! * 081 9X3 910 ssaaoNoo do xawaan LOYKL ••• LUKE PS 635 .Z9 F265 Copy 1 UNION SCOUT. A Military Drama. IN KIVK ACTS, With Tableaux and Pictures, By LietA't. Chas. J. Farhe JO ZSJ fie. r 1± Respectfully dedicated to JENNINGS LIGHT INFANTEY CO., K. 8th REGT. National Guard of Pennsylvania. TO WHICH ARE ADDED Descriiption of costumes, cast of characters, entrances and exits, relative positions of performers on the stage, and the entire stage business. TIME AND PLACE-SOUTHERN REBELLION. aiO Nortli Seoonci £»*., F*ot:*®vii:i.e 9 P»«l, 1891. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by Lieu't. C. J. Fakne, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. LOYAL LUKE. CHARACTERS. . - ; ~ y Luke Norton, Scout Lou Wallace, afterward Col. U. S. A W* j Phil Wallace, afterward Capt. Guerrillas Mr. Wallace, wealthy planter Mrs. Wallace, mother of the boj T s . ( Guy Lennox, t m's friends Tom Dayton, > Mr. Bennet, Northern manufacturer Mrs. Bennet, his wife Bessie Bennet, his daughter and Lou's sweetheart Will Bennet, afterward Capt. U. S. A Mollie Norton, the Scouts daughter Jim, a darkey, Lou's servant , Pat Finerty, ). j. , A chllmg Fritz Donder, ) J Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan Col. of Staff, Brig. Gen. Russell Capt. of Staff Maj. Gen. Willson — . Col. of Staff Capt. of Staff Col. Gregg, comd'g. Reg't Confederate Forces. Gen. Jubal. Early Col. of Staff Capt. of Staff Brig. Gen. Breckenridge Major of Staff Capt. of Staff Prisoners, Soldiers, Guerrillas, Goddess, Tablaux, Ladies and Couriers. COSTUMES. Lt-ke Norton. Act. I. — Homespun pantaloons, flannel shirt, slouch hat, high boots. Act. III.— Scene 3rd. — Confederate uniform Act. IV. Scene 2nd. Citizens coat over Confederate uniform gray wig and beard slouch hat. Act. IV. — Scene 3rd. — same as Scene 2nd. Act. IV. — Sceue 5th. — Union Priv. uniform. A ct. V. — Scene 1st. — same as Act. 1st. Scene 6th.— Uniform of Union Col. Lou Wallace. Act. 1st. — Dress suit. Act. 2nd. — Scene 5th. Uniform of Union Sergeant. Act. III. — Scene 1st. — Uniform of Union Lieuten- ant Act. V. — Scene 6th. — Uniform of Union Captain. Phil Wallace. Act. I. — Dress suit, after Act. LI. — Guerilla Capt. uniform. Me. Wallace. Plain black dress suit, hair powdered. Mrs. Wallace. Evening costume Act. V. Traveling dress plain. Guy Lennox Suit of plain clothing after Act. II. — Conf. Lt uniform Tom Dayton Dress suit. The Bennet Family. Plain serviceable clothing. Will Bennet. Act. LT. — Scene 5th. — Union Priv. uniform. Act. IV. — Scene 5th. — Union Lieut, uniform. Mollie Norton Plain homespun dress. Act. V, — Scene 6th, Trav. costume. ■; TMP96-007303 LOYAL LUKE. 6 Jim. Act. I.— Homespun pants, Red shirt, slouch hat, boots. Act. I. Scene 4th. — over the above white linen coat and apron afterward mixed uniform, comical as possible. Pat Ftnerty. Act. II. Light pants, blue vest, red shirt, old tile, after- ward add Union blouse. Fritz Donder, German makeup with large pipe. Officers and soldiers in uniform of respective rank, shoulder straps marked as follows. Maj. Genl. Star on each end of strap. Brig. Gen. Star on center of strap. Col. Silver spread eagle. Lt. Col. Silver leal on each end of strap. Maj. Gold leaf on each end of strap. Capt. Two silver bars on each end of strap. 1st. Lieut. One silver bar on each end of strap. 2nd, Lieut. Plain field on strap. Sergt. Chevron of three stripes on sleeve above each elbow. Corp. Chevron of two stripes on sleeve above each elbow. DESCRIPTION OF TABLEAUX. Liberty's Appeal and, the response from the North. Goddess of Liberty with flag in right hand , calling from the North with left hand, {after lapse of five seconds. ) Draws second curtain, showing officer and soldiers in blue uniforms, soldiers in position of charge bayonet, officer pointing sword South. Goddess pointing to the South with left hand. A mother's offering to Liberty. — Goddess of Liberty sword in hand.' Head dress :— Frontlet surmounted by Crescent and star, decorated with small stars. American Flag. — Handsome Silk Flag, large as possible, pinned to rear tableaux curtain, with background if possible. Emancipation. — Goddess of Justice, sword in right hand, scales in left. Negro kneels before her, hands raised and extended to justice, chain thrown across wrist. Justice strikes chain from negro's wrists with sword. Victory. — Goddess of Liberty, supported by six young ladies in white, each holding a wreath of laurels. Peace. — Goddess of Peace at center, extending wreath to front. Soldier in Grey at left, one in Blue at right, kneeling at her feet, hands clasped. Union. — Goddess of Liberty at centre holding Union flag in right. Confederate flag under her feet, two ladies in white on each side of her with wreaths in hand. Justice on right of line with uplifted scales. Peace on left of line with uplifted right hand holding Olive branch. STAGE PROPERTY. Table, five chairs, old newspapers, playing cards, bottle of wine, glasses, ropes, stuffed club, imitation razor large, log, white bandage, dust cloth, saddles, wet cloth, water pail, Confederate flag, Union flag, pen, ink, blank forms, sewing and chrocheting materials, letter, whis- key jug, flag pole, double shot gun, basket peddler's wares, camp kettles, camp stools, &c. Dispatches, tin-foil, cabin, brick wall show- ing tunnel opening, log cabin, with window, rifles, revolvers, swords and belts, burnt cork, rouge, prepared face powder, India ink, tableaux fires, &c. LOYML. ••• LUKE UNION SCOUT. A Military Drama. IN KIVK ACTS, With Tableaux and Pictures, By Ivieta't. Chas. J. Fame. Respectfully dedicated to JENKINGS LIGHT INFANTEY CO., K. 8th REGT. National Guard of Pennsylvania. TO WHICH ARE ADDED Description of costumes, cast of characters, entrances and exits, relative positions of performers on the stage, and the entire stage business. TIME AND PLACE-SOUTHERN REBELLION. E5. H,. I^ONG, Px4.aa.-tex-,' 210 :NTox-t:la Second St., Pott® ville, P«a. 1891. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by Lieu't. C. J. Fakne, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, J). C. LOYAL LUKE. CHARACTERS. Luke Norton, Scout Lou Wallace, afterward Col. U. S. A Phil Wallace, afterward Capt. Guerrillas Mr. Wallace, wealthy planter Mrs. Wallace, mother of the boys Guy Lennox, \ phir frf ^ Tom Dayton, ) Mr. Bennet, Northern manufacturer Mrs. Bennet, his wife Bessie Bennet, his daughter and Lou's sweetheart Will Bennet, afterward Capt. U. S. A Mollie Norton, the Scouts daughter Jim, a darkey, Lou's servant £&'£& }■*********>* Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan Col. of Staff, Brig. Gen. Kussell Capt. of Staff Maj. Gen. Willson Col. of Staff Capt. of Staff Col. Gregg, comd'g. Keg't Confederate Forces. Gen. Jubal. Early , Col. of Staff Capt. of Staff Brig. Gen. Breckenridge Major of Staff Capt. of Staff Prisoners, Soldiers, Guerrillas, Goddess, Tablaux, Ladies and Couriers. COSTUMES. Luke Norton. Act. I. — Homespun pantaloons, flannel shirt, . slouch hat, high boots. Act. III. — Scene 3rd. — Confederate uniform Act. TV. Scene 2nd. Citizens coat over Confederate uniform gray wig and beard slouch hat. Act. TV. — Scene 3rd.— same as Scene 2nd. Act. TV. — Scene 5th.— Union Priv. uniform. Act. V. — Scene 1st. — same as Act. 1st. Scene 6th. — Uniform of Union Col. Lou Wallace. Act. 1st. — Dress suit. Act. 2nd. — Scene 5th. Uniform of Union Sergeant. Act. HI. — Scene 1st. — Unitorm of Union Lieuten- ant Act. V. — Scene 6th. — Uniform of Union Captain. Phil Wallace. Act. I. — Dress suit, after Act. H.— Guerilla Capt. uniform. Me. Wallace. Plain black dress suit, hair powdered. Mrs. Wallace. Evening costume Act. V. Traveling dress plain. Guy Lennox Suit of plain clothing after Act. II. — Conf . Lt uniform Tom Dayton Dress suit. The Bennet Family. Plain serviceable clothing. Will Bennet. Act. H. — Scene 5th. — Union Priv. uniform. Act. IV. — Scene 5th. — Union Lieut, uniform. Mollie Norton Plain homespun dress. Act. V. — Scene 6th. Trav. costume. LOYAL LUKE. 6 Jim. Act. I. — Homespun pants, Red shirt, slouch hat, boots. Act. I. Scene 4th. — over the above white linen coat and apron afterward mixed uniform, comical as possible. Pat Finerty. Act. II. Light pants, blue vest, red shirt, old tile, after- ward add Union blouse. Fbitz Donder, German makeup with large pipe. m Officers and soldiers in uniform of respective rank, shoulder straps marked as follows. Maj. Genl. Star on each end of strap. Brig. Gen. Star on center of strap. Col. Silver spread eagle. Lt. Col. Silver leaf on each end of strap. Maj. Gold leaf on each end of strap. Capt. Two silver bars on each end of strap. 1st. Lieut. One silver bar on each end of strap. 2nd. Lieut. Plain field on strap. Sergt. Chevron of three stripes on sleeve above each elbow. Corp. Chevron of two stripes on sleeve above each elbow. DESCRIPTION OF TABLEAUX. Liberty's Appeal and the response from the North. Goddess of Liberty with flag in right hand , calling from the North with left hand, {after lapse of five seconds.