HISTORY PLAYS
for
THE GRAMMAR GRADES
To
MISS CORA GALLAGHER
Principal of
McKinley School
In appreciation of a pleasant association
and many kindnesses.
INTRODUCTION
The play idea will always appeal to the minds of children. History, so often thought to be a dry subject, is made a live wide awake game when the pupils live the parts. The great men and women of history are made real to them.
This method has been worked out by the pupils in the fifth grade in the McKinley School in San Francisco and found to be most successful.
The chief characters in Mace's Beginners History, the California State Text, have been dramatized. The children read the story and study by outline. Then with the help of the teacher the important events are made into a play.
Much outside reading is encouraged. This awakens an interest in good reading and an ability to do independent studying.
The lives of great men and women represent great things. Studying about these people is an inspiration to the children for the bigger and nobler things of life.
"Lives of great men, all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us—
Footprints on the sands of time."
—Longfellow.
Mary Ella Lyng
Contents
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
INTRODUCTION:
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, more than four hundred and fifty years ago. Genoa was a rich town on the Mediterranean Sea. She had trading routes to India, China and Japan.
Columbus was fond of stories of the sea and liked the study of geography. He was anxious to go to sea and while a boy made his first voyage. When he grew up to be a man, he went to Lisbon the capital of Portugal. The bold deeds of Henry of Portugal drew many seamen to this city.
Lisbon was full of learned men and sailors longing to go on long voyages. These sailors had tried to find a shorter way to India but without success.
Columbus thought this could be done by going directly west. He thought the world round although most people at that time thought it flat. After many trails he laid his plans before the Court of the King of Spain.
The first act will be Columbus at the Court of Spain.
ACT I.
(King and Queen on throne—courtiers around.)
(Columbus enters and bows before king and queen.)
Q. Isabella: You have come to us to talk about a shorter way to India?
Columbus: Yes, your Majesty. According to this map and the proof I have gathered, I believe India to be directly west. I have gone on long voyages and have talked to many seamen about the signs of land to the westward. I believe the world to be round and if your Majesty could aid me I know I could find this shorter route.
Queen: We would be glad indeed to aid you, but at the present time Spain has little money. The war has taken so much.
Wise Man of Spain: Your Majesty, this man thinks the world round. That is foolish. If you use your eyes you can see it is flat. To sail westward in the hope of getting to India is impossible and ridiculous.
Wise Man: Your Majesty, I think this man right. He says the world is round and I think if we study carefully, we will find it is so. If it is possible we should give him a chance.
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
The next act will be Columbus talking to Queen.
Queen: Columbus, I will pledge my jewels in order to raise the money for a fleet. I will fit out an expedition and make you Governor over the land you discover.
Columbus: Thank you, your Majesty. The lands discovered will be taken up in the name of the King of Spain.
Queen: Will you take a vow to use the riches you obtain to help drive out the Turks from the Holy City of Jerusalem?
Columbus: I will take that vow.
(Columbus takes vow).
End of Act II.
The voyage across the ocean was a long and tiresome one. The sailors became discouraged and wanted to return to Spain. Columbus kept on and finally was rewarded. The next act will be the discovery of land.
ACT III.
(Columbus talking to sailors:)
Columbus: I rejoice my friends that you have had the grace to chant the vesper hymn in so devout a spirit at a moment when there is so much reason to be grateful to God for His goodness to us. What cheering signs have encouraged us to persevere. The birds in the air, the unusual fishes in the sea and the plants seldom met far from rocks where they grow. I deem it probable that we reach the land this very night. I call on you all to be watchful.
(Columbus and Luis walk apart from the other sailors. Columbus a little in advance, stops, calls Luis.)
Columbus: Luis! Look in that direction, seest thou aught uncommon?
Luis: I saw a light, Senor.
Columbus: Thine eyes did not deceive thee.
Luis: What think you, Don Christopher?
Columbus: Land! Bid Rodrigo Sanchez of Segovia to come hither.
(Rodrigo Sanchez comes. All look for light).
Columbus: This is land. We will behold it soon.
(Sailors come up and look. All exclaim, Land! Land!)
Columbus: See the land, Luis?
Luis: Yes.
Columbus: Behold the Indies! Praise be to God!
End of Columbus Act.
