James H. Head

“ The Goddess of War should stand with her left side to the audience, body bent forward, the head slightly turned towards the battle field, the countenance expressing animation and determination. A small quantity of smoke should be seen rising behind the breastwork, while the whole scene is illuminated by a red light burned at the side of the stage. The booming of distant cannon and martial music may be imitated behind the stage. ”

“ Minnehaha and Hiawatha are in the background at the left. The door of the wigwam is open, and seated in the doorway on a log is old Nokomis smoking her pipe. In front of the tent are the half burned embers of the camp fire; a light smoke is curling up to the sky, and all is quiet and still. Nokomis is gazing vacantly into the embers of the fire: perhaps she is thinking of the days when she
Hiawatha, Minnehaha, and Nokomis should be dressed in Indian costume, which can be cheaply made with a little ingenuity. ”

“ The goddess of music holds a harp, on which she is playing; the goddess of painting has a partially painted picture in the left hand, and a brush and pallet in the right; the goddess of sculpture has a small bust in her right hand—in her left she holds a small mallet and chisel. Their costumes consist of a loose white robe, cut quite low at the top, and without sleeves; a heavy mantle of white muslin is draped across the breast; the hair should hang in ringlets, or be left to flow negligently on the shoulders. ”

“ Washington is seated on his horse, the left hand grasping the reins and whip, while the right holds his chapeau. He leans forward slightly, and is looking to the ladies, who are strewing his path with flowers. His face is lighted with smiles of pleasure as he beholds the crowds of delighted people who are seen on every side. On each side of the horse, and in the foreground, the young ladies are placed. ”

“ Standing on the centre of the breastwork is the Goddess of War. In one hand she holds a torch, which is raised above her head; the left grasps a standard and sword. The number of figures in the piece is twenty-six. Twenty young gentlemen must be costumed in various styles of military suits, while many should have wounds painted on various parts of the body. The costume of the Goddess of War consists of a crimson dress, black velvet waist, trimmed with gold, hair hanging loosely over the shoulders, and a red French military hat on the head. ”

“ It will be well to have a few friends witness the dress rehearsal, which will give confidence to the performers, previous to their dêbut before a large audience. As soon as the company has been organized, and each performer has received his several programmes, it will be the duty of the stage manager to see that the various branches of the profession are progressing in unison with the rehearsals. Each tableau should be carefully examined, and a list of the machinery, scenery, wardrobe, and furniture of each piece noted down, and competent persons immediately set to work on their completion. ”

“ The glittering eagles, the waving banners, the gleam of polished helmets and cuirasses, the clash of arms, the soul-stirring music from the martial bands, and the incessant bustle and activity, presented a spectacle of military splendor which has seldom been equalled. ”

“ When the time has arrived for the spectre to appear in the tableau, two persons can easily guide the platform from the floor to the stage above. All the gentlemen are required to do, is to guide the platform; the heavy weights attached to the ropes will draw it up. The post fastened in the centre is intended for the lady to take hold of to keep her position; it should be covered with white cloth, and hid from view by the drapery of the costume of the spectre. ”