The Green Veil
A 4-Act Musical
Script and Lyrics by Sandra Olsen
Music by Sandee Kandas
A true story of the pioneers early days, the Mormon Battalion, and the Willie
Handcart Company
Copyright © 2000-2012 by Sandra Olsen [wildflowers4all@yahoo.com]
2
The Green Veil
by
Sandra Olsen
Music by
Sandee Kandas
PROLOGUE
(Nottinghamshire, England, 1838;
Alfred Ward, a big, joyous man,
comes striding down the aisle singing.
His little daughter, Lucy age 5, is in
his arms sleepily leaning her head on
his shoulder. Clear sounds of many
birds chirping. Alfred sets a
delighted Lucy on his shoulder
during first verse. The view is beautiful
Nottinghamshire countryside seen from a hill.)
ALFRED
The Green Veil
Awake! Awake my sleepy head
Hear larks calling, night has fled
London’s grays and shadows dreary
Were your home but now look clearly
The light of morning new wonders bring
A Nottinghamshire spring
From Papa’s shoulder perch was seen
Princess Victoria becoming queen
soldiers marching, a coach of gold
Banners flying high and bold
But child-dear now your eyes behold
The miracle of spring!
See ..........the green veil
steal.....ing o’er the land
Breath......ing promise,
new life on every hand
3
See.......... the green veil,
the love.......ly green veil
The breath..... of God,
the love.....ly green veil
Another green veil
Is stealing ‘cross the land
With the promise of truth
For every honest man
Feel…. the green Veil
Watch…. and pray
Know the green veil
When it comes…. your way
The light….. of God
The hope…. of all
The lovely green veil
The breath…. of…… God
4
Act 1—Scene 1
(Missouri; outside a log cabin at night;
fields are burning; sounds of mobs
smashing furniture and yelling are
heard)
BIG JIM
(stands in front stage, threatening families with his bullwhip who are
fleeing up the isles)
Yes, run you filthy Mormons. Run like rats. Missourians have had their fill of you
and your foul stench.
COLE FAMILY
(Cole family, with little children, rushes up the isles with Barnet Cole trying to
shield them from the mob)
(blackout)
Act 1—Scene 2
(February 20, 1834; Early morning,
outside of abandoned log cabin in
Missouri)
BARNET
(kneeling by a chair he is making)
Hand me that hammer, son. We want to make sure this chair is nice and tight.
We want to have all done so we can leave with Brother and Sister Leonard and
Brother Sumner. There’s safety in traveling together.
JAMES
(eagerly hands his father the hammer)
Mama will be so surprised! She thinks we’re just bringing corn back to the shack.
BARNET
Well, son, I’m glad we were able to find some corn that hadn’t been spoiled for
you hungry children. Your mama works so hard all day, cooking and cleaning for
us and anyone else who needs help. Seems she ought to be able to sit in a chair
when she has a minute.
5
BARNET
(tests chair for strength)
There, that ought to be able to hold a Missouri riverman, let alone your Mama
and the new baby. She misses her chairs, but she’ll be glad I was able to rescue
this one.
JAMES
(hesitantly)
Papa, why did those men wreck all our furniture and burn our cornfields?
BARNET
(holds out arm kindly)
Come here, James, and bring the sandpaper. We want to make this chair smooth
as a rose petal for your Mama.
JAMES
(stands by the chair and starts sanding very slowly)
Why, Papa? Why don’t they like us?
BARNET
(sanding also)
Well, James, do you remember how we talked about young Joseph Smith
wanting to know which church to join…
JAMES
…and he prayed in the sacred grove, and Heavenly Father and Jesus came and
stood in the air and talked to him!
BARNET
And what did they say?
JAMES
They said Jesus’ church with apostles and prophets got taken away a long, long
time ago ‘cause the people didn’t love the truth, but it was time to bring the
church back again, and it was going to have prophets again and Joseph was
going to be the first one this time!
6
BARNET
That’s right. Well, some people just don’t want to think that God is sending
prophets again, even though the Bible says He would.
JAMES
But Brother Joseph tells us to listen to Heavenly Father and obey quick, and be
brave. Prophets tell us true things.
BARNET
That’s why, son. Some people aren’t ready to hear the truth still. Then when
Joseph was given the Golden Plates, The Book of Mormon, some people thought
Joseph was trying to change the Bible.
JAMES
(incredulous)
They don’t like the Book of Mormon? Don’t they even like the story about Captain
Moroni and the title of Liberty?
(Stands on chair holding imaginary banner high)
BARNET
They don’t know the story, James. They haven’t read the Book of Mormon. They
don’t know it teaches that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the promised
Savior who will help us return to Heavenly Father.
Barnet’s Testimony
When first I heard the strange absurd
story of angels and golden books
I thought for certain Smith’s brain was hurtin’
and those who followed were nothin’ but crooks
And then your mother, I’ll always love her,
said truth is sometimes very strange
We could listen and see if we didn’t agree
or if God had brought a mighty change
Did a people .... of long ago
Leave a message..... of faith for us?
7
Did Our father.... to a boy go
with His Son so glorious?
If I ask...... will God speak
to my soul..... answers sweet?
If I pray... with humble heart
Will I know the course to chart?
So I wondered, so I prayed
so I heard and obeyed
so I won the wondrous prize
God’s truth restored, I’d give my life.
(Mobbers burst onstage)
JAMES
Papa!
BARNET
(pushes James towards the cabin)
Can I help you gentlemen?
BIG JIM
We came to help you, Barnet Cole. We drove you out once and we’re going to
help you learn it was a mistake to come back.
BARNET
Gentlemen, I had to come back to retrieve my crops. My family has nothing to eat
on the other side of the river.
BIG JIM
Well, that’s real sad. Maybe bein’ hungry has helped your thinkin’ be more in line
with our’n. Are you ready to say that Golden Bible is a pack o’ lies and Joe Smith
ain’t no more a prophet than… than Caleb Stokes here.
(slaps nearby man on the back, dust rises)
(mob laughs)
BARNET
Gentlemen, I have a different opinion on that.