} Draws second curtain, showing officer and soldiers in blue uniforms, soldiers in position of charge bayonet, officer pointing sword South. Goddess pointing to the South with left hand. A mother's offering to Liberty. — Goddess of Liberty sword in hand. Head dress :— Frontlet surmounted I>y Crescent and star, decorated with small stars. American Flag. — Handsome Silk Flag, large as possible, pinned to rear tableaux curtain, with background if possible. Emancipation. — Goddess of Justice, sword in right hand, scales in left. Negro kneels before her, hands raised and extended to justice, chain thrown across wrist. Justice strikes chain from negro's wrists with sword. Victory. — Goddess of Liberty, supported by six young ladies in white, each holding a wreath of laurels. Peace. — Goddess of Peace at center, extending wreath to front. Soldier in Grey at left, one in Blue at right, kneeling at her feet, hands clasped. Union. — Goddess of Liberty at centre holding Union flag in right. Confederate flag under her feet, two ladies in white on each side of her with wreaths in hand. Justice on right of line with uplifted scales. Peace on left of line with uplifted right hand holding Olive branch. STAGE PROPERTY. Table, five chairs, old newspapers, playing cards, bottle of wine, glasses, ropes, stuffed club, imitation razor large, log, white bandage, dust cluth, saddles, wet cloth, water pail, Confederate flag, Union flag, pen, ink, blank forms, sewing and chrocheting materials, letter, whis- key j ag, flag pole, double shot gun, basket peddler's wares, camp kettles, camp stools, &c. Dispatches, tin-foil, cabin, brick wall show- ing tunnel opening, log cabin, with window, rifles, revolvers, swords and belts, burnt cork, rouge, prepared face powder, India ink, tableaux fires, &c. ,1. LOYAL LUKE. ACT ; L SCENE I. — Beading Boom Palmeth Rouse, PhiL Wallace and Tom Dayton seated at table. Phil. Well Tom old boy, you don't seem to enjoy ycur vacation as well this year as you did the last. l Tom No PhiL this has been a very dull vacation indeed. Last year Lou. and I had excellent sport'gunning in the woods and marsbes, but now he seems to have lost all desire for sport. Phil, {sneering) Perhaps the boy is in love and his heart is in the keeping of his fair sweetheart. Tom" That he is in love, is no secret, at least to me, and PhiL one could hardly blame him, in fact I have a tendency to feel the same way toward the same damsel. Phil. Ah, and who .may the fair one be, some Lilly of the North I suppose. i* ■ ■ Tom Yes a Miss Bennet. But a truce to this Phil. I expect Lou to drop in every minute, and am sure he would not be pleased to hear us discuss the charms of his lady love. What do you say to a game of uchre for pastime, {takes cards from table.) :< Phil. I'm satisfied, {they commence the game.) By the way Tom, you need not feel the least down hearted, over the loss of your shooter ing for if I am any judge we will all have larger game than quails and rice birds to shoot ere long. Tom Phil do you really believe that war will follow, as the result of Lincoln's inauguration. t -. Phil. Undoubtedly so. The insults that have been heaped upon our Senators and Representatives in the National House have been borne in silence too long, and now despite our protests they force upon, us a Presideut whose presence at the Capitol is a insult to the memory of the illustrous Virginian Washington. Yes sir, in my opinion war is inevitable. Enter Lon. Wallace and Guy Lennox, R. Guy Well gentlemen, sorry we kept you so long without our com- pany, but I see you have been enjoying yourselves. : '' j Phil Yes, Tom and I have been discussing the war question, over our wine. ■ "■ Lou. {hand paper to Phil.) And I believe that the prophecy I heard you express, as we entered, will be fullfilled, unless the sensible liberty loving people of the South, take immediate steps to crush such lire brands as the writer — of that editorial in to-days Examiner. 6 LOYAL LUKE. Pen. {takes paper opens it and reads.) The capture of Washington is perfectly within the power of Virginia and Maryland, if Virginia will only make the effort by her constituted authorities. Nor is there a single moment to lose, the entire population pant for the onset. From the mountain tops and valleys, to the shores of the sea, there is one wild shout of fierce resolve to capture Washington City, at all and every human hazard. That filthy cage of unclean birds must and will as- suredly be purified by fire. It is not to be endured that this flight of abolition harpies shall come down from the black North for their roosts in the heart of the South, to defile and brutalize the land. Our people can take it. They will take it, and Scott the Axch traitor and Lincoln the beast combined, cannot prevent it The just indigna- tion of an outraged and deeply injured people, will teach the Illinois Ape to repeat his race and retrace his journey across the borders of the free Negro States still more rapidly than he came ; and Scott the traitor will be given the opportunity at the same time to try the difference be- tween Scotts' tactics and the Shanghae drill for quick movements. Great cleansing and purification are needed and will be given to that festering sink of iniquity. That wallow of Lincoln and Scott, the des- ecrated City of Washington, and many indeed will be the carcasses of dogs and caitiffs that will blacken the air upon the gallows before the work is accomplished. So let it be. Tom. Bather a strong article Phil., eh. Phil. None to strong my dear boy ; what I call the proper spirit, and in my opinion the heart that nerved the brain to compose that article was fired by the true Southern spirit. Tom. Then my dear brother I beg leave to differ with you, for I consider it the heart of a traitor blacker and baser by far, than that of the one who rebelled against the authority of the Almighty. Satan. (all spring to tlieir feet.) Phil, (hastily) Sir. what do you mean, explain this conduct at once. Lou. Phil. Wallace, I am surprised at you, that a brother of mine should dare coincide with such treasonus sentiments, much less de- mand an explanation of my conduct, when I denounce them as such. But, I will explain. During the last year I have studied the political situation thouroughly. I have gone even farther, I have probed into the actions of our Southern leaders for years back, and while I am not forgetful of the fact that I was borne here in the Sunny South. Yet in all justice I say their action were wrong radically wrong. Aware of the fact that they were losing power in congress, that the day would surly dawn when Slavery the vilest curse m existence, would be over- thrown, when all men should be free and equal, their aristocratic pride has led them to this step and without sense or reason they make the election of Lincoln the pretex for rebellion, and you I am sorry to say are with them. While I will ever stand by the old Flag. Phil, (draws revolver levels it at Lou.) Enough of this curse you, down on your knees and retract, or I may f or-et that you are my brother, death to all traitors in the South. Lou. Never. Enter Luke North, L. with drawn pistols covers Phil, and party. Luke Hold hard thar Phil. Wallace, Ive got the drop on ye, down with that barker, dy'e hear lay it on thet thar table. Now you three jist git, (Exit Phil, Tom and Guy, B Phil shakes fist at Luke.) Phil. I'll come square with you yet Luke Norton, you got the laugh now. Next time I'll laugh. Luke. Ye'l cry durn soon ef ye dont mizzle. Curtain. ACT I. 7 SCENE II.— Landscape. Enter Phil, and Guy. R. Phil. From what Dayton says. Lou has made all arrangements for an early return to the North, now we must put a stop to that, It won't do to have that young fool lose the hest opportunity of his life, for the sake of a baby faced yankee girl. Gut. But how can we prevent it. Phil. Easy enough, you know where the old cave is down the ravine back of the rice flat. I mean the one where the dogs tore that old slave of Dayton's too pieces. Guy. Yes what has the cave to do with Lon. Phil. What is to prevent our waylaying him on his road home from town to-night, tie him up take him down to the cave and I'll guaran- . tee to keep him there till he regains his senses and enlists in the service of the Confederacy. Come what do you say ? Guy. Well its business I don't like very well, but I suppose it will be all right ; you know what is best. Phil. Certainly I do, and you won't lose anything by sticking to me in this affair ; come now, lets off to the path near the spring and we'll soon have our youthful abolitionist where he won't benefit the cause he espouses a great deal. Exit L. Jim rises from behind log at R. rubs eyes shakes himself. Jim. You will, will yer ; wal I swar dat's a nice pair ob people dey am, cage Massa Lou. up whar de houns tore ole Massa Dayton's Boy Eph all to peices eh, les see ef ye do. Reckon Jim's gwine ter hab a han in dat, so I is. Hoi up, golly I'se got no piscal nnr nuffin, hab ter fine sumfin, {Picks up club from behind log, swings club.) dat jes 'de bes kind of gun cotch on de snoot wid dat. nock all him bref out shua, dat's a bad buck dat Massa Phil, golly he trounce dis chile offen. Nebber mine I git squar, ef de debbil doan git dat Massa Phil dars no use haben any debil. Exit Jim. L. SCENE III —Forrest Road. Phil, and Guy lying in wait, enter Lou. L. passes, then spring upon and throw him, bind hands and feet. Phil. Now, I'll stand guard while you go for the horses Guy, and our task won't take a great while longer, {sits on stump.) Guy. Allright. Exit L. Lou. (sitting up looks at Phil.) What is the meaning of this out- rage, why should two of you spring upon and bind a defenseless man. Phil. Save your wind my bantam, you'll know soon enough. Lou. Coward, Poltroon. Jim. Debil. (strikes Phil, on head with club, Phil, falls sensless, Jim cuts Lou's, bonds and helps Lou. rise. ) Enter Luke R. Luke. What ther tarnation is the matter hyer. wall, hez thet pesky varment been at some more of his diviltry. Lou. Yes Luke, he and Guy Lennox waylaid and bound me a few moments since, and it is hard to say what the result might have been had not Jim here came to the rescue and stretched the coward senseless. Jim. Massa Lou. I done oberhead dem two talkin, and Massa Phil, he say we tie him up stow him in de old cave whar de houns tear up ole Massa Dayton's slave Eph. and ole Jim he say gess not, an dat's how I come heah. Massa Lou. old Jim finish im, Eh? Lou. No Jim, he has a lesson from you this time, and murder is unnecessary. Jim. I golly I done squashed him dat time. 8 LOYAL LUKE. Lou. And now my brave friends I must leave yon, I am under obligations to both of you for your timely aid this evening, and at my earliest opportunity I shall strive to repay both. (Extends hands to Luke and Jim. ) Luke. Thet thar is allright, but I think it ud be kinder safer fer you ef ye war to cum ter my cabin and stay till ye git a chance ter go North. Ye see I overhearn yer sentiments down to ther hotel ternight and yer right me boy and I'm with ye thar every time. I ain't much on edication, boy, but I'm all powerful quick on ther shoot an ef I run acrost any more o Phil. Wallace's diviltry thar e'l be sum fun, an I want ye safe war ye belong when that happens. Lou. A thousand thanks for your kind offer Luke, but I cannot leave home without first taking leave of my parents, and as I hear the sound of hoofs, I think we had better move on and leave Phil, to the mercies of his colleauge Lennox, who I am sure will have his hands full. Exit Scout Lou. and Jim. R. Curtain. SCENE IV.