PS 635 
 .29 
 D544 
 Copy 1 
 
 rJ'^ 
 
 L TTLE MAJOR. 
 
 -A- C3-^l-^2:T3D 
 
 MILITARY DRAMA 
 
 IN FOUR ACTS, 
 
 WITH NEW, STRIKING, AND ORIGINAL TALEAUX, MUSIC, 
 
 SONGS. CHORUSES, SITUATIONS, AND SCENIC EFFECTS, 
 
 PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ANY 
 
 STAGE. DRAMATIZED FROM ACTUAL 
 
 FACTS PRESENTED DURING THE 
 
 GREAT WAR for the UNION, 
 
 S IT 
 
 CHARLES D. DICKINSON, Esq. 
 
 3=^OI^ 
 
 MAJ. J. R. PERCIVAL, LATE of the 19th REG'T O. Y. I. 
 
 DEDICATED TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPDDLIC. 
 
r 
 
=— THE— ■ 
 
 LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 .A. C3r I^ -A- nST ID 
 
 MILITARY DRAMA 
 
 IN FOUR ACTS, 
 
 WITH NEW. STRIKING, AND ORIGINAL TALEAUX, MUSIC, 
 
 .SONGS, CHORUSES, SITUATIONS, AND SCENIC EFFECTS, 
 
 PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ANY 
 
 STAGE. DRAMATIZED FROM ACTUAL 
 
 FACTS PRESENTED Dl^RING THE 
 
 GREAT WAR for the UNION, 
 
 — B"3r — 
 
 CHARLES D. DICKINSON, Esq. .-^;^v^ 
 
 DEC 30 183$; ])i. 
 
 ^^^Vo.>....^.C^^' 
 
 DEDICATED TO THE &RAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 
 
 NEW LISBON, O. : 
 OHIO PATRIOT STEAM JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 
 
 1883. 
 
Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1889, by 
 
 CHARLES D. DICKINSON, 
 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress. 
 
 TNIP92-009098 
 
I 
 
 TO THE PUBLIC: 
 
 Any iiifiitijveiaenl or \ist' of any portiou of this Drama, without my 
 written consent, will be punished by law, as I have received by copyright 
 the sole privilege of producing it. 
 
 CHARLES D. DICKINSON. 
 
 Do not mutilate or mark this book, and return to manager when the 
 part assigned has been coMimitted. 
 
 All costumes, &c.. belonging to the manager must be returned imme- 
 diately after the performance, on the last night of production. 
 
 I 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 JOHN SUMNER- a soldier tine to the Unioii. 
 
 J08IAH PERKINS— with plans and schemes. 
 
 CARL SCHLAUFFER— the great drilljiiaster. 
 
 HENRY WINSLOW— old, hut patriotic. 
 
 FRANK WINSLOW— son of his father— with songs. 
 
 CAPT. FRANKLIN— recruiting officer. 
 
 DAN. BOARDMAN— a Union high private. 
 
 TOM BOARDMAN— do., do. 
 
 WILL EWING— do., do. 
 
 SERG'T DAVIS— commanding Rebel squad. 
 
 GEN. GRANT — commanding Union troops. 
 
 GEN. RAWLINS— cliief of staff. 
 
 COL. DREAV— aide to Gen. Grant. 
 
 ist OFFICER. 
 
 2d OFFICER. 
 
 WIDOW SUMNER— John's mother. 
 
 MRS. WINSLOW— Henry's wife. 
 
 KATE WINSLOW— Henry's daughter— with song. 
 
 TRIBULATION PETTIBONE— with airs, graces and language. 
 
 OLD MARTHA— the avenger. 
 
 ALICE SHANNON— the "Little Major." 
 
 GODDESS OF LIBERTY. CITIZENS. SOLDIERS. &c. 
 
THE 
 
 LE MAJOR 
 
 ACT 1. 
 
 SCENE I.— LautlHcape — lohu ami Alice I'litcr. 
 
 JOHN — Alice, what caust^s the intense hatred of your guardiau toward 
 me y I'm sure I never thought of crossing his desires, even, niucii less to 
 injure him in any way, and yet he treats me as though I was his mortal jenemy. 
 
 ALICE— Well, you Itnow what a peculiar, seltish life he lias lived, and 
 you might attribute his lack of sociability to that cause. 
 
 JOHN — True, he has apparently lived onlj' for himself and his own grati- 
 fication, yet that is no excuse for liis extreme hostility toward me: I some- 
 times think tJiat all he lacks is the opportunity, to murder me. 
 
 ALICE- -Why. John, you do not fear him';' 
 
 JOHN— Fear? No. Fear is not the proper word; but a sort of instinct- 
 ive knowledge that he would do me harm if he could, has warned me against 
 him. But let us change the subject. We intend to hold a picnic up at the 
 grove on Saturday afternoon, and all the arrangements are made for a very 
 pleasant time. Would you like to go, Alice? 
 
 ALICE — Yes, indeed, John, I would like to attend, but 
 
 JOHN — But what? I know of nothing to prevent you if you desire to go. 
 
 ALICE— There is nothing to prevent me except my guardian, and I know 
 he would object. 
 
 JOHN — Pshaw.' Why should he object to your enjoying yourself? 
 
 ALICE — He would not so much object to my enjoyment, but 
 
 JOHN— Another obstacle. But what ? 
 
 ALICE — He would object to my going with you. 
 
 JOHN — I know he hates me. but I did not suppose he would for that 
 reason alone, interfere with your pleasure. 
 
 ALICE — Can't you guess why? Oh. thesr men are so obtuse. 
 
 JOHN — Redly. Alice. I fail to understand you. 
 
 ALICE— Well, I see I shall have to enlighten you. He has asked me to 
 marry him. 
 
 JOHN— What: Mr. Perkins? He wants you to marry //m.? 
 
 ALICE— Well, what is there singular about that ? I know I'm not so 
 handsome as some girls, yet I think I'm not too homely to get married, or 
 at least to receive proposals. 
 
 JOHN— Alice you trifle with me. You know I don't mean that. But to 
 thi«k that he would have t he presumption. Why, he is more than twice your age 
 
 ALICE.— The lires of love cool not with age. But I see your curiosity is 
 not verv animated. You don't even ask me whether I accepted him. 
 
6 THE I.ITTJ.E ilAJOK. 
 
 jOH^_You cnuUl never think of such a thhi2;. 
 
 [Enter Perkins unboservni.] 
 
 ALICE— Couldn't I? 
 
 PERKINS— [w7«/ft^/'>?w^f^]— Here, Miss Alice, your phice is at home, 
 and not out on the highway conversing with every vagabond you meet. 
 And you, sir, would better make your way to the hovel you call home and 
 slink out of the sight of honest men. 
 
 JOHN— Mr. Perkins, there is no excuse for this insult. Poverty is no 
 crime, and thank God. in free America, an honorable man. however poor, 
 is the peer of the proudest in the land. 
 
 PERKINS— Fine talk for a beggar. But goon I say. Clear out of this ! 
 .JOHN— A beggar, did you say? Josiah Perkins, I never askeci or re- 
 ceived from a human being one single cent for which I did nol render an 
 equivalent. Can you say as much, truthfully? Dare you, with all your 
 wealth, expose your past dealings with mankind'' Can you gaze into tlie 
 mirror of the past without shuddering? As to obeying your commands, 1 
 am not upon your premises, and slial 1 use my own pleasure about leaving here. 
 PERKINS— I will not bandy words with a pauper. Here, .Miss I com- 
 mand you to return to the house immediately, and if you do not, I will be 
 obliged to exert my authority over you in a manner which will be extremely 
 unpleasant to you. 
 