8
BIG JIM
(menacingly playing with whip)
How do you feel about dying for that opinion, Cole.
BARNET
I can’t deny what I have seen. You wouldn’t kill a man for that.
BIG JIM
We just paid a visit to the Leonard Farm and Josiah Sumner. If they ain’t dead
yet, they prob’ly wish they were. You Mormons…always so sure you got
somthin’, but you ain’t got nothin’.
BARNET
The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored. All can know if this is true. Christ, the
Savior….
BIG JIM
(uncoiling whip)
Barnet Cole, this time I’m going to kill you or, God be my witness that I die and
the eagles and buzzards will eat my flesh.
(picks up chair and holds it over his head with one arm)
(Lights go out, as sound of breaking chair is heard followed by sound of whip)
JAMES
Oh, Papa!
(Blackout)
Act 1—Scene 3
(1834 Summer morning, exterior of a log
cabin in Van Buren County, Missouri)
PHOEBE
(unseen inside the cabin)
Remember the oregano. I’m going to make your father a special soup.
JAMES
(hopping backwards)
9
Yes, Mama.
(bumps into Joseph Smith)
Oh, Brother Joseph!
BROTHER JOSEPH
Well, hello Brother James. Are you coming or going?
JAMES
(importantly)
I’m going to the store! Mama is making Papa soup, and she said if I saw you, I
was to ask you for supper, ‘cause you been marching in Zion’s Camp and you’re
pro’bly very hungry, and you should come because Papa can’t talk very well and
he can’t sit up and Mama says if you give him a blessing, he’ll get better.
BROTHER JOSEPH
I’ll give your papa a blessing.
(kneels to same level as JAMES)
I wanted to visit with your father. I hear he had a hard time in Jackson County.
JAMES
Oh, Brother Joseph, they hit him with a whip and Mama’s chair, and broke it!
(hides his head on Joseph’s shoulder, then looks up)
I thought he was dead!
BROTHER JOSEPH
(putting his arm around JAMES)
Son, your papa was standing for what was true. That’s a very brave thing. Those
men who hurt him will find they’ve hurt themselves more. Jesus is pleased with
your papa. Your papa’s a strong, great man. Isn’t that so?
JAMES
He was brave? (a little uncertain)
BROTHER JOSEPH
And he’s tougher than any mob. Your father stood by our Savior.
10
JAMES
Papa loves Jesus.
BROTHER JOSEPH
And Jesus loves your father.
JAMES
My papa’s tougher than any mob!
BROTHER JOSEPH
Now, if you hurry with that oregano for your mama, I’ll be back in time for supper.
JAMES
I love you, Brother Joseph!
(James throws his arms around Brother Joseph)
…and remember the game! I have a special game!
(lights out)
Act 1—Scene 4
(June 1834 Summer night on the banks
of the Missouri River then, on the river
on a raft)
(A crowd of saints are huddled
together around Joseph stage right)
(A crowd of mobbers are loosely
around Big Jim)
1st MAN
Let’s solve this “Mormon” problem once and for all!
2nd MAN
We need someone who dares make a decision about what to do instead of just
talkin’ ‘bout what we’re going to do here in Jackson County.
3rd MAN
James Campbell, he’s the man for the job, BIG JIM!
If Big Jim’s on the Jackson County Committee, we don’t need no one else.
11
(Laughter)
2nd MAN
Let’s give him full power to settle this thing with those Mormons.
3rd MAN
(laughs)
Big Jim knows how to treat them scoundrels! A committee of one is all we’ll need
if it’s Jim Campbell!
1st MAN
He’s proved the kind o’ man he is.
(Raucous cheers)
BIG JIM
Life Was Good Here
Life was good here
until these Mormons came
Life was fun here
Why can’t it be the same
They came with their wagons loaded high
Let’s see if they leave with a pot by and by
And if we are able, we’ll pay for their land
If we are not, their land’s in our hand
They pretend to be Christian,
We know they are not!
They say they are bles-sed
I “bless” them to rot
They pretend that their God thinks they’re so dear
He whispers his wisdom right in their ear
And if God’s voice is too quiet, he’s fled
They’ve got Ol’ Joe Smith to tell what God just said
A prophet of God is a
thing done away now,
God speaks to no man.
We stand on our own now.
A man is as strong as his arm and his snake (holds up bull whip)
He’ll choose from his pleasures to give or to take.
12
If God has an ear for Joe Smith, hear from me
I swear on my life, God, this is how it will be.
(Menacingly)
Before two days are past may the eagles and turkey buzzards eat my flesh if I do
not fill Joe Smith and his army so full of holes as their skins won’t hold… corn
husks!
(Raucous cheers)
(all brandish weapons)
BIG JIM
To the river, men!
(Stage is like night with little moon)
(Nine mobbers crowd together on ferry on the Missouri River)
1st MAN
We’ll catch those Mormons in their nightclothes for sure this time. Move over,
Sam.
2nd MAN
Just follow BIG JIM! He’ll show us how to take care of this… infestation.
3rd MAN
This ferry is a bit crowded, Big Jim………..I think we’re… we’re sinking!
(Sounds of panic among men and horses)
BIG JIM
Men, hold steady. I’ve crossed this ol’ river many a time on a swimming horse.
I’ve even swum across myself. Only a fool need die tonight. The secret to
staying alive on a sinking ferry is to not panic. Now hold your horses steady and
wait until the water is waist deep, then push off. Steady, now…...
steady…….steady. I’ll push off first. You follow my lead. Here I go….
(Sounds of splashing and hollering)
3rd MAN
Hey, lookit! Big Jim’s foot is caught in a big branch. His horse is going under!
…..Big Jim’s drowning!
2nd MAN
13
It’s every man for himself. Nothing can save Big Jim now!
Act 1—Scene 5
(1834 Two weeks later, morning,
on the banks of the Missouri river)
(Early morning light)
BARNET
(has fishing gear)
Come on, James. We’ve got a lot of fishing to catch up on. Look at this beautiful
morning! What a great thing it is to be out of that bed after all these weeks!
