BOOK OF TR€ WORDS OOTOBflR 7'ss. TO 12'!21912 Price, 25 Cents ISl El THE WORDS OF THE PAGEANT Philadelphia October 7-12, 1912 By FRANCIS HOWARD WILLIAMS With notes and adaptations to the field by ELLIS PAXSON OBERHOLTZER Master of the Pageant Cover Design and Color Studies by CHARLES H. STEPHENS Historical Pageant Committee 1912 [g] [a| ■37 ■WJZ Copyright, 1912 by ELLIS PAXSON OBERHOLTZER f CI.A32719S Cpisobes; of ti)t pageant PROLOGUE Exploration and Settlement EPISODE I SCENE I The Coming of William Penn SCENE II The Granting of the Charter to Pennsylvania EPISODE II The Return of the Tea Ship "Polly" EPISODE III SCENE I Arrival of the Delegates to the Conti- nental Congress SCENE II The Declaration of Independence EPISODE IV SCENE I The Battle of Germantown SCENE II The British in Philadelphia SCENE III The Meschianza The Historical Pageant EPISODE V Franklin at the Court of France EPISODE VI SCENE I The Federal Procession SCENE II President Washington at Gray's Gardens SCENE III Echoes of the French Revolution EPISODE VII The War of 1812 EPISODE VIII Lafayette's Reception EPILOGUE The Gathering of the Districts Cfje OTorbS of tlje pageant PROLOGUE INTRODUCTION The arena is a wide meadow, with green hanks sloping to a river. Trumpets announce the Pageant. A Herald rides up the Held and pausing, proclaims: Ye who would learn the glory of your past And form a forecast of the things to be, Give heed to this a city's trumpet-blast And see her pictured life in pageantry. A mounted knight in silver armor, typifying the spirit of exploration and adventure, silently crosses the Held. Sprites enter from all sides and, beckoning to the east, disappear as quickly as they came. CHORUS Here where the river is breaking its heart in the ocean Shall come mighty leaders, undaunted, intrepid, Born with the mien of command and the power Far-seeing and silent. SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) The past thro' lessening vistas stretches back Till in the green of English lanes and all The lowland meadows and the Norse fiords We see the forbears of a later brawn. 8 The Historical Pageant SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) Rather the future hath the nobler view, For see ! An inward prescience opens wide The gateway of the glories yet to be — The time to come when on these banks shall rise The kindly habitations of men strong To wrest from nature life's beatitude. CHORUS Whether in memory or in forecast, here We have a mighty drama, whose large scenes Enfold the birth and nurture into strength Of a great people fashioned in God's ways To bear His banner forth. SCENE I HISTORICAL NOTE To the Dutch is accorded the honor of first visiting the waters now known as Delaware Bay. Henry Hudson, an English navigator in the Dutch service, anchored his yacht, the Halve Maan or Half Moon, at the mouth of the Bay, on August 28, 1609, before proceeding north to view the site of New Amsterdam or New York and for the Kscent of the river which bears his narne. That river the Dutch soon called the North River and the Delaware the South River. Another Dutch boat built at New York of only 16 tons burden, the "Onrust" or "Restless," commanded by Captain Hendrickson visited the Delaware in the summer of 1615. The first Dutchmen to attempt a settle- ment on the South River were members of a party brought here by Captain Cornelia Jacobsen Mey, (whence Cape May) in 1623 or 1624. He came to the present site of Gloucester, N. J., and erected a stockade fort there, called Fort Nassau, which was the stronghold of the Dutch in the southern parts of the colony of New Netherland for many years. It was in sight of the forests of Passaiung, Wicaco and Coquanoc. In a year or two the small colony which was planted here disappeared. The settlers and fur traders of which it was composed made their way to their friends on Man- hattan Island. A number of the directors of the Dutch West India Company soon formed a syndicate to possess themselves of and utilize the lands of the South River. They constituted themselves patroons or feudal chiefs of the country, and with a view to actual colonization engaged the services of David Pietersen de Vries of Hoorn. He was a skipper who had lately returned from a long cruise to the East Indies. The first expedition made up of a sloop and a yacht under command of Captain Peter Heyse came out in 1631. De Vries did not accompany it. The party landed in a creek called Hoern Kill, presumably in honor of Hoorn in Holland, soon corrupted into Hoerkill or Horekill, now Lewes Creek, in lower Delaware state. Here a house was erected and surrounded with palisades. It was named Fort Oplandt and the little settlement was called Swaannendael (the vale or valley of the swans). The principal objects of the colonists were fur trading with the Indians, particularly in beaver skins which then abounded, and fishing for whales, then very plentiful in the bay and river. De Vries says that the colony numbered two and thirty men. They set up a column bearing the arms of Holland on a piece of tin. Some of the Indian sachems tore down this emblem and converted the tin into tobacco pipes. This or other incidents led to ill feeling and a few months after it was established the entire colony was extirpated. De Vries was about to start for America with a second expedition when news reached him of the massacre. He came on undeterred by his discouraging advices, and arrived before the half burned remains of Fort Oplandt early in 1633. The Lenni Lenape, or Delaware Indians who frequented the river banks, were at the time at war with the Mengwe or Minquas or Mingoes, a more militant tribe settled in Maryland and in the Susquehanna country. The Words of the Pageant CAST OF CHARACTERS David Pietersen De Vries, skipper and patroon of Hoorn. Heyndrick de Liefde, his cousin, of Rotterdam, Peter Heyse, of Edam, captain of the sloop Walrus. GiLLiss Hosset, commissary. Colonists, with mastiff, cattle, etc. Soldiers and sailors with guns from the sloop. Indian sachems — Sannoowouns, Wiewit, Pemhacke, Mekowetick, Mathomen, Sacook, Anchoopoen, Janquens, Pokahake, Sakimas, Zeepentor, etc. The scene represents the landing of the Dutch colonists on the Delaware. The Dutch and the Indians mingle upon the Held. CHORUS See how the Lenni Lenape make friends with the white men, Trusting with faith in the faith of a stranger. Haply not always doth Peace spread her wings so benignly, When men of one race come together to barter and struggle In life's competition. Behold, through the greening A bold sailor cometh, De Vries the intrepid. The scene becomes animated. It represents the settlement of Swaannendael on the Horekill or Lewes Creek. The Dutch are planting their colony. Men are seen building huts and carrying utensils and materials. Songs of old Hol- lofid are sung. A band of Indians enter and salute with cries of "Itah!" They join the Dutch in making merry. Captain Heyse gives them schnapps which they drink and call it "iire water." He tells them that the stockade shall be called Fort Oplandt and the settlement Swaannendael. He and Hosset raise a column on which is placed a large tin sign bearing the Dutch arms. CHORUS Soon shall the clouds gather ominous, dark and forbidding, Soon shall the peace pipe be smoked for the last time, Soon shall come discord and blood. While the Indians play reed pipes and tambourines in their frolic, the Dutch give their attention to the river and move off toward the bank. One of the chiefs remrOves the tin containing the painted arms of Holland and begins to break it up. Soon De Vries and a company of sailors in military order advance up th0 bank acco-mpanied by Heyse and his company. They meet the chiefs, zvho seat themselves with the Dutch in a circle. The pipe of peace is smoked and the Dutch are seen paying for the land in merchandise of various kinds. As the negotiations draw to an end, the troops march in and occupy Fort Oplandt. The Indians ob- serve them closely and begin to manifest signs of suspicion and discontent. 10 The Historical Pageant Heyse draws De Vries' attention to the missing arms. The tin is discovered in a crumpled condition on the ground. The pipe of peace is broken and the Indians leave hurriedly. The whites get within the palisades. Armed men are seen prepai'ing for defence. Soon there is heard the war-zvhoop of the Lenni Lenape. They rush in and attack the fort. There is a sharp musketry fire from the palisades which are finally assaulted by the Indians. The Indians carry the defences, and sounds of massacre are heard from within. De Vries is seen at the side of the fort, giving directions to a horseman. De Vries. — Ride for thy life to the friendly tribe of the Minquas. Tell them we perish at the hands of their foes — the tribe of the Delawares. They are bounden to us by treaty, and will come forthwith to our aid. Now ride — ride for thy life, and God speed thee. The horseman dashes off and disappears through the greenery. Meanwhile the Lenni Lenape set fire to the fort, ivhich is soon burned to the ground. A war dance and a wild chant of victory folloiv. An occasional musket shot from be- hind the palisades. Sounds of wailing and cries from zvithin. Finally a commotion is heard. A hand of Minquas rushes in and attacks the Lenni Lenape. A furious battle ensues. The Dutch and Minquas vanquish the Lenni Lenape, who are driven from the field, dead and tvounded being left upon the ground. The men of De Vries' party saJly from the ruins of the fort. SCENE II HISTORICAL NOTE A leading influence in the organization and direction of the Dutch West India Company, William Usselinx, involved himself in disagreements with his associates and laid proposals for a new^ company before the great Gustavus Adolphus. As a result, the Swedish West India Company was formed in 1624. Because of the King's con- tinental wars the plans of the promoter rested for several years. In 1632 Gustavus Adolphus fell on the battlefield of Liitzen, leaving the government in the hands of his little daughter Christina and his chancellor Oxenstierna. The company at length made its arrangements for the colonization of the lands which the Dutch company had been endeavoring to put to some use. Peter Minuit, who had been Director General of New Netherland at New Amsterdam from 1626 until 1632, familiar with conditions on the North and South Rivers, was employed to head an expedition to America. He fitted up two ships, the Kalmar Nyckel (Key of Kalmar) and the Grip (Griffin). With soldiers, colonists, cattle, implements and provisions on board, thej^ reached the South River after various adventures and delays early in 1638. The crews were half Swedish and half Dutch. The colonists, too, were divided in their national origin and fealty. The Dutch had by this time re-occupied Fort Nassau at or near the present Gloucester, N. J. They forbade the Swedes to ascend the river beyond this point. They protested against Swedish settlement at any place on either bank of the great river, within the boundaries of what they were pleased to call New Netherland. Minuit, however, entered Minquas Kill, renaming it Christina, known to this day as Christiana or Christeen Creek. When up about two and a half miles from its mouth he disembarked at "The Rocks" on the site of the present city of Wilmington, and built stockades which with solemn ceremony he christened Fort Christina. Here he planted his colony. In a few months he set sail for home by way of the West Indies, leaving about 25 soldiers and settlers behind him. The Words of the Pageant li CAST OF CHARACTERS Peter Minuit, late of the Dutch West India Company, now director of the Swedish West India Company's expedition to the South River. Mans Kling, in command of the soldiery. Hendrick Huygen, commissary. Jacob Evertssen Sandelin"! ,. Andres Lucassen J Jan Hendricksen, skipper on the Kalmar Nyckel. Michel Symonssen, first mate. Andrian Joransen, skipper on the Grip. Rev. Reorus Torkillus, the first preacher in New Sweden. Jan Jansen, Governor Kieft's representative at Fort Nassau. Mattahoon, Mitatsimint and other Indian chieftains Soldiers, seamen and colonists from the two Swedish ships. Dutchmen on the staff of Jan Jansen from Fort Nassau. CHORUS Now come to these shores the hardy Swedes : Here do they found their town of Christina, Planting the name of a Queen in the Western domain, Ready to fight for the right with the Hollander, Bringing the brawn of their race to the struggle with nature, Bringing their honest endeavor to build up a colony Strong and enduring. As the Chorus is chanting, the scene is changed to represent the settlement of Fort Christina. Meantime the tiring of cannon is heard in the direction of the river. The Indians run down the bank and for a little time disappear from view. They return laden zvith presents in token of further purchases of lands. The Swedes noiv march up the hank and plant posts on zvhich are the letters "C.R.S.' (Christina Regina Sueciae.) Torkillus preaches to the people briefly and bids them kneel. Ja/n Jansen and his men enter. Jansen.