^^ <'^ TECrMSEH : OR, THE BATTLEOF THE THAMES, A NATIOXAL. DRAMA, IN FIVE ACTS. BY DR. EMMONS // NE W.YORK: ELTON & HARRISON, 134 Division and 85 Fulton-sts. 1836. s %. [Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eighi hundred and thirty-six, by William Emmons, in the Clerk's OfBc© of ihe District Court of the Southern District of New-York.] Sn 0^'- PROLOOUE. l^hie night a native bard unfolds a scene That, yet, abides within the mem'ry green; His first attempt the Thespian art to reach, Heroic deeds through mimic life to teach. Long had the Nation, ere to arms she rushed, Suffered — till pity wept and virtue blush'd ; Spies round the land like gaunt Hyena's prowl'd, While faction, like an unchain'd maniac howl'd. Our gallant mariners — forbear the theme — Their blood, from scourgings, dyed the ocean stream ; The savage axe was whetted for our doom, The vandal torch was lighted to consume. Columbia dropp'd the olive from her hand, She grasp'd her arrows and drew forth her brand; In awe profound, the nations from afar, Gazed to behold her ride on Vict'ry's car. High beat the gen'rous heart — her praises rung From every voice that had a Freeman's tongue. The foe, at length, humanity was taught, ' And back the dove the peaceful olive brought. Rank'd with those feats that admiration claims, In brilliance stands " The Battle of the Thames ;" At Raisin's stream, and at Miami's flood. Had the stern Indian glutted him with blood. Lo ! Perry's voice in startling thunder spoke, And JOHNSON ! soon, the savage sceptre broke : The mighty Chief, before him, prostrate fell, With whom expired the last appaling yell. The W est, in mourning weeds, look'd on and smii'd. And hail'd the Champion as her first-born child. The poet, now, will this event explore, He craves your candor, but — asks no more. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Col. R. M. Johnson, (Commander-in-Chief,) Mr. WoodhulLw Col. James Johnson, (Second in Command,) Mr. Riddle. Whitley, - (an aged warrior,) r^ n . ^ Commander of the > Gen. Proctor, | g^j^j^^^ ^ Gen. Chambers, (Second in Command,) Lieutenant Anderson, Tecumseh, Prophet, Maypock, Edward, Ralph, - Arthur, - Franklin, Cloutier, Jerry, (Chief of the Indians,) (his brother,) (a savage,) - - - (a captive,) - - Kentucky Riflemen. (a Canadian Villager,) (servant to Proctor,) Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Proctor, - - Ohpothleholo, - - (a young Indian,) Lucinda, - (in love with Edward,) Mr. J. Adams. - Mr. Meer Mr. Johnson. Mr. Durang. - - Mr.Ingersoll. - . Mr. Proctor. Miss Harrison. Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Hadaway. - - Mr. Blake. - - Mr. Kenny. Mr. Warren. Mr. Knight. Mr. D. C. Anderson. - - Master Meer. Mrs. S. Chapman. Kus-Ker-Koo, - (Maypock's Squaw,) - Miss Anderson. British Soldiers, Indians, Kentucky Riflemen, 6fc. The Scene is laid in Malden, in Woods, in the rear of the town, and on the right bank of the River Thames. — The time it three days. BATTLE OF THE THAMES. SCENE I .- Enter Jerry. — l. u. b. Jerry. Proctor, my master, says the horses must be sad- dled and ready at a moment's warning. There's something strange in all this. What can it all mean ? Nothing could be heard here yesterday but narrations, orations, and pro- clamations about a mighty triumph — ^a great naval victory, that was to be.huzzahed all over the town to-day. The big guns were all crammed to their muzzles. But nothing is said about it this morning. What a change ! Maiden is as hush — as still as a mouse, eating its breakfast in the centre of a yankee cheese. Chambers was at my master's lodgings about midnight. He told him something — what it was, I shall not pretend to philosophy — but it was something that had very little opium in it, for my master never slept a wink af- terward. He walked his room all night long — and day has hardly peeped at us yet, when here am I, sent post haste to prepare the horses, for perhaps a back out ! Well, well, (feels in his pockets,) I have a shilling or two left — and — (pulls out a bottle !) O, the creature is safe ! My darl- ing, I must give you a buss, (drinks.) I feel it running down the middle of me like warm milk from the udder of a cow in a frosty morning. Jerry Grimes has lived long enough in the world to know how to cherish his own flesh and blood. (drinks.) Col. Chambers, — oh, he's as generous as a bee- hive, now is'nt that stinging wit ? Never mind, I'll try to make it go down (drinks). Oh, yes : Chambers is the man for me, and I'm the man for Chambers. He's my shadow, I'm for his substance — {striking- the pieces of money together). Whenever I says, " open Sessame !" his hand opens — and when it does open, it always has the cash in it. True, very true, he has a stripling of a waiter — but not an atQm of use to him, as I can see. He keeps him in better trim than any cadet in the whole army — {singing). I brush his coat, black his shoes, powder his hair. Fetch, carry — do other things decent and rare. That is, for the cash I does it — and 6 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. caah advances much greater men than I am, to carry on a less honourable business than blacking boots. Enter Proctor and Aide de Cavipi i" Proc. Jerry, are the horses ready. Jer. O, sir — ready ? saddled you mean. Proc. You'll have the black and the sorrel led to my quarters