^fiO RGE BUStlEE, ad Lient. Co. O . OUR _ 2.^ 3 53 Female Volunteer : AND IHE SouTHEEN Spy, A MILITARY DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS, .\ND ACCOMPANYING TABLEAUX, KESPECTPULLY DEDICATED TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. D. HOMER JENNINGS AND K. S. BROWNELL. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. PRINTED BY J. H. COGGSWELIi. 1871. OUR Female Volunteer ; AND THE Southern Spy A MILITARY DEAMA, IN FIVE ACTS, AND ACCOMPANYING TABLEAUX, KESrECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE GRAND ARMY OP THE REPUBLIC. D. HOMER JENNINGS AND K. S. BROWNELL. BRIDGEPORT, CONN. TRINTED BY J. H. COGGSWELL. 1871. Entrt'ert sccording-to Kct of Congre>?i, in th<^ year 18Tf , bj' IT. Homek Jennings and R. S.Brownell, in the Office of the Libiaiian of Vcu- grcjjs, at WafhiEigtoa, D, C, TMP96-006392 i AST OJ^ ClIAHACTEl^^. kAllY BROWNELL. Oui- Fem?.le Volunteer. ISI OTHER of R. S. B. rARRIE BELMONT, Sisfer of Frank Bdmont. FRAMK BELMONT, CoUej^s Gradufltx^ aud Solitheiii Spy. ROBERT S. BEOWNELL, Sei-g^ant of Co. A, and huebavid of OWt (JEORGE HARDER, all English Arlist. rAT M ALONlS, th^e man of many bhnulvrs. ('apt. DAY, Captain of Co. II, ist R J. I>. M., sd'CrCKpts WUEEi.ElJ r,o. A. FNCI.E JOE, servant of C\). II. DINAH., Wife of Sot. Col. A. E. BURNSIDE, Comd'g Ui It. I. D. M. ilfier MAj. Ge«. WM. SPRAGUE, Gov. of R. I. JOSEPH PITMAN^ ail emiuenl 'a wj-ir and Li> ^I., after Major WRIGHT. Mi>=. Pitman. wUq of Coi. Pitman. FANNIE PITMAN, daughter of Col Pitman. 'Mr. LlTtlER. Lieutxinant of Co. G., Ist R. 1. 1). M. GEORGE lil'SHEE, 2d Lieut. Co. G, " E. C. HA pans, Litut. Co. II, Ur. BATES, 2d " '^ .^ ^ •JOHN IRVJNG, Ord. S«rgt. ofC^). H, '^ UNLON OFFICERS. rjen. McBOWEtL, Maj. Gen. Comd\' Un(on Fol-co?. Gon. TYLER, afterwards Gen. Reno. Oen. HUNTER, afterwai-ds Adj . Fmzierof G-en. Burn?id'e''e stuff. K'o\. HEINTZELMAN, afterwards Col. Hodman, Coast D. I. V. Capt. AYRES, Comd'g Ayres" Battery, afterwards Com. Rowanv Com. GOLHSBORO. Cnmboat CrevA foimerly Avi'^s'' Battei^y. confedeR.\te officers. Gen. BEAl'REGARD, Corad'g Confederate Tro p?. Gen. STEWART, after O-en. Stirling Prk-e. Gen. GORDON, after Gen Basselt. Maj. TURNER, alter Col. A^'«ry. Col. JOHN MORGAN, a noted Guerilla. Capt. FITCH and Guards. Aids and Statf. A'ceessions to TflWerux^, Ladies of this eity^ COSTUMES. KAt*Y B— l:^f, Neat home snit. 2d, Vivandiere. M, Dark icfcitn. 4th, At win. CAP.yjIE B.— l>:t. Traveling Suit. 2d, At will. 3d, Bridal Snit. MOTHER B.— l(*t, Neat home suit. 2d, Change at will, Mrs. PITMAN.— 1st, Afternoon toilet. 2d, Street dress. PANNTE P.— 1st, Parlor Suit. 2d, Street drese at will. DINAH.— l5t, At Will. 2d, Street dress. Col. PITMAN.~lst, Neat Citizen's suit. R. S.BROWNELL.— 1st, Neat Citizen's suit. FRANK B.— 1st, Neat Citizen's suit. Afterwards change at wiil. PAT MALONE.— 1st, Laborer's suit. G. IIARKER.— 1st, Neat Citizen's suit. UNCLE JOE.— 1st, At will 2d, Afmy Suit. Sd, Gefltleman's suit, Union Officers and Soidiers according to Regulations. Confederate Officers and Soldiers according to Regulations. Gunboat Crew, naval uniform. Tableaux.— SATA'N, B:ack body tights. Goddess of Liberty, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Justice, Truth, ftlJ appropriately dressed. Thirty-six young Ladies of your city, from 8 years upward. EXITS AND ENTRANCES- R. means Kiglit; L. Left: E. Entrance; R. E. Right En»- trance; L. E. Left Entrance. RELATIVE POSITIONS. R. means Right; L. Left; C. Center; R< C. Right of Cen- ter; L. C. Left of CentPr. Our Female Volunteek* ACT I. Scene I. — Home of R. S. Bkownell. [Kitcheii in 5 Table in center with chains. Mother and luP dy dificovered seated^ R. of C. back. Kady— Where can he be ? 'Tis 2 o'clock and he has not arrived as j-et. The dinner will all be cold. What can keep him so late to-day, mother V Mother— No doubt he is at the Armory. Yon know the President has called for troops, for the}" "say we are go- \\\g to have war. Kady— Well, I hope Robert won't go; do yc>\\ think he will, mother? Mother— Why should he not go, if our country is in danger V Kady — Yes, I know; but then ii will be hard< so lately married, and he may be the fir^t to receive the fatal bullet. Mother — You should look upon the bright side of the picture, my daughter, Kady— Mother, do you know what he said to me this morning, when leaving home ? INIoTHER— No ; what was it, my child '? Kady — He asked me if I would wish him to remain at home if our country should need his services ? MotheK — And what reply did you make to him ? Kady— Oh ! I could not answer him. I was not prepared for such a serious subject. [Ktwckat door Isi M. E.] Mother— There is a call at the door. [RiKcs to anxircr it, Kady— Sit still, mother, I will answer it. [Goes to Xst ]{, E.] Ah! Good afternoon, ^Ii'. and ]\Iiss Belmont. Walk hi. [Enter Frank and Carrie' Belmont.] MotluT, our friv^-nds^ Mr. and Miss Belmont. «» O \) u P i: M A I, li V o 1. u X t ic R 11. ]VI()'i'[iF,ii I r/sin;/ to rtceke fJiein] — You arc welcome friends, 1;iy ott'your Ihiisny;, and slay to dinner. Caiihie W — No, thank you, our iinic is liniiled ; WeliaVe come to bid you good bye, as we leave tor lionie this eVe=^ hing. JMoTiiER— What ! so soon ? Frank B— Yes, ladies; it is as Cariie says—we start for Virginia on th6 evening express trains I was in hopes of finding Robert at honiCj for you know we are sworn friendsi Carrie B— And yoii, Mrs. Brownell, and Kady, too, I am under many obligations for your kindly hospitality re- ceived during my visit here at the Nortli. Kady— Don't mention it, Carrie; We have done notliin^g to merit such a compliment. Frank B — Well, ladies, [to Mrs, B> and Kudy^'\ we must go ; we have other calls to make. Tell Robert we will call again before our departure. Kady— I dont see what should keep him so late, to-day. Frank B — No doubt he is like many others of his fello\v'" men : got a little excited over the news. But I for one do hot believe in the exaggerated reports about war. MoTnER— Why, Mr. Belmont, you do not believe these reports groundless? Frank B^--So far as the accusation of treason against the South is concerned. I do. Madam, if the issue is forced up^ on our people of submitting to a rule of tyranny or appeal ing to revolution, the people of the south will be reVoiu' tionists, but traitors, never ! Mother— It is strange that you people of tlie South should advance such ideas. Carrie B — Come, Frank, we muM go or we will not make our appointments good -- [Enter Robert Brownell 1st R. E.] RoBERt— Hurrah for our side. [Turns to Carrie^ shakes hiViuh.'] IIow do I find Miss Belmont, to-day? Carrie B— Quite well, I thank you. Robert — How are you, my boy"! [To Frank, and shakes ha/id.