— In the name of Governor Kieft, the representative of their High Mightinesses of the States General of Holland, I protest against the planting of any foreign colony in New Netherland. This land is the property of the Dutch by fair purchase sealed with their blood. (Addressing Minuit) On you will fall the blame for all future mishaps, damages, losses, disturbances and bloodshed. Minuit maintains a polite hut unyielding attitude, and the Dutch withdraw in the direction in which they came. Minuit.— Under the protection of the great princess, virgin and electea Queen of the Swedes, Goths and Wends, I christen this land New Sweden. Under the protection of her gracious majesty, I name this fort Christina. The Swedish arms are now placed upon the palisades and a Swedish Hag is raised upon a pole inside the works. 12 The Historical Pageant SCENE III HISTORICAL NOTE The Swedes are scarcely seated under Dutch protest when English colonists arrive from New Haven. Their coming is of course unwelcome to both Dutch and Swedes. The English claims based upon early voyages covered the entire coast. Lord De la Warre was thought to have come into the bay, as was Samuel Argall, a later governor of Virginia. Possibly they may have done so. Anyhow, the Virginians and later the English everywhere attached De la Warre's name to the bay and the river flowing into it. Casual and intermittent efforts had been made by English shipmasters to trade with the Indians and to found settlements, but the first important movement to this end was that directed by a so-called Delaware Company in which George Lamberton, Nathaniel Turner and others were interested persons. Like the Dutch and Swedes, they purchased lands from the Indians, at first on the east side of the Delaware at the Varkin's Kill and a little later on the river which the Dutch called the Schuylkill. Some twenty families of 60 persons — traders and tobacco planters from New Haven — were brought into the river. The Swedish settlement at Fort Christina had been increased in April, 1640, by the arrival of a second expedition under Peter Hollanda'er Ridder apd by a third in November of that year under Joost van Bogaert. Ridder on his side in behalf of the Swedes and Jansen still in command of Fort Nassau for the Dutch, expelled the English on the Schuylkill and burnt their store house and dwellings in 1642. CAST OF CHARACTERS George Lamberton 1 . r .1 t^ 1 r- _ >a^ents 01 the Delaware Lompany. Nathaniel Turner j Robert Coxwell, planter and seaman. English colonists of both sexes, and a few Indians. Swedes under Ridder and van Bogaert. Dutch under Jansen. The scene shows Lamherton's blockhouse on the Schuylkill. While the Eng- lish are at zvork on the surrounding lands, Ridder and van Bogaert appear with a party of Swedes from Fort Christina. Van Bogaert. — What is that standard there, right worthy Governor? Ridder. — That is an English ensign, as I'm alive. Van Bogaert. — And here, beside this fine stream that empties itself into the great river like a flagon of wine down the throat of a Dutchman. Ridder. — In truth. They call it in their own tongue the Schuylkill, because a dunderhead of a Dutch seaman passed it by without seeing its mouth. What say you, van Bogaert, to English neighbors? By this time Lamberton and other Englishmen have come out to meet the Swedish party, which delivers its protest in the name of their queen. Jan Jansen, leading a Dutch party, is seen to approach. He is surprised to find the Swedes on the ground but also protests. Lamberton. — This river is the Delaware. Jansen. — This is the Zuydt River. Ridder. — This land is New Sweden. The English (shouting angrily). — Indeed it is not! This is New Albion! Jansen and His Men. — New Netherland ! The Words of the Pageant 13 The Dutch and Swedes agree together to expel the English, and drive a, pitiful cavalcade without resistance into the zvood. They then set fire to the blockhouse. But the union is not for long. Some one shouts "New Sweden!" Another shouts "New Netherland!" and with these words often repeated, they disappear from the Held in opposite directions. Some Indians zvho have been wit- nessing the scene from the brush now come forward in great glee at the prospect of coniiict between the different groups of zvhite invaders. SCENE IV HISTORICAL NOTE Dutch and Swedes continued their mutual claims upon the river. The Swedes strengthened their position in 1643 when they sent out a new governor, Johan Printz, a cavalry officer — a good soldier, a tactful diplomat, and with it all an ostentatious, a rich and a successful colonial adventurer. His wife and children and a considerable number of Swedish soldiers accompanied him, and he at once began a campaign for the extension of the sphere of Swedish influence on the Delaware. Two vessels made up his expedition, the Fama and the Swan, which reached the Delaware in January, 1643. Fort Christina was too far removed from the Delaware to be useful in the control of the navigation of the river, and almost immediately the construction of a new fort was begun at a point well south of Christina on the east side of the river. This work was called New Elfsborg. Printz himself pressed up the river toward the Schuylkill and built a fine residence called Printz Hall on Tinicum Island. Here he lived in a good deal of splendor, considering the restrictions of the time. The Dutch looked on anxiously, but there were Dutch settlers in New Sweden and some Swedes doubtless in New Netherland. Both were in dread of the English whose intermittent incursions continued. The Dutch opposition ended with protest but other days approached. In 1645 Andries Hudde superseded Jan Jansen as commissary at Fort Nassay (Gloucester) beyond which no Swedish boat might go without being fired upon. In 1647 Governor Kieft's place at New Amsterdam was taken by a vigorous administrator, Peter Stuy- vesant. Disturbed by what Printz had done on the South River, particularly in lock- ing up the Schuylkill, the Dutch in 1648 built a fort on the north side of the Schuylkill near its mouth, called Fort Beversreede, because its object was to control the beaver trade on that river. Printz erected a block house directly in front of the new fort with a view to rendering it useless. His course was so insistent that it was to be borne no longer, and in 1651 the Dutch came around from New Amsterdam in force and constructed a fort on the west side of the river below Christina and north of the stockade at Elfsborg. They named it Fort Casimir, and they transferred to this place the garrison and the cannon which had defended Fort Nassau. Meantime, Printz had appealed again and again, but always vainly, to the Swedish government for reinforce- ments. Unable to be of further use, as he believed, he departed the colony after an administrationof ten years, in 1653, taking a number of colonists with him. He left New Sweden in charge of his son-in-law Johan Papegoja. After the party had gone and some deserters to other colonies had been subtracted from the population, it is estimated that only about seventy souls remained in New Sweden. The number was soon increased by a couple of hundred upon the arrival of a new governor, John Classon Rising. His policy was militant. Coming up before Fort Casimir he demanded its surrender, which was soon eflfected, on Trinity Sunday, 1654, for which reason its name was changed to Fort Trefaldighet (Fort Trinity). Stuyvesant immediately made arrangements to avenge the high-handed act and in 1655 returned to the Delaware with a fleet of sufficient size to retake Fort Casimir and advance upon Fort Christina, which also fell. The Dutch were now supreme upon the Delaware and remained so until the conquest of New Netherland by the English in 1664. 14 The Historical Pageant CAST OF CHARACTERS In Arriving Party: JoHAN Printz, the Swedish Governor, an immense man whom the Indians called "the big tub" (De Vries said that he weighed over 400 pounds — "over de vierhundret pondt woeg"). Madame Printz, the Governor's wife, who was Maria von Linnestau. Armegot Printz, later MadamePapegoja" Catherine Printz Christina Printz j-daughters of the Governor. Elsa Printz GuNiLLA Printz GuSTAF Printz, the Governor's son. Captain Sven Skute, first in command under Printz. Rev. John Campanius (Holm.) Printz's chaplain. Gregorius van Dyck. Other Swedish officers. In Receiving Party: Governor Peter Hollender Ridder. Lieutenant Mans Kling. JoGST VAN Langdonk, Commissary. Joran Olsson, Provost Marshal. Rev. Reorus Torkillus, the preacher of the colony. A barber surgeon, swineherds, planters, soldiers, carpenters, and Indians. Dutch under Sir Peter Stuyvesant and Andries Hudde, who had taken Jansen's place as commissary at Fort Nassau. CHORUS Minuit passes and another comes More powerful, more full of state, withal More conscious of the dignity wherewith His sovereign hath endowed him. Comes Printz the soldier to administer The civil law to all who dwell within New Sweden's bounds. The scene shows the arrival of Printz's party at Fort Christina early in the year 164^. As they are sighted the soldiers in the fort raise the Szuedish Hag and fire a salute. The Rev. Reorus Torkillus gathers his little Hock around him and they sing a psalm as they go doivn to meet their country-people. There are shouts of zuelcome, handshakings, a waving of handkerchiefs and banners. In- dians peep out from behind the trees. Printz advances with his wife and children around him, attended by an escort of brilliantly uniformed Swedish soldiers, a trumpeter and a drummer. They move up to the front of the Held. A few In- dians come to greet them. A party of Dutch are seen to advance also. The Words of the Pageant 15 Printz. — What's he that comes yonder without the invitation of the royal gov- ernor of New Sweden? RiDDER. — They are Dutchmen, your excellency, and they may, methinks, come hither on no good errand. Tis well for them to see this goodly company of well-armed men. Printz. — (To Hudde, who leads) What would you here in the midst of our thanksgiving? Do you come as true subjects of her Royal Majesty and honest colonists? Hudde. — (Cravenly, ordering his Hag to he furled) We come to give you wel- come and to ask your aid against the English. Frintz.— (Haughtily) Then you may go. For my aid is for neither Dutch nor Englishmen. The Dutch withdraw in no good humor. Some of the Swedish colonists follow them and there is scuffling with their rear guard as they again tmfurl their Hag and retire through the wood. Printz and his party now pass off the Held Some of the Swedes return and meet an advancing party of Dutchmen under Sir Peter Stuyvesant, Governor of New Netherland. A general engagement, in which the Indians have a part, follows. Wailing music is heard as all the characters pass off the field. Suddenly the Chorus bursts into triumphal harmonies, alternated zvith the minor chords of the Semi-Chorus. CHORUS Farewell to the era of terrible conflict ! All hail to the spirit of peace that approaches ! I SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Alas ! The blood — the sacrifice. Alas ! The fear. ll SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) He comes the bearer of a message fair, Sent by the Prince of Peace. I SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) See how the field lies sodden with the dead. II SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) From this sad sowing shall there yet arise A harvest of great deeds. l6 The Historical Pageant EPISODE I SCENE I HISTORICAL NOTE William Penn, the son of an English admiral, Sir William Penn, was born in 1644. Much against his father's will he early embraced the religion of George Fox, and became a Quaker, suffering the social ostracism and the legal persecutions which were the portion of this sect and of adherents of other dissenting faiths under the Stuarts. Penn's father died in 1670. A considerable sum was due him from the crown in loans and arrears of pay in the naval service of the kingdom. The son had in view the founding of an asylum for his fellow-Quakers and to further this object at length agreed with Charles II and his brother the Duke of York, afterward James II, to take a tract of wild American land in liquidation of the debt. For obligations in the sum of £16,000 he was given a piece of country beyond the seas "lying north from Mary- land — bounded on the east by the Delaware River, on the west limited as Maryland and northward to extend as far as plantable," containing when its bounds were further defined over 40,000 square miles, an