6iZ 
 
 0w2|ai 
 
 Alabama Centennial Commission 
 
 At Old Mobile 
 
 Second of a Series of Historical Plays 
 in Commemoration of the close 
 of a Century of Statehood 
 
 By Marie Bankhead Owen 
 
 Issued by the Commission 
 
 Montgomery, Alabama 
 The Paragon Press 
 1919 
 
Alabama Centennial Commission 
 
 Created by act of the Legislature, February 17, 1919. 
 
 Headquarters : Montgomery 
 
 His Exellency, Thomas E. Kilby, Governor, 
 ex-officio, Chairman 
 
 Dr. Thomas M. Owen, Director, Department of 
 Archives and History, ex-officio. Secretary 
 and Historian. 
 
 Fitzhugh Lee, State Auditor, ex-officio 
 
 Spright Dowell, Superintendent of Education, 
 ex-officio 
 
 Dr. Thomas C. McCorvey, University, Ala. 
 
 Dr. George Petrie, Auburn, Ala. 
 
 Mrs. Bibb Graves, Montgomery, Ala. 
 
 David Holt, Newspaper Publicity Director, 
 Montgomery, Ala. 
 
 The Commission, created by enactment of the Legislature, has 
 for its activities the encouragement of general interest in the 
 history of the State, the general observance of the 100th anni- 
 versary of Statehood, the marking of historic spots, and the pub- 
 lication of local and other historical materials. Wide organ- 
 ized publicity has been given its plans. The most general co- 
 operation has been promised. Correspondence invited. 
 
 Address Dr. Thomas M. Owen, Director of the Centenary, 
 State Capitol, Montgomery 
 
 Copyrighted, 1919, 
 
8 /^. 
 
 Ow'XI.-t 
 
 At Old Mobile 
 
 The second of five episodes, in drama and masque of the 
 state’s history, with intervening periods to be summarized by 
 prologues of Heralds. 
 
 Theme, The extension in America of European Empires, show- 
 ing that in the new world the jealousies of the old were 
 brought forward and fought to conclusions. The play par- 
 ticularly reflects the romance, adventure, intrigue, and the 
 political and religious rivalries that characterized the place 
 and time when Mobile was the capital of half the continent, 
 known as New France, or the Province of Louisiana. 
 
 Place, Mobile, Alabama, at that time the capital of the French 
 Province of Louisiana. 
 
 Time, 1714-17. 
 
 Occasion, Celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of 
 the admission of Alabama into the Federal Union. 
 
4 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 PERSONS CONCERNED, 
 
 Jean Baptiste LeMoyne, Sieur de Bienville, Governor of 
 the French Province of Louisiana. 
 
 (Pronounced by the French, Zhon Bap-teest Le Mwan, 
 Sir de Byan-vel. 
 
 Chateauguay, his brother, an artillery officer. 
 (Pronounced Sha-to-ga.) 
 
 Madam Chateauguay. 
 
 St. Helene, his nephew. 
 
 (Pronounced Sant A-lenn.) 
 
 Boisbriant, an officer. (Bwa-bree-ohn.) 
 
 D’Artaguette, an officer. (D’ar-ta-guette.) 
 
 Father Davion, a priest. (Da-vee-ohn.) 
 
 Captain Marchand, Commandant of Ft. Toulouse. 
 (Pronounced Mar-shaw.) 
 
 Lieutenant Blondel, Commandant of Dauphine Island. 
 (Pronounced (Blon-del.) 
 
 Paillou, Architect of French Forts in Louisiana. 
 (Pronounced Pi-you.) 
 
 Spanish Wine, an Indian Slave. 
 
 Twenty-six Cassette girls. 
 
 Two Conductresses or Grey Nuns. 
 
 Pierre, a Colonist. (Pronounced Pe-ar.) 
 
 Jacques, a Renegade. (Pronounced Zhak.) 
 
 Julie B^aujeau. (Pronounced Zhu-le Bo-zho.) 
 
 Marie Blanche. (Pronounced Ma-re Blansh.) 
 
 St. Denis, a Colonist and trader. (Pronounced San-de- 
 nay.) 
 
 Madam St. Denis. 
 
 Sehoy. (Se-hoy.) Daugher of the Wind. (Indian rul- 
 ing tribe.) 
 
 Picard, a Violinist and dancing master. (Pe-kar.) 
 Indian Chiefs, councilmen and squaws. 
 
 Colonists, soldiers, sailors and French children. 
 Iberville is pronounced E-ber-veel. 
 
 These suggestions are made in order that the actors 
 may know the true French pronunciation. Certain of 
 the names, however, may prove difficult to the un- 
 trained French student, and the director is warranted 
 in Anglicizing the pronunciation if necessary. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 5 
 
 COSTUMES. 
 
 Bienville, Brown coat with facings, pockets and cuffs of yel- 
 low; gold buttons and epaulets. The knee breeches are yel- 
 low. The shoes and hose are black. The hat is black felt, 
 caught up at back and front, and a black plume ti/ the side. 
 The style of the coat is Colonial, with skirts reaching to the 
 knees at the back, and cut away from the front. The collar 
 may be a soft stock, and a lace jabot at the throat. 
 
 Chateauguay. Grey coat with red facings, pockets and cuffs, 
 red breeches, black hat with red plume. 
 
 Blondel. Dark red coat with black facings, pockets and 
 cuffs, black breeches and hat. 
 
 St. Helene. A light blue jacket, white shirt with rolling col- 
 lar; a dark blue cape lined with red and worn jauntily, hung 
 to the neck by a cord. He wears a black hat, that is caught 
 up in front by a yellow rosette. 
 
 Broishriant. Dark blue coat with light blue trimmings, dark 
 blue breeches and black hat. 
 
 D^Artaguette. Black throughout. White stock collar and 
 lace jabot. 
 
 Captain Marchant. The same as Broishriant. 
 
 Paillou. Dark tan jacket and breeches. His turban-like ca| 
 is of tan. 
 
 Pierre and Jacques, Grey jacket and breeches, round fur 
 caps. 
 
 St. Denis. Black breeches and jacket,, with a soft red silk 
 girdle and round black cap which he wears smartly on the side 
 of his head. His shirt has ruffles at the wrists and lace at 
 the throat. 
 
 Picard. Pearl gray coat with blue cuffs and collar, lace at 
 the throat. A bright blue vest may be worn. The knee 
 breeches are red and his black hat has a red feather. 
 
 Father Davion. A long black robe with black hood. The 
 hood is worn off the head, falling back on to the shoulders. 
 A cape falling to the hem may also be worn if desired. 
 
6 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, Her dress is in the height of style 
 of the French court of the early eighteenth century. The bo- 
 dice is cut with a low round neck, and comes to sharp points 
 front and back, basque fashion. The sleeves are tight to the 
 
 elbow and have ruffles of lace there as well as at the neck. 
 
 The skirt is a huge hoopskirt effect trimmed with rows of lace 
 and flowers in garlands. The length touches the floor in the 
 
 front and sweeps behind. She walks with a tall staff, and in 
 
 her other hand carries a feather fan. Her hair is waved and 
 dressed in low loops on the neck and the head dress represents 
 a ship, including realistic mast and rigging. The mast head 
 is a small plume above the face. 
 
 Madam Denis, The low-necked bodice is tight fitting with 
 puffed sleeves to the elbows, finished there with a frill of black 
 lace. The skirt is full and to the ankles. It may be of a 
 bright color. The hair is dressed with bunches of curls hanging 
 over the ears, and the headdress is a band of ribbon over the 
 crown of the head, a flounce of black lace sewed to the back, 
 and falling over the shoulders. She wears a lace scarf and 
 carries a Spanish, or ordinary open and shut fan with which 
 she coquettes a good deal in Spanish style. Her stockings are 
 red with black slippers. Black velvet bows at elbows and bust. 
 
 The Conductresses, Dark grey habits with light blue veils, 
 worn over nun-like bonnets. 
 
 The Cassette Girls, Dark brown dresses with white lawn 
 hoods, close-fitting like a baby’s cap, and with a frill of nar- 
 row lace. There is a black bow on the top of each hood. The 
 waists of the dresses are tight, the skirts full and ankle length. 
 There are white muslin ruffles at the elbows and white berthas 
 or kerchiefs at the neck. 
 
 Sehoy, Jacket and skirt of khaki, representing deerskin. It 
 is fringed and beaded. She wears bracelets and beads of all 
 sorts and on her head is a wreath of red berries. Above her 
 moccasins are leggings of deerskin, with a fullness that may be 
 had by sewing them on the stockings. 
 