 ALK'E— I am not (piite ready to go yet. 
 
 PERKINS — Go. I say. I will show you who is master, i/ytisififss.) 
 
 ALICE— Hands off, you coward! { Haxmexx.) 
 
 JOHN But lay one linger on her, and you'll measure your full length 
 
 of miserable anatomy in the dust! And now hark. If you ever again lay 
 hands upon this girl, save in the way of kindness, I'll follow jou round the 
 globe but you shall receive your punishment. Come. Alice ; let us go. 
 {Exuent John and Alice.'] 
 
 PERKINS — Curses on them borli: They defy a man they know but lit- 
 tle of. But I'll be even with them yet: The jade is yet legally under my 
 control, and I must teach her another lesson or two liefore her wiucation is 
 finished. And he. the poor begtrarl i will humble him, and make him bog 
 of me for mercy. I will encompass him with sorrows that will wring his 
 heart, and make him writhe like a worm beneath my feet. I will break 
 his proud spirit, and make him kneel to me for favors. [Enter Carl, unob- 
 served.'] My plans so far have been successful, and I propose they shall be 
 the same in the future. I succeeded in getting the guardianship of Thomas 
 Shannon's daughter, and her estate, and I did not take the risk of mixing 
 up and administering the wrong medicine for nothing. My success is 
 assured. [DL^cover.H Carl ] Hello! 
 
 C^ARL — Hello py yourself vonce! Vats de matter mit you? You look 
 so pad, like you lost tifteen cents 
 
 PERKINS {agitated)— V^ hen did you come liere? 
 
 CARL — Vot for you vant to know? I come to dis coundry six veeks 
 before last Vensday. 
 
 PERKINS — I mean, liow long have you been standing there? 
 CARL — No longer like I am ust now. Fife feet und six inches. 
 PERKINS (aside)— I don't believe this Dutch idiot heard me. or if he 
 
TIIK r.lTTLK MAJOU. T 
 
 (lid, 1 (loiTt Ihiiik lie li:is l»r;iiiis cnoiigli to iindcrstaiul it. [Aloud.] Here I 
 Who iire you? 
 
 CAHL {HtvpkUy)~nvi ' k 
 
 PERKINS — Yes, you.' Who air you. aud where did you come from? 
 
 ("ARL — I'm Carl Sohlauffer, der peat drill-master in Prussia! I coa( 
 from C'oblentz, on dcr Rhine. Maype you didn't know it. but I vos a 
 Ciierman, und I fouijlit mit der Kaiser in der Faderland. 
 
 PKRKINS — 1 don't care an\'thin<? about your nationality.' Where did 
 you come from when you came here? 
 
 CARL — I ust come von der last place as I don'd stop at. 
 
 PERKINS — Curse the ic^norauce of the Dutchman! Where was the last 
 place you stopped before you came here? 
 
 CARL~Nie Yorick. 
 
 PERKINS— Where are you ,i,'oiiiii? 
 
 CARL— I vaut to iio in das himmel ven 1 die vonce. 
 
 PERKINS— Well, you'll die of sheer stupidity before lono;. Come with 
 me. I think I can find use for pist such a blockhead as you. [Exit.] 
 
 SCENE II. — Interior of Widow Sumner's home— Widow S. lUncovered reading — Enter Johu 
 
 JOHN — Mother, the village is full of excitement! The news of the 
 President's trip through Baltimore in disguise, to save his life, has scarcely 
 grown cold, and now they say the rebels have tired upon Fort Sumpter. 
 and Major Anderson with a handful of troops, is holding the fort, but with 
 poor hopes of success, and there are gloomy forebodings of w^ar. The 
 papers are eagerly bought, and all are anxious to learn the latest news from 
 Charleston. 
 
 WIDOW S. — God grant that their forebodings may be groundless. I 
 earnest'y hope that those in the wrong may see the error of their ways and 
 that discord and bloodshed may be avoided. 
 
 JOHN — I fear it has gone too far, mother, to permit us to indulge insuch 
 ahope. The feelings of the southern people have become embittered against 
 us at the North, and sectional sentiment has been fostered and has grown 
 so strong, that a reconciliation cannot be effected. I hope with you, that 
 tjie diflferences may be adjusted without any further trouble: but if war is 
 inevitable and soldiers are needed to preserve our Union, I feel that I would 
 be a very unworthy son of my good mother, and recreant to my trust as a 
 citizen of this great country, if I did not shoulder my musket and march to 
 the front. I would be very sorry to leave you alone, dear mother, yet I 
 would feel that I had dishonored the name of my brave ancestors, if I were 
 to remain at home in the hour of my country's danger. 
 
 WIDOW S.— John, I know that I could not spare you. Let us pray that 
 the cloud will soon pass over, and that you may be pernntted to remain with 
 me to comfort my declining days. [Knocking ] 
 
 JOHN —No, sitstill mother, I will go to the door. [Opens door, enter Alice.] 
 
 ALICE— Good evening, Mrs Sunnier. John, how do you do? I have 
 just come down from the village and I heard wild rumors tiying through the 
 streets. They say that there will be war between the North and the South, 
 and that the men will be called upon to leave their homes and families and 
 join the army. What do you know about it, John? 
 
 JOHN— T am afraid. Alice. Ihere will indeed be war. 
 
S THE l.lT'l'Ll-: .MA.IOlt. 
 
 ALKVE — Well, you are uut .liolniz,- are you, Joliu:-' 
 
 JOHN — If my country calls, 1 will deeiu it my tirst duty as an American 
 citizen to become an American soldier. I would regret leaving mother and 
 you, yet I siiould despise myself if I would permit personal preferences to 
 overrule my sense of duty to my country. [Knocking, John opent door.] 
 Ah, good evening neighbors. Come in. [Enter Winslows ] 
 
 "WINSLOW — Good evening, friends. We thought we would come over 
 to spend the evening witli you, and talk a little over the topics of the day. 
 There is dreadful news afloat. Those southern lire-eaters have passed an 
 ordinance of secession, and, daring to fire upon tlie stars and stripes, have 
 captured Fort Sumpter. The President lias issued a praclamation calling for 
 seventy-five thousand men to defend onr national honor. Oh, if these 
 rheumatic old limbs were only as good as they once were, I would gladly 
 shoulder my musket and go out to teach those fellows that if they attempt 
 to destroy this Union the destruction will only fall upon themselves. My 
 motto is, •• H' any man attempts to tear down the American flag, shoot him 
 on the spot I " 
 
 MRS. W. — Sit down father, and don't get so excited. 
 
 KATE~Oh, father, be calm. 
 
 WINSLOW — I know it is unseemly for a man of my age to get into such 
 a state, but when I think how our forefathers struggled and suffered to build 
 up this great free government, and sealed the compact with their lives, and 
 then think that a few hot-headed fellows would attempt to lay our revered 
 institutions in the dust, makes my blood boil. 
 
 JOHN — Well, if the President has called fortroops, Iforone will respond 
 to the call. 
 
 FRANK— And so will I, John 1 
 
 MRS. W. — Oh, Frank ! We cannot spare you, and you, John : think of 
 your mother 1 
 
 JOHN — Mrs. Winslow, I have counted the cost, and will go if needed. 
 [Knorking] But, harki Some one is coming. (!ome in. [Enter Tribula- 
 tion. ] 
 
 TRIB. — [Oushingly^—Oh. friends, ain't it indefinitely awful! Them ex- 
 pressionists down south hev shot cannons and guns and sich like at Mr. 
 Sumpter, and hev impelled Mr. Anderson to recapitulate, and there's goin" 
 to be murder and fightin' and a war of indiscrimination. 
 