area therefore greater than Ireland and almost as great as that of England itself. The charter was signed at Westminster on March 4, 1681. The king christened the country Pennsylvania, that is, "the sylvan land of Penn," but not without protest from the new proprietor, who became reconciled to the name only because the prefix "pen" signified in the Welsh language a headland. Pennsylvania might mean then "the high or head woodlands." He early planned "a capital city," a "great town." It was to be a "greene country town which will never be burnt and always wholesome." He resolved that it should be called Philadelphia, no doubt suggested by passages in Revelation which refer to Philadelphia in the province of Lydia in Asia Minor. The place was the seat of an early Christian con- gregation and the name signifies brotherly or sisterly love. Soon after he had received his charter, Penn sent his cousin, William Markham, to his colony to prepare it for settlement. A temporary capital was established at Upland (Chester) and three com- missioners, and later Thomas Holme, a surveyor, were despatched to plat Philadelphia, and the surrounding country. Penn himself arranged to follow in the autumn of 1682. He embarked at Deal with about one hundred companions, mostly Quakers, in the Welcome, a ship of 300 tons burden. It came inside the Delaware Capes, the ship's list much decimated by small pox, on October 24, 1682, and five days later was riding at anchor before Upland. Well founded tradition has it that Penn with several asso- ciates came up the Delaware and landed at the Blue Anchor Inn at Dock Creek, that is at the foot of the present Dock Street, early in November. Here he met some of the settlers who were already on the ground, the Swedes resident in Wicaco, and many Indians with whom, legend informs us, he played like a boy. He at once or a little later gave them presents in propitiation and friendship and concluded treaties, one of which tradition locates upon the ground under an elm in Shackamaxon, which is now Kensington. CAST OF CHARACTERS In Landing Party: William Penn. Captain William Markham, his cousin, who met him at Upland. Robert Wade, of Upland. Dr. Thomas Wynne, the Welsh Quaker physician, who accompanied Penn on the Welcome. Ten or twelve other passengers of the Welcome, including David Ogden, Nicholas Waln, Thomas Fitzwater and John Fisher. en (fP ^ ? s. n Ui n >s 3 n o O The Words of the Pageant 17 In Receiving Party: Thomas Holme, the surveyor-general of Pennsylvania. John Bezar ^ Nathaniel Allen >- Commissioners. William Haige j Captain William Dare, "mine host" at the Blue Anchor Inn. Thomas Fairman, of Shackamaxon. Daniel Pegg, whose farm lay on the banks of Cohoquinoque or Pegg's Run. William Warner, who lived west of the Schuylkill, from Blockley, England, a name which he gave to the township in which he made his new home. John Mifflin and his son John, founders of the Mifflin family in America, who were early on the ground. John Drinker, the "first-born" and his parents. He lived to be 102 years of age, or until 1783. Franklin, when asked in England to what age men lived in America replied that he could not tell "until old Drinker died." Rev. Jacob Fabritius, of the Swedish Church of Wicaco, of whom Whittier wrote, "from Finland's birchen groves exiled Manly in thought, in simple ways a child. His white hair floating round his visage mild." Other Swedes from Wicaco, frontier adventurers from the caves on the river bank, sailors and Indians, The arena represents the meadow lands at the mouth of Dock Creek around the Blue Anchor Inn, overlooking the tall forest trees of Coquanoc, the Indian name for ivhat came to be Philadelphia. CHORUS Across the space of storied years, Through all the purpling mists of Time, A voice is wafted to our ears, A figure in the invigored prime Of noble manhood meets our gaze, As back our longing eyes are turned To find, within the vanished days. The heights where Freedom's beacon burned. And these, like benedictions, rest Upon our lives, a dower divine, A heritage benignly blest; Great Founder! Voice and form are thine. We see thee, as, like one apart — Quaker and soldier aptly blent — Of truth of soul and strength of heart Thou stoodst the fair embodiment. l8 The Historical Pageant We hear thee as thy message fell — The evangel of a holier creed — More lofty than the organ's swell, More potent than the conqueror's deed. Like Him who brought the heavenly dower Of peace on earth, good will towards men, Thou earnest on savage heads to shower A blessing, O immortal Penn ! Thine was the blood of truest dye That scoffed at Fortune's cap and bells, — The soul that could not stoop to lie Nor soil the house where honor dwells. Thine, only thine, the faith to keep The pathway that the Master trod. Remembering that, tho' Justice sleep. Her head rests in the lap of God. No city's sumptuous portals reared Shall dull our hearts, no greatness drown Remembrance of the love which cheered The toil of thy green country town. And round thy memory we were fain To weave a wreath of flowers fair, From every hill and every plain Kissed by the tides of Delaware. As the Chorus finishes, figures are seen landing from a pinnace, and coming up through the greenery. William Penn is in the lead, accompanied by William Markham, Robert Wade, Thomas Wynne and others. As they advance. Holme, the commissioners, Fairman, Warner, Pegg, Fabritius and the others go forward. The Indians look on at the scene. Penn. — (After surveying the scene, addressing Markham) Thou hast done well, Cousin Markham. Thou hast chosen a right excellent site for our greene country town as I bade thee do. Holme. — Beyond there where thou seest that great tree is the High Street and going out its length thou wilt come to the Broad Street. Penn. — All is well. 'Tis fair and seemly ground for my capital city. You all have served me to my good satisfaction. Ah {in surprise and delight as he sees John Drinker, a babe in the arms of its mother) a child here in my wilderness? Markham. — In sooth. Cousin William. Born on this ground in yonder cabin rising two years since. The Words of the Pageant 19 Penn.— May God give thee his blessing, my young Pennsylvanian. Love thy mother who will breed thee up dutiful to the Lord. (Fabritius and some Swedes appear, their hats in their hands.) Penn.— (To Fabritius) Thou mayest put on thy hat good man. I am come to be one of you, not to rule as a lord over you. To the natives, too, whose dark skins hide good hearts, I come as a friend. What canst thou and I do here, Thomas (addressing Dr. Thomas Wynne, his companion on the Welcome) to show forth our good disposition toward these people? Wynne.— I wot not, William. They seem scarce in our image. Mayhap God tried us sore of pestilence on our way hither but to prove our souls and fit us better for the making of thy holy experiment. Penn.— Thomas, thou'rt as good a preacher as thou'rt a skilful leech. Penn mingles with the Indians, sitting down on the ground beside them, leaping with them in play, aiming an arrow from one of their bows, giving them a sash which he takes from his person and sending for gifts, which are brought in chests. They are soon Ulled with delight. The Indians go out and bring in skins and corn. They call Penn "Onas." An interpreter appears. Penn.— (To interpreter.) Tell them that I know no religion that destroys cour- tesy, civility and kindness. I have come to put an end to enmity and dis- pute. My policy shall be openness and love and peace. The Indians hear what is translated and communicated to them in their own tongue with marks of approval. The Interpreter.— They say, ''We will live in peace with Onas and his children so long as the sun and moon endure." The Indians with great noise "say Amen in their way." Penn.— (To those grouped around him.) My dear friends, God hath given me this new land in the face of the world. He will bless and make it the seed of a nation. They move off, the Indians in one direction, the English and Swedes in another. 20 The Historical Paseant SCENE II HISTORICAL NOTE William Penn returned to England in 1684 and he was not destined to revisit his colony on the Delaware for fifteen years. Meanwhile much had happened to him personally as well as to England. The pleasure-loving Charles II had died to make way for his brother the Duke of York, who ascended the throne as James II. His infamies, which Macaulay so graphically describes, led to the Revolution of 1688 and the accession of William and Mary. Mary died in 1694 and William III would rule alone until his death jn 1702, to be followed by her sister Anne. Penn's wife, the beloved Gulielma Maria Springett, died in 1694 and his favorite son Springett at the threshold of young manhood followed his mother to the grave in 1696. In that year Penn contracted a second marriage, his choice this time falling upon the daughter of a Quaker merchant in Bristol, Hannah Callowhill. In 1699 when he again set out for his colony she and his daughter by his first wife, Letitia or "Tishe," as he affectionately called her, accompanied him. He came before Philadelphia in his ship the "Canterbury" on December 3, 1699, and the "greene country towne" and his estate on the pelaware, Pennsbury, which had been fitted up for him in his absence, were to be his home for nearly two years. His departure was taken in November, 1701, and he was destined never to return to his province. In the more than fifteen years which had elapsed since his first visit many of the supports and pillars of the colony had been removed by death. Others had come forward to take their places. Philadelphia may have had a population of 3000 or 4000. It boasted of shops and inns, a brew- house or two, brick-kilns, rope-walks and a few other industries. Some commodious homes had been erected near the river side, but the houses for the most part were wooden cabins. The Quaker element predominated but a group of men faithful to the Church of England had gathered here and made themselves quite hostile to Penn and the Friends. The Welsh, some of whom had come with Penn in the Welcome, increased in number. Many families from Wales had settled in the so-called "Welsh Tract" beyond the Schu3dkill, in Merion, Radnor and Haverford, and pressed on into Chester county. German sectarians had begun to arrive. The first of these to enter the colony reached Pennsylvania under Pastorius while Penn was here during his first visit, and settled in Germantown: this was the beginning of a strong tide of immigration from Germany, which reached proportions alarming to the English element in the first half of the eighteenth century. A number of odd German mystics under John Kelpius had established a community on the "Ridge" in the dark fastnesses of the Wissahickon. The Scotch Irish who were destined to come in such numbers at a somewhat later date to people the frontier counties were already seen in the city. In short, Pennsylvania had come to fulfill its founder's purpose: it was a haven for the oppressed in conscience of many national roots. Before his departure in 1701 Penn gave the colony a new charter of privileges and the city a charter for its government, both of which continued in lorce until the Revolutionarv War. CAST OF CHARACTERS William Penn. Hannah Callowhill Penn, his wife. Letitia Penn, his daughter. Andrew Hamilton, the new Governor. William Markham, now Colonel Markham, several times Deputy Governor. James Logan, a young Irishman who came with Penn on his second visit and remained here to represent the Penn interests faithfully until his death. Edward Shippen, Councillor and Mayor. Samuel Carpenter, Councillor and merchant. ("The Stephen Girard of his day in wealth r^nd the William Sansom in the improvements he suggested and the edifices which he built." — Watson) Thomas Story, Councillor and City Recorder. •Aldermen. The Words of the Pageant 21 Phineas Pemberton -^ Griffith Owen (-other Councillors. Caleb Pusey J JosiAH Carpenter Griffith Jones Anthony Morris Thomas Masters Isaac Norris. Jonathan Dickinson. William Trent, who founded Trenton. Thomas Wharton. William Hudson. Toby Leech. Robert Assheton. Joseph Growden. Humphrey Morrey. o Nicholas Waln. Francis Rawle. John Cadwalader. Thomas Fairman, and other citizens. Robert Quarry, John Moore, King's agents, and other Church of England men hostile to Penn. A group of EngHsh colonists of both sexes. A group of Welsh colonists. A group of Swedes from Wicaco, Passyunk and Moyamensing, headed by their priests. A group of Germans headed by Francis Daniel Pastorius and William Rit- tenhouse. Mystics from the "Ridge." Indians. The scene is the wide and grassy space used as a market place at Second and High Streets. CHORUS The law of love doth work its perfect will : The savage breast beneath its touch grows still. And to the brawls of Hollander and Swede The "Quaker King's" mild order shall succeed, And peace and justice shall the measure fill. Translating promise to immortal deed And founding empire in simplicity. 