JAMES
I’m going to catch me a string o’ catfish bigger than my arm!
BARNET
Oh, you are! Then who’s going to pack it all the way home?
JAMES
(stops and looks)
Papa, I saw a flash of something silvery and something red in that brush by the
willow.
BARNET
(goes over to brush)
Stay there, son. It’s not something I want you to have in your mind.
JAMES
Who is it, Papa?
BARNET
It’s the body of a man who lost his way.
JAMES
Papa! It’s Big Jim! What are you going to do?
14
BARNET
Son, I’m going to bury him, and grieve for a brother who lost more than his life.
Run home and fetch me a shovel.
(James leaves)
BARNET sings
So I wondered, so I prayed
so I heard and obeyed
so I won the wondrous prize
God’s truth restored, I’d give my life!
Act 1—Scene 6
(1839 April morning, exterior of
the a log cabin in Quincy, Illinois)
PHOEBE
(unseen inside the cabin)
Remember the dried apricots. I’m going to make your father an apricot cake.
JAMES
(James, hopping backwards, is now about age 9)
Yes, Mama. I’ll hurry
(bumps into Joseph Smith again)
Oh, Brother Joseph!
BROTHER JOSEPH
Brother James, I never can tell if you are coming or going?
JAMES
(laughs)
I think I’m always going! Mama is making Papa an apricot cake, since our ox
broke his arm when we moved again, and she said if I saw you, I was to ask you
for supper, ‘cause you need a good meal to fatten you up ‘cause Liberty Jail was
no picnic.
15
BROTHER JOSEPH
There’s something about apricot cake that is soothing to body and soul. I heard
about your pa’s arm. I thought I might visit with him a bit. If I remember right, you
always have something to show me. Got any new games, Brother James?
(blackout, then lights up)
(In the Cole Cabin, cheerily, but sparsely furnished)
(BARNET sits on bed with cake plate)
(Family and Joseph seated nearby)
(Joseph balances a cake plate on knee)
(Little girl eats her cake from his other knee)
BROTHER JOSEPH
Sister Cole, this is delicious cake, especially with the apricots on top.
PHOEBE
Thank you, Brother Joseph. Would you men like another piece?
BARNET
Brother Joseph, I’m afraid I’ll get fat as a pumpkin lying around eating Phoebe’s
good cooking. She’s always making something tasty; then, I just have to eat it.
BROTHER JOSEPH
I’d say you’d earned a little pampering, Brother Cole. It’s not easy to go through
these hard times. A little kindness goes a long way.
BARNET
How do we deal with this hatred of us, Brother Joseph? It never seems to end.
(Joseph and Barnet stand)
Tribulation
If we are called upon to pass through tribulation
If we are accused with all manner of vile lies
If our enemies fall upon us
And tear us from the tender presence of our wife.
If my oldest son but six years old
shall cling to my coat and plead
----my father, my father why can’t you stay with us
JOSEPH
JOSEPH & BARNET
16
Oh my father
What are the men
Going to do with you
And he shall be thrust from me
by the sword
And my enemies prowl around me like wolves, for blood
If the very jaws of hell
The very jaws of hell
Shall gape open the mouth
Wide for me
The voice of the Father
Comforts me
JOSEPH
JOSEPH & BARNET
“Know thou, my son,
that all these things
shall give thee experience
and shall be for thy good
The Son of Man hath descended
Below them all,
Below them all
Art thou greater
Art thou greater
Art thou greater than He?
JOSEPH
JOSEPH & BARNET
Hold thy way
Thy days are known
Thy years shall not be numbered less
Fear not what man can do
For God shall be with you
Forever and ever
JOSEPH
JOSEPH & BARNET
(Adapted from D&C 122:5-9)
(shouting and boisterous laughter can be heard outside)
DISTANT MOBBER
(off)
Just wait ‘til we get hold of Ol’ Joe Smith this time….
BARNET
(urgently)
James, Lucinda, take Brother Joseph to the cornfield to hide!
17
BROTHER JOSEPH
Brother Cole, I can’t leave you defenseless in bed.
BARNET
This crowd’s not going to bother me… you’re who their after. Go!
(Lucinda and James pull Brother Joseph out the door)
(Joseph, Lucinda and James hide in the old cornstalks while sounds of the mob
intensify, then fade)
(music fades—sound of crickets)
BROTHER JOSEPH
Brother James, is this the new game you had in mind?
Act 2—Scene 1
LDS encampment at Mount Pisgah,
Pottawattamie County, Iowa; end of
July 1846
(BARNET and PHOEBE)
James, James, we’re over here!
JAMES
The cow got loose again. I tied her to the wagon and hobbled her front legs, too.
What’s all the commotion about?
BARNET
It’s Brother Brigham with a Captain Allen of the United States Army.
(Brigham Young and Captain Allen speak to a group of men on stage left.
The Cole family consisting of mother, father, four young women, their husbands
and little children, Ann age 16, Moroni age 13, Laura age 10, John age 8, William
age 5, Fanny age 3 gathered. James, age 18 stands with his father, Barnet,
center stage)
CAPTAIN ALLEN
The President of the United States wants 500 volunteers to fight in the war with
Mexico…
(grumbling heard from Saints)
BEN
Where was the President when we were driven out of the United States by
mobs?
18
HENRY
… when our homes and barns were burned and our lands taken away from us!
DANIEL
Where was the United States government when the mobs murdered our
prophet?
(murmurs of agreement and anger)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
(Holds hands up to ask for silence)
Saints, Governor Boggs has been in Washington trying to convince President
Polk that we are traitors and that he should send an army to destroy us. If we
send our men and boys to be soldiers for President Polk and the United States of
America, no one could call us traitors. They could not attack our families. You
men could send your pay to provide for your destitute families. We could buy
food….wagons…teams as we are all broken down and weary from the long,
muddy march through Iowa.
DANIEL
(fastens an American flag to a pole and waves it)
Men, I rescued this flag from the malicious mob that was so busy burning my
house and barn, they didn’t see me take it. Now, it will be our banner…the
banner of soldiers… true Americans…dedicated to freedom, liberty, and justice
for all."
