Twenty-five Male Figures.
This magnificent tableau represents the scene so well known in the
early history of our country, and contains twenty-five figures,
thirteen of which should be dressed in crimson uniform, to personate
the British soldiers, six in continental costume, three in coarse
homespun suits, three in sailor's costume. The stage must be formed to
represent a hill, which can be done by using boxes and boards, and
covering them with green cloth. The hill should rise from the
footlights to within four feet of the ceiling in the background. The
first and principal figure is General Warren. He is lying on the
ground, a few feet from the foot of the hill, supported by one of his
officers, who holds his head with his right hand, while with the left
he grasps the musket of a British soldier, which is pointed at the
breast of Warren. Warren's position is, facing the audience, eyes
closed, arms hanging carelessly at his side; costume, continental;
side arms, sash, sword, and chapeau lying in front of the body. The
figure who supports Warren is dressed in blue breeches, white hose,
white shirt, and black belt. Position, kneeling back of Warren, his
eyes fixed on the soldier who stands a few paces back of Warren's
feet. This soldier leans forward slightly, and grasps a musket, in
which is a bayonet, which he is about to plunge into Warren's body.
His eyes are fixed on the prostrate form before him, while the
countenance expresses excitement and rage. Costume consists of a red
coat, white breeches and hose, low shoes, knee and shoe buckles, white
breast belts, black waist belt, and black military hat, with plume. By
the side of the soldier, near the front of the stage, stands an
officer, who is leading on the British. He holds a sword on his right
shoulder, while the left grasps the butt of the musket of the soldier
previously described. His body is bent forward, feet separated thirty
inches, eyes fixed on Warren, countenance expressing energy and
decision. Costume consists of a crimson coat, decorated with gold
epaulets and lace, white silk hose, buff breeches, low shoes, knee and
shoe buckles, red sash, side arms, and chapeau. Directly behind the
figure who supports Warren stands an American soldier, with a musket
held in front of his body, which he points towards the British
soldier, who is about to pierce the body of Warren. His body is
slightly bent backward, eyes fixed on the soldier, countenance
expressing fear. The remaining figures should be placed in the space
from the top of the hill down to the group we have described; a few
should be fencing; some using their muskets as clubs; others firing at
the enemy in the distance; while a few are stretched out in death on
the ground. They must be placed in as great a variety of positions as
possible, and in such a manner that one figure will not obscure the
other. The countenances of all should appear excited. The booming of
cannon and roll of the drum can be produced behind the scenes. The
picture should be illuminated by a brilliant red fire burned at the
side of the stage.