The Pageant of Corydon The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 1816—1916 BY WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON The Pageant of Corydon The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 1816--1916 THE DRAMA OF THE PREEMINENCE OF THE TOWN AT THE TIME WHEN FOR TWELVE YEARS IT WAS THE TER- RITORIAL AND THE STATE CAPITAL OF INDIANA. BY WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON IN FRONT OF THE OLD STATE CAPITOL AT CORYDON JUNE 2 and 3, 1916 ^ ^-/ COPYRIGHT I9J6 By WILLIAM CHAUNCY LANGDON All Rights Reserved Aof BAKER'S PRINTING HOUSE New Albany, Ind. JI.0 44 166 JUN -6 1916 1. *:* I The Pageant of Corydon The Pioneer Capitzil of Indiana 1816-1916 THE INDIANA HISTORICAL COMMISSION. His Excellency, Samuel M. Ralston, Governor of Indiana, President Frank B. Wynn, Vice Pres. John Cavanagh Charity Dye Samuel M. Foster Harlow Lindley, Secretary Charles W. Moores Lew. M. O'Bannon James A. Woodburn THE CORYDON PAGEANT COMMITTEE. Thomas J. Wilson, President Arthur Richert, Treasurer H. W. Gudgeon, Secretary A. 0. DeWeese, Vice Pres. Wilson E. Cook Lew. M. O'Bannon Mrs. R. L. Miller Edward G. Keller THE PAGEANT DIRECTION. William Chauncy Langdon, Master of the Pageant Charles Diven Campbell, Director of the Music FOREWORD HE Pageant of Corydon is to commemorate the time of the pre-eminence of the town, when it was for twelve years, from 1813 to 1825, first the Territorial and then the State Capital of Indiana. Here in 1816 met the Constitutional Convention which formu- lated and voted the first Constitution of the State of Indiana. The historical interest of the village of Corydon centers nat- urally in the Old Capitol, erected in 1812 as a Court House and appropriated to the use of the Governor and Legislature when Corydon became the capital in 1813, and in the Con- stitution Elm, beneath whose shading branches the Conven- tion met in 1816. The Pageant will be performed on the Public Square in front of the Old Capitol. The music, played by the Indiana University Orchestra, is most of it from the music of the Pageant of Bloomington and Indiana University, composed by Charles Diven Camp- bell. The Hymn to America was composed by Brookes C. Peters. Corydon is taken from the old Missouri Harmony and orchestrated by Dr. Campbell. In presenting the historical material a certain freedom has necessarily been exercised for the sake of dramatic clar- ity and effectiveness. In many instances the language of the dialogue is in the actual words of the characters represented. It has, however, seemed inadvisable to indicate these passages by quotation marks, on account of the frequent necessity for making slight changes, omissions, or additions in the word- ing to suit the situation as represented. So also in producing the pageant certain omissions have been deemed advisable which it did not seem necessary to eliminate in the printed form of the pageant. W. C. L. OUTLINE OF THE PAGEANT. Prologue: The Welcome of Old Corydon. Episode 1 : The Completion of the Court House (1812). Episode 2: Corydon, the Capital (1813). Episode 3: The Constitutional Convention (1816). Episode 4: The New Capital (1825). Epilogue: The Blessing of the Years. Finale : Centennial ! The Pageant of Corydon The Pioneer Capital of Indiana 1816—1916 PROLOGUE: THE WELCOME OF OLD CORYDON. The Bell of the Old Capitol is rung a half hour before the pageant performance is to begin, and again fifteen minutes before the hour. The Bell is rung once more for the begin- ning of the Pageant. The orchestra plays the Hymn to In- diana. While the orchestra is still playing, people of Old Corydon come in from various directions, singly and in groups, attracted by the sound of the bell and the music of the orchestra. Seeing the audience, with interest and some surprise they comment upon it to each other. They evidence their appreciation of the importance of the occasion and of the assembled audience, and several of them consulting to- gether agree to call their Governor, General William Henry Harrison. Four or five of them go to the door of the Capitol. The door opens and Governor Harrison appears. He talks with his neighbors, standing in the doorway a few moments, and then cordially comes forward at their suggestion toward the people of 1916 on the grandstand and addresses them, while the others of the people of Old Corydon stand variously grouped a little behind him. The music plays very softly as he speaks. Harrison: Our welcome to you all, good friends! I bring The welcome of Old Corydon itself. You cry "Hello, the house!" We open the door [7] And answer "Welcome! The latch-string hangs outside." Are ye surprised to see us here again? But where else should ye find us if not here — At home? It is not gone — the so-called past. 'Tis only that abstraction with the present Obscures to your eyes things of other days. Still must ye heed the things of former days As ye do heed the things of days to come — Or blind and vain the labors of today ! These walls seem old to you; these elm-trees old; These timbers weather-stained. A hundred years Have beaten on this roof, you say, and on The mounded shelters where you think we lie. But look with our eyes, and you them will see A stately pile, fresh-hewn from Nature's rocks, Built strong to last forever, built for you With our small means and ample labor, built For you and for your children ! Do but see ! The Commonwealth we dreamed has far surpassed The measure of our boldest, proudest hopes; But axe and gun in hand, it was for you We dreamed, and this old building stands to tell The quality, the courage of our dream And of our toil. Rock, solid rock, high built Four square amid the roadless wilderness! You, our children, — no, they all are gone, with us Across the stream, — our children's children and Their children, do ye understand our hopes And heed our dream? In token cherish this Old symbol of our pride and fortitude. When we assumed the task of managing The unformed territorial Commonwealth; Our glory, when with your forefathers here [8] We made the State; our sacrifice, when we In turn gave up our dear pre-eminence In favor of an unbuilt city to the north, That this our State, your State, unhampered might Sweep forward faster toward her honored place Among the mighty States of this our Nation! Come, then, come and live with us a space As we re-live again those precious days Of eighteen twelve and thirteen ; then in turn Of eighteen sixteen, eighteen twenty-five. [9] EPISODE 1: THE COMPLETION OF THE COURT HOUSE (1812). With the close of his address of welcome, Governor- Har- rison withdraws, and the music repeats the first theme of the Hymn to Indiana. The peoj^le all withdraw toivard the ends of the grandstand. A fife and drum strike up a parade quickstep of the War of 1812. From one side and the other come Spier Spencer and John Tipton, as Captain and a