immediately — move! (to his Aide,) Soon as to Chambers I instructions give, I forth shall mount — escape Tecumseh's rage. Jer. The saddles, sir, are all Exit Proctor and Aide^ l. {Jerry vnnJcs his eye) hanging up snug in the saddle house f ha ! ha ! ha ! But I must have them backed upon the horses — -^or Jerry's back oh, I must be off. — \^Exit. l. SCENE II . — Exhibits a tent pitched in the tvoods, sup- posed to be in the rear of Maiden, Enter Lucinda in hoy\ attire from tent, u. e. r. Lucin. Alas ! no tidings of him yet. At times my spirits droop, while hope almost expires. This disguise is irksome. His dear — dear name, is written on my heart, — yea, with a plume plucked from the wing of love. Ah ! cruel day ! — When the fell savage, thick their hands imbued in human gore at Raisins fatal stream ! My blood congeals. I must the theme forbear. But what will love not tempt us to achieve? They seized — they dragged my Edward forth a captive ! Wretched captive ! I've ventured all to find — to rescue him, — if need there be, my life to offer up for his re- lease. For what would be this world to me without him? — Waste, a barren waste — a heath, producing nought but this- ties, n.ight shade, and the deadly upas. My heart would be in widowhood with nature. To Chambers, most magnani- mous of chiefs — of British chiefs — a page have I become, — that some unseen, auspicious chance may throw me in his arms, — or, this denied — I may the satisfaction have to kneel, embrace his bosom cold in death, compose his limbs, strew flowers, and then — {she presses her hand upo?i her forehead.) Strange — wild — it burns — my brain ! 'Tis agony ! I must this mist dispel, {she casts her eye toward the tent.) He sleeps more late than usual. He, ere that heaven's fair troop de- camp is wont to rise. Already does the joyous sun smile on I* BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 7 the lake, and pour from diamond urns, a golden shower, which beautifying, gilds this gorgeous drapery of Autumn. — But see — he approaches — I must dissemble. Chambers advances from the tent. You seem to be in heavy mood this morning, — your visage sad, cast down. — There's fever on thy brow. Wild dreama — perhaps — perplexing dreams. Cham. Vex, vex me not with tedious questions — dreams ! . I wish it were no other than a dream. Reality ! — How beautiful the fleet from out the harbour glided ! Wliy the name of Barclay seemed itself sufficient. Lucin. Barclay! what of Barclay ? — May I presume — Cham. Presume ! 'Tis past presuming — confirmation sealed! — a fatal truth — his sword to Perry — Lucin. Yielded, did you say ? {aside.) O! that it were so! Cham. I scarce can give it vent — utterance, — Alas — Yielded ! no longer does Britannia wield the trident of the deep, — Jones, Bainbridge, Hull, Decateur, Stewart, Porter, — Forbear — enough! Impressment! cursed impressment hath done this — ditnmed — yea — it hath wrapped proud Albion's glory in the pall of mourning. — Lucinda betrays some feelings of joy. You smile — while I am overcast with grief; this transport ill becomes thee. Lucin. (aside.) I must disguise. — Sir? — transport? I must indeed confess my spirits feel somewhat bouyant. Cham. Bouyant ! Lucin. You now wiir have an opportunity to put your valour forth, — for presently may we anticipate — Cham. Invasion from the States ! — Be it so — 'tis well — we'll meet them at the water's edge, and there — Enter Proctor and Aide-de-camp in hastCj l. Proc, Hence ! fly ! retire ! Kentucky is in arms ! The South — the siroc wind — the hateful South — it blows with howling lungs, urging invasion on to crush us with defeat ! Lucin. (aside.) Be Heaven adored ! Proc. I every thing have bade to be consumed — the cumbrous smoke already curls aloft ! — For safety lead the army to the Thames. 8 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. Cham, (pausing.) So struck — surprized am I, I know not what to answer. — Retreat f^no, never— at the beach we*ll planted stand, and strike for victory. — I mult remon- strate. — (Blue Lights,-!: u.) Proc. Remonstrate! Cham. The die, I see, is cast — is lost ! Bankrupt ! — I mark the greedy flames devouring all our hopes — our trea- sures — magazines— supplies — all — all. — (Drums heard, r. h. Proc, List ! Hark ! the drums are beating a retreat ! I leave you to bring up the tardy rear. — [Exit,-!., h. Cham. Lad, reach my cap — -that useless thing my sword. A war whoop. — Tecumseh rushes in and makes a pass to strike down Chambers, hut suddenly restrains himself. Tecum, Ah ! — Methought you Proctor was ! Me, they told, that I should find him at your wigwam here. He be- tray Tecumseh — barkened not to me. To him I uttered many words to bend him from his purpose. — No ! My people gashed their flesh to meet Kentucky at the shore, and trouble Erie's lake with drowning ghosts ! His ear was deaf — Fear closed its hearing up. Me thrice the torch extinguished — thrice put out the flames ! But when I turned my heel, he kindled up the fire. — See the dark travelling cloud ! behold the blazing cinders wandering over heaven ! — (flashing behind the scenes.) Coward ! his heart ! Me search his heart ! / Cham, I am thy friend, great Chief Brother, thy rage restrain. — Let me with counsel, cool this feverish heat. — True — 'tis true Proctor — Tecum. Dig him in his grave ! I will