JOHN SMITH and POCAHONTAS
INTRODUCTION:
John Smith was the savior of Virginia. He was an officer in the new colony sent out to Jamestown. Captain Newport one of Raleigh's old sea captains brought a colony of one hundred settlers to America.
The first act will be Captain Newport talking to some London merchants.
First Merchant: The King has given us a charter for our new colony in America.
Second Merchant: We need some men of adventure.
Capt. Newport: I know a man, John Smith, who could make the colony a success. He has had as wonderful adventures as the knights of old. He has just returned from fighting the Turks.
Merchant: We will see if the King will make him one of the officers in the company.
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
Smith was made an officer but was not allowed to take part in governing the Colony but resolved to help by visiting the Indians and gathering food for the Colony. The next act will be Smith in the Indian village.
(Powhatan sitting around bench. His wives sit at his side. Women and children stand around. In front stood Powhatan's fierce warriors. Two big stones are rolled in front of Powhatan. Two warriors rush to Smith, drag him to the stones and force his head upon one of them). (Pocahontas the chief's daughter rushes in.)
Pocahontas: Save his life! Do not kill him!
Powhatan: Your life is saved. You will be my son and play with my daughter.
End of Act II.
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
After awhile Smith returned to Jamestown. He found much trouble among the settlers. He took command and with the help of Pocahontas the little Indian maiden, restored order and saved them from starvation. Pocahontas was ever afterwards called "The good angel of the Colony." The next act will be Smith talking to the settlers.
Smith: (Making speech). Every one of us must work. He that will not work shall not eat. You shall not only gather for yourself, but for those that are sick. They shall not starve. Some of you will plant grain, others will build better houses. If this will take place we will all be happier and more contented in Virginia.
End of Smith Act.
SIR WALTER RALEIGH
INTRODUCTION:
Walter Raleigh was the Englishman who checked the power of the Spanish in America. He was a friend of Queen Elizabeth, and first gained her friendship, by an interesting incident. This act tells the story.
ACT I.
(Walter Raleigh, Blount, and Tracy, walking along shore see boat of the Queen.)
Blount: See, the Queen's barge lies at the stairs. We had best put back and tell the Earl what we have seen.
Raleigh: Tell the Earl what we have seen! Let us do his errand, and tell him what the Queen says in reply.
Blount: Do, I pray you, my dear Walter, let us take the boat and return.
Raleigh: Not till I see the Queen come forth.
(Queen comes, Raleigh removes his hat and stands close to Queen as she approaches with her court. She hesitates to pass miry spot. Raleigh takes coat from shoulder and lays it on the ground. Queen looks at Raleigh and passes on).
Blount: Come along, Sir Coxcomb, your gay mantle will need the brush today, I wot.
Raleigh: This cloak shall never be brushed while in my possession.
Blount: That will not be long, if you learn not a little more economy.
(Member of court comes after Raleigh. Queen and court at water's edge, waiting).
Courtier: I was sent to bring a gentleman who has no coat, you, sir, I think. Please follow me.
Blount: He is in attendance on me, the noble Earl
Courtier: I have nothing to say to that. My orders are from her Majesty.
(Walter and man walk toward Queen).
Blount: Who in the world would have thought it!
(Raleigh is brought to Queen, who laughs, and talks to attendants).
Queen: You have this day spoiled a gay mantle in our service. We thank you for your service, though the manner of offering was something bold.
Raleigh: In a sovereign's need, it is each man's duty to be bold.
Queen: (Speaking to attendant). That is well said, my lord. (To Raleigh) Well, young man, your gallantry shall not go unrewarded. Thou shalt have a suit, and that of the newest cut.
Raleigh: May it please your majesty, but if it became me to choose—
Queen: Thou wouldst have gold? Fie, young man. Yet, thou mayest be poor. It shall be gold. But thou shall answer to me for the use of it.
Raleigh: I do not wish gold, your majesty.
Queen: How, boy, neither gold nor garment! What then?
Raleigh: Only permission to wear the cloak which did this trifling service.
Queen: Permission to wear thine own cloak, thou silly boy?
Raleigh: It is no longer mine. When your majesty's foot touched it, it became a fit mantle for a prince.
Queen: Heard you ever the like, my Lords? What is thy name and birth?
Raleigh: Raleigh is my name.
