^^-;*.. '^^. ..^ ,^ :;i^/ • ** v^ V V", ^•^ 5^ v/l- oV 9\ o - <'\ <0 ■-. ' ♦ 'J^-> . <^ **jlfM^\ ^ fc > ^ * * I RURYINE THE HATCHET A THRILLING WAR DRAMA, -) DEDICATED TO THE (- ^i mnTfl iLLmnis heeiment. f By major GEORGE SPERRY joliet: The Press Company, Binders. 1886. DRAMA. URYiNG The Hatchet, •OR- THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. DEDICATED TO THE iOOTH ILLINOIS REGIMENT By the Author. This Drama is based on facts which have come to the Author at different times, covering a period of forty years; to-wit— from 1845 to the present time. /' GEORGE SPERRY, Author. Phoknix Printing House, Lockport, 111. C.n^ Entcrod arcordin;;- to Act of Coii'^TcJa, J:in. 1st, 1880, by GEORGE SPERRY, lu office Congressional Librarian. All ri^ihls reserved. TMP96-a066*5re my banishment, only more divinely perfect ! The same, only developed into a nobler womanhood, into the sweet joy of a mother love. And the sweet baby life that has been given them, will carry the blending seal of both their images and be, if possible, more per- fe'ct than either. This is maddening! Why should 1. alone, li^^e on, with this dagger point in my heart. Why should I starve, for that of which they have a surfeit. [Stop^ Starts.] Hold, Donald Grovenor ! Villain ! What dark thoughts are canvassing your mad brain for supremacy? A Grovenor, my mother's son and father's heir to all the broad lands of Grov- enor Place, a scheming villaifi ! Plotting to rob a mother© her child! and then transfer his affections to the daugheri [Walks back and forth.] [Stops.] Why not ! They have each" other. I have nothing. They live in perpetual sunshine; I in the gloom of a fiery tempest. I had ambitions which but for her would have been realized, yet I do not blame her! Else, Donald Grovenor, would not be himself Else he would have taken some other dove to his "ne.st of down." I will not live always thus. The die is cast. I will win -Lillian Hamilton's daughter to be my wife. If to do this is to be a villain then I am a villain. I will steal her, it is true, but she shall fall into the lap of lu.Kury, and -be educated as becomes the rank and sta- tion of a Southern planter's daughter. [Enter Burt Hawkins, slave catcher.] • Grov — Who are you, prowler ? H.\WK — Why ! Mr. Grovenor you orter know me. Grov — Yes, I do know you now: a miserable, contemptible, vile, rascally thief (Aside.) P^rom all the liveried ranks of Satan, I could not have found a more fitting tool for my villain- ous purpose. Hawk — What's up? Grov — I want to buy you ; body and soul ! What's your price ? Hawk — What do yer want me to do ? " Grov — None of your business. What are you doing here? H.wvK — Looking fur niggers ! House up yonder on the bank is a post of the underground railroad. TIIK VF:TERAN'S DArGriTER. 9 G:i iv — Y VI h iv:;n't answered my question ? What's your pric ; ? HvwK. — C)u!di't tell till I know yer game. I want ter s ;;e the keerds. G:< >v —1 vv lit vour assistance in stealing a ehild. Hawk — I'll h :lp steAl a nigger for $^0. Grov — It's no negro, but a white child ! Hawk — Whose ? Gbov — Gerald Hamilton's ! Hawk — That'd be a mighty onsartain job, besides bein' mightv dmgiroMS too. Gel Hamilton's a dead shot! He's got Old Kaintnck blood in his veins Where am I to take the gal? '* Giiov — You, you sn^ak! You touch Lillian Ludlow's child ! If you dire I iv your slimy hand on her dainty dress, I'll brain you o:i the spit. I'll do the stealing. I'll be the greater vil- lain. All I wmt of you is to get the bo it from the boat house on the lower hank, then row! row ! row! until your sinews snao. Now what's your price ? Hawk. — Five hundred dollars. Gi^v — III give you a thousand, five hundred as soon as the work is completed, and five hundred in three months, provided you keep silent. Hawk. — How much to bind the bargain. Grov. — Here's twenty dollars in gold. Hawk. — Done! Now tell me just what you want me to do? Grov. — I want vou to be ready and near the boat-house until I give the signal, file the chain so you can easily break it, then row straight to the mouth of the little creek you see there, on the Kentcuky shore, run your boat ashore and take to the hills. I'll follow vip the creek leaving no trace behind. Hawk. — When will this be done, Grov. — -Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps the day after, but be ready for the signal. Hawk. — ^I'll live up to my part, never fear. (Aside) A thous- and dollars! More money than this sinner could earn catching niggers in a year. Grov. — Enough! Go! So Donald Grovenor, you have sum- med up in one, the direst vilHany on the records of the infernal pit. You have donned the regalia of the very master spirit of iri- famy! Aud I will be successful or die in the attempt/ [Curtain falls.] ^0 BURYING THE IlATCriKT, Ok' ACT. I.— Scene III. ' [Garden in front of liouse; child playing. Kntcr from reaf left hand entrance Donald Grovenor, advances quickly to rear right hand entrance and flutter.s handkerchief as .signal, lie then steps quickly to ihe side of child, takes her up in his arms, caressing her and telHng her not to be afraid he will show her his boat on tlie river. (Aside) "Now, may God forgive me, for I can never for- give myself!" Passes out with the child who screams frantically when she sees she is being taken from home; as her screams die away her mother enters from tlie left side looking for iier] Mrs. H. — [Calling softly,] Lillian! Lillian! [getting no reply- calls louder] Lillian! Lillian! [then frantically] Lillian! Lillian! m}' child! [Still getting no reply, she buists out with] Oh, God! has anything happened to my little darling? [Then rushing to the rear right entrance looks out and sees a boat.] A boat is crossing the river; ni}- child is in it. stretching out her arms to- — ' to her mother. [Puts her hand to her head] Oh, God! Oh, my Father in heaven lielp! [Then rushing to the left entrance calls in agony] Oh, Gerald! Gerald! In heaven's name, come quick'ly! [Enter Mr. H. gun over shoulder.] Mr. H. Lillian, what in the world is the trouble! Mrs. H. — Oh, Gerald! our darling Lillian, has been kidnap- ped. See they are taking her to the Kentucky shore, Mr. M. — Heaven help! [Throws his gun to his eye and aims at the boat. Mrs. H. springs forward and stops his fire.] Mrs. H. — Gerald, do not fire! our child! [Mr. H. throws down the gun and rushes out saying as he goes "Call William and Charles; they're back of the house." [Mrs. H. looking out sees only a boat at the lower landing and calls] Gerald, go to the lower landing! [Then rushing to the left calls] Charles! William! Chas. and Will. — What is the matter Mrs. Hamilton? Mrs. H. — Go to Mr. HamiIiton''s assistance; our child has been stolen! Fly! Fly! [catching hold of them] Mr. Hamilton has plunged into the water, he will be drowned! Oh, go! To the lower landing! To the lower landing! [Exit Chas. and W^ill.] Mrs. H. — Oh! God have mercy! husband and child, both gone iri a moment, one drowned perhaps, and the other, carried into slavery. Heaven pity, pity me. [Falls on couch in swoon] [Curtain falls.] ^THE VETKUaN'8 BAUGHTEll. It ACT I.— Scene IV. ][Mrs. Hamilton still lying in swoon,] lMv. H iniilton heard running at side entrance; servant stand- ing just inside room.] Mr. H. — Hetty, where is your mistress? Hettv. — .She is in a swoon, sir, I cannot waken her. [Enter Mr. 1 lamilton, clothes torn, face bloody, kneels be- side his wife.] Lillian! Lillian! Oh! God, will she never waken) Lillian, my wife, my cherished one! Mrs. K. [opens her eyes.] Gerald, you! are alive. Thank Gol! One at least is saved to me. Mii. H. — My pool wife compose yourself; we will surely find our little one. Uo try to be calm. I will offer my whole prop- erty in rewards but I will find her; take heart, dear one. Miis. H. — [Seeing blood on his face.] Oh, Gerald! You are hurt, you aie bleeding— your face. Oh! and I lying here while you die. Forgive me, Gerald! Mr. H. — It is nothing; a few scratches received amongst the thorns on the Kentucky shore. Don't mind me. Mits. H. — Let us go into the house where you can h u^e ne-^ cessary attention. [Curtain falls; rises on same place; friencs and neighbor .] ACT I.— Scene V. Miis.lt. — My friends, I thank you for your sympathy and words of cheer; I have not yet given up hope, although a month has elapsed since our child was stolen from us. I wish now to register a vow against the institution of human slavery; from this time I will ,'eave nostone unturned that I mav hurl against it. From to-day, I declare fi)r agitation until the accursed institu* tion is driven forever Irom the utmost confines of our fair land. ACT I. Scene VI. Wood scene. Song, SL.ve Mother's Lament. Time, Twi* light ; light dim. An octoroon in loose flowing robe — a la Gre- cian—with hands clasped, sings Gone, gone — sold and gone. To the rice swamp dank and lone, Where the slave-whip ceaseless swingS( Where the noisome insect stings, Where the fever demon streWs Poison with the falling dews, 13 BURYING THE HATCHET, OK Wliere the sickly sunbeams glare Through the hot and misty air, — Gone; gone ! Sold and gone l"o the rice swamp dank and lone, From Virginia's hills and waters. Woe is nitt, my stolen daughters! Gone, gone — sold and gone, To the nce-swamp dank and lone, Tiiere no mother's eye is near them. There no mother's ear can hear them ; Never when the torturing lash Seams their back with many a gash, Shall a mother's kindness bless them, Or a mother's arms caress them. Gone, gone — sold and gone, To the rice-swam[) dank and lone. From Virginia's hills and waters, — Woe is me my stolen daughters ! ACT I. Scene VII. [Sixteen years later. Mansion place near Nashville, Tenn. ParloratGen. Singleton's. The Misses Geraldine (stolen child) and Bj itrice Singleton, discovered walking— arms about each other's waist s] BEAn.'icp:. My djar sister, will you not tell me, why you should call out so loudly as to awaken me, and bring me to your bedside ? Geral. What did I say, dear sister mine? Be. You said. Mamma. M anmia ; Oh ! my beautilul mamma, Gisr. Oh, Beatricj! Such a beautiful dream, and yet; so sad ! Be. Will you not tell it tc me that I may joy or sorrow with you ? Ger. It seems almost too sacred to breathe to another; aud yet. why m.iy I not share it with a dear sister— with the sweetest boon God has given me. Be. Oh. Gerry; my sister. How I love you ! It aliiic»st seems as though our mothers could not have been the same. Ger. Nay ; nay ; d ) not deprive me of the sweet joy that comes with that ende.iring title, sister. In my dream I seemed to be transported to a beautiful spot beside a wide river. There THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. IS were walks, parteres of flowers, winding avenues and seats in cool sliady nooks. And, Oh; my sister! as 1 was reclining on a couch in an arbor covered with sweet scented flowers and traihng vines, a bedutiful woman with the sweetest, sadest, ten- deresl look in her glorious eyes, bent over and kissed me. And •midst a shower of tears called me her child ; her bles.sed, bless- ed, lost baby daughter. It seems as if the lady ot my visions was my very counterpart. I awoke, calling as you heard, *'Mamma 1 Mamma ! My beautiful uiau.ma." Oh, it was so sad, and yet so sweet ! [Both ladies weep; Beatrice putting her arms about her sister, they turn, each halt facing the audience and alter ali'ttie] CjEk. — Is It not a strange coincidence ; often when I close my eyes, 1 can see the same scene, but it is always in the long past. Bea. — It is indeed strange, 1 will speak to papa about it when he returns. [Exit Geraldine, enter Mr. singleton.] JiEA. — Oh] lather, how glad 1 am to .see you; we wanted you Home so much. You have been away ever and ever so nuicn; 1 hope the politicians wont have any more conlerences. iVlu. :3. — So do i my darling daughter, at least, not for the present; 1 love my home and children too much for that; but wiicre IS your si-^ter, our peei less Gerry. Bea. — Oh! my father; 1 wanted to speak to you alone about Gerry. Mi: S. — vVh)-. why, has anything happened your sister? 