restrain. — Me hold my passion down, to hear what you shall speak. — Me — now {he struggles to subdue his feelings,) say on. Cham. I am not filled with words — disappointment presses on my heart. — (drums at a distance.) Hark! the regiments are moving ! The opportunity is lost to stand upon defence. Let not distrust appal thy followers. A battle yet. Tecum. Death is mine or conquest ! — The Ohio stream is mine — the Wabash, and the big rivers of the West! Cham. Should Proctor — Tecum. Name not his name ! Cham. Should he give back, then I myself will lead the royal banners to the charge, while you shall raise the war- song on the field, till distant hills shall hear and echo back the sound ! BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 9 Tecum. Me feel my soul in arms ! The cry — the death- cry shall go fortli, till War shall foam with madness ! Her gaunt maw the wolf shall cram with quivering flesh! The wild cat strip the bones! Aye, tremble shall the mountains at my voice,— for they shall fear it as the thunder! Enter Lieutenant Anderson^ R. h. u. e. And. Sir, — the fleet — Cham. The fleet? what of the fleet? — Returned? Barclay returned? « A7id. It is not England's fleet. Cham. Ah no! 'Tis Perry's now. And. True, true indeed. The invading fleet of Perry is at hand, with whom are Shelby, Johnson, Croghan.* Tecum. Me hate that stripling warrior. Cham. Why ? Tecum. Why ? because he rid us not of Proctor at San- dusky. [Chambers nods assent,'\ And. The sun, reflected from their burnished steel, illumes the freighted decks, — far they seem to blaze ! Harrison — Tecum. Harrison ! I met him once in council. He said — "Tecumseh, sit thou here beside me." He was my foe. Me scorned his offer, — on my mother's breast — the earth — I rested me my limbs. Cham. [To Anderson."] And Johnson, said you not ? And. The herald you dispatched beheld his troops em- bark, who shouting, hailed him so, that all the woods and islands of the lake resounded with his name. Cham. His renown hath reached my ear. Tecum. A warrior? Cham. Yes, he must a warrior be — but in the Senate. Tecum. Me feel my sinews swell — me watch — me keep my eye awake — to see — to trail — to hunt him in the battle ! Cham. He'll prove, no doubt a chief mostworlhy of thy daring. [To Anderson.) Near, said you, the hostile fleet! And. Their prows lash up the foam, — the blighting stars shone dimly — far they seemed to cast a baleful light upon the waters, like sanguine meteors streaming through the sky ! Tecum. Then will Tecumseh smother up in blood ! Cham. {To Anderson.) You, Anderson, my first Lieu- tenant, I charge to linger on our rear, and cautious mark the motions of the enemy. — To me, as opportunity occurs, will you report their movements — their position — all incidents. And, Trifling circumstances? '^ The Hero of Sandusky. 10 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. Cham. Yes, — note every thing— no matter how minute. A feather, straw, a shadow oft-times turns the dubious scale, — ^strips to bleak penury's winter, him who was robed in er- mine, — clothes poverty in purple, — wins or defeats a field, — » exalts ambition on a throne— or crushes, binds, arfd drags him to a dungeon. And, Most strict your orders I'll obey. Cham, I have in your discretion the utmost confidence. [Exit. Anderson.] We now must hence.— Valour is bootless here. Brother, bear high thy thoughts. — We soon shall prove the temper of our brands. Tecum. This (placing' his handupon his tomahaivJc,) never failed to give the flint its fire ! When next me strike, its angry Bparkle forth, a kindling blaze shall raise, to melt the earth and conflagrate the heavens ! — [Exit, Tecum, and Cham. Luciiida comes forward from the Tent. Lucin. My prayers are thus far answered. — Round Per- ry's brows is wreathed the victor's garland. But ah, a fear- ful conflict is at hand — and Edward, where is he? — Here, here he rests upon my bosom. [She draw s forth his minia- ture and kisses it.'\ Dear, dear resemblance ! These tears — they will betray me, — they must not dim mine eyes. — Careless indiflerence must I assume. O how hard — hard it is to seem what we are not- — to wear a countenance bedecked with smiles — speak words of lightest import, while laden grief is pressing on the heart. — [Exit. SCENE I. — The battle ground — A hut in a forest. Enter Proctor and Aide-de-camp from hut, Proc. Indeed, I've slept most soundly. Aide. Fatigue makes slumber sweet. Proc, Strange our thoughts ! when first I woke, I thought myself at Maiden. Pleased — surprised, was I, to find me in a peasant's cabin. Aide, The alarm of war had stripped it of its tenants. Proc. I feel the soreness of our rapid journey. Aide, Our horses seemed to rather fly than tread th« earth. Proe, The village of Moravia must be near — it cannot be re mote. BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 11 Aide. It is in sight — (looking) correct — I thought' it was in view. — No : 'tis hid by an intervening strip of clustering cedars. Behold ! yonder glide the waters of the Thames,—- the ripples dance, rejoicing in the morning sunbeams, Proc. Yes, I see the river through the trees, I am well acquainted with the country — often it surveyed. We have two foundering marshes on the West. I'll wait the army here. We soon the Indians may expect, — with greater speed they move than