^t*o^ o o Title ^**s^ p..a Imprint. THE Maid of ColTimbia ; OR, Ismail's part| t0 t|e ^ea. J>L yVllLITARY PrAMA, IN THREE ACTS. BY D. C. ROBIE, and G. H. BOOTH. HARTFORD: SOLDIERS' RECORD STEAM PRINT. 1871. Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1871, By D. C. ROBIB, and G. H. BOOTH, In the Ofllce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Col. Hakey Setmoue, of the Union Army. Capt. Albeet Golding, of the Confederate Army. Dick Haepee, one of Sherman's Bummers. EoBT. Yaegee, a Guerrilla Captain. Ben" Butlee, one of the " Col'd Troops." De. Bolus, Medical Examiner. Simpson", Provost Marshal. Pelatiah Hiqginbottom, 1 Samuel Coopee, >• Conscripts. Elnatha^st Todd, ) Cleegtman", John Schmidt, who " Goes to fight mit Sigel." Effie Kaymond, a Union Girl. Emily Lawtok, a Confederate Girl. Mes. Dow. Soldiees, Bummees, Gueeeillas, Civilians, &c. ACT I. Scene 1. — {The Village Hall. — Dr. JBolns, Simf- son and Yillagei'S discovered.) Sinvpson. {rising.) Fellow citizens : We are assembled here to-day |for the purpose of drafting men for the Federal army. A law has recently passed, providing for the filling up of depleted regiments now in the field, by conscription. If any among you wish to enlist and receive the bounty, you now have the opportunity. Remem- ber it is your last chance. If you are drafted, you receive no bounty, and your only chances of getting exempt, are : — by paying Three Hundred Dollars cash ; furnishing a substitute ; or being proved unfit for military service by physical disability. The army needs men, and if you do not willingly volunteer at this critical time, when this glorious American Union is in danger of being dissolved, there is no recourse but to conscription. Where is the patriotism of your revolutionary sires, who fought, bled and died, that our country might be freed from the galling chains of tyranny, to soar untrammeled on the wings of Liberty, and become a bright constellation among the nations of the earth? I shall now proceed, according to the requirements of the law, and hope you will pre- serve order during the process of drafting. Will 1* O THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR some one please step forward and be blindfolded, 80 there can be no deceit in the operation ? (Pelatiah Higginbottom stejps forward and Simpson hlindfolds Jiim. Throws a handful of names into the lottery wheel and gives it a lohirl. — P. H. draws one and hands it to Simpson.) Simpson. {Reads name ) Wm. Piper, Wm. Piper! {Passes name to Dr. Bolus and draws again.) Benjamin Dow, Benjamin Dow ! {Draws again.) John Petingill, John Petingill ! {Draws agaiii.) Samuel Cooper, Samuel Cooper ! {Draws agai^i.) Pelatiah Higginbottom, Pelatiah Higgin- bottom ! Pelatiah. O Lord ! I'm physically disinclined and totally miworthy, sir. Am dependent on an only, father for support. You will have to excuse me, sir, as there are plenty of others who would give better satisfaction than myself. Simpson. That's an after consideration. {Draws again) Abraham Savage, Abraham Savage ! {Drav^s again) Elnathan Todd, Elnathan Todd! (Enter Ben Butler, singing.) How are you conscript ? How are you to-day ? The Provost Marshal's got you In a very tight place, they say. Simpson. {Draws again) Benjamin i^utler. Benjamin Butler ! B. Butler {Cocking his eye) I 'spects dat's me. Jes read dat ar' again if you please. Simjyson. Benjamin Butler was the name called. Ben. Gorry mity ! dat's me shuah. Hurrah for General Jackson! I's grafted I is, and Ps gwine too. I shant pay no tree hundred dollars SHERMAN S MARCH TO THE SEA. 7 for ail institute, case I a'n't got de money jes now. Hurrah ! Ts gwine to war. A lioss ! a boss ! some- body get me a boss ! Simpson. Let us bave order. (Ben goes up.) (Simpson 7'eads.) Hezekiab Cole, Hezekiali Cole I {Draws agam.) Valorous Sliarpe, Valorous Sliarpe ! I believe the quota is now full, Dr. Bolus is present and will examine those who have been drafted that are present. {Sits down) (Samuel Cooper comes forwai\l and Dr. Bolus exam^ines him.) Dr. B. Your age ? Cooper. Forty-four years, eleven and one half months. Dr. B. Where were you born I Cooper. Podunk. Dr. B. Any family ? Cooper. One small wife and four large children. Dr. B. Age of father if living ? Cooper. One hundred and fifteen years. Dr. B. What ! Do not insult me Cooper. I am not insulting you, my fiither was seventy years old when I was born — be died about that time, consequently if living he would be about one hundred and fifteen. Dr. B. All right, you will pass. ]^ext. {Exit Cooper.] (Higginbottom comes forward}) Dr. B. Where born ? Higgin. Dunno. Dr. B. Any family ? Higgin. Dunno. Dr. B. Age of father if living ] Higgin. Dunno. Dr. B. What do you know ? Come here. (Dr. examines his head}) I find this man afiiicted b THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OE with a tuberosity of tlie posterior portion of the fundamental corpus, causing total obscurity of the compound filabus naturalabus, which will eventu- ally result in complete rigdumfumidorsical dampus of the rambilicus. You are exempt sir. IS^ext. (HiGGiNBOTTOM clcvps hand on stomach and exit. — EoBT. Yaeger comes forvm^'d^ puts a hank-note between his teeth and steps up for examination. — Dk. Bolus discovers money and thrusts it in his poclcet.) Dr. B. Your name ? Yaeger. Valorous Sharpe. Dr. B. Any predisposition to obesity ? Yaeger Yes sir. Dr. B. Troubled with internal hankering after something ''. Y eager. Yes