(The Band begins smartly playing an encouragement to join the
Mormon Battalion)
JAMES
Father… I’m getting a feeling that the Lord wants me to go with the Mormon
Battalion. But…the long journey ahead…you have need of me here…
BARNET
Son, I’m getting the same inspiration…you are needed, with the soldiers, more.
…if the Lord wants you to go, then He’ll help us get to the Rocky Mountains
without you. Go sign up. I’ll tell your mother.
(Barnet and James smile sadly at one another )
(James joins the group listening to Brigham Young)
19
BRIGHAM YOUNG
In the name of the Lord, I bless you men, and exhort you to live up to the ideals
of your religion and in no way compromise with things of the world. Be loyal to
your country and to your God, that through your loyalty you will be able to alley
prejudices of the people. This call is from the Lord and will help us in our journey.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Through your services to our country, Indian lands for residences will be granted
to the Mormon families left on the banks of the Missouri river, a stretch of fifty or
sixty miles in length and thirty or forty miles on its east side. I will send advocates
to bargain with the Potowatami tribe that the Indians might allow you to stay on
their lands.
BRIGHAM YOUNG
Food will be produced on its farm lands and gathered to carry with the saints on
their move west. Those unable to go on at this time could rest there and gather
their resources and strength for the move west.
(Earnest discussions among men. Men begin to raise their arms and shout, and
in other ways announce their decision to join the army)
JAMES
(shouts) I’ll go. (goes to sign his name on the roster held by Captain Allen)
BARNET
(Arm around weeping wife)
Now Phebe, you must control yourself so you can give the boy a proper
goodbye. I know this is a hard thing, but life is full of hard things...
PHOEBE
Hard things.... hard things I have seen. Every one of my twelve children were
born in a different state in a different home or tent or wagon, depending on where
the mobs had driven us except for the last three born in Nauvoo. And did the
United States government send soldiers to protect us? Did soldiers protect our
dear Hyrum and Joseph when they were shot down in Carthage jail? Did they
protect us when the mobs were driving us away from Nauvoo where my own little
baby Joseph Hyrum is buried? And now the United States government wants to
take my boy, my firstborn son to be a soldier in their army, to be shot down in
Mexico defending a parched land when they wouldn’t defend us, citizens of the
United States, from our own countrymen.
JAMES
20
(putting his arm around his mother)
Mother, I’ll be all right. Brother Brigham says if we keep the commandments
none of us will perish by the sword... like the Armies of Helaman...I know you like
that story, Mother. They had such faith because they knew their mothers had
faith. You and father keep enduring, keep teaching us to follow the Savior. How
can I doubt when I have such parents?
PHOEBE
Oh James, what am I going to do without your gentle encouragement? Who will
get that wild range animal your father calls a cow to stand still while I milk her?
MORONI
I’ll hold the cow for you, mother. I’m almost 14.
JAMES
Moroni can do it, Mother.
JAMES
(puts his arm around Moroni in a brotherly way)
Moroni, father always says the oldest boy home has the most important job,
‘cause he needs to take care of Mother when Father is away. You can’t be off
playing with your friends when mother needs water or wood. It takes a brave man
to wrestle the wood and the water and the wild cows.
MORONI
I’ll take care of mother. You take care of Mexico. And when you make it to the
Rocky Mountains, I’ll help you and father build that gristmill you were talking
about. And we’ll build mother a house even better than the one in Nauvoo, and
we’ll plant apple trees, and I’ll build mother a big pie box to keep apple pies in.
(Everyone laughs)
BARNET
Now, Mother, see how rich we are, here in the wilderness. We have noble sons
and daughters who love the Lord and us and one another. The mobs may rage.
The government may command. But our family will be eating apple pie in the
end. Moroni says so.
LEVI SAVAGE
Let’s not send them off with weeping and wailing. I propose we have a farewell
ball to honor departing soldiers. Men, your duty is to dance.
(Men each take a partner and dance)
JAMES
Come on, Sis. Let’s show them how to dance!
21
(JAMES dances with his sister)
(A farewell ball is given to honor and
cheer the departing soldiers. Violins,
horns, tambourines and sleigh bells
provide the music) (Levi Savage is
the caller for square dancing)
(As the dance ends, a soprano sings, mournfully)
(Everyone sits or stands quietly, filled with poignancy of the moment)
(This could be sung a cappella or with a simple flute)
By the Rivers of Babylon
(traditional melody)
By the rivers of Babylon
Where we sat down
There we wept
When we remembered Zion
For the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Requiring from us a song
How can we sing a song of joy in a
strange land (repeat)
So let the
Words of our mouths
and the meditations of our hearts
be acceptable in Thy sight
here tonight (repeat)
By the rivers of Babylon
Where we sat down
There we wept
When we remembered Zion
BRIGHAM YOUNG
(to officers)
Officers, be as fathers to the privates. Remember your prayers. See that the
name of the Deity is revered, and that virtue and cleanliness are strictly
observed. Treat all men with kindness . . . and never take life when it can be
avoided.
22
OFFICERS
We will. Yes. , etc.
BRIGHAM YOUNG
May our Heavenly Father be with you.
(Men begin to sing “We are All Enlisted”)
LEVI SAVAGE
Brother Cole, it’s time to go—sorry, ma’am. (tips his hat)
JAMES
I’ll be right with you, Brother Savage.
BARNET
Pretty good manners for a name like Savage.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Form ranks, men. Two by two.
(Soldiers quickly form a line amidst goodbyes)
JAMES
(shakes father’s hand)
Goodbye Father.
(hugs father)
No mob is as tough as my pa.
(hugs mother)
Thanks for the extra socks, mother. I promise to keep my feet dry.
(Begins to leave to join ranks)
Sis, don’t get married ‘til I get there to see if he’s good enough for you.
(Gets in line)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
None of you will fall into the hands of your enemies. You will pass over
battlefields and there will be battles in front of you and battles in the rear, on your
right and on your left, but you will not be harmed and your enemies shall flee
before you. In the name of Israel's God if you will do these things, trusting in God
and uncomplaining you will come back alive.