British troops. You'll scout the woods, and with the vision of a lynx, note all passing incidents. Aide. Sir, I obey. — (goijig — stops) See — two persons at a distance I observe. Proc. Hastening this way. Aide. Natives of the forest. Proc. Maypock and his squaw. Aide. A tall young Indian too. Proc. Perhaps his son. — I them will manage. To you? duty, hence. Exit Aide-de-camp, llapid their step — are close at hand — are here. Enter Maypock, Ohpothh holo, and Kuskerkoo, hearing a large pack of scalps, tJie su] porting straps of which passes across her forehead — she takes it of — opens it — then seats herself on one side of it — Ohpothleholo on the other^ Proc. Maypock — brother — {they shake hands) you over- took me soon. May. Prophet not far behind, — Tecumseh last, — he ling- er, — no time for idle breath, — pay Indian money for his scalps, [Proctor examines them, Proc. For such as these [holding vp some small ones,!^ I but half pay give. May. These me took from out their mothers' arms, Proc, Mere Infants! [He holds up some with grey hairs.'\ In these theie dwelt not many days of life. Hence, large, a great reduction must be made. May. Ah ! you to Indian promised bounty for his scalps, — •You said not old or young, — or lame, or blind,"— but scalps / are not these scalps? I've brought them. Look! have laid them at your feet. Pay all'-^deny me^^lBrandishes his knife, Ohpothleholo and Kus'Kerkoo spring suddenly upon their feet with a yell. Proctor starts back alarmed.} Proc, Brother ! 18 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. May, Thy promise keep, or me thy scalp will promise ! ^Again brandishes his knife, Proc. The number, say ? Mai/. Here — no cheat! — [He gives Proctor a stick with notches in it. Proc. The notches I discover are by tens divided. — One hundred and seventy-nine. They amount to — to three hundred and fifty-eight pieces of silver. — [He counts gold pieces.] I pay you down in gold, the full amount. [He takes up a scalp.] What long haired one is this ? May. A long knife he. — Allen they called his name. From the white skull me tore it, while yet the life was in him. Proc. Can you not have it safe to Little York conveyed? I wish it there suspended high within the Council House — to speak — to show the Red-Man's daring. — [Mai/pock takes the scalp — gives it to Ohpothleholo, to whom Proctor presents money— Maypock makes signs.] May. Ohpothleholo! York — Little York. — The Council House — diB^oXch.— -[Ohpothleholo ivhoops, and furiously de- parts. — Maypock motions to Kusker-Koo.] Kusker-Koo ! [She talies vp the scalps and conveys them into the cabin,] Me go and meet the Prophet, — yet breathes life another victim ! Proc. Brother — we part now in peace, [they shake hands] Farewell ! — [Exit. Maypock. — Proctor lays his hand upon his head, Proc. 'Tis safe — I feel it safe! [An outcry heard wit hi?i the cabin-] — What can this mean? — I must — [going,] Enter Jerry alarmed. Jer, Tve lost my scalp ! 'tis gone! [He puts both hand* upon his head.] I feel my naked skull! the blood — Proc, What! did the squaw? Jer, Squaw ? ' Proc. Yes — did the squaw? Jer. Lord ! — master — Proc, Maypock's squaw carried a pack of scalps into the c&bin. Jer, And was there nobody else ? Proc, No one. Jer. Are you sure ? Proc, What ! do you doubt my word ? Jer. Dear me ! I thought there was a dozen. Well now — [re-examines his head,] I dont know if she has scalped me — she has left the hair behind. BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 13 S*roc, You're not injured Jerry. Jer. Is there no blood ? Proc. None. I wish there was a little. — Why did you Slot rise earlier ' Jer. Oh ! master, I was nothing but jellywhen I turned in last night. — Such a jaunt — the horses — Proc. What condition are they in? Jer. Contrition 1 Oh, in great contrition. Proc. You secured them before you retired last night? Jer. They stood in need of no security, Sir. I do'nt think they'll budg« again of their own accord very soon. Proc. Certainly you fastened them ? Jer. Every joint is fastened by this time. I discovered they are getting the gout, Proc. Gout ! Jer. There's no dispute about it. Proc. By high feeding ? Jer^ No, please your Generalship, it could not possibly be that. You ordered all the hay, and all the oats, and all the corn, and all the wheat — the buck-wheat — the rye — — the chop — the forage — the provender — the everything, to be burnt up — up — burnt up ! What a powerful blaze ! Proc. Lout! suppress your wonder. Perhaps they've drank too much ? Jer. Drank? — [aside.'] Lout indeed ! Lout! My mo- ther was an honest woman if she did sell — Proc, What? Jer. Oh, Sir — drink. — Drank too much? not that Sir — it could not possibly be that. 'Tis true enough — they did try to put their noses down at every stream we crossed — but there was no time for watering 'twixt this and Maiden. Proc. Well, Jerry, what do you suppose has given them this fashionable disease, the gout, if neither high feeding nor hard drinking has done it ? Jer. Why, Sir, hard running. Proc. Blockhead ! See that they are well provided for. We'll rest them here. Jer. Poor things — they need it. Pr/)6. Attend to them. You ought to have been up at least an hour. A pretty time of day, indeed ! Jer. [feeling his head with his hand. — aside] Oh ! it's — Yes, it's all right. — I afeard of an Indian ? Not I — not of Cumseh himself! Proc. Why do you loiter? Jer. I am going Sir— I am close at their heels. Oh, I am 2 14 BATTLE OF THE THAMESi with them — now I am brushing them down. — [aside.'