1:)EA. Oh, papa ! she has had such a sad, beautiful dream. Mk. S. And you, you have been crying in sympathy? i^EA. I could not help it. Mii. S. Will my dauL;hter tell the drtam? May she do so WiCiiJut niirrin^ i:i/ cjiifiJ.iaje your sister may have imposed? Bea. Yes, 1 think 1 may do so, although it seems very saci cd to her. M.^. S. I am listening my daughter. Bea. List night I was awakened by hearing her call out in beseeching tonjs, "'Oh, mamma! My beautiful mamma!" Mii. S. Ah! Bea. Yes, I ran into the room and she was whispering the words so sadly, "My mother, oh, my mother!" She was weeping and I could not articulate, so I put my arms about her and bade h^r lie down. She who was wont to be so strongr and 14 I5URVING nil'] IIA'KMIET. Oii self reliant, was weak as a child; I did not leave her during the nignt; she nteded iiic this time. Uh. papa! what does it mean? Mr. S. — Did she tell you her dream? Bea. — Not until this morning, when she said she seemed to be transported to a beautiful spot beside a wide river aim in a bower, covered witii vine and flowers she beheld (in her viMon) a beautiful woman the very image of herself btndmg over and caressing her, who called her, her dear lost bab_\' daughter. Oh, father! what can it mean? She says she can clo-^e her eyes at any time and see the place by the river but it seems always in the far past. Mr. S. — I am sure I cannot understand it any better than can you, her sister. We all have our dreams, and your sister is no exception. [Enter Dusky.] Dusky. — Lor bress my soul, Marse Singleton, when'd \ou rive; nobody nose nuffin bout it in dis yer house. I )e niggers is lazin roun, an I no da don't no; kase if da did da'd be tenclin to bizness more stricter I reckon. Da'se a good fur nuthin lazy set, dem plantation niggers. Mr. S. — Well Dusky, we'lllook after them by r.nd by, but where is your young Mistress, Miss Geraldine? l^USKY. — Why bress her dear, she's just stannin round, doin nuffin, only lookin off on de hills and drawin long breffs. an sobbm sof like all to herself; pears like she done loss her niud- der. Mr. S. — Well Dusky, you may tell your young mistress I am home, nothing more. DusKV.- -Yes, Marse. Mu. S — I think Beatrice it will be best to say nothing to your sister about the dream, unless she speaks of it herself. HicA. — But p ipa, Gerry is iny own sister is she not? Mr. S. — Why ye — yes. What put that foolish notion into your head? Bea. — I don't know, 1 love her too dearly to lose her now. Mr. S. — Hush! hush! she is coming. [En^er Geraldine.] Ger . — Papa, why did not some one tell me you were come? [^Embrace.] Mr. S. — Whv, Gerry, I have but just arrived. Ger. — And I not here to greet you! Too bad isn't it? Mr. S. — I have letters for both you and Beatrice, [Gives letters.] I have some news whicli I think will please you. You remember the heaiitiful hoists wliich }ou rode last sum- mer while at Grov nor Villa. Louisiana? Both Girls.- -Yes, \'es. Mk. S -• Well. Mr. Grovenor has sent them up in advance of himself as pres^nt-^ to you and Bjatrice. They are alre.idy in Nashville. Mr Grovenor will be here to-morrow. Rea. — Oh, that's very kind of him ! Ger. — Yes. 1 trust I am suffi:iently grateful. Do you know, papa, there is something about Mr. Grovenor, :hat makes me shiver! I can't understand why? He's courteous, pleasant, and very instructive and entertaining in conversation. Mr. S.--VVell, Gerry, 1 think under the circumstances I would try and mike it as pleasant for him while here and in the vicinity as possible. It is quite probable we may have a war on hand soon and the more friends and protectors we have the bet- ter. Ger. I don't understand ! M.u S. The probabilities are that Lincoln will be elected. If he is, the South will secede. Ger. Secede ! Secede from what ? Mr. S. The Union. Geu. What! Strike at the old flag? Papa, you cannot mean it ! Mr. S. Why, Gerry; what would you have us do : submit to an abolition government? Ger. But hovv c;n you help yourselves. They are only do- ing what you are trying to do. elect one of their own choice; besides, if you enter the lists, will you be successful ? If not, you will be a thousand times worse off than you now are. Bea. The people here generalh think the northern people are cowardly and will not fight. Mr. Courtney says the most they care for is money. Ger. Judging from the men from the north I sav/ in Wash- ington last summer, I should think they would compare favora- bly with the very best of the South. Mr. S. Well, Gerry, I do not disagree with you, but let us do that which we can all agree upon. I think it is near the din- ner hour. Good bye until then. 16 BtrRYlKG THE IlArClIET, OK ACT I. Scene VIII. (Same place. Di.scovers Geraldine and Beatrice seated. Kn- ter (jrovenor.) B. and G. Welcome Mr. Grovenor. (All shake hands.) Ger. — I hope everything is as pleasant at Grovenor Villa as when we were there last Summer? Gkov.-— Yes, everything is the same, except the presence of the twin divinities whom I was so fortunate as to entertain. It ha.s grown so stupid there since as to be unbearable, so I came away. Ger. Oh! there should be plenty of ladies in Louisiana to give inspiration to such a paradise. Gkov. I entertain no ladies at Grovenor. Gek. There you do very wrong, but please accept our thanks for your splendid present. Grov. If they are accepted in the same spirit in which they are given I shall feel honored. Ger. Oh! Mr. Grovenor, I think our Beatrice has been gath- ering inspiration from the visits of the gallant Courtney. Gkov. Allow me to congratulate you. Miss Beatrice. Bea. You need not, as his attentions were all address- ed to my sister. Ger. Tiiat may be partially true, but as I am not at all sus- ceptible, and do not believe in self abnegation, I need no con- gratulations, as I have not seen the coming man. Grov. But the coming man will probably prove a self abne- gator, and give every thought into your keeping. Ger. I cannot say, but as long as 1 hold the memory of my mother so sacred as I now do none other can displace it. Ex- cuse me, Mr. Grovenor, we will dress for a horse back ride on the new horses. [Exit.] Grov. [Solus] The second Lillian is, if possible, more beautiful than the first. She is of a grander and nobler type, blending the graces of the mother with the strong manly char- acter of the father. She evidently avoids me; my time will come, however; the war clouds are gathering and soon the tem- pest in its wrath will burst over this devoted southern paradise. 1 then will be her only protector. If that does not suffice I'll play my last card and tell her she is a slave, bought in the mar- rilK VEPEIIANS I)A['(H! IKli. 17 ket. but I love her still and will make her lU)- wile. If slie re- jects my last offer, then welcome the iront lank of battle. [ have already made mv will L^iviny; her everylhmg- 1 po-.-.es.s. [Exit. Curtain falls.] [End of Act 1 ] ACT II. Scene 1. [Elgin, northern Illinois. Mrs. Hamilton's house Parhr scene. Curtain rises di.^covering Mrs. Hamilton watching four young ladies waltzing. Enter Jedediah John.-on (Yankee) girls stop waltzing and rush to Jed, claiming hrstd.mce.] )ed. VVal, yes, g ds. I'll gest du that thing, though I'm agin dancin on fust principles. Now look a'here Aunt Lillian, is Samantha come yit? Mrs. H. No, cousin, I'm not expecting her for some time. Jed. Coz, if 1 she was. I could'nt du it. not by a horntul! You see Samantha belongs to the meetin house, and I'm kintl a hangin round, expectin to jine. when things is all strait be- tween me and her. The fact is, I'm kinder fVaid of Samintlia. I think she's a leetle the cleanest grained piece of human oint- ment a feller ever clung tu. That lout of a Sam Jones is get- ting awful sweet on her, and by and by it'll be some other f*. Her. No close quarters, at least when there's any danger. Now, Aunt Lillian, you gist keep your ears open, and the minit you hear the door squeak, you sing out. Gals, is the curtains all drawed shet ? Girls. Yes, yes of course they are Jed ! Jed. Now, whose for who ? (Raises his arm, girls all rush up again ) Jed. Now hold on (holds them off) pears like a pairin bee, rushin on a feller so. [Music starts up. Jed. waltzes around with one, seizes another and goes halfway round, when he suddenly leaves his partner, rushes to a seat, throws one leg over the other and looks as sober as a judge. Girls rush over to him and com- mence fanning, asking him if he has a spasm of the heart] Jed. I thought I heard the door squeak, did'nt you Aunt Lillian? Ell.