 FRANK— Oh, it's not so bad as that, is it Tribby "/ 
 
 TRIB. — Yes, 'Sqaire Perkins was readin' of it in the paper— and what a 
 judicious reader the 'Squire is. He reads with so much distinction and in- 
 fluenza. He used to belong to our hysterical society, and we arrived a great 
 deal of inflammation from him. And the President's disused a declamation 
 for every so many millions of soldiers, and they are all goin' to war. 
 
 FRANK— That is perfectly awful. But you'll go won't yon? 
 
 MRS. W.— There now, Frank, that will "do. 
 
 TRIB.— Me go! Where? 
 
 FRANK— Why go to war, of course. You can go as a nurse in the 
 hospital. 
 
 TRIB.— Wliat! me, a poor relentless female, go to war among an armory 
 of masculine men. Why, that would be a dissrrace to mv sect. 
 
THE J.ITTl.K MAJOll. 9 
 
 KATE — Frank. I think j^ou have said enough, now. Yon would better 
 keep quiet the balance of the evening. 
 
 WIN8LOW — Well, it is getting late, mother, and we would better bidthe 
 folks good night. B\'-the-way, I want to go to town in the morning and 
 hear the news. Can I do any errand tliere for you, Mrs. Sumner':* 
 
 MRS. W.— Father, I want to make some purchases to-morrow. Why 
 not take the carriage, and stop for Mrs. Sumner, and we can all go to- 
 gether. 
 
 TRIB. — Yes; it would afford me indestructible pleasure to dissociate 
 myself w ith you on the extradition to town. 
 
 WIDOW S. — You are kind, neighbors. I would like to go with you if 
 you have room for me. 
 
 FRANK— You will finally conclude to go to war. won't you. Tribby? 
 
 KATE — Hush now, Frank! Always stop when j'ou get done. Alice, 
 can't you come over to-morrow':' 
 
 ALICE — I will try to come, thank you. 
 
 WINSLOW — We will have plenty of room in the carriage, and will call 
 for you in the morning, Mrs. SuHiner. Good nigiit. 
 
 WIDOW S.— Good night. [Exuent Wmslowx.] 
 
 TRIE.— I must not stay any longer and invent your slumberous repose. 
 It is late for an undetected female to be out alone. 
 
 ALICE — Yes, it is getting late, and I am going home as quickly as lean. 
 
 JOHN — Permit me to accompany you. please. 
 
 ALICE— Thank you. 
 
 TRIB.— Oh, I'm so nerveless 1 I'm sure I would be frightened to death 
 if I should meet a delusion or anything on the road, in the darkness and 
 solicitude 1 
 
 ALICE— Well, come with us. We will make a jolly party. Good night, 
 3Irs. Sumner. 
 
 WIDOW S.— Good night. 
 
 TRIB.— Good night, Mrs. Sumner. Don't have infractions dreams about 
 the war, and the elevation of Fort Sumpter, and sich ! [Exuent Alice, John 
 and Tribby ] 
 
 WIDOW S.— Oh. heaven ! my lieart is full of distress ! I dare not say 
 that, when our Government needs its stoutest hearts and strongest arms, 
 my son shall be unfaithful to her cause, and yet how can I give him up ! 
 He whom I have nursed so tenderly, and reared with care ; who has now 
 grown to manhood, and repays my care for him with the fondest love and 
 respect, and whose sole desire is to shield and protect me, and fill my last 
 years with happiness and peace \ I cannot give him up \ I cannot give 
 him up I 
 
 SCENE III,— Recruiting Headquarters— Captain Franklin, Boardnians et al., discovered. 
 
 CAPT. F.— Yes, gentlemen, our country now has need for the services 
 of all her brave and patriotic sons. The bugle blast has sounded through 
 the broad fields of the sunny South, and armed men have risen, determined, 
 if in their power, to overthrow the best government on earth. Will you, 
 young men with strong muscles, clear heads and true hearts, permit it to be 
 done ? 
 
 DAN. — Never 1 if 1 can prevent it I 
 
10 THE LITTLE 31A.JUK, 
 
 ■ WILL— That's ri.ijht I I'm with vdii : 
 
 TOM— And so am II 
 
 ('APT. F.— Come'up. then, sign the roU. and join my company. We 
 will show them that "Yankee nuidsiils" are men, and l)rave men. 
 
 DAN.— Here goes. then. [All dgn. Enter Wlndowx, ^Vi(low .S., John 
 
 and A lice. ] ' • ■ ^ 
 
 CAPT. F.— Ah! Here come some more brave hoys. W\' lack hut a tew 
 to fill up our company. Won't you enlist V 
 
 WINSLOW— Captain, if I were younger, my name would have been the 
 tlrst upon the roll. 
 
 ('APT. F.— I am sorry your age prevents you from going, Mr. Winslow. 
 But your son Frank, there, would make a good soldier. 
 FRANK— Father, all I ask is your consent. 
 
 WINSLOW— My son, you know too well my feelings in this matter to 
 think that I would withhold my consent. But your mother, boy. has a 
 claim upon you. Speak to her. 
 
 MKS. W.— Oh, Frank .' It wrings my heart to say that you may go. and 
 yet— your father has consented— and I— cannot detain you. 
 FRANK— John, I am going if you do. Won't you enlist ? 
 WID(^W S.— Oh, my son— my only hope ! How can my lips ever form 
 the words that will send you away, perhaps never to return ! Never to re- 
 turn : The thought is awful I I cannot give my consent ' The days 
 would be long and dark and dreary, and the nights filled with gloom and 
 frightful dreams. Oh, John ! my sole stay and support ! 
 
 JOHN — Mother, it distresses me to think of leaving you, and yet, how- 
 like a coward I would feel, to stay at home, and all these noble boys, my 
 comrades from childhood, fighting the battles to save my country for me f" 
 WIDOW S. — Then go, my brave boy, go I And may He that noteth 
 even the fall of a sparrow be your (^uide and Protector. [Bot/a dgn ] 
 
 A-LICE — Come, Mrs. Sumner, you are faint: let us go. \^Exuent citizenii. 
 Enter CarlA^ 
 
 CARL — Goot morning. Captain. Ish der a chance for a feller to got 
 into der army here, somedimes ? 
 
 CAPT. F. — We are enlisting soldiers here, and are glad to receive them. 
 But you are a little old for the army, ain't you ? 
 
 CARL — Veil, I am not much old to make vonce a goot soldier : und pe- 
 sides, I vas der pest drill-master in Prussia. 
 
 CAPT. F. — W^ell. we need some one acquainted with the manual of arms. 
 What is your name? Please sign it here. 
 
 . CARL — My name vas Carl Schlauffer. [ IFr^'tev.] Maype you don'd can 
 make dot out? You vouldn't dink I vas a Cherman uf you don'd sometimes 
 see my writin', ain't it? 
 
 CAPT. F.— You'll do. Suppose you try your military knowledge .on 
 these boys. 
 
 CARL— Me? 
 • CAPT. F.— Yes, you. You say you are a good drill-master. Suppose 
 '^f-ou drill tliese boys. 
 
 CARL— All right. Fall in! Fall in! {BimneKH.) Domiervptter, vy for 
 you don'd fall in! lAmkward Mprnd drill.] 'Preak ranks. [Enter citkenx.] 
 