— Wallace Mansion. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace at R. & L. of table. Phil with head bandaged at front of the table. Jim stands at back of Mr. Wallace's chair. Mr. W. with paper in hand. Mks. W. Phil you must never ride that wicked horse again what if you had been killed or maimed for life, when he threw you last night. Mb. W. Why mother we had a son Phil at one time who boasted that no horse could throw him. Phil.' And I make the same boast yet, father had not my saddle girth slipped I should not be suffering with a bruised head or a bad headache this morning. . Jim. Yah yah yah (all turn fiercely on Jim.) Mb. W. Get out you black scoundrel how dare you. Exit Jim at R. Mb. W. (seating- himself) By the way mother where is Lou this morning I haven't seen anything of him, Phtl. Perhaps my presence keeps him away. Mb. & Mbs. W. Why should it. Phil. Oh a few of us got into a very heated discussion over that article in the Richmond Examiner which father has just finished read- ing, and our - Lou imbued as he is with abolition ideas waxed warm and wound up his argument with an open avowel, to stand by the Lincolnites to the bitter end. Mb. W. What ! a son of mine so far forget the teachings of his parents, his family pride and honor, as to openly avow his allegiance with the Northern scum, as against the society and brain of the South? Ill see to this, Jim ! Enter Jim R. Mb. W. Go at once and tell your young master to come immediately and be quick about it do you hear. (Exit Jim R. ) I'll show the young scoundrel where his services are required. Mbs. W. Pray be calm Father do not excite yourself. Lou may have done this only for the sake of argument. Mb. W. Sake of bosh. This comes of sending your sons to North- ern colleges for their education. (Enter. Lou and Jim R. ) Lou Father, you have sent for me. Me. W. Yes sir I did, now give an account of your actions, where have you been. Lou I have been in the Library corresponding with some friends. ACT I. 9 Phil Seeking a position perhaps, on Scott's Staff. Lou Better there than on the staff of a traitor. Mb. W. {Stamping foot) Enough of this Sir, I have heard of your sentiments as expressed by yon last evening. Your dnty is to the South first, last and at all times, and not even for the sake of argument will I countenance a word in favor of the North. I shall write to my friend Gov. Letcher to-day requesting a commission for you in the Confeder- ate service. Lou Father I beg you to take no such action, my mind is fully made up if worst comes to worst, my arm shall strike for the Union. Mb. W. Then sir I disown you, cast you out with a request that you drop the name of Wallace, for not one cent of my money shall you ever handle. Leave this house sir. Mrs. W, Oh ! Father, what would you do, remember he is my son. Mb. W. And you should be ashamed of the fact. Leave this house sir never again to cross its threshold, and may the curse of your outraged parents go with you. Lou Father I will leave your house, the place where I was born, but er'e I do let me appeal to your better judgement, Oh! consider well the step you are taking do not be lured by the glittering eloquence of a few discontented fanatics from the path of duty and to your own ruin, the pomp and display of wealth and pride are as nothing compared to the knowledge even in poverty, and adversity that your duty to your God and cuntry has been well done, remember Father, that you are the first of that long line of Wallaces to raise a hand against the old flag. Be not led astray in your estimation of the people of the North, for there you will find as good and as pure blood as ever flowed on the alter of any nation, in defense of Liberty. Oh! that the Heavens might open and show you your country's flag. The proud Banner of Liberty. Scorn not the followers of Lincoln, for they are mighty. Armies after armies will come down upon you ; Legions of good men and true who will battle for the old flag and never cease fighting till it is restored to its unsullied purity. (Transformation Tableaux. Liberty s appeal, and the response from the North. ) ACT II. SCEXE I.— Scout 7 s Cabin. Luke cleaning rifle Jim ditto. Mollie dusting. Luke Wall Jim, s'pose you git that piece together and then over- haul them air saddles, peers to me they need it, and its jist as well ter do it while we've time. Mollie, don't forget that Jim thar is a live coon an can't live on air, s'pose ye hustle up somethin in ther grub line, eh Jim, what ye say ? Jim Dat's a fac Masse Luke, dis chile neber forgit de rashuns. Luke Come Mollie trot out the bill of fare. Mollie Easy done pop, pork pone and potatoes, and by way of Liquor pure spring water, {Takes pail Exit L.) Scout and Jim puts rifle together. Luke Hark! dern my pictures thars someone prowling about yonder {Draws pistol Exit J?.) Jim takes up wet cloth. Jim Ges dis am played out, hab ter trow it away, cotch de debil if Missy Molly find it laying around. ( Throws it out at Door H.) Just as Luke enters leading Pat by the ear, cloth strikes Pat in the eye. (Pat claps hand on his eye.) Pat Ouch ! may the divil ate that naygur. Jim {Startled) Golly massa Luke, war ye find dat apparition. 10 LOYAL LUKE. Pat Well, bad luck to yer sow], yez black hook o' the divil, I'll paralize ye wud a thump I will (makes for Jim, scout interferes) Luke Hold hard thar none o' that, Jim ye hold thet tongue o' yourn an give this ere feller a chance ter explain (To Pat) now sir what might yer name be. Pat Sure sor it moight be anything ye plase in this god forsaken part o' the worruld yer honor, but in the ould dart it was Pat. Finerty at yer sarvice. Jim Bats a nice handle by gun. Luke Shet up yo . Wal Pat whar dye hail from last ? Pat Sure it was Kichmond they call it I belave, an the the divils place it is too sor, -sure it was tired enough I was av it before I came till it, an thinks I bad cess to yez Pat an the day I left New York thet I didn't sthay wud me bruther Mike, sure if I did I'd have a goverment job be this I wud an me papers too. Luke Why Pat, how long have ye been in ther country. Pat Six months yer honor. Luke Ha. ha wal pat ef ye want to sarve ther government, ye'll hev a chance ter do a leetle in ther lighten line pooty soon I reckon, an as Jim an I start fer the North ter morror yer welcome ter go long. Pat. Fighten is it, sure thats right in me fist so it is, an if yeve no objections I'll jist wade inter that black spalpeen yonder an wipe up the flure wud him. (Goes for Jim. Jim draws razor from boot shakes at Pat.) Jim Yer will, well yer, cut yer deep, Irish. Luke No not that kind of fighten boys. I want ye twe ter be friends, so shake hands an swar to stick ter each other. (Pat and Jim shake hands.) JrM Ise willin, I is Massa Luke, dis chile got no antyplosity an I'll stick like coon to de gum tree. Hou's dat Irish ? Pat. Sure I've no objections to be friends wud him {looks at his hands) aside) sure I thought the black ud cum off. Luke Now boys it strikes me that Mollie is a long time after thet water, spose we stroll down towards ther spring an see whats ther mat- ter. Cum, thars no tellin what for varmints air prowlin about the woods these days. Come on boys. Exit L. SCENE II.— Landscape. Enter Mollie with pail at L. singing. Enter Phil, at K. Phil. How fortunate, the daughter of my particular friend, Luke North. Now for an hours pleasure. (Advances toward Mollie, who sets pail on the ground.) Wy my dear Miss Mollie a very pleasant day this, is it not. Mollie It might be, were it not marred by your presence. Phil Come now Mollie don't be cross, a pretty girl like you reared in the back woods where you don't often meet gentlemen, should feel flattered when we condescend to speak to you. Mollie Mr. Wallace, I consider myself your superior, though I be a scout's daughter. Thanks to that scout I have received a good edu- cation, and also gained a thorough knowledge of the characters of some would be gentlemen. Phil Heigho, why Mollie I see you are quite pert as well as pretty, but are you not afraid to speak in that manner to those whom you think ud gentlemanly. Mollie Afraid ; No sir. Like my father I know no fear. Phil {advancing to Mollie. ) Come Mollie lets be friends. (Chucks her under chin. Mollie slaps him in the face. Phil starts back draws act n. 11 dagger.) Thunderation you tiger cat, I've a notion to bury this in your breast. Enter Scout L. , knocks Phil down, points pistol at his head, whistles. Enter Pat R. Jim L. Pat dances a step swings stick. Jim {draws razor rushes at Phil.) Lemnie cut he froat wid dis heah rasure. (.Scout motions Jim back. Picture. Red fire. Curtain. SCENE III.