\ I hope I shall not have another hundred mile heat of it very soon. [Exit. Proc. Simpleton! I now will in — recount the •scalps — arrange and have them ready for the royal packet, when next she weighs her anchor for the channel. — [Exit into the cabin. SCENE IV .—Another part of the for est. Enter Prophet and Maypock. — r. -h. May. Your brother — he — Tecumseh — I would not have him brother — no — some other name would call him. He is too tender here — [striking- his breast.] He bends — he has no Red-man in his blood. Proph. No Red-man in his blood ? You know him not. In battle his voice is thunder — his eye the lightning. 3Jay. Yet still I think him squaw. Proph. Maypock!' [looks stern at him.) Squaw! May. Mg speak — explain you what I mean. — In battle fiercer than the panther, — but when the enemy ask peace — then — 'tis then he acts the squaw. Prop. When stooped his soul so low? 3Iay. Have patience—listen — for me fear you think mj tongue speak false. When — [draivs forth a slick — counts the notches.] ten — no more — nine days and one are past, when rose the moon opposite the setting sun. Proph. Her face was full in heaven. May. 'Tvvas then — at Maiden — in the Council House. Proph. 'Tis now wrapped up in ashes ! *■ May. Then it was. The moon was on the lake. At Proctor's ieet me laid my trophies to receive the price. Te- cumseh — he stood by the yet moist scalps. The first that reeking I drew forth, was bride and bridegroom. The next — why — me scarce can give it speech — too small for words — the merest thing — less than he — the dark worker in the earth — the mole — a baby scalp! [laughs.'] Bare from the naked skull I lore it — even while it drank the fountain of its mother. Proctor — he laughed — [they both laugh.] Tecum- seh's eye — it blinked — showered rain. So he turned away his head. — [he turns his head aside.] He played the sjquaw — he wept. In rage me lift my tomahawk — Proph. And did you dare? May, I met his frown — my arm fell dead — fell nerveless. — He, from a low, dwarf shrub, seemed at once an oak, with giant branches spread — defying all the thunderbolts of heavea! Yes — [a war whoop is heard at a distance. BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 16 Both. Ah! Proph. He comes ! The victim — last — the last that yet remains of all that we at Raisin captured. Mark ! The dark spirit to his prophet now commands — that he should linger in slow fire, t' appease the restless ghosts that wander round about us. They trouble me at night, beating their breasts, shaking their g<^ry locks. I see them now, riding on blue fire ! Ah, they beckon me, opening their wounds, streaming hot blood. Mai/. Vengeance! Me cannot hold. — [he rushes furious- ly from the stage in the direction that the yell was heard. — Prophet solus — -he kneels, Proph. I wait beneath these elms. Spirit ! hear thy Prophet. — He who never yet held woman in his heart — never his eye was known to — fool with tears, — who never spared a victim, — to thee I offer up this last — last sacrifice. — Let the Pale-face die — the Red-man live, and once again possess his mountains and his rivers. — [thunder — he rises.] 'Tis done — I hear thy voice-^'tis sealed! It shall be so! Wander no more ye ghosts, wrapped up in folds of darkness — trouble mo no more, my dream! — Cease — cease to haunt the places of your death — the battle field — where a sanguine moisture steamed to heaven, and round the crazed meteors wove a bloody shroud ! To verdant hunting grounds repair — where the huo;e buffalo — the elk — the otter — nimble-footed deer, invite you to the chase. — bathe in silver streams — bask on beds of flowers. — [a uar whoop is heard just without,] He comes ! — the victim ! *■ Enter Maypock, leading in Edward, hound, accompanied with several Indians. Proph. Now by slowest burnings be his flesh consumed. While the Indians are engaged in gathering and adjusting the fuel, 4'^«> Edward thus : Edw. Once, once more I gaze the beauties of the earth — once more the loveliness of heaven ! — Fare — fare ye well ! How this my father's silver head will stoop low in the dust. My mother — Oh — the thought is sharper than the agony of fire! Lucinda ! worship of my soul! My heart — heart is breaking. Convulsion draws — racks — rends — I feel it rend its bleeding cords asunder. — Come, tormentors, ply the torch — my nerves are blunted to your keenest rage — your sharp, est tortures ! Practice all your skill ! I heed you not. Oa 16 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. her my soul is fixed — is centred. While she — she absorbs my thoughts, ye may my blood shed, drop by drop. They bear him to a tree — hind him to the same. The Prophet gives the signal for Maypock to light the combustibles. While Maypgck is in the act to obey, a clap of thun ler. All the Indians fall prostrate. TAe Prophet mutters a prayer — he rises — makes a circle — drarws lines within it, d^c. — He looks up to heaven and says — Proph. I knew the voice was thine ! He approbates, ap- proves — he well approves the sacrifice we ofier. Rise — stand forth — let the victim's curling smoke regale his nostrils with a grateful odour. [As Maypock is about to light ihecombuS" iibles a second time, Enter Tecumseh, Chambers, and Lucinda. Tecum, Hold ! what captive this? Proph. One that the Great Spirit — Lucin. Heavens ! good Heavens ! — tis he* [faints.