2.2 The Historical Pageant The Scene opens with the arrival of the Welsh to Welsh music. These are followed by the Germafis and the Swedish people in groups. Indians enter and join the crowd. The English citizenry then make their appearance on the scene, and following them come Penn, his wife and daughter, Logan and a retinue, all mounted. Their "creatures" are hitched to trees or held by boys and young men on the outskirts of the crowd which has gathered to witness the pixb- lication of the charter of privileges of the colony and the city charter. Penn. — (To Logan) I have had the wish to see the great charter of the prov- ince published ere I go home. I bid thee draw the people around us, James. (The groups draw near and mingle.) Penn. — (To the multitude) My wish that Pennsylvania should be an asylum for the stricken by Gk)d's blessing is being fulfilled. I hereby grant you, my people, a new frame of government which I am hopeful will be for your well-being. Some religions persecute, mine forgives. Whoever is in the wrong, those who use force in religion can never be in the right. There- fore, I, William Penn, proprietary and governor of the province of Penn- sylvania, by virtue of the King's letters patent, again confirm my grant to you all of freedom of conscience as to your religious profession and wor- ship under one Almighty God — the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the world. The councillors draw near and receive the parchment. Penn (continuing). — To you who are of my dear Philadelphia, I grant further this charter for your government. Your town and borough shall be a city. Virgin settlement of this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what service and what travail has there been to bring thee forth and preserve thee from such as would abuse and defile thee. O ! that thou mayst be kept from the evil that would overwhelm thee; that, faithful to the God of thy mercies in the life of righteousness, thou mayst be preserved to the end. The Mayor and Aldermen receive the scroll representing the City Charter. CHORUS Justice and Mercy and Love: Love of each man for his brother, Philos-Adelphos, fit motto of them who establish Here on the banks of the swift-flowing rivers Deep the foundations of Penn's noble city. The Words of the Pageant 23 I SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Dim in the mystical past, in far Lydia, Men reared the walls of a wonderful city ; Weaving their motto of Philos-Adelphos into their covenant, — Naming the work of their hands Philadelphia, — Philos-Adelphos, — brotherly love. II SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) Philos-Adelphos, — a phrase of the ages, — Now in this western dominion renascent. Here on the banks of the Delaware born again Into a grandeur which through coming centuries Swiftly shall dwarf all the dreams of fair Lydia — Fair Philadelphia — city of Penn. CHORUS Behold a city where a forest stood, Behold the reign of Equity begun, Farewell the Founder of a Mighty state And hail an empire based on Equity. The Historical Pageant EPISODE II HISTORICAL NOTE The differences between England and her American Colonies reached an angry stage in 1765 when the Stamp Act was passed, and she asserted the right of taxing them for her support. Benjamin Franklin had gone abroad to represent the province in London in 1757. He returned in 1762 but went out again as the colonial agent in 1764 to remain away for ten years. He was appealed to on the subject of the Stamp Act, but his protests were unavailing. The Philadelphians when the stamp paper arrived refused to permit it to be landed or sold. The merchants signed the "Non Importation Resolutions," pledging themselves not to trade with Great Britain until the offensive law should be repealed, as it was in the following year. In 1767, however, the ministry reasserted its right to make levies upon the colonists in a law relating to paper, glass, tea, etc. The duties on these articles with the exception of tea, were abolished in 1770 but without mollifying the public resentment. The people resolved to use no tea. At length in 1773 the East India Company was authorized to send a number of cargoes to America. Town meetings were held to declare that they should not be received. It was announced in October that the Polly, Captain Ayres, would bring the tea to Philadelphia. It was principally consigned to two solid Quaker firms, Thomas and Isaac Wharton and James and Drinker, who were asked to resign their offices as the stamp master had been, and promptly did so. Captain Ayres was threatened with tar and feathers by a mob. In the midst of the excitement an express arrived to announce that in Boston the tea had been thrown into the harbor. At last the "Polly" entered the Delaware. A committee went out to meet the Captain and he was brought up to the city. He was told that he must send his ship down the river on the next tide. He himself might remain in town until the next day, but only for the purpose of replenishing his stores for the return voyage to England. When he had learned of the temper of the people he complied with the best grace he could command, and quiet returned for a little while to the city and the colony. CAST OF CHARACTERS Thomas Willing John Dickinson Dr. Benjamin Rush Robert Morris William Bradford Thomas Mifflin Charles Thomson V Citizens. Provost William Smith George Clymer Joseph Reed Samuel Powel John Nixon Thomas Fitzsimmons Elizabeth Drinker. Lydia Darragh. Mary Pemberton. Martha James. Margaret Morris. Rebecca James, a young girl. Thomas Wharton. The Words of the Pageant 25 Abel James. Deborah Franklin. Sarah Franklin Bache. Captain Ayres, of the tea ship Polly. Pickle Herring, a clown, and other Fair Day characters. A crowd numbering about 300 persons. CHORUS Behold ! the sun is mounting to his noon : The city grows apace; Yet Peace begins to pale and all too soon Shall veil her radiant face, — Shall veil for weary years her radiant face. The arena represents the market place at the time of the Autumn Fair — October, 177s- ^ pack train and some cows zvith hells are seen. In the fore- ground Fair-day stalls and a mob which comes in in parties from both sides of^ the Held, and in which may be seen types of citizens both rich and poor: — beaux and belles on horseback ; German country girls on horses zvith panniers; Indians dancing and capering; paupers, Fair-day characters, a cloivn (Pickle Herring, well knozmi at the time in the colonies), gingerbread men, piemen, Punch-and- Judy showmen, some British soldiers of the Royal Irish Regiment (i8th) from the Barracks, Quakers, etc. Charles Thomson. — (To Bradford) It seems that our Dr. Franklin is making but little progress in regard to our weighty matters in England. Bradford. — From the news I had but now at the Coffee House, I well believe that his success hath been but middling. Rush. — Thou meanest about the detestable tea scheme. The drink made from that East Indian weed is assuredly now not often seen in this part of the King's dominion. I commend to my patients, mother of thyme with a little hyssop or some peppermint and yarrow. They brew as well. "Tea, how I tremble at the baneful name. Like Lethe fatal to the love of fame." Morris (coming up). — The affair is no subject for jest and it's like to come to a bitter end. I hear the ministry hath allowed the East India Company to despatch several cargoes of tea hither on which the tax is to be paid. Thomson. — That it will not be if my ears make correct report. Mifflin. — What hast thou heard? Thomson. — That the tea is to be sent back to England whence it comes. It shall get no landing here. The Whartons and Abel James have promised not to receive it. The Delaware pilots are threatened if they bring up the ship. Dickinson. — I trust all may be done without violence. Willing. — Yet must we keep our dignity, come what may. The tea may follow the stamps, say I. Taxation without representation I hold in abhorrence. 26 The Historical Pageant Morris. — It is not to be thought on. The resolutions passed at the meeting in the State House yard were definite enough. The action of the ministry is a violent attack upon the liberties of America. Pickle Herring (with a shrub labeled "Tec^' which he sets down and addresses) . — Thou accursed Qiina herb ! "How might we blush if our sires could see Our rights invaded by this shrub Bohea." Bohea tea ! see ! A party of sailors come rollicking along, one or two seeming slightly tipsy. They shout "We never drink tea," and sing as they pass on: "Here's to the wind that blows To the ship that goes, And to the lass that loves a sailor." A citizen in a chaise draws near and calls for more toasts. He suggests one: "May Great Britain always be just and America always be free." (Loud Hussas.) A Sailor (tipsy). — Liberty to mankind! (All laugh) A Citizen. — Here's to Paoli! May the glorious spirit of Corsica animate America to the latest posterity. Abel James, one of the Quaker merchants to whom the tea is consigned, becomes the center of interest in the crowd. He promises that he will not receive his part of the cargo and offers his little daughter standing on a hogshead as a pledge of his good faith. There is a commotion in the crowd at right, as an Express comes in breathless. Express. — Hear ye all ! Captain Ayres in the teaship Polly hath just cast anchor in the Delaware ! Great excitement among the people. A Voice. — We'll tar and feather him and funnel his rotten tea down his throat. Many Voices. — Ay, ay ! And the quicker the better. Voices. — Tar and feathers ! Tar and feathers ! A kettle of tar and an old feather bed are brought on the scene, and a pro- cession is formed marching to the music of a fife. Dickinson, (coming up hastily) Peace! Peace! Let us act orderly that our cause be not jeopardized. I pray ye use no violence. Voices. — Here he comes ! Here he comes ! Let's teach the villain a lesson ! Dickinson. — Peace! Peace! No violence. Captain Ayres conies in through a lane of people. Some boys hustle him but show no further indignity, being restrained by Dickinson, Willing, MiMin and other leading citizens. A committee of four zmit upon him and inform him concerning the temper of the people, whereupon he agrees to depart, at tvhich there is much huzzaing. The Words of the Pageant 27 A mob which is formed carrying a large sign rudely painted, "No taxation without representation," sings: "Captain once more hoist your streamers Spread your sails and plow the wave ! Tell your masters they were dreamers, When they thought to cheat the Brave." The crowd again surges out, the British troops being someivhat hustled but preserving good temper. The roistering sailors pass across the arena singing: "Here's to the wind that blows, To the ship that goes. And to the lass that loves a sailor." As the crowd moves from the field, the Chorus sings a song of the time in Philadelphia, written by John Dickinson and sung to the tune of "Hearts of Oak." "Our worthy forefathers, let's give them a cheer. To climates unknown did courageously steer. Through oceans and deserts for freedom they came And dying bequeathed us their freedom and fame. Chorus "In freedom we're born And in freedom we'll live. Our purses are ready. Steady, friends, steady ! Not as slaves but as freemen Our money we'll give. "The tree their own hands had to Liberty reared They lived to behold growing strong and rever'd; With transport they cried, 'Now our wishes we gain, For our children shall gather the fruits of our pain.' Chorus "In freedom, etc. "Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all. By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall. In so righteous a cause let us hope to succeed. For Heaven approves of each generous deed. Chorus "In freedom, etc. "All ages shall speak with amaze and applause Of the courage we'll show in support of our laws. To die we can bear, but to serve we disdain. For shame is to freemen more dreadful than pain." Chorus "In freedom, etc. 28 The Historical Pageant EPISODE III SCENE I HISTORICAL NOTE Events moved on apace. As a punishment for the destruction of the tea in the harbor at Boston, the port was declared to be closed to commerce. Warships were at hand to enforce the law. This act aroused the resentment of the other colonies. A Continental Congress convened in Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia in September, 1774. On April 24 an express arrived announcing the Battle of Lexington. The people were aflame. Franklin came home from England on May 6, 1775, and a few days later the delegates to the second Continental Congress reached the city. The Virginians and other Southern delegates, George Washington among them, came on May 9, and the Eastern delegates, led by John Hancock, John Adams and Samuel Adams of the province of Massachusetts Bay, on whose soil the first blood had been shed, were welcomed on the following day. May 10. Companies of militiamen, or Associators as they were called, marched out to receive both cavalcades and escort them into the city. CAST OF CHARACTERS Southern Delegates: Colonel George Washington Patrick Henry Richard Henry Lee Edmund Pendleton > of Virginia. Benjamin Harrison Richard Bland Peyton Randolph Some Maryland and Carolina Delegates. Caesar Rodney "1 George Read > of Delaware. Thomas McKean J Eastern Delegates: John Hancock Thomas Gushing John Adams Samuel Adams Robert Treat Paine > of Massachusetts Bay. Other delegates from New England, New York and New Jersey. Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Paine. Robert Morris. James Wilson. George Clymer, Betsy Ross, The Words of the Pageant 29 Lydia Darragh. John Dickinson -^ Daniel Roberdeau wMilitia Colonels. John Cadwalader J Irregular bodies of Associators, with music. A mob of citizens. The arena represents the commons zuest of the town in May, IJIS- ^ great crozvd of excited people. Recruiting sergeants at tables enrolling volunteers. John Dickinson, Daniel Roberdeau and John Cadwalader, as Colonels, organising their several commands. Benjamin Franklin enters, escorted by Thomas Paine, Robert Morris, James Wilson, George Ciymer and other Pennsylvanians. Tivo cavalcades appear, escorting the delegates. The first comes from the South, the second from New England. Enter with the SoutJicrn group, George Washington, Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee and others. They are escorted by the new city militia officers, by citizens on Jwrscback and by bodies of Associators. Enter with the Nezv England group, John Hancock and Samuel Adams in a phaeton and pair, John Adams and Thomas Gushing in a one-horse chaise, and others similarly escorted with music, moving at a "slozv and solemn pace." All proceed to the front of the field, while bells are heard chiming from' among the trees. The scene is animated plainly evidencing the excite- ment of a coming struggle. Marked attention is shown the delegates from Mas- sachusetts, the opening ground of the war. They are loudly acclaimed. Ther&, is an impressive meeting between the New Englanders and Franklin, who, when the cavalcade reaches him, becomes the centre of attention. Franklin. — {Solemnly.) Mars seems to have established his empire among us. John Adams. — The time has come for us to defend with arms our property, our liberty and our lives. Voices. — Colonel Washington ! Washington ! Washington ! Let Washington lead our troops to avenge the blood of Lexington. Washington acknowledges the salutation by bozving in a dignified way. Franklin now comes forward and is again the centre of the scene, zvhile the Chorus sings CHORUS To-day we look upon the studious men Who from the Junto grew to stature tall In philosophic thought, and once again Across the years the name of Franklin call. 30 The Historical Pageant I SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Back to the yesterdays we turn; once more Turn from sweet Peace, with smiling summer eyes, To meet the darkling frown of horrid War, Hateful amid his scarlet panoplies. Thro' the dim twilight comes the roll Of Braddock's drums, while, faint and clear, The fife's high treble falls ; And marching feet press towards the goal, The inhospitable frontier. And lo! we find commanding here Him who to duty's calls Is never deaf, — the valiant soul, The heart which naught appals, — The soldier and the seer. II SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) While freemen fight that still they may be free. Hurling defiance back to arrogance. The brain of Franklin still shall find the key To unlock the heart of France. He with persuasive voice and facile pen Shall plead the virtues of his country's cause, Winning with eloquence. Battles more fraught with consequence than when Sword meets with bloody sword and patriots pause For swift attack or obstinate defense. CHORUS Back to the city of their love, where Penn, Proclaiming full release From fetters of the conscience, had begun Man's noblest struggle for the rights of men, — Resplendent in the light of great deeds done, — Shall come the fairest fruitage of sweet Peace, — Franklin the seer, — the patriot Washington. As the Chorus concludes, the crowd passes off and dears the field which is prepared for the next scene. The Words of the Pageant 31 SCENE II HISTORICAL NOTE The Congress was in session constantly in the last months of 1775 and in 1776. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, in obedience to instructions from his colony, offered the following resolutions: "Resolved that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and inde- pendent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved." On June 11, a committee of five members, consisting of Thomas Jefferson of Vir- ginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and R. R. Livingston of New York, was appointed to frame a Declaration of Independence. On July 2, Lee's motion was adopted, and that day, it was believed by John Adams, would be "celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." The language of the Declaration was now discussed by the Congress. It was approved on July 4, which soon became the day for popular anniversary observances. On July 8 the Declaration was read by John Nixon from the observatory in the State House Yard, and the bells were rung. CAST OF CHARACTERS John Nixon. Thomas Jefferson Benjamin Franklin John Adams Roger Sherman R. R. Livingston Other members of the Cangress. Isaac Hunt (father of Leigh Hunt). Betsy Ross. Lydia Darragh. Sarah Franklin Bache. Deborah Norris. Sally Wister. Polly Fishbourne. A mob of citizens. Companies of Associators. The scene shows the State House Yard crowded with Colonials. Isaac Hunt (a Tory) paraded in a cart to the music of "The Rogue's March," the crowd hoot- ing. Hunt is made to stand up in the cart and express his "extreme pain and regret at having vilified Congress," amid mingled jeers and cheers. A hand of Associators enter with the King's arms, which they have torn down in the State House and proceed to hum. From the platform, John Nixon, surrounded by memhers of Congress, is read- ing the Declaration of Independence, the midtitude shouting applause. The Committee on the Declaration. 32 The Historical Pageant heads of three young Quaker misses, Debby Norris, Sally Wister and Polly Fish- bourne, rise above the wall on Fifth Street surrounding the gardens of the Norris mansion. At the conclusion of the reading the State House bell is heard pealing forth "Liberty through all the land — unto all the inhabitants thereof." Christ Church and other bells join in the celebration. The Philadelphia Associators composed of three battalions of infantry, under Colonels Dickinson, Roberdeau and Cadwalader, march in and are drawn up on dress parade. During their evolutions the Chorus sings: THE PENNSYLVANIA MARCH (Tune: "I winna marry any mon but Sandy o'er the lea.") "We are the troops that ne'er will stoop To wretched slavery, Nor shall our seed by our base deed Despised vassals be. Freedom we will bequeath to them Or we will bravely die. Our greatest foe e'er long shall know How much did Sandwich* lie. "What! Can those British tyrants think Our fathers crossed the main And savage foes and dangers met To be enslaved again? If so they are mistaken much For we will rather die, And since they have become our foes Their forces we defy." There is great enthusiasm. "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flozt/' is sung by the Chorus supported by the band, the music being punctuated by the firing of cannon and the pealing of bells. *Lord Sandwich, who had said that the Americans would not fight. The Words of the Pageant 33 EPISODE IV SCENE I HISTORICAL NOTE The advance of the British army upon Philadelphia, the capital of the Colonies, was feared late in 1776. Congress, the Pennsylvania Assembly and many families fled for safety. The operations of Washington's army around Trenton at Christmas time led to a feeling of reassurance in the city and those who had departed gradually returned. The alarm was renewed in August, 1777, when it was announced that a large fleet had sailed from New York. Its destination was probably the Delaware River. Washington moved his positions restlessly and at last when it was clear that the ships had entered the Chesapeake instead of the Delaware and that the troops would be landed on the banks of the Elk River, he started on his way south. The ragged regiments passed through Philadelphia with twigs of green in their caps on August 24th, making the best appearance possible in order to create a favorable impression on the minds of the inhabitants. They met the British army which was commanded by Sir ^yilliam Howe, on the field of Brandywine in Chester County, near the Maryland line, on September 11, and were defeated. The noise of the guns was distinctly heard in Philadelphia and the people again sought safety in flight. Howe moved forward and on September 22d, he established his camp in Germantown. On September 26th, Cornwallis with a considerable body of troops came down the Second street road and entered Philadelphia. Washington meanwhile planned another battle. He had been manoeuvering at the Schuylkill fords. On October 4th, his scouts drove in the British outposts at Mount Airy, and Wayne, Sullivan and Conway pressed the troops into the village. They were soon in collision with the Tenth and Fortieth Regiments and the Second Battalion of Light Infantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave of the Fortieth Regiment in his flight placed a body of his men in "Cliveden," the fine stone country house of Chief Justice Chew, and this became a critical point in the ensuing battle. A considerable part of the American forces passed on to engage other bodies of the British. More might well have done so. The fogs of October, the smoke of the guns and the misunderstanding among the American generals led at length to a precipitous retreat. Musgrave held his position against a siege of cannon, sharp musketry firing and incendiaries until he was relieved near the end of the engagement by General Grey. CAST OF CHARACTERS Americams: General Washington. General Wayne. Generals Sullivan, Armstrong, Conway, Knox, Maxwell, Greene, Reed, Smallwood, Muhlenberg, and others. Captain Allan McLane, with a party of his riders. Three or four hundred American troops of different commands. British: Sir William Howe. General Knyphausen ("Old Knyp"). Colonel Musgrave, of the 40th Regiment. Generals Grey, Agnew, Grant, Mathew, etc. The Fortieth Regiment, the Second Light Infantry and other bodies of British soldiery. 34 The Historical Pageant CHORUS We stand to-day upon the sacred soil Trodden of patriot feet when war's alarms Flung their rude summons on the ears of toil From far across the brown and sunlit farms. I SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Here stood pale Kelpius, fleeing from the stress Of this fair world's alluring comradeships, Where the sad Woman-in-the- Wilderness Waited her radiant Lord's apocalypse. Pastorius the learned and austere, Bringing his gift of tongues to quell each strife, And with his words of comfort oft to cheer The grim privations of a pilgrim's life. So from the pages of the storied past We glean the lesson of work well begun. And as our lives a longer shadow cast, Learn deeper reverence for the men who won From hard inhospitable rocks the means To rear the hearthstones of our stalwart sires And plant a standard mid Earth's shifting scenes And Life's elusive and inconstant fires. n SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) And there shall come an echo on the air Of Musgrave's volleys and the iron roar Of Conway's guns pounding their answer there On window barred and barricaded door. And soon the roadways of the startled town, Shall gleam with bayonets glinting in the sun, And we shall hear the horsemen charging down, Obedient to the word of Washington. CHORUS And tho' the mists of gathering years may blot Each scutcheon and each hallowed shrine profane. No noble word is ever quite forgot Nor any high ideal wrought out in vain. The Scene is set with the Chew House at one side of the Held. Statues are disposed upon the lawti. A British Light Infantry sentry is seen in middle dis- tance, walking back and forth. From the left, a relief party approaches the sen- tinel, who halts. All retire at "double time." In middle distance now are seen The Words of the Pageant . 