THE DEATH OF GENERAL WARREN.
Reading edition
Thou rising sun, thou blue rejoicing sky, Yea, every thing that is and will be free, Bear witness for me, wheresoe'er ye be, With what deep worship I have still adored The spirit of divinest Liberty. Coleridge.
Twenty-five Male Figures.
This magnificent tableau represents the scene so well known in the early history of our country, and contains twenty-five figures, thirteen of which should be dressed in crimson uniform, to personate the British soldiers, six in continental costume, three in coarse homespun suits, three in sailor's costume. The stage must be formed to represent a hill, which can be done by using boxes and boards, and covering them with green cloth. The hill should rise from the footlights to within four feet of the ceiling in the background. The first and principal figure is General Warren. He is lying on the ground, a few feet from the foot of the hill, supported by one of his officers, who holds his head with his right hand, while with the left he grasps the musket of a British soldier, which is pointed at the breast of Warren. Warren's position is, facing the audience, eyes closed, arms hanging carelessly at his side; costume, continental; side arms, sash, sword, and chapeau lying in front of the body. The figure who supports Warren is dressed in blue breeches, white hose, white shirt, and black belt. Position, kneeling back of Warren, his eyes fixed on the soldier who stands a few paces back of Warren's feet. This soldier leans forward slightly, and grasps a musket, in which is a bayonet, which he is about to plunge into Warren's body. His eyes are fixed on the prostrate form before him, while the countenance expresses excitement and rage. Costume consists of a red coat, white breeches and hose, low shoes, knee and shoe buckles, white breast belts, black waist belt, and black military hat, with plume. By the side of the soldier, near the front of the stage, stands an officer, who is leading on the British. He holds a sword on his right shoulder, while the left grasps the butt of the musket of the soldier previously described. His body is bent forward, feet separated thirty inches, eyes fixed on Warren, countenance expressing energy and decision. Costume consists of a crimson coat, decorated with gold epaulets and lace, white silk hose, buff breeches, low shoes, knee and shoe buckles, red sash, side arms, and chapeau. Directly behind the figure who supports Warren stands an American soldier, with a musket held in front of his body, which he points towards the British soldier, who is about to pierce the body of Warren. His body is slightly bent backward, eyes fixed on the soldier, countenance expressing fear. The remaining figures should be placed in the space from the top of the hill down to the group we have described; a few should be fencing; some using their muskets as clubs; others firing at the enemy in the distance; while a few are stretched out in death on the ground. They must be placed in as great a variety of positions as possible, and in such a manner that one figure will not obscure the other. The countenances of all should appear excited. The booming of cannon and roll of the drum can be produced behind the scenes. The picture should be illuminated by a brilliant red fire burned at the side of the stage.