 Indian Chiefs, Fringed jackets and long breeches of khaki, 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 7 
 
 feathers in their hair. They carry guns and pipes, war clubs and 
 tomahawks. There are long knives in their belts. Their faces 
 are painted in colored stripes. 
 
 Other Indians, Somewhat the same as the chiefs. The squaws 
 are dressed in the same mode as Sehoy. 
 
 Colonists and children. Garments of any color, only they 
 should conform to the styles of the period as indicated in the 
 clothes of the men and women described above. 
 
 THE SCENE. 
 
 The action of ^^At Old Mobile” takes place upon the espla- 
 nade that runs before the fort, along the river front, called 
 Place Royal. Live oak trees over shade the spot, and it is 
 the common meeting ground of the colonists, savages and such 
 other folk as come there from the larger world for trade, curios- 
 ity or society. 
 
 To the right is a corner of the fort, from whose bastion hangs 
 the royal flag of France, a white field covered with gold lilies. 
 In a tower at the center is a bell, on top, in the form of a 
 weathervane is a Gallic cock. 
 
 In the background is a well, around which is the market 
 place. On poles hang wild game, bear, turkeys, birds and long 
 strings of fish. On rude tiers of shelves are fruit, peaches, or- 
 anges, watermelons, figs, grapes. On the ground are piles of 
 green corn in the husk, green peas, beans and squash. Park 
 seats of cane or young trees with the bark still on, in the 
 form of benches or large chairs, are placed around. 
 
8 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 The Prologue 
 
 (To be spoken before the curtain by one of the characters 
 dressed in the costume of the period, 1711-17.) 
 
 Good Friends, our company of actors will now set before you 
 the second of the Centenary plays, Old Mobile,^* 
 
 Permit me, if you please, to beg you to recall the swift mov- 
 ing pages of history that led to the period and events we venture 
 to portray, the first quarter of the eighteenth entury. 
 
 It was less than half a hundred years after Columbus had 
 made known the western world to Europe that our wonderful 
 countay became the contending battle-ground for either exploi- 
 tation or colony planting. The far-seeing statesmen, (and there 
 were indeed men of vision in those days), of Spain, Portu- 
 gal, Italy, Holland, France and England, saw in the discovery 
 of Columbus unlimited chance for both Colonial trade and set- 
 tlement. 
 
 The peoples of the old countries had become congested. The 
 spirit that prompted Columbus to make his untried voyage, 
 prompted men of equal daring to constantly seek new sea-paths 
 and to open up new lands. The story of all these struggles be- 
 tween the contending nations named is the story of the Ameri- 
 can settlement. North and South. 
 
 Both chance and design entered into the selection of the lo- 
 cality of the country as the subject of conquest and settlement. 
 Following the ill-starred expedition of De Soto of which you have 
 heard through our first play, ^^The Battle of Mauhillaf* one hun- 
 dred and fifty years of obscurity veiled our fair Gulf Country. 
 
 It was not until late in the seventeenth century that daring 
 French adventurers, pushing out from Canada southward, made 
 known to the world the beauties of the Mississippi Valley. By 
 reason of these discoveries the French kings laid claim to the 
 country which was given the name of Louisiana/^ in honor of 
 the *'Orand Monarch^* 
 
 In the meantime adventurers by the sea had explored and in a 
 way charted the Gulf of Mexico, our great inland sea. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 9 
 
 The period was now ripe for the planting of the lilies of 
 France upon these newly claimed lands. Orders came from the 
 mother country to the dashing young naval officer and states- 
 man, Iberville of Quebec, to fit out an expedition. Lying in the 
 port of Rochelle, in France, fresh from English victories^ pur- 
 posing under instructions ,to settle New France. Iberville and 
 his followers confirmed the discovery of the lower Mississippi 
 waters, established posts at Biloxi and Natchez, then founded 
 in 1702, Ft. Louis de la Mobile, at Twenty-Seven Mile Bluff, 
 on the Alabam river, well above the present city of Mobile. 
 
 Owing to the overflows from the river and the unhealthy con- 
 ditions that prevailed the colony was nine years later, 1711, re- 
 moved to the permanent site. Mobile from its inception was the 
 capital of the vast colonial province of Louisiana, covering that 
 area east of the Rocky Mountains, south of Canada and west of 
 the Mississippi north of the present state of Texas, to the Gulf. 
 
 Through our play “At Old Mobile,” we have dared to awaken 
 from their long sleep, those men and women, who two hundred 
 years ago met to talk with or pass each other upon the espla- 
 nade, that “P/ace Royal^* that stood before the fort of cedar 
 palisades. 
 
 Our play, true to events of the first decade of the life of the 
 old town, is meant to reflect the political and religious rivalries, 
 the intrigues, adventures, the romance — loves and hates and all 
 the human emotions that stirred the hearts and gave purpose 
 to the actions of those hardy habitant of our beloved state 
 during its earlier days. I thank you. {Bowing, Exit,) 
 
10 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 At Old Mobile 
 
 At rise of curtain an Indian boy^ lying on his back on the 
 
 ground, is playing a sad tune upon a flute of reeds. 
 
 Enter Lieutenant Blondel, 
 
 Lieutenant Blondel, Ah, you are sad, Spanish Wine. What’s 
 wrong? 
 
 Spanish Wine, {Jumping to his feet, bowing low,) I grieve 
 for my master. 
 
 Lieutenant, Bienville ! 
 
 Spanish Wine. And was praying to the sun to be his shield. 
 
 Blondel, {Laughing lightly,) Ah, you Sun worshiping savages, 
 
 Spanish Wine, My master loves the Sun. He has his banner 
 on the wall. 
 
 Blondel. {To himself,) That’s a curious fit of things. ’Tis 
 the Sun that King Louis chooses for his emblem. {To the 
 hoy who has softly begun his sad tun^ again,) But why are 
 you troubled about your Master, boy? 
 
 Spanish Wine. He has gone to war. He’s always gone to war. 
 
 Blondel. Cheer up my lad. Governor Bienville will have no 
 harm befall him. He’s protected by your Sun and his God^ 
 to say nothing of his own good sense. 
 
 Bnter Paillou. 
 
 Paillou. {He is intently looking on the ground and counting 
 distance as he steps off feet.) Twenty-three, twenty-six, 
 Twenty-nine — 
 
 Blondel. {Standing in his path, not seen until almost stepped 
 upon. The two men meet, look at each other a moment^ 
 Paillou looks up in surprise, then both burst out laughing.) 
 Well, good Engineer Paillou, do you take me for a boun- 
 dary line? {Slapping him on the shoulder.) And are you 
 but a measuring rod? 
 
 Paillou, I was stepping off the length of the fort to verify 
 my memory, I’m ordered by Governor Bienville to build 
 its twin upon the Mississippi at Ft. Rosalie. My servant has 
 burned the old plans. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 11 
 
 Blondel, Bienville is ever trying to carry on the unfiinished work 
 of his lamented brother, Iberville, Was ever such a family 
 as the Le Moynes? 
 
 Paillou, No Frenchman born in Paris loves more the lilies and 
 the cross than these Canadian Frenchmen of Quebec. Some- 
 times I marvel at it. 
 
 Blondel, They have “pre-visioning minds,” as dear old Tonti 
 used to say. Were it not for this projection of the future 
 on the map most of us would lose heart and give up the 
 colony. 
 
 Paillou. To these Ibervilles and Bienvilles this is not a lonely 
 spot subject to hurricanes and overflows, but it is “Mobile 
 upon the Bay, center of French influence for trade and di- 
 plomacy.” 
 
 Blondel, So well I remember Iberville’s reasons for the choice. 
 In his commanding way, a sort of Louis Grande, he said: 
 “Mobile is near enough to Pensacola to keep an eye on the 
 Spaniards; near enough to the Mississippi to be port for 
 the valley trade which will come through the bayous and 
 lakes, and the Sound behind sheltered Islands to Mobile 
 Bay. Easy of communication by the Tombigbee River to the 
 northwest, and the Alabama River to the northeast to give 
 French influence among the strong Choctaw, Chickasaw and 
 Alabamon Indians. It gives access over the mountains in 
 case of war, to the English colonies of Carolina and Virginia.’’ 
 {Pause,) A master statesman and Naval Commander was 
 Iberville, old Mobile’s founder. 
 