Queen: Raleigh? We have heard of you. You may wear thy muddy cloak, and here, I give thee this, to wear at the collar.
(Gives him a jewel of gold, Raleigh kneels, and kisses hand of Queen).
WILLIAM PENN
INTRODUCTION:
William Penn was a Quaker and founded the city of Brotherly Love. He was the son of a great naval officer, Admiral Penn. When he became a Quaker his family were very much disgraced. His father drove him from home.
The next act will be the meeting of King Charles and William Penn and others.
ACT I.
King Charles and Court enter. Enter William Penn and others. All hats removed except King's and Penn. King removes his.
Penn: Friend Charles, why dost thou remove thy hat?
King: Because wherever I am, it is customary for but one to remain covered. (King passes on).
(Penn's father enters.)
Penn Sr.: Sir, I will not permit such conduct toward the King. Leave this place at once.
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
After Penn's father died, the King gave Penn a grant of land in payment of a debt owed to his father. Penn invited all persecuted Christians to the colony. He gave the colonists the right to choose their own rules and to make their own laws. He also gave them land for their houses and farms.
The next act will be Penn making a treaty with the Indians.
(Indians in row—Penn and people).
Penn: (Talks to Indians). We are the same as if one man's body were divided into two parts. We are all one flesh and one blood.
Indian Chief: We will live in love with William Penn and his children as long as the moon and the sun shall endure.
(Pipe of peace is smoked.)
End of Play.
SIR FRANCIS DRAKE
INTRODUCTION:
Sir Francis Drake was the English "Dragon" who sailed the Spanish Main and who "singed the King of Spain's beard." He was a most daring seaman. From boyhood he had been a sailor. The first act will be Drake at the Court of Queen Elizabeth.
ACT I.
Queen Elizabeth and Court
First Maid of Honor: Francis Drake has returned from his voyage around the world.
Queen: Tell me about this Francis Drake.
Second Maid of Honor: He is a cousin of Captain Hawkins and was with him when he had command of a ship against Mexico. The Spaniards killed many of the sailors and took all they had.
Court: He hates the Spanish because he thought they were plotting to kill your Majesty.
Queen: Bring me to Francis Drake. I will visit him on his ship.
(Enter Queen and Court.)
Queen: How do you do, Francis Drake. They tell me you have made a voyage around the world.
Drake: Yes, your Majesty.
Queen: Tell me of your trip.
Drake: (Map and pointer showing the trip). We left England and sailed straight for the Strait of Magellan. I was determined to sail the Pacific. We entered this harbor. This is where Magellan spent a winter when he made his trip around the world. One of my men will tell you what happened here.
Man: We sailed safely through the Strait but a terrible storm arose. One of our ships were lost and one sailed for England. We went from here, south and here we saw the first great treasure ship. We captured four hundred pounds of gold.
Drake: Week after week we sailed northward until we reached Peru, Pizarro's conquered land.
Man: Here we saw another great treasure ship. We pursued her and captured more than twenty tons of silver bars, thirteen chests of silver and a great store of precious gems.
Drake: We sailed northward and back again southward and spent a time in this beautiful bay. I named the country New Albion and took possession in your Majesty's name.
Man: The natives believed Francis Drake a god and begged us to stay with them always.
Drake: We sailed on until we saw the island where Magellan had been. We sailed on through the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope and back to England.
Queen: Kneel Francis Drake (Drake kneels and is knighted by Queen). Arise, Sir Francis Drake.
ACT II.
Drake again went to fight the Spaniards. He sailed boldly for the coast of Spain. He captured shipload after shipload of treasure. He made the Spanish King very angry by his actions and the King resolved to crush
The next act will be Drake and others talking to the Queen after the Spanish Armada had been destroyed.
Queen: My brave and noble Sir Francis Drake, you have crushed the Spanish power on the sea for all time I think.
Noble: He has certainly more than singed the King of Spain's beard this time.
Drake: The terrible storm that came up helped us to destroy the Spanish Fleet.
Queen: From now on our power on the sea will grow greater and greater. We can now go to America without danger from the Spanish.
End of Play.
PILGRIMS
ACT I.
INTRODUCTION:
The Pilgrims were persecuted for their religion in England. They went first to Holland. After a time they decided to come to America because they wanted their children to grow up in their own language and customs.
