac. The lady speaks the truth; we'll all l)e caui^dit for sure, unles.s we run, and runnin' with a woman on your hack is no an easy task ; an then the roads is awfu' roui^h out west I'm told. You'd l)etter liearken, sir, to what the lady saj''s !
For. It breaks my heai't to leave you, my dear wife ! I
cannot, I will stay and face the worst !
Emz. Nay! that you shall not do, I am <letermined! Of what protection would you he to us, wlion made a prisoner ? Come Henr}' you must l)ear your father com|»any, you are a hoy ; hut soon will he a man, and strong' enough to combat for your King. Farewell, my husband! come auain and l)ear with you a uoodlv companv to carry u.s away! {Embraces licr Imsband ami son.) My little boy, my son ! i'arewell ! go cheei' your fr-ther on ! (Hen. <(/>02t^ to <jo, sees fiatj, jamjis on cha'n'ypu.lls it dvii'ii and waves it.)
(Emhraohuj his mother.) Take heart, dear mother !
have no fear for us ; j'ou presently sliall hear of our safe
arrival at Niagara, and 'twill not Ije long before thi.s
rebellion is pxit down; we snon shall meet again, farewell.
Hurrah ! hurrah ! i'or the Union Jack !
{To Mah., •wlio is sohblnrj.) Farewell, dear Margaret.
Well done, my boy ! bear foi'th the brave old flag, and
))lant it safe on British soil. Now (Jod be with you
^ all, and gnai'd you from all harm. {E.tit For., Ren.,
And., Ben. and Mac. Ned. haiu/s back.) What, Ned. !
not going with your master, wherefore :*
Nkd. De niggah too slow, Miss Lizzie; him Jiot run berry good, Mis.s Lizzie ; ole Neil, stop and proteck de ladies. Him got to get dat dere box o' papers fo' de mas.sa. Guess him bettah go fetch 'em now, Miss Lizzie, befo' dem Yankee folks comes 'long.
Eliz. Ay ! do you go, and get one of the other servants to assist you ! bury it well, that it may not be discovered. (Exit Ned.) In happier times, and when this rising
And.
Hen. And. Eliz.
'2:\
hath 1m.'i'Ii (lUcUcil, thoy may return to tin'l iho papers still unhaniictl. Now yovi ' Rebecca j^'o ami fetcli tho BiMc rn.ni Mu' hall. (Kril llKH.)
Mar. Think you that I should jiather the t'.'W trinkets left us, mother, in Ciiso the rehels over-ruii the l»ouse ?
ElJ/. Ay: There's little worth the takiui^s stilly 'twero wiser to keep that litth; than lose all. I h'xU ALva Eiilri's ir'tfh cinilr.) AW. weaiT tlay!
Cah, II<»w can you sit so still, and hjok so calm, when any
moment we may he molest(id by tlicjsc rebel liaiids. I scarce can speak for fear.
Eliz. Nay ! calm yourself, you cannot bi^tter matters by your tears. 1 nni.^t devise some plan to keep them here awhile, and so, <,fain tinie for our dear one's escape. If only 1 had that wherewith to feast them well and make them tarry Ioul,^ !
Mau. (h'lihr Mwi.) I have them, all that hath been left to us, and iu)W, I wish that they woi:ld come; if come they must : (Trampim;' and slumts heard without. Jyn'lrr ilvM. <in<l Nkd.)
Ned. All done, Miss Lizzie; not too soon neither ; dey come purty ne-ah seein' me and Jake coiiun'.>- out ob do ash-bin. (Rki?. (((i/s Jilhlc on. fjihlc).
Lock the door. The lonj^'cr we can keej) tl«em tliere, the better for our fup;-itives. (Kiiud-s.) U only 1 can find some means of holding them for just an hour ; I i'ear the hope is vain.
Mau. Can we not get them something to eat, moth; r ? (Kiiocl:'iiifj.)
Eli/. We have nothing suthciently to tempt them. (SkoiUs avd soinuls of hvul'ca (j/(is.<.)
Cau. For heaven's sake let the door be opened; I am
fearful that their rage will be augmented by this waiting. (More hruken (jln^s.) They are throwing stones." (Shouts.) Oh 1 let the door be o[)ened '.