THK LITTLK 3IA,T<)K. 11 
 
 V6n I say preak ranks, you don'd prcak sonu'tlings all up to i)iece9. You 
 ust don'd staj' in line some more. 
 
 JOHN — Alice, I am very sorry to leave you under the tyranny of that 
 man, for it will be very disa.s;reeable to bear all his insults and indignities; 
 and yet you will perhaps fare better when I am out of his sight, for his 
 hatred towards me causes hini to vent his spite upon yon. 
 
 ALICE — I know I shall be very lonely, John, without you and would be 
 willing to bear all the petty annoyances of my guardian if you could but re- 
 main here. But fear not. I can take c u-e of myself, and although he has 
 authority over me. yet if his attentions and persecutions become unbearable, 
 I will tind a refuge somewhere, and he will learn that he has no ckild to deal 
 will). 
 
 JOHN — I will be continually haunted by the thought that you have been 
 left unprotected, but I hope the war may soon be ended, and I can return 
 and claim you for my own as soon as you attain your majority. 
 
 ALICE — Yes. and I will ever pray for your welfare and safe return. 
 Here, take this memento. May its blue field ever remind you of the fidelity 
 of the donor and encourage you in fidelity to your cause, The red stripes, 
 signifying love, represent that you should love yourGqd, your country, and 
 those you leave behind you : and white, the emblem of purity and peace, is 
 significant of the purity of right, aud the hope that the white-winged angel 
 of peace will socm spread her broad pinions over all our land, without one 
 State lost, or one star dimmed: 
 
 JOHN— Thank you; I will uphold it with my honor, and protect it with 
 my life. And if I fall, my last gaze will be upon it, and my last thoughtsof 
 the giver. 
 
 TRIB.— This scenery is too much for me. 1 feel that I will have con- 
 centration of the heart. You go forth as sacraments on the halter of your 
 kentry, and how many of you will come back in safetiness and extinction 
 to your homes ? 
 
 CARL — Fall in povs. fall in! ( /insiryss.) 
 
 I AIJI.KAr. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I.— Interior of Col. Perkins headquarters— Perkins discovered. 
 
 PERK.— Success crowns all my etforts and Fate arranges circumstances 
 to suit all my purposes. Thomas Shannon made his will, and, under my 
 influence, appointed me guardian of his daughter and her estate. In case 
 of her marriage the property goes to her absolutely. In case of her death 
 before marriage, it goes to any children of Mary Sumner — widow — of 
 Hampshire county. Mary Sumner has but one child, John. My ward and 
 John Sumner fall in love with each other. My debts are preaeingme, and I 
 must have money to liquidate them. If I can marry Alice, all will be right; 
 but that cursed beggar, the widow's son, conies between her and me. Fate 
 favors me again and lie enlists in the army, thus exposing himself to removal 
 from my path by all the dangers of the camp and battle-field. I hoped the 
 separation would cure the girl of her fancy, but curse her, she seems more 
 stronglv attached to him than ever. A bright idea strikes me. I have in- 
 
12 THK LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 fluential friends in the war department, and by proper manipulation I suc- 
 ceed in getting a commission as Colonel of tlie regiment to whicli Jolin 
 Sumner belongs. So far I have succeeded ad:nirabl3% [enter Curl unoh- 
 seroe.d,'] and by the Eternal, John Sumner shall never return home alive. 
 [Turning, sees Carl'] Here. sir. what in thunder do you want here ? 
 
 CARL — I got a ladder oder someding from der Sheneral. 
 
 PERK. — How dare you come into my quarters without making your 
 presence known ? 
 
 CARL— You didn't know I vas here vonce, ain't it? Veil. I couldn't 
 found der door pell. 
 
 PERK.— If I ever catch you around here prying into my secrets again. I 
 shall have you bucked and gagged and set out in the sun for eight hours, 
 without a drink of water during the whole day. Do you hear that? 
 
 C'ARL — I didn't know you vas had some secrets. Colonel, und I ust didn't 
 want to con e, only der Sheneral sent me. 
 
 PERK. — [writing hurriedly] — Here take this to the General: and remem- 
 ber, if you ever come sneaking about my quarters again, I will have you 
 tied up by the thumbs and whipped before the whole regiment. [Exit Carl.] 
 This is the second time that infernal dutchman has blundered upon me and 
 heard that which I would have no one know. He appears too stupid to 
 understand, but his ignorance may be assumed, and I must be on my guard. 
 I will take care of him in the future. [Exit.] 
 
 SCENE II. — In camp — Soldiers tliscovered, and John reading letter. 
 
 JOHN — [reading] — "My lot has indeed been an unpleasant one. I am 
 forbidden to write to you, and know that your letters have been intercepted: 
 for I feel sure that you have written to me. I am ordered to remain at 
 home, but as my guardian has gone away, and will not return until evening. 
 I disobeyed orders and am here at your mother's writing to you. Keeo in 
 good courage and hope for the best. May God guard and protect you. 
 Yours hurriedly, with love, Alice." This short letter, received sLx 
 
 weeks ago, is all that I have heard from her. but it explains the long silence. 
 But he is here commanding the regiment and she is at home, yet I receive 
 no word from her. Can it be that she is immured and guarded by tools of 
 his during his absence, or is he exceeding his authority and preventing my 
 letters from being delivered to me. [Enter Alice, disguined] Well, my 
 young friend, who are you. and where do you come from ? 
 
 ALIC'E. — I am called Allie Hart, and have been assigned to this com- 
 mand as drummer boy. 
 
 JOHN — But you did not answer all of my question. Where did you 
 come from ? 
 
 ALICE — Is it necessary for me to inform you ? You see by this that I am 
 a Yankee, and answer one question bj' asking another. 
 
 JOHN— Pardon me, boy. It is none of my business. But I am afraid 
 you will not be able to stand the fatigue of a campaign. 
 
 ALICE — I am stronger than you think. 
 
 JOHN — Well, make yourself at home here among the boys. You will 
 find them all good fellows. 
 
 FRANK — Can you sing? 
 
 OMNES — Yes, a .''ong! A song! \ Alice sings.] 
 
THE LITTLE MAJOR. 13 
 
 CAUL — Xow, vonce ve vill hear you drum, lid^ilc feller. [Alice drum.s.'] 
 
 DAN — Young fellow you are a little major. Drum major. I mean. 
 
 OMNES— Yes, that's it. That's the name for him. We will call him the 
 Little Major, [Enter (n-derly.'\ 
 
 ORDERLY — Lieutenant Sunnier, the Colonel (lesire.s to see you at his 
 tjuarters immediately. 
 
 JOHN— All right, sir. [Exit orderly.~\ 1 wonder what mischief is afloat 
 now, that Colonel Perkins should send for me. [Exit.'] (Budness.) 
 
 CARL— Fall in poys, fall in. [Fancy drill and noldiers march ojf.] 
 
 S(jENE III. — Colouel Perkins" headquarters — Enter John. 
 
 JOHN — Colonel Perkins, you sent for me, I believe. 
 
 PERKINS — Ah. j-ea. Lieutenant, you came promptly. You were proba- 
 bly surprised at my sending for you, but I wanted to see you about a little 
 matter. Be seated. Prior to your entering the army, you were paying 
 some attention to my ward. Miss Shannon, and I understand some sort of 
 engagement existed between you. After you left, I sounded her upon the 
 subject, and found that it was but a passing fancy with lier, and that she 
 cared notliing for you. I also understand that from her indifference to you, 
 there was no correspondence between you. Now. I deem it my duty as 
 lier guardian, to look after her welfare, and to avoid any disagreeable meet- 
 ing between you and her, if you should return. I would recjuest that you 
 write her a letter, stating that since you and she are separated you have 
 learned that what you once regarded as love for her, you find was mere idle 
 admiration, and releasing her from the engagement. Here are the materials 
 for writing the letter. 
 
