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THEME GOALS
OBJECTIVES:
ADVANCE PREPARATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION
Narrator CURTAIN OPENS Scene 1: La Salle Claims the Louisiana Territory for France,
April 9, 1682 Crewman 1: Where shall I place the post, Sir? La Salle: There--at the end of that sand bar. (He Points) Make sure it stands fast. (Crewman 1 places the pole in the stand prepared for it. La Salle stretches out his arms and looks up to the sky.) We are here at last--at the mouth of the mighty river that we have come so far to find. Crewman 2: Indeed, Sir, it was a long trip from Canada by canoe. Crewman 1: (Returns from placing the post) Sir, shall
I alert the others? Crewman 3: Are you ready to dress for the ceremony, Sir? La Salle: (Solemnly nods his assent) You may open the trunk and help me prepare. (The two crewmen open the trunk. Crewman 2 takes out the fleur de lis (French Flag) and reverently places it upon the post. Crewman 3 removes a red cloak and places it around La Salle's shoulders. He then removes a pair of shoes with large silver buckles and helps La Salle put them on. Crewman 2 pulls out a dark felt hat with a large plume attached to it. He hands it to La Salle who places it upon his own head. Last of all Crewman 2 removes a rolled document from the trunk and hands it to La Salle.) Crewman 1: (Reenters) Everyone is in place, Sir--but there could be a problem. La Salle: What is it? Crewman 1: Well, Sir, some of the local Indians have joined the crowd. They seem to be worried about what is going on here. La Salle: (Shrugs) Ignore them. Their leaders have given consent to this claim. Crewman 1: But, Sir-perhaps they do not understand-- La Salle: (Haughtily) Look around you-what have they done with this land? Land belongs to those who make use of it. Dismissed! Crewman 1: (Bows his head and steps backward) Aye, Sir. La Salle: (Walks to the post with the French flag, unrolls a document and reads.) In the name of the most high, mighty, invincible, and victorious Prince, Louis the Great, by the grace of God King of France and Navarre, Fourteenth of that name, I, this ninth day of April, one thousand six hundred and eighty-two, in virtue of the commission of his Majesty, which I hold in my hand, and which may be seen by all whom it may concern, have taken, and now do take, in the name of his Majesty and of his successors to the crown, possession of this country of Louisiana. (Cheers are heard offstage as La Salle and the crewmen exit) Narrator Scene 2: King Louis Fourteenth hears about La Salle's Claim King Louis: Rise, Lad, and speak. Pageboy: (Rising) Your Majesty, His Grace, the Minister of Foreign Affairs requests an audience with you. King Louis: Bid him enter. (Pageboy exits and an elegantly dressed gentleman enters and approaches the king. He removes his hat, bows his head, and kneels on one knee.) Minister: Your Majesty, I am honored to be in your presence. King Louis: You may rise. What news have you brought? Minister: (Rises and stands with hat in hand.) Exciting news, Your Excellency. France's noted explorer, La Salle, arrived from the Americas this morning. Withstanding many hardships, he and his companions traveled all the way down a great river that flows hundreds of miles through a vast wilderness. When they came to the mouth of the river, La Salle claimed it for France. And-(Pauses dramatically) he named it Louisiana in honor of Your Exalted Majesty! (Upon hearing the news, the courtiers murmur and gesture excitedly among themselves.) King Louis: (In a loud voice) Silence! (The courtiers instantly freeze as Louis continues.) Just how large is this territory? Minister: The precise extent of its boundaries are unknown at present, Your Grace, but it is a very large tract of land. It stretches in a broad band between the eastern and western mountain ranges, from Canada on the north to the Gulf of Mexico on the south. King Louis: (Doubtfully) While this may be a great addition to France's empire, of what use is it? I have heard that much of the New World is a wilderness with only a few savages living here and there. It will be difficult-and expensive-to govern such a vast territory. As you know, our wars here in Europe have emptied our treasury. So, what can we possibly gain by owning Louisiana? Minister: Your Majesty, those who have been to the New World report that the land is extremely rich in natural resources. But as I have no direct experience, I would recommend that La Salle himself be allowed to present the facts to Your Highness. King Louis: (Looks thoughtful for a few seconds before