Eliz. I fear that we mu.st yield our fortress. Ned 1 undo the door! f'NKU. opens slouiy ; crotvd Irirs to push in and is held had- hij Hoff, 'ichj) enters vjilh officer and two men, sivarinii, lie locks door.)
HOFF. Wai: mav.am and ladies, I guess you did not expec' \o see me back so soon. I got a little love letter, a piece c wn the road at the Lni, and I would like to show it to Mr. Fordyce ; I guess he might perhaps be interested in it, an' I don'*- unnd tellin' you, lady, in confidence, that he had bv oer show up without delay ; foi- I've got written orders to shoot liim, if he don't, and I obey n\x orders: that's the soit of man I am !
Eliz. "Shot ? {FalUu<j on knees.) You will not shoot him ! you could not have the heart to shoot him ! you have a
24
wife : von arc the father of a family ! think if it were yourself in such a plight! you never could do such a
cruel thing ! ,. . , i •
HoFF. I can't help it! it ain't no concern ot nnne . bring him here an<i we will take him along ([uiet and peace-
ahle : EhVA. Let me consult with my friends, good sir ! HoFF Wal' <n)alon<'-! so long as you don't take too much " time to "it! (Sers Bible.) What is this ? If it ain't the familv liiblc with the births and deaths. We have pai-ticulai- orders to destroy such documents, and I always obeys my orders ; that's the sort of man I am ! (T<'(i.rx fro^ilt leaves out of Bihle.) Em/. We must try to keep them awhile fi-om searching the house ; we miist feign alarm to make them think they are concealed. (Rwv tears iq-) leaves, after looking at therii, Reb. tries to ])revc/iii him, and is dragged roughly avyii/ hy officer ; Eliz. inrvs and sees fragments.) Cowards ; ^vhat good can this wanton destruction bring to vou ; you have destroyed our records; you have no more respect for the Word of God than for the honour of man. HoFF. Wal! I guess I know my dooty, an' 1 perform it; that's the sort of man I am ! an' look here missus, no more of this dilly-dallying; are yon going to give up your man peaceable, or shall we be forced to take
him. eh f
Sir : we cannot bring our hearts to give lum up ! (To ojjieer.) Then let the house be searclied '
Emz.
HoFl'
Eliz.
Mah.
Kay! nay! but give us time to think, good sir! (Mau. and 'Rfj?. try to bar the way.)
You shall not go! (Eliz. seizes Hoff by arm; he tries to free himself, and is confronted by IS'fd. luith his mast' -^'s carbine.)
[End of Act IT.]
ACT III.
ExTEiuoR OF Settler's Hut in Woods, Partly
Cleared. Ned Chopping Trees. Reb.
Washing.
Reb. Ned ! you bettah cpiit dat choppin', you ruin yo'sef ; you mighty ])roud ; cause yo' come to a new Ian' you tink yo'sef jes' like a young man again. You bettah chop de little trees, you nebbah get fro' dem big trees, Ned ! De massa, liim do it mighty soon, when him come home agin,— an' massa Henry, him strong.
T?:;
Reb. Eliz.
Eliz. Mar.
Eliz.
25
Ned. {Stmif/hteninff his hack, and ijrinnhig.) Dat be purty good work t'o' de ole nig^ah. I done chop two trees dis morriin', an' de day befo', I done chop
Reb. (Laufjhinf/.) Mighty po' trees dey was, mighty po' trees, mos' rotten, 1 guess, or maybe's big as a close line. Heah ! you gimme dat acth (seizes axe) ; you go do de washing {Ned goes to tub and pulls up sleeves.)
Ned Dat right ; dere aint miffin dat dis niggah afeard of ; him mighty handy. Him chop, him wash, him dig, him bake, him wait, him— — —
Eliz. {Enter Eliz. and Mail) What now, Ned? at the wash tuii '( I warrant you will be turning ladies' maid next. Here is your master come home 1 Go you and Rebecca, and prepare supper for him,— he has gone to refresh himself with a bathe in the rivei', and will return shortly.
Suppah, Aliss Lizzie '( Why ? what de time. Miss Lizzie ? {loohs up), de sun aint gone five o'clock yet ?
Never mind the time ; your master is too hungry to wait for the usual hour. Go and kill a chicken, Ned ; Miss Margaret and I will hang out the clothes. {Exit Nkd and. Kei'..)