 Enter Chateauguay, 
 
 Paillau, And here’s another of the Le Moynes. Come Chateau- 
 guay — we were but speaking of your two distinguished 
 brothers, Iberville and Bienville. 
 
 Chateauguay, {Lifting his hat and howin in French po- 
 liteness,) Good afternoon. Lieutenant Blondel. Mobile 
 welcomes Dauphine’s commandant. {Bowing to Paillou,) 
 Good day. Monsieur Paillou. {To both,) You speak of my 
 
12 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 family, God loved us much or He would not have made 
 so many of the style. 
 
 BlondeL Quite true. 
 
 Chateauguay, There are fourteen in all, one girl. My father 
 and five brothers have given their lives for France. Iberville, 
 as you know, died of fever at Havana, while planning a blow 
 against the British West Indies. 
 
 Blondel, A record to be proud of. Spanish wine {Pointing 
 to the slave who has laid himself down on the ground a bit 
 away) tells me Bienville has again gone on the war-path. 
 At Dauphine Island is seldom heard the news until its 
 old, at least a week. 
 
 Chateauguay, Since Crozat took over the colony for its trade 
 and Cadillac was made Governor in Bienville’s place my 
 brother is become scarcely more than a courier. 
 
 Blondel and Paillou, {Laughing at the absurd idea,) 
 
 Blondel, Bienville can be nothing less than master here no 
 matter who holds the commission as Governor. But what 
 war is this the boy speaks of? 
 
 Chateauguay, {Confidingly,) It is no war between our men and 
 Indians, but some clash with English whites and savages. 
 The Apalachies who have had the worst of it are being 
 moved by Bienville within trade reach of Mobile. 
 
 Paillou, Iberville’s thought again to surround this place with 
 hordes of Indians who could trap wild skins, and farm and 
 buy commerce from French factories. 
 
 Enter a Sailor, 
 
 Chateauguay, Ho, lad, what’s this?? 
 
 Sailor, I’ve come from Dauphin in the caiche to tell you that 
 a ship’s in sight. 
 
 All, {With great surprise,) A ship! 
 
 Blondel, It’s been a year since we’ve had a ship from France. 
 Let’s pray this one brings food and clothes. Our men are 
 dressed in rags. 
 
 Chateauguay, Come friend, let‘s see what’s here. {Exit, except 
 Spanish Wine,) 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 13 
 
 Enter Father Davion, 
 
 (He is holding in his hands a prayer hook. Taking his seat he 
 reads silently a moment, Spanish Wine begins to softly play 
 his flute,) 
 
 Father Davion, (Seeing him for the first time,) Com€ boy and 
 sit by me on this bench. I will teach you of the love of 
 God. 
 
 Spanish Wine, (Coming forward timidly,) I am but a slave. 
 (He does not yet take the seat that Father Davion has made 
 for him.) 
 
 Father Davion, (Drawing the hoy down beside him^ gently,) 
 We are brothers, lad. Christ died for both. 
 
 Spanish Wine, (With growing confidence,) I’ve been baptized, 
 but the Sun’s my god. He gives me light, and makes it 
 warm, and when he’s angry hides his face in the clouds. If 
 he will not he holds oflP rain, and if he will he sends the 
 floods. Yes, the Sun’s my god. (He stands and lifts his 
 arms,) 
 
 Father Davion, (Shaking his head, sadly, then lifting his eyes 
 to heaven.) Father above, give patience and Thy Holy Love 
 to teach these children of the night thy Sacred Truths. (To 
 the boy,) And if you are not a Christian why were you bap- 
 ised? 
 
 Spanish Wine, Seeing I‘m but a slave I could not help myself. 
 It was in the time of Cure LaVente. 
 
 Father Davion, (To himself,) This is wrong and hurts the 
 Faith. 
 
 Enter St, Helene, 
 
 St, Helene, (He is followed by a merry crowd of light-hearted 
 Frenchmen and some Indians, Some carry guns and rod, 
 some small game, others follow as lookers on. Sweeping his 
 hat.) Good Father Davion! (Holding up his string of 
 birds,) We shall feast today. 
 
 Father Davion, It is Friday, St. Helene. I’ll eat no meat. 
 
 St, Helene, (Shrugging his shoulders, then turning to a fol- 
 lower.) Take home these birds and see that the fattest of 
 
14 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 them are picked and broiled in butter on the iron spit. {He 
 shows signs of relishing the thought,) 
 
 [Exeunt^ except 8t, Helene and Father Davion,] 
 
 Father Davion, (With regret,) St. Helene, you have no more 
 religion than that savage boy that worships the Sim. 
 
 8t, Helene^ {With respect^ hut lightly,) Dear Father Davion. 
 God made me and He understands. 
 
 Father Davion, That’s what all sinners say. And God made 
 the law that says that men must control their mortal ap- 
 petites or meet just punishment. You grieve me much by 
 your careless ways. For pride of kin you should keep the 
 Faith even if you have no liking for yourself or love of God. 
 
 8,t Helene, Bienville, Chateauguay, and my other uncles are 
 the real Le Moynes. I’m but the scapegrace of the family. 
 
 Father Davion, But St. Helene — 
 
 St, Helene. Don’t chide me Father Davion. I like you very 
 much. To the other priests, those politicians of the cloth, I 
 won’t give ear. I hate a hypocrite. 
 
 Father Davion, It has been told me that when you went to 
 France you fell in with bad company at La Rochelle, that 
 stronghold of disloyal subjects of the king and Church, the 
 Huguenots. 
 
 8t ,Helene. For once you’ve been told the truth by spies and 
 liars that make it their chief concern to try to undermine 
 Bienville and his friends and family. I did fall in with 
 Huguenots. God gave us two eyes to see everythng, and its 
 that Louis ruling both State and Church that wisely said: 
 “He gave us two ears to listen to both sides.” {He sits 
 down and begins to clean Ms gun,) 
 
 Father Davion, {His hand on his shoulder^ lovingly.) Go con- 
 fess your sins. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Shrugging his shoulders,) I’ll have no holdings 
 with any Faith that puts a mortal man ’twixt me and God. 
 I don’t pray often, Father, but when I do pray my poor 
 petitions go straight up, not circuited by confessional and 
 interceding priests. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 15 
 
 Father Davion, (Rising^ sternly,) My son, my son. get upon 
 your knees and expiate with prayer your most unchurchly and 
 disloyal words. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Catching his hand,) I’ll kiss your hand because 
 I like you for yourself. {Kisses his hand,) 
 
 Re-enter Spanish Wine, 
 
 Spanish Wine. {He is playing a gay French air upon his fhite.) 
 
 St, Helene, Ho, boy! What’s happened that you’ve changed 
 your tune? 
 
 Spanish Wine, {Taking his flute from his lips only long enough 
 to answer the questions,) My Masters’ come! {He resumes 
 his music ^ dancing outright,) 
 
 St, Helente, Jean Baptiste! Bienville’s come! Come Father Da- 
 vion, lets go and see him at his house. {He helps the priest 
 to his feet^ and with his arm affectionately about his shouU 
 der leads him off right,) 
 
 Father Davion, {Pleased in spite of himself^ shaking a playful 
 finger of reproach,) You are a naughty boy. {Seriously,) 
 But I’ll pray for you. 
 
 [Exewnt right,] 
 Enter Three Indian Chiefs, 
 
 Three Indian Chiefs, {They enter from left^ in single file, with 
 great gravity and take their seats m a semi-circle on the 
 ground. Drollery must give humor to the scene,) 
 
 First Chief {In solemn voice^ looking up at the skies,) Ho- 
 shen-ti-pilh-ki-ki. 
 
 Second Chief, {Looking up at the clouds,) Ma-she-li. 
 
 Third Chief, {Looking around as if suspicious,) Isht albi talali! 
 
 Second Chief, {Rubbing his stomach,) I — ^lim — ^pa. 
 
 Third Chief, {As if drinking from a bottle,) Oka homi'. 
 
 First Chief, I-ba-ta-kla. 
 
 All together, {Chanting^ and if desired by director^ repeated 
 several times,) We-ha-ni-ke shap in-wa-li wek ka-ni-ke. 
 
 Enter Other Indians, 
 
 {They sit down on the ground at the ends of the semi-circle^ and 
 
16 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 all begin to smoke pipes. For a moment there is dead si- 
 lence,) 
 
 First Chief. (Rising to his feet^ very solemnly,) Nux-shi-hi-la, 
 (All rise, and say together, **Nux-shi—hi~laf^ then slowly file 
 out right, Several Indian Squaws peep in and join the pro^ 
 cession,) 
 
 [Exeunt, A cannon is heard saluting the ship,^ 
 
 Enter Some Children, 
 
 (They run on from right, cross stage with noisy enthusiasm, run- 
 ning to meet the ship,) 
 
 First boy. The Pelican ! A ship from France ! (A general 
 whoop,) 
 
 Other boys and girls, (All poorly dressed,) The Pelican. I’ll 
 beat you to the quay. 
 