\ Reynolds. Jed., I'm not going to be beat out of my waltz. To think of your being frightened out of your wits on account of little Samantha Stewart. Jed. Wal, Miss Ella, I don't feel like losin the fun of that IS ninn'iKG toe itatcitet, ok waltz'n myself. W'altzin is my master piece, when a feller aint in any danger. I'm awful sorry to hurt }our tender fcelins. Gills is made of kinder thin stuff, an} how. They go into flash- es like one of them locofoco matches when its struck agin any- thing. Goon with yotir fiddlin Mr. Musicianer, while we trip the fantastical toes. [Music strikes up and he goes round with fir^^t one and then another, until the last, when Samantha comes in quietly, and stands looking on until Jed. comes round oppo- site her, when she lays her hand on his arm and says:] Sam. Jedadiah Johnson? Jed. [Jumping b.ick.] Jehosophat and Sinacharib! Why Samantha! Aunt Lillian, T didn't hear no door squeak. Say Simantha! Now don't! Your just as pretty as a peach; aint she aunt? 1 here aint a gal in this room, no, nor in the kounty, can hold a candle to you, there aint! Sam. ledadiah Johnson, what will the Church say? Jed. Church be ! Say Samantha, the girls was fierce for dancing. I laid back as long as I could out'n respect fur you and the — a the Church. Now aint you satisfied! Haint I draw- ed a healin' b.alm over your wounded feelinks. Sam. Jedidiah, the high moral standard of the Church frowns on these light frivolities. Jed. Why Samantha! if its wrong to dance, why is so much said about St Anthony's dance. I reckon he was a clip- per; now when a purty gal asks a feller tu dance, what i.s he goin tu du about it. Eh? Sam. Jed, you seem to be wonderfully e.Kercised in favor of pretty girls. You ran way down the lane from singing school the other night to carry a singing book to Ella Green, and left me standing on the church steps in the cold." Jed. Thunder! did you know about that? Why Ell said you went home with Sam Jones. Sam. Well, I did'nt nor did Sam go home with me; I'm a good mind to — (Jed breaks in.) Jed. Now hold on, Samantha; this jint debate's gettin most too public; I'll tell you what I'll du. If you quit. I'll jine any church you say, provided you belong to the some one. [Enter Harry Clayton and Gerald Hamilton, carrying satch- els. All stop talking and come forward to shake hands. Mrs. H. Oh, Gerald! Harry! how glad and sorry I am to see you ! My mother heart tells me why you are here. THE VETERAN'S DAUdllTEU. 119 Gerald. Nay, mother dear, do not dampen the spirits of your tompany. You were always the bravest of us all. Keep a stout heart mother mine! [Gerald leaves his mother and joins the ladies to shake hanks.] Jed. I'm glad you come when you did Gerald, you broke up a debate on Church and State 'tween Samantha and me. Gerald. Indeed! Jed. Yes, but the debate's adjourned and I'm g\^d. H.A.RRV. My dear Mrs. Hamilton, I should be very sorry to see this pleasant comp my separate without their anticipated pleasure. I saw Mr. Jones hitching his horse as I came in; he will make just enough for a set. Will you honor me by danc- ing it with me. Your house more than any other has been my home, in childhood and manhood. Mrs. H. Yes, Harry, as you may suspect, my heart is not now in accord with festivity; I will not, however, dampen a sin- gle enjoyment of yours or Gerald's, you are nearly or quite as dear as he. [They form for the dance, Sam Jones selecting Sa- mantha, who after some hesitation, looking at Jed, accepts; Jed selects a partner and says while passing Samantha:] Jed. 'Pears to me Samantha, you've slightly changed base on church dancing. Sam. Bad example! A word to the wise. [Music starts up, Jed dancin"^ with most grace of any in the set, bowing low to Samantha whenever they meet and looking fierce at Jones. At the close of the set Jed and Jones seethe ladies home who do not remain.] Mrs. H. Cousin Jed, please return as soon as possible, as t wish to consult you in a conference with Mr. Clayton, and Gerald. [Exit Jones and Jed with ladies.] Harry. Now mv more than mother, my savior I may say, for had it not been for you I would not now be alive to bless you, please do not let your tender feelings gain mastery over th It grand character, which your patient, uncomplaining heart- suffjring has developed; your surmises are correct; we have re- turned to do what we can to uphold the Flag, whicn in serried ranks, upon many a bloody field, the southern hosts are insulting. Gerald feels that he would be neither his father's . nor his mother's son did he not strike, witli whatever power he may possess, that institution un- der cover of which his mother's heart has been made desolate, '2H ^ I'UHY N!t the IIA'ICIIET. OK and his father stricken in the grave. I would not 1)^" less ge He- rons to mv country s need than he. 1 he best and truest hearts in the Ni)rth and >outli are rushing to llic conflict. They aie inidcrthe bhnd delusion that their firesides and properties aie m danger, we for the nobler purpose ot maintaining the supremacy of a Union the gr.mdest and noblest in purpose the woild ii.i.s ever known Gerald feels that it is best that I should say ihis to you; lie feels that under the great grief at parting \vh,c.i will be \'ours, he will give way. I have told you now. my dearest friend, why we are here. We h ive hid staff p )sitions offered us, but as that would naturally separate us, we have enlisted as pri- vates in the lODth Illinois infantry, Col. Frjd Bircleson coin- nianding, trusting to courage and devotion to find our meed of reward. I will say farther that we purpose leaving on the d ly after to-morrow that we may reach the regiment the day ot its departure from rendezvous at Joliet. Mrs. 11. Ah, my dear children, these are indeed terrible tidings; yet while my mother heart would say Nay, my country will as surely say Yea. The sacrifice is almost more than I can bear. Yet I ;//;/.?/ bear it. There is a single ray of light how- ever, in all this grim darkness. Oh Marry! Ger.dd ! find my Lillian! My darling daughter; she must n )w be a beautiful and noble woman. I feel that she is; I dream of her continually; I feel that some day you will meet her; then bring her, whatever she is, bring her back to the heart that has so long mourned for her. Gerald. Dear mother, this is one of the very inducemcnt.s to our sudden leaving college to go south. We have both lelt that under these circumstances our duty was imperative. [En- ter Jed.] Jed. Well folkses, what was the natur of the confab we was to hev ? Mrs. H. Sit down here, cousin, and I will explain. I knew when Harry and Gerald entered unheralded that they were go- ing to the war. Jed. Wal I spected so tu. Mrs. H. Now I, want you to go also, not as a soldier, but to search and search, to inquire and inquire; to follow up every trace until you find my lost Lillian. I will be to all the expense. I will obtain letters for you to Gen's Grant and Rosecrans, and THE VETl':il.\X\s l)Ar(^,nTKH. ^>i any others which yon m ly need, an J when you return, the tarni on wliich you now arc. shall be your own Jed I'm just the ch ip to du it. How about Samantha and my jinin the church. Mrs. H Oh. you can arrange that. Jed. All right, if Samantha is willm'. Sam. Oh, Jed! Those villianous Bushwhackers will kill you. Jed. Niry a Bushwhacker] Don't you be afeard; I'll play them fellers a trick they never heard tell onl S.\M D ^ he careful dear Jed. Jed. Golly. Samantha, say that again! I'd go through a Cliicago fire like a salammder. swmi Lake Michigan or'^take any other hot or cold bath, to be called "dear Jed" by you, Sa- manrha. T never see the dimples in >'our cheeks look half so pretty as they do now. Samantha, they're sweeter than — than chewing enm Mrs. H. It is very late now my children and v/e surely must retire. ACT II.— Scene II. [Enter Jed and Samantha only one chair on stage.] SiM. lake a chair Jed! Jed I don't see very much cheer here Samantha! Sa.\i. Why J -d, that chair will hold you. Jed. [Looking at Samantha] Why, Samantha, you don't mean it! I couldn't du it, no I couldn't; my heart is flumikin round now un^ier my vest buttons, fit to split. Gracious, Sa- mantha! git another cheer or I'll stand up. Sam Oh, Jed, you're a chicken! Jed. Well, I'll be a chicken if you say so; but this 'ere cheer [takes hold ofchair] can't hold two and one of them Jed Johnson and tother the prettiest girl in Illinois. So, if it's all the same to you. Samantha, we'll leave that problem unsolved. It beats ped'lin' all out. Jed. Now let's come to the p'int. You know I'm going to the war for a certain purpose; when I come back solid and sound, chockful of news and fights and things, will you jine hands and — a and ever afterwards plod on together, say Samantha? Sam. Yes, Jed, I will! I like you best of anybody in the whole world. Jed. Glory hallelujah! £ pliiribus inmin! Now let the eagle scream, and careen, and soar, and cavort, and dig her heels 22 HURYING THE IIATCEET, OK into the ground! I'm sound, for Samantha Stewart never goes back on her word. Hurrah! Jed your ship's got a big spread of canvas and ready for sailin'. [Jed stepping to the front and tak- ing a roll of tissue paper from his pocket] See here Samantha I've got something here that'll make your eyes water I kinder thought as how thmgs'd go, so 1 sold a bag uv dried apples and a keg of apple sass. and scoured the city of Chicago, fur an en- gagement ring g()o_i enough for you. See here! [Takes out of half yard of tissue paper a brass ring weighing half an ounce.] Now Samantha, aint tha: a screamer! S.\M. Judgmg from appearances, I should say it was a screamer! ACT II. Scene III. [Tableau. Goddess of Liberty in background; U. S flig about her; olive branch extended to Confederates on left, scroll in right hand. Contederates point their arms in menace at the goddess and flag. Union soldiers on right, pointing guns at Confederates. Upon left side Misses Smgleton, Dusky and Grovenor. Upon right other ladies. Flag brigade at present in centre. ACT III. Scene i. LUnion army going through Kentucky. Soldiers on march, loaded down with blankets, bjdquilts, books, pots, etc. etc. etc. They cross the stage go round l)ack of scenes and recross limp- ing, staggering, and all conplaining of sore feet, etc., etc. Colo- nel gives the command "Malt! rest!" When the looth III. rest, a representative each of the .?6th Ohio, the 58th Indiana and the 13th Michigan comjs up from the rear entrance of the stage and say all at once:] 26th. Hello, old Hundreth! has the quartermaster issued you any cream for your coffee-pot? 58th. Have you drawn any butter for your hard-tack ? 13th. I say you lOOth greenhorns, what's the matter with your toes ? You walk as if you was treading on eggs. 58th. Yes they travel like grasshoppers and limp like .'ame spiders. All together. You ninnies ! why don't you do as we do ? Strip off all thSm extra traps. We can march 40 miles a day and not half try. Hi Lawrence. Dry up, you pewter pot ! You fellows look. THE VETERAN'S DAUCHTER. M like a lot of sand-hill cranes monkeying round on the prairie in the ^pring. Je t. Tavlor. Or a lot of picked ganders, got)blin to see v\ho can make the most noise. 