member of the Yellow Jackets. Spencer: We'd better be starting, John. Get the boys to- gether. Tell Sam to beat the drum. We'll give the folks a little parade before we go. Tipton : Hey, Sam ! Call them together ! The fifer and drummer come out, the drummer heating his drum. They take their places out in the middle where Captain Spericer and Tipton are standing. Then the fifer plays aslo. The Yellow Jackets come out and gather together, ready to fall into line. One carries the Yellow Jacket flag furled. People of the town also come with them. Among these comes Dennis Pennington with carpenter tools in his hands and other men with tools from out of the Capitol. Pennington: Well, Spier— Sheriff— when you get back from fighting the Indians we'll have the Court House all finished for you! Tell Harrison to stop over and see what we're putting up. Spencer: I'll tell them over to Vincennes, Dennis, you're building us the finest Court House in the Territory, that theirs is a lean-to aside of it! Tipton: And that's what it is, too — a lean-to. Pennington : Well, as we said, boys, when we voted it, the Capitol cannot stay way over there on the edge, now Illi- [11] nois is cut off and made a separate territory, and we might as well be ready with good accomodations. Spencer : Now the fall in, Sam. Give you a little parade and manoevres before we start, folks! The Vincennes trail to meet Harrison, and on up the Wabash. The fife and drum sound again. The sergeant forms the company and the flag is unfurled. Captain Spier Spencer takes command. He puts them through the drill and military manoevres in accordance ivith the tactics of the time. Then he halts them and breaks ranks. Spencer : (Jet your packs and come along now, boys ! The Yelloiv Jackets say good bye to their ivives and fam- ilies, put on their luggage and depart, some on horseback, most of them on foot, folloiving their Captain. The music of the fife and drum continues fainter and fainter as they get far- ther and farther away. Their people tuave to them as they go. The orchestra plays the Indian music from the Pageant of Bloomington and Indiana University to mark the time that elapses, during tvhich the battle of Tippecanoe is fought. In the Capitol is heard the noise of hammers, as the last strokes are put on the building. Furniture of the time is being carried in. Dennis Penyiington is superintending the work. Pennington: Nearly done! Nearly done! Take that right in ; put it in place ! Two tvomen standing a moment together look up toward the north. They point and then attract the attention of the others. Mrs. Tipton : Who's that ! Just coming out of the woods over on the hill? Mrs. Spencer : It's the soldiers ! The Yellow Jackets ! Mrs. Tipton : Yes, it must be ! John, John 1 [12] The others look closely and a number of the younger peo- ple start off to meet the returning soldier's. All go over to that side of the Public Square, the ivor'kmen on the Capitol comiyig out, their tools in their haiids, to join the others and welcome the Indiana fighters. In a few moments they come marching in attended by the young people. Mrs. Tipton with a cry of relief runs to her hiisband. Mrs. Tipton : There is John ! John ! Mrs. Tipton runs to her husband. Mrs. Spencer starts also, then stops, looks searchingly through the soldiers, looks back to Tipton, realizes that Tipton is noiv in command of the company, and stands still and silent. Mrs. Tipton : Oh, Mrs. Spencer. Mrs. Spencer : Where was it, John ? He is killed ? Tipton: It was up on the Tippecanoe, near the Prophet's town. Yes, he was killed. Here is his sword. It was a victory. All the neighbors sta/nd silent and still. John Tipton hands Mrs. Spencer her husband's sivord. She takes it and silently presses it to her breast. Mrs. Spencer: And he? Tipton : We buried him at the foot of a tree on the battle- field and cut his name in the bark of the tree. Mrs. Spencer boivs her head and quietly withdraws, Mrs. Tipton going with her, and John Tipton following them. Other similar incidents repeat the character of the retwn of the soldiers — either the reunited families or the definite knowing that the father or so7i or husband or lover will not come back. In a moment Tipton returns. Tipton: The Court House finished. Dennis? Pennington : Nearly finished, John. We are putting in the [13] furnishings and I will hang the bell today. Will the Governor be along this way soon, do you think, John? Tipton : I think so, Dennis. Come on, boys ! Help move in the furniture into the new Court House! The soldiers turn to with a will and the work of finishing the Court House proceeds rapidly. Squire Boone comes in with three of his sons from a hunting trip, clad in his buck- skins, carryi7ig his rifle and over his shoulders a deer. Boone: Hello the house, all o'yer! Hello the Court House! People: Who's yere! Who's yere! Pennington: Hello, Squire! You're just about in time to help us hang the bell ! Brought us some venison, too, I see! Boone: What, hanging the bell? Then of course you can have the meat! Bill Harrison will be along here short- ly too, I reckon. Saw him a-riding up to Ed Smith's as I came down the hill over across the creek. Smith : I'll go up and meet him and bring him down. Edward Smith hurries off towards his cabin. The last furniture is put into the Court House and the bell is hauled in on an ox cart. Edward Smith returns with Governor Wil- liam Henry Harrison. He is dressed in civilian clothes, and rides on horseback. The people all cheer enthusiastically. People: Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Tippecanoe! Tippe- canoe ! Governor Ha7-rison takes off his hat and boivs cordially, heartily to all his friends, calling them all by their first names as the cheering continues. Harrison : Court House finished, Dennis ! That is a splendid building! Worthy of Cory don! (To Harvey Heth), [14] Well, Harvey, you and I sold this land to good purpose ! The County has built a fine Court House on it! And that is the stray pen yonder, is it? (Cheers). Hello, boys! No more fear from the Indians! Hello, Israel, I'll have to get you to put a new shoe on my horse's nigh foot in front before I go on. (To Henry Rice), Hello, Henry, how's the fine brick hotel ? This the bell ? Col. Posey: That's the bell, Governor, and we ought to do something to celebrate the completion of the Court House, don't you think so? Harrison : Certainly ! Certainly ! Jennie Smith ought to sing "Corydon" for one thing. Where's Jennie? Where's Jennie, Ed? If you do not keep better watch over your girls you won't keep them long, Ed! You would not if I were just passing twenty! Jennie, my dear, sing "Corydon" for us while Uncle Dennis hangs the bell, and then at the end the bell shall ring out for the first time and we all will give it a good Corydon cheer ! Jennie: Sam, run home and get my Missouri Harmony for me. Samuel Smith runs