replying.) Before I see La Salle, I will consider these matters
privately. Leave me, all of you. (Courtiers and Foreign Minister
leave quietly with much bowing. When he is alone, the king thinks
out loud.) I suppose I should be happy about this, but I am
troubled. Claiming this land is one thing, but we will have to plant
colonies there to keep other nations from disputing our claim. And
that will take money-lots of money. We are already spending a fortune
defending our fur trading posts in North America from the British. Narrator Scene 3: France Gives West Louisiana to Spain, 1762 A table is placed on the French side of the stage with an armchair at each end. Two courtiers enter and stand at attention behind the chairs. A trumpet sounds offstage and a page enters. Page: (Faces the audience and speaks in a loud voice) King Louis the Fifteenth of France! (King Louis enters.) King Charles the Third of Spain! (King Charles enters. The courtiers bow and pull out the chairs for the kings and help them be seated. The page bows low before the kings.) Your Exalted Majesties, I have the honor to present the Duke of Choiseul (shwa ZUL), Foreign Minister to the King of France. Choiseul: (Choiseul enters and bows before each king.) Your Gracious Majesties. King Louis XV: (Speaking to King Charles) Charles, my dear cousin, I have asked my foreign minister to deliver a message of good news to you and your country. You may proceed, Choiseul. Choiseul: (Turns toward King Charles) Your Majesty, your military assistance during France's recent war with Britain is deeply appreciated. We are aware of the losses you have suffered on behalf of France. To that end, my king wishes to offer compensation. (King Louis nods in agreement.) King Charles: (Speaking grumpily) Indeed? Well, I think it is only proper that you should do so. As you well know, we lost valuable territories to the British. King Louis XV: Esteemed Cousin, we sincerely regret your losses, but please permit my foreign minister to continue. King Charles: Very well. Proceed. King Charles: That is unfortunate for France, of course, but what does it have to do with Spain? Choiseul: If that happens, the British will be closer than ever to your own colonies with their precious gold and silver mines. (Pauses to let this idea sink in, then continues in a pleasant tone) However, because we feel responsible for your losses, we want to help protect your colonies. King Charles: (Suspiciously) In what way? King Charles: (Turns quickly toward King Louis) Surely you are not suggesting--? King Louis XV: (Smiling) Yes, Cousin, yes! (Extends his arms outward) The Louisiana Territory west of the Mississippi River is yours! King Charles: (Rising from his chair) Oh, no, dear Cousin! You are too generous! King Louis XV: On the contrary. This gift is only a small token to reward your loyalty and make up for your losses. King Charles: (Protestingly) But--- King Louis XV: (Rising from his chair and shaking his head) Say nothing more, Cousin. I am sure you need time to ponder this stroke of good fortune, so I shall leave you for the time being. Our foreign ministers can work out all the boring details at a later date. Choiseul: One thing further, Your Excellency. You must not breathe a word of this to anyone lest the British hear about it and try to stop it. (Choiseul bows deeply before King Charles, and follows King Louis XV offstage.) King Charles: (Turns to the audience) They think they have fooled me, but I know what they are doing. Louisiana has been nothing but a burden to the French treasury for many years. They have never managed the territory successfully, but they will do anything to keep it away from the British. So what do they do? They give it to me, the King of Spain. Some gift! What am I going to do with it? Spain already has large holdings in North America that drain our treasury. (Stands up and begins to pace) I wish I could refuse, but Spain is in no position right now to defy France. (Paces silently for a moment, then stops, looks up, and smiles) On the other hand--perhaps Choiseul is right-perhaps owning West Louisiana is the best way to keep the British from getting too close to our own territories. Hmmmm. Cousin Louis thinks he's pulling a fast one on me, but I may have the last laugh after all. (Laughs as he exits) Narrator Scene 4: Napoleon Discusses His Plans, 1800