-:.] Have you heard the heWs ? Frank 13 — -You mean the war news, I suppose? RouERT^ — Yes. Uncle Sam luiR hung 'our banner on the out(r Vv'all,' and calls upon all loyal men to rnl-y around and l)rotect it, and 1 am going ! KADY--Oh> Robert ! You are not g'>ing, are you ? Just think of the dano:er. Uli{ Femalj: Voluxti:i;i!, RoBEUT — Yes, [turns to Frank] and yoii, Frank, now have nil opportunity of sharing in the glory of protecting* that flag under which you have just graduated with honor. — Come, Frank, join our Rhode Island boys, and off to Wash- ington ! Frank B — Kobcrt Brownell ! although we are sworn friends, you mistake me. Do you thfnk that I would make one of an army to invade my native State and rob it of its treasured rights, which I have been taught from child- hood to love and protect. No ! never ! RoBEiiT — Mr. Belmont! What am I to understand by your remarks ? Frank B — This, sir ! You say you are going into this war to fight against the South and their people, /am go- ing to enter the ranks against you and yours. Robert — Frank Belmont, I see I have been mistaken in 3'ou. Little did I think it would come to this. Sir! this house of mine shall never, so long as I remain its owner, harbor a traitor. The sentiments you have avowed are de- testable. Let the past be forgotten. You will oblige me [points to door] by leaving, never to enter again untill you recall those words of dislo^'alty ! Mother — Robert ! Friends! consider— do not, I beseech you act hastily in this matter. [Em?if/.] Carrie B — Come, Frank, we will go. I can never forget the words of your former friend, Mr. Brownell. Fr.\nk B — Yes, Carrie; we will go. Ladies, adieu ! — [Turns to Robe rt.] Robert Brownell ! we shall meet again, and when we do, reme.mheh, I am your sworn enemy ! />Yls^tR.E. Robert — And I will deal with you as such. [Turns to Kady.) This is one of the fruits of war. Friendship turns to enmity ; but the Union must be maintained, let the sac- rifice be what it may ! Mother — My boy, do you really intend to go V Robert — Yes, mother, my company is even now prepar- ing for the front, and do you believe that I would remain at home, such times as these ? No, never 1 I go with my comrades. Kady — Oh, Robert ! I can scarcely believe you intend to leave mc so soon. Just think of our liappy home. Robeht — ^Mother! Kady! I was never more in earnest in my life. {2 urns to Kady.) And if you doubt my word, Our Female Volumeek. come with me to the Armory, where the men are even now preparhig for the front. Mother — Well, Robert, if you will go, my blessing go with yo 1. God watcheth the sparrow's fall, so will He vou, my child. Kady— Oh, Robert ! Weeps upon RoberVs sJtoulder. Mother rests left hand on llobcrfs shoulder. Handkerchkf to eyes. Tableau. Scene II. — Street. Enter Id R. E. George Marker and Pat 3Ialone. George H — A}^ lad ; is thee going to the Armory ? Pat M. Yes, bejabers ! Are ye going to enlist to purtect our United States of Ameriky ? George H. Ay, lad. I think I can stop a bullet as well as any other man, and I am going to light for the land where- in I gets my bread and butter. Pat M. (Sjyiis upon Ms handn.) Put it there, me heart of oak. 1 likes your grit, though I hate the flaunting red rag of your country. George II. Come on ! Let's to the Armory. Pat M. Yes, bedad, we will enlist in the army. Evit IstL. E. Enter 1st R. E. Robert Brownell and Kadf/ cross stage to center and pause. Kady B. Oh, Robert! The armor}^ is full of people; just see the crowd gathering there. RoBEr^T. Y^es, there are many to go at such times as these; but we must hurry on or I shall be late. Exit 1st L.E. Enter 1st R. E. Frank and Carrie Belmont^ cross stage to center and p)ciuse. Carrie B. Brother, can I not persuade you to desist from your purpose for the present, and accompany me home home, for remember, I shall find some trouble in crossing into Virginia V Frank B. Carrie, would you be the first to turn me from the path of allegiance to my S'ate? Y^ou, in whom my strongest hopes have been centered ! No, I cannot believe you are in earnest. After our arrival in Washington, I will provide for your safe arrival home Then will I enter upon my mission ; glean such information as will help us in our just cause ; deliver it to our government ; make my name a OiJii Frmat.e Volunteer, 11 Entc}' Mesnetif/er icith dlspatcJi for Qoi\ Sprague, Gov. opens disjMtch. Gov. S. Ah, Colonel ! A dispatch from the President. We must proceed at once. Col. B. Captain, 3^011 will immediately embark on board the transport. [ExltOov. cmd Col. 3d L. E.] Departitig scene. Exit Company^ 3d L. 'E.^citizensfollo^o. Scene IV. — Sr.etinl. Ea1er Qoinpany Ist L. 'E. cross stage; water in M; pier 3d L. E. Embarkation of the Troops. Kady goes aboard the vessel. CoL. B. \In wingd.] What! Sergeant Brownell, are you ^oing to take your ladies with you ? Robert. No, sir, Colonel. Col. B. This way, ladies, I will assist you ashore, Enter Kady 3d L. E. Kady. Good bye ! Robert. [ Turns aside.] Defeated In my attempt, but 1 am determined to follow. iSloiP curtain. National Tahlecm, Qakkcnrtatn^ ACT IL Scene \.—{l:^Vm carta'ji ?/j>.]