 JOHN — Colonel Perkins, you are my superior oflicer, and as such have 
 the right to command me in anything that pertains to my duty as a soldier. 
 Beyond that, your authority ceases. And now, here, in your own quarters, 
 I denounce you as a coward, a liar, and a villain I You are a cowai'd be- 
 cause you exerted your power over the innocent and weak, and dishonor- 
 ably prevented any correspondence between that lady and myself I You 
 are a liar when you say she discarded all thought of me, and none but the 
 basest, cringing villain would dare to make the proposition you have made 
 to me. I could smite you like a serpent at my feet, and nothing but my 
 respect for mj'self and militaiy discipline, prevents me from doing it. No, 
 put up your sword I I will not touch such a cowardly reptile. But listen. 
 When this war is over, if we are spared to return, I will have a settlement 
 with vou, and retribution M'ill be swift and sure .' Is this all of your busi- 
 ness with mey 
 
 PERKINS — No. this was only the preliminary. The General desires me 
 to send out a couple of men on scout duty, to learn if possible, the plans 
 and intentions of the enemy. I selected you, and that Dutchman, Carl 
 Schlauffer, for that duty. It will be understood that you have deserted 
 the regiment, and as deserters you will enter the enemy's camp, learn the 
 number of their forces and position, and if possible, their plan of attack. 
 You will see, it is a dangerous undertaking, and the death of a spy will 
 surely follow detection. You understand the situation ? If you are cap- 
 tured you will be shot as a spy. [Aside ] And if you ret\irn I will have you 
 shot as a deserter 1 
 
14 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 JOHN— I fully understjjnd your motives. Colonel Perkins; but tliough 
 death stares me in the face, I will undertake the task. When I enlisted, it 
 was with the intention of doin.ff my wliole duty : for a true soldier will al- . 
 ways "front face" on the line of duty, whatever dangers may menace him. 
 I will so. but remember, when my cmmtry's battles are fought, then I will 
 fight my own ! 
 
 PERKINS—// yon return from this expedition it will be time enough 
 then to talk about these matters. lEiiier (n-derhj.^ 
 OKDERLY— Mail for the Colonel. 
 
 PERKINS— All right. lExlt orderly .'] Wait, Lieutenant, until I exam- 
 ine my mail and then I will give you your instructions. Ah! What have 
 we here? {Reads.'] "Death by drowning. On last Sabbath evening the 
 entire neighborhood was thrown into a state of intense excitement over the 
 rumor that a very estimable young lady. Miss Alice Shannon, (hiughter of 
 the late Thomas Shannon, had met her death b.^ drowning. Our rept)rter 
 hurried to the spot, and gleaned the following facts concerning to the sad 
 affair: About nine o'clock on Sabbath evening Miss Shannon, who appears 
 to have been in a despondent frame of mind for some time past, left the 
 home of her guardian, Josiah Perkins, and was not missed for some time 
 by the housekeeper, who upon entering the young lady's chamber found it 
 unoccupied, and after searching the house anci failingtotind Miss Shaiuion. 
 slie gave the alarm and the search soon extended to the river l)ank, where 
 were found a hat and shawl which were identified as belonging to the miss- 
 ing young lady; and from foot-prints found upon the river bank it is sup- 
 posed she either committed suicide or was foully dealt with. The river was 
 inunediately dragged, but up to this date (Tuesday afternoon) they have 
 failed to find the body. She was a beautiful and intelligent younglady . and 
 the sad affair has cast a gloom over the entire community." 
 
 .JOHN — Oh, heaven I thisis too nuich. Oh, Alice: and is it indeed true? 
 And you, you villain : this is your work. By your infernal machinations 
 you have driven tlie poor giri insane and made her do this; or perhaps some 
 emissaries of yours have nnirdered her. and thrown her body into the river. 
 The thought maddens me. Your hour has con.e. I carnot defer my 
 vengeance. Die I like the villain that yoa are. \_Shoot-iJ)iidfieHH.'\ 
 
 PERKINS — Soldiers, you may release Lieutenant Sumner, but you need 
 not retire. His pistol was accidentally discharged. Now, Lieutenant, you 
 may prepare yourself and the Dutchman, and at nightfall proceed with due 
 caution to the dut)' assigned you. And the pleasant news from home will 
 cheer you on your way. You may retire. \^Exuent.] Aha! favored again 
 bv Fate. The little vixen would not marry me, and now she is past marry- 
 in'i- anybody. But I never thought she would drown lierself ; and now he 
 is "Toing away on an expedition fi-om which he will never return, and the last 
 provision of the will is : •' In case of the death of my daughter before marri- 
 age, and there being no childreji of the said Marj^ Suumer then living, my 
 property is then bequeathed to and vested in my dearfriend, Josiah Perkins, 
 the guardian of my daughter Alice, aforesaid." Well, I will remain liere 
 until assured that the widow's son will never return, and then I will resign 
 my commission and hasten home to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I tell you. 
 Colonel Josiah Perkins, you have got to get out of this pretty soon, for from 
 
THE LITTLE MAJOR. 15 
 
 all appearaijces tht^re will soon he a general engagement, and there is no use 
 in ajnan needlessly exposing himself. [Exit.^ 
 
 SCENE IV. — Dark wood — -Toliu and Carl discovered in disguise. 
 
 JOHN — Wv are getting on very dangerous ground, and must proceed 
 cautiously. 
 
 C'ARL — I don'd vos like dis pizness. 1 don'd can sneak aroundt pooty 
 
 ^goot. but I was der pest drill-master [Jo/rii and Carl are grasped bi/ 
 
 Confederate.^ coimuanded by Sergeant Davis, bimiiesH ] 
 
 SERG'T I). — Where are you going at this time of night, and what is 
 your business? 
 
 JOHN — I tliink it is none of your business, and don't choose to answ^er. 
 
 SERG'T D. — Well, an answer is unneccessary, for we know you. You 
 liave been detailed to enter the Confederate camp as spies. We do not need 
 jiny further information on the subject. You will be taken to lieadquarters 
 in the morning, tried, condemned, and shot : so you would better spend the 
 night in prayer. Boys when you get them bound we will prepare to make 
 ourselves comfortable, for there is no use in going to headquarters to-niglit. 
 Hello I Here is a canteen, and tilled with genuine old Bourbon, too. W^ell, 
 Yanks, here's lookin' at you. Harris, j'ou may stand guard until midnight, 
 and tlien waken up Morton to relieve you until daylight. Here, boys, take 
 siitliin'. \_All drink except Harris.^ I guess I got my bearings all right this 
 time — let's see [reiid.s description']. I guess it's all right, but I'm gettin' 
 sleep}^ Here, Harris, take a drink; it will brace you up. [Hai'ris drinks 
 and resume's hea.t, business^ ] 
 
 JOHN— As I live, the Little Major. [^:rrt.] 
 
 SCENE V. — Light wood — General Grant and staff discovered. 
 
 GEN. G. — General is there any news from the rebel camp in regard to 
 their proposed movements ? 
 
 GEN . RAWLINS — No. General. We have endeavored to oenetrate their 
 lines, but we have no report from the scouts sent out for tliat purpose, and 
 I am afraid they liave been captured. The indications are, however, that 
 the enemy meditate an attack upon our left at an early liour. 
 