 [Exeunt running,'\ 
 
 Enter several men, roughly dressed, 
 
 (They go rapidly along, following the children,) 
 
 First Colonist, I’ll thank God upon my knees if the Pelican 
 brings me letters from home. 
 
 Second Colonist, (He catches his waistband and hitches it up,) 
 Well, the most I ask is a pair of new breeches and galluses 
 to hold them up. 
 
 [Exeunt,] 
 
 Re-Enter Indians, 
 
 Indians, (Owing a war-whoop.) Whisky Whisky! (Whoop,) 
 
 [Exeunt in a rush, left,] 
 Enter the Cassette Girls, 
 
 Cassette Girls, (Twenty-three, more or less as practicable come 
 from left. They carry little trunk-shaped suit cases, and 
 walk circumspectly before two Conductresses, Following 
 them with curiosity, and coming to meet them with eager 
 hesitation are a number of poorly dressed woodsmen, soV^ 
 diers and sailors,) 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 17 
 
 First Orey Lady, (Stepping to the front and speaking to the 
 ^ men who have followed them.) These girls have been sent 
 to you for wives. You may speak with them. 
 
 All the men, (They rush forward^ taking the hands of the girls 
 they like^ or bowing awkwardly before them or advancing as 
 they please^ but with too much eagerness,) 
 
 Second Orey Lady, The Lady Conductress said you might SPEAK 
 with the girls, not MOB them. (She pushes the men back 
 to their places and forms the girls m a row facing the men.) 
 Now girls, you may tell your names and after that the Col- 
 onists may be properly introduced. 
 
 Oirl at head of row, (Dropping a curtsey,) I’m Francoise Ma- 
 rie Anne de Boiserenaud. 
 
 A Sailor, Call it Anne for short. (The girls giggle,) 
 
 A Soldier. (Pushing the sailor out of line because of his rude- 
 ness,) 
 
 Second Girl, Jeanne Catherine de Beranhard. (Curtsey,) 
 
 Third Girl, Jeanne Elizabeth de Pinteux. (As each girl there- 
 after calls her name she makes a polite curtsey,) 
 
 Fuorth Oirl. Marie Noel de Mesnd. 
 
 Fifth Oirl, Gabrielle Savarit. 
 
 Sixth Oirl, Genevive Burel. 
 
 Seventh Oirl, Margurite Burel. 
 
 Eighth Girl .Marie Therese Brochon. 
 
 Ninth Oirl, Angeb'que Brouyn. 
 
 Tenth Oirl, Marie Briard. 
 
 Eleventh Oirl, Margarite Tavernier. 
 
 Twelfth Oirl. Elizabeth Deshays. 
 
 Thirteenth Oirl, Catherine Christophle. 
 
 Fourteenth Oirl, Catharine Tournant. 
 
 Fifteenth Oirl, Marie Phillippe. 
 
 Sixteenth Oirl, Louise Margurite Housseau. 
 
 Seventeenth Oirl, Marie Magdeline Duanet. 
 
 Eighteenth Oirl, Marie Dufresne. 
 
 Nineteenth Oirl, Margueriet Guichard. 
 
 Twentieth Girl. Renee Gilbert. 
 
18 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Twenty-first Girl. Louise Francoise Lefevre. 
 
 Twenty^second Girl, Gabrielle Bonet. 
 
 Twenty-third Girl, Julie Beaujeau. 
 
 Twenty-fourth Girl, Marie Blanc. 
 
 {There is another rush towards the girls ^ a general scramble en- 
 suing in some cases^ while timid advances are made and re- 
 ceived in others. The nuns throw up their hands in despair,) 
 
 First Soldier, I’m in the king’s pay and have a house. {Takes d 
 girl.) 
 
 Second Soldier, I’ve saved my money and have a cow and five 
 hens. {Takes a girl and goes of,) 
 
 First Woodsman, I have a house on the bay and am the best 
 hunter in Louisiana. {Takes the girl he approaches and 
 goes off,) 
 
 Second Woodsman, {Whistling^ as he shines up to a girl,) 
 Whist! But you’re a beauty, can you cook and milk the 
 cows? 
 
 The Girl, I can cook, and you can teach me to milk the cow. 
 
 {As the men select the girl that pleases them they state wUat 
 they have to offer^ especially in the way of trades^ such asi 
 "7’m a fur trader^* *Tm a carpenter” "7 have a brick-kiln” 
 "7 have a tar kiln^* etc. The action must all be swift and 
 full of good feeling.) 
 
 Julie Beaujeau, {Who has hidden behind the grey ladies^ af- 
 ter refusing all of the men who tried to woo her,) What a 
 crowd of clowns! 
 
 First Gray Lady, {Taking hold of her firmly,) Julie Beaujeau, 
 what do you mean by refusing to take a husband? These 
 are fine fellows, if poorly clad. Hardy heroes all of them! 
 I will tell Governor Bienville of this, and that at once. 
 Come! {She pulls her along roughly.) 
 
 Marie Blanc, {Made up to represent a very homely face^ the 
 only one of the girls that has had no offer of marriage. She 
 begins to cry,) 
 
 Second Grey Lady, What ails you, Marie? 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 19 
 
 Marie, (Sobbing between words,) None — of — ^^them — wanted — 
 me! 
 
 Second Orey Lady, Don’t cry. There are some men coming from 
 up the river. 
 
 Marie, They won’t — want me — either. I’m so ugly, (Howls of 
 distress,) 
 
 Enter Pierre, 
 
 Pierre, (He is very ugly too^ and roughly dressed. He has a 
 gun. Taking off his fur cap shyly, and speaking to the 
 Orey Lady,) Madam: (Bowing,) Am I too late to get a 
 
 wife? 
 
 Grey Lady, Two are left. One who thinks herself too fine for 
 pioneers, and this good girl, (She turns Marie around and 
 lifts her tear-stained face with kindly touch,) 
 
 Pierre, (To Marie,) I’ll choose you if you’ll look at me with 
 kindness. 
 
 Marie, (Looking at him a moment, then taking his outstretched 
 hand,) God made us both, 
 
 Pierre, (Tenderly drying her eyes with his red pocket hand- 
 kerchief,) You see what he did to me. I’m about his worst 
 job. 
 
 Grey Lady, (Tip-toes out,) 
 
 Marie, (Smiling kindly up to Pierre,) For what he did to our 
 faces He must have given us very kind hearts. 
 
 Pierre, (Confidingly,) I’ve had a hard life and want nothing 
 else so much as love. 
 
 Marie, (They claps both hands,) If you be good to me I’ll 
 work my fingers to the bone. I want love, too. 
 
 Pierre, (With growing cheerfulness,) I own two slaves from 
 San Domingo. Life for you won’t be hard. You’ll need only 
 to teach my Negro cook to make French dishes. I’m weary 
 of corn pone. 
 
 Marie, And that I will. I’m a first rate cook. 
 
 Pierre, (Putting his arm around her waist,) Then let’s go to 
 
20 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 the priest’s house and be married straight away. I want 
 to catch the tide up stream in my bateau. 
 
 [They go out talking and laughing happily,] 
 Enter Jacques, 
 
 {He too is dressed roughly^ is unshaven and very disorderly in 
 appearance and manner. Seeing Pierre and Marie going off 
 lovingly together he bursts out laughing behind their backs. 
 Seeing some one approaching he straightens up and begins 
 to scowl) 
 
 Here comes the master of us all, Bienville! 
 
 Enter Bienville, 
 
 Bienville, Ah, Jacques! So you’re home again. 
 
 Jacques, (Saluting,) Yes, Governor. 
 
 Bienville, You’ve come out of the woods to get a wife, eh? The 
 news has sped with amazing swiftness. 
 
 Jacques, Some Indians went out in boats to the Pelican last 
 night and brought the news. Its well up to the Tombigbee 
 by now. 
 
 Bienville, (Laughing indulgentlq,) I’m sorry, but you’ve come 
 too late. The last girl is at this moment taking the mar- 
 riage vows with Pierre La Pre. 
 