— Home of Col. Pitman, Par- lor in 3d. Table L. C. Chairs, papers, &c. Col. P. P. discovered seated at table ; wife and daughter.] Fannie P. Father, Lieut. Luther called to see 3^ou this morning, while you were at your office. Col. p. Well, did you inform him that I would be at home this afternoon ? Fannie P. I did not, but told him no doubt he would find you at your office. CoL. P. Yes ; well, I think I will go to town. Kady knocks at door B. C. Mrs. p. There is a knock at the door. Col, p. Fannie, go to the door, wMll you? 12 Our Femat.e Voijtnteek, F. goes to door. Discovers Kady. IvADY. Can I have the pleasure of seeing Col. Pitman ? Fannie. With pleasure. Walk in. Father, a lady calls to see j^ou. Coiv. P. [Ri»es^ offers cJtair.] Please be seated. In what manner can I serve you ? Kady. My husband, Sergeant Brownell, embarked for the seat of war with the first detachment llhode Island Vol- unteers, and 1 have resolved to follow and share the danger with him. Col. p. But this is rather a serious affjiir. Kady. Not at all, Colonel; all you have to do is to as- sign me to your command, and I will follow. "CoL. P. Well, if you are determined to go, I will take you. [Col. sits down and writes order ] There, this will provide you with a suitable uniform. Report to me at Rail Eoad Hall, to-morrow morning at 9:30. Kady. Thank you, Col, I will be there, and with your pei-mission 1 will liow take my leave, as I have other busi- ness to attend to. [Krit rear.] CoL. P. Well, mother, I think I will go to town and learn the latest news from Washington. Fannie, tell Jim to to hitch up old Sorrel and bring him to the door to take me to town. Fannie. Yes, father. [Goes to 1st R E.] Jim ! PKOMriEii. Yes, missis. Fannie. Col. desires to go to town, and wishes j'ou to hitch up old Sorrel and wait his orders. Pkompteh. Yes, missis, his orders shall be obeyed Col. p. Mother, get me my coat and hat. [Exit Moth- er 2d L. E., gets coat and hat] Mrs. p. Colonel, when do you intend to leave for Wash- ington? CoL. P. Should my requisition for equipments be filled, I start immediately. [Exit 1st R. E.] Scp:ne II. — Railroad Hall in 3d. Company discovered waiting orders. Enter Col. Pitman, Lieuts. Bushee, Bates, Luther and Harris, 1st R. E. Col. P. and offi- cers cross stage to center and pause. Col. looks at watch. CoL. P. 9:20 — the time is not up yet. {lurns to Officers.) I expect a female soldier who wishes to join our command. What is your opinion concerning it ? Our FexMale Yolunteek. terror to my enemies in other words. I will cause them to regret the day Frank Belmont took the field as the SOUTH- ERN SPY ! Carrie B. Well spoken, my dear brother. I wish I were a man: I would be one of the first to enlist for our Southern rights. Frank B. I know your heart is in the cause, and you can do much good with your cheering words and smiling countenance. Now for Washington ! Once there my duty begins. {E-.dt 1st L. E.) Scene III. — Armory ^ of Meclianicti' Rijles in 4. Company discovered wditing orders. Table with papers. Capt. Day. Fall in Co. H! {Company in line.) Boys! the time has come when every loyal heart should beat with joy to le irn that the 'opportunity has arrived when they can serve their co'ntry and her cause. The hands of trait- ors would tear down our glorious old flag, and substitute a mongrel emblem with stars blotted out and stripes erased. Boys ! We are to bear the old Star Spangled Banner into the field as the proud emblem of Libert}^ Justice and Right, and when this war has ended, as it will in the defeat of trea- son and in glory for the Union, we will Ijring it back agam, though battle torn, with not a single star undimmed nor a stripe missing. Clieershy Company. Enter M L. E. George Marker and Pat Malonc. Pat M. Hould on ! bedad, would ye be after going and I'aving two ould sogei's behind ? I say, leftenant, would ye* be after takin' us wid ye V Capt. Day. Can you fight, Pat? Pat M. Arrah, Captain dear, ye're jokin'. Did ye ever see a true Irishman who wasn't spilin' for the same. ^ Fight, is it? Can't I, ould — what's yer name? George H. {Salutes Captain.) Af, Captain, I think we can help a bit. Oapt. Day. {Turning to Company.) Boys, I think we have something here that will not show the white feather. {lo Pat.) Yes, you can go. Sign the roll! Pat M. What's the rowl ? Capt. D. Here, sign this paper. PatM. Bcgorra! ye have me now, lefteuaut ; just you 10 OuK Female Vui.uiSTEER. do the signin', and wewill do thefiglitin'. {C(tpt. sir/ns for them. Pat and Harker enter ninks on left of (Jonipany. Eater 3d L. E. Uncle Joe. Joe. I say, dere, Cappen, dis chile am gwine, too, 'cause you know datdem boys nebber could get long widout dis chile. Capt. D. No, Joe, we'll have to leave you behind this time, for you'd be of little service to us. Joe. Don't you b'leeve dat, Cappen. I'm heaps of good. Enter Dinah, Joe's icife^ 3d L. E. Dinah. You, Joe ! What you doin' dar 'mong dem so- gers, eh? Joe. Why, I'se gwine wid de sogers. Dinah. No, you jest isn't if dis chile knows herself You isn't much good any how, but den you isn't goin' off to leave me to do all de chores alone. Capt. D. You are right, Aunt Dinah Joe should stay at home and help you. Dinah. Now, you Joe, you hear what the gentleman os- sifer says; you jes' start for hum. JoE. Now, look a hear, ole ooman, dis chile aint gwine to be tied to yer apron strings, you bleeve. Dinah. {Seizes Joe by collar.) You start for hum ! Joe. You sees me again, Cappen. {Exit 3d L. E.) Enter 3d L. E. Robert and Kady, Mother and friends, cross stage in rear of Company, take position at 1st R. E. Boh- ert salutes Capt; takes position in line. Company drill in manual of arms. In place, rest. E7iter Gov. Sprague and Col. Burnside. Capt. D. Attention, company ! Shoulder arms ! Pre- sent arms ! {Salutes.) Shoulder arms ! Order arms ! CoL. B. Captain, you have a tine lot of men. I presume they are anxious to get under way. Capt. D. Yes, Colonel, that seems to be their greatest desire. CoL. B. [Hands Capt. pjapers.'] You will proceed to em- bark at once — the transport lies at the pier awaiting your arrival. The Governor will forward the second detachment as soon as equipped. OUK Female Vuj.u^tEEK. 15 (Forward battalion. Capt. orders in wing. Enter in 4tli. Pass around stage and form sciuare. Enter Gov. and staflF.) Gov. S — Soldiers ! for by that title I can now address 3'on, you will soon be called upon to maintain our nation's honor. I have no hesitancy in saying that you will be true, and an honor to our State and the Union. Remember your triends at home, and in your career as soldiers, keep in mind your honorable names as citizens. Our manhood as well as our tlag should remain untarnished. Little Rhody feels proud of her children in arms, and bids you Godspeed in the right. {Cheers by Reg.) Capt. Day — Stack arms ! Right face ! Break ranks ! — march ! [Reunion of Robert and Kady. Exit 1st L. E] Company — Hallo ! there is Uncle Jov.