LEVI SAVAGE
A rousing cheer for our families and company D!
23
(Soldiers)
Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
LEVI SAVAGE
Form ranks men…..March….left right left…left right left…
(Ranks of Mormon Battalion walk up aisle singing “The Girl I Left Behind Me”
being played on the fife)
The Girl I Left Behind Me
(old marching song)
I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill, And o'er the moor and valley;
Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill, Since parting from my Sally,
I seek no more the fine and fey, For each does but remind me,
How swift the hours did pass away, With the girl I've left behind me.
Oh! ne'er shall I forget the night the stars were bright above me,
and gently lent their silvery light, when first she vowed to love me.
But now I'm bound for Californ, Kind Heaven, then pray guide me,
and send me safely back again to the girl I've left behind me.
My mind shall still her form retain, in sleeping or in waking.
Until I see my love again, for whom my heart is breaking.
If ever I return that way, and she should not decline me,
I ever more will live and stay with the girl I've left behind me.
Act 2—Scene 2
Scenes are short and separated by a
short blackout. These mini-scenes
are only a minute or two in length.
Five areas on the stage are used.
The stage is dark with only one
spotlight showing the mini-scene.
Spotlight 1:
Late July, 1846 on the trail between
Council Bluffs and Ft. Leavenworth,
somewhat following the Missouri
River
(Tired soldiers walk across stage)
24
(LEVI SAVAGE and James stop)
LEVI SAVAGE
Soldier, look at that far hill with the rock outcropping on the left side. What do you
see?
JAMES
I see Indians with rifles sticking up every which way and knives stuck in their
belts…and some have arrows pointed at us….but their arrows break…..their
powder flashes harmlessly in the pan…
LEVI SAVAGE
The Lord is keeping his promises to us….
JAMES
Yes, he is….
LEVI SAVAGE
But even as He keeps his promises, I’ve never known the Lord to make anything
a walk in the park for the Saints. We’re going to be tested….count on that.
(Blackout)
Spotlight 2
(Late July, 1846 farther along on the
trail between Council Bluffs and Ft.
Leavenworth, somewhat following
the Missouri River)
(soldiers are rolling out their blankets and taking off their boots, etc.)
LT. SMITH
Why are the men bedding down so early? We can go another 10 miles at least.
These men are soft.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
These men are not soft. They’re worn out. They were driven from their homes in
Illinois. They’ve helped their families cross the state of Iowa in a sea of mud with
broken down wagons, over 300 miles. They’ve walked 150 miles almost to Fort
Leavenworth and most of them have been out of rations for two days.
LT. SMITH
(arrogantly)
My officers aren’t complaining.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Could that be because the officers have tents? These men have nothing but a
25
bed roll and no uniforms yet. Your officers and you are riding your horses. The
officers have not gone short on rations. These men are walking and many
without shoes. Have some compassion, sir.
LT. SMITH
These men know nothing about discipline and how to be a real soldier.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
It’s true these soldiers know very little about military protocol and procedure, but
they are very disciplined. They obey any command they are given, if they feel it is
right. They are loyal to a leader they trust. There is little foul language, drinking,
cards and other vices that are tolerated among most soldiers. Have you noted
how they take care of one another? They are a more solid unit than any other
soldiers I have ever commanded.
LT. SMITH
These men are nothing but religious fanatics. How they got in the United States
Army, I don’t know, but I’ll not coddle them.
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Lieutenant, the command has been given to stop. The men need a rest…and so
do I.
LT. SMITH
Sir! (Salutes, turns smartly, and leaves)
(Captain Allen kneels on one knee wearily)
(blackout)
Spotlight 3
(1 August, 1846 at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas)
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Men, your uniforms are in the commissary. Go pick them up. Get a size that’ll fit
you, because your clothes have got to be comfortable for the long march. Take
care picking your boots. …too big… they’ll rub blisters. …too small… you’ll break
out the toes. Take good care of your uniform and boots because it costs the
United States government forty-two dollars and they’ve got to last 2,000 miles.
JAMES
Forty-two dollars! Why, that’s more money than I’ve ever seen my whole life!
26
DANIEL
Forty-two dollars! That’s enough money to buy a yoke of oxen or a wagon.
BEN
Forty-two dollars! That could buy enough food to get my wife and kids and two
other families through the winter.
JAMES
Maybe…maybe we…maybe we could make it without the uniform.
ORSON PRATT
That’s what I was hoping to hear, son. Captain Allen says the uniforms aren’t
mandatory. They’ll issue the guns, ammunition and other essentials tomorrow
just before we leave. Your clothing allowance would come to 22,344 dollars. If
you could give your families half your clothing allowance, that would be $11,000.
That would buy a mighty lot of wagons, oxen, and mules…beans, and
flour…bacon and salt. It could make all the difference.
HENRY
Give up our uniforms? One of the reasons I joined up was to get a uniform. They
say the gals really like a man in uniform.
DANIEL
There’s no gals where we’re going, Henry. Prickly pear don’t care what you wear.
HENRY
True, but my feet might care
if the boots aren’t there
to stop the prickly pear,
CAPTAIN HIGGINS
Quit messin’ around boys. What are we here for? We’re here to help our
families…we’re here to serve our country and our God. Let’s give our families a
boost they don’t expect. There’s one thing that’s right and that’s what we’ll do.
JAMES
Hurrah! Hurrah for the Saints!
ALL
Hurrah! Hurrah for the Saints!
(soldiers give their money bills to Orson Pratt)
CAPTAIN ALLEN
Men, that’s mighty generous of you…(to self) never seen anything like it in all my
27
days… (to men) Now, we got to make ten miles a day, men. Get a good night’s
sleep. Our way is long, but I know you have the courage to make it….(to self)
…never seen anything like it…all my days…and every one of them could sign
their name! (walks off as an officer, but stumbles near stage end)
(blackout)
Spotlight 4
(23 August 1846; On the march, ten
day’s march beyond Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas)
LT. SMITH
Gather round, officers. I have some news. Captain Allen is dead.