They set sail for America in the Mayflower. They had a long and dangerous journey, but on November 20, 1620 they found themselves looking with glad hearts upon the sandy but heavily-wooded shores of Cape Cod. They signed an agreement as to the government of the Colony and elected John Carver their first Governor.
Captain Standish was their captain. The first act will be Captain Miles Standish and his sixteen men returning from an exploring party.
ACT I.
Class: The people on Mayflower.
People: Here come Miles Standish and his men! Welcome back to the Mayflower! What have you found, Standish?
Standish: We have tramped for three days through the forests, up and down hills along the coast but found no suitable place.
First One of Men: We found this. (Corn). We decided to take it up and later we will pay the Indians double.
Second Man: While we were examining an Indian snare, Bradford (points to Bradford) found himself swinging by one leg in the air—(much laughter). We have found a new way to catch game.
Standish: The second trip was no better but this time I think we have found a good place. I think it is the same place found by Capt. John Smith and named Plymouth by him.
Governor Carver: I think this will be a good place to land. Shall we land here?
People Aboard Mayflower: We will get ready to land.
People: It is God's will.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
The first winter for the Pilgrims was a hard one. Many of their people died. Among them Governor Carver. Miles Standish helped them in every way he could. He kept his army ready for any danger. The next act will be Samoset's visit to the Pilgrims.
ACT II.
Miles Standish and several pilgrims talking over military affairs.
Standish: We must drill every day in order to be ready for danger.
Bradford: Yes we must keep up our careful watching.
Brewster: Look at that fine looking Indian coming toward us.
(All look toward Indian coming).
Samoset: Welcome! Welcome!
Standish: You talk English?
Samoset: Me talk little. Me good Injun.
Standish: He looks like a good Indian.
Samoset: Me bring more Injuns. (Enter).
Squanto: Welcome Englishmen!
Bradford: You talk good English.
Squanto: My name Squanto, I been to London. I show you many things. How plant corn, by putting dead fish in hill. How to hoe corn and how to make into meal. I show you to catch eel and how make Indian moccasins, canoes and lots of things.
Bradford: We will be glad to learn all this Squanto. You are a good friend to us.
ACT III.
The next act will be the Pilgrims planning for the first Thanksgiving.
(Men and women talking.)
First Woman: Our first summer is now over.
First Man: Yes, and we have a big harvest; our houses are repaired and the health of our people is good.
Second Woman: After the hardships of our first winter and the blessings from God we have now, we should have a Thanksgiving.
All Together: Yes we should. The time for rejoicing has come.
Women: We will have a great feast.
Men: We will have games and military movements.
Man: We will invite Massasoit and his warriors who have been so kind to us.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
and
OTHER HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION
INTRODUCTION: (Told by pupil).
We are now going to tell you the story of George Washington and other heroes of the Revolutionary War.
George Washington was the first president of the United States and was called "The Father of His Country." As a boy he was a skilful horseback rider and liked to go into the forest with his dog and hunt. He had a very good mother. His father called her "The Rose of Epping Forest"—a place in England.
(Maps are used and pupil points out the places on maps with pointer).
The first act will be George Washington talking to his mother.
ACT I.
Washington: Mother, it is decided that I should go to sea, is it not?
Mrs. Washington: Yes, George, we had consented to your going to sea but I would much rather have you go back to school and have a good education. According to these old Virginia days the oldest son in the family, when the father dies, receives a plantation and your brother, Laurence, has received a plantation on the Potomac.
Washington: Well, mother, if I give up my plans of going to sea and go back to school, what shall I do?
Mrs. Washington: You will receive a plantation on the Rappahannock.
Washington: Well, I shall give up all my plans and go back to school and I will try to excel in all my work.
Mrs. Washington: You must excel in both work and play and remember the Golden
(Several boys knock and enter—boys bow and speak to Mrs. Washington).
Boys: How do you do, Mrs. Washington.
Mrs. Washington: How do you do, boys.
First Boy: George, we want you to come out and play with us.
Second Boy: Yes, we want you to be our captain.
Third Boy: We will take a walk in the woods.
Fourth Boy: And maybe have a swim in the old swimming pool.
Washington: May I go out with the boys, mother?