^ ! Joe — Yes, Ise Joe hisself Didn't I tell you, you'd see dis chile again ? Capt. D— Well, Joe — so you are determined to go in the army ? Joe — Yes, cappcn, I tole you I was sure to go wid de soger boys ! Capt. D — Joe, how is it Dinah consented to let you go? Joe — Why, you see, Cappen, when dat Dinah of mine wouldn't go home widout me, why I thought I'd play a little possum, so I goes an' made believe I didn't want to go in de army any more; den she forgets all about dat; den when dese soge'S £0 s inde army one day I goes and joins de army myself and here I is. Capt. D — I am afraid you are a bad boy, Joe. (Capt. dis- covers papers in Joe's hat.) Ah, Joe, what is that you have in your hat ? Joe (takes off his hat) — Dat, cappen, I forgot dat; dem is my reputation, what de gentleman ossifer gib me. He sed I should gib dem to j^ou. I declar' I forgets dat. Capt. D — (Looks at papers) Y^es, that assigns you to my quarters. (Exit Capt. 2d R. E. Company— Hurrah for Uncle Joe ! Bring him out ! Joe — Now, look ahear, boys, I isn't deaf, an' if you don't stop dat hollerin' Ise gwine ri^ht to de cappen. Company— Song ! Dance ! Uncle Joe ! Song ! Dance ! 16 OUII Fi^MALE VOLUNTEEII: Joe— Now, Ise gwine to de cappen ; I isn't gwine to git all ill a desperation dis day, kase I hasn't got used to de ar- my yet. Sergeant — Here, Joe, give the boys a lecture on our gov- ernment, and I will give you this (handing scrip), and then we'll show you how we do it in the army. [Joe lectures upon history, using disloyal sentiments, and the Company throw him up in a blanket; Joe begs otf, and starts for captain's tent.] Pat M — Halt ! Who's coming there ? Joe — No, you don't ; I isn't goin' to stop for nuffin. [Pat tires; Joe's hat falls.] Pat IVl — Begorra, I think you'll slhop now. [Joe goes in! o hysterics; brought to by water ; Joe feels of head.] Joe — I deelar' to gracious! What was datr Am I here* or where am IV I guess 1 isn't gone up yit ! I wish I was to hum wid Dinah. [Drums beat. Eiiter Capt. Day 2d R. E. Enter Robert and Kady,2d K. E., takes place in company — compa- ny in line. Capt. Day — Soldiers! we are now about to take up our march to the front. [Company cheers] Sergeant, you will march your comi^any to tiie commissary's quarters, draw five days' rations, then report herewith your command. [Exit Ccmipi'.nv Cd L. E. Frank Belmont, the Spy, at 3d ' R.E.J [Enter Gov. Sprague and Col. Burnside.J Gov. S — Colonel, you will advance your command into Virginia by way of Long Bridge. [Hands papers to Burn- side^) There are sealed" orders ; they will instruct you in your duty after arriving at Alexandria. Col. B — [Sdluien] Governor, it is with pleasure that I re- ceive orders for active service. [Company enter 3d L. E. with haversaclis.] Gov. S — [To Kady] So, daughter, you are going with us, are you ? Kady — Yes, Governor, with your permission. OuTi Femai.e \'oi.r>;TRKR. 13 Lt. Luther — In what c;ipacity? Col. P — As Daughter of the Reginu'iit, and I have ac- cordingly ordered iier a A^irandiere unilorni. Lt. Bij^HEK—ijSahites C(>?.)— Here conies oiir Female Vol- unteer ! (Enter Kady in full nnifonn, 1st R, E.) Lt. Luther — Attention! battalion! Shoulder arms !— Present arms ! {Officers salute.) Shoulder arms! (Col. P. crosses stage to Kady, takes her by the hand, leads her to center of stage.) Col. P — Lieutenants, I have the pleasure of introduc'ng to you, Mrs. Kady Brownell, the adopted Daughter of our Regiment, and I assign you {turns to Lt. Luther) the honor of introducing her to our command. Lieut. L — Soldiers ! I have the pleasure of introducing to you Mrs. Kady Brownell, the adopted Daughter of the Reg- iment ! Do you as soldiers, as true men, recognize her as such, and will you at all times, protect and respect her as one who has sacrificed home and all its comforts, for the sake of contributing her mite for the preservation of tliat dear old flag. {Soldiers with a will) — We do ! Sergt. of Co — Three cheers for the adopted Daughter of the Regiment ! (Lieut. Luther assigns Kady to position at right of Co.) (Enter 1st R. E. Messenger with dispatches for Col. P.— Salutes, hands dispatches, retires.) CoL. P— Ah, Lieutenants ! sooner than I expected. My requisition for equipments has been fiUed. We will start for Washington this evening, therefore you will prepare yourselves accordingly. Lieut, L — Your orders shall be obeyed. CoL. P — I will return home, take leave of my family, and rejoin you at the pier. (JS'.wY 1st R, E.) {Enter Uncle Joe 1st R, E,], Joe — Good mornin', folkses, is dese deginralsobdcarmy? Lieut. L — 1 li se are s Mv rs goirg to the front, to lu Ip re- store peace to this our once happy land ! Joe— Well, den, if dat am de fact, dis chile am gwine too. 14 Oi'u Fkma.t-e Volunteer. for yoa see, when dem soger boys of ourii went to de army de Oder day, de Cappen told me to go home an' help Dinah, and den he said sumfin' about de army. I tink he said to go wid you sogers ; yis, dat's it; I tink dat's it. Lieut. L — Well, Uncle Joe ; I would like to have j^ou go as my servant, if you are intending to go. Joe — Dat's me ! I am de chile dat will surely go, for you see, I tole de cappen he'd see me again. Lieut. L— Well, Joe, you can consider yourself engaged, and assigned to my quarters for the time being, and when we arrive in Washington, I will give you a transler, if you desire it, to Capt. Day. Joe — Yes, dat am it ; now I'm de happiest nigger on dis earth ! Lieut. L— Attention ! battalion! Shoulder arms! Right face ! Forward, by file left, march ! File right, march ! ^.nYlstR. E. (Oath Tableau — Lodge of the Knights of theGoMen Circle.) Scene III — Street in 3. (Detachment discovered in place rest. Gov. Sprague and staff. Arrival of 2d Detachment. Slow drum at dis- tance, then quick time.) Cai'T. Day — Attention ! battalion ! Shoulder arms ! Pre- sent arms ! (Enter 2d R. E. 2d battalion marches past ; file left. Rob- ert and Kady recognize ; arrive at side of stage; halt, front, present arms.) Capt. Day— First Battallion, shoulder arms! Right face! Forward, by file left, march ! (Passes 2d Bat., which is brought to right face and falls in on let\ of 1st Bat. Exit 2d L. E.) ScENR IV— Wood in 4. Camp Sprague discovered. Pat JVIalone on guar.!. Arrival of Regiment. Pat M — FTalt ! whose comin' there? Aid ill ;3d R. E — Friends, with the countersign! Pat M— Advance, friends— the continuations are correct. OuK Fkmati: Volunteer. 