26th Ohio Say, old Jack o' clubs — whatever become of that turkey you stowed away under your tent one night, and didn't find it in the mornin. Jack. You'll whistle out of the other side of your mouth belore next spring. I'll steal you poorer than a settin hen that's hatched four broods of chickens and not work very hard at that. Soldiers commence and unload, tlirowing away everything ex- cept what is necessnry, then strap up ready for start. The com- mand "fall in !" is given. "P'orward !" and the boys jump up lively and go offstage cheering, laughing and dancing, leaving stage covered with books, blankets and every sort of traps imag- inable. When the looth has gone offstage the 58th, 26th and 13th strip off their old blankets, pick up new ones, and replen- ish themselves generally, and go off laughing about the Illinois greenhorns.] 26th Ohio. That Jack Mathews is tlie dangdest thief in the brigade; he can hear a rooster crow or a pig squeal further than any man livin; and Bill Wardle and George Johnson aint far be- hind. 58th. We've got the bulge on em this time anyhow, but we've got to keep our eyes peeled after this. (Exit.) Enter Jed in rear of the army; looks around.] Jed. Looks like a peddler's cart had busted and spilt the hul load. Books! (picks up one.) 'Dodridge's rise and prog- ress of Christianity' guess some of these soldier fellers's study- ing for the ministry! (picks up another.) 'Baxter's call to the unconverted !' I'll be smashed if they aint tryin to git up a pro- tracted meeting amongst the bushwhackers (Picks up another.) ' Ba.xter's St's Rest.' 'Watt's Hymns,' 'Peperidges Plans of Sal- vation !' [Before he gets entirely through, enters from left rear entrance, bushwhacker, who aims his gun at Jed and says:] Bush. Hold on there old swallowtail! I've got the drop on you! Jed. [Looking up takes in the situation] Drop right along then, why don't you, and not stand there grinning, you lubberly Yank! 24 BriiYI^'G 'J HE HATCHET, OK JRusH. I aint no Yank! Yank. You aint, ch! You can't fool this 'ere boss with none o' yer chaff. Come be lively and helj) pile up these books and things, d'ye know a feller what's runum' the whole Confederate army named Bragg. \\ ell, I'm his chief adviser in religiou.s matters, and he's sent me over here among you uns, to start a meetin' house and prayer meetin' subscription. [Keeps pi! ng up things] You see the pious brethern and sistern of southern In- diana are laborin' hard to convart the hul world and particular the people in these here parts. D'ye know ole man Baxter? Bu.sH Never knew but one l^axter and he kept a nigger market down on the Mississippi. Yank. Bought and sold black and white too, eh? Bush. Yes, and yallar, anything cum along. Yank, Ever know him to sell any white children? Bush. Yes, one or two. YA.Mk. Come, this'll never do; haint got much time; Bragg expects me right off D'ye know yer ole Bixter's bmconvarted and jined the salvation army, and gone to making plans of salva- tion, (books all here) all for the good of your souls down here; made the road easy to the pearly gates, straight track, all grav- elled, gate wide open; free line of busses runnin' every five min- utes, through line, close connections. Come fly round. [Bush .sets his gun against a tree; Yank keeps working round towards Y.-\NK. There's a nice pair of blankets and boots too, you can have them both. [Bush goes over for blankets; Yank makes a spring and grabs gun, at same time pulling an old horse-pistol out of a pocket in his blouse.] Bush. What're you doin' with my gun? Yank. Oh, nothin', only keepin' on the safe side. You keep piiin' up yer plans of salvation. I've got a double rib-sided revolver here, shutes seventeen times a second and more to cum, and if you don't keep quiet I'll blow your hair all over the bush- es there. Give my compliments to Gen. Bragg and tell him I advise him to study these plans for his campaign in Kentucky. You can come back and git these things, but just now I want you to make a bee line fur the rear. [Aims at him] Come, git, canter, and don't you stop running as long as your butter- nut britches'll hold together. THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. 25 Yank. I'll be blowed if Samantha want about right. That was a close call for Jed. Johnson. Thi.s old Revolutionary pocket piece, haint been loaded for more'n 40 year. But Jed. Johnson had better git too!" (goes off the stage running.) ACT II. Scene IV. [Picket line near Nashville. Sergeant Calmer, Co. C. looth, marches across the stage with detail for the picket, tells off the reliefs, places one sentinel on back of stage facing outward. All offstage except Harry Clayton, and Gerald Hamilton, who are. not on duty, and sentinel.] Harry. Gerald, do you know that Miss Geraldine Single- ton bears a wonderful resemblance to your family ? Gerald. Yes, but I hardly dare echo the thought, which of all things I should most desire; that she not only be like us, but of us. H.\RRV. Yes, but Jed says he has traced little Lillian to this vicinity, and he knows for a certainty that she is not far from here now. The last time I saw her it was arranged that each of us should write something by way of describing some scene in both north and south with which each was familiar. I can but feel that Geraldine and Beatrice Singleton are not sis- ters. They are both very lovely and rarely gifted, but there is no resemblance in feature. Ger. God send our weary search ends liere, but Harry, for the love of heaven do not even hint at such a possibility. There may be no truth in our suspicions. Harry. Trust me Gerald ! [Enter Dusky, running.] Dusky. I'se nearly done gone for breff ! Gents. Why Dusky, what are you running so for? Dusky. Why you see my young Mistesses hez bin tryin to get shet ob dat Marse Donald Grovenor, so da could hab you boff com up dar, but he sticks tighter nor a burr to a sheep's back. Gents. Well, Dusky. Dusky. Den I tell Miss Gerry dat if she gib me lebe, I start him mighty quick. Den I go back ob de house, and untie his big chestnut race-horse, light a piece ob punk and put under de saddle, and gib him de whip, and away he go right intode Union lines like Old Scratch was after him. Den I go mto de parlor and tell Marse Donald dat his hoss had runned away clean into de lines ob de Yankee army, and now he's lookin for de hoss, and de ladies send dere condements to de gemmen, and ax dem 20 BURYIXG THE HATCHET, OR to come up to de house. [Gentlemen go out, when Dusky dan- ces around the stage once or twice, then comes to the front.] Dusky. I done tell me something that's mighty queer ! I just blebe Missy Gerry done got cocht at last. I just blebe she's in lub. Yes, boff of em, Missy Beatrice too, Dat Donald Grovenor's bin hangin roun, but, Lor! Mis.sy Gerrv don't care shucks for him long side Marse* Harry Clayton. Missy Gerry and Marse Harry sit down to read in de garden and don't say nuffin. Bimeby Marse Harr}- he look up, den Missy Gerry she look down. Den Missy Gerry she look up; den Marse Harry he look down; den da both look up right straight into Glory. Den Missy Gerry look red like a rose and white like a lily, and go lookinfur her book when she done got it in her han. Den Marse Harry he git up and bow like de quality; don't say nuffin, but go right off to de picket line. Den Missy Gerry go to de window and look after Marse Harry and she don't say nuffin. Dat's lub and nuffin else. ACT H. Scene V. [Place, Gen. Singleton's house. Enter from opposite sides Clayton and Geraldinc. They bow to each other; Harry advan- ces, and says:] Harry. I am very happy to meet you again. Miss Singleton, The last time we met I promised to describe some of our nor- thern scenes; in verse or otherwise; would you like to read them ? Ger. Nay, I am the better listener. If you read them I shall feel grateful. Haruy. I do not pretend to vouch for their worth, but such as they are I will read. The summer in the North has its flowers, The musical rustling of its tremulous leaves, The glad voice of waters, Insect noises and voice of herds, a multitudinous choir; But, in the winter, we have a line of fire Cresting the curling drift, where the west wind has played the architect. The sparkling hue that marks the graceful curve, The thou.sand varied hues; the thousand gleams of emerald and gold, and pearly white Outvie the splendors of the Orient mine. The glare ice clinging to the ragged bark; And ever and anon the icicle hangs like a jewel. THE VETERAN'S DACGHTER. 27 The pendulous ice makes magical melody. Sounds innumerable, yet blended, rise in winter hymns, and ever go upward to the sky. Far-off voices seem to approach. Seen through the winter noon the crested hills which show in summer wintry, dim. Come a'near; and circling closer round the horizon, lessens, while the blue o'erhead grows deep and deeper, till the soul is lost in gazing into the unfathomable. This, Miss Singleto:i, is our winter as seen in the frozen North. Ger. It is a very beautiful, and no doubt truthful description, and I really would draw back from describing anything myself, were it not too late, I assure you. We have in the south a flower, the leaves of which are always green, and as it continu- ally blooms, it is said to carry inspiration with its perftime. Fresh are its leaves and fair its flowers; Soft winds breathe o'er it; balm dropping showers Nourish its beauty, peerless and bright. And all gaze upon it with unchecked delight. We have written a tale on its trembling leaves, And the whispering wind that at evening grieves, Hath learned it, and over the flowers All dripping with tears from the morning showers, We have thrown the spell of love's witchery, By the might and the power of sweet poesy; And so, in the midst, by tree, sh^de and bower. It standeth unrivalled, this evergreen flower, (gives him a flower.) Haruy. I thank you very much for the gift, but more espec- ially for its significance. As you say, its fragrance bears an in- spiration. If you would permit it I -would like to exchange our literary productions. * Ger. Most certainly; I shall value yours Very highly. Harry. Miss Singleton, will you pardon me, please, but as we are expecting to move in a few days at most, from the very na- ture of our duties, it is quite possible that those in whom we have a mutual interest may meet in the tempest of battle. Ger. Oh, heaven forbid! Must it be! Is there no other way, Harry ? Oh, please forgive me ! I am covered with con- 28 BUKYIXG THE IIATCIIET, Oil fusion. Mr. Clayton, I — I was nearly beside myself with grief at such information. Harry. Nay, Miss .Singleton, I would far rather you would break through conventionalism, and call me simply Harry than anything else, provided you be equally generous to me, and au- thorize me to call you only Geraldine Geii. I could scarcely do otherwise, inasmuch as it was I who blindly took the initiative. Harry. I must say goodbye now, hoping to meet again be- fore the forward movement. Ger Good-bye Mr. — (offering hand) Hauky. Nay ! GEit. Good-bye, Harry. Harry. Good-bye, Geraldine. [After a moment or so enter Grovenor.] Grov. Ah, Miss Geraldine, I was looking for you; can you give me an audience of a few moments. Ger. Certainly; as well now as at any time. GivOY. I hope I have earned the right, from long acquaint- ance with your father, and the friendship which has always ex- isted between the families, to offer you and your sister my pro- tection in the emergency which is about to occur. Gen. Rose- crans is soon to mike a forward m:)venient against the Confed- erate army, now concentrated in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, or Stone River. Your father will be there, he having been made a general of division. So you and your sister wiil have only servants to protect you. Ger. In case the army moves forward, which I hope may not be the fact, my sister and myself will take trusty servants and go to our own plantations near Murfreesboro. I wish to be near in case of my father needing my assistance. I do not think, Mr. Grovenor, we shall need other protection. Should there be a battle, we shall wait until it is decided one way or the other, when we shall push forward. We shall have no trouble about an escort, in the event of success to either army. Groy. Geraldine, I love you ! I have always done so. I would make you my wife; you will then have some one who not only has the right, but the power to protect you and your sister. Geu. Ah, Mr. Grovenor ! do not say it. It can never be. I respect, but I cannot love you. THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. 