 GEN. G. — You will order General Birney's division to move rapidly for- 
 ward and strengthen our left, send two batteries and General Ayres' brigade 
 forward to the wood on our right center, and open the engagement as soon 
 as possible. [Enter Join, Carl and Alice.~\ But hold, whom have we here? 
 
 JOHN — Good morning. General. We are the scouts sent out by your 
 orders, to learn the proposed movements and plans of the enemj'. 
 
 <tEN. G. — Well, sir, go on. How did you succeed? 
 
 JOHN — General, we were captured by a squad of rebels under command 
 of a sergeant, who seemed to be posted as to our intentions, but instead of 
 taking us inunediately to headcpiarters they set a guard over us for the night, 
 when, thanks to tluit drun mer l)oy. the Little Major, the guard was drugged, 
 and our escape wiis elfected. 
 
 GEN. GRANT— Well, go on. Did you give up the attempt. 
 
 JOHN — No, sir. We changed our disguise and hovered around their 
 outposts, and the Little Major then accomplished what we were unable to 
 do, b}' donning female attire, entering their lines and getting full and com- 
 
n THE LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 plete information as to tlieir plans. Eluding tiie vigilance of their sentinels, 
 he returned to us, and by making many hairbreadth escapes, we were at 
 last enabled to return safely. 
 
 GEN. G.— What are their plans, my little hero? 
 
 ALICE— They are massing their forces under cover of the wilderness on 
 your extreme right, but will make a feint and open the battle on your left. 
 Expecting you to reinforce heavily on your left, they will push rapidly for- 
 ward and swing round with their whole force upon your unprotected right. 
 
 Geu. G.— Thanks, my gallant l)oys. for your success in your perilous 
 undertaking. You will be favorably reconunended for promotion : and you. 
 my little man, are entitled to the thanksof the whole nation. You may now 
 repair to your regiment. \_Exuent.'\ General, you will immediately send 
 two batteries to support General Hancock on our left. Move General 
 Barlow's division and two brigades from General Gibbon's division to re 
 inforce our extreme right. Push forward and strengthen the center with all 
 the artillery that can be spared. Open tire on the left, followed by an im- 
 mediate lire along the whole line. 
 
 GEN. RAWLINS— All right, General. [AV^.] 
 
 GEN. G. — Colonel, direct General Birney to liold his force in reserve and 
 be prepared to support General Hancock, immediately, in case there is a 
 break in his line. \_Exit Col. Drew.^ The tiring has commenced, and our 
 entire line seems steady. \^Entir PerkinK, demoralized.'] Who's this? What, 
 Colonel Perkins, are you wounded ? 
 
 PERK- — General, my regiment is all cut to pieces, and I am the only 
 man that's left I I have severe pains, and think I was shot a dozen times. 
 I must' get back to the rear. 
 
 GEN. G. — You cowardly cur, go back to your regiment I You are no 
 more wounded than I am I \_Exit Perk.'] I fear we will be unable to dis- 
 lodge them. Let us move up to that little knoll. [Exit. Perkinx run* 
 across stage in fright, followed by troops. Fighting and picture.'] 
 
 ACT ITT. 
 
 SCENE I.— Interior of Castle Tkuuder — John, Dan anil otlier prisoners diBcovered in rags. 
 
 JOHN — How long will this continue ? Each day is passed in misery, 
 and night closes in darkness, yet there is no release! Other prisoners are 
 being exchanged, and are permitted once more to see home and all its fond 
 associations, but there is no exchange for us, and no news from home and 
 loved ones ; and to add to the horrors of our situation, within the last ten 
 days our rations have been decreased, vmtil now we have but one crust per 
 day, and we are all becoming so weak from hunger that we can scarcely 
 stand I 
 
 DAN— This is indeed terrible; but John, let us hope that the Boys in 
 Blue will soon conquer, and the banner of the free will float proudly and 
 in peace over an undivided country. 
 
 JOHN— Hope is almost giving away to despair. Another week like the 
 last will end our lives by starvation, that most horrible of deaths. 
 
 T>AN— I believe there is a new officer in charge of this hell. It seems 
 
THE LITTLE MAJOR. 17 
 
 that within the last few days additional horrors have been invented to make 
 our situation more miserable. {^Eiiter Perkins, di.sgui.sed ] 
 
 PERK. — Here, what is this infernal grumbling about? 
 
 JOHN — Sir, we are starving — dying by inches in this cursed hole. If you 
 have tlie heart of a man within you, you will either give us something to 
 eat, or use your endeavors to elfect our exchange. 
 
 PERK. — Exchange? Ha! Hal You want to be exchanged, do you? 
 Well, that is a good joke. You are dissatistied with your quarters and want 
 something to eat ? Why, you are ungrateful wretches. You have sumptuous 
 apartments here ; are well protected from the weather; are supplied with 
 elegant furniture, fine carpets on the floor, andall the modern improvements 
 at yourcommand. You want something to eat ? Why you have been dining 
 upon the fat of the land until your weight has increased so that you can 
 scarcely walk. Ha, ha, ha! 
 
 JOHN — That voice! It sounds strangely familiar. It is, it must be, 
 Colonel Perkins? 
 
 PERK. — [ Tearing off dinyuiHe ] — It is ! Are j'^ou not overjoyed at meeting 
 me? 
 
 JOHN — How came you here ? And why do you wear that uniform? 
 
 PERK. — I learned that you were here, and I had such a kindly regard for 
 you that I could not bear the thought of separation ; so I came and succeeded 
 in getting command at this place. I should think you would be very happy 
 to meet me. 
 
 JOHN — For heavens sake, don't add insult to injury! Give us some- 
 thing to eat! Remember that we are your fellow creatures, and if there is 
 a spark of humanity in your breast, do not starve us to death! 
 
 PERK. — Ah! you beg for favors? I thought you would come to it. 
 But the favor will not be granted! 
 
 JOHN — How long do you propose to keep us here in this misery? 
 
 PERK. — Keep you? Why, I propose to keep you as long as life lasts, 
 my pets! I could not think of parting with you. Yes, I will keep you 
 here until your parched tongues protrude from your shriveled lips ; until 
 your emaciated limbs refuse to bear their burden; until your nerveless arms 
 hang useless by your sides; until hunger and disease shall drive the last 
 glimmer of life from your worthless carcasses, and then drag your rotting 
 corpses out to be food for the crows, denymg you even the luxury of an un- 
 known grave ! 
 
 JOHN— Oh, God! this is horrible! When I think of the suffering that 
 man has been the author of, it almost drives me mad ! And yet, in all my 
 wretchedness and rags, I loathe and despise you! You who have worn 
 the uniform of a Union soldier, and sworn to support the glorious old Stars 
 and Stripes, the banner of the free, to treacherously violate your oath, 
 abandon that cause, assume the dirty gray, ana aid the enemies of your 
 country as keeper of a rebel prison pen ! You cowardly villain ! I could 
 tear you limb from limb! 
 
 PERK, {presenting pistol) — Have a care! You are in my power. 
 
 JOHN {draicing flag) — Shoot! you dastardly scoundrel! Shoot through 
 the flag you once swore to protect, and let me die as a soldier should, with 
 his colors wrapped around him! 
 
 PERK. — Oh, no ! You are entirely too auxious to die— and that would 
 
18 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 interfere witli 1113' plans. I want to continue this amusement until you 
 
 drop on your weary and tlesliless knees at my teet, and beg of me for 
 
 mercy. 
 
 JOHN— Kneel to you, Josiah Perkins ? No, sir : ne'cer! An American 
 soldier kneels to none but God! 
 