17 Gov. S — Daughter, should you be fortunate enough to re- turn and bring those colors with you, I shall deem you wor- thy of the title, OUR FEMALE VOLUNTEER. Kady — Governor, We have all sworn to iwotect it I Gov. S — {Puts, hand in pocket, hands Kady money] I b^g you will accept this, for while upon the march, you may be in need of much which our commissary is not provided with ; accept it for your courage and zeal, so nobly display- ed in this our country's hour of danger. [Exit all 8d L. E. Frank B [Enters] — Ah ! into Virginia by way of Long Bridge; could I but get possession of those papers ? Yet who can tell but our spies herein Washington are in pos- session of all the news necessary for the present. I will at once to our rendezvous, gather such news as our band pos- sesses, deliver it to our government, that they may be prepared for the worst. [Exit 3d L. E.] Scene V.— Parlor in 3. Table C. and clock 3 C. B. Map Enter IstR. E. Gens. McDowell, Hunter and Tyler, Gov. Sprague, Col. Burnside, Col. Hemtzelman, and Capt. A^^res. Form around table in consultation. Gen. McD — Gen. Tyler, you'll advance the right wing by way of Georgetown turnpike, approach the enemy as near possible without engaging your troops, until the signal from Capt. Ay res' battery is given. [Tarns to Heintzelman.] Col. you will proceed with 3^our command in two divisions, one by way of the old Braddock Road, the other by way of Lit- tle River turnpike, holding the left wing firm. Gen. Hun- ter, you will advance by v^ay of Leesburg Road, forming the left center, Col. Burnside forming on the right center, supported by the First Rhode Island and Capt. Ayres' Bat- tery. [McDowell and Sprague consult aside; Officers study map. Enter Orderly, salutes McDowell.] Ord — General, I have without a contraband who desires to see you. Gen. McD — Admit him. [J urns to Officers.] You will see that no wanton destruction of property is made by our troops on the march. You will now prepare for the ad- vance. [Officers salute. Exit 1st R. E., all but McDowell and Sprague. Enter Orderly, Guard with contraband.] c 18 Ouu Female Yolumteer. Gen. McD — You will retire with your guard outside and there await orders. [Exit Orderly and Guard.]" Now, sir, I will hear what you have to offer. Contraband — Well, den, I jes' cum from Fairfax, an' Ma'ssa Johnson was dere an' he's got lots of sogers, an' he's gwine to drive all de Yankee sogers into de Potomac. McD — How many soldiers have they in Fairfax ? Con — Dere is aright smart heap ob demdar. McD — Who are the Generals with Gen. Johnson ? Con— All ob de Ginrals, wid bosses, an' big guns an' eb- ryting. McD — [Raps on table. Enter Orderly and Guard.] You ^vill take this man to the rear and retain him until further orders. [Exit Orderly^ Guard and Contraband.] McD — Governor, we will now prepare for the march. — [Exit 1st R. E.] [Frank Belmont discovered in clock. Appearance on stage.] Frank B — Thanks to thee, my old friend, [looks at clock] for this bit of information. So, they are going to surprise our army, are they ? Ha, ha, a pretty set of Yankee raiders; but if I had that black imp I would crush every bone in his body. That is the way we are paid for our kind treatment of them. I will now hasten to Gen. Beauregard's head- quarters, and inform him of our enemies' plans. [Ex. 1st R.E. CHALLENGE FEAT. ACT III. Scene I.— Night. Wood in 4. Rebel picket on duty.— Camp fire B. C. Guard — Halt ! Who comes there ? [Brings piece to aim.] Frank B—[In 4. ] A friend ! Guard — Advance friend and give the countersign ! [Bel-I mont advances to guard. Quarcl drops piece to a charge " Halt! Our Female Volunteer, 10 Frank B — I am bearer of secret information to Gen. Beauregard commanding C. S. A. Guard — Officer of the Guard 1 Post 29 — double quick ! Officer [Entei's] — Whom have you liere '? Frank B — A Knight of the Golden Circle, in haste,! Officer — You have been looked ibr with great eager- ness. I Avill conduct you within our lines. [Exit 2d L. E.] [Enter Relief Guard. Guard — Halt ! Who comes there ? Relief — Friends, with the countersign ! Guard— Advance one, and give the countersign ! [Ser- geant advances and gives countersign.] The countersign is correct. Advance, friends. [Guard relieved. Exit 2d L. E. Sergt. and Relief] Sceke II.— Wood in 2. Enter Frank B. 1st R. E. Frank B— Ah, I see the village. I will soon be there, for I have sworn not to rest, until I have delivered such information as I am in possession of to our government. [Exit 1st L. E. Scene III.— Street in 1. Enter Frank B. 1st R. E. Enter Capt. Fitch 1st L. E. Frank B — Good morning, Captain? Capt. F— What ! is is possible ? Frank Belmont ? Frank B— Yes, Cai)tuin! Frank Belmont— the South- ern Spy ! But I have little time now to talk of aught but duty. I am seeking Gen. Beauregard's quarters. Capt. F — If you will come with me I will show you the General himself. Frank B— Most readily. [Exit 1st L. E.] Scene IV. — Chamber in 3. Table, chairs, &c. Gens. Beauregard, Stewart, and Gordon, Maj. Turner, Col. John Morgan, and Col. Chrisholm, chief aid to Gen. Beauregard, discovered. Beauregard — Our scouts report the Yankees advancing by way of Georgetown turnpike, as far as Miller's Beiid.— Our advance picket gave them a parting shot and then fell back according to orders. 20 Oim Femai-e Voi.fnteer. Gen. Stewart— General, have you deemed it advisable to make any change from your former plan of battle V Beaukegard — No, unless somelhing transpires to de- mand it. Enter Ist R. E. Capt. Fitch an 1 Frank Belmont. Capt. YiTcn— [Salutes] General, I have here one of our scouts, Frank Behnont, who brings important information. Beavi^eoard — You are welcome ! \ Sh air >< lands] T have witlj great anxiety awaited your nrrivnl. Frank B [Takes Gen. Bcauiegard aside] — General, the Yankee army left Washington by way of Long Bridge into Virginia. They are divided into three divisions, one l)y Avay of Georgetown turnpike ; the second by way of the old Braddock road; the third by way of Little Biver turnpike, under command of Gens. McDowell, Hunter, Sprague, Ty- ler, Burnside, Heintzelman, and Ayres. They have decided to give you battle about 12 o'clock to-day. Beauiiegard YTurn<& to 0^'c^r.v]— Generals, we will fall back to Manassas. You wiU immediately order your re- spective commands to prepare for a speedy retreat. {One gun, Ayres' signal. Exit 1st L. E.] Scene Y. — Street in 1. Enter 1st L. E, Rapid retreat- ing of Rebels; cross stage to right. Exit 1st R. E. — Advance Union forces. State Regiment in advance ; firing ; cross stage. Exit 1st R. E. Enter Uncle Joe. Union troops pass around stage to L. E. Sci:ne VI. — Street and wood in 4. Enter 2d L. E. Union forces, march around stage; halt in rear of stage, fac- ing to front. Capt. Day — Order arms ! [ Colors displayed in Street scene. Three cheers for the old flag ! [Company cheers icith a tcill.] Attention, Company ! Shoulder arms ! Stack arms! Right face! Break ranks ! March! [Camp amusements.] ZOUAVE DRILL. BY OUR FEMALE VOLUNTEER. Dim Female Vm.rKTEET^. 