29 GkOv. (beseechingly.) Gerry, can you not unsay those words? Give me one ray of hope. Gek. No, Mr. Grovenor. You surely would not wish me to marry, if I could not love you. Grov. If a life of devotion could win it, I would promise ! Ger. It can never be. I cannot give my hand, without my heart. Grov. Geraldine, you dont know what is in store for you. Had" I loved you less I would have told you before. Geu. Tell me 'now! Whatev^er it is I have long felt that some mystery hangs over me. The time has come to know it. Grov. Heaven knows, I do not wish to give you pain. Ger. Tell me ! tell me ! Grov Geraldine, did you ever think 3'ou were not Gen. Sin- gleton's daughter ? Ger. Yes, I have :hought so. Do you know who I am ? Giiov. Vo^( are a slave! (Geraldine springs to her feet.) Ger. It is false ! false ! false as the Al Koran is false ! A wicked lie. I, nursed in the lap of luxury, petted, educated and beloved by Gen. Singleton, a slave! I will not believe it! Never, never ! If you knew, why did you not tell me ? Had you loved me as you say, you would have done so ! Grov. It was because I did love you that I did not tell you. Ger. Cruel, cruel ! inhuman! It is not true ! I will not be- lieve it ! My father will deny it ! I will not be a slave ! I am a Singleton ! Gkov. -Will you be my wife, Gerry? I have already made my will, giving you everythmg I possess. Here it is. Gen. Singleton will manumit you. He bought you of one Baxter on the Mississippi. I have seen the bill of sale ! Ger. [Raising her arms.] The blood of contamination in these veins! Still, I will not believe it ! I .see my mother in my dreams a beautiful golden -haired woman. She, a slave ! Never ! Never ! ! NEVER ! ! ! Grov. Will you give me my answer? Whichever way it is my will shall never be changed. If yes, I shall be very happy. If no, I go tomorrow to the van of the battle, there to find the rest I so eagerly sought at Chepultepec, Molino, Del Rey and Vera Cruz. Ger. Have you, tc^o, been unhappy in the past ? Why ? Tell me ! 30 BURYING THE HATCHET, Oil Grov. Not now, Gerry. Will you give me my answer? Ger. No, not now; wait — Heaven lielp me ! To-morrow, not now. Grov. Good night then, until to-morrow. (Passes out on left side. Enter Dusky on right.) Geb. Dusky, do you know where my father is ? Dusky. Yes, Missy; he's habin a scussion wid dem planta- tion niggers in de back yard. Ger. Tell him I would very much like to see him as soon as po'^sible ! Dusky. Yes. Missy. [Geraldine Avalks back and forth wringing her hands. Enter Gen. Singleton in citizen's dress.] Ger. Papa ! Gen. Singleton, am I a slave ? (Singleton starts back.) Singleton. Gerry, who has been talking this nonsense ? Gek. Is it true ? Donald Grovenor says you bought me; he has seen the bill of sale. Mr. S. What occasion had he for telling you this ? Ger. He asked me to be his wife; I told him I could not love him. He said he loved me just the same. But papa, it can never be; i.s it true; did you buy me ? Mr. S. (Stopping in thought) Yes, Gerry, I bought you, but I never believed you had other than Caucasian blood. Ger. Cruel ! cruel ! why did you not send me onto the plantation to pick cotton ? Why educate a sliwe ? Mr. S. Gerry, I have'nt a moment more to spare. Tomor- row I assume the Confederate uniform, and cannot be seen here again. We shall probably be successful in the coming battle. Remain either here, or after the fight go to the Murfreesboro plantation. You will hear from me through the servants. Ev- erything will be made right, Gerry. You are just the same to us you ever have been. Good-bye my darling child, (goes out.) Ger. (Holding handkerchief to eyes) Now may heaven help me ! [Enter Dusky.] Dusky. Hush, Missy ! nobody roun is da ? Ger. Why ? Dusky. Marse Harry Clayton's stannin outen de do' and want to speak to Missy. I's gwine to watch so nobody come. Marse Singleton's gone and Marse Grovenor too. Ger. Ask him to come in ! [Enter Harry who notices Ger- aldine has been weeping.] THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. 31 Harrv. I hope Geraldine, I am not unwelcome. I fear I came inopportunely, as I see tears in your eyes still. Ger. I have just been bidding good-bye to my father. You are very welcome, Mr. Clayton — please let me call you so to-day. PIarry. I wished to read you a little poem which I had writ- ten for a friend, who was about to marry a beautiful lady, also an acquaintance. I would I could hope the sentiment would be acceptable to you. Ger. I would be much pleased to hear you read it. Har. a young white rose-tree was growing, Just unfolding its leaves to the sun. Its stainless petals showing, And the summer had just begun To kiss the sparkling dew that lay On the white leaves at the opening day. And one loved the rose-tree passing well, Its innocent grace beholding, In its unfolding leaves there lurked a spell; So he watched for its unfolding; And was fain to transplant the lovely tree, His own blossoming rose to be. And its pale pure leaves kept blossoming on With the sun and the rain and the dew. And it blossomed, and it blossomed for him alone; So he took it from where it grew. And the white rose was as it loved to be, His own blossoming white rose-tree. Ger. Oh, it is very beautiful ! The lady will certainly prize ii; but it's privileges could never be mine. Haii. Nay! Here then is another: [reads.] Within a bud's rough husk there lay A flow'ret rare, and watch and ward securely kept, Concealed it there. A southern wind the watch beguiled. The flow'ret burst its bonds and smiled. But fleeting was the flow'rets bloom, As morning dew; The north wind, with it's cloud and gloom, Swept o'er it too; 82 BUIiYlXG THE HATCHET. OR And watch and ward no more were kept, The flow-'ret bowed il's head and wept. Ger. Ah, Mr. Clayton! My own doom. Dark prophecy! The north wind witli its cloud and gloom, like the mantle of night, has swept awa y every hope, and covered my soul with clouds of despair. Har. I wish you would accept the sentiment of the first piece as my own. Ger. Oh, Harry, I am not wortliy! Har. I should hardly suppose you to be one who w^ould let an imaginary gloom cover your soul. Did you not give me this flower, and did you not tell me that by the might and the power of sweet poesy, you had cast about it the charm of love's witchery? Gkr. Yes, yes, but that was before the north wind came; ere that, every cloud had a silver lining, every thought echoed a joy; now, every thought only sends a spism of despair. No, no, the $;ulf is impassable! Har. Yet, notwithstanding, I would span it, and cover the bridge w^th a tramway of roses; I do not fear the gulf; if you only bid me cross, I will plunge in,bafflj every treacherous mad current, pass through the yielding quicksands, escape the whirling eddies, and safely greet you on the shore. I fear no gloom nor shadow, Geraldine! Ger. Oh. Harry! Do not make the abyss which must sepa- rate us wider. Do not add to its impossibilities; I have said it is imp;issable, and the more }^ou talk to me in this strain, the more certain appear the impossibilities. Har. Geraldine, the po-et has said: "'The eye is the window of the soul." I have looked through this window into the inner temple; I have lifted the rich clusters of gems in this paradise; I have kissed the rim of the chalice bubbling over with sparkling waters from the hidden spring, and I will not let it pass my lips, except with life. [Extends his hand and takes hers.] Geral- dine you need me! Ger._ [Impulsively] Yes, yes! [starting back] No, no, no! I'll tear up the bridge, and with bleeding hands pile in the ragged rocks until the eddies are whirling maelstroms. I'll dig down the banks, and make the. chasm wider, Avider, wider still; until ^even your daring courage cannot surmount it. It cannot be; I am not worthv; I am a — a — ! I cannot utter the word! THE VETERAN'S DxVUGHTER. 33 HaR. I can die, Geraldine; Life is of little worth without an object. I have but a single beacon light, and if on the field of tomorrow, liarry Clayton falls, but one name shall pass his lips and that shall be Geraldine. Ger. And, if the soul of Harry Clayton, freed from its earthly tenement, shall seek in sympathy that of Geraldine Singleton, it will not be long- of earth but swifter than the wings of thought will cleave the azure and join it in the vaulted arclies of Heav- en's high dome! Har. Geraldine, can you not give way to the entreaty of a heart that has been entirely won by your ennobling virtures, your graces of character, and your pure sweet constancy and de- votion; will you not yield something to him whose constant pray- er is still one of beseeching? I, who ask, have neither father, mother, brother nor sister; I want some heart with which my own is tuned in unison. None other can supply the vacancy; your hand has swept every string and no other may hope to strike a chord that will vibrate in harmony with it. Ger. Oh, Harry' ! Cease, cease! Do not flood my heart with a limitless joy it cannot realize. I have in vain lashed it with a whip of scorpions until it is all lacerated and bleeding; I have pursued and made it a prisoner, but it has burst lock and bar and is ever prostrate before yours seeking for sympathy, and then kneeling in protestation before my pride and honor, asking, beg- ging, beseeching it, with an earnestness equal to your own to yield, to give way; but the mate of the gifted, generous and noble Harry Clayton, must be an eaglet which shall fly abreast with him, and no living mortal from any altitude to which their lof- tiest flight may attain shall look doivn on Geraldine Singleton. Har. Take this picture; guard it well. Farewell ! Ger- aldine. Ger. Farewell ! Harry; my Harry; though an abyss sepa- rate us [Curtain falls.] ACT n. Scene VI. [Enter bushwhacker, Burt Hawkins, followed by Jed, who says:] Jed. Hold on there, butternut Johnny! Stop right where you are. I've got the drop on you this time and I'll drop you tu, if I shute ! Bush. Whatd'ye want er me this time Yank? Any more "Plans uv salvation" fur Bragg to pattern after? 