Mrs. Washington: Yes, George, but don't forget to come in before it gets too late.
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
When George Washington was sixteen, he was made a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. At twenty he was put in Braddock's army and he saved the broken pieces. He was later elected to the house of Burgesses in Virginia.
After Washington's brother, Laurence, died, Washington received the beautiful Mt. Vernon plantation on the Potomac.
One day while Washington was on his way to Williamsburg, he met a beautiful woman named Mrs. Martha Custis, who later became his wife.
The second act will be Washington, Patrick Henry and others in the house of Burgesses in Virginia.
(House of Burgesses assembled. Class in House of Burgesses.)
Speaker at Desk: As you know the French and Indian war has left both England and her colonies in debt and King George, thinking only of England, put a tax on tea and a Stamp Act on the Thirteen Colonies. Through such great men as Samuel Adams and our own Patrick Henry, these Acts have been repealed. Now we are confronted with the trouble in Boston. Shall the people of Boston be slaves or shall the thirteen colonies fight to save that town?
(Exclamations from House). Fight! Fight! No! No! Fight!
Speaker: I think Patrick Henry has a resolution to offer.
Patrick Henry: Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen: I offer resolutions declaring that Virginia arm herself for the coming war.
Men of House: Why should we fight England? It is the greatest country in the world and it is our Mother Country.
Second Man of House: Why not send petitions to the King asking him to send his two armies out of Boston?
Third Man of House: We cannot fight England. Look at Drake. He checked the Spanish Armada on the sea while Raleigh checked the Spanish on the land. If we fight England it will leave us weaker than we are.
Fourth Man of House: If we fight our Mother Country now it will spoil the little nation we are trying to build up. We are not ready to fight.
Patrick Henry: Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: Mr. Henry.
Henry: We must fight! I repeat it, Sir, we must fight. An appeal to arms and the God of Hosts is all that is left to us. They tell us, Sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next year, or next week? Sir, we are not weak if we make the proper use which the God of Nature has placed in our power. Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable, and let it come! Our brothers are all ready on the field. Why stand we here idle! Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! (Much applause).
End of Act II.
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
The next act will be the second Continental Congress where George Washington was elected Commander in Chief of the American army and where Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others were appointed to draw up the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Hancock, Speaker of the House: You all know that in the first Continental Congress we pledged to stand by Boston. If General Gage means to make war on that town, let him do it. Is there anything to say on the matter, gentlemen?
Franklin: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Franklin.
Franklin: I say that the thirteen colonies should unite in order to fight Great Britain.
Henry: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Henry.
Henry: I agree with Mr. Benjamin Franklin. I wish to repeat a statement I made once before. The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian but an American. (Applause).
Richard Henry Lee: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I make a motion that the thirteen colonies unite in order to fight and that we declare ourselves free and independent of Great Britain.
Member of House: We must show reasons for separating from our Mother Country.
Robert Livingston: We must show great men like Pitt and Burke why we want to separate from England.
Member of Congress: I make a motion that a committee of men be appointed to draw up a Declaration of Independence.
R. H. Lee: I second that motion.
Speaker: It has been moved and seconded that a committee of men be appointed to draw up a declaration of independence. All those in favor say Aye! Contrary minded No!
Aye! Aye!
Speaker: I appoint Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and John Adams of Massachusetts to draw up a declaration of independence. And now gentlemen, the American Army needs a head. Who shall it be?
P. Henry: I think Mr. Adams has a man in view.
Hancock: Mr. Adams.
Adams: I have but one man in mind, a gentleman from Virginia, whose skill and experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents and excellent universal character would command the approbation of all America and unite the Colonies better than any other person in the Union. If you speak of solid information and sound judgment, Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on the floor.
Lee: Mr.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I nominate Colonel Washington as Commander in Chief of the American Army.
Member of Congress: I second that motion.
Hancock: It has been moved and seconded that Colonel Washington be made Commander in Chief of the American Army. All those in favor say Aye.
Aye! Aye!
Hancock: Not in favor, no. (All Aye). Then General Washington is Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(Cheers).
(Goes to ante room and brings in Washington who left during Mr. Adams' speech).
Gentlemen, this is General Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army.
(More Cheers).
Washington: I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in this room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the task I am honored with.
End of Act III.
ACT IV.