35 Washington, Wayne a^d other American Generals advancing. They ride up and dismount for a conference near the front of the Held. They mount again and retire rapidly to rear and out of sight. A body of British Light Infantry now appear anid form in "open order." Wayne comes forward with his men. The battle begins by sounding the Light Infantry drum. Wayne keeps advancing and driving the British before him, his men shouting, "Have at the bloodhounds. Remember Paoli." The Fortieth, Regiment is brought forward to support the Light Infantry. General Howe rides up and shouts, "For shame Light Infantry. I never saw you retreat before." But the retreat continues. The Fortieth Regiment takes refuge in the Chew House. They close the shutters of the house on the first story and barricade the doors. The red coats are seen at the upper-story windows. Some appear upon the roof. The Americans stop to survey the improvised fort and send out Lieutenant^ Colonel Smith zvith a white flag, summoning the "garrison" to surrender. Smith is shot down and a general engagement is begun betzveen the British at the win- dows and the Americans disposed upon the lawn. A log is brought up and an effort is made to batter in the front door. The Chevalier Duplessis and John Laurens go for straw and attempt to set lire to the house. They are beaten back and return to the American lines. Some small guns are brought up for a bom- bardment. The Fortieth Regiment in the house is relieved at length by the men from the Seventeenth and Forty-fourth Regiments under General Grey. As the Americans retire, General Agnezv is seen to fall from his horse. He is caught by some sol- diers standing near and placed in a litter. The Sixteenth Light Dragoons appear and follow the British Foot off the Held. SCENE II HISTORICAL NOTE It is credibly asserted that Sir William Howe, thinking that the battle of German- town would result in his defeat, had planned a retreat to Chester. The retirement of the Americans from this ill-managed engagement to camps at a greater distance from the city (at a little later date to Valley Forge), led to Howe's resolution to remain in Philadelphia. The city offered him a pleasant winter rendezvous. He and his officers quartered themselves in the best Quaker homes. The public buildings became hospitals, barrack rooms and stables. The entire city was soon converted into an armed camp for upwards of thirty British regiments, and large auxiliary bodies of German and Loyalist troops. Many Tories accompanied the army to occupy the houses and shops of the Whigs who had sought safer retreats. CAST OF CHARACTERS The troops used ir* the first scene, together with the Forty-second Highlanders ("Black Watch"), Hessian Jaegers, Queen's Rangers, etc. The Forty-second Highlanders are seen marching and countermarching, to the music of the pipers. The Queens Rangers, a Tory Regiment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe, and other bodies of British soldiery appear and go dozvn to the river to receive Sir William Howe and Lord Howe, who are assembled for the next scene. 36 The Historical Pageant SCENE III HISTORICAL NOTE While Washington and his troops suffered the gravest hardships among the hills at Valley Forge, Howe and his army were comfortably ensconced in Philadelphia. The river was opened to the British fleet, and Admiral Lord Howe (Sir William Howe's brother) came up with large quantities of supplies. The young officers found a welcome in the city's Tory homes, and the winter was marked by much social gayety. "Assemblies, concerts, clubs and the like," wrote a captain of the Hessian Jaegers, "make us forget there is any war save that it is a capital joke." Sir William Howe's indolence at length led to his recall, and just prior to the taking of the resolve to evacuate the city he was superseded in command by Sir Henry Clinton. His brother officers, led by the ill-fated Andre, in token of their esteem, arranged, before his departure, a noteworthy festival which they called the Mischianza, or more properly the Meschianza (an Italian word meaning a medley), for May 18, 1778. It included a regatta on the Delaware River participated in by "swarms" of decorated boats, a tournament at "Walnut Grove," some distance south of the city, the home of Joseph Wharton, a wealthy Quaker merchant, and in the evening, a ball, a supper, and an elaborate exhibition of fireworks. CAST OF CHARACTERS Sir William Howe. Lord Howe. Sir Henry Clinton, Lord Cornwallis. General Knyphausen. Other British officers, grenadiers, dragoons, chasseurs, etc. Sir John Wrottlesley, Colonel O'Hara, Major Gardiner and Captain J. F. Montresor, managers of the Meschianza. Major Gwynne, Marshal of the Field. Knights of the Blended Rose (White Knights): Lord Cathcart of the 17th Dragoons, chief knight, with two esquires and slaves. Hon. Captain Cathcart of the 23rd Regiment, first knight, with one esquire. Lieutenant Bygrove of the i6th Dragoons, second knight, with one esquire. Captain John Andre of the 26th Regiment, third knight, with one esquire. Captain Horneck of the Guards, fourth knight, with one esquire. Captain Matthews of the 41st Regiment, fifth knight, with one esquire. Lieutenant Sloper of the 17th Dragoons, sixth knight, with one esquire. Herald. Trumpeters. Knights of the Burning Mountain (Black Knights) : Captain Watson of the Guards, chief knight, with two esquires and slaves. Lieutenant Underwood of the loth Regiment, first knight, with one esquire. Lieutenant Winyard of the 64th Regiment, second knight, with one esquire. Lieutenant Delaval of the 4th Regiment, third knight, with one esquire. M. MoNTLUissANT of the Hessian Chasseurs, fourth knight, with one esquire. The Words of the Pageant 37 Lieutenant Hobart, oi the 7th Reg-iment, fifth knight with one esquire. Brigade-Major Tarleton, sixth knight, with one esquire. Herald. Trumpeters. Ladies of the Blended Rose: Miss Auchmuty, chief knight's lady. Miss Nancy White, first lady. Miss Jane Craig, second lady. Miss Peggy Chew, third lady. Miss Nancy Redman, fourth lady. Miss William in a Bond, fifth lady. Miss Mary Shippen, sixth lady. Ladies of the Burning Mowntain: Miss Rebecca Franks, chief knight's lady. Miss Sarah Shippen, first lady. Miss Peggy Shippen (afterwards Mrs. Benedict Arnold) second lady. Miss Becky Bond, third lady. Miss Becky Redman, fourth lady. Miss Sophia Chew, fifth lady. Miss Williamina Smith, sixth lady. A company of spectators drawn from the Tory families of the city. The scene shozvs the gardens surrounding the Wharton House, "Walnut Grove." Tzvo arches lead to the river, one a naval arch dedicated to Lord Howe, the other a military arch dedicated to Sir William. Hozve. Between them is the tilting ground, lined with troops. At each side a pavilion for the tzvo parties of ladies in zvhose honor the tournament is given and for the officers and other spectators. The two parties of ladies enter from the house. The General and the Admiral zvith their retinues, headed by music, come up from the river through a double Me of Grenadiers, supported by horse, under the standards of the several regiments, and take their places. They are greeted zvith plaudits, the ladies scattering Hozvers before them and the troops presenting arms. The sound of trumpets is heard. The trumpeters enter the quadrangle follozved by the herald and the seven knights of the Blended Rose, mounted on white horses, zvith their esquires. The procession moves around the field saluting the ladies. White Herald. — The Knights of the Blended Rose, by me their Herald pro- claim and assert that the Ladies of the Blended Rose excel in wit, beauty and every accomplishment those of the whole world, and should any knight or knights be so hardy as to dispute or deny it, they are ready to enter the lists with them and maintain their assertions by deeds of arms, accord- ing to the laws of ancient chivalry. 38 The Historical Pageant Three times he makes the proclamation from different parts of the Held. Trumpets are heard again, announcing the Black Herald who parleys with the White Herald. He orders his trumpets to sound and proclaims defiance to the challenge. Black Herald. — The Knights of the Burning Mountain enter these lists not to contend with words, but to disprove by deeds of arms, the vainglorious assertions of the Knights of the Blended Rose, and to show that the ladies of the Burning Mountain as far excel all others in charms as the knights themselves surpass all others in prowess. Going out, he brings in the Black Knights all mounted on black horses, who ride around the Held, saluting the ladies. They draw up in front of the White Knights. The chief of the White Knights having throuon down his gauntlet, the chief of the Black Knights orders his esquire to take it up. The knights are presented with their shields and lances by their esquires. The trumpets sound the charge. At the -first meeting the lances are shivered; at the second and third charges, pistols are fired; at the fourth, swords are used. Then the chief knights of the opposing sides. Lord Cathcart and Captain Watson, ride to the centre of the field and engage in single combat with their szvords until parted by the Marshal who rushes upon the field. Marshal Gwynne. — Your fair ladies command you to desist from further com- bat as you prize their future favors. They are perfectly satisfied with the proofs of your love. The knights now form a line, each black knight beside a zvhite knight in token of the restoration of friendship. They ride in front of the stands, each saluting his lady. Flowers are showered upon them. The bands play and all sing "God Save the King." The officers, ladies and guests pass into the house, and so leaite the field. The troops pass off in the other direction. The Words of the Pageant 39 EPISODE V HISTORICAL NOTE Franklin left Philadelphia on October 26, 1776, accredited as one of the American ambassadors to the court of France. His associates were Silas Deane and Arthur Lee. Congress had the hope of presenting the cause of the Colonies in such a light that the King would enter the war as an ally. An old rival of England on the American continent, a traditional enemy in Europe, it would be easy, it was conceived, to secure assistance in that quartei:. Franklin remained at Paris for nine years. From the beginning he outshone his colleagues. His fame had preceded him. His tactful conduct increased his vogue and his mission became one of the most remarkable in the history of diplomacy. He was a favorite at court and the idol of the people. His personality made him a principal influence in bringing about the treaty which, after the Battle of Germantown and the surrender of Burgoyne, was concluded between France and the United States. He and his associates were received at court in March, 1778, when the alliance was publicly avowed and celebrated. He enjoyed another notable reception in April, 1779, in testimony of his appointment as the sole American plenipotentiary to France. It was on this occasion, according to tradition, that_ a lady of the court placed a wreath of laurel upon his brow (celebrated in the familiar picture at the court of France), but he was the recipient of so much attention of this kind at Versailles and elsewhere during his residence abroad that it is difficult to assign the scene which follows to a particular date. CAST OF CHARACTERS Louis XVI, King of France. Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. Princess Lamballe, her friend. Count de Vergennes, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ministers, nobles, ladies of honor, ladies in waiting, other ladies of the Court. Benjamin Franklin. Swiss Guards in their ancient dress, French soldiers, priests, etc. CHORUS Hail! Franklin, ambassador, brother, Philosopher, patriot, hail ! The love of our lands for each other Is a light that shall never turn pale. We bow to the roses of beauty. We drink to the fruit of the vine, But our paramount love is for our duty, — For the strength of the oak and pine. Our songs with all joys are a-quiver, Yet find their fruition in thee As the silvery laugh of the river Grows still in the calm of the sea. Hail ! Franklin, ambassador, brother Philosopher, patriot. Hail! 40 The Historical Pageant The scene shows the ornamental gardens at Versailles. The King and Queen with their retinue enter. The priests cry, "Vivat Rex in aetermim!" Cries of "Vive Louis!" "Vive Antoinette!" "Long Live the King!" Franklin enters in a sedan chair, with two or three attendants, while the white lily-dotted Hag of the France of the Bourhorts is lowered in salute. There are cries of "Vive Franklin!" "Vive I'ambassadeur des treize provinces unies!" "Vive V Amerique !" "Vive le grand Franklin!" He steps from his sedan leaning upon a staff. With long grey locks unpowdered and his simple dress, he is welcomed as a kind of new Solon or Lycurgus. He is received by the King and Queen. A lady places a wreath upon his head and kisses his cheek. The ladies atid theif gentlemen attendants dance a minuet. The Words of the Pageant 41 EPISODE VI SCENE I HISTORICAL NOTE The bonds which held the states together after the Revolution were weak; they grew weaker as the enthusiasm of war subsided and made way for the interests and tasks of peace. During the summer of 1787, a convention of delegates from the states met at the State House under the presidency of General Washington and framed a Constitution. It was adopted on September 17th and was sent out at once to be ratified. It should become effective when nine states approved it. Delaware voted in its favor on December 7th, Pennsylvania on December 12th and New Jersey on December 13th. These three states were followed by Georgia, Connecticut, Massachu- setts, Maryland and South Carolina in the order named. The ninth state to ratify the Constitution was New Hampshire on June 21, 1788. Arrangements were at once begun for a celebration in Philadelphia for the 4th of July, 1788. Before that time, news was received that Virginia, the tenth state, had approved the work of the Convention. Only North Carolina, New York and Rhode Island remained out of the Union. The celebration took the form of a well planned parade through the streets, called the Federal Procession. Two structures, the Grand Federal Edifice or "New Roof", showing 13 columns, three of which were incomplete, and the Federal Ship Union built upon the lines of a frigate of the day, were marked objects. Many prominent citizens rode and walked in the procession which was dispersed at "Union Green" upon the grounds of "Bush Hill", the Hamilton mansion northwest of the city. Here James Wilson delivered an oration and there were other appropriate ceremonies. CAST OF CHARACTERS John Nixon Thomas Fitzsimmons George Clymer Colonel John Shee Richard Bache Peter Muhlenberg Chief Justice McKean ^ Judge William Augustus Atlee l Judge Jacob Rush J Duncan Ingraham, New^ Hampshire Jonathan Williams, Jr., Massachusetts Jared Ingersoll, Connecticut Samuel Stockton, New Jersey James Wilson, Pennsylvania Col. Thomas Robinson, Delaware J. E. Howard, Maryland Col. Febiger, Virginia W. Ward Burrows, South Carolina George Meade, Georgia - Mounted figures in the Federal Procession of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in their robes of office. Representatives of the ten rati- fying states walking arm in arm with flags. 42 The Historical Pageant Hilary Baker George Latimer John Wharton John Nesbitt Representatives of the citizens at large to whom the Samuel Morris | Constitution was committed by the Convention of 1787 John Brown | ^^^^^^ -^^ ^^^ Federal Edifice. Tench Francis Joseph Anthony John Chaloner Benjamin Fuller Colonel William Williams in armor. Consuls and representatives of powers in Philadelphia in friendl}^ relations with the United States, — France, United Netherlands, Sweden, Prussia and Morocco. Thomas Bell who bears a flag of the United States. A citizen and an Indian chief smoking the calumet of peace. William Hamilton, the proprietor of "Bush Hill." Pelatiah Webster, merchant, economist and pamphleteer. Twelve axemen. Members of trade bodies in the procession, citizens, etc. The Chorus renders the ode composed by Francis Hopkinson in honor of the ratification of the Constitution]: "Oh ! for a muse of fire to mount the skies, And to a listening world proclaim — Behold! behold! an empire rise! An era new, Time as he flies. Hath entered in the book of Fame. On Alleghany's tow'ring head Echo shall stand — the tidings spread, And o'er the lakes and misty floods around An era new resound. See where Columbia sits alone, And from her star-bespangled throne Beholds the gay procession move along. And hears the trumpet and the choral song. She hears her sons rejoice — Looks into future times, and sees The num'rous blessings Heav'n decrees. And with her plaudit, joins the general voice. Hail to this festival! — all hail the day! Columbia's standard on her roof display ; And let the people's motto ever be : "United thus, and thus united, free!' " h-T re > O V jn (U o CO W 2 I-. S- o K W en u o c "H o « J3 >. ti u T3 C 3 ca pq ^ "o U The Words of the Pageant 43 The scene shows the space called "Union Green" in front of Hamilton's "Bush Hill." Disposed upon the Held, are the Federal Ship Union completely manned and the "New Roof" or Grand Federal Edifice with its thirteen Corinthian columns, three of which are incomplete, to indicate that three states yet remain out of the Union. The ten gentlemen who occupy chairs under the dome and tvho represent the citizens at large, vacate them and surrender their places to the ten repre- sentatives of the states who had earlier walked arm. in arm in the procession. The states are now declared to he "in unison" amid loud huzzas. Each delegate who enters the temple hangs the Hag which he carried in the procession, upon its appropriate column. Ten toasts in honor of the ten states are announced by trumpet and are followed by a discharge of artillery. SCENE II HISTORICAL NOTE George Washington was elected President and John Adams Vice-President of the Union which was established under the Constitution. Congress met and the govern- ment was started on its way in New York in April, 1789. It was soon resolved to place the capital in Philadelphia where it was to remain for ten years until a site could be prepared for a new city on the banks of the Potomac in the District of Columbia. Washington took up his residence in Philadelphia in November, 1790, and Congress met here a few days later. The President was everywhere acclaimed as "the hero of the Western world," and was the mark for many popular demonstrations. His arrival from and his departure for his "seat" in Virginia, his birthday, the Fourth of July and other occasions received ceremonious observance. The scene which follows represents the President at Gray's Gardens at Gray's Ferry, a handsomely embellished pleasure ground on the high road to the South, where he was so frequently a guest. CAST OF CHARACTERS George Washington. Mrs. Washington. John Adams. Mrs. Adams. Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson. Robert Morris. Mrs. Morris. William Bingham. Mrs. Bingham. Thomas Mifflin, President of Pennsylvania. Thomas McKean, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. Major William Jackson. Other officers of the Federal and State Governments; ladies and gentlemen of Philadelphia. An escort of militiamen. 44 The Historical Pageant The scene is Gray's Gardens early in Washington's first administration. "All love their own Schuylkill's romantic soft tide And pay their devotion at Gray's." Tea tables are set upon the green. A "Federal Temple" composed of an arch of twelve stones, one for each of the colonies already in the Union and a keystone for Rhode Island which has just ratified the Constitution. The Federal Ship "Union" which was used in the Federal Procession in iy88 and for several years afterzvard was a popular attraction at Gray's Gardens. The ladies and gentle- men representing the best Colonial society at the "Republican Court" enter and await the arrival of Washington. He comes on a white charger. Mrs. Wash- ington rides in the famous family coach. When the President is seen, the band strikes up "Washington's March." As he dismounts "God Save Great Washing- ton" set to the tune of "God Save the King" is sung. The crozvd shouts "Long Live Great Washington!" "Long live the Father of his Country!" Children wave a welcome from the ship "Union" which is entwined with French and American Hags. Thirteen young men dressed as shepherds and thirteen young women dressed as shepherdesses conic out of the grove and proceed to the "Federal Temple" where the keystone is put in place in honor of the ratiiication of Rhode Island. The Federal salute of thirteen guns is fired. SCENE III HISTORICAL NOTE As Washington's administration advanced the radicals allowed their sympathies for France, where the course of affairs underwent direful changes daily, to run away with their good sense. The Bastille fell in 1789, the year in which our republic was being established. Louis XVI was beheaded in January, 1793, and Marie Antoinette went to the guillotine in October, 1793. The birthday of the King of France was celebrated in Philadelphia no longer. France, too, would be a republic like the United States. Frenchmen as well as Americans would be free and equal — brothers of one great family. They had helped us to gain our liberties; we must now aid them. The first French republican minister to the United States was Citizen Edmund Charles Genet. He landed at Charleston, S. C, from a French frigate, "L' Ambus- cade," in April, 1793. The vessel came up the Delaware on May 2, with the bonnet rouge at its topmasts. Genet meanwhile proceeded northward overland, arousing the sym- pathies of the people along the way. He reached Gray's Ferry on May i6th, where he was welcomed by a crowd of citizens. The city went French mad, and the excite- ment continued for several years. Mobs of men, women and children, Americans, Frenchmen and West Indians, white, yellow and black, aimed to move Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Robert Morris and the Federalists from the position of neutrality on the subject of French matters in Europe which they had assumed. The scene is a representation of one of several similar civic festivals in the French republican interest in the streets and squares, on the commons and in the pleasure gardens of Philadelphia. The Words of the Pageant 45 CAST OF CHARACTERS Citizen Edmund Charles Genet, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of France. M. de Ternant, the French Minister Resident under the monarchy. M. DE LA Forest, the Consul-general of France. Their secretaries and attendants. Citizen Bompard, commanding officer of the "L'Ambuscade," the French frigate, in the harbor, with a party of naval officers and sailors. David Rittenhouse. Charles Biddle. Jonathan D. Sergeant. P. S. Duponceau. James Hutchinson. A. J. Dallas. Thomas Leiper. Mathew Carey. Michael Leib. Other leading citizens of French sympathies. A mob of men, women and children in which many French people are seen. CHORUS Liberty glorious ! in thy name What crimes are wreaked on human kind ! Equality! what brands of shame. Forged from thy seal, burn reason blind ! Fraternity, that still should be The countersign of man to man, Alas ! that men should find in thee Excuse to thwart God's noblest plan! The scene is the ground at Centre Square where an obelisk is set up bearing inscriptions which indicate its dedication to liberty. The crowd enters to the music of "Yankee Doodle" which soon changes to "Ca Ira." Boys and girls take their places around the pedestal. Men walk two and two with oak boughs in their hands; women with flozuers which they strew around the pedestal. The crowd displays great animation, the boys and girls dancing, men giving each other the "fraternal embrace," calling each other "Citi- zen" and shouting "Vive la Republique!" "Live Free or Die!" etc. The Scene is made gay with the American Hag and the French tri-color., Men cmd women exhibit the tri-colored cockade in their hats and at their breasts. Some wear the red cap of liberty or hold it aloft on pike-staffs. When "Ca Irc^" 46 The Historical Pageant is -finished the orchestra plays "La Carmagnole." Men and women now join hands and dance around liberty trees. One takes off his scarlet liberty cap and tosses it upon the ground; a croivd dances around it. As Genet enters, acconv- panied by Bompard and the sailors, he is given a -wild welcome. The crowd takes up the refrain and shouts, "Citizen Genet!" "The Republic of France!" "The rights of Man!" A crowd at one side of the field cries, "Long live the Friends of Liberty!" and another at the other side of the field responds, "Long Live the Friends of Liberty!" Fifteen guns boom the Federal salute from the river (Vermont and Kentucky having by this time joined the thirteen States in the Union.) The croivd after a while seizes Genet and he is carried off on their shoidders through the wood towards the river, singing the "Marseillaise." CHORUS "Ye sons of France, awake to glory, Hark ! Hark ! Wliat myriads bid thee rise. Your children, wives and grandsires hoary. Behold their tears and hear their cries. Shall hateful tyrants mischief breeding With hireling hosts, a ruffian band, Affright and desolate the land. While peace and liberty lie bleeding? To arms ! To arms ! ye brave ! Th' avenging sword unsheath ! March on ! March on ! All hearts resolved On victory or death !" As the sound dies away in the distance the chords of a stately chant are heard, and the Chorus sings. CHORUS Land of a thousand hills. Land of far rolling plains. Think of thy destiny, noble, uplifting, — Think of thy mother's pangs. Dear land of liberty. Think of the patriot blood Shed at thy birthing. Then shall thy soul abhor License that murders shame. Then shall thy vision clear See what a gulf divides License from Liberty. The Words of the Pageant 47 SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Dream of the days that lent Sunlight and life to thee. SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) Hope for the days to come. Regal, resplendent. CHORUS Dream of the days that were, Hope for the days to come, Land of a thousand hills. Dear land of Liberty ! As the last lines are sung the figure of President Washington, mounted as in the last scene, appears at one side of the field. He brings his steed to a full stop and looks toward the river. He is espied by the rear gxmrd of the mob. Many turn, and, running, croivd around him. Recovering their mental aplomb, they cheer him lustily. He rides up the Held and moves oif to the strains of the "President's March." 