34 BURYING THE IIATCIIKT. OR Jed. Not jest now. I want to ax you a few question.s, and if you answer correct I'll give you a ten dollar greenback, or a thousanJ in Confederate scrip, I don't ke^r which. If that don't fetch you, I'll taki you to camp and hev you shot for a spy. Bush. Go ahead ! Jed. Now I want you to understaaJ th it I've bin on your trac'-: quite a spell. (Jest lay tint gundovva.) Now, you helped to steil a white chili on the bank of the Ohio, eighteen years ag ) — Grerald Hiinilton's little daughter. Now who was the fel- ler th It stole her Out with it, "pine blank." Ik:sH. Hev. I got tu ? Jed. Yes, straight grained. Bush. IJonald Grovenor. Jed. Correct; now where's the gal ? Bush. Don't know. Jed. None o' that; no sailin roun; square toed! Bush. Donald Grovenor knows, and he's up to the Singleton plantation now; should'nt wonder if she was thar, too. Jed. Are you sure Geraldine Singleton is not the girl ? Bush. vShe mout be, and I reckon she is. Jed. That'll dew; which will you take, Confed scrip or Uncle Sam ? Bush. I guess I'll take the ten dollar greenback. Jed. All right; now you can travel. ACT III. Scene i. [Wood scene. Discovers looth drawn up in line at shoulder arms. Col. B. Order arms ! Parade rest ! Col. B. Harry Clayton and Gerald Hamilton, you may turn over your accoutrements to your orderly sergeant, Co. C, and return to your places, (done.) Here, Mr. Clayton, is your dis- charge from the enlisted service of the United States. Here, Mr. Hamilton is yours. Now I have the honor to present you with commissions from his excellency. Gov. Yates. Major Clayton, here is yours; Lieut. Hamilton, here is yours, and I am glad to be able to say into no more worthy hands could I give them. You will at once report to Gen. Wood, for staff duty in the coming battle. Boys, three cheers for Maj. Clayton and Lieut. Hamilton (Boys give with a will.) THE VETERAN'S DArGHTER. 05 ACT III. Scene II. [Discovers Geraldine looking at the picture given by Harry Clayton.] Ger. The beautiful lady of my vision. Who is she ? Is she my mother, and / a slave ? I am growing wild with this mystery. Must I, who have just taken a look into paradise, be plunged in a moment into the abyss of despair? I, who had mounted to the highest pinnacle of earthly bliss, be dragged down by an agony of doubt and uncertainty. It is sweet to be beloved by one so noble and so generous. It was to me as were the "Dews of Hernon and honey of Hybla" to the wanderers of the desert. No! No! a thousand times no! I will not drag him down to my level. Harry, Clayton, the refined gentleman, the collegiate, mate with a slave! I'd starve for love first! Nay; if I am a slave or ever have been, I would not wed him, though he begged me in tears on his bended knees. If he were less noble; if I loved him less, it might be different. Ah heaven! Is it not enough to be a slave, but I must be beloved by him and then make my heart a blear, blank desert for want of that love? God pity me ! (Sinks on the sofa.) [Enter Dusky, kneeling beside the couch:] Dusky. Missy Gerry! Missy Gerry! Oh Missy, speak to poor Dusky ! Dusky die for Missy Gerry ! (Rises and comes to front.) Dusky. Missy tinks she's a slave. Dere aint no slave blood in her. Nobody nebber heard tell ob a slave habbin blue eyes and pinky finger-nails, and hans and hair like Missy Gerry. Oh glory! [dances round the stage.] I done forgot! [running to the couch] Missy Gerry! Missy Gerry! [Geraldine raises her head.] Ger. Oh Dusky, how good you are ! Dusky. Does Missy tink she's a slave ! Ger Why, Dusky ? Dusky. Kase you aint. Ger. Did an) one tell you I was ! Duskv. No, you said so your own sef; but Uncle Jed says he knows who you is. Ger. Who is Uncle Jed ? Du.SKY. Why, he's Uncle Jed; dat's all I knows. Marse Harry calls him so, an I calls him so. He's comin to sec you to- night. I guess dat's him now. [Enter Jed.] 36 BURYING THE IIATCITET, OH Dusky. Missy Gerry, dis gemplin am Uncle Jed. Ger. How do you do Uncle Jed. [Gives chair.] Jed. Wal, pritty well as common; thank you; how du yu du ? I suppose I'm talkin to Miss Geraldine Singleton ? Ger. Yes sir, that is my name. Jed. Wal, my name is Jedadiah Johnson, at your sarvice. Geraldine, I'm yer cuzzin, leastwase I'm yer muther's cuzzin, and she's sent me down here from the north -to look you up, and I've just finished the job. [Gerry gets up and comes over to his side,] Harry told me he'd gi'n you your mother's pictcr. Geu. My mother's picture! Tell me, tell mei Was she a slave! [Excitedly.] Jed. Slave! Thunder, no! No more'n I am, or Harry, or Gerald. Why, Geraldine, you're Gerald Hamilton's sister. Gek. Gerald Hamilton's sister! Dear, dear cousin Jed! Jed. Gosh! this thing is getting serious. Ger. Dear cousin, are you sure? Jed. Sure as shutin! Gek. Heaven bless you forever! Gerald Hamilton's sister! I believe it; and he looks like the picture. Oh, oh, oh! Does joy ever kill? Oh! my poor heart, it will burst with this su- preme happiness! Jed. Losing his red cotton handkerchief] No, it wont; just keep steady now. [Aside] Darn the luck, I'm a blubberin'. Hello! somebody's comin'. [Enter Grovenor. Jed cocks a re- volver.] Jed. That's the very felled" I want to see. Ger. Mr. Grovenor, Mr. Johnson. Jed. How de du! Giiov. How do you do, sir! Hadn't you better put that re- volver down? Jed. These are ticklish times, Mr. Grovenor, and as I've got a little bizness with you of an onsartain karacter, I guess I'll hold it level; I've been on your track sumtime, and now that you are cornered you might as well tell this lady who she is. I've told her and all I want of you is to. corroberate what I've said. Isn't her name Lillian Hamilton? Grov. One more act; the shifting of a single scene, the blood red field of tomorrow, and the drama of life for Donald Grove- nor ends, and his spirit plunges into the doubt of the great here- after. [To Geraldine,[ THE VETERAN'S DACGIITER. 37 Grov. Yes, Geraldine ; I will tell you the ston'. To-mor- row I go to the front. Your true name is Lillian Hamilton. Here are the title deeds of which I spoke yesterday. Ger. Keep them, Mr. Grovenor; lam too happy now to need them. Grov. You keep them, Lillian, though it does not matter as they are recorded. Grovenor Villa and all that belongs to it are yours. I have no need of them Lillian. I loved your mother as I now love you. I stole you from your mother that I might win happiness. I did not succeed. The sacrifice to your mother was great, but it will be made up to her, by the greater joy of reunion. God bless you.! Don't think too hard- ly of him who. I hope, falls in the van of to-morrow's battle. Ger. Mr. Grovenor! Donald! Before you go take with you the forgiveness of Geraldine Singleton. I, who know too well what it is to suffer, would pour a healing balm upon any wound your heart may have received. So, take my cheerful forgiveness for any wrong j^ou may have done me. Here is my hand at parting, in earnest of it. Grov, God bless you forever ! I will v.^ear and keep the sweet assurance within my herfrt, and when I pass the portals of another world, I will present it as my passport to immortality. Farewell, Geraldine or Lillian ! [Takes her hand Vv'hich he kisses, she weeping.] ACT HL Scene HL B.ATTLE Stone Riveu. [Battle opens upon south side stage and behind the scenes. Noise heard of tramping and occasional shots. Gen. Sheridan with straggling soldiery, fall back across stage fighting. Gen. Rosecrans who enters with staff at rear right entrance, orders Gen. Rosseau to the rescue.] Gen. R (To staff officer.) Order Gen. Rosseau to sup- port Gen. Sheridan with his entire command. [Rosseau goes in, and at head of his command falls back across stage fighting, followed by Gen. Singleton's command, headed by Donald Grovenor (confederate). Maj. Clayton commands a detach- ment of the Third Kentucky, which advances against Grovenor. Clayton and Grovenor fight with swords. Grovenor's sword fjills from his hand. (Boys on our side cheer.) Grovenor's sup* ports fall back. He fires the last shot from his revolver, snatches a musket from beside a dead man, seizes it by the bar> rel, raises it above his head, and shouts] .^8 BITRYIXG THE HATCHET, Oil Grov! Qoinc oi/\ I defy you ! Ccicards, I dare you fo fire ! [Third Kentucky color sergeant waves fl.ig.] Grov. yes. Sergeant, let the grand old flag float out on the breese while there's room ; for ere another dawn its folds may be riddled, torn and crimson, with the life blood of him whose hand now grasps it so readily. 