— Landscape. Guerrilla Rendevons. Crowd of Rebbels standing round talking, Guy Lennox among them, Guy Now men here comes Phil Wallace, who will state to you the object of this meeting, so you will please come to order. Enter Phil R. Phil Well boys, glad to see so many of you here, it shows the right spirit, how dye do Guy ; quite a crowd eh ? Guy Yes Phil, but I am confident that after we have organized, many more will flock to our rank who are just now a little timid. Phil Well men we will now proceed to business, I suppose you know that we have met to organize a band for the protection of our homes and families against the Northern invaders. Also to fight for the South, and wreak vengeanoe on those who should do, as we pro- pose doing, but, who sympathize with the North. What say you men, are any of you afraid to proceed ? Men Hear, hear, hooray, for the South. Phil Then men we will consider all willing, and I request my friend Lennox to preside. Men Thets ther talk, go ahead Lennox Guy Well gentlemen the first thing in order is election of a Captain. Men Phil Wallace, Wallace for Capen, he'l make a good un. : Guy Are there any other nominations? None. All in favor of Phil Wallace for Captain say, aye. Men Aye, aye. Guy Now for a name. Phil I suggest the Swamp Rangers. A voice Second ther motion. Guy Moved and seconed, this organization be known as Swamp Rangers. All in favor say, aye. Men Aye, aye. Guy Carried. Now Capt. Wallace I have the honor to present to you the Swamp Rangers, and now boys three cheers for the Capt. {all cheer.) Phtl Friends and Comrades, in accepting this office, permit me to thank you for your kind opinion and confidence. When I saw that the actions of the Northern scum toward our people of the sunny South, were such as could no longer be borne in silence, and that war was inevitable, I cast my lot with secession believing that our cause was a just and holy one. Gov. Letcher tendered me a commission as a staff officer, but I declined it in favor of my friend Tom Dayton, prefering to do better work for the cause among my neighbors, punish- ing traitors and dealing blows to the enemy when they least expect it, and nowboys since we have organized and you have chosen me to lead you {draws Con fed. Flag from Bosom.) I propose that each and all swear allegiance to this Banner of the South. {Spreads out Flag.) Now men take hold with your left hands, raise your right and repeat after me your oath. I do solemnly swear to support the Southern Confederacy, to give strict obedience to the officers of the Swamp Rangers, to earry out and execute, without fear or favor, any and all orders intrusted to me, and to lose no opportunity to wreak vengeance on all foes of the South. 12 LOYAL LUKE. Never to betray a comrade, but always to aid one, and in violation of this my solemn oath may my sonl be sunk in perdition. Now men Guy Lennox is my Lieutenant, whom you will respect and obey, when in command same as myself. We will now seperate, go to our homes, make such preparations as my be necessary and meet here on Monday night Then we will inaugurate a reign of terror, for we'll burn and desolate the homes of every Yankee sympather in the valley. All Exit L. Luke {rising from behind rocks.) Wal ef ever ther Lord permited ther devil ter come onto the earth, it war when Phil Wallace war born. Burn every Yankee sympathizers home, will he ? Your reign of terror won't last long young man ef I can prevent it, and I think I'll worry them a little. How my fingers itched to send a ball through his black heart when he war swarin them cut-throats, but mebe its fer the best I didn't, one thing air gained any how, we'll know who to watch from this time out. Exit R. SCENE IV.— Recruiting Officer. Col. Gregg seated at table writing, (Enter) Lon, Luke, Pat and Jim. Col. G. (Rising) Good morning geutlemen what can I do for you. Lon I understand CoL that you are organizing a JJegt. for the War, and it i3 my desire to enlist if acceptable. Col. G. Certainly my dear boy you are just the material I am in search of and as I am hard pressed with work at present after you are sworn I will detail you as Headquarter clerk, for you have the appear- ance of a scholar. Lon Thanks CoL I will do my best to please you. Coi.. G. Now stand here remove your hat raise your right hand and repeat the oath I do solemnly swear to support the Constitution of the United States, against all foreign or Domestic, to abide by her Laws and to obey the lawful commands of all superior officers placed in authority over me for the period of three years. Lon I do. Coii. G. Now cents do any more of you desire to enlist Luke Wall Col, my hearts with the old Unton every time, I want ter do all I can fer the cause but not ter be swar in like Lon, I'm more benefit, ter the Army as a scout knowin as I do ther swamps and mountains also the nature of the traitors emselves. So I'd ruther, ef ye think I'm right do my share in that way. Col. G. You are undoubtedly sight my dear sir, Scouts and Guides are indispensable to our Army, as experience has proven. And I ad-; mire your pluck in volunteering for such hazardous work, I shall give you a letter of introduction to the Comd'g. Gen'l. who will be glad to accept your services. ( Turns to Pat and Jim) Now then what about you two. Jm I golly massa Kernal dis chile no good fur soger no how, gif shot fer a coon fus time de boys see im, no sah, gess I jis better stick to Massa Luke, do mo good dat a way, eh Massa Luke. Luke Wal kernel I reckon Jim's about right, but Pat here he's a fightin man, what dy'e say Pat Pat Sure sor tighten always did run in the blood o' me own family, and finerty niver injoys anything loike as good as phin he's taken a hand in a lively sort av a ruction, an bein as I jist kem frum the South oive an idee phat the spalpeens are up to an me miud is made up to help yez all I'm, able, an as the naygur an me med up to be" friends sure we. must be wid ach other fur ef wan got into trouble sure the 1 other cud help him out how is that naygur. ACT It. 13 Jim Dat's a fac Irish, gess we'll be an army ob crar own. (Noise outside, Fritz heard) Fritz Yon yust go vay, I no gif yon dot pipe by shimmy I proke your nose, mind dot. (Enter) Fritz in haste and panting, runs against Jim knocks Jim over and is tripped up by Pat. Jim Golly I done fink de bullgine run inter me for de Lor I did. ■• Fritz (Rising) you yust do dot some more dimes you irisher, I fcrin you. (Pat Laughs) Yaw you a nice mens, wuss as de poys. Col. G. Come what's all this about, dutchy. Fritz You vas de mans vat make dis paper for dem sogers, ain't it. (Shows Adv.) Col. G. Yes sir, I'm the man. Fritz Ish dot your gompany, dem vellers ? Col. G. Part of them, yes. Frith Veil, I vants to fight mit Sigel, put I no goes mit dot Irisher nnd I don't vas drable mit no plack nigger. Jim Youse only an ole slop tub anyhow. Pat Bad cess to yez ye ditch beer barrel. Cum outside and say that will yez. Col. G. Easy boys ( To Fritz) my friend, my Regt. has full ranks, but will not be under Sigel 's command, you must go to the southwest, to join him. Feitz Ish dot so, dot vas too pad. Col. G. Come friends as it is near noon we will go to the hotel yonder for some refreshments. Fritz Dot's der ticket, I sthands der lager two dimes cum on Irish und you nigger ve drinks to Sigel. (Exit R.) SCENE V.—Bennet Homestead. Mr. & Mrs. B. at table Mrs. B. sewing Mr. B. reading Bessie seated at center crocheting, Mr. B. lays aside paper. Mr. B. Well, mother it is just as I feared ! the war has commenced and since it has, I hope the government will teach those hotheaded Southerners such a lesson as will not soon be forgotten, the plagued scoundrels. Mrs. B. Ah, father I fear it will be a long and bloody strife, oh, I shudder to think of it, the misery and suffering it will cause homes dis- olated, whole families swept by a ruthless foe, from existence. And our Will my only boy wants to enlist. ( Weeps) Mr. B. And why not mother ? His country calls for men and were he to ignore it I would consider him a disgrace to his name, I say go to every young man, By the way Bessie have you heard from your beau since his departure ? if he carries any Northern sentiment with him to the South, I'm inclined to believe there will be some fun in the Wallace family. Bessie No father, but I expect word from him every moment. And you may rest assured that his arm will never be raised against the flag though he te a southerner by birth. Mr. B. I hope you are right Bessie, I always gave Lou credit for good sound sense. Bessie Thank you father. (Knock at Door,) Mr. B. Come in. Fritz Yaw I coming ven I findt dot handle. Now ve got in. (Enter Fritz with letter) ist dk dot blace vere dot Pennet means, no gals lives. Mb. B. Yes, what is it Fritz (Showing letter) why dot's it, a young feller give dot to me 14 LOYAL LUKE. down by them sogers office, und said Fritz, dake dot to Mr. Pennet's house und give to dot young ladies, und I'll sthand der peer so I look me all over und I'm gladt dot dis ish der place. {Gives letter to Bessie who reads it to herself) dot's a nice man's dot young soger men {aside) und dots a nice gal. I vish I was dot young feller. Bessie Why Lou has enlisted under OoL Gregg and says he will be here at 7:30 this evening to give us all particulars, he wants Will to join the Regt. to. Why this letter was written at noon and it is now 7 o'- clock ( To Fritz) why did you not deliver it sooner. Fritz Don't Itole you vat I can't findt der blaces {Aside) I staidt too long in Pete Schneiders. {Knock at door) Bessie runs to door and opens it. Bessie Why here is Lou now {Enter) Lou Fritz slides out. Lou How do you do Bessie. {Shakes hands allround) how are my friends Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Me. B, Quite well Lou, pray be seated. ( Takes seat by Bessie) this is indeed a surprise to see you here at this time, and dressed in Union Blue. Lou Why did you not receive my note Bessie. Bessie Yes, we did receive it about five minutes since. Lou Why I sent it by a german at noon to-day but I suppose the rascal dropped into some saloon and forgot his errand. Bessie He said he could not find the house. Lou Ha, ha a good excuse to cover his neglect, But I promised an explanation and you shall have it. When I left here to spend my va- cation among my friends in what was then my home, I little thought that in so short a time our country would be plunged into a bloody war I was received with open arms by my parents, and with the same spirit of half friendship he has always shown, by my brother PhiL not a word was spoken concerning the trouble between the North and South, till I had been home three weeks, when one night in the Palmetto Hotel reading room, Phil and I had an altercation, over an article from the Richmond Examiner. It was the basest, most treacherous, vilest article that ever disgaeed a sheet of paper, Phil thought it eloquent I differed with him, and Mbs. B. You