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HISTORY PLAYS
_for_
THE GRAMMAR GRADES
Copyrighted, 1922, Mary Ella Lyng
_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 5
JOHN SMITH and POCAHONTAS 7
SIR WALTER RALEIGH 8
WILLIAM PENN 10
SIR FRANCIS DRAKE 11
PILGRIMS 13
GEORGE WASHINGTON 15
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 20
ANDREW JACKSON 21
JOHN C. FREMONT 24
WEBSTER, CLAY and CALHOUN 27
THE STORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN 33
GRANT AND LEE 35
ROBERT E. LEE 36
SOME WOMEN OF HISTORY 38
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:
Columbus receiving little encouragement and after several years of
waiting, set out to try his fortune in France. He stopped at a convent
to beg for some bread. The Prior became interested in his plan and
went to the Court of Spain, and begged the Queen not to allow Columbus
to go to France but to help him in his plans.
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 of Sussex, Master
of Horse.
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 England. Drake sailed right into the harbor of Cadiz. He
burned so many Spanish ships that it took Spain another year to get
the fleet ready.
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 Rule--"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
(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. President.
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, Colonel.
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.
JOHN C. FREMONT
INTRODUCTION:
John C. Fremont was born in Savannah, in the year 1813, while his
parents were on a journey through the South. His father died soon
after, and his mother moved to Charleston, South Carolina. He was
well educated, and after college spent some years in travel.
He joined a company of engineers to explore the mountains between
Tennessee and South Carolina to find a place for a railway. This
region was a rough, beautiful, and wild country, and it gave Fremont
a taste for exploring which never left him. His longing for wild life
was gratified when he was made assistant to a famous Frenchman who
went to explore the region between the Missouri and Canada.
He married Jessie Benton, daughter of the famous Senator Benton.
Benton was interested in the growth of the West. He knew that Fremont
was interested in exploring, and used his influence with President
Van Buren to have Fremont explore the Rocky Mountains.
The first act will be Fremont talking to President Van Buren.
ACT I.
(Senator Benton talking to Van Buren:)
BENTON: The West is a great country, Mr. President. We should have
it explored and investigated.
VAN BUREN: I agree with you, Senator Benton. The West should be
explored. If we had a good man to send on this expedition.
BENTON: I know a man, Mr. President; John C. Fremont. He is an
experienced engineer, and loves the wild life of adventure.
VAN BUREN: Bring Fremont to me.
(Fremont enters and is introduced by Benton).
VAN BUREN: You are an explorer of note, Mr. Fremont? Will you
undertake a journey to the Rocky Mountains and bring back a report
of that country?
FREMONT: Yes, I am very much interested in exploring the West, and
with your permission and the permission of Congress, will try to
find out all that we can about that great country.
_End of Act I._
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
The next act will be Fremont telling about his first and second trip
to the West.
SECRETARY TO PRESIDENT: Fremont and his famous guide, Kit Carson,
have returned from their second exploring trip to the West and await
outside.
PRESIDENT: Show them in.
(Enter Fremont and party).
FREMONT: I have just returned from my explorations, and would like
to tell you of the trips. On my first trip I left Kansas City and
followed the Kansas River to the South Pass. On my second trip I
followed the same route to the South Pass, where I took four men,
and continued on, to the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
ONE OF THE MEN: While there and on the top, we unfurled the stars
and stripes in all its glory.
FREMONT: Then I decided to cross the mountains. After many weary
months we beheld a great lake.
ONE OF THE MEN: You can imagine what feelings stirred the breasts
of men shut in for months by mountains, at seeing what appeared to
us to be an ocean here in the midst of a continent.
FREMONT: As we strained our eyes along its silent shores, I could
hardly repress the almost desire to continue our explorations.
MAN: After making preparations, we crossed over the mountains till we
reached the Columbia River, and traveled down to Vancouver. Here we
were the guests of the Governor of the British Hudson Bay Company.
FREMONT: On November tenth, we started across the Sierra Nevada
Mountains, and then on, till we came to Sutter's Fort.
MAN: Here we met the remarkable Captain Sutter. Captain Sutter is a
native of Switzerland. He came here with the intention of building a
colony. The Spanish Governor, Alvarado, gladly gave him a great tract
of land. Captain Sutter has great herds of cattle and many acres of
grain.
FREMONT: We then decided to cross the mountains farther to the south,
where the San Joaquin River makes a gap. Here we beheld a great desert.
MAN: An Indian told us that there was neither water nor
grass--nothing. Every animal that goes on this desert dies.