 Enter First Grey Lady, 
 
 Grey Lady, (She is bowing and scraping to Bienville,) 
 
 Bienville, Well, Madam, what is your pleasure? 
 
 Grey Lady, It is a duty and not a pleasure that brings me be- 
 fore your excellency. (Bowing and scraping,) 
 
 Bienville, (Embarrassed by such court manners,) Ahem! Ma- 
 dam, in the Province we go directly to the point. 
 
 Grey Lady, Then, Sir, I have to report that one of the Cas- 
 sette girls, as your soldiers are pleased to call my charges, 
 because of the trunks they brought their apparel in — 
 
 Bienville, (Interrupting,) Well, I hope she is not ilL 
 
 Grey Lady, Her behaviour is most con-tu-ma-cious ! 
 
 Bienville, (Laughing,) Our husbands do not please her, eh? 
 
 Grey Lady, I feared you’d be offended. 
 
 Bienville, Send the D’Moselle to me. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 21 
 
 Orey Lady, {Bowing herself out backwards,) 
 
 Jacques, {Giggles behind his hand,) 
 
 Bienville, {Turning to him quickly,) I’m glad to catch you in 
 such good humor, for I have a berating for you. 
 
 Jacques, {At once in his former ill mood,) What have I done? 
 
 Bienville, {Motioning him to be seated beside him,) 
 
 Jacques, {Morosely,) I’ll lose my chance of winning that con- 
 tumatious maid if I tarry here. There’s but one left. 
 
 Bienville, As the girl’s so fastidious I recommend you to re- 
 tire into the barracks and negotiate a bath, a shave and a 
 cleaner shirt withal. 
 
 Jacques, If I always staid within the post, as some of your 
 favorites do, I’d be well acquainted with these women’s 
 tricks. 
 
 Biewville, {Firmly.) But with poorer chance of meeting with 
 our enemies. 
 
 Jacques, {Startled,) You mean — 
 
 Bienville, The English, and you will. 
 
 Jacques, {Frightened,) ’Tis false. I’ve been to Ft. Rosalie. 
 
 Bienville, {Calmly,) And that’s both false and true. You’ve 
 been to our Mississippi fort — but. {HU eyes on Jacques 
 accusingly)^ by way of the English trading post a hundred 
 miles out of your natural course. 
 
 Jacques, {Angrily.) You’re falsely told! 
 
 Bienville, But I never falsely see. I followed you. 
 
 Jacques, You spied on me? 
 
 Bienville, “Spied” is an ugly word, friend Jacques. When a 
 member of the colony is accused secretly, I take the pains 
 of proving to myself his guilt or innocence. I’ve learned this 
 lesson of justice from the conspiracies that have been work- 
 ed against me. 
 
 Jacques, And you gave it out you’d gone to Indian wars. 
 
 Bienville, If there are traitors in the camp then I must know 
 it for the sake of France. I brought you here, at the re- 
 quest of your family who’d wearied of your crooked ways 
 at home. 
 
22 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Jacques. I wanted liberty, 
 
 Bienville, Liberty is for stronger men. Weaklings never thrive 
 upon it. They see but license, and you have failed the test. 
 But go and prepare yourself to meet this girl. 
 You’re of good blood and with a woman’s help may walk 
 upright again. 
 
 [Exit Jacques to left,] 
 Enter Julie Beaujeau, 
 
 Julie Beaujeau, (She courtesies to Bienville,) I’m Julie Beau- 
 jeau. 
 
 Bienville. (Rising and bowing to her 'politely,) I’m Bienville. 
 You”ve been reported by the Conductress as “Contumacious.’^ 
 That’s a word familiar to my ears. 
 
 Julie. I don’t want to marry your trappers and brick masons, or 
 woodrangers either, Sir. 
 
 Bienville. Thought you to find silken clothes and idle courtiers 
 here? This is a man’s land, a wild, savage, hardy land. Had 
 you a mind for softer things you should have staid in 
 France. 
 
 Julie. (Startled^ and pouting prettily.) Goodness, how you 
 scold ! 
 
 Bienville. You need a scolding, M’Moiselle. King Louis did not 
 send you to Mobile upon a pleasure jaunt. 
 
 Julie. (Coquettishly,) And think you so ill of marriage? 
 
 Bienville. (Laughing in spite of himself.) I remain a bache- 
 lor. But to the business of the hour. The King — 
 
 Julie. (Interrupting.) Pardon. The king’s will was that the 
 girls he sent for wives should not be constrained to marry 
 against their pleasure. ’Twas thus the order read. 
 
 Bienville. (Shrugs his shoulders as if not knowing what to do.) 
 I’m used to handling only men! 
 
 Julie, ’Tis true that I’m a pensioner of the king but also I am I. 
 
 Bienville. Ho, Ho! 
 
 Julie. (With rising spirit.) And king, nor priest, nor Gov- 
 ernor-can make me wife to whom he will, (She turns to go.) 
 
 Bienville, (Detaining her^ his hand lightly upon her shoulder. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 23 
 
 She faces him a bit afraid,) We will speak further of this 
 matter M’Moselle Beaujeau. (Points to seat. They sit down,) 
 You came from Paris?? 
 
 Julie, (More meekly,) From an orphanage of charity connected 
 with St. Cyr. 
 
 Bienville, Who has the Church for parent is not orphaned, nor 
 feeds on beggars bread. Your earthy father, who was he? 
 
 Julie, I know naught of him save that he served the king at 
 sea and lost his life in a battle with Iberville against the 
 English off Canada. This means one of the nuns 
 told me at St. Cyr. Then she sealed her lips. 
 
 Bienville, And your mother — 
 
 Julie, (Sadly.) That is a sorry tale. She was a Huguenot, and 
 for her conscience would not be married by the priest. For 
 this they took me from her and gave me to the Church, 
 I was put in cloistered school. 
 
 Bienville, (Puzzled,) Since the Church in France is ruled by 
 State — (He inter ru/pts himself as if fearing an indiscretion,) 
 I can say no more. 
 
 Julie, (Springing up,) This injury has made a rebel of me! 
 
 Bienville, Rebel? 
 
 Julie, That is why I ran away. 
 
 Bienville, What, ran away? 
 
 Julie, (Putting her hand over her mouth,) 
 
 Bienville, (Walking about disturbed.) 
 
 Julie, (Pleadingly,) Good Governor Bienville. You will not 
 send me back to France? 
 
 Bienville. This country is best suited for strong men. 
 
 Julie, My father was a man, Sieur Bienville, and if your brother 
 were alive he’d tell you he was brave and died for France. 
 I’m no rebel as to France. 
 
 Enter a Soldier, 
 
 Soldier, (Saluting,) 
 
 Bienville, (Returning the salute,) 
 
 Soldier, The Commissary presents his compliments and asks you 
 to confer with him within the fort. 
 
24 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Biewille, Upon what matter? 
 
 Soldier The stores that have come upon the Pelican. 
 
 [salute, exit,\ 
 
 Bienville, {Bowing to Julie,) Pardon. I leave you here to 
 contemplate. 
 
 [Exit right, \ 
 
 Re-enter Jacques, 
 
 Jacques, {Much im/proved in appearance. He comes upon the 
 scene just as Bienville is making his adieux. He and Bien- 
 ville saluate each other as they pass, Bienville indicates he 
 may speak with Julie, He steals up to her. She is seated, 
 her eyes hidden by her hands, in deep thought. He touches 
 her hair with impudent admiration,) 
 
 Julie, {Springing up alarmed,) Oh, Oh! {She starts to run 
 towards the fort, right.) 
 
 Jacques, {Catching her,) Not so fast, sweet witch, not so fast. 
 
 Julie, {Struggling,) Let me pass. 
 
 Jacques, You’re brought to marry Louis^ Frenchmen in the 
 colony. I’m one of these and want you for my wife. 
 
 Julie, {Still struggling.) You suit me not. 
 
 Jacques, You suit me passing well. I am a gentleman by pedi- 
 gree. 
 
 Julie, That is naught to me. {Tries to pass.) 
 
 Enter St, Helene, 
 
 St, Helene, {He stands watching the contest a while, his anger 
 overcoming his mirth,) 
 
 Jacques, This is a wild man’s land. {He takes hold of her,) 
 
 Julie, You’ve been drinking — 
 
 Jacques, From a goblet, yes. But now I’ll drink from your ruby 
 lips. {He seizes her and is about to kiss her forcibly,) 
 
 St, Helene, {Knocks Jacques down,) You renegade! 
 