shurely did not come to blows. Lou No, we did not, but had it not been for a personal friend of mine, a scout named Luke' Norton it would no doubt ended in murder. All What ! Lou Even so, Phil so far forgot himself as to draw a revolver, and attempt my life. Bessie The villian. Mns. B. Horrible. Mb. B. A very loving brother eh Lou. Lou Yes and not content with this, while on my way from town I was way-laid and bound by Phil and Guy Lennox and only rescued by my faithful negro servant Jim who overheard their plans. Bessie Guy Lennox guilty of such an action why I always thought he was your best friend. Lou So he was Bessie, but this war is destined to change the warm- est friendship to bitterest hatred, both Guy and Tom Dayton are my enemies now, as both are traitors to the Union. Mb. B. But how did your parents occept your decision. Lou Now comes the most sorrowful part of my narrative. Phil of course informed father of my actions, and next morning he sent for me, I found him in a terrible rage, he demanded that I support the South, I refused and appealed to his better judgement, he became more enraged disowned me, bade me drop the name of Wallace and de- act m. 15 spite my mothers 's tears and prayers, drove me from him with his curse ringing in my ears Mrs. B. Oh, this is terrible, Father against son, brother against bi other, oh when will it end. Mk. B. End mother, how can it end, but in victory for onr Union Armies. God never intended that this Union cemented by the hearts blood of our forefathers should be dissolved by the action of a few hot headed southeran fanatics Lou my boy you did right and I admire your manhood, follow the principles you have left home and family to maintain and I predict for you fame and fortune and should you be permitted to return to us at the close of the war, ask at my hands any favor which is in my power to grant, and it yours what say you mother. Mbs. B. {Advancing to Lou') Yes father, {Puts arm on Lous shoulder) Aye go, and as one of my own I will ever remember you in my prayers. God will surely watch over and protect you my noble boy, and rest as- sured that there is always a place in our home and hearts for you. {Enter) "Will in uniform. Will Well here I am sworn in for three years. Hello Lou glad to see you Col. Gregg told me you had enlisted and I'm glad to have you for a comrade, but I thought you would be on the other side. Mes. B. No my son, Lon has forfeited home and friends for the old flag, and I want you to promise me that you will be true friends and that in the darkest hour you will cheer and aid each other, you are all I have to offer as a sacrifice at the shrine of Liberty and though it rends my heart it is done cheerfully. (Lou and "Will clasp hands. All kneel. Mrs. B. with outstretched hands to Goddess.) Tableaux. A mothers offering to Liberty. Curtain. ACT III. (Lapse of two years.) SCENE I.— Union Camp. Muskets stacked guard pacing post, soldiers lying around, Lou writ- ing, Jim and Pat in corner at left up E. playing cards. Jim Dats de time I got ye, Irish ten spot lick de nine ebery time, gimme dat trick. Pat Bad cess to yez f er a black thafe, it was mesil that played that tin spot, sure ye bate the divil, oive traveled wud ye now fer two years and divil a game ye played yet wudout chatin. Jim You git out Irish, cant fool dis chile dat way. youse no cheat is you, didn't hab any cards up youse slebe yisterday didn't play de right bower twice on one deal wid dutchy did youse, oh I knows yer. Pat Yez he, ye black spalpeen. Jim Youse anoder Irish. Soldiers Go for him Jim. Pitch into him Pat. Fight. {Enter) Fritz Left with jug, staggers about. Lou {Rising) Here you fellows scatter that crowd Jim if you and Pat don't behave yourselves I'll send you to the guard-house (soldiers scatter Jim and pat sit down Pat spies jug, steals it takes over to Jim both drink.) Here Fritz, give an account of yourself where have you been. Fritz Dot's all right Liftenant I vas shust out a leetle vay. Dot's alright. Lou Don't you know it's against orders to bring liquor inside of the lines. I ought to send you to the guard-house. Fritz Dot's alright, put I dont pring dot stuft insite off dem lines ve make a raid on dot sutler vat scharge fife tollar a pint und puy it on tick for sixty tays you see ain't it dot vas inside mit de lines. 16 LOYAL LUKE. Serg't Let up on In'm this time Lieutenant he won't do no harm, we'll take care of him. Lou I think you had better take care of that jug or you will hare a couple more to look after. (Serg't takes jug from Pat and Jim.) Soldiers Give us a song dutchy, give us a song. Fmtz Don't believe I kin put veil dry anyhow. {Sings Comic Song.) Soldiers Come on Pat your turn next, good call. Jim Dat Irish can't sing he's no canary. Pat No bejabers but your a crow, {All laughs) well I'll not be ban- tered be a bloody naygur nor bate be a dutchman anyhow. (Comes down to center and sings comic song. Soldiers applaud. Bugle call heard) Lou Fall in for batallion drill, lively boys. (Men form Lou takes command and marches them off at left. ) Jim Come on Irish, come on Dutchy les go an see de Italion drill, , f {ExitL.) SCENE II, — Norton Cabin. Mollie sewing flag. Mollie Well I do wish pop was here, I would so like to see him, I do wish this war would end, just to think of it, two years of bloodshed and for what to gratify the ambition of a few men, I wonder that the Lord permits such men to live but I guess it must be. I wonder what has become of Phil Wallace and his gang, I have not heard of any of their deviltry lately, its a wonder he hasen't paid me a visit er'e this, but if he does he'll get a warm reception, and find that scouts teach their children to defend themselves. Mercy there he is now. {Enter Phil) Phil Good morning Miss Norton. Mollie Sir, how dare you intrude, where you know you are unwel- come. Phil Mollie why are you so cold toward me when I have made this journey especially in your interests and to shield you from danger. Mollie Thank you, but your protection, is unnecessary have you forgotten our last meeting. Phil Forgive me Miss Norton for my rashness on that occasion, but I am indeed here to warn you, e're many days this valley will be raided by a band of determined men who are perfectly aware of the part your father is taking in this struggle and who have no mercy on him and those related to him, God knows what they may be tempted to do, and once aroused, believe me no human hand could restrain them. Mollie What would you have me do. Phil Lock up this cabin, come with me to a place of safety till this struggle is over then when peace has been restored and victory crowns the Southern Arms as it surely will, you can return to your home in safety. Mollie Enough of this Phil Wallace, desert my home for the protection of a coward who makes war upon women and chil- dren, who comes at dead of night with a band of cutthroats, like the human vulture that he is, pounces upon a home whose defender is fighting for his country, and with knife and torch leaves it a heap of smouldering ruins and chared bones, never. Proud indeed, must the Confederate government feel of such valient soldiers. Phil Miss Norton have a care how you talk even your sex may not warrant such language, but what is that you are sewing it looks like a flag. (Mollie takes up flag in left hand revolver from stand in right,) act m. 17 Mollie Yes it does, and it will benefit yon look at it [Unfurls flag] there is the flag under which Luke Norton fights, the flag Tinder which his daughter was born and which shall fly above this cabin to show to such cravens as you that there is yet a loyal heart in the valley. Phil, By heaven this shall never be, fly that cursed rag at your peril and on your farthers leturn he will not only find his home in ruins but may also find the body of his daughter dangling from a ropes end, for I certainly will not answer for the consequences of such a rash act Mollis Call it what you may traitor, I defy yon, I'll fly the flag I love even in the presence of Lee himself, [Points pistol at Phil] now go and remember that though I be but a woman I can protect myself against such cowards as you. [Picture.] [Curtain.] SCENE m.— Woods. [Enter Jim at L. musket at a carry arms, marches to tree at center halts, faces front, brings piece to order, ground arms, sits down.] Jim Fust brigade to arribe wonder whar's dat dutch divishun an de Irish brigade tole dem fellers to cum here free hull days ago, dey ain't heah yet golly wonder ef den gorrillars got em, -who the debbil am dat Grabs gun Enter Luke R. Jim Halt dar, doan youse cum no furder, who is yer, whar ye gwine, whar'd ye com from, hey why doan yer anser an ossifer wen he talks at yer. Luke Wall darn yer ugly picters I've a notion ter kick yer over ther hill, don't yer know me Jim. Jim Golly is I awake, sartin I is hello Massa Luke dat yon, whars yon been dis long time am't seen yer fo a coons age. Luke Wal Jim I've ben with Sheridans army an had'nt a chance to get around this ere way I'm in a hurry now an aint got much time to spare, Ive jist come from ther rebel lines and hev important papers for the General could 'nt find time to call and see Mollie, now Jim I want ye to do me a favor. I hear Phil Wallace and his gang air in the valley and I know he's up ter some o' his deviltry you git to the cabin tell Mollie I want her to go with you through the Union lines, and stay in some town in our rear till I come to her, d'ye hear give her this letter an tell her to lose no time. Jim I will Massa Luke I'se to meet Pat and that Dutchy heah, an den we'll jist scout down dat way an take Missy Mollie wid us. Luke Allright Jim I won t fergit ye boy, now goodbye and good luck, tell Mollie her pop is allright an he'll see her soon, I'm off fer headquarters. Jim Good-bye Massa Luke, [Exit Luke L.] I golly Massa Luke him be de gineral some day, hello heah cuius de Irish brigade better stan up an serlute em [Enter Pat R.