sir. Dr. B. {aside.) So am I. — Want to sleep a good deal ? Yaeger. Yes sir. Dr. B. Have any trouble to walk ? Yaeger. Yes sir. Dr. B. This man is exempt, for reasons here- after explained. {Exit Yaegee. Elnatiian Todd comes foi'vmrrd — nose very red.) Dr B. What's the matter with your nose ? Todd. Humor in the blood. — Runs in the family. Dr. B. How many individuals in your family ? Todd. One, sir. Dr. B. ISTame of individual ^ Todd. Elnathan Todd. Dr. B. What's your business, Mr. Todd ? Todd. Everybody's in general, my own in par- ticular. Sherman's march to the sea. 9' Dr. B. AVhat is your forte ? Todd. My what? Dr. B. Your forte, — your particular hobby ; the thing tliat most interests you ? Todd. Tending bar at the tavern when the land- lord is at dinner. Dr. B. I thought as much. You will pass. {Exit Todd. Samuel Cooper comes hi, and lays down a 7'oll of Mils.) Cooper. There's three hundred dollars, now give me my discharge. (Dr. B. Jills out hlanlc and hands it to Cooper. — Exit Cooper.) Todd. {Enters with sid)stitute.) Here's my sub- stitute. Please give me a discharge. (Simpson eyes the sulstitide and recognizes a hounty jumper. — Seizes him hy the collar.) Simpson. All right. I'll take him and keep him. So my fine bird, I've got you at last. You won't jump any more bounties soon, I'll guarantee. {Slips on hand-cuff.) Mr. Todd, you will have to try again. Please accept my thanks. This man has been wanted for some time. You will have to try again. Dr. B. {Comes forward.) It pains me to see such a want of patriotic feeling among the men of this town. It is a shame that able bodied men should be so indifferent to their country's call. Unwilling to enlist, and when drafted, pay their last dollar rather than fight for the integrity of the Union. If I was an able bodied man {Limps ahout.) I would shoulder my musket and go, if I had to go alone and on foot. But, thank Heaven, I have a son in the army — {aside.) buying hay — serving his country as a patriot should. Look at 10 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR that poor African, he is willing to shed his last drop of blood in the cause of Liberty. Ben. {Stepping forward.) Does yer mean dis pnsson ? Dr. B. He sets an example worthy of imitation, and when brought to face the enemy, will not be found wanting courage to do battle with them. Ben. Yeth massa, " de colored troops fought nobly " and when I get down dar I'll shoot the fust man I meet right fru de gizzard, and I'll be so brave that my name will be handed down from generation to posterity, till it becomes a by-word in the moufs of ebery child in de land ! Fellow citizens ! I can truly say in de words ob Martin Yan "Webster : I still live ! and shall always be found ready to lay down my form for de American Eagle to roost on ! De Union must and shall be preserved, said Andrew Jackson, and I say so too. And I'll prove myself as brave as de old hero, when he hunted elephants at New Orleans, or scalped de rhinoceros on de banks of de Missis- sippi ! Scene 2d. — Street. (Enter Yaegee, l. i. e.) Yaeger. I, Bob Yaeger, drafted for the Union army ! Ha ! Ha ! But a twenty dollar greenback had the desired effect, and saved me a deal of trouble. (Enter Dick Harper, r. i. e.) Dlcl:. Hallo ! old euchre-deck ! What in the deuce are you doing in these parts ? Yaeger. Dick Harper, as I live ! Why, Dick, how are you anyway ? {Offers Jiand.) Dick. {Refusing.) Kone the better for seeing you, old slumgullion. Sherman's march to the sea. 11 Yaeger. A'n't you dealing largely in personal- ities ? Diclc. Yes, when applied to such a rantankerous old cut-throat as you. Yaeger. There, there, Dick, that will do. I can't stand everything. I'll get mad presently. Diclc. Go in, old bees-wax, and if you don't get your corporation pretty well mixed up, I'm a sinner. Yaeger. Well, well, Dick, hold on ; we won't quarrel, because you wouldn't like to hear me tell that you belong to the bum — DicTc. Hold yer bosses ! Tell what you like and I'll tell about somebody who dangled at the end of a rope down in Tennessee, but whose life was spared by promising to leave the diggins forever. Yaeger. Sh ! don't speak so loud. I beg pardon, I'll never breathe a word. Dick. I don't care if you do. I'm one of Sher- man's Bummers, and don't care who knows it ; and you are Bob Yaeger, the guerilla, and the leader of the meanest pack of cut-throats that ever drew breath. If it hadn't been for me you would have been hung as high as Haman. Sometimes I am sorry that I interfered, but I am not a believer in Judge Lynch. I sha'n't go back on you now if you behave yourself. I knew you had left Southern territory, but blast my picture if I thought of meet- ing you in my native village. Yaeger. I had to go somewhere away from my enemies. I've been here a year, and was drafted to-day, but got exempt. I'm going back south shortly. I don't like this country, its too deuced cold to suit me. Dich. You'll find it too confounded hot down 12 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK ■Bouth, you can bet your bottom dollar on thai You had better keep away for another year, that' my advice, or run the risk of getting your neck i. a sling. If you do get into trouble, you won't hav me to help you out. Be careful or they will fini you out up here, and if they do, you had better bi in Tophet without claws. {iStarts out l. i. e. Meet Dr. 3oLTJS, coining: in.) Excuse me sir. I'malittl blind in the off eye. {Exit.) Dr. B. Oh, Lord ! I should think so. Yaeger. "Well Dr., you found my teeth all right Dr. B. Yes, yes, quite risht. But you kee] mum about that matter and it will be all the bette for us both. Yaeger. {Loolis off.) Dr., who is that approach ing ? Seems as though I had seen him before. Dr. B. Why! that is Col. Seymour, and jus from the seat of war. Probably home on a fur lough, or after recruits for his regiment. Yaeger. Good-day Dr., I'm in a hurry. {Exi L. I. E.) Dr. B. I should think so. I wonder if th( sight of a blue-coat always affects him in that man ner. (Enter Col. Seymouk, k. i. e.) Col. Seymour. Ah ! Dr. Bolus, how do you do ' '{Shake hands.) Dr. B. Quite well, quite well, I thank you Home on a furlough ? I'm glad to see you. Col. Yes, I have just arrived. Dr. B. I heard that you were dead ; then thai you were a prisoner, and at last exchanged. Col. The latter part is true, and after my release from prison sickness attacked me, and not till twc weeks ago did I leave my bed. I learned of mj Sherman's march tothk ska. 13 mother's death after arriving within the Union lines, and the shock completely prostrated me. To you I come for the particulars of her death, for I understand you were her physician. Dr. B. When the report of yoiir death reached the ear of your mother, she fell insensible. All that could be done to alleviate her suffering, was done promptly and skillfully. She never left her bed afterward, but she retained full possession of her faculties to the end, and died with your name on her lips. More than this I cannot tell, but refer you to a young lady w^lio attended her during her last days, — Miss Effie Raymond, of Columbia, Georgia, — a thorough Union girl, and of w^ealthy parents. Col. Where can I see this young lady ? Dr. B. You wdll find her at the residence of Benjamin Dow, who is an uncle of hers. Col. I will call on her. Here is a letter from your son, who handed it to me just as I was leaving camp. {Gives Utter.) Good day. Dr., I have many places to visit. {Mcit, l. i. e.) Dr. B. {Ojyens letter and tal'es money from it.) That boy is doing finely. Five thousand dollars in greenbacks in one month. Whew ! I always knew lie was smart. Five thousand dollars profit on hay for the army. Good. I wouldn't wonder if that boy became Major General yet. Five thousand dollars clean profit. That's a boy Avorth having. [Exit chucHing, r. i. e.) Scene 3d. — Parlor. Effie and Yaeger discovered. Effle. Mr. Yaeger, why do you persist in thrust- ng yourself into my company 1 I have repeatedly 2 1-i THE MATT) OF COLOMBIA, OB told you that I cannot entertain your sentiments* or regard _yon otherwise than a stranger. You will please nie exceedingly by discontinuing your visits here, for I assure you I have no respect for you, and shall acquaint my friends of your real character if you do not cease your importunities. Yae^ger. I am not the man I once was. I have reformed in many respects, and have been influ- enced by the hope of winning back the esteem and friendship with Mdiich you once regarded me. Gnee you were disposed to look favorably upon ray suit, but because I took up arms in behalf of my native state, you suddenly grew indifferent toward me, and treated me with contempt. Yet I would overlook the caprice, and rely on the course of time to change your feelings and reinstate me in your good opinion, lEffie. Never, Mr. Yaeger. It is not ])ecause your sympathies wore with the South that L discarded you. I could have overlooked that, but when you placed yourself at the head of a lawless band of murderous assassins, robbing and burning the homes of innocent families, I resolved henceforth to treat you as a despicable wretch, whose heart is void of feeling or pity. A man that will plunder peaceful citizens, and subject women and children to violence and rapine, can be naught to me but an object of disgust and hatred. Yaeger. You may be sorry sometime that you allowed such language to escape your lips. If I am the villain you picture me, I may yet do that which will bring you to my feet, and willing to submit to such terms as I may dictate. Effie. What ! do you threaten me, traitor ! Leave my presence immediately, or I will have you 8HKKMAn's MARCH 'iO THE bEA. 15 ejected like a dog. Go, sir ! and under no cii-cum- Btances ever dare to speak to me. Begone ! or I will ring for assistance ! Yaeger. I go, but you will repent in tears, I will be revenged, aye, bitterly revenged ! {Exit in rage.) Effie. The villain! But for my implication in the matter I would expose him. To dare to address such language to me fills me with indignation. Methinks ft is a queer way to gain a woman's love, (Enter Mrs. Dow and Col, Seymour.) Mrs. Dovj. Efiie, this is Col. Seymour, whose mother you attended with so much care. Col. Sey- mour, Miss Efiie Raymond. {They haw.) You will please excuse mc tor I am needed in the kitchen. {Exit Mrs. Dow.) Col. I am happy to make the acquaintance of one who proved herself a ministering angel to my poor mother, I sought you to tender my sincere regards for the services rendered my only parent in her last hours. I am satisfied that the motive which prompted you to minister to her sufferings, was sympathy and the desire of doing good. I fully appreciate your kindness, knowing that by it my mother was made comfortable in her afdiction. Rest assui'ed that it will never be forgotten ; and if the time should ever come when I can repay you, it shall be done gratefully, ever keeping in view the