out fast to get the hook, and soon re- turns with it. Meantime, Dennis Pennington and the men un- load the hell from off the ox-cart and carry it into the Court House. There is a cheer as it disappears into the door. Edward Smith : Long time afore we'll see that bell again, though we'll hear it right along often enough! Harrison : Now, Jennie ! Wait. Here is a present I was bringing to you. I will give it to you now in apprecia- tion of your singing this song for us! From his saddle-hags Governor Harrison produces a bun- dle which he opens and discloses a beautiful shaivl. Several of the young women and girls instinctively step foyncard to look at it with exclamations of delight. Governor Harrison puts the shawl around Jennie Smiths shoulders, and steps [15] back with a courtly complimentary bo2u, as her friends ex- claim their applaiise. Jennie makes a curtsey. Jennie Smith : Thank you, Governor, thank you very much! Harrison : Now, Jennie, now sing us "Corydon." Jennie Smith sings the old song "Corydon" out of the Missouri Harmony. Governor Harrison gets off his horse and stands by her side as she sings. Jennie Smith : CORYDON What sorrowful sounds do I hear. Move slowly along in the gale ; How solemn they fall on my ear. As softly they pass through the vale Sweet Corydon's notes are all o'er. Now lonely he sleeps in the clay. His cheeks bloom with roses no more, Since death call'd his spirit away. Sweet woodbines will rise round his feet, And willows their sorrowing wave ; Young hyacinths freshen and bloom. While hawthorns encircle his grave. Each morn when the sun gilds the east, (The green grass bespangled with dew) , He'll cast his bright beams on the West, To charm the sad Caroline's view. O Corydon ! hear the sad cries Of Caroline, plaintive and slow; O .spirit! look down from the skies. And pity thy mourner below, 'Tis Caroline's voice in the grove, Which Philomel hears on the plain. Then striving the mourner to soothe. With sympathy joins in her strain. Ye .shepherds so blithsome and young. Retire from your sports on the green. Since Corydon's deaf to my song. The wolves tear the lambs on the plain. Each swain round the forest will stray And sorrowing hang down his bead. His pipe then in symphony play Some dirge to sweet Corydon's shade. And when the still night has unfurl'd Her robes o'er the hamlet around. Gray twilight retires from the world And darkness encumbers the ground. I'll leave my own gloomy abode. To Corydon's urn will I fly, There kneeling will bless the just God Wlio dwells in bright mansions on high. Since Corydon hears me no more. In gloom let the woodlands appear. Ye oceans be still of your roar. Let Autumn extend around the year; I'll hie me through meadow and lawn. There cull the brit;lit flow'rets of May. Then rise on the wings of the morn, And waft my young spirit away. As the song comes to an end the bell rings out. All the people cheer and cheer and cheer. The bell stops. Dennis Pennington comes to the door of the Court House. His brother, Watty Pennington, ivho built the ivalls, and Patrick Flanigan, ivho put on the roof, are with him. [16] Pennington: The Court House is completed and ready to turn over to the County Court. Again the people cheer. Governor- Harrison mounts his horse. The Yellow Jackets fo7"m in line. The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County, Hon. Patrick Shields, Peter Mcintosh and Moses Boone, come in preceded by John Hurt, Sheriff, and attended by R. M. Heth, Clerk of the Court. Pennington: Your Honors, I herewith notify you that the building of this Court House is now completed accord- ing to contract, at a cost of $1,500, and I herewith turn it over to you for your acceptance. Judge Shields: In behalf of my associates and myself as Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County, I accept this Court House from Dennis Penning- ton and declare it to be satisfactorily completed and ac- cording to contract. (Cheers). Before personally en- tering and taking possession in the name of the County we direct that in honor of the memory of our late Sher- iff and his soldiers, who died to defend the homes of this County and of Indiana Territory from the Indians, the Clerk of the Court read the names of those who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe and that the Court House bell be tolled while the names are being read. All uncover. Captain John Tipton brings the Yelloiv Jackets to Present, Arms! The Clerk of the Court advances in front of the Judges and reads the names of the Harrison County men who died at Tippecanoe, the bell tolling, and the drum beating a muffled, roll. R. M. Heth : Died at the Battle of Tippecanoe, for their homes, for the Indiana Territory, and their country: Spier Spencer, Captain; First Lieut. Richard MacMa- han, Capt. Berry, Marshall Dunken, Wm. Davis, Joshua Shields, Samuel Sand, George Spencer, Robert Biggs. [17] Judge Shields: We now direct the Sheriff to proclaim that the Court of Common Pleas will henceforth sit in this Court House. John Hurst: Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Be it known to every one having business or pleas before the Court that by or- der of the Judges and by authority of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County in the Indiana Terri- tory of the United States of America the Court will hereafter sit in the new Court House now completed in the Town of Corydon. The Judges advance into the Court House, preceded by the Sheriff and attended by the Cler^k. The bells ring out joyously again, and the people cheer. As the people go out, led on one side by Governor Harr'ison, Edward Smith and Jennie Smith, and on the other side by Ca/ptain John Tipton and the Yellow Jackets, the Chorus sing in parts, but ivithout instrumental accompaniment, a stanza of the old song, "Cory- don." CHORUS: What sorrowful sounds do I hear, Move slowly along on the gale ; How solemn they fall on the ear, As softly they pass through the vale. Fll hie me through meadow and lawn, There cull the bright flow'rets of May, Then rise on the wings of the morn, And waft my young spirit away. [18] EPISODE 2: CORYDON THE CAPITAL (1813). Several young men come in with farming implements a7id axes, on tvhich they lean, as one looks up the road toward Louisville indolently and then tosses his axe down on the ground. Some tvomen come in parsing by. Young Man: Well, while we're waiting I'll pitch anyone a game of horse-shoes. A Woman : What are you waiting for ? Young Man : The wagon. A Woman: The wagon from Louisville, as usual? For all the wagon brings everything to Corydon, it'll never bring you no luck, not till you get down and work. Young Man : I can work. Woman : I know you can work, none better ; but you won't. Al- ways waiting for the wagon! Like a eastern man to Henry Rice's brick hotel, had no plate, knife nor fork, too modest to ask for them, and Henry