1 too have carried a like starry banner, through a sea of blood, over rock, abatis, through the moat, and when its staff was shot away, wrapped it like a "vest about me;" then up, up the steep sides of the hills, where only the mountain goat could climb, I carried it safely to the ram- parts of Chepultepec. Life, has only a canker worm for the the heart of "Donald the Desperate." Maj. Clay. We war not on individuals, but on armed com- binations. Grovenor drops his gun, folds his arms and looks dowii, sees a dead boy musician at his feet. Kneels beside him and says] Grov. My poor boy ! The Reaper has gathered in your young life as some precious morsel, but for Donald Grovenor he will not even thrust forth his sickle. [Takes up the boy and carries him out. As he goes out on left, Gen. Rosecans and staff" come upon the stage from right. Gen. R (To his chief of staff*) No farther retreat will be made. Here we will meet the enemy and defeat him. Order Gen. Crittenden to mass his forces on the left of Gen. Thomas. Our artillery is already massed and in position. Tell him to or- der Gen. Wood to this position to support the batteries. [Gen. R. and staff' pass out on right, luitcr on left side Gen. Singleton and staff, with Donald Grovenor carrying field glass.] Gen. S. Grovenor, look forth and see if you can tull us aught of the battle. [Grcu'-enor stepping to the front right entrance says after a moment] Grov. Sheridan and Rosseau have made a stand and are fighting like demons to hold their own against our victorious troops. Crittenden is moving solid bodies of men on the right ofThomas, A brigade in line of battle is moving in this direction. Ha ! Sheridan and Rosseau are gaining ground and enveloping our flank. The whole tide of battle is surg- ing this direction. (Steps down, drawing his sword.) Let it come! It shall be welcome to Donald Grovenor. Gen. S. Every man to his post. [All pass out on left. As THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. ;]1) they pass out, the commands of the One Hundredth arc heard behind the socnes. Col. Bart. Forward One Hundredth. Steady men ! Come upon the ri^jht ! Capt. Bowen. Elwood, push your men forward ! Steady, Capt. McClaughrv. Let every man do his duty. Cakt. Burrel. G ive 'em cold lead, boys, and plenty of it. [The clash of sabres is heard everywhere, everyone giving them in concert. From the front right entrance Gen. Rosecrans ad- vances upon the stage and as the One Hundredth in line of bat- tle cross the stage, says to Col. Bartleson.] Gen. R. Col. Bartleson, to you and the brave officers and soldiers under you, I give the honorable and desperate trust of holding the vital point — the key to the battle. Col B. Which we will do, or die trying. Forward One Hundredth ! [As the One Hundredth pass over the stage, the fire from the left increases ; men and officers fall, as they pass over. After they have passed over Gen. Rosecrans and staff come upon the stage and with them Chaplain Crewes who describes the battle.] Gen. R. Chaplain, how fares the One Hundredth ? Chap. Into the valley of death goes the One Hundredth, Swaying from left to right. Nerved with a patriot's might. Move they on. Down, down they go, Where cannon shot and bursting shells, Mid bugle notes and southern yells. And curses loud that none dare tell, Mingling with patriot shouts as well; Mark as with God's lightning, the coming battle — The fearful, terrible, desperate struggle. [Chaplain turns to the left and looks, then shouts:] On, on to the key ! Ye patriot band! [To Gen. R.] On, on to that goal, heart and hand Goes the One Hundredth. [To the front.] Hold the key ! hearts of steel; Though death stare amain, never yield ! Hold ! Hold to the right Brave men; in your might Tis the key to the battle, Tis the stronghold to gain, Which, once held, still retain. 40 BUliYIXG THE HATCHET, OK With God oil your side in the struggle. O God, save the day ! [To Gen. R.] Mark yon battle array, Which sweeps into view on the hill side. Tis the great southern army, Willi line upon line of glistening bayonets; On they conii like some monster with huge measured tread. As if scorning the living nor fearing the dead. [To the front] Hold the key, brave One Hundredth I Though thy ranks are strewn in gore; Hold the key evermore ! [To Gen R.] Mark you the danger of this devoted band; See ! In solid phalanx where they stand, Fronting the concentric fire Of thrice ten guns, with vengeance dire, Hurling their sliot and shell. O God ! they fall, and rise, and fall again, Ploughed through and through with lightning bolts; Like leaves in autumn fall they where they stand But unwavering still, that Union band. Presaging victory won — And bravest of all stands Bartleson. (To Hazen.) Ho! Hazen ! Why stand your cannon silent Whilst annihilation waits upon the One Hundredth ? Grim Death is holding high carnival there! What, ho ! Hazen! Thomas! Ram up your cannon!! Double shot your guns ! Pull the lanyard ! Open wide the throat of death ! Let your cannon boom from left to right And right to left in quick, encircling fire. Lo where the Southrons come. In masses deep, covering the field — Hardee, Cheatham, IVlcGowan, Cleburne, With blood-red banners streaming wide. Sweep down the hill. Rescue ! Defenders of the Union, Bravest of the brave; Wood, Palmer, VanCleve, Rosseau, SheridiUi, ring out the charge Amidst the blaze of 30,000 muskets; Let your hundred cannon boom the signal of victory. THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. 41 [Bugles heard.] Hark to the bugle charge ! [A heavy volley is fired.] It comes ! The shock! Like a catapult from the Almighty it cleaves the shivering air; It is the tempest crash of battle ! The human death dealing enginery of war. Rent by the horrible, bursting shell, Ploughed by round shot and lead as well; Swept by the circle of withering fire, Lie in heaps the proud Southrons, who in savage ire, Swept down on our lines in the morning gray, In a splendidly glittering sheeny array; And their savage yells Give way to groans, As staggering, bleeding, dying, They flee the fray On the field of Stone River This fatal day. Glory to the fallen ! A patriot's fame Wreathed with immortelles Will encircle their names. Glory to the living, Who in this terrible fight Held the key to the right. Ring out the praise of the One Hundredth Illinois ! Ring out their praise with a glad shout of joy ! But do not forget that neath that gnarled and riven linden tree, His cloak his only shroud, lies brave Garishee. God of the suffering ! So, as Thou didst stay The sun midway in heaven's arch for Joshua, So pray I now for night, dark night Of deepest shade Entomb the dead. Gather in the wounded living; Nor North, nor South be barred the benefit; Open wide thy gates of heaven's mercies, For twice two thousand souls, Fresh from freedom's sacrifice, Will crowd its pathways thither. ACT III. Scene IV. [Death of Donald Grovenor. Second day's battle of Stone River. Enter Gen. Singleton, Donald Grovenor and Confederate 42 lU'RYlXG THE IIATCIIET, OR troops from left, (firing.) At same time on right a detichment of lootli 111. under Ciiotain Barrel! and Lieut. Stewart. A sec- ond detachment, commanded by Capt Lynd, comes in from the rear left entrance flanking Gen S. and Grovenor. They cheer, and cry "Cut them down !" Grov^enor falls from a volley in front soldiers fall on both sides Enter from rear right hand' en- trance Maj. Harry Clayton and Lieut. Hamilton. They rush lorward, crying: "Hold ! For your lives!"] Maj. C. Brave officers and soldiers of the lODth Illinois, not an hour ago Gen. Singleton gave me my life and liberty. Shall ^ve not now l^e equally as generous as our brave foeman ? [All cry: *V"es! Hurrah for Maj. Clayton."' Gen. Singleton and men cry: "Hurrah for the One Hundredth !"] M.\j. C. Pass on, G^n Singleton, with your staff ! Wj will care for your wounded. Ge.\. S. Maj Clayton, and Lieut. Hamilton, and officers and soldiers of the looth Illinois, accept my thanks. The brave Grovenor lies there. If he yet lives, please look after him until the day closes. M.\j. C. You need havj no fears. Yonder is your command. It is our objective point. Ge.v. S. Go.l sjn.l t'lityju and I tn^jt no m3re o.i to-day's bloody field. Maj. C. a prayer which my own heart echoes. [Singleton and staff pass out. Maj. Clayton goes over to Grovenor, raises his head, and says:] Maj. C. How fares it with you, Grovenor ? Gkov. Lieut. Hamilton ! [Gaspingly. Hamilton steps to liis side; kneeling takes hand.] Hamilton. What is it, brave Grovenor? Grov. I — have — wronged — you. Forgive — forgive ! I have wronged — your — father. Will — he, too — forgive? Will — they too heed the last prayer of Donald Grovenor and — and — forpive ? Hamilto.\. Yes, yes; take it ! I will give you my mother's forgiveness. My father will greet you from the other shore. I know forgiveness will be cheerfully awarded you. Gkov. God — bless — you ! Clayton — Gerald — Lillian — Ger- ald — ine. [Drops his head; dies.] LTableau. Ella Reynolds discovers her childhood's playmate, Harold .Singleton, on the battle field, wounded, at night, amongst the dead and wounded; second day's battle. Curtain falls.] THE VETERAN'.S DArGIITER. 43 ACT III. Scene V. [Maj. Clayton's address, at close of the war, to the One Hund- redth 111. Regiment drawn up in line.] Address M.\j. Clavton. Officers and soldiers of the One Hundreth Illinois Regiment: It seems proper for oue who has in some measure shared your perils, hardships and glorious successes, to say a few words to you at parting. Please bear in mind that no words of mine are adequate to an expression of my feelings upon this occasion. The tongue can sa}' but little, while the heart leaps to a grander, nobler, and more tender significance. Your heritage, since becommg members of the Grand Army of the Union, has been one only of danger; from that it has been as inseparable as from life itself. From Louisville to"Stone River," where the regiment had its first "red limned baptism," your for- titude was constant, heroic and enduring. At the latter place you held (to the Confederates) the fatal key, which, had it been turned, would have given the battle to them, and the Union army to route and demoralization. The march to Chickamau- ga, through mountain fastnesses, dragging your cannon over rocks and through gulches; in enduring courage and htavy ex- ertion, was not exceeded by him who carried the "Eagles of France" over the" Alps and Simplon pass." The frightiul car- nage of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge left you with decima- ted ranks, but your record in those desperate battles was star lined with heroic deeds. In yonr weary and footsore march to Knoxville and Strawberry Plains you exhibited an energy of purpose, which could only have been born of an inspired love of country, to souls filled with the better characteristics of the true, the honorable and the generous. The bold front of Rocky Face Range was surmounted, while at Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta you ruslied to the front like veterans of an hundred battles, and at P^ranklin, Tennessee, you covered your- selves with a renown which will live while the grand object for which you fought shall have an existence. There fell, while planting his colors on the breast-works of the foe, brave Mike Murphy — my friend ! When the records of the immortal dead shall be unrolled, the names of Bartleson, Bowen, Mitchell, Burrell, Worthingham, Murphy, McFadden, Poor, Brown, Holmes and hosts of others from the One Hundredth will be found side by side with that of the great emancipator — the im- mortal Lincoln. I seem to hear from the star "•emmed vault of 4t BUIIYIXG THE HATCHKT, OR azure, a voice crying, "Come up higher, higher; higher still, into the immediate presence of the Supreme." And then ! "Inas- much as ye have done it unto the least of these, my children, have ye done it unto Me; enier thou into the joy of the blest." I wish here to lay a wreath of laurel upon the brow of my old captain, Co. C, George M. Lynd. Starting in as a private, he has attained his present position by a constant devotion. Again and again by his side his colors have fallen only to be grasped by new hands or his own. Brave One Hundredth ! God help you ! And now to the officers and soldiers present and absent, I offer all I have to give — my hand and heart in true companionship. Farewell! gentlemen of the brave Old Hundreth Illinoi.s ! [Lieut. Patterson offers three cheers for Maj. Clayton. Given. Maj. Hammond then offers three cheers for the close of the war.] [Tableau. Reunion of mother and daughter.] ACT HI. Scene VI. [Reunion of the Hamilton family. Room in Mrs. tlamilton's house, Elgin, Illinois. Sam:intha Johnson and Ella Reynolds on stage.] Ella Reynold?. We are expecting all our friends home to- day. Poor Mrs. Hamilton is nearly worn out with excitement and expectancy. Sam. Yes ! Yes ! I think they are arrived and coming in. [Ea- ter Hamilton by side entrance, who steps to one side; then enter Geraldine; at same time Mrs. H. comes in from opposite side. Both stop and look a moment, then Mrs. H. stretches out her arms with the cry upon her lips:] Mrs. H. Mv child! My long lost darling ! Ger. My mother ! Oh my mother! Kind heaven, I thank Thee ! [Curtain frills. Rises again same place.] H.AR. Have I earned the right to call you mother in reality now? Mrs. H. Yes, Harry, my son. I gladly place her jiand in yours, knowing already that she has found a heart which she fully trusts, and a protector who will not fail; to you I give her in sacred charge. Gkrald. Is there still room in my mother's heart for another child — [leads Beatrice forward;] a daughter? 