circumstances which make me your debtor. Effie. Col. Seymour, I simply did my duty* which we should ever 1)e ready to perform in the alleviation of sufiering liumanity, I exact no acknowledgement of my service?, for it is n pleasure to me to assist others in time of trouble. For is it 16 TflK MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR not the requireinout of Divine law to love our neiglibors as ourselves ? I thank you Colonel for the appreciation of duty, but the consolation of having benefited another is sufficient reward. Col. In consideration of your kindness I hope you will favor a continuance of our acquaintance begun under sucli circniustances. I shall be pleased to call on you again, for I shall ever hold in high estimation your act of benevolence. Effi^c, I would be glad to see you again, Colonel, for you are probal)ly anxious to learn the full particu- lars of your bereavement, but I must inform you that I am about returning home to Georgia. Col. Ah ! in what part of Georgia is your home \ Effie. Columbia ; our place is called " The Ever- greens." Col. Indeed ! I passed through that town on my way from prison to tlie Federal lines, and am indebted to a young man of that place for the noble disposition he manifested during my cap- tivity, — Capt. Albert (rokling of the Confederate armv. Effie. .\n oki acquaintance of mine, and a very eetimablc young man, even if he be arrayed against the old flag. Col. Wlien di.» you propose returning south? Eijie. In two weeks, if events are favorable. Col. The time iixed for my departure, and I shall be happy to bear you company if you will accept my escort. Effie. With pleasure. Colonel, I dislike traveling alone, t consider it fortunate if I am favored with your protection. Col. I anticipate no trouble in furnishing you eafe conduct through our lines. eilliRMAN's M\KCH TO TUK SEA. IT Efie. I am glad the Union forces are so triumph- ant,* and will hail the day with joy when the stars and stripes float once more over my native state. Col. Then yon do not sympathize M'ith the Sonth ? Ejjie. I do not, I have never renounced my allegiance to the old flag. My father has stood firm through the storm. Though persecuted and hunted like a felon he has remained true to the constitution of his tathers. I inherit the same pat- riotism, and shall ever be found ready to uphold the honor and integrity of my country, redeemed from thraldom by him whose name is immortal, Washington ! Col. Well said, my noble patriot. Would that all your people possessed like sentiments, then this devastating war would cease and the land rejoice in the fullness of its strength. I must now bid you adieu. I shall make such arrangements as shall be conducive to your comfort on the journey. EjJie. Thanks, Colonel, your kindness will be remembered Avith gratitude. {Eycit Col.) What a noble man ! ITow I sympathize with him in his afliiiction ! (Enter Mrs. Dow.) Mrs. D. AV'ell, Effie, hoAv do you like Col. Sey- mour Isn't he splendid? What do you think? lie is going to escort me through the Union lines^ on my way to home and friends. Mrs. D. And a good escort you will have, I am glad it is thus. Let's go to tea now. I was in hopes Harry would stay, but my fire went out and everything seemed to botlier me. {Exetint.')' 18 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, 0» ScENK 4, — Wood.— The grave of Set/mour\s mother. — Enter Col., slowly. — Lights doicn. Col. At last, after miles of weary travel, I stand at the grave of my mother IIow silent ! how lonely is this place ! Not a sound breaks the stillness of the night. Tlie songs of birds are hnshed, not even the accustomed voices of the night greet my ear. The deepening gloom sadly oppresses my heart. How strangely still ! how suggestive of death, the peaceful sleep which proceeds that great awaken- ing, when those who slumber in the dust shall rise in glorious immortality to enter into their eternal rest! This -spot is sacred to me, and I would put the shoes from oflP my feet, for the place whereon I stand is hallowed ground. Here sleeps the truest friend I ever knew : she who cherished me in child- hood days, M'atching over me carefully all my youthful years : teaching me to slum the haunts of iniquity, guiding my steps aright that they might not fall into the snare of the tempter, and point- ing to the path of wisdom and virtue as the true way to happiness in this life, and a heavenly rest in the great hereafter, AVell do I remember her last words to me, Mhen, with my hand clasped in hers, we mingled our freely flowing tears. Little thought I then that I should behold her no more upon earth. Oh ! mother, I shall never find love like thine, never find so true a friend. O ! that I had been here to receive your dying blessing, to have looked once more upon you ere you crossed the dark river. My eyes are dim with gathering tears, which shall water the sod that hides thee from my sight. SHEKMAN's march to the 8EA, 40 'Tis but another life saeritieed on the altar of liberty, another life blotted from the world to be- recorded on the pages of eternity. How long^ O ! how long shall lives be olfered up to satiate the cravings of internicine war ! How long shall blood flow like mountain streams ? Is the earth thirsting for blood, that she drinks from the veins of her children ? The very flowers and blades of erass blush with crimson gore, aud droop prone to the dust at the sight of brothers arrayed in mortal combat. O, hasten