^ Chain. What ails the lad? the sight — the inhuman sight has quite o'ercome him. Tecum. A oapling he — green — too green — not Iiickory — a reed — he never saw the face of war before. Cham, Ah ! he revives ! looks wild. Lucin, Edward ! 'twas he ! He beckons me ! 1 hear him groan — he shrieks ! Torture ! The faggots blaze around him ! Snatch — unbind — [^ faints again, Cham. He raves — he talks at random. Him will I con- vey to yon retired elm, and lay him down beneath its genial shade — where presently the zephyrs will recall his spirits. — By habit courage is acquired. — His soft nerves may harden yet, and show the warriors daring. While the attention of Chambers and Tecumseh is directed to Lucinda, the Prophet and his party hastily unbind and retreat with their captive. Tecum. Betrayed! Prophet — see — hath fled! the victim? Him will I pursue ! — [Exit. Cham. And in the generous office, you I'll aid to save the youthful captive.— [//e bears off Lucinda. SCENE I. Enter Ralph, Arthur, and Franklin, clad in hunting shirts. Ralph. Well boys, for the three past days we have hunt-- ed the game with some considerable spirit. Artk. The royal blood hounds, and the savage wolves* BATTLE OP THE THAMES, 17 Frank, I hope, like Putnam, we shall soon drive them into their den. Ralph. Aye, and afterward drag them out by their ears. Frank. The enemy shew tracks a-plenty. Ralph. Hard by, we may be sure of that, or Johnson would never have given orders for a halt. Arth. I thought I saw a red coat just now, but happening to turn my head, he was gone. Ralph. Ralph Tipton never set his eye upon a deer and let it live afterward. — Had I got sight of him — Oh — Arth. You could not have seen him Ralph, at any great distance through so thick a forest as this. Ralph. Arthur don't talk about it. — My eye has a pecu- liar instinction at discovering game. — A tree is no obstruction at all. -I can see clean through a buck eye as easy as a glass window. — And then I have such a scent — Oh, I sometimes smell. Arth. Never mind your smell: — come, let's take a little of the old corn — 'tis early — the morning's damp. Ralph. The very time to start a fox. — I reckon I never sees that kind of business going on but I takes a hand in it. [dritiks'j Still you know I never gets drunk — I'm a duly sober man. Frank. But I thought on the last 4th — Ralph. O Frank, that's part of my religion, — on the 4th and 22d. Arth. Why Ralph, I never knew before that you ever got religion. Ralph. Got religion ! Pm choke full of it. — But underr stand me — not church religion. — I'm not to blame for that though. Tlie reason is plain enough — when we were shavers, there was no Sunday School Union established to make con- verts. My religion is — not to stop the Mail — to mind my own business, and let other people's alone. Frank. Mine is— to take care of number one — so here goes, [^drinks.^ Arth. I likes Ralph's religion very well. But I'm in- clined to believe that Frank's is the best after all. — I'll vent- ure to join his church any how. [^drinks.^ Ralph. Here's to Peggy Ruggles — the handsomest and most beautifullest girl in all Kentuck. — [dn'nks.l Frank. I sha'nt drink to the girls now. Arth. Nor I — I dont think it exactly a proper time. — It might make us — • Ralph. I understand ye. — Chicken-hearted you mean. . 2* 18 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. Nonsense ! why the girls are the very things that put fight into a man. Oh, if I only happen to think of Peggy in the battle — you'll see a horse. Chicken-hearted indeed ! Not long since I should have been — I don't mean whipped — no — no — I don't mean that — but I should have lost a i\ght — I don't mean that neither — for 1 reckon there was no mistake in it. Frank. Where was it ? what was it about ? Arth. Who was he? Ralph. He was a stout chap — nearly as big as the beech tree that grows opposite the mouth of salt river. Frank. What ! fifty-four feet through ? Ralph. He was a blue-skin in principle. — He had a vile tongue — a slanderer ! Arth. Perhaps he was a missionary. Ralph. Perhaps so. He had the appearance of having been nearly as well fed. My Peggy has but one — Frank. One fault? Ralph. No, not a fault — but — Arth. But what ? Ralph. She will goto these missionary meetings. Ar. Sf Frank. Ha, ha, ha ! Is that all! ha, ha ! Arth, Why Ralph, all trades must live. I believe you would have starvation seize upon the tribe of Levi. Frank. Do you think famine would result from Ralph's- system ? Ralph. No, not at all. Arth. But I say yes — the churches would be as empty as the Halls of Congress, when a dull speaker is holding forth* Ralph. I always takes a nap. — [go-ping.] Arth. [^nodding.'] I find I am going. Ralph. Sleep is refreshing. Can't you tell what makes the Deacons all so fat? Ar. Sf Frank, No. Ralph. Why, sleeping in sermon time. All. Ha, ha, ha ! Arth. Well, your blue-skin — well what about him ? Ralph. You know in August last, when Johnson was sent to Congress? Arth. I was at the election. Frank. I voted for him. Ralph. Well, this rowdy — this blue-skin possum of a fel- low, narrated it every which way over the County, round Fayette. Arth. You are from that County then Ralph? Frank. I stand for Scott. — Did he say anything against the Scott boys ? BATTLE OF i'HE THAMES. 