 PERKINS— Well, continue your hilarity, my friends! I will send you 
 in a nice fresh bone as soon as my dog gets through gnawing it. lExi,t.^, 
 
 JOHN— Boys, there is no hope for us as long as that man remains here. 
 He has the power, and will use it, to torture us in every way that his dia- 
 bolical ingeiniity can devise. {Enter Frank ] 
 
 DAN— What: Frank, are you here, and a prisoner? 
 
 FRANK— Is it possible that these are my old friends, and altered to 
 mere shadows of their former selves! How are you, John ; and Dan ; and 
 Tom? (Business.) Yes, boys; I am sorry to say I am a prisoner. I was 
 captured on the skirmish line night before last, and here I am. 
 
 JOHN— Tell us of the boys. Where is C^arl. and the Little Major, and 
 all the rest ? 
 
 FRANK — Carl is with the regiment, safe and sound, and still "der pest 
 drill-master," but the poor Little Major is gone. 
 
 DAN— How ? Tell us all about it ! 
 
 FRANK — Well, at the battle of the Wilderness, when you were captured, 
 I was struck by a minie ball and badly wounded, and while I lay upon the 
 field I heard a little drummer boy off to my left calling for water. I recog- 
 nized in the faint tones the voice of the Little Major, and rose on my elbow 
 to look at him. I saw him lying there, dying, and the pain of my wound 
 caused me to faint. When I recovered consciousness, I was in the hospital, 
 and C'arl told me that they had searched everywhere for the Little Major, 
 but without success. They found his drum, l)ut suppose his body was car- 
 ried off the field, and buried in the trench with hundreds of others. 
 
 JOHN — Poor Little Major I It was a dreadful death for one so young! 
 But, thank Heaven, he was spared the misery of imprisonment in this hor- 
 rible place. 
 
 FRANK — Cheer up, boys! I think your sufferings here are nearly 
 ended, for our forces have bombarded the city with terrible effect, and I 
 judge from what I saw as I was brought in, that the rebels are preparing to 
 evacuate as quickly as possible. I believe our boys will soon be here. 
 
 JOHN— Heaven grant that they may not be too late ! But, Frank, sing 
 us one of your old favorite songs to cheer us up. [Frank sings. Firing 
 outside. Union soldiers rush in, headed by Carl.] 
 
 CARL— Ilooray for der United States und Prussia! Pully for Sheneral 
 Grant und Carl Schlautter! Ve got dem rebel fellers dis time, py Shiminy. 
 ain't it? Ilooray for eferypody ! Down mit der traitors und up mit der 
 Star Spangled Panner! I feel so goot like I ust found a parrel of peer mit 
 sour krout und speck! Hello! John, we befinden sie sick? Und Frank und 
 Dan, and all you fellers, you're goin' to got out of dis, und go heim, and 
 see der folks, und haf a pully dime! Der war is ofer, und I am der pest 
 drill-master in America! [Business icith Perkins'} 
 
TIIK LITTI^K MAJOK. 19 
 
 ArT \\. 
 
 SCENE I. — Widow Siiiimer's home — Widow S. discovered, readiug. 
 
 WIDOW S. {reading) — >'My soul is weary of my life. I will leave my 
 complaint upon myself. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. Aland 
 of darkness as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death without any 
 order, and where the light is as darkness." Darkness indeed ; all is dark- 
 ness! Tlie light of my life has gone out, and the gloom of death, without 
 its forgetfulness, hovers about me. Mj"^ bright, brave boy, left me in the 
 first flush of manhood, and now, alas! where is he? After the terrible bat- 
 tle, how anxiously I awaited a message from liim; how I fought my fears 
 and hoped for the best, until in the long report I found the name, "John 
 Sumner, missing!" Not wounded. Even that would Iiave been better, for 
 he might have recovered. But this terrible doubt and uncertainty is more 
 wretched than death itself! Had he been taken prisoner, I should liave re- 
 ceived some message from him. But the sad, weary months have dragged 
 themselves along, and no word, no sign, from my lost one. The war, they 
 say, is ended, and yet I see nothing l)ut tliose terrible words, "John Sum- 
 ner, missing." Oh, God! liast Thou indeed forsaken me? [Business. In- 
 visible chn'us~\ Did I dream? I thought I heard sweet music! [Reodf.'] 
 The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down 
 in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He resto'reth my 
 soul. He leadeth me in the patlis of righteousness for His name's sake. 
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear 
 no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Tlij' staff they comfort me. 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I 
 will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Yes, I will put my faith in 
 the Lord, for he alone can comfort me. Ah! [Enter- John.'l 
 
 JOHN — Mother mine, I'm home again ! 
 
 WIDOW S.— Oh, John! My darling, my lost one! [Business.^ "Tliou 
 liast turned for me my mourning into dancing. Tliou liast put off my sack- 
 cloth and girded me with gladness. Oh, Lord, my God, I will give thanks 
 unto Thee forever ! " John, my cup of happiness is now filled by your re- 
 turn at last; and tlie memory of those terrible words — "John Sumner, 
 missing" — will be to me but as a dreadful dream. But, tell me, John, all 
 about yourself since the battle when you were reported missing. 
 
 JOHN — There is not nmeh to tell, mother. I was taken prisoner and 
 conlined amid wretchedness and misery in the rebel prison. Castle Thunder, 
 where they attempted to starve me to death, and very nearly succeeded. But 
 at last our army was successful and entered Riclimond, and our German 
 friend, Carl Schiauffer, was tlie first to enter our prison and release us. After 
 that we were sent to Washington and tlience home. 
 
 WIDOW S. — Mj' poor boy, how you liave suffered! 
 
 JOHN — Yes, mother; but, thank lieaven, it is all over now, and our 
 country is saved. [Knocking outside.'] There is some one at the door. 
 [^Opens door, enter Winslow family.] 
 
 WIDOW S. — Good evening, friends. I am glad to see you all. 
 
 WINSLOW — Good evening. We thought we would all come over and 
 rejoice together over the return of our boys, and the close of the war. John, 
 you are looking better than I expected after the liorrors of a re])el prison. 
 
30 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 
 
 JOHN— Thank you. I feel my strengtli rapidly returning, and I think 
 all I need is plenty to eat, and mother will take care of that. [Knocking 
 outdde.'] But there is some one else. [Opens door, enter Carl.'] 
 
 CARL— How you all vos. I ust couldn't come to town midout I come 
 und see all der folks, und find dem oud dey vos all veil. I ust tole you, Mrs. 
 Sumner, dem poys vos goot poys, und dey fought der baddies mit der flag 
 ust so prave like der could, und pesides dey understand all apout der trill, 
 too, for dey vos my poys, und I vos der pest drill-master in Prussia und der 
 United States. [Knocking outside.] 
 
 JOHN— There's some one else coming to see us, mother, [riaes.'] 
 
 CARL— Ust you don'd mind apout dot. I vill open der toor mineself • 
 [Opens door,] Oh, donnerwetter! [Enter Tribby.] 
 
 TRIE.- Good evening, my detestable friends. The emotionableness of 
 my heart reduced me to sequester forth under the belligerent starlight and 
 pervade your home. Why, John, how charming you do repear in your 
 millinery suit. I always did like to see a man dressed in a unicorn. And 
 you, too, Frank, look so extinguished since you returned from the suicidal 
 war. It affords me indefinite explication to bid you a vociferous welcome 
 back. 
 