says to him, "Waiting for the wagon to bring them to yer, was yer?" Young Man : But it will be different when the Capital comes to Corydon. There'll be something to do then. Woman : That may be, but it won't be for anything you have done to bring it here. It'll be account of what Uncle Den_ nis does. He's a powerful smart man. There ain't none can get ahead of him. Meantime the young men have pitched horse-shoes. They are interrupted by the arrival of the ivagon from Louis- ville. It is badly mired and bears the marks of a hard trip over bad roads. Tivo prosperous lookiyig men from Madison are with it. Madison Man : Corydon ! Well, I hope that brick hotel they tell about has good fare for man and horse. [19] Driver of Wagon : It has. Madison Man : Whats that ? The Court House ? Driver : That's the Harrison County Court House. Madison Man : Too pretentious for a Court House ! Young Man : That's what we think ! Madison Man: You Corydon people, young man, are too presumptious. You mean to suggest, I take it, that you will get the Capital. Young Man: That's what I meant; What are you going to say about it? Or do? Madison Man : Nothing in the question to fight about ! Cory- don is off the line of travel. All the south, Kentucky, Virginia, the Carolinas come into Indiana through Mad- ison. Young Man : And Louisville. Madison Man: Besides, Madison is offering $10,000 for it; and the vote was a tie, I happen to know, in the Council. If Governor Harrison had not vetoed the bill because he owns property at Vincennes, we'd a had it before this. Young Man: And Corydon got a tie vote without $10,000, I happen to know. Uncle Dennis Pennington is there; he'll fix it! Several : Yes, he'll fix it ! He'll get the Capital for Corydon ! From the north come several men riding horseback. Eager for neivs, the Corydon people greet them. Men: Will you light? Where from? What's the news? Rider: No, we must push on. We're from Vincennes. Men: Vincennes? What's the news? [20] Riders: Nothing. Hello, hello! See here! They greet the Madison men, take them to one side tuhile the others watch tuith much curiosity. The Madison men shoiv great disgust and anger at ivhat they hear and then all four mount their horses and ride off toivard Madison. In a moment Dennis Pennington comes riding doivn the road from, the north. There are loud ajid hearty cheers for him as he rides in among his neighbors. Pennington : Ye've won, friends ! Ye've won ! All: What, won? Won? Pennington : Won ! Corydon is the Capital of Indiana Ter- ritory ! There is long, loud and continued cheering as they throng about him. All: How'd you do it, Dennis? How'd you do it, Uncle Dennis? Pennington : Here, let me down ! Take my horse ! There's not so much to tell. There was tie vote after tie vote, until it seemed as most like as if tie votes was the pass- ing compliment and every cabin in Indiana had had its compliment, when — All : What then. Uncle Dennis, what then ? Mrs. Spencer: Did you let them know the Governor owned land here, Dennis? Edward Smith: That's what he done? Told them Harris son owned land to Corydon and if they wanted to move the Capital it was here they had the best chance, for then old Bill would help them all he could ! All: Hurray for Uncle Dennis! Hurray! Hurray! [21] Pennington: Well (laughing) they did seem to have some such idee, that even if Harrison wa'n't Governor no more, he had influence. (Loud and long cheering). Now, friends, neighbors, we must get ready for the Gov- ernment." John Gibson is Acting Governor and he never wastes much time. And President Madison will be send- ing a new Governor before long and it is here he will come I The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County come out of the Court House arid informally greet Dennis Pennirigton. Pennington : Corydon is the Capital, your Honors? Judge Shields: Splendid, Dennis! Pennington: Later the Capital will have to go farther north, but until then here she stays at Corydon. Judge Shields : Then we Judges must vote to place the Court House at the disposal of the Territorial Government, must'nt we? Pennington : That was the idea when we built it. Judge Shields: Then we will surely vote it. And will a popular vote confirm it? All: We will! We will! Judge Shields: Let us go back and get our papers out, and put the place in order for the Governor and the Legis- lature. The Judges return into the Court House. Some bundles of papers and law books are carried out. A bugle is heard up the Vincennes road, repeated again and again, nearer and nearer. The people turn to see what is coming and imme- [22] diately join in a great cheer. Many run out to meet the ap- proaching Acting Governor, ivho brings the archives of the Territorial Government to Corydon. They return accompany- ing the procession, which consists to a military escort mount- ed. Governor John Gibson and the other officers, their fam- ilies in carriages, and several ivagons of cases, containi7ig the documents and other archives of the Territorial Govern- ment of Indiana. The cheering increases and increases as they ride in. Gibson rises and boius to right and to left ac- knowledging the applause. The Judges return in their robes of office to tvelcome the Governor. Gibson: My friends of Corydon and citizens of Harrison County : It is my agreeable duty officially to inform you that by an Act of the General Assembly of Indiana Ter- ritory, at Vincennes, which was approved on the 11th day of March, 1813, the seat of Government of the Territory was fixed at Corydon, Harrison County, from and after the first day of May, 1813. In conformity with a joint resolution of both houses of the General Assembly of the Territory, I have prorogued them to meet here at Cory- don on the 1st day of December next. I have come to transfer the Government to your town and to install the archives in such proper places as you may provide for the use of the Governor and the Legislature. Judge Shields: Your Excellency, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County, with the enthu- siastic concurrence of the people, have voted to appro- priate this new Court House to the use of the Governor and the Legislature as the Capitol of Indiana Territory, Gibson: Your Honors, in behalf of the Government of the United States and of the Legislature of Indiana Terri- tory, as well as in my own behalf as Acting Governor, I thank you and the people of Harrison County for this fine, ample and patriotic provision, and accept this build- ing for the Territorial Government at your hands. [23] Amidst iqyroarious cheering, Judge Shields steps forward and hands to Governor Gibson the key of the Court House, noiv to become the Capitol. Judge Shields : With pleasure, Your Excellency, I deliver to you the key of the new Capitol. We also wish to wel- come you personally and all the members of the Govern- ment to Corydon, (Cheers). Pennington: For all my fellow citizens I want to repeat that welcome. You'll all find that the latch-string hangs outside! (Cheers), Gibson : Your welcome is most welcome. From this time on we shall call you all friends and neighbors. (Cheers). As your Acting Governor I have also to warn you against the danger from the Indians. This menace was in no small measure condusive to the change in the seat of the government. The United States has lately been compelled to declare war against England. But recently our political horizon seemed clear; our infant Territory bid fair for a rapid and rising grandeur ; our population was highly flattering; our citizens were becoming pros- perous and happy ; and security dwelt everywhere, even on our frontiers. Alas! the scene has changed. The aborigines have become our most inveterate foes. They have drawn the scalping knife and raised the tomahawk and shouts of savage fury are heard at our thresholds. Our former frontiers are now our wilds and our inner settlements have become frontiers. I have therefore de- termined upon an increase of the militia, which will be under the command of Col. Robert M. Evans ; Col. Wm. Hargrove's Mounted Rangers will be merged in this militia ; and the borders of Harrison and Clark Counties will remain under the protection of your own tried In- dian fighter, Major John Tipton. (Great cheers). COL. Evans: But, Governor, I must remind you of my re- [24] port in regard to this Major Tipton's conduct to me, when I met him on duty in the wilds of this Harrison County. That varmint paid no more attention to me than he would have to an ordinary man. Tipton: Bah! He asked me where my headquarters were. My headquarters ! I told him in this saddle and that at night if I could find a tree without a panther at roost in it, it would then be in this saddle at the root of that tree. Gibson: Colonel, we are all rough men out here, but we are good fighters, you will find, and John Tipton is our best fighter. (Cheers) . You and he will prove mates. Since the Governor of the Territory has been absent on military service, the gubernatorial functions have been exercised by me, and I have in my discharge of this important trust been actuated by none other than a wish to preserve public rights and protect private property. But now the President of the United States has selected a successor to General Harrison. It is my former com- panion in arms. Col. Thomas Posey, United States Sen- ator from Louisiana, a soldier of the Revolutionary War and a veteran of many Indiana engagements. Although I understand he is in but poor health, he must now be on his way to take charge of his duties. Several: See! Here come some horses along the Louisville road ! Governor Thomas Posey, escorted, is driven in from the south. In response to Governor Gibson's introduction, the people cheer. Gibson: My friends, your new Governor! Posey: I thank you for your loyal welcome. Gibson: Sir, recognizing you as the newly appointed Gov- ernor of the Territory of Indiana, I herewith turn over [25] to you the Key of the Territorial Capitol, the documents and archives of the Government, and direct the Govern- or's escort to attend upon you. Governor Gibson rides over to Governor Posey and hands him the key. At the same time part of his escort ride around and place themselves behind Governor Posey's carriage. Posey : Governor Gibson, in accepting from you the functions of the Governor of Indiana Territory, I can only hope I may discharge them as ably and as faithfully as you have done. (Cheers). I regret that the delicate state of my health will not admit of my long con- tinuance at this place. I should find myself badly situated on account of medical aid. My physician is at Louisville, and I have already taken all the medicine brought with me. I shall therefore take up my own residence at Jeffersonville, and the bills of the Legisla- ture and other communications can be sent to me there. Pennington : Well, Governor, we're all sorry you are in bad health. We wanted to have you here with us at Cory- don. We were counting on it. Posey: I also regret it extremely, Mr. Speaker, but I trust Indiana will soon become a State and can then choose its own Governor. I shall be glad if I can fill the interim acceptably. Amid loud cheers and shouts of "Indiana! Statehood for Indiana!'* Governor Gibson and Governor Posey drive and ride on out in opposite directions, the people dividing and go- ing some in one direction ivith one, some in the other direc- tion after the other. All: Hurray! Hurray for Gibson! Hurray for Posey! Hur- ray! Hurray! Indiana! Indiana! Statehood for Indiana! [26] EPISODE 3: THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION (1816). Along the road from Louisville and Madison come riding on horseback Jonathan Jen7iings of Clark County and William Hendricks of Jefferson County. They are met by Dennis Pen- nington, Dafiiel C. Lane, Davis Floyd, John Boone and Judge Patrick Shields of Harrison County. They greet each other cordially. Pennington: A fine day, Jennings! Jennings: A great day, Pennington; Indiana will come in free. All: Aye, aye! It surely will! Pennington : I said, "Let us be on our guard when our con- vention men is chosen that they may be men opposed to slavery." Jennings: We have been on our guard. Most of the men elected are opposed to slavery. Shields: And we will organize right too. Jennings for President of the Convention and Hendricks for Secre- tary. All : That's what we will : The Delegates to the Convention arrive, most on horse- back, some on foot. Among them are Joseph Holman of Wayne County, James Noble of Franklin, James Dill of Dear- born, William Cotton of Sivitzerland, David H. Maxwell of Jefferson, James Scott and James Lemon of Clark, John De- Pauw and William Lowe of Washington, John Johnson and John Badollet of Knox, David Robb and Frederick Rapp of [27] Gibson, Dan Lynn of Posey, Daniel Gra^s of Warwick and Charles Polke of Perry County. Among the western dele- gates there is some evident discontent. As they come up, three are expressing their opposition. Delegate: Is it not surprising that Jennings should have allowed us only eleven days to elect suitable characters for a situation the most important that ever has, or ever may again, occur to us? Another: Individual runners was the only way we could apprize the voters of the election. Third: Jennings and his friends, I verily believe, have thus hastened matters so that they might put through a con- stitution eliminating slavery. Delegate : It is the duty of Jennings' constituents to reflect upon his conduct. Jennings, Pennington and Others: Now, gentlemen, let us gather in the Capitol and proceed to organize the Convention. Come in, gentlemen, come in; Let us get down to work ! The Delegates all go into the Capitol, whence is heard the sound of voting, shouts of "Jennings!" applause, shouts