\ Jim Hello Irish, dat yon? Pat Av course it is ye grinnin monk, who the divil dye spose I'd be but mesiL Jim Dat' hard to tell Irish, youse look good bit like Gineral Grant , Pat Be off wid yer foolin now beauty, where s de Dutch. Fbitz {at R.) Bight here I vas yon vellers, can't see fer lookin I dinks. Now Gim vat is de causation of all dis cause hey. Jim Well gentlemen we am heah fer a kind ob consultershun as de orsifers say. As it am, a colloquy of de nations. Wese gwine ter keep an eye on dat gang of gorrillars, wat am in de walley, I done jist met Massa Luke de scout bout free hours ago. He say de gorrillars am up ter debiltry, an dat we mus go to de cabin an take Missy Mollie froo de lines, now we am de body guard. 18 LOYAL LUKE. Pat Blaguard ye mane, ye are bad cess to yez. Jim Shet up you Irish dran interup de gineral ob dis army. As I was sayin ave am de guard ter pertect de scout's darter an see her frov de lines. Now den dis chile am for wah genmin, wah, heah dat ? Fritz Now yust look here, I'm no fraid fon dem gorrillors fellers, but I dink its best wat we go on de cabin und pring dot young viinens away mit out dot war. I no vant to git shooted mit dem fellers, vat goot I be ven I. no kin live some more. Vat you dink Irish ? Pat Sure as me Uncle Mike said to the excise man phin he tried to .run me. uncle's still, shure its ivery man till his trade. An as tighten is in my line, be the powers ov turf im in for any thing from a noggin av grog till a fight wid the divil so I am, but if phat the naygur says is true, its me own opinion that we'd better be makin fer the scout's cabin, so shoulder yer arms and be off wud ye. Exit L. SCENE TV. -Scout 9 s Cabin. . Mollie, seen examining Flag. Mollis At last my beautiful emblem of liberty. You are ready to take your place in the free winds of heaven. The last star is in its place and if you fly for one short hour, people shall see that your owner is loyal yet. {knock at door) Who is there ? Jim (outside) Me missy, I'se done cum wid a letter from Massa Luke, de irish an dutch am wid me too. Mollie Come in my friends ! {Enter all three at R. Mollie shakes hands with each.) It does me good to see Union men once more, {reads letter. ) now sit down as I have something to tell you. {take seats, Mollie shows flag.) Phil Wallace was here yesterday and had the audacity to tell me that he would protect me if I would go with him till the war was over. He and I had a quarrel and he threat- ened to hang me if I hoisted that flag. Pat {jumping up.) Bad cess to his so wl, its mesil ud lorike to mate the spalpeen. Shure oid break ivery bone in his ugly carcass. Mollie Now friends with your help we'll hoist the flag, or die in the attempt. Jim I golly Missy dem gorrillars dey go hoppin mad wen dey see dat flag floatin an we gwine ter hab a fight shuah, but I'se willin, den we skip fer de Union lines, eh. Mollie Yes Jim after I defy Phil Wallace, I will follow pop's ad- vice and go with you. Fbitz (aside. ) Dots a nice gal and I fights for her so long what I kin fight. Mollie Now Jim you go get a pole and we will hoist our colors, {Exit Jim R. Returns with pole, they tie the flag to pole, plant it out- side of door, at centre of stage. Two verses of Star Spangled Banner, after which all re-enter cabin. Enter Rebel sympathizer, L. Reb. S'y. Thunderation ! right under our noses eh, fly that infernal rag will ye, ye doggone traitor I'll report this ter Cap. Wallace an there'll be some fun I reckon. [Exit M.] SCENE Y. — Bendezvous of Swamp Bangers. Phil Now men you all understand the orders, we move from here at two P. M, strike the railroad just north of the long bridge then we fceperate into three parties tear up the rails, cut the wires and when the ammunition train runs off the track shoot every man of the guard and fire the train, take no prisoners for I want none to live to tell the tale. Sergeant, see that the horses are well cared for and the men fed, issue two days rations to each man there is no telling when we'll get together act ni. 19 again for we may ran against a snag. {Enter Eeb. S'y L.) who salntes PhiL Well sir what is it. Keb. St. Cap. I passed Luke Norton s cabin an hour ago an saw a blasted Union flag a flyin there thought I'd report it you. Men all growl and mutter Phil Order ! men this shall be attended to (aside) Perdition, that little fool has dared to do this even in defiance of my warning. Now even my love for her will I fear be of no avail. Lieut, take four men at once, go to that cabin, tear down that infer- nal rag, shoot all men found there, capture the scout's daughter and bring her here, then join us at the railroad, (to Reb. Sy.) You go with them. (Guy selects four men marches off R. Phil forms bal- lance and moves off L. ) SCENE VL— Scout 1 s Cabin flag flying. [Mollie, Jim and Pat seated outside, enter Fritz at L. hastily.] Fkitz Now we haf drooble, dem repel fellers is gomin like der tuy- fel down der rote. Mollie Now boys take your guns, hide in the bush. I'll sit by the window till they come, and don't fire till I say Union forever. Now be quick! [Pat, Jim and Fritz hide at R. Mollie takes seat at window with double shot gun.] Enter guerrillas L. Guy Halt! Men Tear tbe rag down, down with it. Gut Order men. I'm in command, [see's Mollie at windaw] Miss Norton, who raised that flag ? Mollie I, did. Guy Then I demand that.it be removed. . Mollie Never ! Born where that banner floated high under its folds I'd love to die. Guy What would you do with that gtin ? Mollie Shoot the first man to tear down the American flag. Guy Down with the rag men ! Mollie (Fires both barrels in succession.) Union forever. (Guy falls dead. Fritz, Pat and Jim fire and charge. ) Tableaux American Flag. SCENE YIL— Woods. Enter Pat, Jim, Fritz and Mollie all armed, with two Rebel prisoners, advance to center from R. Enter Phil and band at L. Phil Halt ! Who have we here ? By the eternal the Lieutenant's mission has failed. Miss Norton what means this ? Mollie It means that Guy Lennox is dead and that right has tri- umphed. Phil Then your triumph is but short. You are my prisoners. Serg't. take four men, conduct these people back to the rendezvous. I will go with you. Now Miss Mollie vou shall learn what it cost to defy Phil Wallace. Exit L. SCENE Yin.— Swamp Bangers Camp. Phil pacing ground. Enter Mollie R., prisoner band at back. Mollie Mr. Wallace, how long must this farce continue, why am I detained as a prisoner.' Is this a speciman of the boasted chivalry of the South. Phil No Mollie this is but an evidence of my worship. I have brought you here to prbteet you against yourself, despite my warning, you persisted in your mad patriotism, and in the face of all opposition 20 LOYAL LUKE. even my life rank and position, I have bnt one way to save yon from a traitor's fate listen to the voice of love, be mine, place yourself under my protection and yon will ere long rank with the fairest of the land. Mollte The wife of a traitor ! Never. Better the death of a slave Phil. Wallace yon can but kill the body yet the soul shall live to tri- umph over all such curs as you. rather would I nurse at my bosom the sting of a rattlesnake than the caress of a viper like yon. Phu. Then back to your hut you go there to remain a prisoner till you comply with my desires, not as a wife but as a mistress. (Exit) MollieL. Phil lies down with gorrillas, guards nod and sleep. Jim bites rope from Pat's hands, Pat frees Jim and fritz, they sneak oft at K. Guard wakes, Jim cute guard's throat with razor. (Curtain.) ACT IV. SCENE I.—Libby Prison. Prisoners lying about in rags, one of the number addressing them. Pbiso Now comrades the day we have worked so patiently for is here the tunnel is completed and after the ward officer has made his rounds we must enter the tunnel at short intervals, take care to make no noise whatever or if the attention of the guard should be attracted, all will be ended. After we reach the outside makefor the ford, cross the stream and strike north, keeping in the woods during day, and travel at night remember boys it is every man for himself and God for us all. Now keep up old appearances and don't give them any cause for suspicion. (Enter) Rebel officer R. men growl. Reb. Of. Shet up ye white livered nigger lovers or I'll give ye somethin ter growl fer, I reckon ye want yer rations cut do ye ? Well I'll tend ter thet fer ye, yer fed too dern good, (men groan) ye'll git more ter groan fer afore many days, Early an his army '11 be in Wash- ihgton afore ye see another two weeks. How d'ye like that eh? (Exit L.) Pbiso Now boys I'll lead yon, mind what I told you and may God prosper as alL Liberty or death. (Enter tunnel) as third prisoner dis- appears. (Curtain) SCENE IL— Rebel Camp Earlys headquarters. Gen'l Early studying map staff lounging around stack at center with rebel flag, music I>brie enter Sergt. with prisoner blindfolded and under guard R. Sergt. salutes Early. Eably Whom have you there ? Sebq't A man who says he is a courier from Gen'l Lee. .Eakly Remove that bandage, Sergt. you may retire and wait outside (Sergt. faces guard about and marches out at R.) Now sir what is your mission. (Enter) Luke, disguised as an old peddler, passes basket around among officers who bny. j Coubtjeb This sir, my orders were to deliver it to you in person* and; I found hard work to obey them. (Hands Paper* to Early.) Early Why so, were you molested by any of my men t Coubxeb No sir, but on my way here I was chased by Yankee cavalry and had to chew up and swallow my pass, given me by Gen'l. Lee and for that reason found difficulty in entering your lines. Eakt. y You certainly took a wise precaution, and I will furnish you with one in its stead (Read* Dispatches) ah these are indeed important, Got order Genl' Breekenridge to report here at once, (Exit) CoL of staff R. Capt conduct Gen'l Lee's courier to the headquarter mess and see that he is fed and rested I may want him to return this evening. (Exit) Capt and Scout R. act rv. 21 Early (to Luke) Here old man, you must confine your peddling to the outside of these quarters. Luke Yes mineral I will, I meant no harm I often, sell to the