Napoleon: Bon Soir, Philippe. (Napoleon removes his hat and cloak. He hands them to Philippe who carries them offstage. Napoleon sits down in one of the armchairs as Philippe returns.) Philippe: May I assist you with your boots, Mon General? Napoleon: By all means. (Philippe removes Napoleon's boots.) Philippe: Will there be anything else, Sir? Napoleon: Just tell Madame Bonaparte that I have returned. Philippe: Very good, Sir. (Philippe exits with the boots. Napoleon leans back wearily in his chair.) Madame Bonaparte (Josephine): (Enters hurriedly followed by Napoleon's sister, Pauline-Madame Leclerc) Darling! I am sorry I was not here to welcome you. (He starts to get up.) Please don't get up. I can see that you are weary. Napoleon: Ah, Josephine, my lovely wife-and Pauline, my dear sister! How good to see you both. (Reaches out and takes both ladies' hands politely. The ladies sit.) I am tired, yes, but seeing both of you has already made me feel much better. I know I can always speak freely in your company. Madame Bonaparte: I am glad we can provide comfort for you, my dearest. You seem downcast today. Can you tell us what is on your mind? Napoleon: (Hesitates, then begins slowly) I have been worried about France's colonial possessions in the New World. I think it is time to take back what is rightfully ours. Madame Leclerc: Are you speaking of the Louisiana Territory, Brother? Napoleon: Yes. Yes, I am--but only in order to regain the greater prize--the French West Indies in the Caribbean Sea--the so-called sugar isles which were once so profitable to the French treasury. Madame Leclerc: (Speaks enthusiastically) The Louisiana Territory and the French West Indies? What a coup that would be! But how? Napoleon: I will do it in a series of well-planned steps. First I must get the Louisiana Territory back from Spain. This territory will serve as the "bread-basket" for supplying food and other necessary goods for our troops and slaves in the West Indies. Madame Bonaparte: (Thoughtfully) Such a move would also put us in an excellent position to influence-perhaps even dominate--the young, fragile government of United States, is that not so? Napoleon: That is true, but regaining the sugar isles is my main objective, for that is where the profit lies-profit that will supply money to finance France's military campaigns here in Europe. However, before any of these plans can work, I must regain control of the island of Santo Domingo in the West Indies. We still own it, but it has been greatly neglected because of the French Revolution and our wars in Europe and America. Madame Leclerc: If I remember correctly, the slaves on Santo Domingo revolted several years ago, and the colony is now controlled by a remarkable black general named Toussaint L'Ouverture. Do you think he will cause more trouble for us? Napoleon: (Angrily) Trouble?! I will show him trouble! He and his rag-tag army will be crushed like insects under my boots. I have no doubt of that. In fact, your husband, the esteemed General Leclerc, will lead the troops. Madame Leclerc: (Appears startled) I-I am sure he will be honored. I only wish- Madame Bonaparte: (Interrupts to end the awkward moment) Back to Louisiana, my love--how will you regain that enormous territory? Spain has held it now for forty years. Napoleon: That is a subject upon which I cannot speak freely, even with my favorite ladies. But believe me when I say the wheels are turning. Oh yes, we will have Louisiana back! (Rises from his chair) Excuse me, ladies, thank you for listening, but I must dress for dinner. (Exits) Madame Leclerc: (Brushing away a tear) You know what this means-My husband and I must soon leave France. I have a bad feeling about this. Madame Bonaparte: (Reaches over and pats Pauline's shoulder) Dear Pauline, I am sure you will both be fine. Taking control of that tiny island will be quick and easy. You will be back in no time. (Stands, takes Pauline's hands and pulls her up from her chair) Come, let us go prepare ourselves for dinner. We have many delightful guests tonight who will amuse you--and some very strange ones, too. (They both laugh and exit together.)