of "Hendricks!" applause. Two delegates in pioneer dress come to the door. One Delegate: Jennings President, Hendricks Secretary! Good choices ! Other: The best! It is too stuffy in there for me, though. I am used to being out-doors where there is plenty of good fresh air and sunshine. One Delegate: It's a cool summer though, too cool. Frost last night, all the week. [28] Other: I know, but I like to be outdoors. Mr. President, I move you that the Convention adjourn out here under this beautiful shady elm tree for the balance of the ses- sion. It's nice and pleasant out here and there's a fine spring nearby. There is heard from inside a laugh, a unanimous vote of "Aye!" and the members of the Convention come streaming out of the Capitol and go over to the big elm tree and sit in a circle under its branches. A small table is brought out and a few chairs. President Jennings and the Secretaries sit at this table. Jennnings: Now the Convention will come to order. It has been moved and seconded in accordance with the Enabling Act of Congress, that by resolution of the representatives of the people of Indiana, met in conven- tion at Corydon, on the 10th day of June, A. D., 1816, that it is expedient, at this time, to proceed to form a Constitution and State government. Two Delegates: I demand the yeas and nays. Jennings: Those in favor will rise. Those opposetd. Hendricks: The vote is 34 in favor; 8 against. Jennings : The resolution seems to be carried. It is carried. People of Corydon gather at respectfid distances from the group under the tree listening to the proceedings of the Convention but in no way interrupting therii. Badollet: Mr. President, reporting for the Committee ap- pointed to prepare a Bill of Rights and Preamble for the Constitution, I move you the following: "We, the people of the Territory of Indiana, having the right of admission into the general government, as a member of the Union, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, the Ordinance of 1787 and the law of [29] Congress, do ordain and establish the following Consti- tution or form of government, and do mutually agree with each other to form ourselves into a free and inde- pendent State, by the name of Indiana." By regular paiiiamentarij order the motion is put and with serious and impressive enthusiasm is unanimously voted by all 7'ising and saying "Aye" and sitting again. Benjamin Parke of Knox County comes riding doivn the north road. He dismounts and ivalks over to the Coyivention, hands a pa- per to James Noble of the Committee on Elections. After exannining the paper, James Noble rises, ivhile Benjamin Parke stands at one side waiting the action on his credentials. Noble: Benjamin Parke, a member returned to serve in this Convention from Knox County, is present and has pro- duced his credentials, which are found by the Commit- tee on Elections to be correct. I move that he be sworn in and seated. The motion is imanimously carried, and Benjamin Parke is sworn in by the Secretary, William Hendricks. He then takes his seat on the grass with the others. Maxwell: Mr. President, reporting for the Committee on the Subject of General Provisions, I move you that there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this State, otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. Nor shall any indenture of any negro or mulatto hereafter made and executed out of the bounds of this State be of any validity within the State. There are murmurs of approval among many of the Dele- gates and emphatic approval and special inte7'est evident among the toivnspeople. People: That's it! Free! Free! No slaves! Jennings: Is the motion seconded? [30] Several: I second it. Jennings: The motion is before the Convention. In that connection I am requested to lay before the Convention a memorial from sundry inhabitants of Wayne County, praying that constitutional provisions may be made effectually to prohibit the introduction of slavery and involuntary servitude into the State about to be formed ; also that the Society of Friends, commonly called Qua- kers, may in times of peace be exempted from bearing arms. ROBB: I move that so much of the memorial as relates to the Society of Friends be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Jennings: It is so ordered. Johnson: Further, Mr. President, as the holding any part of the human family in slavery or involuntary servitude can only originate in usurpation and tyranny, this Con- vention ought to vote that no alteration of this Consti- tution ought ever to take place, so as to introduce sla- very in this State. Dill: That is not strong enough. Let the Convention vote that no such alteration ever shall take place. Several: Question! Question! The question is put and is enthusiastically carried. The Corydon people b7'eak out into a cheer. People: She has come in free! She has come in free! Scott : Mr. President, reporting for the Committee relative to Education, I move you that knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community, being essen- tial to the preservation of a free government, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as cir- cumstances will permit, to provide by law for a general [31] system of education, ascending in a regular gradation from township schools to a State University, wherein tuition shall be gratis and equally open to all. Maxwell: I second the motion. Scott: I also move that it shall be the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as circumstances will permit, to form a penal code, founded on the principle of reformation, and not of vindictive justice. Several : I second the motion. The motions are put to the Convention and are unani- mously carried with hearty enthusiasm. Depauw : I move you, Mr. President, that the Town of Cory- don, in Harrison County, shall be the seat of government of the State of Indiana, until the year 1825 and until removed by law. Tivo or three of the Delegates who at first showed dis- coyitent arise and ivalk apar't by themselves expressing indig- nation. Delegate: It is preposterous! Another: The pernicious practices that have unfortunately been elsewhere tolerated have evidently here been intro- duced ! Third: I have heard it said that a caucus of some of the members met here at Corydon and pledged themselves to support — certain men — without consulting the people or knowing their wishes. Delegate : I am sure it is true. But what can we do ? Jen- nings and his friends have the situation in their hands. Another : Nothing. Third: Record our votes in opposition. They go hack and sit doivn in sullen silence. Pennington : There has been some agitation, I understand, to have the seat of government moved from Corydon to [32] some other town. Indeed I am told that one town is determined to take it up on wheels as soon as the new Legislature meets and bear it off. But I trust our leg- islature