FREMONT: From here we traveled forward, reaching Salt Lake; having
made a circuit of the Great Basin. Here we are, with the story of
our trip.
PRESIDENT: You have had some wonderful experiences. And now, Mr.
Fremont, I would like you to go on a third expedition--to explore
the Pacific Coast.
FREMONT: Very well, Mr. President.
_End of Act II._
ACT III.
INTRODUCTION:
Fremont did not know about the war with Mexico. On his way to the
north, he heard that Mexicans were planning to kill every American
in California. Jose Castro was a Mexican general. The Mexicans had
one hundred and fifty horses. The Americans captured these horses.
That was the first victory in the conquest of California.
The Bear Flag Rebellion.
The Americans were indeed a rough looking lot. Mounted on horseback,
wearing leggings, and carrying pistols and guns. If the Americans had
known that war was going on, they would have raised the Stars and
Stripes. But not knowing it they decided to make a flag of their own.
The next act will be the forming of the California Republic.
(Men and soldiers around room).
MAN: We are now a Republic, and must have a Declaration of
Independence.
OTHER MAN: Yes, and we must have a flag. Here is one. Mr. Todd made
it. A bear is drawn on it, and a star. Underneath are the words,
"California Republic."
OTHER MAN: We will raise this flag on the flagstaff of Sonoma. Now
we are an independent Republic.
_End of Act III._
ACT IV
INTRODUCTION:
The conquest of California came when a treaty was signed at the Rancho
de Cahuenga. (Ca-wen-ga). The next act will be the Californians and
Fremont at the Rancho de Cahuenga.
FREMONT: General Flores, General Vallejo, General Pico, and
Californians: You know why you have been called to this meeting?
GENERAL FLORES: Yes, Captain Fremont, we know why we have been called.
If we sign a treaty, and promise not to take up arms against the
United States we will be pardoned for revolting.
FREMONT: Yes, you will be pardoned under those conditions. Do you
promise?
CALIFORNIANS: We promise.
FREMONT: Very well, sign here.
(They sign.)
FREMONT: That will do, you are pardoned. Good afternoon, gentlemen.
CALIFORNIANS: Good afternoon, Captain Fremont.
WEBSTER, CLAY _and_ CALHOUN
INTRODUCTION:
We are going to tell you the story of Webster, Clay and Calhoun.
Daniel Webster was born in New Hampshire in 1782. He was a very weakly
child, no one thought that some day he would have an iron body. He
spent most of his time playing in the woods and fields. He loved the
animals that he found there. He had a brother named Ezekiel. One day
as they were walking through the field, they noticed that some of the
cabbage had been eaten so they planned to catch the thief.
The first act will be the story of the woodchuck.
ACT I
(Daniel and Ezekiel find woodchuck in trap).
EZEKIEL: Well Daniel I see that we have caught the woodchuck.
DANIEL: What shall we do with him?
EZEKIEL: I think that we should kill him.
DANIEL: I think we should take him into the woods and let him go.
EZEKIEL: Let us take the matter to father and let him settle it.
(Go to father).
DANIEL: Father, we have caught the woodchuck and we do not know what
to do with him. We have brought the matter to you to settle. Ezekiel
wants to kill him and I want to let him go.
FATHER: Well boys, we will hold a court. I will be the judge and you
will be the lawyers. One defend the case and the other prosecute.
Ezekiel you may speak first, you are the prosecutor.
EZEKIEL: I think we should kill the woodchuck. If we let him go, he
will be just as much trouble as ever, while if we kill him he can't
eat any more cabbage and we can sell his skin for at least ten cents
and small as that sum is it will help pay for some of the cabbage that
he has eaten, so in either way he is of more value dead than alive.
FATHER: Very good, Ezekiel. Now Daniel we will hear from you.
DANIEL'S SPEECH: God made the woodchuck. He made him to live in the
bright sunlight and the pure air. He made him to enjoy the free air
and the good woods. The woodchuck is not a fierce animal like the wolf
or the fox. He lives in quiet and peace. A hole in the side of a hill
and a little food is all that he wants. He has harmed nothing but a
few plants which he ate to keep himself alive. The woodchuck has a
right to life, to food, to liberty, for God gave them to him.
Look at his soft pleading eyes. See him tremble with fear. He cannot
speak for himself and this is the only way he can plead for the life
that is so sweet to him. Shall we be so cruel as to kill him? Shall
we be so selfish as to take from him the life that God gave him?
FATHER: Ezekiel, Ezekiel, let that woodchuck go!