Scene 5: Jefferson and Lewis Plan the Expedition, 1802 On the American side of the stage, Thomas Jefferson is sitting at a desk writing with a quill pen. He looks up when a knock is heard on the door. Jefferson: Come in. The door is open. (Lewis enters) Meriwether! How good to see you! Lewis: I don't want to disturb you, Mr. President. Jefferson: Not at all. Please sit down. What is on your mind? Lewis: (Sits down in a chair beside Jefferson's desk) Sir, I am deeply honored that I have been chosen to lead a western expedition. It has been a dream of mine for a very long time. However, once we cross the Mississippi River, we will be on foreign soil. I was wondering whether that soil now belongs to Spain or to France? Jefferson: (Smiles) You must have heard the rumor that Napoleon has taken back Louisiana from Spain. Lewis: Yes, Sir. Several days ago, in fact. Jefferson: I do not know for certain, Meriwether, but I greatly fear the rumor is true. We know for a fact that Napoleon is now sending troops to the French West Indies. Lewis: Do you think he is planning to make a comeback in North America? Jefferson: I'm not sure what he is up to, but he certainly seems interested in this part of the world all of a sudden. One would think he has more than enough to occupy himself in Europe. He has subdued one European country after another with his constant wars. Lewis: If the rumor is true, that France now owns Louisiana, how will it affect the western expedition? Jefferson: As far as I am concerned, Meriwether, it will not affect it at all. We will do what we must do. I strongly believe the Louisiana Territory will become part of the United States someday. Therefore, we must go forward with our plans to explore it regardless of who owns it. Lewis: I am happy to hear that, Sir. Jefferson: (Smiles) I thought you would be. And now let us change the subject and discuss plans for the expedition. Before you leave, you must be prepared to gather scientific information and respond to medical emergencies on the trail. So I am arranging for you to go to Philadelphia for a few weeks to study with some of America's foremost doctors and scientists. Lewis: Mr. President, I am extremely pleased! When do I leave? Jefferson: I will let you know as soon as I have completed the arrangements. (Rises) Right now I want you to come with me to my library. I have an interesting map to show you that has recently come into my possession. (Jefferson and Lewis exit.) Narrator Scene 6: Ambassador Livingston in Paris, 1803
Livingston: (Turns the letter over in his hands) I do hope there will be a faster way to communicate across the Atlantic someday. This letter from Jefferson was written six weeks ago. (Opens the letters and begins to read silently) Oh dear, dear me! Mrs. Livingston: (Puts down her book) What is it, Robert? Livingston: The Spanish Commandant at New Orleans has revoked the right of deposit--American farmers will no longer be allowed to store their products at New Orleans before shipping them out on ocean-going vessels. The frontier is in an uproar and some Congressmen are urging Jefferson to declare war. Mrs. Livingston: Against Spain? Livingston: No. Against France. Mrs. Livingston: What! I thought Spain owned New Orleans. You said the Spanish commandant closed the port. Livingston: The Spanish are still managing New Orleans, but there are good reasons to believe it now belongs to France. Word has slipped out that France recently negotiated a secret treaty with Spain to take it back. At any rate, the frontier farmers are blaming Napoleon and calling for war against France. (Begins reading the letter again silently) Mrs. Livingston: (Looking startled) Oh dear, what a dreadful prospect-to be in France if we should go to war with them. Livingston: Stay calm, Mary. (Points to the letter) Jefferson does not want war, and he will do everything in his power to prevent it. Although he believes Napoleon had no part in closing the port of New Orleans, this incident makes him realize that America must own New Orleans. Certainly, I will do everything I can to make that happen. Mrs. Livingston: What does Mr. Jefferson want you to do about it, Robert? Livingston: (Leans closer) This is for your ears only, Mary, but he wants me to buy New Orleans from the French. Mrs. Livingston: Buy New Orleans? Can you do that? Livingston: Yes, I think it's possible. Over the past few months I have come to know Napoleon and many of the people around him. I believe I can accomplish this. In the meantime, I want you to enjoy your life here. Believe me, we are in no danger. (Leans back in his chair and changes the subject) Tell me, what have you been doing today to occupy your time? Mrs. Livingston: Oh, shopping, having tea--there is always a social event of some kind going on here. (Taps her forehead as if remembering something) Oh, my goodness! Speaking of social events, Robert, we received an invitation by special messenger just this morning-to a reception at Napoleon's palace. I know it will be elegant--the French entertain so graciously! (A knock sounds at the door and a maid enters.) Maid: (Curtsying) Madame, Monsieur, dinner is served.