INTRODUCTION:
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776 by a Congress of representatives of the Colonies assembled in the State House in Philadelphia.
The next act will be the signing of the Declaration of Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.
Pres. Hancock: After several days of debating in Congress the Declaration of Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia is about to be accepted. Is there anything more to say on the subject, gentlemen? Mr. Jefferson have you?
Jefferson: Mr. Hancock and Gentlemen. We feel that good reasons must be shown to the world and to those brave Englishmen, Pitt and Burke who have been our defenders for breaking away from our Mother Country. We have tried to show these causes in the paper that I have written.
Hancock: Mr. Adams.
Adams: Mr. Hancock. We believe that all men are created equal with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The present King of England has shown himself a tyrant in his treatment of the Colonies by his repeated acts. Thomas Jefferson has written these facts so the world may see them.
Hancock: Mr. Sherman.
Sherman: Mr. Hancock. He has taxed us unjustly, without giving us a voice in the matter. He has tried to force us to pay the debts of England. These are more reasons we wish to give to the world for our present action.
Hancock: Mr. Franklin.
Franklin: We have sent petitions to him asking him to stop these abuses. He has answered with insult. A prince with such a character is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. We therefore, declare we are enemies in war, in peace friends.
Mr. Lee: Mr. Hancock.
Hancock: Mr. Lee.
Lee: I make a motion that the Declaration of Independence as written by Mr. Jefferson be accepted and the news be given to the world that we are a free people.
Member of House: I second that motion.
Hancock: It has been moved and seconded that the Declaration of Independence be accepted and the news be given to the world that we are a free people. All those in favor say Aye.
Aye! Aye!
Contrary minded, No. And now gentlemen, I sign my name in large letters so George Third may read it without spectacles (writes name). We must all hang together in this matter.
Franklin: Yes, we must all hang together, or we will hang separately.
Hancock: And now let the news be given to the world that we are a free people.
Boy: Ring! Grandpa, Ring! Oh Ring for Liberty!
End of Washington Act.
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK
INTRODUCTION:
George Rogers Clark was born in Virginia in 1752. Clark liked to roam the woods. He became a surveyor and an Indian fighter at the age of twenty-one. He was a great leader in Kentucky along with Boone and fought the Indians many times. The British officers aroused the Indians. They paid a certain sum for each scalp of an American. Clark decided to strike a blow at the British across the Ohio. He drilled his men at Corn Island at the falls of the Ohio, the beginning of Louisville. In June he shot the falls and after a long march they reached the old French town of Kaskaskia.
The first Act will be a dance at Kaskaskia.
ACT I.
(British and French dancing. Enter Clark and stands at door. Indian lying on floor springs to feet and gives terrible war whoop. The dancing stops. Women scream and men rush toward Clark).
Clark: Go on with your dance but remember you dance under Virginia and not under Great Britain.
(British General goes up to Clark).
Clark: I ask you to surrender in the name of Virginia.
British General: I surrender. (Hands his sword to Clark).
(French talk in corner. Father Gibault and other men come up to talk with Clark).
Father Gibault: We beg of you, Colonel Clark, to spare our lives and the lives of our families.
Clark: Father, your lives are safe. America makes war on no church and will protect you all from insult. The King of France has made a treaty with the United States and is sending ships and soldiers to help us. All we want you to do is put up the American Flag.
Father Gibault: We are glad to hear this news. It makes us all very happy indeed. I will go to Vincennes and tell the good news.
End of Clark Act.
ANDREW JACKSON
INTRODUCTION:
Andrew Jackson was born in North Carolina in 1767. His parents were Scotch Irish.
Schools were few and poor and Andy learned more from the woods than from books. As a boy he was full of fun and mischief and fond of sports, but he was very hot tempered.
When he was thirteen he learned what war meant for it was the time of the Revolution. Colonel Tarleton killed more than a hundred of Jackson's neighbors and friends, among them Andy's own brother. He never forgave the British.
At fourteen he was taken prisoner by the British.
The first act will be Andrew Jackson and a British officer. Enter soldiers dragging Andrew. Officer at desk. Men salute officer.
Men: We have found this young fellow acting in a suspicious manner around the camp,
Officer: Well, well, a young rebel eh!
Andrew: Yes, a rebel.
Officer: We'll see what you are good for, boy. Clean these boots.
