Part 6 (1/2)

1ST CONFEDERATE--Their uniforms don't look much like ours, do they?

2ND CONFEDERATE--No, nor their General doesn't look much like ours either.

3RD CONFEDERATE--Didn't Ma.r.s.e Robert look wonderful when he went through that door? Just naturally hating to go in, but going just the same, because he knew it was right.

1ST CONFEDERATE--Of course he had to go in, we couldn't have stood another day without any rations.

2ND CONFEDERATE--You mean you couldn't. I could have gone till I dropped without rations, if Ma.r.s.e Robert had said so.

3RD CONFEDERATE--But he wouldn't let his men suffer any longer when he saw it was no use. s.h.!.+ Here he comes now.

(_Soldiers stand at attention. The door slowly opens and LEE steps out.

He looks up to the hills and sky. Silently clasps his hands together, then slowly and almost bent, walks down the steps. For a moment the men are silent. Then the sight of GEN. LEE is too much for them and they crowd around him cheering him._)

LEE--(_Lifting his hand for silence._) Men, we have fought through the war together. I have done my best for you. My heart is too full to say more.

ACT IV

_Scene--Lee's Parlor at Richmond._

Characters

Gen. Lee Mrs. Jackson, a family friend Jack Sharpe, a former Confederate soldier Sam, an old negro servant G. W. Custis Lee, Gen. Lee's son Mr. Brown, representative of an Insurance Company Judge Brockenborough, Trustee of Was.h.i.+ngton College

PAT--(_Bursting through door with a huge basket of provisions, salutes._) Sure, sir, you're a great soldier and it's I that knows it.

I've been fighting against you all these years, and many a hard knock we've had. But, General, I honor you for it, and now they tell me you are poor and in want, and I've brought you this basket. Please take it from a soldier.

LEE--I thank you comrade, but I'm glad to tell you I am not in need. But there are plenty of poor fellows over at the hospital who would be only too glad to get food from so generous a foe.

PAT--Just as you say, sir, but if ever you are in need just let Pat Murphy know, that's all. (_Exit._)

(_Enter MRS. JACKSON._)

LEE--How do you do, Mrs. Jackson.

MRS. JACKSON--Good morning General, and how are all the family?

LEE--We are all as usual, the women of the family very fierce and the men very mild.

MRS. JACKSON--I think every woman of the South is fierce now. I am bringing up all my sons to hate the Yankees.

LEE--Madam, don't bring up your sons to detest the United States Government. Recollect that we form one country now. Abandon all this local hatred and make your sons Americans.

MRS. JACKSON--How can you talk that way after the way you have been treated.

LEE--General Grant has acted with magnanimity.