(Exits) Mrs. Livingston: Come, along, Robert. Livingston: (Rises and turns to the audience) Yes, the French do entertain graciously, but I wonder if they will be so gracious at the bargaining table? (He takes her arm and they exit together.) Narrator
A table and two chairs are placed on the French side of the stage. A bell rings and a servant enters and answers the door. Servant: Ah, Monsieur Livingston. Come in, please. Monsieur Talleyrand is expecting you. Please wait here and I will inform him that you have arrived. (Livingston enters, the servant leaves, and Livingston sits down to wait. After a few seconds he stands up and begins to pace.) Livingston: (Muttering) This is ridiculous-after all, he asked me to come here. I know he makes me wait just to prove how powerful he is. (While Livingston's back is turned, Talleyrand comes in, leaning heavily on a cane.) Talleyrand: Ahem! (Livingston turns around quickly.) Livingston: Oh, Monsieur Talleyrand! I didn't hear you come in. Talleyrand: Perhaps you were not expecting me so soon, Monsieur Livingston. (Laughs and sits down) Please sit. I have been walking in the garden-such a pleasant day. Livingston: Yes, quite. But I am sure you have not asked me here to discuss the weather. Your message seemed urgent. Talleyrand: Perhaps urgent is too strong a word. However, I do need to speak with you--off the record, shall we say? You see I have been thinking about your mission to my country-to buy New Orleans. (Pauses) But why stop there? It is only a small part of an immense area. Livingston: What do you have in mind, Monsieur Talleyrand? Talleyrand: (Puts his fingertips together and speaks casually) Monsieur Livingston, would the United States be interested in buying all of Louisiana? Livington: (Swallows hard in surprise, but tries to maintain
his composure) No, I - Talleyrand: But if France gives up those places, the rest of Louisiana will be of little value to us. So you see, I was just wondering what your country would give for the whole? Livingston: To tell you the truth, Sir, this is a subject I have not thought about, but I suppose we might give-oh-twenty million francs. Talleyrand: (Smiles) Monsieur Livingston, I'm sure you know that is much too low. Perhaps you would like to reflect upon the matter for a time--but don't tarry too long. (Rises from his chair with the help of his cane. Livingston rises too.) I believe our business is over for today, Monsieur. Let me see you to the door. (When they reach the door, Talleyrand puts his hand on Livingston's arm.) Please understand--I am not speaking from authority on the matter of selling Louisiana. The idea just struck me and I thought I would pass it on to you. Livingston: I will remember that. Good day, Sir. (They both exit)
Scene 8: Livingston Stuns Monroe with Amazing News, 1803 Ambassador Monroe is slumped in a chair wearing a dressing gown. He is holding his head in his hands as if in pain. A French servant, Francois (Franz WA) enters carrying a tea service on a tray. Francois: (Pours a cup of tea and hands it to Monroe) Your tea, Sir. Monroe: (Looking up and taking the tea cup) Oh, thank you, Francois (Takes a sip). Perhaps this will improve my outlook. Francois: The trip from America--it was very tiring, n'est
pas? (NES pa--is it not so?) Francois: Very good sir. (Goes to the door) Ambassador Livingston! Bon jour! (bone JURE? good day). Livingston: Bon jour, Francois. I must see Mr. Monroe immediately. Francois: Mr. Monroe regrets that he is not receiving guests this morning, Sir. Livingston: But I must see him, if only for a few minutes. Monroe: (Calls to Francois) It is all right, Francois. Show Mr. Livingston in. (Francois steps aside and Livingston hurries into the room.) Thank you, Francois. That will be all for the present. (Francois exits.) Livingston: (Monroe starts to rise.) Please, don't get up. I am sorry to trouble you so early in the day, but this cannot wait. Early this week I was called to the office of that dreadful Foreign Minister, Talleyrand. As we were discussing the purchase of New Orleans, he suddenly asked me a most amazing question. He said, "What would you give for the whole?" Monroe: For the whole? Did he mean the whole of Louisiana? Livingston: Yes, that is exactly what he meant! Monroe: I am stunned! What did you say? Livingston: I told him that I had not thought of such a thing and, even if I had, I did not have the authority to make such a purchase. I said that I had to speak with you. Later that evening, I was contacted by Napoleon's Minister of Finance, Barbe-Marbois. He informed me that Napoleon had placed him in charge of the negotiations instead of Talleyrand. Monroe: Does that