Jackson: I will not. I am a prisoner of war and expect to be treated as such.
Officer: You won't! Won't you! (Draws sword and strikes boy on head). (Soldiers drag him from room).
End of Act I.
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
At Camden smallpox killed his remaining brother and left Andrew poor and sickly looking. His mother also lost her life in caring for American prisoners. Jackson was left an orphan of the Revolution. He studied law and at twenty was admitted to practice in the courts of the State.
Stories from Tennessee made him long to see that beautiful country, so in company with nearly a hundred men, women and children he crossed the mountains into Tennessee.
The next Act will be Jackson and others sitting around a camp-fire, telling stories of the Revolution.
Jackson: This beautiful country of Nolichucky Jack's is worth the trouble we have had in coming. Something in the stillness of the night makes me think of those dreadful Revolutionary days. What a time it was and what a lot of great heroes our country had.
One of Men: Yes, those were stirring days. Well do I remember that day on the Boston Common. On the slopes of the hill where the State House now stands there was a fine place to skate and slide. We fellows learned our spelling those days for if we didn't we couldn't skate. One day after school we hurried to the hillside. We found the ice broken everywhere. We knew the British Redcoats had done the damage. They thought it fun to make the Yankees angry. We went to General Gage and told him what his soldiers had done. He said "You are plucky boys. If my soldiers bother you again, let me know."
One of the Girls: Have you ever heard the story of Lydia Darrah?
No, tell us.
Lydia was my grandmother. She lived in Philadelphia with her husband and younger children. General Howe's adjutant took up his quarters and secured a back room in which private councils could be held. Just before one of these my grandmother was told to retire early as the British officers would require the room at seven o'clock and would remain late. Lydia suspected that something against the patriot army was to take place. She sent the family to bed and taking off her shoes crept down the stairs and listened at the door. She learned that all the British troops were to march out and surprise General Washington and his army. She knew it lay in her power to save the lives of thousands of people. She decided to find a way of telling the news.
Going to the mill for flour, she left her sack to be filled and hurried on to the American camp where she told one of the officers she knew. He galloped off to Headquarters and informed General Washington.
The British officers never knew who gave Washington the information.
Jackson: She was a brave woman. There were many brave women and men.
Man: And that fight at Bunker Hill. Of course we lost because we didn't have enough powder but how our brave boys did fight, as long as the powder held out. They cut down whole ranks of the British army as they advanced up the shore.
Jackson: Well folks, I think we better go to bed. We have a hard journey ahead of us. I will keep watch.
(Jackson leans up against tree, smoking corncob pipe).
(Suddenly the sound of an owl is heard in the distance).
Jackson speaks to the man with him: "A little too natural that owl. I fear it is Indians. We must arouse the people and go."
(Goes and arouses people who get ready to leave.)
End of Act II.
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
Jackson was successful as a lawyer; was made district attorney and was finally elected to Congress. Later became a frontier judge and a man of business. He won fame as a fighter in the war of 1812, and in many fights with the Indians and won the name of "Old Hickory."
The next act will be calling for volunteers to fight at New Orleans.
Jackson's Speech: The British are again our enemies. They are capturing our men on the high seas and forcing them to fight for Great Britain. Shall we stand this? No, I say no. Perry and other great sailors are fighting hard with our vessels. The British, if we are not careful, will capture New Orleans. Who volunteers to go with me? On to New Orleans and Victory!!
End of Act III.
ACT IV
INTRODUCTION:
After the Battle of New Orleans Jackson was a great hero. In 1828 he was elected President of the United States. He had bitter quarrels with Clay, Calhoun and Webster over the U. S. Banks. In the Senate was another great man, Thomas H. Benton. He and Jackson had once fought a duel but were now good friends. Benton took Jackson's part against the other men. Refusal of South Carolina to pay the tariff caused trouble during Jackson's time. This act was called nullification.
The next act will be President Jackson talking to General Scott about South Carolina.
ACT IV
Jackson: South Carolina must be forced to obey the laws of the land. The tariff will be collected by force if necessary. To nullify an Act of Congress would be most dangerous to the Union. Take soldiers and war vessels, General Scott, to Charleston and enforce the law at all hazards.
General Scott: I will do my best to enforce the laws of the land, President Jackson.