19 Ralph. I knowed it was a lie. ArtJi. Certainly it was a lie — what was it? Ralph. That the children in Georgetown filled their bas- kets with eyes, ears, and noses, and sell them at the end of the election to pay the losing party's tavern bills. Frank. You mounted him. Ralph. Yes, I mounted him — but — Arth. But what ? You was not long about it. Ralph. I said before he was a stuot chap. Frank. Had he been as big as the largest Knob in Bullet county — oh, I'd been a heap too much for him. Ralph. 1 dont know how it was — but, somehow or other, he got the advantage. Arth. Advantage! Frank. I feel fight all over me. Arth. I'd show'd him what it was to ride over a crab or- chard on a streak of lightning. Frank. Where abouts in Old Fayette did it happen? Arth. Yes, where abouts ? Ralph. Do you know where Higby's tavern is? Frank. Why dont you ask me if I know where our smoke house is? — I've heard Clay speak there twenty times. Arth. I heard him there once myself upon the stump. Ralph. On wiiat subject was he holding forth? Arth. Free Tiade and sailor's rights. Ralph. I remember it. It was a bang up speech. Frank. Oh, a rusher! Well — it was at Higby's tavern. Ralph. Yes, it was there — this buffalo of a fellow — Frank. I thought you said he was a blue-skin. Ralph. A blue skin in principle, Arth. Frank, don't be throwing snags in his way. Let him in the true Crocket style, rush ahead. Ralph. I was going to a log-rolling — Peggy was along. We stopped a minute, just to let our horses breathe, and en- quire how all was. — As I was saying — he somehow or other got the advantage. Arth. You was out of fix. Ralph. Yes, I was about falling under, when Peggy hap- pening to come to the window — I didn't see anything but her eye — I reckon that was enough — I rowed him up salt-river I tell ye. I was a mighty man — part horse — part alligator — a touch of the steam-boat— and a sprinkling of an earth, quake. It was done as quick — oh, quicker than lightning — that, you know, is crooked — I went straight ahead. Ar, 4* Frank. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 20 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. Arth, I drink to Ralph's sweetheart — Peggy Ruggles. — [drinks.] Frank. Peggy Ruggles forever ! — [drinks.] Ralph. 1 goes the whole hog. — Here's to the girls in all Kentuck. — [drinks.] Frank. Hush! Arth. Hush ! hush ! Ralph. Hush/ for what? Frank. Don't you see him, Arthur? — a red-coat — Arth. I told you so. Ralph. Yes, where ? I can see through the banks of Kentucky river. Frank. A pine hides hinn. Ralph. Oh, yes, he's a missionary. Arth. Can't you tell a red coat from a black one ? Ralph. It don't altogether depend upon the coat. There is Corporosity, a tailor — when he is about to gage a mission- ary, adds to his measure before he ventures upon the size of his waistband. All. Ha, ha, ha! Ralph. I have another way to tell them. Both. Let's hear it. Ralph. Why — by their holding forth. Arth. This fellow then may possibly be a missionary, not- withstanding his red coat — for he appears to he holding forth. Frank. He's right upon our track. Do you think he smells us ? Ralph. It matters not so long as we smell him. Arth. Aye — we'll tree him. Ralph. By hiding behind these elms. Frank. Good. — [they conceal themselves.] (Enter Anderson, with pencil and paper, taking notes, l. h.) And. Johnson, about twelve hundred strong. A scurvy- looking set. Ralph, [aside] Scurvy! did you hear that, boys ? Ajid No officers — scarce a plume — not an epaulette. — Equality sure enough. Frank, [aside.] We've catched a coon. Arth. A Buzzard. Ralph. Hush up. And. I see a villager lliis way coming. Perhaps from him I something more may learn. Enter Cioutier. Clout, Denr me Sir I have you seen any of these dread- ful monsters, they call Kentuckians ? BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 21 And. Yes. Clout. They are close upon us. They say they can walk on all fours like a horse, and when hungry, snap their jaws like an alligator. A?id. Indeed ! Clout. What will become of my dear little Benny ? They think no more of eating a child than a pig. And. Who told you so ? Clout. Mr. Royall. — He is a dear, dear clever man. Did you never hear of Mr. Royall ? And. No. But proceed. Clout. 1 thought every body knew Mr. Royall. He — why — I am sorry you do'nt know hmi. Ralph, [aside.^ We'll know you soon. Clout. He's the bestest man in all our parish. When my little Billy was sick — he died though — he was the sweetest lit- tle thing — [weeps.'] it makes me cry, I can't help it. Well he was getting better. And. \aside.~\ How tedious this. Clout. The fever had left him — he was getting well. He amiled — his mother kissed him — then 1 kissed him — his mother kissed him again. — I shall never kiss him any more. — [weeps.^ And. \aside.