21 ACT IV. Scene I. — Wood in 4. Quick curtain, MGri>an'srnidcrs. Camp amusements. Co. Serg't — Say, boys, the Col. says he will have plenty of work for us, ere the setting of to-morrow's sun. [Compa- ny cJteers for Col. Morgan.] Pass around the canteen! Now for a song I 80NG— '' Ihe Pad, White and Bed.'' Enter Ist R. E. Col, Morgan and Frank Belmont. Frank B — It was a long march and a tedious one, but I arrived in time to foil the enemy. Morgan. You have done well, Belmont, [tilajjs Belmont on shoulder] but tell me who is this person so fantastically dressed with tlie Yankee army ? Home say she is a womaii, others say 'tis a man disguised as a si)y. Can you give me any information conceining her V Frank B Y'es ; at one time she and her husband wei'c esteemed friends of mine ; but at the outbreak of this aboli- tion war I was driven from tlieir door with insulting words, because I avowed my purpose of joining our Southern ar- my. Then and there I made a vow to have my revenge ! Morgan. Yes, I believe you are the last to forget "an in- sult cast upon you and your people. Frank B, You are right, Jolm Morgan. Asyetlliave not been able to accomplish much in that direction, but I have sv>^orn to bring sorrow and disgrace upon the head of that femily. And I will give $500 to the one who will de- liver that woman over to me ; but, remember, no harm must befall her. Leave that to me! Once in my power, then, Robert Brownell, you shall feel the weiglit of my re- venge 1 Morgan, Frank, so long as you remain true to our cause and this arm can wield a sword, you can rely upon me and mine ! Franic B, And when I forget my duty to that flag, [points to flag] th3n m:iy I receive the just fate of a traitor ! [Enter Aid 1st R. E. Salutes; hands dispatches to Mor- gan, who opens and reads dispatches, and puts them in breast of coat,] ()UI{ ^K-MAT.E VoLUNTKEn. Morgan — [To Frank] Gen. Ben ureo;a)d desires me to pre- pare my men to act upon the enemy's left. I will see you ugain. [iShakefi homls.] (4oo(l bye ! Frank B— Good bye, Mor^i^an. [Mrit^si L. E.] Morgan — Fall in, boys! [Company in li/ie.] Boys, we are about to enter the field. Remember ! no quarter to any of those Yankee abolitionists! [Company cheers.] Now for work ! Forward ! Guide liglit ! By the right flank t. march ! [Exit Company, 2d R. E.J Enter on right. Skirmishers cross stage, pieces at ready. Capt. in rear of Co. Enter Aid 2d L. E.] Aid— Captain, yon are ordered to advance your skirmish- ers, across the bridge. Work cautiously ; then deploy to the left. [Exit Aid 2d L. E. Exit Captain R. E. Pass around Ihc stage. Prepare for battle. BATTLE. Enter Rebels L. E. firing and retreating, arriving at op' posite side of stage.' Exit R. E. Enter L. E Union forces advancing and firing ; arriving at right of stage retreat and firing. Exit L. E. Advance Rebels fir- ing, cross to L. E., retreat firing. Union Army ad- vance, arrive at R. E., retreat to left of stage. Pat JVIalone discovered at 4th L. E. Confederate officer, aid to Gen. Beauregard, enters 2d R. E , after Union fiag ; arrives at center of stage, shot by Pat M. Kady advances to Officer, and takes papers from his breast ; Officer attempts to rise. Pat holds bayonet at Officer's Breast. Stage Tableau. Slow curtain. Scene IT— Wood in 2. Enter Gen. McDowell and aids, 1st R. E. McD — [ With glass] Ah ! the day is ours ! The rebels are falling back ! [Ent^r Aid in haste 1st L. E.] Aid — [Salutes] General, captured papers from Col. Burn- side ! [McDowell opens papers and reads, excited.] Ouu Female Voluni'eei!, McD — [To Aid] You will order Col. Buinside to at once fall back upon Washington. [PlxitAidL. E. McD turns to next Aid.] You will order Gen. Tyler to fall back to Ccntreville; hold the enemy at that point at all hazards. — [Turns to next Aid.] You Avill order Gen. Sclienck to his camp in Tyler's rear upon the railroad, and Sherman to Fort Corcoran ; Heintzelman to Alexandria ; Richardson to Chain Ridge, and the Regulars to Washington, with Burn- side's Brigade. [Exit all L E. Scene III.— Wood in 4. After the Battle on the field. The dead and dying. Enter Rebel Officers, Soldiers and citizens. Fkakk Belmont [To 3Io)gan] — Well, Morgan, we've won the day. I think they have got enougli of light for once. MoKGAN — Yes, Frank, our troops done well, but if it had not been for that foolhardy act of Col. Chrisholm we would have had Washington. Fkank B. Wliat do you mean ? Morgan. Why, he attempted to capture their flag, was shot down, and that Yankee friend of yours captured all of our plans, which gave them a clue to our designs, and ac- cordingly they have retreated to Washington. Enter Carrie Belmont. Frank B, Curses on that woman ! Are we to be out- witted by her ? I am now more determined than ever to get her into my power ! {Biscorers Carrie.) Carrie. {Goes to Fraak.) Oh, Frank ! you are safe! I have felt such anxiety about you, for fear you were hurt. — Isn't this horrid ? Frank. Yes, it is hard for our poor boys; but not half bad enough for those cursed Yankees; but for every drop of blood, they have shed, they shall give ten. Carrie. Oh! Frank, do not talk so, it is cruel. Look at these poor men lying there ; they are human. Frank. What! are you turning traitor? Such words as those are ill becoming a Belmont ! Carrie. Then take me from this horrid place. I never want to witness such a sight again. Morgan {To Frank.) Here, Frank, I have a trophy for you, a Yankee diamond ring ! Morgan about to cut ring off Unioa Officer's fnger. 