officers their mighty kind to me. Early Allright, now go. (Exit Luke L.) '■''■'■ Luke (Aside) I'll watch that scout and if Lee get's any dispatches through him it will be after I'm wiped out. (Enter) Gen 1. Breckenridge and staff R. Gen. B. Good-day Gen'l. you sent for me. Early Yes Gen'l, I want you to have your troops ready to move at •- short notice, I have just received word from Gen. Lee that our way is open for a raid as far as Southern Pennsylvania, he says that if we can - accomplish it will force Grant to raise the seige of Petersburg besides giving us what we need most, fresh horses plenty of rations and forage. I will send him word that we will move as soon as possible. See that orders are issued to have the men and horses in good trim for an early start. Gen. B. Allright Gen'l. I'll attend to it. (Scdutes exit R) Eablt (Seating himself, commences to write) Now for a dash through • the rich valleys of Maryland and Penna. I'll draw my rations from the . supply depots of the Yankee hounds. (Folds Papers.) CoL have Gen. . Lee's courier report here at once ready for his return. (Col. salutes and exit B.) [Enter] CoL of Staff with courier R. both salute. Eably [Hands papers to courier.'] You will start at once for Lee's headquarters and deliver these dispatches to him in person, should you be in danger from the enemy destroy them at once as they are very im- portant, and if possible, should you escape after their dsstruction return . here. Courier Gen'l I will do my best I will carry them through or die. [Salutes exit L.] r: 1 1 '. * Eaely [to Staff] Come gentlemen, I will superintend the arrange- ments myself. [Exit B] "V : SCENE III.— Woods. [Enter Lnke B.] Luke That scout is on his way to Lee with important dispatches, and a pass from Early, I must have both, he must cross at the ford just below here, I will wait for him and then the best man wins. Ha this must be him. [Slinks back] [Enter] Scout R. Luke covers him with revolver throw up your hands and surrender or yer a dead man. Courier What does this mean old man I'm no yank. Luke Your a spy and I want them papers you got from Early. Courier [Fires at Luke] take them then. Luke returns fire courier falls, Luke searches him faiis to find them. " Luke Is it possible this ain't the man, ah his mouth. [Forces couriers mouth open takes out ball of tin foiL unfolds it produces papers.] Cute enough, a pity I had to kill him for he was faithful even to death' but no time to lament for rebels now. These must be in Gen. Wilson's hands as soon as possible, now to hide this body. [Dragsbody off at left.] , SCENE IV.— Woods. Dogs heard baying in distance and faint shouts, [Enter] prisoner faint and faltering stumbles at foot of tree. Priso. My God, must I fail now, after ail I have gone through?' Hark the dogs are close on me now, thanks to that old darkey I have one shot left and may God nerve my hand and arm now, at least that dog shall die, come on ye brute of more brutal masters you are on your 22 LOYAL LUKE. last trail, dog heard close, prisoner fires, dog wails. [Enter] rebel at R. sees prisoner. .-, Rebel Shot my dog did ye cussed yank now I'll make a target o* you. You'uns war smart with yer tunnel you'll never dig no more, now die. Shot heard rebel falls, Jim rushes in plants foot on Reb's breast fugative clasps Jim's knees. Jim I war watchin yer dat time massa. [ Tableaux. ] [Emancipatwn. ] Music "Hail Columbia." SCENE V.— Federal Camp. Gen. Wilson and staff on stage. Enter Luke E. salutes Wilson. Luke Gen. these dispatches I took from the scout who was sent by Gen. Early, to convey them to Gen. Lee's headquarters, from the bus- tle at the Rebel camp. I judge they are preparing for another raid. {hands papers to Gen. W. who reads them.) Gen. W. Just as I thought, Gol. order Gen. Russell to report here at once. Capt. convey the same orders to Col. Gregg. {Exit staff L.) Luke GenL if you have no need for me just now, I would like to find some rations as I had no chance to get any to-day. Gen. W. Certainly, you need rest and food, get both while you can, I may need you again shortly. I shall report your services to Gen. Grant and see that you are rewarded for your untiring services. Luke Thanks Genl. my reward will be to see the Rebel traitors punished. Exit L. Enter Gen. Russell and Col. Gregg L. Wlllson Good-day gentlemen. Be seated Gen. CoL I want you to detail a good man to carry dispatches to Gen. Grant at City Point. Col. G. Albright Gen. I'll attend to it at once. ExitL. Wilson Gen. here are dispatches Luke Norton has just brought in. (Hands paper to Russell who reads them.) Russell Gen. this is very important, Early mast be checked at all hazards. Wilson Yes, I am about to send copies of these to Gen. Grant ask- ing for reinforcements if he can spare a corps for duty here. Early may find his game badly blocked. {Enter Lt. Will Bennet L. salutes.) Lt. B. Gen., CoL Gregg ordered me to report to you. .Wilson Lieu't., take this dispatch to Gen. Grant at City Point, deliver to him in person and spare nothing to get them to him without delay, {takes paper?, Exits L.) To Gen. RusseL Come Gen. we will take a ride through camp, as I wish to give some instructions to the Brigade Commanders. Exit L. SCE^TE VL— Rebel Headquarters. Early and Staff. Eably Well gentlemen, that raid was a decided success so far as we are concernedj plenty of rations forage and clothing, good fresh horses and $200,000 tribute, not so bad eh. Cof. olS. Yes Gen'l. and we got back just in time, I suppose Sheridan was mad as a hare when he found we had given him the slip. Enter Gen. Brecenridge R. salutes, Bbeck Gen. one of my scouts has just arrived and reports that Sheridan has gone to Washington, and that Wilson is in command of the Federal troops. He says that they are not expecting an attack, but that on Sheridan's return the Yanks threaten to drive us from the valley. Eaely That is certainly good new, Sheridan at Washington, then we'll make the attack at sunrise. Gen. you will form on the right in three lines of battle. CoL give my compliments to Gen, Smith, with ACT V* 23 orders to form in line of masses on the left. 'I ■■will command the cen- ter, the signal to advance will be one gun from the centre, Now (Jen. see that all is in readiness. Exit's,. SCENE VLL— Federal Camp. Breakfast call sounds. Men eating breakfast Bugle Call. Assembly. Heavy firing and loud yells at R. Kebel charge. Union retreat. Rebel stragglers take possession of camp and joke while eating Federal's rations. Curtain. Heavy firing continued at L. Enter stragglers L. Enter Sheridan hastily at R. Sheridan What means this ? Halt men ! Btbagoleb Were licked General routed. JShemdan Pace the other way boys, face the other way, we're going back to our camp, we'll lick em out of their boots. Leads men. Raise Curtain, showing Rebels still at Union camp. Loud firing. Rebels retreat, Union advance. Phil shoots Lou, who falls. Grand charge at centre. Officers cross swords at front. TABLEAUX VICTORY. ACT V. SCENE I.— Ruin of ScmVs Cabin. Enter Luke R. stops, raises hands to forehead, stands amazed. Luke My God, what does this mean, my home in ruins, my daugh- ter for aught I know dead, or sharing a worse fata This is the work of that fiend Phil Wallace and his cut-throats, and curse them they shall pay dearly for it. (Kneels.) Here under the blue sky I swear that if a hair of her head is but injured, I will never rest till I have hounded to his death every man of Wallace's gang. (Noise at L. Luke jumps to his feet, draws pistol, points L. ) Come out 'o that brush or I'll let daylight through yer carcass quicker'n lighting, dye hear. Jim Gor a mighty don't shoot Massa Luke, don't shoot, I'se done comm right away. (Enter at It.) Golly Massa Luke dis chile done glad to see yer, hope I die ef I am't been huntin all ober de 3tate fer yer. Luke Jim I'm glad ter meet you too, do ye know anything about this. (Points to ruins.) Where's my Molhe. JrM Phil Wallace done took her to de gorrillar camp, spec shes dar yet, he swar she nebber lebe dere till she be him wife. Luke When was this. Jim About free days ago, arter I come heah wid Pat and de dutch* man to took her frov de lines, lot of gorrillars wid Massa Guy Lennoi» swar dey burn de cabin, kill you an take Missey away. Missy Mollie she done shoot Massa Guy. Me an Pat and dutchman shoot free ms, den start for de Yankees, and goin frov de woods we ran plump sock inter de order gorrillars whot was goin on a raid, dey took us to de eamp den tied us free up and say dey hang us dat night, I chaw de rope off en de Irish an he loosen de two of us, cut de guards froat wid de rasure an scoot. Pat an de dutchy go to de Yankee camp an I cum heah ter look fo youse, dats a fae. Luke Then there is not a moment to lose, God knows what that wretch might do to avenge the death of his men. Come Jim we'll go to headquarters and get a body of men, then return to the valley and wipe that cursed gang out of existence. Jim Dat's de ticket Massa Luke, an den ole Jim git a chance to pay Phil Wallace de debt I owe for de way he used to flog me befo de wah. (ExitR.) 24 LOYAL LUKE. SCENE Il.^-Sheridan's Headquarters. • Gen'l. S. at table, guard pacing beat. Enter orderly, saints. Ord. Gen'l. Col; Norton desires to see you on important business at j ©nee, if possible. ; ■ Gen. S. Certainly show him in. Exit orderly. Enter Luke. < Luke {Saluting!) Good-morning General. Gen. S. . Good-morning Col. my orderly says you have important business with me, be seated. Luke Gen'l. I have just returned from my home or rather the . place whar it used to be, and I find that Wallace with his Swamp Ban- gers have been there, burned my cabin and carried my daughter to their quarters a prisoner. Now Gen'l. I want you to giant me this favor. Let me take a detail of twenty men and wipe that gang of mur- : .derers out of the world, for every one is guilty of murder, they have i been a scourge to Union people of the valley ever since the war begun. Gen'l S. Certainly Col. I have been contemplating the extermina- tion of that gang for some time, and will be only too happy to grant your request. But will twenty men be enough. Luke Yes Gen'l., with your permission I can pick twenty men from Gregg's command who will equal a hundred such curs as Wallace has under him. Gen'l S. Well Col. you know best. Orderly! (Enter orderly) Tell Col. Gregg that I desire to see him at once. (Exit orderly) Now Col. when you get a shot at Wallace's gang make the work complete, shoot or hang every one of them using your own judgement, but take no prisoners. (Enter Col. Gregg) Greck* (saluting) Gen'l you sent for me. Sheridan Yes Col. I want you to permit Col. Norton here, to select from your command a Lieut, and as many men as he needs, for special duty. And how Col. I wish you success in your mission, (shakes hands with Luke. ) Luke Thanks Gen'l I will do my best. (Exit all at B.) SCENE III.