~\ Simple nature ! Ralph. I won't huit that fellow. Arth. My eyes are getting weak and watery. Frank, [wipes his eyes.] Clout, [recovering fro?n weeping.] Have you no children, sir? And. Yes, one. Clout. I s'pose it was never sick ? And. Never. Clout Then you never saw it smile ? And. Often. Clout. I mean the smile after long sickness. — I neyer shall forget it. — [wipes his eyes.] And. Well, and what about Mr. Royall ? Clout. Why, he — kind soul — hearing the recovery of my little son, sent us some fine — very fine— they certainly wer« the finest you ever did see. And. The finest what ? Clout. Saussages and hot rolls swimming in butter. And. [aside.] No wonder the child died. Clout. But Mr. Royall's kindness came too late though. The doctors had killed my boy — they had given him so much physic. -^-Yet I have gne consolation left. 22 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. And. What's that ? Clout. Why, my little Billy is decently buried. All the dear kind women in the neighbourhood attended ; and there was hardly one but declared that the doctors had killed him outright. I never mean to have another put his h^d into my house. But, I feel more satisfied to have my son buried than to be eaten up by these Kentuckians. Arth. [aside.] I'll show that fellow a sprinkling of an earthquake. Ralph, [aside.] Hush! or the game will fly. And. Then this Mr. Royall informed you that the Ken- tuckians devoured children. — Do you know who told him so? Clout. The Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's forces in upper Canada — Proctor the Great — the Hero of Raisin! Arth. [aside.] I cannot. — [attempts to spring forward.] Ralph, [aside.] I tell ye. — [holds him hack._ And. You appear to be an honest fellow. Clout. Why, I attend to the sweeping out of the church. I ought to be an honest man to do that, you know. And. Then you reside in the Moravian village 1 Clout. Yes Sir. I am now returning home — that is — I would do so. And. What hinders ye? Clout. His Majesty's forces will suffer none to pass — they reach across the country from the river to the swamp — Te- cumseh, from the first swamp to the second. And. Well, I can relieve you. Hand this paper to any English officer, and you will not be questioned. Cloutier takes the paper — going — stops. — Clout. O dear ! I fear I shall meet some of these child- eaters — these Kentuckians. And. Foolishness ! Ralph, Arthur, and Franklin come forward. t Ralph. No so foolish neither, stranger. And. Ah, Kentuckians ! Clout Oh Lord ! they'll eat him up — my dear last — last child is gone 1 My poor Tabathy — my wife — Oh ! oh ! oh I Cloutier drops the paper — Ralph picks it up. Ralph. I'll make sure of this. And. [as^de.] That paper! Ralph. Stranger don't make such a fuss. ^ BATTLE OF THE THAMES. S3 Clout. Not make a fuss to have a child devoured ? Dear, oh dear ! Ralph, Well friend, as the doctors have made away with one of your children, we'll spare the other. Clout. Will you though ? Why you are the sweetest, the handsomest men I ever did see. Mr. Royall— oh — he's ugly — he's nobody. — [They all laugh.] Arth. We'll make a snack out of Proctor. Frank. We'll use him up, bones and all. Ralph. Yes — with him we'll go the whole hog. IVhile PaJph, Arthur, and Franklin are conversing with Cloutier, Anderson, loith apparent indifference, retires at some distance out of sight of the audience and climbs a tree. Ralph. Halloo! stranger. — Nopossuming ofit. You are treed. You may as well come down without a shot. There's no mistake in our rifles — they drive the centre two hundred yards. Arth. I have taken sight at a humming-bird's eye, two hundred and fifty, and put it out frequently. And. Oh, I surrender of course. Ralph. Our officers wear no plumes — no epaulettes — a scurvy set of fellows. — Look ye man — these are our plumes — our epaulettes — [patting his rijle] these are the things we do the business with. A trumpet sounds. Arth. Hark! to quarters! to quarters! Ralph. We'll bear our game to Johnson. Come strang- ers. — [ExeuriL Introduce a scene in first grooves for THS HUNTERS OP KENTUCKY. Ye gentlemen anJ ladies fair, Who grace this famous city, Just listen, if you've time to spare, While I rehearse a ditty ; And f)r an opportunity, Conceive yourselves quite lucky, For 'tis not often here you see A hunter from Kentucky. Oh! Kentucky! the hunters of Kentucky, The hunters of Kentucky ! We are a hai dy , free-born race, Each man to fear a stranger, Whate'er the game, we join in chaee, Despising toil and danger. And if a daring foe annoys, Whate'er his strength and forces, We'll show him that Kentucky boy?, Are alligator horses ! Oh 1 Kentucky, etc. 24 BATTLE OF THE THAMES* 1 s'pose you've read it in the prints, How Paokenham attempted To make old Hickory Jackson wince, But soon his schemes repented ; For we with rifles ready cock'd, Thought such occasion lucky, And soon around the general flock'd The hunters of Kentucky. Oh ! Kentucky, etc. You've heard, I s'pose, how New-Orleans Is fam'd for wealth and beauty, There's girls of every hue it seems, From snowy white to sooty. So Packenham, while he made his brags, If he in the fight was lucky, He'd have their girls and cotton bags In spite of old Kentucky. Oh ! Kentucky, etc. But Jackson he was wide awake, And wasn't scared at trifli^s, For well he knew what aim we take With our Kentucky rifles ! So he led us down to Cypress swamp, The ground was low and murky, There stood J«)hn Bull in martial pomp. And here was old Kentucky. Oh ! Kentucky, etc. A bank was raised to hide our breast, Not that we thought of dyit)g, But that we always like to rest, Unless the game is flvin ^^ L / . '^^ ? AUG 72- ^<. -^ ^ ST. AUGUSTINE Mk% " ' f\ U V3 I t - ^< ST. AUGUSTINE > FLA. i^m • 4 o^