 Julie, {Running to his side,) Oh, I am sore afraid ! {She holds 
 to his arm,) 
 
 St, Helene, {To Jacques.) Get to your feet if you be a man, 
 and if the snake I take you for, then crawl into the woods. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 25 
 
 Jacques, {Rising^ rubbing his jaw^ scowling,) You will pay for 
 this. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Lightly,) Then that will be one of my debts I’ll 
 pay with pleasure. 
 
 Jacques, {Goes off right ^ threatening and muttering,) 
 
 8t, Helene. {Bowing low to Julie.) Pardon. I’m St. Helene, 
 Bienville’s scapegrace nephew, an you will. 
 
 Julie. {Curtseying.) Monsieur, T’m Julie Beaujeau. I ran away 
 from the Convent of St. Cyr. 
 
 8t, Helene, {With warmth,) If you be a rebel we’re kindred 
 souls. 
 
 Julie. I only rebel against injustice. 
 
 8t, Helene, This is a large country, M’Mselle Beaujeau. Many 
 strange things inhabit it. Perhaps Justice may be amongst 
 the rest. But what brought you here?? 
 
 Julie, {Airily,) I came a husband hunting, Sir. {Curtsey,) 
 
 8t, Helene, {Preening himself,) Ah, Ha! {He indicates a seat. 
 They sit down,) Have you found the game? 
 
 Julie, {Flirting,) My eyes have lit upon him. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Responding in kind,) And has he black or bluish 
 eyes? 
 
 Julie, {Looking into his eyes.) I think they’re black. 
 
 {They laugh happily as children playing a game.) 
 
 8t. Helene. But seriously. What dream of lover have you in 
 mind? 
 
 Julie. And that I will not tell, but only this — :he must love lib- 
 erty of his thoughts as well as of his actions. 
 
 8t, Helene. {8urprised.) Where got you this idea, a convent 
 girl of St. Cyr? 
 
 Julie. {Looking around to see who might hear, then confidently.) 
 There was a nun, put there by force, by order of the Car- 
 dinal. Like my parents, she was a Huguenot. Like them 
 her marriage was annulled and her estates were confiscated 
 to the Church and France. She taught me much, most secret- 
 ly, of the liberty of conscience. 
 
26 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 St, Helene, {With greater earnestness.) Besides this precious 
 freedom there’s something of moment over the whole world. 
 Men call it love. Did the Sister teach you also of that? 
 
 Julie, The girls talked much of love. 
 
 St, Helene, {Seeing a rose in her hair^ he touches it.) Roses 
 were made for women’s hair. {Seeing her blushes and em- 
 barrassment.) And maiden’s cheeks. 
 
 Julie, {Drawing away to the far end of the seat.) Be not so 
 bold. 
 
 St, Helene, My soldier’s calling has made me bold. {He draws 
 near to her.) And wives are scarce. Will you be mine? 
 
 Julie, {Looking at him, 'pleased, but reproachfully,) Your 
 thoughts move swiftly, St. Helene. 
 
 St, Helene, As my love does. {He takes her in his arms and 
 kisss her,) 
 
 Enter D*Artaguette, 
 
 D^Artaguette, {Seeing what is going on he politely hides his 
 eyes,) 
 
 Julie. {Seeing D*Artaguette over Helene* s shoulder draws 
 away,) Oh ! 
 
 St, Helene, {Rising,) ’Tis D’Artaguette. ( He goes eagerly 
 forward and ernbraces him.) Welcome home from France. 
 
 D*Artaguette, Good St. Helene. I find you well employed. 
 
 St, Helene. Julie! {He beckons her to come, and they meet 
 her.) My promised wife, M’Mselle Beaujeau. 
 
 A*Artaguette, {Bowing over her hand,) M’Mselle. Felicita- 
 tions. {To St, Helene,) We came together upon the Peli- 
 can. 
 
 St, Helene, Quite so. Tell me the news. What’s taking place 
 across the seas? We’ve missed you this long time 
 
 D*Artaguette, I’ve come upon the esplanade to have a private 
 word or two with Bienville. I see him now. 
 
 Enter Bienville, 
 
 Julie, Pardon. {She bows and is passing out. To Bienville,) 
 Monsieur ! 
 
 D*Artaguette. {Botcing low,) Good afternoon. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 27 
 
 Bienville, (To Julie,) What came of your contemplations? 
 
 JuUe. A husband, Sir, (She runs out abashed,) 
 
 St, Helene, (He stands watching the girl^ unconscious of the 
 others. Then he starts to follow her,) 
 
 Bienville, (Detaining him,) I wish you here. (Indicating seat. 
 They sit,) Now D’Artaguette, speak up. You went to 
 France at your own offer to defend my conduct of the col- 
 ony. What does the court and cabinet think of Louisiana 
 and of our capital, Mobile? But tell me first of France. 
 (He lights a cigar with a pocket flint,) 
 
 D^Artaguette, France is falling into a low state at home. King 
 Louis is no langer the “Grand Monarch,” but a doting old 
 man who is used by crafty courtiers to achieve their own 
 small ends. Our wars with England and with Spain have re- 
 duced the navy, until England justly claims the mastery of 
 the seas. French manufacturers have been deported or put in 
 galleys or hanged for naught. Some escaped to enrich our 
 enemies. 
 
 Bienville, Hanged and deported, why? 
 
 D*Artaguette, For trfling faults. Some think they are accused 
 for the property they have that goes into the general treas- 
 ury when they are dead or fled. 
 
 Bienville, France depends upon her lands. Her farming^ men — 
 
 D* Artaguette, They are forcibly put into the army which is so 
 thinned by war that it must be strengthened at any cost. 
 
 Bienville, (Again sadly,) Alas, poor France. 
 
 D*Artaguette, The people writhe beneath their load. They must 
 either throw it off or yield to their destruction and the de- 
 struction of all thir colonies. 
 
 St, Helene, (With eagerness,) So said I when I went to 
 France. The state is rotten from the throne to the lowest 
 civil officer that spies or grafts. 
 
 Bienville, (Lifting his head in protest,) Speak not so loud. 
 Nor presume because I am your uncle. I’ll brook no dis- 
 loyal speech from any man that wears the uniform or is 
 
28 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 sheltered by the flag of France. In this colony, in absence 
 of Cadillac, I represent the king. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Taking the rebuke with boyish laughter,) Ah, 
 Jean, I love you much, but also I love Liberty. 
 
 Bienville. (Walking about ^perturbed.) That is a word I l^ar 
 too much nowadays — Liberty. It leads to license, to Revolu- 
 tion and that to ruin. 
 
 8t. Helene, The surgeon cuts from the body the putrifying arm 
 or leg. 
 
 Bienville, Yes, but not the heart. Allegiance to the king — that 
 is the heart. 
 
 8t, Helene, Free speech I’ll have. If I can get it not under 
 the flag of France I’ll go to Okfusgee and take oath to the 
 English Jack. There’s a people who know what Liberty 
 means. 
 
 Bienville, Fie, fie, impulsive boy. (To D^Artaguette,) 
 
 And what found you they thought of us at court? 
 
 D'Artaguette, And now I must, like St. Helene, ask for free 
 speech. 
 
 Bienivlle. Speak freely. 
 
 D*Artaguette, They thought ill, unfriendly and unjust thoughts. 
 
 Bienville, The priest, LaVente, had had his say. 
 
 D^Artaguette. And caught the ear of Count Pantchartrain, and 
 others in authority at the Department of the Marine under 
 which the colony of Louisiana is operated 
 
 8t. Helene, (With disgust,) La Vente! He liked it not that 
 Jean Baptiste would not be led by him nor his order of the 
 Recollects. These jealousies amongst the priests, to see 
 whose order shall have greatest power — it makes me ill. 
 
 Bienville, What said LaVente? 
 
 D^Artaguette, Because you were the keeper of the king’s seal, 
 and held the purse and doled the stores, he liked it not at 
 all. “Too much power used with tyranny.” 
 
 Bienville, Umph-hu. (Nodding,) What more? 
 
 D^Artaguette, There was the matter of the the Indian scalps, 
 the Alibamons, that you bought, “like pelts.” 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 29 
 
 Bienville, It was a question of ours or theirs. Say on. Say on. 
 
 D*Artaguette. And you let strong drink be sold to the savages. 
 
 Bienville, Said they nothing good in their reports? 
 
 D'Artaguette, That you were a Canadian — 
 
 Bienville, And gather about me a clique of Canadians. {Laugh- 
 ingly,) 
 
 D'Artaguette, That you were partial to the Jesuits, but a mas- 
 ter hand at managing the savages whose barbarous tongues 
 you sensed as hound his quarry. 
 