(ALL MEN)
(cries of sadness and concern)
LT. SMITH
The battalion physician, Dr. Sanderson, attended to his needs with ten days of
much care and his special tonics, but Captain Allen died anyway.
(ALL MEN)
(murmurs of anger)
LT. SMITH
I have written to your leader, Brigham Young, and informed him that Captain
Allen asked me to be the battalion commanding officer.
(ALL MEN)
(murmurs of disbelief)
LEVI SAVAGE
Captain Allen promised us and Brigham Young, if anything happened to him, the
commanding officer would come from the officers here. Captain Jefferson Hunt
should be our new leader.
LT. SMITH
You other officers haven’t received your commissions from Washington yet. If
you were to overtake the provision, the year’s supply of food sent on ahead by
Captain Allen, the provision master may not officially recognize you. You would
have no food.
CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT
Men, you know I am willing to lead you, as promised. However, the pilot informs
me that Colonel Price, the commanding officer of the Second Missouri
28
Volunteers, the regiment that is marching somewhat parallel with us, is prepared
to attach us to his regiment if we do not accept Lt. Smith as our new commander.
JAMES
Colonel Price and some of his Missouri Volunteers have no love of the Mormons.
He and many of those very men were the ones who drove us out of Missouri.
HENRY
He’s right! I recognized some of them myself.
(pause, as men think)
CAPTAIN HIGGINS
I move that we allow Lieutenant Smith to lead us to Santa Fe.
CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT
I second it.
ALL OFFICERS
Aye!
CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT
What are your orders, sir?
LT. SMITH
Just to make sure we understand one another, I’m going to push you men harder
than Captain Allen did. We’ll make twenty miles a day. If I say we make twenty
miles a day or thirty miles a day, then that’s what we’ll march.
CAPTAIN HIGGINS
Sir, we got some bad water and some of the men are doing poorly. I think its
malaria. …Your permission to keep one of the sick wagons back a day or two
until they are ready to march?
LT. SMITH
Dr. Sanderson is in charge of all medical decisions. Doctor, what have you got to
cure these poorly looking boys? I leave it to you. Officers, we will meet in my tent.
(officers and Lt. Smith leave)
DR. SANDERSON
(Has two bottles of medicine in front pockets of shirt with a rusty spoon sticking
up)
I have these medications that can cure anything. …Can’t give it to the
womenfolk, though. Their systems are too weak and they up and die just before
they get well. Open up. This’ll get you on your feet.
29
ALVA PHELPS
I’m not going to take your medicine. Our prophet, Brigham Young, said we were
not to take your medicine, but only use priesthood blessings and herbs and mild
foods prescribed by our own Dr. McIntire.
DR. SANDERSON
Grab him, Sam.
(Sam grabs James and holds him by the throat.)
(Dr. Sanderson pours medicine out into a rusty spoon then gives it to Alva
Phelps)
(Alva gags, turns and holds stomach as he falls on his knees and throws up into
bushes)
DR. SANDERSON
Now, doesn’t that feel better boy? Who’s next?
JAMES
(privately to LEVI SAVAGE)
Brother Savage, those medicines are made from poisons! The green bottle is
made with mercury and the brown bottle is made with arsenic. I saw him mixing
them up in his wagon when I brought him his rations!
DR. SANDERSON
You boy…you’re next...let’s see how you stomach my medicines.
JAMES
(Stands up)
I never felt better in my life, sir.
DR. SANDERSON
You look flushed…might be fever. Grab him, Sam.
(Sam grabs James and holds him by the throat.)
BEN
(Puts a gun to Sam’s back)
Let him be!
(Sam spreads out his hands and backs away)
LEVI SAVAGE
These men have the right to take or refuse medicine. These are American
soldiers! Come, men, let’s get these sick men to the sick wagon…and why an
American Officer would bring a slave to do his bidding is beyond my
30
understanding.
DR. SANDERSON
(Blocks way)
If you refuse my medicine, you refuse any medical assistance. No medicine…no
ride!
(shocked silence from the men)
(SICK MEN)
(Starts singing softly)
We’re marching for the Lord and America
Dear Father we ask thee to calm the storm
Our soul will sing with praises of thy name forevermore,
Strengthen us to bear the burdens to be born
(Well men help sick men up and all sing stronger and stronger)
(Blackout)
Spotlight 5
On the trail from Fort Leavenworth to
Santa Fe.
JAMES
Lieutenant Allen, a message from General Kearny.
LT. SMITH
(unfolds message and reads)
He says we are to bypass Bent Fort and go the Cimarron route.
JAMES
But sir, the food, the supplies bought by Captain Allen have been sent to Bent
Fort.
LT. SMITH
Yes, I was counting on those supplies….we are on low rations now. I must do
something…
(A soldier strolls by with his wife and three children)
LT. SMITH
We have sick men that won’t make it to Santa Fe, let alone California…and if the
31
men can’t make it, how are the women and children supposed to make it?
Assemble the officers.
JAMES
Yes sir.
(officers near Lieutenant Allen, soldiers and families farther away)
LT. SMITH
A detachment of soldiers will escort sick soldiers, nine women and twenty
children to Pueblo Colorado to join the Mississippi Saints who passed us a short
time ago. You shall winter there, then join Brigham Young at his discretion.
(much cries of sorrow)
SOLDIERS AND WIVES
Brigham Young told us to not allow ourselves to be separated…we were
promised!, etc.
LT. SMITH
(holding up his hand for silence)
A good leader changes his mind according to the circumstances of what is best
for the people, as has your leader Brigham Young when decided to winter at
Council Bluffs.
CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT
Men, I know you long to keep your wives and children with you, but some of the
children are very young, and the women are suffering from want of water and
long day’s march. Perhaps this is a blessing.
(Women, children, and privates leave)
LT. SMITH
This will cut our need of supplies considerably, but we still have great need.
The Missouri Volunteers are well provisioned. I will ask them to share…
SERGEANT TYLER
Sir, they will not share with Mormons. They hate us. Their commanding officer,
Captain Price hates us. He outranks you, and….