24 Oun l^KMAi-K Voluntkeh: Carkie. No ! John Morgan ! Yo'i shall never commit such a barbarous act, while 1 have strength to prevent it! Tableau. Slow Scene. Wood in 1. Scene IV. — Wood in 4. Time, eight months after. (Gens. Beauregard and Sterling Price, Cols. Bassett, Ave- ry, John Morgan, Aids, and Staff, Frank Belmont and Aids.) Gen. Price. They arc coming up the river. [To Frank.) What is the number of their forces V Frank. As near as I could learn. General, not far from 25,000 ; yet I cannot say poi^itively for the Yankees are more cautious now than at the commencement of the war. Gen. P. {With giro s) They will be within ritie range inside the hour. {Titrm f/j Morgan.) Col. Morgan, you will remain behind and check the enemy's advance as much as possible, allowing me ample time to reach Fort Totlen ; re- port by messenger every hour at Wood's house, where I will establish my headquarters. {Turns to Belmont.) Belmont, I have a mission for you to perform, one that requires great courage and c aut'on. Are you willing to undertake it V Frank B. General, although I have had but little rest for the past week, I am, to the best of my ability ready to obey any order you may give. Gen. p. You are to enter the Yankee lines, learn the number of men they have, the amount of artillery, and the names of their leaders ; in fact, any news that will be of help to us. Frank B. {Salutes.) General, I will do my best. (Exit Officers, Staff and Aids, 2d R. E. Morgan. Well, Frank, I will commence upon my duty by deploying to the right, conceal my men in ambush, and await the Yankees. Then I'll surprise their advance and probably capture a large number, causing the remainder to retreat. Frank B. And I will remain here for the present. I have a good, commanding position and will retain it until they commence to land ; then I will enter within their lines and gather all the information possible, return and report to our General. (Exit Morgan. Frank B. leans against 2d L. E. becomes drowsy; rouses up.) Ouu Female Volu^[teek. 25 Fra]sk B. If I could get but fifteen minutes sleep how acceptable it would be. I'll sit down to rest but a few mo- ments. Itra/ik seats himself' bacJc in center^ nuds, rouses^ then falls asleep. \ Scene V. — Cloud i\\ 4, Bream Tahlcan, Scene VI. — Wood in 3. S^low scene. [Distant artillery firing. Frank awakes.] Frank B, Oh, what a dream !— So real and life-iike I — Can it be possible that this will be my fate? Is it true that * coming events cast their shadows before V No ! I will not believe it! I fear I have slept too long. Now to see where the enemy are! [Looks a^ 2d L. E.] Ah, they are com- mencing to land ! I will now make the attempt to enter their lines, and perform my mission, [EMfZil K, E.] La/idiug of Burndde^s E,i'pcditio/i, 2d L. E, [Enter Gens, Burnside, Reno, Foster, Adj. Frazier, Cols. Russell, Rodman, Com. Rowan and Golfisborough, Major Wright and Capt. Wheeler.] Burnside. Com. Goldsborough, let your fleet take posi- tion to cover the advance of our land force, and shell the woods along the route in advance of our right to dislodge any concealed foe. Com. Rowan, 3^ou Avill order a battery to co-operate with Gen. Reno's division. Gen. Foster, you advance on the right with your division, along the railroad. Col. Russell, take your position on the left, and advance as far as possible without bringing on a general engagement. [Exit R. E.] [Enter 2d L. E. Union Army cross stage. Exit R. E. — Enter 2d L. E. Gunboat crew wilih artilleiy cross s:age. Exit R. E.] Scene YII. — Kitchen in 2. [Enter 1st R. E. Gens. Price, Beauregard, Cols. Gordon, Pool, Avery, and Bassett.] b 2G OuK Female Volunteeu. Gen. Price. Let it be so understood, keep your forces secreted till the enemy arrives at short range, then give them grape and canister ! [Enter Frank B. 1st L. E., advances and salutes.] Frank B. Well, General, I have obeyed your orders and find the enemy under command of Burnside and Foster preparing for a speedy march upon our forces. Gen. Price. And we will show them that we have noti been idle. ['Inmsto Fraah] If you can decoy the enemy to the left of the turnpike, toward the river, we will tcachi them a lesson they won't soon forget. Frank B. General, I will do my best, but if I should fciili it shall be no fluilt of mine. [Salutes, exit 1st L. E.] Gen. Price. AVe will now return to our respective com mands and prepare to receive the enemy. [Exit 1st L. E.] Scene VIII.— Wood in 3. [Enter L. E. Burnside and Aids, right of Co. A. Kadj with colors at entrance. Halt ! Enter Frank Beli mont R. E.J Gen. Burnside. Who are j^ou, sir? Do you live abouii here ? Frank B. Yes, sir. Are you the commander of the Unioij army ? Gen. B. Why do you ask, sir? : Frank B. Because if you march in that direction yo' will soon be captured, for the enemy are in large force but I short distance ahead. Kady. [Aside.] I have heard that voice before ! Gen. B. Your information if correct shall be rewardecj You would advise me to move to the left of the turnpik then ? I Frank B. Yes, General, and if you will accept of m services, I will lead you to the rear of the rebel fort which \ open and unguarded. [Kady stents toward Frank B.] eral, this man is a spy in diS; :e before. Be not deceived by J [Frank looks tlireaienifvjly at Kady.l Kady. General, this man is a spy in disguise. I ha^ heard that voice before. Be not deceived by him ! OiJE Female Voluktepji, Gen. B. Daiigiiter, are j'on not mistaken ? Kady. No, General, see! [7'ean irir/ and whhskcrnfrovi Frank.] 'Tis Frank Belmont, the Souiheru Spy ! Fkakk B. M}^ curse n])on you ! [IJrair.H 'dagger from- breast.] This for your audacity ! \_Strikcs at Kady.] [Kady raises arm, catches the blow ; d ii;gcr drops lo tlic stage. BuVnside with promptness drawy revolver.] Gen. B, \_SJwotg.^ Such be the doom of all traitors ! Frank B. [Staggers and falls.] Oh .! Ali ! [BusA [Slow curtain..] ACT \\ BATTLE or NEWnEllX, Scene 1. — Wood in 4. {Enter L. E. Sailors with gun. C;ipt. wounded. (Uin drawer into wing. Sound of drum. Light recoil.— Motion of loading gun. Gun drawn back to center of sta^e. Sights piece; fires piece. Capt. wounded second thne, and falls upon gun. Gun exit L. E.] Gen. Tyler. Now, men, give them the bayoni't ! [Union army advances at charge bayonet.] [Fall of R. S. Brownell ] {Union army falls back-. Charge by rebels. Counter charge by Union troops. Capture of fort and rebel army.] [Slow scene.] 28 Cue l^EMAT.E VoT.ITKTEr/n. Scene II.