 Bienville, And La Vente said this? 
 
 D^Artaguette, That you were spendthrift of his majesty’s hos- 
 pitality and fed visitors with what should feed the soldiers 
 and the colonists. 
 
 8t, Helene, {Angrily,) And did not tell, perchance, that Jean 
 is poorly paid and that uncertainly, and that he must, be- 
 cause of the honor of the king, be host to the officers of 
 Spain, of missionaries, to strangers, and feed and entertain 
 tribes of chiefs and their councilors and squaws, as have just 
 come to the fort for a conference. Ah, ha! La Vente! 
 
 D'Artaguette, He was a priest and had the ear of the Churchly 
 side at court. 
 
 8t, Helene, La Vente a priest! A cassock is no more sign of 
 priestly piety than a wig is pledge of hair.. 
 
 Bienville. {To 8t, Helene,) Give not wholesale 'censure of 
 the cloth. Remember how the missionaries are facing every 
 danger in these wilds because of Love for Christ. 
 
 D’Artaguette, And there was more, 
 
 Biewville, Well, lets hear it all. The report is filed for all 
 the future. 
 
 D^Artaguette, La Vente ' declared that you used the king’s 
 stores for your own profit, accused you of allowing the sol- 
 diers to freely consort with savages, your military discipline 
 is lax. 
 
 St, Helene, {With indignation,) If our soldiers had not been 
 billeted with the Indians we would have starved while wait- 
 ing food from France. And there sits Jean, Sieur Bienville, 
 
30 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 calmly smoking like any stoic Indian Chief, unmoved by all 
 these injuries. {To Bienville,) Why don’t you defend your- 
 self against these false charges made at court? 
 
 Bienville, {Calmly,) When the waves beat against the rock, 
 its the waves that break. 
 
 D^Artaguette. {Clapping his hands,) Well said, Jean Baptiste. 
 {Sadly,) But alas, poor France! 
 
 Bienville, {With vigorous earnest^ rising,) Kings may live, and 
 epochs pass, but well I know within my soul, there are eter- 
 nal well-springs in the heart of France that never will run 
 dry. 
 
 D^Artaguette, {Wringing BienvilWs hand,) Bravo! Before I 
 left the Court I set you right before the king. He’s not 
 ungrateful, either. 
 
 {A noise of talking and laughing is heard to right,) 
 
 St, Helene, {His mood suddenly changed to one of merriment. 
 Striking a posture of expectancy,) Behold! Here comes our 
 brother Chateauguay and his wife. 
 
 D^Artaguete, And a goodly following. 
 
 Enter Chateauguay and Madam Chateauguay, 
 
 {They are followed by a merry crowd of friends and lookers on.} 
 
 Bienville, {Looking at Madam Chateauguay with wonder,) 
 What have we here? 
 
 Madame Chateauguay, {She walks up and down^ to he inspected 
 and admired^ having much air^ and feeling important,) The 
 latest mode from Paris. It came with other new finery on 
 the Pelican, 
 
 St, Helene, {Unable to control his mirth bursts into merry 
 laughter,) 
 
 Enter Boisbriant, 
 
 Bienville, Ho, Boisbriant ! Come look upon the splendor of 
 the court. 
 
 Boisbriant, {To Madam Chateauguay,) Resplendent! {To Bi- 
 enville,) The Pelican brought over more good things than 
 feathers and new clothes. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 31 
 
 Chateauguay, I notice, friend, that your taste runs to grey 
 habits. 
 
 St, Helene, And I hear that the Conductresses, while clothed 
 as nuns, have no vows as celebates. 
 
 ChateaugtMy. (His finger to his lips,) Ssh! See not too much. 
 
 Boisbriant, (To Bienville.) A message has come from Cadil- 
 lac. 
 
 Chateauguay, (Laughing,) What, ho! Has he enough of Illi- 
 nois and his false quest for gold. (All laugh,) 
 
 Boisbriant, The rumor is, and came upon the Pelican, that 
 Crozat has enough of his lease of the colony for trade. He’s 
 given up his prize. 
 
 Chateauguay, Poor merchant prince! No doubt he’d like to 
 have again the eighty thousand dollars worth of goods he’s 
 bartered at gerat loss. (To Boisbriant,) Whom does ru- 
 mor say will succeed his agent here, our Governor Cadillac? 
 
 Boisbriant, A former and our natural leader, Jean Baptiste Bi- 
 enville, Sieur Le Moyne. 
 
 All, (Lusty cheers.) Bienville! Bienville. 
 
 Bienville, (Bowing acknowledgments ,) It is not seemly that we 
 speculate upon the king’s good pleasure. We will wait and 
 see what’s in the sealed packet of state that’s come to Cadil- 
 lac from his employer, Monsieur Crozat. I fancy he’ll be 
 returning soon to Mobile. Ah, Cadillac! 
 
 Enter Cadillac, 
 
 (All gather about the returned traveler and shake his hands with 
 friendliness.) 
 
 Cadillac, I have good news for you colonists. I’m going back 
 to France. 
 
 Bienville. Oh, not good news. Monsieur Governor. (They talk 
 together,) 
 
 St, Helene, (Exit,) 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, (To her husband,) And lets hope he’ll 
 take his wife and troop of family out of our house.. I’m 
 weary living in a shack when we own the best in town, a 
 good two story house. 
 
3 ^ 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Chateauguay, (Pacifying her,) In the name of hospitality. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, We were ordered out of our own house 
 for Cadillac’s convenience. I mean it when I say I‘m glad 
 he’s going back to France. {Crossing to Cadillac, Her man-- 
 ner changing,) Must you go? 
 
 Cadillac, (Kising her hand.) Madam, with deep regret. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, Do give my love to your charming wife 
 and those fascinating daughters. I’ll call tomorrow and ar- 
 range to have them with me for a cup of sassafras tea. 
 
 Re-enter Spanish Wine, 
 
 Spanish Wine, {Bowing servilly to Bienville,) Captain St. De- 
 nis has brought a squaw. 
 
 Enter St, Denis and Wife, 
 
 St, Denis, Messers! Mesdames! {He bows to every side. The 
 men go forward and shake his hand,) 
 
 St, Denis, I’m back from Mexico with no luck with trade. 
 
 All, Oh, ah, too bad. 
 
 St, Denis, {Leading his wife forward to Cadillac and Bienville, 
 the others gathering near,) But I’ve brought a wife. 
 
 All, {Bowing, the two Governor's kissing her hand,) 
 
 Bienville, {To St, Denis,) A better fortune than if you’d sold 
 a thousand bales of merchandise. 
 
 St, Denis, I got in jail for it too. Her father didn’t take a 
 fancy to a French son-in-law, seeing how he is a Spaniard, 
 and we’ve just been at war 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, {Sentimentally,) Love will find a way. 
 {To Madam St, Denis,) I hope you can tell fortunes, many 
 Spaniards can. 
 
 Madam St, Denis, My Gypsy nurse taught me how. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, {To all,) She can tell fortunes. Come 
 Jean Baptiste, and let Madam St. Denis tell us if you’re 
 to be — ahem — the new Governor to succeed Monsieur Cadil- 
 lac. 
 
 Bienville. {Giving his palm to Madam St, Denis,) Lift up the 
 veil of time. 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 33 
 
 Madam St, Denis, (Reading his palm.) Yes, you will be Gov- 
 ernor again, but not to remain long in Mobile. You will es- 
 tablish a city on the banks of a mighty river, a greater city 
 than Paris is today. 
 
 Bienville, A Paris in New France! My dream city, New Or- 
 leans. 
 
 Madam St, Denis, (Still reading his palm,) There is a long 
 life before you and your place in history will be greater than 
 you’ve ever dreamed. But you will never wed. 
 
 D- Artaguette, (When she has dropped BienvilWs hand,) Tell 
 me what fate awaits me, if you please. 
 
 Madam St, Denis, Brave man you are, too brave. I warn you 
 not to go too freely among the Chickasaws. (She hides her 
 eyes^ and shivers with distress,) 
 
 D^ Artaguette, You see something that distresses your kind 
 heart. 
 
 Madam St, Denis, Again I warn you. It was the stake and 
 savages, I saw. 
 