will be composed of such men as will wisely consider the subject and when they do remove it, that it will be for the good of the community at large and not for a few individuals. Whenever the situation will admit of its going near the center of the State and so do justice to the whole community, let it be done, but until that time, the capital shall not be removed from Corydon if I can help it. I am therefore in favor of this motion. The motion is carried. Jennings: It now remains for the Convention to ratify the Constitution as a whole, and to sign their names to the document. Several: I move the ratification of the Constitution as a whole. Several : I second it. Jennings : Those in favor will signify by rising and saying "Aye." All rise and vote "Aye" with enthusiastic unanimity. Jennings: It is unanimously carried. As President of the Convention I declare the Constitution of the State of Indiana ratified and adopted this 29th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1816. The members of the Con- vention will now come up to the table and sign the in- strument. The members go up and write their names on the Con- stitution. Jennings: I now declare the Convention adjourned without day. The members all arise. The Corydon people cheer and advance to congratulate the delegates on their work. Their horses are brought forward and all depart their several ways. [33] EPISODE 4: THE NEW CAPITAL (1825). As the people of Corydon come in, a stream of wagons and of families on ho7^ses pour through, going from the south to the north. They are pioneers going farther into the ivil- dei'ness to settle. A Corydon man and his wife accost a little family on a horse. Corydon Man: Will you light? Pioneer: No, I'm abliged to you. We must get on. Corydon Man : How far are you going? Pioneer : Up into the New Purchase. Corydon Woman : You better stop a bit. Pioneer Wife : We must get on. John wants to get in early to enter some land. Corydon Man : Where you come from ? Corydon Woman : Why do you go ? Pioneer: Kentucky; before that from Carolina. We could not make out; business been bad last two years. Pioneer Woman : And we lost two children in the sickness. Seemed like nothing would do for them ; nothing would save them. So we're going on. Other families pass through, pass through. One horse carries a young Co7'ydon man and his wife. Corydon Wife: Well, good luck to you, Jennie! Good luck to you, John. Don't like to see you go ! John : Well, we've got to strike out new for ourselves. Good- bye all! Jennie : Good-bye all ! [351 The Corydou people give them a hearty send-off, groivn tips and children too. Still others pass through, all to in- quiries ansivering that they are going up into the Neiv Pur- chase, to make a fresh start with new lands, and that they are leaving the old homes because of hard times and the pestilential years just previous. Now ayid again a Corydon family also joins the procession north. Goveryior William Hendricks, ivith James Brow'u Ray, the President of the Senate, and Samuel Merrill, the State Treasurer, come in from one direction and are met by Dennis Pennington, Judge Shields and others of the Court coming in the other way. Hendricks : The State is developing with enormous rapidity. The New Purchase is filling up with incredible numbers of settlers. We must soon move the Capital, so that it may be near the center of our population and near the center of the new developments. Pennington : Yes, Governor, and now that the time has come when it is for the good of the whole community, Corydon is ready to give up her preeminence, to let the Capital go to some unbuilt city to the north. Ray : A noble sacrifice and for the benefit of the State. Hendricks: It is indeed, for it is the attitude toward the question not only of Dennis here, but of all his Cory- don neighbors. Ray: And that sacrifice will not be in vain. The State will grow tremendously. I can see it clearly, whether the rest of you can or not. It will be not only in the center of the State, but it will itself be in every sense the real cen- ter of the State. Some new system of roads will branch out from it, provided the site be judiciously chosen, to all parts of Indiana. It will be the City of Indiana in truth ! Some of the Corydon bystanders act incredulous and rather amused, on^ or tivo even pointing to their foreheads. But he sees them. [36] ' Ray : Oh, you may laugh, but you will find it come true. I, James Brown Ray, tell you I see it. It will come true. And, my good Corydon friends, it is the truth of my prediction that justifies you in your noble sacrifice, giv- ing up the glory of being the Capital of Indiana to some place not yet selected ! Merrill: The Commission to select the location must soon return. May they come while the Legislature is still in session ! Hendricks : They will be here shortly, any time now, I am confident. Indiana welcomes these fine settlers to her soil and to her citizenship with open arms ! A welcome to you, my friends ! John Tipton and the other Commissioners to select a locatio7i for the new Capital of Indiana come down the road from the north. The Governor and the other State officials welcome them cordially and the people greet them with a cheer. Mrs. Tipton comes running to meet her husband. Mrs. Tipton: Ah, John, my man, welcome home, welcome home ! Hendricks : Welcome to you all ! Have you chosen a site for the new Capital? Tipton : We have. On the West Fork of the Shiney, at the mouth of Fall Creek and Pogues Run. Merrill: On the White River? There where McCormick built his cabin? Tipton : That's the place. Ray: An excellent location. I see the future prosperity of Indiana assured. You will immediately report to the Legislature? Tipton: We will. [37] With James Brown Ray, Tipton and the other Commis- sioner's go i7ito the Capitol. Merrill: Ray is a strange young man, most visionary and yet seldom mistaken in his prediction of the outcome of practical matters. Hendricks : A most strange young man ! Pennington : What is the name of the new Capital to be ? Merrill : The name suggested by Jeremiah Sullivan of Mad- ison seems to me on the whole to be the best. I hope they will compromise on that. Hendricks : So do I. It is a good name. A bit mixed from the classical point of view, but a good name. Pennington: What is it? Hendricks: Indiana-polis, the City of Indiana: Indianap- olis. All: Indianapolis! A fine name! Some of the Corydon people are crowding up to the door of the Capitol listening to the proceedings inside. Some of the pioneers passing through also stop to hear the outcome. In- side is heard a loud vote, "Aye!' Immediately after Ray, Tipton and the other Commissioners come out, followed by some of the people, over to Governor Hendricks; Ray hands the Governor a paper. Ray: The Act of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, for your signature I Hendricks: The Act making the new location on the White River the Capital of Indiana? Ray : Yes. But it is fitting that the bill be handed to you by a representative of Corydon! Pennington, here, hand the bill to the Governor ! [38] Ray gives the bill to Dennis Pennington, who takes it u'/id gives it in turn to Governoi' Hendricks. The people cheer. Pennington: Most heartily for my friends and neighbors, Your Excellency, I hand you the bill that brings to a close the history of Cory don as the Capital of Indiana. We do it gladly for the welfare of our State. Do I not say true, my neighbors of Corydon? CORYDON People : You do ! You do ! (Loud cheers) . Hendricks: An action worthy of Corydon. I sign the bill. Pemiington brings a small table, chair, ink and quills out of the Capitol for the Governor. Governor Hendricks sits and signs the bill. There is silence as the Governor sign^. As he finishes, the people all break into a great cheer. The pioneers resume their progress north toivard the New Purchase. Hendricks : Have the General Assembly agreed upon a name for the new Capital? Ray: They have. A perfect name! Indianapolis! The City of Indiana ! All : Indianapolis ! Indianapolis! (Loud cheers). Hendricks: Now, Mr. Merrill, you will have to make ar- rangement for the safe and speedy removal of the State Treasury and the archives. Merrill: I have already begun arrangements. Young Man : If the Capital is going away from Corydon, I am going too. Old Man : Stay in Corydon, John ; stay in Corydon ! Young Man : No, I am going. I want to grow up with the new city. Pennington : The young will go ; the old will stay. [39] Ray: On! Let us be going! The glory of Indiana awaits us in the north ! Come, Your Excellency ; come Mr. Mer- rill ! To Indianapolis, the City of Indiana ! Horses are brought for Governor Hendricks and the other State officials. The ox-cart hearing the State Treasury is driven doivn through the Capitol Square. Mr. Merrill takes his place on horseback beside it. At a sign from the Governor the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas approach him. Hendricks: Your Honors, the Capital of the State of Indi- ana is now being removed from Corydon to its new lo- cation on the White River, where it will be called In- dianapolis. I therefore now return to you and to the peo- ple of Harrison County this noble building, which was given to the State for the use of the Governor and the General Assembly. I hand you the key. With it go the gratitude and blessing of Indiana. The Judges boiv as the Governor hands the key of the Old Capitol to Judge Shields. Judge Shields: Court House of Harrison County; Capitol of the Territory and the State of Indiana ; Court House of Harrison County again for many years to come ! Then the orchestra strikes into the Indiana theme, as the Governor and all the others ride out to the north, fol- loived by the stream of pioneers. Of the Corydon the young people for the most part go; the old people stay, and then go out to the south. [40] EPILOGUE : THE BLESSING OF THE YEARS. All the people depart, leaving the grounds around the old Capitol empty. The door of the Capitol opens again and the old Governor, General William Henry Harrison, comes out and approaches the audience. Harrison : They all are gone — gone, gone adown the years ; And Corydon itself has passed since then Into new paths of broad prosperity Through virile agriculture, business sense, And noble service in the rural life. But every hundred years forever shall The State, her grateful hand upon the head Of Corydon, repeat the blessing of Those old imperial days of enterprise. Achievement, service, and of sacrifice ! And you — you too, our reminiscent friends Of nineteen sixteen — so you too shall pass, As Time sweeps on along its course toward Eternity, and when the years again Have told a century, then you will come With us — you too — ^to sing your praise to Him Who giveth us, in joy and suffering. To serve our State, our Nation, and Mankind ! Hark! Hark! The generations gather — there Where only what is noble lives, preserved From any loss forever ! Hark! They sing! They come! They come! And coming raise to Heaven The Hymn to Indiana ! FINALE: CENTENNIAL! The Orchestra plays the first part of the Hymn to Indiana and all the people of the Pageant of Corydon come pouring in [41] from the north and the south roads, and gathering behind Governor Harrison sing the hymn of their State. The figure of the State of hidiana rides in on horseback from the dis- tance down among her people, bearing her flag and her shield. THE HYMN TO INDIANA. To Heaven raise thy star-crowned head, Superb Indiana! Thy future to glory wed Through toil ! Praise God ! Hosanna ! Arise! Stand! Strive! Thy faith revive! With courage and decision Press onward toward thy vision ! Arise ! Firm ! True ! Thy strength renew! God prosper thy gages To serve the coming ages ! To Heaven raise they star-crowned head, Superb Indiana! Thy future to glory wed Through toil ! Praise God ! Hosanna ! The first six notes of the Star Spangled Banner are heard as a t7'umpet call. Indiana points in the direction whence as the people all sing The Star Spangled Banner comes America, robed in white, on a white horse, and bearing the American flag and the shield of the United States. She is attended by the other States of the old Northwest Territory — Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin — each bearing her shield but not her flag. When America and the States have taken their place all the people sing [42] THE HYMN TO AMERICA. Forever shine on our mountain heights! Forever dwell by our valleys' streams ! And may thy stars illume the nights Where'er thy glorious banner gleams! In thee unite the sovereign States ! In thee all trade and commerce live! To all thou openest wide thy gates ; To all thy name and thy life dost give ! The little child thou dost protect ; The strongest man for his work inspire ! The wayward firmly dost correct ; And guard our homes from flood and fire ! Thy name we share from south to north ; Thine air we breathe from east to west ! Thy glory, America, leads us forth In victory onward toward the best ! 0, God, Who givest the breath of life To people of the human race, Make Thou our land in peace or strife A Nation strong, of uplifted face ! America raises her flag, and all the people kneel and sing kneeling the prayer stanza of the hymn '' America.'' AMERICA." Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, To Thee we sing! Long may our land be bright With Freedom's holy light ! Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King! All rise and the music playitig the Hifmn to Indiana, march in heavy massed column out before America, Indiana and the other States into the future. When all have passed, the symbolic group on horseback folhiv them out. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 753 702 5