mean Talleyrand was bluffing? Livingston: It would be very like him to do that. However, I trust Barbe-Marbois, and he assures me that Napoleon really is ready to sell the whole of Louisiana. It seems Napoleon's plans for regaining a foothold in North America are not going well. However, he may change his mind if we delay too long. Monroe: Getting further instructions from President Jefferson is out of the question, isn't it? Livingston: Yes, I am afraid so. It is up to us to make that decision. (Both men are silent for a few seconds.) Monroe: (Looks up and speaks quietly) What do you think we should do? Livingston: I think we must proceed. We must negotiate for the whole-New Orleans, the Floridas, and the Louisiana Territory. Such an opportunity as this will never come again. Monroe: (Ponders silently for a moment) I agree. Will you tell Barbe-Marbois that we wish to open negotiations as soon as possible? Livingston: I will see to it immediately. (Stands and prepares to leave) I do hope your health improves very quickly. Monroe: Thank you. (Stands and shakes hands with Livingston)
I will see you to the door. (They both exit.) Narrator Scene 9: Napoleon and Ministers Debate Selling Louisiana, 1803 Napoleon sits slumped at a table, looking glum. Sitting at opposite ends of the table are the Minister of Finance, Barbe-Marbois and the Minister of the Navy, Denis Decres. Napoleon: (Straightens up in his chair) Gentlemen, I know the two of you disagree on what to do about the Louisiana Territory. I want to hear both of your arguments and then I will decide whether to keep it or sell it to the Americans. (Nods to Decres.) Go ahead. Decres: With all due respect, Sir, I believe it would be a great pity to give up such a vast and important land. Although it may be a wilderness now, it is overflowing with valuable resources for future development. Also, the Louisiana Territory is the last major remnant of the French Colonial Empire. Little by little, the British are stripping us of our colonies all over the world. I beg you, Sir, do not let this last great possession slip from our grasp. Napoleon: (Nods to Barbe-Marbois) And you, Sir. What do you advise? Barbe-Marbois: My advice is to sell it-all of it. Even though we are now at peace with the British, I fear that war in Europe will come again soon. If that happens, we cannot afford to defend a vast territory thousands of miles away from home, much less colonize and develop it. Napoleon: And if war does not come? Barbe-Marbois: I still say we must sell it. France has tried for two centuries to colonize the Louisiana Territory without success. Even our latest efforts to take back the French West Indies have ended in tragedy. The slaves there have resisted fiercely and many of our troops have died from yellow fever. (Puts his hand over his mouth in embarrassment) Oh, I am sorry, Sir. I forgot that your brother-in-law, General Leclerc, died there from that terrible disease. Napoleon: (Frowns and turns his face away) At least, my dear sister Pauline survived. But let us leave this matter of Louisiana for the present and get some rest. I am weary and I can make no decision tonight. (Both ministers stand, bow slightly, and leave the room. Napoleon paces for a moment, then lies down upon the couch to sleep. Shortly afterward there is a knock on the door and Napoleon sits up). Napoleon: Who is it? Messenger's Voice: A messenger, Sir, with urgent dispatches. (Napoleon leaps out of bed and goes to the door where a dispatch bag is handed to him.) Please wait. Napoleon: (Takes the dispatches from the bag and looks them over quickly.) Messenger, summon Minister Barbe-Marbois at once! Narrator Early next day in the dawn's fading gloom, Barbe-Marbois: It seems very clear from these dispatches, Sir, that the British have no intention of honoring the terms of our recent peace treaty. Without doubt, they are making preparations for war. (Barbe-Marbois hands the dispatches back to Napoleon who angrily wads them up and throws them on the floor.) Napoleon: (Turns to the audience) Very well. If war is what they want, we shall give it to them. I can hesitate no longer about my New World possessions. My mind is made up. We need money to fight the British. I renounce Louisiana. It is not only New Orleans that I cede, it is the whole colony without any reservation. (Turning to Barbe-Marbois) We must begin negotiations with the Americans this very day. Come, we have work to do. (Both men exit) Narrator (Barbe-Marbois, Monroe, and Livingston enter. They stand aound