— Kitchen in 2. [Enl'^r Itl L. E. Gen. Bnrnsicle, Com. Rowan, and three Aids.] Gen. BuRKSiDE. Well, Commodore, we have won a splen- did victory, but it was hotly contested. Com. R. Yes, General, and the field of battle is strewn with the forms of many of our brave soldiers. Gen. B. [To Aid] You will instruct our regimental commanders to detail fatigue parties to bury the dead and hnug the wounded into the fort for hospital care. [Ex. Aid.] [2o neu-t Aid.'] You will order the division commanders to pursue the enemy across the Neuese river, drive them out of Newbern, and hold it at all hazards, [lo Com. Rowan,] Commodore, order the 'Hunchback' to be in readiness to transport the troops across the river. [Exit all] Scene III.— Wood in 4. Battle field, [Dead and dying. Enter Kady and Union sokliers, look- ing after and caring for the wounded, Kacly ap- proaches a rebel ofiicer to assist him to a more com- fortable position.] CoL. AvEBT— Say, you {To Kady) bring me something- easier for my head to rest upon, Kadt — I have given you the best I have. CoL. A — Then if yon can do no better leave my sight im- mediately, for I hate the whole of you cursed Yankees. Kady — That is a poor rew\ard for kind treatment, CoL. A — And you call this kind treatment? Curse you, if I was able to arise and had a musket, I would make yon one the less to pollute our soil. {Kady seizes nmskei and offers to stab him) Soldier — {Seizes piece and turns to Kady.) Spare him, he is our foe, but he is helpless. Scene IV. — Wood in 1. Slow scene in 4. Pat Mai one and Joe, Tableau. OlVIi FrMAI.F. \'01,('KTR]rTJ. ^(^ Scene V.— Parlor in 4. (Table L. C. Sofa K. U. E. llocker L. U. E. Six chairs set at wir. ISrother and Kady discovered seated.) Kady — I don't see what is keeping- Uncle Joe so late this morning, for lie has been very punctual of late. Mother — He may have business calling him to town. ■ (Knock at door.) That is the postman's knock, I am sure. Kady— Yes, and I hope he has a letter for me. (Goes to door, receives a letter.) Oh, mother, who can this be from y (Opens letter and reads.) Why, mother, 'tis from Carrie Bushee, Jbrmerly Carrie lielmont. Mother— Wiiat are you talking about my child ? (Ru'es.) Kady — Why, our old friend, Carrie Belmont, is married to our young townsman, Lieut. Bushee, and the}' are com- ing to pay us a visit. [Enter Robert B. 2d L. E ] Kady—01i, Robert, see v^hat I have got ! You could never guess Avho it is from ? Robert— (takes seat in rocker.) I should say from the President of the United States by your actions- (Knock at door. Kady hands letter to Robert, and goes to door, 1st R. E. Receives Mrs. and Miss Pitman, and turns to mother.) Kady— Mother, our kind neighbors, Mrs. Pitman and Fannie. Mother— You are just in time, friends, to share with us in the good news we have just received. Mrs. P — What is the news ? Is the war ended ? Robert B — Kot virtually, yet Grant has the enemy driv- en into their last ditch. But this, {holding up letter) is what every one of us will rejoice over. With your permission I will read it, {Reads letter.) New York City, March 20, 1865. My dear friend Kady : I trust I may again, after such a lapse of time, address you by that endearing title. You will, no doubt, be much surpised to receive a letter from one, whom in former days you knew as Carrie Belmont, but Carrie Belmont no more. m no 11 Fkmat,!':; VotaiXTTiRn. lliive seen m-iny changes since we l;ist parted. Passing Ihi-oug'h a part of tlie war, I saw its liorrors, also the error "v)f thcr8outh, to call it by no harsher name, and v;as at last I'iilly convinced th:!t tlte North was in the riglit. 1 am now happily married to Lieut. Bnsliee, formerly of your compa- Hy, who, as you will remember, was wounded and taken |)risoner, but afterwards releas^^d. We are now upon our bridal tour, and Will soon be in your city, when we shall at i)nce call upon you. Our kindest regards to your mother^ also to your husband, and believe me to be * Ever yours in true friendship, Carrie Busiiee. (Knock at door. Kady goes to door. Exit 1st R. E.— Sounds of joy in \\'mg II.) IvADY — Come in ! come in ! {Leach both hy the hand. Joy- Jill gre-cting.) Why, Carrie Belmont 1 Do I see you again 5* (Down stage lo center. All arise.) HobeRt— Is it possible we meet again after passing thro' so many scenes of danger? (Joe shows his head al 1st R. E.) Joe — \Aside) I isn't gwine to knock at disdoor anymore, Ise been here dis half hour, shure ! Robert — {To Carrie.) This is indeed a happy meeting !—- God grant that our friendship here renewed may never again be severed. {To Lt. B.) And may the old Union, too, once more united, never again be the theatre of civil war! LiKVt.li— {To JRoberf.) Sergeant, youl* hand onlhat!— {Discovers Joe.) Isn't that our faithful Joe, who Was with us in the army ? Robert — Why, yes ! You are welcome, Joe. Come in ! Don't you know your old friend, Lieut. Bushee? Joe — Jes' as sure as Ise alive dat's de lootenant. I heerd de folkes say sumfin' bout you was comin' to see us agin, an' I thinks I'd fix up a bit an' come down to de Sargent's, kase Ise sure you'd cum here de fust place. Robert — Lieutenant, I am much surprised at seeing you, as the last account we heard was that you were in Libby Prison, and I supposed you were dead. OUli FkMALE V'oLLIsTKlOJf. 31 Lieut. B — Thanks to dame Fortune, she Avas kind to mc. That ring saved my life, and {puUinghand on Carrie's shoul- der) gave me this good angel tor my wife. MoTiiEii — Hark ! the bells are ringing ^or lire 1 (Joe goes to door R. E.) Lieut. B — Sure enough ! Yet how strange they sound ! Robert^— That bell sounds as it did when we came iiome — a joy bell ! (Re-enter Joe with paper.) Joe — I golly ! Peace is declar'd ! De debbii— I mean Jeff Davis's dead! Hi! yi ! (Dances around room paper in hand.) Robert — Joe, give me that paper, or I'll show you liow we do it in the army ! (Joe gives up paper.) Robert — {Reads) Extra! Unconditional surrender of the Confederate army to Gen. Grant ! Now that the war is over and peace declared, w^e must forgive our toes, and here {7'o Carrie) allov/ me to ask your forgiveness for all the seeming wrong I have done to you and yours. (All w^alk down to footlights, Carrie in center, Robert and Joe on right, Mi-s. Pitman and Fannie, and Kady and mother on left.) Carrie — It is freely given : with the consent f)f our kind friends here, hoping they will forgive all errors in Our Fe- male Volunteer. Finale. Bsunioa Tableau— T?drfi/-six Young Ladies. I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS u 016 103 618 3 ^