Here! Margaret 1 help me wring out Where is the rope i It is not on the trees '.
see !
Here it lies ! {TJaiij tie rope across trees.) why they took it down. Now, the pegs! they ? Ned made some new ones yesterday. Oh ! see them (laiujJdng) ; they are odd 1 Look, mother !
Everything' is odd, Margaret ! {haw/ing shcef.) The life is odd and the country is odd, Init we are free from insult atid oppression ; and our gooil friends in Niagara, though distant some ten miles, will never let us want or sutler hunger {still hanging clothes). This land is well situate, too; we have the river near, and it hath a pleasjint ehn'ation. {Enter Foil) For. Well done: — an excellent, healthy occupati(m for the
ladies. Where is our friend, Mrs. Wallace? I have news to give her of her sons. Andrew hath been with us for the past year. I could not return with him and Henry, for, as you know, I was obliged to go to New York\)n business : Imt they slumld be returning about this time. I thought to hav(; found them liere before me: It hath beeu repoited that James Wallace is killed. Edward was wounded, slightly; he is in Hali- fax recruiting his health, where he removed when our troops evacuated New York. When he hath recovered sufficiently he will visit his mother here.
this sheet. Look and
I wonder Where are I
26
Mar. Eliz.
For.
Mar. Eliz,
For.
Mar. For.
Mar. For.
Eliz.
Mar.
Poor lady ! the death of her son will be a terrible blow to hor ; yet, methink.s, had it been Andrew, it would have afflicted her more soiely !
Ay ! that is so ! She hath had but poor health and spirits since our removal here, — the winters try her greatly ! Scarce can I l)elieve that it is over a year since Henry went away with j^ou ! What a great lad he will have grown 1 He was over-young to fight ; but go he would, — there was no denying him !
I hear that there are thousands of loyalists coming into Canada, and maiiy, doubtless, will take advantage of the escort of the Rangers. You wnll have plenty neighbors now. Our government hath granted to us each two hundred acres, and, mothinks, we have chosen a most pleasant situation !
Ay ! and our little river looks so pretty in the Spring, when all the wild flowers bloom along the banks.
You have not told us how your business fared. Is there any likelihood of our oaiui)!;.' redress for all our projterty ^ Within the past year, I have received but one letter, three months since, by the hand of our friend, Mr. Secord, in which you told me that the war was over and the peace with England signed.
Ay ! and it never would have been signed so soon if Congress had not feared that the Freneli were desirous of retaking Canada. 'Twas signed without the know- ledge ol" the King of Fiunce !
Father, think you that the rel)ols could have con- quered without the aid of France ^
Nay ! Margaret ! They could not, 'tis sure ! They never would have sought protection from their late foes if they had not greatly feared their own weakness. But now, 'tis over, they nnist learn to stand alone !
But, father ! tell us of our property, — be seated here, and tell us what you saw I
I saw naught, my child ! I journeyed to New York and appealed to the Governor of the State to allow me to visit my foiiner liome, and recover my papers or any other articles that could be traced. He said, if I returned to my estates the j)enalty was death, unless I first officially renounced my fealty to King George, and swore allegiance to the thirteen States, to be called the " United States of America."
Ah ! 'tis as I feared. Where, then, have our poor peo[»le gone ?
And our horses ? My good Chei'ry, — who hath taken her :*
Foit. Be couifurted for tViein 1 Yon may assure yourselves,
diioetly after General Schuyler took you hostages to Alliany, be sure they iouiid a master. As for my pro- perty,the States hnth handed it to one General Kirhy, as recoj^nition for his services durino- the war. Truly, a oeiierous o-itt : And for the papers, he saith he ean- not ^unarantee that they are safe ; if so, mayl)e they can be boupit, — lie knows not into whose possession they have fallen 1
Eliz, And thus, your mi.ssion wns a fruitle.ss one. Ah ! well ! our lives are s])ared, and now we have a roof to shelter us, so let us take these losses with philo.sophy. Methinks we hiive much cause for thaidvfidness. IS'ow, tell Us of our friends: What news of Mr. Tempest's family in Philadelphia?
