History Plays for the Grammar Grades Part 12

INTRODUCTION:

Abraham Lincoln went on a flat boat down the Mississippi. The boat was laden with supplies to sell at New Orleans. While in New Orleans Lincoln visited a slave auction. After having seen this auction, Lincoln was very much more opposed to slavery.

The next act will be Abraham Lincoln at the Slave auction. (Auctioneer and slaves. Sells several slaves. Cla.s.s bid and carry on auction, etc.)

(At end of auction, auctioneer says:)

AUCTIONEER: Rest of these slaves to be sold tomorrow. Gentlemen be sure to come.

(Lincoln and Hanks talk.)

HANKS: Well, well. Abe Lincoln what do you think of that?

LINCOLN: I think it is terrible. _If I ever get a chance to hit that thing, I'll hit it and I'll hit it hard._

HANKS: I don't blame you.

_End of Act II._

INTRODUCTION:

After Lincoln came back from his voyage down the Mississippi, and the Blackhawk War, he ran for the State Legislature, but was defeated. A little later he ran again and this time he won. He said to a friend: "Did you vote for me?" His friend said, "I did." "Then," said Lincoln, "you must loan me two hundred dollars;" for Lincoln needed a new suit of clothes and stage coach fare to the Capital. Later he was sent to Congress and sometime later he was spoken of for President.

The next act will be Lincoln waiting in a newspaper office in Springfield for news of his nomination.

ACT III.

(Newspaper office. Lincoln and several men talking and walking around room. Among them Hanks.)

LINCOLN: I wonder who got the nomination.

EXCLAMATIONS: You got it Abe! Sure you got it! Hope Seward didn't get it! Oh! there is no chance, Abe has it I know! Sure, Sure.

(Enter man in great excitement).

Gentlemen, there has been a nomination. (People in office crowd around him and talk). Mr. Seward (disappointment on faces of Lincoln and men) Mr. Seward is the second name on the list. (Jumps upon chair and exclaims). Three cheers for Abraham Lincoln, the next president of the United States.

_End of Act III._

ACT IV.

INTRODUCTION:

Abraham Lincoln was elected President. Soon after war broke out between the North and the South. Lincoln declared that the war was not to free the slaves but to save the Union. Lincoln soon saw that it was time to free the slaves, so he signed the Proclamation of Emanc.i.p.ation.

This act linked the name of Lincoln with one of the greatest acts in history.

The last act will be President Lincoln signing the Proclamation of Emanc.i.p.ation.

(Lincoln sits at desk. Two men are showing him papers. One enters and says: "Mr. Lincoln, here is Mr. Seward with the Proclamation." Enter Seward and several others.)

MR. SEWARD: I have brought you the Proclamation to sign, Mr.

President.

(Lincoln takes paper, reads it over, takes up pen, tries to write, drops pen several times.)

MR. SEWARD: What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln?

MR. LINCOLN: I have been shaking hands since nine o'clock this morning and my right hand is almost paralyzed. If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it. If my hand trembles as I sign this doc.u.ment, the ones who examine it will say--he hesitated.

GRANT AND LEE

INTRODUCTION:

Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio, April 27, 1822. His father was a tanner. He was brought up for farm work. Later went to West Point from where he graduated in 1843. He distinguished himself in the Mexican War. He resigned from the army in 1854, tried various kinds of business in St. Louis and Galena, Illinois. On the day after the fall of Sumter, Grant made up his mind to return to the army. In August 1861 he became a brigadier general. From 1861 to 1863 his name was connected with most of the successful operations in the West, till Lincoln said of him, "I can't spare this man. He fights." His greatest characteristic was his indomitable grit.

The first act will be Grant sending his answer to General Buckner at the capture of Fort Donelson.

ACT I.

(Grant at desk, writing and looking over maps. Men at wall looking over maps. Officer speaks to General Grant.)

OFFICER: Two soldiers from General Buckner await outside, General Grant.

GRANT: Show them in.

(Enter soldiers with Union man. Soldier salutes).

SOLDIER: General Grant, General Buckner wishes to know on what terms you will consider the surrender of Fort Donelson.

GRANT: No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

SOLDIER: Your answer will be given to General Buckner. Good bye, General Grant. (Salute).

GRANT: (Salute). Goodbye.

ROBERT E. LEE