 JOHN— Thank you. We were glad to return all safe and sound, but 
 many of our poor fellows will never return; and there is one who will never 
 be forgotten, and that one is the Little Major. 
 
 FRANK— Yes; he was the gentlest, bravest, truest little fell I ever met; 
 and, by-the-way, I hare composed a song in his memory. 
 
 TRIB. — Oh, please sing it for us, I am so fond of the effervescent defects 
 of music. It fills my heart with detestable confluences. Won't you please 
 sing it ? 
 
 OMNES— Yes. sing it. Frank. We would like to hear it. 
 
 SONG "I.ITTI.E MA.IOU." 
 
 WIDOW S.— That is very touching Who was the Little Major? 
 [Knocking outdde.] Hark ! There is a knock at the door. Come in. [Enter 
 Alice and old Martha.] 
 
 OMNES — Alice Shannon! [Business.] 
 
 JOHN — Oh, Alice! we mourned you as dead. Have a chair and tell us 
 the cause of your singular disappearance and re-appearance. We all thought 
 you were drowned. 
 
 ALICE — No, I was not drowned, but intended that all should suppose 1 
 was. Life beneath my guardian's roof became unbearable, so I went to the 
 river thsit night and leaving my foot-prints in the soft earth, I carelessly 
 threw my hat and shawl upon the bank, and escaped down the river to 
 Hartford, where I remained secluded with some friends until learning that 
 Mr. Perkins was commanding your regiment. I felt that he could have 
 but one object, and that was to persecute and oppress you, John, so I im- 
 mediately procured a military suit and drum 
 
 CARL— Py Shimiuy ! der Liddle Major! I dought you looked so much 
 like somepody I douM know. [Business.] • 
 
 FPANK— But I thought the Little Major was left dead on the field. 
 
 ALICE— I was only badly wounded, and becoming weak from loss of 
 blood and fatigue, I swooned away. When I again opened my eyes, I was 
 
THE f.ITTLE MAJOR. 21 
 
 in H little faUiii with this kiiui old nurse hendinjj- overiue andiiduiinistering 
 to ni}' wants. She kindly nursed nie through a long illness, saved my life, 
 and. thanks to her, I am here to-night. 
 
 JOHN — [to Mar-thn^ — We all join in thanking you for your kind care 
 and attention to our Little Major. 
 
 ^lAHTHA — Not at all. I was only a humble instrument in the hands of 
 a kind Providence. [Knocking outdde.\ 
 
 \V'n)OW S. — John, there's some one at tlie door. I wonder who it can be? 
 
 •lOilN — All right: we will see. [Open>i do^>r. Enter Perkins in charge 
 of ojficern ] 
 
 1st OFFK'EH Have I the honor of addressing Lieutenant Sumner? 
 
 JOHN — Yes. sir. What is the nature of your business with me? 
 
 1st OFFICER— Our prisoner here has been arrested on a charge of forging 
 vouchers against tlie government while in command of your regiment. It 
 is said that he deserted and joined the rebels, having charge of a rebel 
 prison, and we have brought him here for identification. Doyouknowhim ? 
 
 JOHN — Much evil as he has done to me. I regret that I must be called 
 ui)on to testify against him. It is Josiah Perkins. He did command my 
 regiment, and had charge of the rebel prison in which I was kept. 
 
 PERK. — Oh. take back those words I Say that you were mistaken I Say 
 it was not me. and don't condemn me to prison and perhaps to death I Have 
 mercy on me I 
 
 JOHN — You ask me for mercy? You who have persecuted, ill-treated, 
 and almost starved me to death? Yet 1 pity you, and would save you if I 
 could: but my country's laws demand that you should be given up to pun- 
 ishment, and obedience to law is my first duty. 
 
 PERK.— My dear friend. I never intended to harm you. The position I 
 occupied compelled me to do what I did. 
 
 OARL — You vas der vorsest old liar in America. You old scoundrel you. 
 Yovi dried der pest vot you don'd know how to kill dot feller und dot girl, 
 und got der property. You sent him und me oudt for spies, und to make 
 sure ve got shot und die, you write a ledder to der repels und dold dem all 
 about it, you old murderer you. [Exit John and Alice unperceived.'] 
 
 PERK. — These are baseless accusations. There is no proof except your 
 wt)rd. and that amounts to nothing. 
 
 CARL r?""'"^^'"''''*'^' ^^ii<^>'] — N^o proof don'd it? Noting ust my word, und 
 dot amounts to nodings, ain't it? Here. Frank, ust you read dot paper. I 
 took dot from der repel sergeant. 
 
 FRANK— [/•mf/m(7] — •• Dear Colonel — I send out to-night, ostensibly as 
 spies. John Sumner, aged about twenty-four, dark hair and eyes, hight about 
 five feet live, and Carl Schlauffer, a gray-haired dutchman, with gray eyes 
 and scar over left eye. They will be instructed to pass down by the spring 
 after night-fall. Have guard there to capture them. Have them court- 
 martialed, executed as spies, and the money is yours. J. Perkins." 
 
 CARL— How you likedot. now. you old fool? 
 
 1st OFFICER — You may give us that paper, and we will call upon you 
 when we need youi' testimony. We will bid you good night. 
 
 MARTHA — Hold: There is something more, Josiah Perkins. I here 
 accuse vou of the murder of 'I'homas Sliaiinon '. 
 
i'> THE l-ITTLli MAJOR. 
 
 PERK. — It's a lio! ;i lie! Wlu) arc vdu that dares to make suoli a charii-c 
 against me ? 
 
 MARTHA — [turning back hood^ — Martha Dayton, whom you once 
 deceived into a mock marriage, and then deserted; Martha Dayton, whom 
 you supposed was murdered by the ruffians hired by you for that purpose: 
 Martlia Dayton, the wronged woman who has been an avenger (m your 
 track for many years. Yes, I watched you mix the poisonous drink for 
 Thomas Shannon, after you had gained his confidence so that he made you 
 guardian of his only child. I secured the vial containing the poi.son, and 
 here it is. I have the sworn affidavit of the apothecary that you purchased 
 this poison, and I saw you administer it. Is that a lie, Josiah Perkins y 
 
 PERK. — Take me away! Remove her I I thought she was dead. Save 
 me! I shall go mad ! [Exit officers and Perkins.^ 
 
 TRIE.— I always thought 'Squire Perkins was amellitluous creature, lie 
 was always so deep and irrefragiblc. It makes me shudder to think how 
 abbreviated some people are. 
 
 WINSLOW — Villainy is sure to have its just punisJiment sooner or later. But 
 I got the evening paper and have not even glanced at it yet. There may be; 
 some news of interest in it. What's this'/ [remlitig] "For gallant and mer- 
 itorious service at the battle of the Wilderness, Lieutenant Suuiner, late of 
 the 7th Regiment, has been brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel." 
 
 CARL— Pully for der Colonel! 
 
 WINSLOW — [reading]— •\\ conunission as Captain has been issued for 
 Sergeant Carl Schlauffer on account of his brave conduct on the field and 
 for his eminent services as drill-master." 
 
 CARL— Hooray for der United States und everypody. Didn't I told you 
 I vas der pest trill-master in der world ;■' 
 
 WINSLOW— [rme?m^]—'-Congresshasat last recognized merit by voting 
 an elegant gold medal toAllie Hart, otherwise the Littje Major, for valuable 
 information of Confederate plans before the battle of the Wilderness. The 
 whereabouts of the Little Major is at present unknown." 
 
 CARL — Py Shiniiny, dere is der Little ^lajor! 
 
 TAHI.KAI'. 
 
 THE KXI). 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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