Fon. News ^ The worst: He failed to leave the town Avith General Clinton, as many thousands did, and tried to keep I'ossession of his pioperty, but still refused to swerr allei;ianee to the States, and thus he brought upon himself the ])unishment that lelthis family i)t'reft and penniless.
Mar. Wliat was it, then, father ? What could it be ?
Foi;. He, with another loyali.st, — — — , were hanged :
Eliz. Handed : {Hoir/Jicd covers Jier/ace.)
Mar. Hiinged ? How horrible : Fathei, if it had been you ?
Foil. Indeed: it is too hoi-rible to think on : Thank God!
you have been spared such pain. And this is not the only case 1 heard of, every day w^ere tales of like atrocious nature poured into my ears. I was thankful that I liad you both safe out of the country. 1 en- deavoured to have Mrs. Tempest and her family con- ducted hither : but so far have not succeeded. I will, howevei, make every effort to facilitate their removal.
Eliz. This is indeed terrible, I fear to make further en- ([uiries ; yet would I fain hear of the safety of our friend Governor Hutchinson, and of his fannly, heard you aught of them ?
For. " In his case I can give you pleasant news; he hath long been in England, enjoying his ease and coudbrt, by 'the bounty of the King ;"' together with many other loyalists wdio" have held office under the Grown; and, Margaret, your old admirer, Mr. Crawley, hath been ap- pointed iMinister to Russia, see wduit an op[)ortunity you threw away.
Mar. I blush to think that ever I received that t)dious man's addresses, tell me no more of him : If we had gone to England, father, should we also have received assistance from the Kin^' ?
28
Foi?. We liave received it here, my daucrliter, in goodly-
land : fior I am vounij; and stron*,' enough to work and cultivate the earth ; and, with my l)rave comrades in the war, to help in opening up this country. {Enter RKii. fi'o'-in liouse.)
Keb. i\liss Lizzie ! Massa ! Heah's Masks' lienry an' JNIass' Andrew, jes comin', dey be indoors, biddin' good day to Miss Wallace. Dey be awful hungiy. Sakes ! dey be dat brown (Enter Hkn. <i/ii(l Axd.)
Hen. Here we are again, turned up like bad pennies. How I'aies it, mother? Margaret? Father, I saw thee, not long since.
And. {To Eliz.) Madam, I trust your health is sound as ours.
Eliz. I thank you for your wish, I cannot much complain. {Exit RiiB. into house.)
And. {To Mar.) Margaret, I have done all that youth and strength can do to wipe out wrong, oui' deeds are stronii'i^r than our words. I now can take you by the • hand without a blush.
j\Iar. C)h 1 Andrew, speak not thus, I never blamed you. Nay ! I thou<j;ht a'ou were most wi'onolv usec.l. (And. Jciuh Mak. bach, vJiere they converse.)
Hen. Father I What news did you brin<x from New York ? Heard you aught else of the fate of pooi' Major Andre ?
For. Too much, too much, alas ! He was hanijed ! His last re(}uest denied ! A blot forever on Washington's career.
Hen. Hauiied, father ? It was murder, nauirht but mur- der, it rages me to think on it I
For. One of tlie brightest, bravest, most promising young men I ever met. He showed the greatest courage in his death, even his enemies will testify to that. (Enter Cxii. from house.)
Car. Where is \ny Vioy, I fain would feast my eyes upon the hid. ]\lethinks I feel a lighter heart since his return.
And. (Leading Mar. forward.) Here mother, and I come not empty handed neither. I bring you something better worth, to feast your e^'es upon. Here is a daughter for you.
Car, Why, how is this ? You do rejoice my heart, Mar-
garet affianced to you, Andrew ? Let me take my daughter in my arms ! Mr. Fordyce, what say you to this arrangement :* Hath my son consulted his god- father in this undertaking ^
For. By my faith, he hath not, and I have a mind to rob him of his prize for such audacity, what savs my wife, Elizabeth ?
•jna^m
Eliz. Mar.
FOK.
And. Car.
Eliz.
Ned. Eliz.
Ned.
Eliz.
Ned. Mar. Eeb.
Eliz.
•29
I say, Gud bless them both. I could not wish a nobler lad for Margaret's husband than our Andrew here I
I must go an<l see if these, our hungry warriors, are soon to be refreshed ! (E'j:lt Mar.)