the day when patriot mothers can raise their eyes to greet once more the flag of freedom unfurling its broad stripes to the breeze, wafting the glad tidings of peace from the sunny slopes of the Paciflc to the evergreen shores of the Atlantic ! When aged fathers can see the dawn of the coming day that shall break upon a land redeemed, and liberty rise triumphant from the ashes of treason and bondage ! Here upon this sacred spot I vow never to sheath my sword, till treason's stain is wiped from oft' Columbia's soil I And here, wlien I am done with terrestrial things^ let me be laid to rest beside her who gave me birth, who died blessing my memory, to mingle at last with the dust — the aslies of a sainted mother !. {lineels.) TABLEAL'. {The mother is seen with oufstreched arms, giving: her hencdictio7i. Music. Redfre.) CURTAIN- ^0 Til K MAID OK COLUMBIA, OR ACT II. Scene 1. — Wood. — Miter Yaegek. Yaeger. Little did I think a few weeks ago, that I should again be upon the field of action so Boon. But when I learned that Effie was going liome, I suddenly discovered that the cold North did not suit my constitution. Ila ! ha ! ha ! Little did the Yanks suppose, when they drafted me for the Lincoln army, that I was the notorious guerrilla Yaeger, bound by my honor — my honor — to stay away from the held. Oh, no ! I have too much ambition for that. . {EnUr Guerrillas loWi Dr. Bolus, a prisoner.) Well done, boys, a prisoner the first day, and a good fat one too. I should judge a goodly share of plunder. Bring Iiim forward, boys, and we'll see what the Yank has about him. (Starts.) What, Dr. Bolus ! Dr. B. Then it's you, Yalorous Sharj), who lead this band of jnurdering, kidnapping, pack of thieves, who seize a Dr. of physic while he is gathering herbs and specimens but a few paces from the Union pickets, and drag him like a »vild animal to this den of jackals ? Yaeger. Come, come. Dr., you are hard on a fellow. Li this part of the country I am known as Bob Yaeger, the guerrilla, and I don't take too much lip from any man. {To (juerrUlas.) Com- rades, this gentleman is an old friend of mine. He and I once had honorable dealings together, and buehman's march to the ska. 2t he must not be niecklled witli. You can now follow four inclinations in the search of more booty, and assure you there is not another man in Sherman's whole army whom I will save from plunder by my interference. {Guerrillas exeunt.) ' Well Dr., I'm- happy to meet you. {Gives Ms hand.) Dr. B. {Refusing ) ]^o, sir, I never shake hands with traitors. Yaeger Just as you please. But I know one little trick of yours that don't teach strict pat- riotism, that happened but a few weeks ago in a certain northern villag-e town-hall. But your ava- nciousness, 1 suppose, covers up your treachery. Dr. B. {Can fused.) I, sir, am a true Union, man and have a son in the Union army. Yaeger. Is he as greedy as you are ? Probably you are here to visit him. Dr. B. Well, yes I am, and to see the sights^ and perhaps bind up the wounds of my country- men. Yaeger. Ha ! ha ! ha ! When your country- men's pockets are filled with greenbacks in place of grey-backs. Dr. B. I also[am the escort of a young lady of your acquaintance. Yaeger. Who ? Dr. B. Miss Ettie Raymond. Yaeger. {Aside.) Then I shall boim have her in my power, and compel her to become my wii'e or wither and die of grief and shame. {To Dr.) Where is she now ? D7\ B. In the camp of Sherman's army, and I must hasten to join her or she will fear evil liaf» befallen me. 22 IHK MAID OF COLCMBIA, OR Ycieger. Then hasten Dr. to your lovely charge, I will shoM' you the nearest way. Bear to your rights and follow the path through the woods, it will lead you direct to the Union pickets. {Exit Dr.) Now then for a season of stratagem. To gain possession of that girl shall be my first blow. Let me see. She will probably go to see her friend Emily Law- ton. I will be there, and there we shall see who triumphs. { Blows tcMstle, and Guerrillas appear.) Men and comrades of the Confederate army ! I learn, by the man just here, many wonderful things in regard to the Yankee mudsills, and you must make up your minds for a series of hard marches ere many days. I am going to leave you for a few hours, and let this spot be the bivouac till my return. You can hover around the enemy, seize all the arms, supplies and horsea you can, for we will have need of them. I will be with you to-morrow night, and lead you on to scenes of glory. AH together now, "Jeft" Davis, and the Confederate army I" {All yell. Exit Yaegek.) Scene 2. — Parlor. — Capt. Golding and Emily discovered. Emily. Then it is true that Gen. Hood has abandoned Atlanta. Capt. Golding. Yes, Gen. Hood has blown wp his magazines, burned the cotton and stores, and destroyed the railroads. The foundries, machine shops and depot were fired by his orders, and are now but heaps of smoking ruins. Hood is in full retreat, and the army of Sherman is encamped about the city. Our cause looks gloomy indeed, from every quarter the news is unfavorable and I fear the worst. *ge, S Sherman's march to the ska. 23 Emily, This is sad news truly, yet fortune may smile upon our armies struggling for their rights, and the northern invaders be driven back con- quered and humiliated. May the God of battles protect our brave warriore, and give them strength to resist the march of the foe, and lead them on to victory. Capt. G. Amen, dear Emily. You are yet firm in your adhesion to our