— Woods. (Enter Luke with soldiers under command of Lieut. Bennett.) Luke Now Lieut, we will halt here, you move your men a short distance into the woods, keep them out of sight. I'll go up the moun- tain and find out how the land lies. We must know how their guards are posted, for I want to surprise them, and if we should run across a guard he might give an alarm and they would have the advantage, but if I'm not back in an hours time, move up the hill cautiously, Jim there can guide you for he knows the path as well as I. Exit Luke^L. Lt. B. Attention, carry-arms, forward march. (Moves off Z,) . (Enter two Guerrillas B.) • • 1st Guer Hist ! Ben thars somebody comin up ther path, dye hear em. Ben Naw yer dreaming I reckon, else ye hearn sum animile or other. 1st Guer Now did ye hear em, lets hide, mebe its a Yank. By thunder it is, hide behind rocks. (Enter Luke B.) Luke Strange that I met no guards so far, Wallace must think he's safe here without guards. Well they are all here at the camp, so weve struck the right time and I'll go for the— (Guerrillas leap from behind rocks onto Luke bear him down and after a hard struggle bind him.) Ben Well Yank weve got ye, but ye made a mighty hot fight, gess Cap. Wallace w'd like ter see ye, so we'll jist trot ye back ter camp, come on. (Exit B. with Luke.) ACT V. 25 SCENE IV.— Guerrillas in Camp. Tree at right, tent at left, men grouped arcrand tree. Mollie comes ont of tent. Phil goes np to Mollie. Phil Well Miss Mollie, have yon changed yonr mind in regard to my proposal, or nrost I keep yon a prisoner for life. Mollis Changed my mind, never ! Every hour I am kept here in- creases my loathing for yon. Coward, murderer, fiend that yon are, your reward will come in due time. Phtl Ha, ha, my pretty one, rail away, your wrath is like music to me. I will have my reward when I see Lu&e Norton and all the other nigger lovers hang to trees. {Enter Guerrillas -with Luke.) Ab, a Yankee prisoner, where did you get him ? Ben Down below ther spring Cap. he war spyin, I reckon. Phtl {Advancing to Prisoner) A spy eh, then we'll have a necktie party for the amusement of the boys. {Pushes hat from Lukes eyes.) What! {Starts Back.) Luke Norton. Luke Yes Phil Wallace, it is Luke Norton. Mollie {rushes to Luke.) Oh, pop; oh pop. {Phil thrusts her back.) Phtl None of that my beauty, save those caresses for me. Lttke Ah ye fiend, if my hands were free but for two seconds I'd choke the life out of ye, ye cursed coward. Phil Rail away my nigger loving friend will soon stop your wind, for the choking will be on the other side, boys get a rope. Men Thats the talk Cap. hang ther cussed yank, string him np. They get rope place around scouts neck throw the other end over limb of tree. Phtl Now men one moment. Luke Norton you have but five min- utes to live, so make your preparations to meet your God. LtJKB Phil Wallace I am in your power and expect to die. My death will be but one more added to the long list of murders and outrages committed by you and your followers, for myself I scorn to ask for mercy at your hands. But for my child yonder I do ask it if you have one spark of manhood left, one thought of the mother who bore ye, for that mothers sake release that innocent girl. Phil Never Luke Norton, I intend that this day shall witness not only a hanging but a wedding for the same Sun that sees you die shall see your daughter the unwilling bride of the man you both hate. Mollie Oh, surely you will spare my fathers life, you cannot be so cruel as to hang a man who never was guilty of crime, in cold blood. Spare him by the memory of your old mother do. Phtl Ha, ha, spare him indeed no Mollie Norton never shall he leav this camp alive, you may return to your tent, for I swear your father dies. Mollie Oh my God, is there no hope. Phtl String him up boys now. Lt. B. Down with the guerilla dogs, [volley fired at left guerillas fall soldiers rush in followed by Jim Pat and Fritz, Lt. B, covers Phil with pistol, men release the scout Mollie falls into Lukes arms.] Now Phil Wallace your race is run surrender quietly. Phil You have caught us nappin g nicely this time you cursed Yankee hounds may your glory be sweet as mine. Draws revolver levels it at Mollie, Jim who has been watching him fires, Phil reels drops pistol and falls, soldiers, Luke and others gather round at center.] Jim Massa Luke dis darky hab his revenge at las. Pat Shure that's another face fer the devil's picture gallery. Fritz Yaw, I dink so too. 26 LOYAL LUKE. , Ltjke My dear friends how can I thank ye, for yonr arrival war jest in time a few seconds more and Luke Norton would be food fer crows. His career is ended not a man of his gang is left to tell the tale. Let us leave him to receive his reward at the hands of that God for whom he had neither fear nor respect. [Curtain.] SCENE Y.—Wood. Union troops formed on left of stage facing center Confederade troops .on the left of stage facing center, Gen. Sheridan on the left of his troops Gen. Farly on right of his troops stacks of guns at center. Signal rebels kheel, Early hands sword to Sheridan. (Tableaux Peace.) SCENE VI.— Bennett Homestead. Mrs. B. and Bessie seated at table. Mbs. B. "Well Bessie, I do hope this cruel war will soon end. • Bessie Yes mother and so do L Father said that from latest ac- counts Lee's surrender could not be delayed much longer. Mas. B. I only hope it may prove true, it seems strange too we have not heard from the boys this week. Bessie No, but I expect a letter to day and hope Father will call at the office While he is at town. (Knock at door.) Mbs. B. There is some one at the door Bessie go open it. (Bessie opens door. ) Mbs. W. Does Mr. Bennett live here. Bessie He does, won't you come in. Mbs. W. Thank you, I will. (Enters) takes chair placed for her by Bessie. My name is Wallace, and I came to inquire for some informa- tion of my son Louis for I am told that he and Mr. Bennett were friends Mbs. B. Lou's mother is it possible, this is indeed a surprise. (Shakes hands with Mrs. W. Bessie shakes hands with her also.) Bessie Mrs. "Wallace we are happy to meet you, and to give you all the information we can, do remove your things Lou has been under the impression that you were in Richmond, he is with Sheridans army. Mbs. W. No my dear I remained at the old plantation until five days ago when I determined to come North and learn of Lou's where- abouts as he is all I have left me now. Msa B. Is that possible. Mbs. W. Yes my husband has been dead for six months past, and my son Phil was killed in a fight with Sheridan's cavalry three weeks ago the old homestead is little better than a heap of ruins, and had no more charms for me. ( Weeps. ) Bessie Cheer up Mrs. Wallace, cheer up, this war has brought sorrow and pain to many happy homes, and I am sure it cannot last much longer, when Lou will return and many happy years are in store for you and him. Mbs. B. Yes and let me assure you that this shall be your home as long as you choose to make it such. Mbs. W. My dear friends how can I express my thanks for sueii kindness. Bessie By making yourself at home among us. ah here comes father {Enter) Mr. B. Oh father what news I am sure you have some good news. Mb. B. Yes indeed but you have f orogtton to introduce me to your guest. Mbs. B. Oh yea, Mrs. Wallace my husband. ACT V. 27 Me. B. Wallace ! Lou Wallace's mother, is that so ? Very happy to meet you madam you have arrived in good time. The war has ended :Lee has surrendered and we expect the troops home this aftermoon. All God be praised. Me. B. Yes so say L this has been a long and bloody war but right has at last triumphed, (cannonadiug heard in distance.) Ah that must be in the village the boys have surely arrived hark ! that's music the Regiment is coming. Regt. marches past, men cheering (when rear has passed, Lou and Will rush in followed by Jim Pat and Fritz, gen- eral handshaking allround.) Mb. B. Welcome home my brave boys, but Lou here is someone who has come a long way to welcome you. {Presents Mrs. W.) Lou Mother. Mas. W. My son (Embraces Lou) can you ever forgive me, yes mother I have never ceased to love you, even though my father drove me from home, Lou, your father and Phil are both dead and we must leave them to 'the mercies of their Creator, who is the judge of all Lou Then mother we are left alone, but I will try my best to make your remaining years happy. (Leads her to a seat.) Enter Luke and MoUie Lou Friends let me introduce our friends Col. Luke Norton and daughter Mollie, (All shake hvnds) and now that the war is over and we have been permitted to return in health and strength, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett I have to remind you of your promise when I left here for the army. I have a favor to ask (Takes Bessie's hand leads her up to Mr. and Mrs. B. Will takes Mollie s whispers to Luke then follow Lou and Bessie) We want your consent to our union. Will And while consenting is in order Pap consent to ours, t (All rise Men uncover.) Mb. B. Bless you my children be happy and now with peace restored may he who holds the destinies of nations in his hands in future guide our Ship of State. TABLEAUX UNION. winvancoo 111 016 215 180 6