48 The Historical Pageant EPISODE VII HISTORICAL NOTE The establishment of a national feeling was diflficult until after a second war with Great Britain. French and English sympathies which had formed a dividing ground for parties for years then made way for a strong native sentiment and for some purely American ideals. Embargoes and non-intercourse acts, outrages upon shipping at sea led in 1812 to open hostilities. Armed vessels went out and came in to the Delaware. The heroes of sea battles were honored by the people. The town of Lewes was bombarded in 1813 and some companies of volunteers under Brigadier General Joseph Bloomfield started south to protect the approaches of the city. The news of the landing of the army, the sack of Washington and the advance upon Baltimore in the next year created the greatest excitement. Able-bodied citizens went out each morning to work upon the redoubts which were planned to guard the southern roads. The militiamen, formed into picturesque companies, — prominent among which was one still in existence at this day, the State Fencibles — went into camp ready for duty at need. At last the unsuccessful bombardment of Fort McHenry and the defeat of the invading army near Baltimore caused great rejoicing and Phila- delphia was safe. CAST OF CHARACTERS General Edmund Pendleton Gaines. General Bloomfield. General Thomas Cadwalader. General Isaac Worrell. Colonel Clement C. Biddle. Stephen Girard. David Parish, and other citizens. Messengers. State Fencibles, Washington Guards, and other militia companies, A mob of men, women and children. CHORUS Once more to arms the country calls. Once more o'er fertile plain and mountain. Hark ! how the martial summons falls Athwart the visage of each placid fountain. Up freemen in your might For God and for the right Drive out the foe. The arena represents a square in the city. The scene is suggested by one of Krinimel's pictures of a Philadelphia crowd at this period. Military companies are marching and there is much commotion. Prominent among these are the newly formed State Fencibles and the Washington Guards, a crack Federalist company. A procession of men with spades and mattocks thrown over their shoidders, and food in knapsacks on their backs, start off for work on the redoubts. The Words of the Pageant 49 The horn of an express is heard. He comes up to the front of the Held and shouts, "The British have landed at North Point! They are headed for Balti- more!" Shouts of derision and defiance. Men seize arms. The militia companies pass off as though going to the war, the women waving their farewells. In a little while another express rides in on a foaming steed. The people press around him. He shouts, "The British have been defeated at North Point, and their general. Lord Ross, is killed!" Cheers are heard on all sides. "Huzza for the brave Baltimore ans!" "Our city is safe!" etc. An old "seventy-sixer" waves his hands and is followed by a crozvd of boys as he goes off to announce the news in other parts of the city. The militia companies again come upon the field bearing the American Hag. The bands play the first chords of the "The Star Spangled Banner." The music is taken up by the Chorus: "Oh ! say can you see by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose stripes and bright stars thro' the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming ; And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air. Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. Chorus — "Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ! "Oh, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation ; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just. And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust.' Chorus — "And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, While the land of the free is the home of the brave !" 50 The Historical Pageant EPISODE VIII HISTORICAL NOTE In 1824 Lafayette revisited the United States. He was accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette. He came to Philadelphia late in September and was the recipient of a round of attentions. The survivors of the Revolutionary era were gathered to welcome him. He was met at the end of the Trenton bridge by the military and escorted into the city under arches, amid transparencies, through hurrahing crowds. The First City Troop and the Washington Grays had the prominent places around Lafayette's barouche. Not in many years, if ever, had the city known such a cele- bration. CAST OF CHARACTERS General Lafayette. George Washington Lafayette. Governor Shulze. Judge Richard Peters, of Belmont. Mayor Watson. Joseph S. Lewis. William Rush. John M. Scott. Aquila a. Browne. James Wilmer. Benjamin Tilghman. John Swift. Other prominent citizens. A crowd of men, women and children. Washington Grays and other military companies. > Members of the Committee of Councils. CHORUS He comes again as in our direst need He came to succor a fast fading cause ; He comes, the witness of a glorious deed To meet a people's unrestrained applause, — To breathe the fragrance of the flower whose seed His patriot hands deep planted in our laws, Hail to the friend who heard our country's cry, Great Lafayette, our Washington's ally ! The scene shows the reception to Lafayette in Philadelphia in 1824. The "Nation's Guest," with Judge Peters, occupies a barouche. His son, George Washington Lafayette, follows in another carriage. They are escorted by troops. The Words of the Pageant 51 On transparencies are seen "A Nation's Welcome to Freedom's Friend," "Wel- come to the Nation's Guest," "Yorktown, Monmouth and Brandywine," etc. Lafayette horvs his acknowledgments. In front of the stand Lafayette dismounts and proposes a toast: "The City of Philadelphia — where American Independence was first pro- claimed and where the holy alliance of public order with popular institutions is every day happily demonstrated." He reenters his carriage and all move off to the strains of a march. 52 The Historical Pageant EPILOGUE HISTORICAL NOTE The growth of the city was continuous, but in government the people came under 29 separate jurisdictions. The old city lying between the Delaware and the Schuylkill and Vine and South Streets had a population in 1850 of 121,376. The county had 408,762 inhabitants. Where the city ended and the suburbs began could not be determined by the eye. Houses extended in unbroken blocks north of Vine street and south of South street, but the people were politically separate. Included in the county were ten corporations, six boroughs and thirteen townships. The corporations were the old city and the districts of Southwark, Northern Liberties, Kensington, Spring Garden, Penn, Moyamensing, Richmond, West Philadelphia and Belmont; the six boroughs, Germantown, Frankford, Manayunk, Bridesburg, Whitehall and Ara- mingo; the thirteen townships, Passyunk, Blockley, Kingsessing, Roxborough, Gei- mantown, Bristol, Oxford, Moreland, Byberry, Northern Liberties, Penn, Lower Dublin and Delaware. The evils of divided authority with the rioting fire companies and their ruffianly adherents were at length too great to be borne any longer and in 1854 all the districts, boroughs and townships were consolidated with the city. The city became coterminous with the county and a new era had begun. The orchestra gives the theme of the psalm to be sung, and the Chorus sings: CHORUS God of our fathers, in whose palm Lie all the fates of all the years, Whose voice hath bid the sea be calm And sealed the founts of all men's tears ; Grant to the city of our love The greatness that doth spring from Thee. The civic pride that soars above The petty strifes of policy : Give heed to our ascending psalm And turn to trust our sordid fears, God of our fathers, in whose palm Lie all the fates of all the years. SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) For thou hast bid the sea be calm And sealed the founts of all men's tears. SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) And thou wilt hearken to our psalm And turn to trust our sordid fears. The Words of the Pageant 53 FULL CHORUS City of regal diadems, From history claim thy just renown, And gather up, like scattered gems, The jewels to stud a flawless crown; Take to thy breast these daughters fair Whose being is a part of thee. While down the aisles of lambent air Float swelling strains of melody. Thy onward march no envy stems Nor any voice thy song can drown, City of regal diadems Whose brows support a flawless crown. SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) For thou hast garnered scattered gems To glorify thy flawless crown. SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) And thou shalt wear new diadems While men shall sing thy just renown. A herald, mounted on a richly caparisoned horse, rides into the arena from the northivest corner of the Held. After a blast on his trumpet, he announces in a loud voice the names of the coming Districts: Spring Garden, the borough of Germantown, Germantoivn Tozvnship, Penn Tozvnship, South Penn, Manayunk, Roxborough. He pauses after each name, and the symbolical figure of the dis- trict or borough appears. Similarly another Herald rides in from the northeast corner of the field. He gives a blast on his trumpet, and announces: The District of Northern Liberties, the Township of Northern Liberties, Kensington, Aramingo, White Hall, Lower Dublin, Delazvare, Moreland, Byberry, Richmond, Frankford, Bridesburg, Bristol, Oxford. The symbolical figures appear as in the former instance. A Herald rides in from the southwest corner of the field, and after a trumpet blast announces: West Philadelphia, Belmont, Blockley, Kingsessing. The figures appear as announced. Again a Herald rides in from the southeast corner of the field, giving a trumpet blast announcing: Southwark, Moyamen^ing, Passyunk. The figures appear as announced. Now a matronly figure is seen. She represents Philadelphia. The sez'eral districts form around her. The figure "Philadelphia" ascends a platform at back, and the several dis- tricts are grouped or form a pyramid about her. The national and the city colors are broken out from flag poles at the rear, the bands playing "America." 54 The Historical Pageant As this ceases, the Chorus, accompanied by the orchestra, sings: CHORUS God of our fathers in whose palm Lie all the fates of all the years, Give heed to our ascending psalm And turn to trust our sordid fears. SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) For Thou hast bid the sea be calm And sealed the founts of all men's tears, SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) And Tliou wilt hearken to our psalm And turn to trust our sordid fears. CHORUS City of regal diadems, From history claim thy just renown. And gather up, like scattered gems, The jewels to stud a flawless crown. SEMI-CHORUS (Remembrance) Thy onward march no envy stems, Nor any voice thy song can drown, SEMI-CHORUS (Aspiration) City of regal diadems, Whose brows support a flawless crown. CHORUS Give heed to our ascending psalm, And turn to trust our sordid fears, God of our fathers in whose palm Lie all the fates of all the years. All the performers enter and are given their places upon the Held for a grand tableau. One line after another is put into motion, and the performers in proces- sion pass before the grand stand, and off the field. The symbolical figures remain in position while the "March Past" progresses and are the last to leave the scene. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 312 346 7 LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 312 346 7 i HoUinger pH 8.5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 312 346