 Re-enter St, Helene and Julie, 
 
 St, Helene, In good time, if fortunes are being told. (Seeing 
 St, Denis,) Ah, St. Denis! (Shaking his hand,) Glad you’re 
 back again. - 
 
 St, Denis And with a wife. (Indicating his wife by gesture,) 
 
 St, Helene, (Bowing acknowledgments of the introduction. The 
 two women how to each other,) 
 
 St, Helene, (To Madam St, Denis,) See Madam if you can 
 read the future for M’Mselle Beaujeau. 
 
 Julie, (Drawing her hand away,) I know my fate. Tell the 
 future of Monsieur St. Helene. 
 
 St, Helene, (Holding his hand to Madam St Denis,) 
 
 Madam St, Denis, You are too gallant. Monsieur 
 
 St, Helene, Sssh! (His finger to his lips,) 
 
 Madam St, Denis, You know no fear, but there is a false 
 Frenchman in the fort. I see you stooping to light a cigar. 
 He will shoot you with an arrow in an Indian war. 
 
 Julie, (Clinging to St, Helene^ s arm,) Then one arrow will 
 pierce two hearts. 
 
34 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, (To her husband,) Come dear, and let 
 Madam St. Denis see how soon you will be called to France 
 to serve as minister to the king. 
 
 Chateauguay, (Embarrassed,) Tut, tut! 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, (Leading him on,) Now, Madam St. 
 Denis. Look and see. 
 
 Madam 8t, Denis, (Reading his hand,) You will be made 
 Governor — 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, (Catching her breath with fleasure,)Ah\ 
 
 Madam 8t, Denis, Of Cayenne. (To be pronounced ki-en,) 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, ThaFs a convict colony, in French Guiana* 
 (Pronounced Oe^ah-no,) 
 
 All, (Laughing^ and teasing the proud lady,) 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, I’ll not go to South America. It’s bad for 
 the skin. 
 
 Chateauguay, (Caressing her,) And the disposition. Ah? 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, (8miling^ affectionately into her husband^s 
 face,) Dear Chateauguay, I’m not so foolish as I seem. 
 
 8t, Helene, 'And as you look. (Teasing her about her new 
 dress,) 
 
 (A noise is heard without,) 
 
 8t, Helene, (Looking left,) It is Marchand from Ft. Toulouse. 
 
 Julie, And look what follows. It is barbaric and most pic- 
 turesque. 
 
 Enter Marchand, 
 
 Marchand, Monsieur Governor. Monsieur Commandant. (There 
 is general bowing,) 
 
 Bienville, Well, what business brought you from the Coosa river 
 fort? 
 
 Marchant, Business of the Queen of Hearts. 
 
 Bienville, Another wedding ! Mobile has turned to Cupid’s 
 court. 
 
 Re-enter 8panish Wine, 
 
 (Coming from left and followed by a number of Indian youths 
 all playing flutes and dancing along the way,) 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 
 
 35 
 
 Enter Sehoy, 
 
 (She is seated in a chair that rests upon a platform^ this having 
 a pole at each of the four corners and is carried by four 
 Indian Braves, Beside the chair in which Sehoy is seated is 
 an Indian youth bearing a totem pole, carved or painted with 
 birds^ and topped with a pair of outspread wings. The wings 
 are the emblem of the Wind^ which was the name of the fam- 
 ily or tribe over which Sehoy*s mother presided at the sitef 
 where the Ft, was placed. The decorations of the chair^ it» 
 self should be as barbaric as possible with animal skins, 
 with deer or cow horns on the back and wild flowers, Th^ 
 attendants place the chair in the center of the stage arid 
 Sehoy looks about a little shy, but not afraid,) 
 
 Captain Marchand, (Goes to Sehoy, takes her by the hand and 
 leads her before the two Governors,) This is Sehoy, the 
 daughter of the Wind, (They bow,) 
 
 Bienville, (Taking Sehoy by the hand, speaking to all,) By In- 
 dian carte a princess of the blood. (All bow,) Sehoy, the 
 elder, mother of Sehoy, (indicating the princess) is ruler of 
 her tribe and friend to France! 
 
 All, (Cheer,) Hurrah, Sehoy! 
 
 Captain Marchand, (Joining Sehoy, and taking her hand, ad- 
 dressing Bienville,) And by your leave, weVe come from 
 Ft. Toulouse to get sanction for our marriage. 
 
 Enter Father D avion, 
 
 Bien/ville, I’ll speak nothing ’gainst it for the state. There 
 comes the vicar of the church. 
 
 All, (Turning toward Father Davion, bowing,) 
 
 Bienville, Good Father, you have come in time to bless another 
 union of young hearts. 
 
 Father Davion, (To Marchand,) Has your tawny lady-love 
 been instructed and baptised? There were missionaries near 
 your fort last year. 
 
 Marchand, She is of the Faith. 
 
36 
 
 ALABAMA CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. 
 
 Picard, 
 
 Picard, {He is playing a minuet of stage,) 
 
 St. Helene, Oh, there are the strains of good Picard. 
 
 Madam Chateauguay, He’s just come home from Lake Pont- 
 chartrain where he’s teaching Indian maids the minuet. 
 
 Bienville, {To Madam St. Denis,) The French ever make line 
 arts of music and the dance. {To St, Helene,) Go invite 
 Picard to fetch his violin. 
 
 D^Artaguette, {To St, Helene,) And bring me, if you please, 
 the casket from my desk. 
 
 St. Helene, {Gaily,) A dance, a dance! {Exit,) 
 
 Bienville, {To all,) We’ll celebrate the coming of the Pelican, 
 with aU it’s brought. 
 
 All, The Pelican! Hurrah, hurrah! 
 
 Madam Chateauguay , And the love affairs, by land and sea, lets 
 cheer for them. 
 
 All. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah! {Some turn and congratulate 
 St, Denis and his vnfe, Julie, Marchand and Sehoy,) 
 
 Enter two Conductresses, 
 
 {They join the ladies, who smilingly greet them and pretend to 
 talk,) 
 
 Enter the Cassette Girls and Husbands, 
 
 {The men, if preferred, may now he dressed in their new clothes 
 fetched upon the Pelican. The colonist who wanted new 
 breeches and suspenders, making himself conspicuous,) 
 Enter all Indians. 
 
 Enter Picard and St. Helene, 
 
 D^Artaguette, {Taking the casket from St, Helene, bowing to 
 Cadillac.) Monsieur Governor. {Bowing before Bienville,) 
 Monsieur Commandant, and Governor! {Bowing to all,) 
 Mesdames, Monsieurs! {Speaking to Bienville.) I have the 
 honor for his majesty, to give to you in gratitude, the deco- 
 ration of the Cross of St. Louis. {He lifts the decoration 
 from the casket and puts the blue ribbon about the neck 
 of Bienville,) This is done because of your most rare mer- 
 its and out of Louis’ love. {He kisses Bienville upon both 
 
AT OLD MOBILE. 37 
 
 cheeks^) The golden spurs, (holding them up from within 
 the casket) we’ll reserve for formal installation, 
 
 Bienville, (Deeply moved,) I am a man of action^ not of words. 
 I thank the king and you. (He kisses D^Artaguette upon 
 both cheeks,) 
 
 St. Denis, Three cheers for his Majesty and the golden lilies 
 that bless the flag of France. 
 
 All, (Saluting the flag above the fort,) Hurrah, hurrah, hur- 
 rah! 
 
 Father Davion. The Lilies and the cross! (He lifts the crucifix 
 hanging from his waist rosary. Lifting his hand in benedic- 
 tion,) I bless you as a faithful son of Mother Church. 
 
 All, They bow their heads a moment. 
 
 Picard, (Begins the minuet softly^ and Spanish Wine and the 
 other flutists join him. Partners are chosen for the minuet 
 and the principals form in a set center of the stage, all others 
 forming as they can. The Indians dance amongst themselves 
 in their own wild way,) 
 
 Bienville, (Bowing to First Conductress, They take their places,) 
 
 Cadillac, (Bowing to Madam Chateauguay, but she declines to 
 dance, indicating .that she is prevented by her large skirts. 
 They stand one side and look on,) 
 
 Marchand, (Taking the hand of Sehoy, They take their place 
 in the principal set,) 
 
 St. Helene, (Bowing to Julie, leads her to their place in first 
 set^) 
 
 Boisbriant, (Bowing to Second Grey Lady, They take their 
 place in second set, behind,) 
 
 Se, Denis, (Bowing to his Spanish-Mexican wife. They join 
 the principal set, making four couples. The dance begins, and 
 when half completed the curtan descends slowly.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
4 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOI9-URBANA 
 
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