And both you lads liad better follow my example, take a plunge in yonder stream, it will refresh you greatly.
Tlie very thing we crave I {Exit For., Hen. and
AxND.)
I am over-joyed that our children have become attaehetl to one another, this hath been secretly, my wish for manv years; but 1 feared to oive it utterance ! lor in such matters, youtli is ever averse to the dicta- tion of age.
Your pleasure can be no greater than my own. I esteem Andrew, after my own son, and I trust he will be able to obtain a grant of land adjacent to our own. (Nkd cr()f<)^i's with ]>aiL) You go to fetch some w\ater Ned ? Be carelul that you fall not in the stream,
Dat so, Aliss Lizzie, de niggah be mighty heabby dese days. {Exit Nkd.)
Come, Mrs. Wallace, you must I'est awhile before the supper hour, you mu.st not try your growing strength too much, and I will see what I can do to help the pre- parations forward. {Exit Eliz. and Car.) {hnin<diatebj Indians appear from heJcind trees, and look about cautiously. The fjhnv of sunset appears tltroiKjli the trees, they gather together and dance a war dance, one Indian liaving i^reviously pulled down the sheet, etc. When dance is ocer. Enter '^vJi.,w}to upsets pail of water, and runs to the house, yelling.)
De debil, de debil 1 (All the women ap)pe(tr, Mrs. \Yai.lace falls fainting, Mar. su2)ports her; Ned. cmcZ ReJI prep out.)
Calm yourselves, these Indians may be our friends, a part of those who fought with Brant, we soon shall make it sure. (Exit Eliz. to house.)
I wish tie massa wuz heah. Dis niggah ain't no mo' good dan a woman to kill dem debils.
Rebecca, help me to support })oor Mrs. Wallace, or get some water.
I go get some wattah, Miss Margaret, you keep her dere, I comin' back (.I'reckly. (Exit 1\kb. hehiml hoiise. Enter Eliz. ^vith Union Jack, wJiich. she plants in the ground.)
Come forth and gather underneath the flag, to show them who we are. (Mrs. Wallace reviving. Mar.
^wm
For.
For. And.
Eliz.
Hp:n. All Hen. All
For.
30
ledds her to /lar/. Enter Rkb. cuj) In hand. She and Ned. join group under jiag. Indians give signs of satisfaction. Enter For., Hen. and Anl.)
How now ? You have addod to your party in our absence ; liave you invited these w\v friends to sup with us ? These are hkely some of tlie Six Nation Indians, who fought so bravely for the King's cause all through the war. Tliey, like ourselves, for sake of loyalty have sacrificed their lands and friends, and though our side hath lost the issue, many lives we owe to tliese, our allies. (Chief comes furivard and makes signs to show they luish to smoke the lyipe of peace.)
Now, see, he wishes us to smoke the pipe of peace, Mrs. Wallace ; take heart, these Indians are no foes, they are our friends.
My dearest god-mother, I trust you were not over-much alarmed at the sudden innovatioii of these Indians. You di<l right well to tliink upon the flag, they know it, and respect it too, 1 warrant.
Ay ! The good old flag doth speak a language of its own that every nation understands ; it speaks of peace, of mercy, and of justice wrought to suffering men. But, husband, children! What is this I see before me rise? A vision of a hundied vears from now! This little hut hath multiplied a thousand-fold, it is the prototype of buildings made of brick and stone. These trees have changed in aspect, as I hjok, and some are lojt'ty chim- neys, some are spires, and in the streets I see tlie busy men, a steadfast, loyal, law-abiding race. I see the women, and their little ones, and all their faces shine with happ3^ smiles. Within an open space I see a staflf", and on it floats the Union Jack. And now the people gather round its base, and there with clasped hands, as if in prayer, they cry with one great voice, "God bless the noble men who sacrificerl their wealth, their homes, their friends, their all, to save the good old flag, and plant it safe upon Canadian soil, where underneath its folds we may enjoy justice and liberty and peace. Hurrah, for the Union Jack ! Hurrah! Hurrah! Lonj; live the Kin or.
Long live the King. Hurrah ! Hurrah ! {In the distance is heard chorus of " God Save the Queen.")
Silence ! Hark ! What far off strains are those ? (All listen in ivonder, singing continues as curtain falls.)
[The End.]
'< >.