LT. SMITH
I will not have my men starve! I’ll not have some scoundrel, rich in provisions,
withhold the excess from hungry soldiers in my command. If he refuses to share
provisions with us, I will come down on him with artillery!
32
JAMES
(to Levi)
Could it be the Lieutenant is….actually….taking care of us?
LT. SMITH
Men, I have received another message from General Kearny. He says we must
be in Santa Fe by October 10th or our battalion will be disbanded.
HIGGiNS
But this is terrible news! If we are disbanded in Santa Fe, we will be….
SERGENT TYLER
We cannot go faster than our slowest soldiers. There are many sick among us,
still.
LT. SMITH
We can march the strongest, well men very hard. They will be able to make it to
Santa Fe in the required time.
HIGGiNS
The men will not like it…another division of the troops. They want to stay
together.
LEVI SAVAGE
There is one advantage that the sick will appreciate, sir.
LT. SMITH
What is that?
LEVI SAVAGE
If Dr. Sanderson goes with the faster group, without his medications, perhaps the
sick will be able to get well.
Spotlight 6
Afternoon, Oct. 12, 1846 Santa Fe,
New Mexico; the battalion camps in a
wheat field in back of a cathedral;
Large porch with shade trees
COLONEL DONIPHAN
An impressive march, Lieutenant Smith. There’s no better men on earth than
these Mormon men. We honor your incredible march with a 100 gun salute.
(100 gun salute is given)
33
LT. SMITH
Lieutenant Andrew Jackson Smith… salutes
Colonel St. George Cooke…
COLONEL COOKE
Your men look spent, Lieutenant. Why aren’t the sick men riding in the sick
wagons? And why is this company of soldiers embarrassed by women and
children on this strenuous march? They look like they’re nearing exhaustion.
Even the horses and mules look ragged.
LT. SMITH
Soldiers, dismissed!
(turns to Colonel Cooke)
I leave them in your hands, sir.
(Mormon officers crowd around Doniphan, very happy to see him, shaking hands
and saluting)
COLONEL DONIPHAN
My friends, my friends… I will ever be your friend! God bless you, God bless you
on this march! If ever there were men who loved their country, it is the Mormons.
COLONEL COOKE
(To soldiers)
Men, there’s a stream over by that grove of lemon and pomegranate trees. Set
up your camp in the field behind the church. Turn your horses out into that
pasture over there. Ladies, when you’ve freshened up and rested, come onto the
veranda and rest in the shade of the ivy and almond trees. My wife will be happy
to have some female companionship for a change. She is preparing some fresh
lemonade and cake for your pleasure.
(Women help one another freshen up, then sit near the veranda)
(Mrs. Cooke graciously greets them and directs others to serve them food, then
stands by Captain Cook.)
MRS. COOKE
Sir, these women are weary beyond my understanding. These women are
tougher than most men, but the land is too harsh for them and their children. The
officers’ wives have horses to ride or wagons, but the cooks and laundress
women have walked farther than most seasoned soldiers.
COLONEL COOKE
Indeed they have.
34
MRS. COOKE
They are not camp followers in the usual sense, but women of good education
and breeding. They are trying to keep their husbands and sons alive, but I fear
they will not make it another ten miles. I was told they were Mormons, whatever
that is, and that they were evil, but my eyes have seen evil and they have seen
good; and these women are exceptionally good, kind and Christian. You must
preserve their lives, sir.
COLONEL COOKE
Indeed I must, dear. I will take care of it immediately.
(Salutes his wife)
COLONEL COOKE
(addresses the battalion men)
The women and children have suffered greatly. You have many sick among you.
All women, children and sick soldiers will be sent to winter in the settlement at
Pueblo, Colorado, then join the Saints at Winter Quarters.
(soldiers and women murmur their approval)
COLONEL DONIPHAN
Colonel Cooke, the sick men and women are in agreement with your plan to
send them to Pueblo. However, I have just been informed that Dr. Sanderson is
releasing the sick men, from active duty, without pay!
COLONEL COOKE
General Kearny would never do such a cruel thing to enlisted men, far from
home, and neither will I. The men are to receive full pay.
(Blackout)
Spotlight 7
Dec. 20, 1846, 228 miles south of Santa
Fe, early morning: men are adjusting
packs for the day’s march
COLONEL COOKE
This is the point where General Kearny abandoned his wagons. We would be
foolish to think we could get wagons through.
35
LT. SMITH
Sir, the guides say there is a more southerly route through Mexico. There are
roads, more villages to buy provisions, and there are more watering places.
COLONEL COOKE
Yes, that is a possibility. However, there are two serious risks. We may be much
more likely to engage the enemy…or even General Wool, our friend. If we see
him, he may incorporate us into the Army of the Central to operate against
Chihuahua, Mexico and the Mexican Army.
LT. SMITH
There is little water on the western route. As you know, we are very limited in
supplies.
COLONEL COOKE
Common sense dictates that we take the southern route through Mexico so the
men have the water and provisions they need. God willing, we’ll end up in
California and not in Mexico.
(leaves stage with some officers)
LEVI HANCOCK
Men, we are in danger of never making it to California, if we head on the left fork
of the road, southeast into Mexico.
(men are very concerned)
MEN
(quietly saying various things)
We dream of California. We sing of California. We will be discharged in Mexico,
far from our families, etc.
LEVI HANCOCK & FATHER PETTEGREW
(in a deep, low voice)
Men, pray to the Lord to change the colonel's mind.
36
MEN
(Two men from each group whisper to another group of men in a chain effect)
Pray to the Lord to change the colonel's mind.
(as the men hear, they bow heads in prayer)
(as men finish silent prayers, Colonel Cooke enters with his bugler)
COLONEL COOKE
(hesitates)
(forcefully)
This is not my course. I was ordered to California, and, I will go there or die in the
attempt!
(turns to bugler, who is facing left, with his horn to his lips)
Blow the right!
FATHER PETTEGREW
God bless the colonel!