cause, which I pray may be successful. The spirit with which you are animated, is the same that possesses the liearts of all true daughters of the South. Emily. Thank Heaven that we do possess the spirit of such men as Sumpter, Marion, Lee, and a host of others, whoso devotion and zeal for their country are yet fresh in our memory. Whose firm and lofty principles are engraved upon our hearts in letters of fire. Whose untiring zeal and un- wavering purpose are so worthy of imitation. Truly, the memory of their deeds should give us renewed energy, and instil into our lives such unyielding devotion that we may be stimulated to renewed efforts until we behold our independence, or the life blood of millions will stain the sacred soil of a people wlio may be subdued but never conquered. Capt. G. Noble sentiments and admirably expressed, the sentiments of every true Southron. Our land shall be freed from northern oppression, or the last drop of blood that fires the southern heart shall be shed in its defense. But time is pass- ing, and I must bid you adieu for the present. I think you had better hasten to Columbia, and start aa soon as possible. Gen. Sherman has issued orderg that the inhabitants of this city must vacate within 24 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK ten days, and you should avail yourself of the opportunity ere prevented by circumstances which may suddenly arise. I shall have to escape from the city in disguise, and travel all night in order to join my regiment by break of day. E^nily. Oh ! Albert, I am anxious for your safety. I fear you may be captured, and I shall not rest ujitil I hear of your safe arrival within your linc^. Ca])t. G. Do not worry, dear P^mily. I appre- hend no danger of detection, I shall assume a clever disguise. You will hear from me soon, or I shall see you in Columbia. Something tells me that we will not be long separated. Victory may be ours, and then I shall return to claim you as my own. Through sunshine and storm your image will be my guiding star. And should I fall while battling for the right, remember that my last blow was in defense of my native land, and my last thought of thee. May heaven protect you. {Exit to sJoio music. Emily sinhs into chair weejnng ) (Enter Yaegek.) Yaeger. This place has a melancholy aspect to me, the bird is not yet in her cage. {Sees Emily, who lool's ujy.) Ah ! Miss Lawton, your eyes are red with weeping. Perhaps because the Yankee hireling has possession of Atlanta, and Gen. Hood has been compelled to M'ithdraw. I deeply sym- pathize with you in your love of country. I, too, feel the blood of Southern patriotism in my veins. Emily. "What brings you here, insolent sir? My love for my country is, I trust, upright and honorable, while yours is greed and self-aggrandize- ment. I have heard tales of horror, in connection Sherman's makch to the sea. 25 with your name, that curdle the blood in a true, loj'^al, southern heart. Yaeger. {confused.) I came, Miss Lawton, to inquire if my affianced bride and your old friend, Miss Effie Raymond, has arrived. Emily. No. Is she coming ? Yaeger. I expected to find her here, but if she is not I will take my departure, for mj patriotism conflicts with yours. Emily. O ! Mr. Yaeger ! Why can't you renounce the base, wicked life you lead, and join the ranks of the true southern army and battle as a man for our independence ? Then would I receive you as a friend in my home, and be proud of your acqiiaintance. Yaeger. Miss Lawton, when I am convinced of of my wickedness, I will listen to your harangue. Does not the cursed Yankee seize our property, lay waste our country, and burn our towns and villages ? When he fights honorably I will forsake my command. Au revoir. {Exit?) Emily. How I w^ant to see my dear friend Effie, and I wonder how she will get through the lines of the enemy. Perhaps her sojourn in the North has made her hate the South and all the southern people. Yet I hope not. I will go and dispatch a servant to search for her. {Exit.) Scene 3. — Street. Enter Dick E[aeper and Bum.- mers, l. Dick Harper, Halt ! Well, boys, we have cap- tured Atlanta by scaring the enemy, and we will skirmish over the city for amusement. {Lookmg off.) Keep shady, here comes one of the chivalry. {Enter Clerqtman, with carpet hag, k.) Hold on 3 26 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK there, stranger. What have jou got in that bag ? (Clergyman tries to escape.) No use, my christian friend, we're going to know what you carry in that traveling companion. Clergy. I am a clergyman, gentlemen, on a peaceful mission. Pray, do not detain me. Harper. It don't make any difference what your mission is, we are going to know the contents of that bag. ( TF/'een in tight places 'fore, once 'specially. Harper. When was that \ Ben. 'Twas when I was wagon driber. I had a load ob powder an' was dribing along when a shell from de rebels come and struck de wagon, an 'sploded all de powder an' blowed de bosses an' wagon into a thousand million pieces. 60 THE MAID OF COLTTMBIA, OE Harper. How happened it you escaped ? Ben. O ! when I see de shell strike and de pow- der begin to burn I — I got off ! Harper. I think you have got off this time equally as well. Anyway you can get off the big- gest yarn of any nigger I ever saw. You'd better throw up 3"our commission and exhibit yourself as a second Hannibal ! Ben. No sah, when de war am over I shall go home and resume my practice as a criminal lawyer. {Beveille heard.) Harper. Come get ready to git. The boys are on the march ! {Exit.) \Tlie scene opens and dlsdoses a Gompany of sol- diers on parade — the army on its great march to the sea — hattle torn flags — martial music — hooming of cannon, railroads torn up — bridges destroyed — burning huildings in the distance — negroes, loomen and children following, &,c., &c.'