1\Iax a. 0i\^js G:r.ild! Beatrice, my second diughter, heaven bless you forever ! I freely and cheerfully give my con- sent to your betrothal. I hope your lives may be of unalloyed THE VETERAN 8 DArGHTKll. 4o happiness, that no obstacle may ever arise to mar its entire joy. [Jed steps forward leading Samantha.] Jed. Well, Aimt Lillian, I've left the war-path and come back to the old stomping ground. I'd kinder like to ring in with the rest on em, and git your conse:>t for Samantha and me. xMrs. H. D:;ar cousin Jed, I rejoice that you have .been so fortunate in your choice of a partner. She is a pure, true, noble woman. For your devotion to me and mine, I now present you in addition to the farm, the title of which is recorded i.n your name, this diamond ring. It has been an heirloom in our family for generations. My blessing goes with it. Jed. Thankee, Aunt Lillian. I hope iiM foller down the line in the Johnson, family, as it has in that of the Hamilton's, and that the 5 oung Johnsons in the third and fourth generations may still keep the sacred name of the giver in their hearts, and as the rainbow tints in the sparkling gem give color to everything they fall upon, so may thej^ be more and more like the giver. Here, Samantha, you keep the critter; I'm afraid I shall lose it. Mrs. H. Children of the North and South, as you are sol- emnly plighted, so may the entire North and South join heart and hand to bridge the chasm, and thus burv the hatchet forev^er ! ACT IV. Scene I. [Garden before Harry Clayton's house near Elgin, Illinois. Enter on stage, Lillian Clayton, daughter of veteran.] Daughter V. Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I'm almost frightened out of my wits ! Frank Reynolds is here; he has stopped on his way to college; he is a real big boy now; he has got a mous- tache ! Just think, its only a little ago when we played "I spy" and hunted hen's eggs, and chased the squirrels together ! Gracious me ! and now he is going to college ! You don't know who Frank is, but I'll tell you. He is the son of Lieut. Single- ton, and he was the Lieutenant Singleton who was in the South ron army, and was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and Ella Reynolds found him there amongst the leaves and bushes which were all torn and twisted, and red with — with — with blood. It was awful, was'nt it? Well, he's the son of a South- ron veteran, and I'm the daughter of a Northern veteran, and — I think Frank is a real good boy. I'm captain of the flag brigade, and for my part I'd rather fight with flags than with muskets. But its drill time and here comes the brigade, flags and all. Enter twelve young ladies with flags. Among.-t 40 BURYIXG THE HATCHET, OR them are Ella Hamilton, Samantha Johnson and Dusk}\ Daughter goes through with evolutions pertaining to flags drill. Capt. then gives the command.] Capt. Inspection of flags ! [Samantha Johnson steps out of the ranks and says:] ■ Samantha. Girls, I think it is about time we put our Capt. through an inspection drill, I'd like to know who that young crank is who's playing sweet at the Clayton mansion. Capt. There! Samantha; you're too little to talk about such things ! Sam. I should smile ! Capt. There! You are talking slang, and I can't permit that; can I girls ? Girls. No! No! Of course not ! Sam. Ah ! you put on airs because you are the daughter of a veteran. Well, I'm the daughter ot a vet. too, so then ! [pouts.] Capt. Why Samantha ! your papa was'nt a soldier ! Sam. Well, he fit on jest as many fields of battle as any of em. Dusk. An I lows I'm de dauter ob de veteran too; was'n I down dere long side ob Stone River battle. I seed a power ob smoke anyhow, and heerd de big guns roar. So I specs I'm de dauter ob de veterans on dat count. S.\M. Aieyou going to school. Dusky ? DusKV. Yes, Missy Johnson ! Sam. What are you studying ? Duskv. Well da calls it mattumatux; taint no count do; de teacher she ax me dis: If you have five persimmons and you done gib six away, how many will you hab lef ? Den I tole her I wouldn hab any any lef Den she tole me I mus say, free ! I tink dat am a pore kind ob latnin. Ella R. Dusky, what is your other name besides Dusky Hamilton? DusKV. Udder name ? Dat am a poser I I specs I mus hab one long's I'm free and goin to study de books and site de les- sons. 1 like Marse Harry bout de bes ob any one, so I specs I'll hi') dat nxnvj. I specs it'l be Miss Dusky Harry. Girls. Oh that's too funny for anything! How do you do Miss Dusky Harry; (bowing and saying) Good morning ! (or) Good evening! Miss Dusky Harry! [They then commence waltzing round the stage. Dusk}' alone, when Jed enters,] THE VETERAN'S DAUGHTER. 47 Jed. Seems like you young ones was having a glory hallilu- yah breakdown ! Why Dusky haint you got a partner? I'll give you a whirl; I use to be a screamer at this bizness. [Enter Harry and Mrs. Clayton with Gerald and Mrs. Hamilton. Lit tie Lillian steps to the side of Harry Clayton, who says:] Hak, The audience will permit me the honor of presenting Mrs. Clayton, ncc Geraldine Singleton or Lillian Hamilton. Also, Miss Lillian Clayton, daughter of a veteran. Gerald. It also gives me pleasure to present Mrs. Beatrice Hamilton with Miss P211a Hamilton the second generation. JiiD. Wal, good peoples, I guess I may as well address a 'i^wf affectionate remaiks to your familiar understandin tu. Here's "the gal I left behind me", (bringing Samantha forward,) and here's the crap I've harvested. (Bringing little Samantha for- ward.) Samantha, come forward and show this audience how you've knocked the stufhn out uv Old Daddy Time ! She don't look a day older tlian wlicn we did'nt hev but one chair here. Now I don't mind tellin you that one cheer'l hold the hul family. Say ! that ar ring that I emancipated to your startled vision when I was round here before, did the jint duty uv holdin Samantha and me reddy fur splicin and splicin the hoe handle reddy fur garden ?ass. Heving now informed you in a circumlocutionary way uv the events which hevfoUered on my heels since I made my debut before, I will now make my debut behind — the scenes. [Exit Jed and Samantha elder. Little Samantha takes her place, with flag brigade, who are arranged in two ranks on left of stage.] Capt. P>ont into line ! Present flags ! Recover flags ! (or carry flags !) Mr. Clayton. I have the honor to present the flag brigade, of Lockport; they are daughters of veterans. [They make a slight inclination forward, and so stand until the curtain falls.] ACT IV. Scene II. [Mr. Clayton's house. Enter on stage Frank Reynolds and Lillian Clayton, daughter veteran.] Frank. Lillian, I am going on to college in an hour or so, and I want to say something to you before I go. Lillian. Oh fudge ! there's no hurry; the college can get along without you I guess ! Frank. But I must go, and I want to ask you — Lillian. And I wont listen! so there! I can't! You see 48 lUKYIXC THE HATCHET, OU when I joined the "Daughters" I promised mama that I would think more of the indigent women and children of the old vets than anyone else, and she told me about Georgiana Washington and her little hatchet. Frank. What about it ? LiLLi.w. Why, they gave her an old steel hatchet with the liandle broke, and she higgled and haggled all around a cherry tree in the back yard, and because she could'nt get it down they made a fuss about it. Fkank. W'ell, what has that got to do with us? Lillian. Why, she could'nt tell a — a — a lie. could she? I think they might have given her a decent hatchet, and then she could have cut it off smack, smooth ! And they would'nt have noticed it. 1 don't want to tell any stories on account of the in- gident vv'idows, and — and the hatchet business, but I'll tell you Frank, you may just kiss me once! [Frank breaking in and taking her hand.] Frank. Lilly, you're an angel! Lillian. There ! Frank, I knew you would'nt wait until I got through; Now, wait; I was going to say you might kiss me once to bmd the bargain ! [Kisses her.] Now Frank, you run away to school; the first bell has rung. [Frank goes towards the door, but Lillian calls;] Lillian. Frank, when you get to college you just remem- ber that I'm here all alone, studying my lessons, and not riding with every boy w^ho shows himself. Frank. Never fear. Lilly ! I understand, and will heed the warning. [Goes out.] Lillian. I w-as'nt going to let Frank go back to Bos';on, and be galivanting around with all the pretty girls there. If he did that I should'nt have any use for him. •ACTIV. Scene III. (The la.st.) [Tableau. Bridal scene. Burying the hatchet. Marriage of Lillian Clayton and Frank Reynolds — joining the son of a Con- federate with the daughter of a Union soldier. Southrons on one side in uniform, and Northerners same on the other. Flag brigade on raised platform in background, carrying small flags. Bridal party Avith clergyman in centre. Gen. Smgieton drops the hatchet. Harry Clayton puts foot on spade.] [End.] -4.^'^ ^ c-^^ / ""^^ ^'^'^ "^ ^^ v^. °* •■ , <" ^^-n^. ^0 -r, -'i'" ft • o ^ ry ,.;<^v C '^ ^0' > /% -•. ,0^ 0' . ; * ^ 0\ <"■ < ^, .0^ ^ I BOOKBINDING ^^^^ " t !n ■ ^^^^^ ~ V^ '> * ^