a table and sign papers with quill pens.) Narrator (Monroe and Livingston lay down their pens. They shake hands with Barbe-Marbois and all three exit.) Narrator Scene 10: Jefferson Gets the Good News James Madison, Secretary of State, and President Jefferson are seated in Jefferson's office. Madison: Today is July third, 1803--what a wonderful time to receive these exciting dispatches! The Louisiana Territory and New Orleans are now part of this great nation we have struggled so long to create. Jefferson: Yes, my friend. Tomorrow is the twenty-seventh anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Truly, we have lived through momentous times. Of course, there still are obstacles to overcome. The treaty has to be ratified by the Senate and the funds approved for the purchase. Madison: True, but I believe that will be done quickly. Most of the Senators and other statesmen with whom I have spoken are enthused and delighted. Naturally, a few of your political enemies are raising a big fuss about whether the purchase is Constitutional. Jefferson: That is to be expected. I, myself, have some reservations on that issue--but the importance of adding this enormous territory to America outweighs all other doubts. Madison: (Rises) Well, Mr. President, I must leave you to your duties and get back to my own. Jefferson: (Rises and shakes Madison's
hand) Thank you for the important part you played in the Louisiana
Purchase as secretary of state. I'll walk you to the door. (Both
men exit.) Scene 11: The Transfer of Upper Louisiana Takes
Place at St. Louis, On the American side of the stage, a flagpole is set up with the flag of Spain at the top. On stage is Meriwether Lewis (representing President Jefferson at the ceremony transferring Upper Louisiana to the United States), Captain Amos Stoddard (U. S. Post Commander at Cahokia representing both Napoleon Bonaparte and the United States), Charles Delassus (Spanish Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana), and two soldiers to operate the flagpole. On the fringes are residents of St. Louis and members of the Osage Indian tribe who have gathered for the transfer ceremony. Delassus, Stoddard, and Lewis stand at attention to the right of the flagpole. (Note: For purposes of governance, the Louisiana Territory was divided into two regions, Upper and Lower. Lower Louisiana, where New Orleans was located, was transferred to the United States on November 30, 1803.) Governor Delassus: (Steps to the front) We are gathered here to witness the transfer of Upper Louisiana from Spain to France and from France to the United States of America. For Spain, by the King's command, I am about to deliver up this post and its dependencies. The flag under which you have been protected for a period of nearly thirty-six years is to be withdrawn. From this moment you are released from the oath of fidelity you took to support it. The fidelity and courage with which you have guarded and defended it will never be forgotten; and in my character of representative, I entertain the most sincere wishes for your perfect prosperity. (Steps back) Soldiers: (Slowly lower the Spanish flag, fold it, and present it to Delassus.) Stoddard: (Steps forward and gives a French flag to the soldiers.) I represent Napoleon Bonaparte to receive Upper Louisiana from Spain. Soldiers: (Raise the French flag and stand at attention for a few seconds. Then they slowly lower the flag, fold it, and present it to Stoddard who then hands them an American flag.) I now represent the United States to receive Upper Louisiana from the government of France. (The soldiers raise the American flag and stand at attention.) Stoddard: Ladies and Gentlemen, the ceremony of transfer is complete. Upper Louisiana now officially belongs to the United States. (The crowd cheers and begins to move about. Stoddard and Delassus and the crowd slowly exit, leaving only Captain Lewis and two Osage Indians, a man and a woman at the front of the stage.) Lewis: (Speaking to the Indians) I am glad to see you here today. I want you to know that the great chief in Washington wishes only the best for his red children. Oasge Man: (Looks at Lewis silently for a moment) Some of my ancestors were present when the man called La Salle came down the great river and claimed our land for his own country across the sea. Since that time, other chiefs have come and gone. All have promised much--and given little. We will have to wait and see. Osage Woman: (Shakes her head slowly in agreement)
Yes, it is too early to tell. (They slowly move away until Lewis
is the only one left onstage. He stands in a thoughtful pose as
the narrator continues, then slowly exits as Indian music begins
to play softly in the background.) Narrator CURTAIN CLOSES PLAYBILL
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