\ {The scene closes — enter Yaeger creeping out of his hiding place.) Yaeger. Day after day have I followed in the wake of Sherman's army, but have been unable to put my hands upon the girl. I believe she loves that yankee Col. Seymour, and that he desires to make her his wife. But she shall never be his, for I swear that I will slay them both ere such an event happens ! I have risked all to possess the girl ; reputation, wealth, honor — all that I might call her mine. How deeply I once loved her! I worship- ed the ground whereon she trod. I bowed to her beauty and did homage at her shrine. I tried every means at my command to honorably win her, but all to no avail. I received encouragement once, Sherman's march to the sea. 51 just previous to the opening of the war ; yet as soon as I took up arms for the southern cause, she grew cold toward me, and from that time the breach be- tween us has widened. She now receives my ad- vances with contempt and scorn. When I ap- proach her she recoils with hatred and loathing. I swore revenge, and shall kee]) my oath ! Once she was in my power, but was taken from me by that j^orthern mudsill, and Ibr that interference he shall die like a dog ! I care not for the consequences — I am desperate ! If I only get the girl once more I will take her beyond the reach of help, and if she will not bend to my will, she shall never more be- hold the light of day ! She shall suffer that which she little dreams ! In her fancied security with her Union lover, little thinks she of the sleath-hound that is slowly yet surely following her to fix his fangs deep into her heart ! Revenge will be mine, a bitter, lasting revenge ! I go on my mission to ruin, to drag down to the lowest depths of humilia- tion she who has scorned and defied me ! {J^xit in rage andfiiry.) {Enter Dick Ti.KKP^Ti,from concealment.) Harjper. Hold your bosses ! I too am on a mission, to protect, to save from your infernal grasp the beautiful and loyal Maid of CoLrMBiA ! Little do you think, Bob Yaeger that there is a sleath- honnd on your track, an avenging spirit, who m411 follow you to your doom ! You are fast nearing the end of your tether, and soon will bring up with a suddenness that will surprise you. \ ou have broken your oath made when you were near hav- ing your neck wrung, and by the Eternal, you shall not escape 1 {Exit^ 62". MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR Scene 4. — Samanndh. — Hotel jparlor. {Enter Col. Seymour and Effie.) Col. Yes, Gen. Sherman has succeeded in cut- ting the enemy in twain, and the Great Rebellion will soon be among the things that were. I would not be surprised, any moment, to hear the good news of peace. Effi,e. What rejoicing there would be throughout the land ! How many hearts would be made glad ! Col. True, many hearts would thrill with joy ; but there are many — many hearts wounded and crushed by the fortunes of war, that can never more rejoice. Many hearts are bowed down ; hearts that once beat high with fond aspiration and joyous hope, are now naught but withered semblances of the past. The flame w^hich once lighted up the tendrils, sending a warm glow to the fair cheek, the bright smile, and expression to the eye, has been extinguished in the waters of affliction. Many are bowed low at the family altar, mingling their tears w^itli the ashes of de- parted joys ; and, like Hagar, refusing to be com- forted, until their thoughts are turned to Him, who says : — " I am the Resurrection and the Life." Effi^e. 'Tis sad to think, when our brave soldiers return to their homes, of the feelings of those whose fathers, husbands and brothers sleep in southern graves. Col. It is a sad thought indeed. Our brave men sleep on every hill, in every valley. Truly, will the so-called " sacred soil " become hallowed with the dust of the loyal defenders of a nation's honor. May the turf above them ever remain as fresh and green, as their memory will be cherished Sherman's march to the sea. 53 in our hearts. May the flowers above them bloom brighter ; sending iforth a fragrance as enduring as the record they have left behind. May the dew of Heaven water the earth which covers them — 'twill be the tears of a nation. Let the sunshine descend gently o'er their beds — the smile of the Gods. May the autumn winds weave heroic chaplets from the falling leaves, and cast them thickly over the graves of the worthy dead ; may the whispering zephyrs chant the story of their deeds, in ages yet to come ; and the everlasting hills remain enduring monuments of their patriotism. May they calmly sleep till awakened by the reveille of the trump which shall call them to that last review of the Great Commander, before whom the everlasting mountains shall scatter, and the perpetual hills shall bow. {Rejport of cannon and hugle calls heard.) Effie. Hark ! what is that ? Are we attacked ? Col. No, it is a salute. Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry is passing. {Enter Ben.) Ben. Hoorah ! we hab arobe ; me and Gen. Sherman and de rest ob de army. {Gives Effie letter.) "We hab cut de rebellion's tail off, and I'm going home to die no more. — She's my girl — Dinah Moore ! {Exit singing : — " /'m going home to die no more.'''' Effie. {Reads letter.) Why ! It's from my dear friend Emily. She writes that she is in Savannah, and that I may expect a visit from her any moment ; and that Capt. Golding, now her husband, will come with. her. Col. Indeed ! And now that you have found each other, you can remain with her, and, I think, 54 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OB be free from dansjer under the guardianship of Capt. Golding ; and the vicissitudes of war will no longer trouble you. Effie. I am glad that the stars and stripes wave over Savannah, I shall feel safer beneath them. I think you told me that your term of service expires this month. Do you intend to return North then ? Col. My enlisted term expires then, but I shall continue with the army until this rebellion is dead, if I am alive. Its fall is but a question of time. The rebels are hard pushed, and soon will fall a frey to the Union forces. When the war is ended shall depart Xorthward, and hope to have the same traveling companion that I had in coming- hither. Now that your father is dead, you have nothing to bind you to the South. When we are safe in our Northern home, settled down to a life of peace and happiness, I shall often think of my days as a soldier, and the prize I found while brav- ing the fortunes of war. (^/jfe/* Emily and Ca.pt. Golding. GMs embj'Cice, Col. cmcl Capt. shal^e hands.) Capt. I hope we do not meet as enemies, for I am no longer arrayed against the old flag. My parole and a painful wound prevent me from per- forming a soldier's duty. Col. Ah ! you were taken prisoner then. Pro- bably there will be no need of either of us to tight much longer. Capt. I hope so ; for I am tired of the war, though I deplore the probable result. I should hail the triumph of our arms with the pride of a Southern heart, but it is the fortune of war that we are not the victors, and we must abide the issue. Col. Although we may be the victors, as I once Sherman's march to the sea. 65 informed your wife, we can be generous to the conquered. Capt. Yet the feeling between the North and the South would remain bitter and lasting. The wound would never heal. Col. Let us not anticipate evil, but hope for a speedy peace and reconciliation between those now engaged in bloody strife. Magnanimity is a cha- racteristic inherent in the soul of the North, which will manifest itself at an early period ; and your people will be convinced of the injustice done us through the misrepresentation of unprincipled men, whose ambition overpowered their judg- ment. {They go up.) {Enter Ben.) Ben. Hoorah ! de war am most over and I shall soon be in de bosom of my family. — Hold on, I hain't got no family yet. I's gwine to marry Dinah Moore, sooner or soon as possible. I nebber felt so good in my whole natural life. I's gone trew Georgia widoutgettin' wounded or captivated, all owing to my s'perior knowledge of military tic- tacks. It was jes so wid my illustrated oppressors, de Puritans, dey alius come out from a fight unscathed and unpolluted. I tink my record during dis cham- pagne will 'fleet great credit on dis indiwidual. Now de war am most ober, and victory roosts on de banners of liijerty, w^e can all return to .our respectable homes where de lubbed ones ar' waitin' for us wid arms outstretched to welcome us back from de field ob glory. And habbin turned our swords into ploughshares and the spears into tun- ing-forks, we will be prepared to resume de pur- suits of peace : habbin' de respec's ob de people, and do consolation ob knowing dat we hab done Bumfin for our country — de land ob our birf, de 66 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA. land ob liberty. I shall ebber remember dese times, and when I get to be an old grey headed man, I'll call my num'rous children 'round me and tell dem how dere fader shed his last blood on de field ob battle, dat they might enjoy de privilege ob habin eberyting dey M\ant. And when my earthly career is ended in dis world, and I leab dis terres- trial ball forebber, nebber to return here any more in dis life, p'raps someboddy will 'rect a monument to de memory ob dis pusson, Avho am worthy ob emulation. So, in after days when de unborn generations shall come, dey shall discober de spot which contains the mortal remains ob my majestic form, and read from de epitaph : Here lies Ben Butler, who fought for his country and received dt benefit ob it. Darefore, lastly, to sum up, anc bring to a conclusion de finale of dese closin' finish in' remarks, I repeat in de words ob de poet— Gorry mity ! Who's dat ? {Enter Yaeger hatless^ vnld and infuriated hrandishing dagger. The characters are struct dumh loith astordshnient. Seizes Effie. Music ) Yaeger. Revenge ! Revenge ! Die, and ma; thy soul sink down to perdition ! {RiHe crack. Yaeger drops., and thrusts hi knife deep in the ground, still holding it.) {Enter Dick Harper with revolver.) Harpter. Hold your bosses ! You've got you last sickness. {Impressive music — Yaeger dies. — The chara*. ters form a hrilliant picture. — The scene rise showing a-thrilling tahleau. The Goddess of Libert' waving the Federal flag., the rebel flag beneath hi feet. — The Goddess in the act of thrusting a spec into a hideous monster's mouth.— Red andblue fire. SLOW curtain. OCT 6 1931 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 256 008 6