(colonel's head turns and sternly looks to see who had spoken out of turn; then,
his grave face softens and he looks pleased.)
(Blackout)
Spotlight 8
Dec. 11, 1846, early morning, Very
tall grass, near crossing of the San
Pedro River in Southern Arizona
(Fifes and drummers play reveille)
(Men form ranks and prepare to march)
BEN
Between the howling of the cold wind from the mountains and the howling of the
wolves, I didn’t get much sleep last night.
37
JAMES
At least there’s plenty of grass for the stock…and water! I hate going without
water ‘til our tongues are black…sweet mountain spring water. My cup runneth
over and my canteen is full.
LEVI SAVAGE
What’s that critter rising up out o’ the grass over there? Why….it’s a bull! Look at
the size o’ that thing…and there’s another….and another!
JAMES
Look at the span o’ those horns. They’re wider than a full-grown man!. They must
be wild….like buffalo. There must be 300 of ‘em!
COLONEL COOKE
Those longhorn bulls aren’t acting like buffalo bulls….They’re lookin’ mighty
onery…load your guns, men. I don’t think they want us here!
DANIEL
Sir the scouts say the Indians and Mexicans here killed all the calves and cows
for their tender meat. The bulls are crazed and very dangerous….
JAMES
Look out! They’re chargin’!
COLONEL COOKE
Load, Open-Pan, Cartridge, Tear-Cartridge, Prime, Shut-Pan, Cast-About,
Charge-Cartridge, Draw-Rammer, Ram-Cartridge, Return-Rammer, ShoulderArms, FIRE!!
(Loud sounds of guns firing, wild bulls bellowing, gored donkeys and horses
screams and men shouting)
BEN
Bullets don’t stop ‘em!
COLONEL COOK
Keep shootin’ men. Get em’ in the eye!
JAMES
They’re gorin’ the mules and horses!
LEVI SAVAGE
38
Courage, men, stand your ground.
(man with bloody leg does a flip onto stage and lies wounded)
HENRY
They got Amos!
COLONEL COOK
Look out, Corporal Frost, it’s headin’ right for ya. Shoot, shoot,…. …….run, run!
(Finally Frost shoots)
(Huge, black Longhorn head falls at his feet)
FROST
I only had one shot…had to wait until it would do some good.
COLONEL COOKE
Aren’t you the cool one, Frost! …..Well men, anybody hungry for fresh beef?
(Men cheer)
(Two men help Amos)
(Blackout)
Act 2 – Scene 3
December 16, 1846; street of
deserted village near Tucson, Arizona;
Irregular narrow streets, dilapidated
adobe and sod houses; large area
center stage for military precision drill, a
Mexican dance, and a Native
American dance.
COLONEL COOKE
Men, we may meet some resistance in this village. The Mexican army is camped
near here. Keep yourselves alert. Prepare to be fired upon.
(Men cautiously advance)
39
(Company D surrounds a hut where they hear a groan. All guns point towards the
door)
(An Indian boy crawls out brandishing a stick)
INDIAN BOY
I will not let you eat my grandfather!
(The men put away their guns)
JAMES
(James gently takes the stick from the boy)
Now boy, we don’t eat grandfathers or little boys either. We’re very hungry, but
we’ll never hurt a child…and we don’t eat people.
INDIAN BOY
You don’t eat babies?
JAMES
If I ate babies, would I be this skinny? Do you see a well-fed man here?
INDIAN BOY
(looks the men over, pokes a few in the ribs through their ragged clothes)
INDIAN BOY
No, you are not eating enough. You need some fire cakes. My grandmother can
fix you some. Are you not the Mor-mon soldiers who are ravening wolves?
JAMES
We’re Mormons, all right, but we’re no wolves. Who told you we eat babies?
INDIAN BOY
Three soldiers from the Missouri-land… They told us you were devils and you
would cast spells on us so we could not move, then you would eat everyone
alive…starting with the babies…
(Men exclaim “No!” Some laugh sadly)
INDIAN BOY
The men from the Missouri-land tell the Mexican soldiers they must kill you
before you destroy our village. The Mexican soldiers are much afraid of you. The
Mexican soldiers tell us we must help them kill you all.
JAMES
40
Why is no one shooting at us then?
INDIAN BOY
When our scouts spotted you, they told everyone you were coming. A great fear
fell upon the Mexican soldiers. When our warriors saw the Mexican soldiers
running away, the great fear fell upon them and so our brave warriors also ran
away. The only people left in the village are the very young children and the old
people who cannot run.
JAMES
You look like you can run.
INDIAN BOY
I will not leave my old grandfather and grandmother.
JAMES
You are a brave boy. Your ancestors remember you, and they honor your
courage.
INDIAN BOY
(boy raises his head and arm and salutes ancestors with a short chant)
INDIAN BOY
And now, I will tell my grandmother to make fire cakes for you. The harvest was
good. We have plenty.
LEVI SAVAGE
Well, while we’re waiting for the fire cakes, we’re going to work to pay for our
food. Come men, I see some cleaning of the streets is in order. I see shacks that
need shoring up. I see we can bless these people as they bless us. Some music
to work by, boys!
(Band plays cheery tune)
(Men sing parts of The Girl I Left Behind Me)
(Indian warriors and Mexicans come out of the shadows)
(Mormon Battalion men do military formation to the music, as the Mormon
Battalion were expert at military precision drill;
(Mexican music, and Native American music fill the air)
(Mexican group steps forward and do some Mexican dancing; Indians, including
41
the Indian boy, next do some Native American Dancing)
(Blackout)
Act 2—Scene 4
Unseasonably hot afternoon, midJanuary, near Box Canyon in far
southern California
(Men helping each other along; one man carries another on his back)
JAMES
Hold this bullet in your mouth, Henry. It’ll keep you from choking to death. Don’t
want you to choke to death before hunger gets you. (laughs wryly)
LEVI SAVAGE
Sure could use some of those supplies lost on the raft.
HENRY
Hancock brothers shared…corn. …few kernels a day…might not starve….
…in knapsack. cutting rock…Box Canyon…hands bleeding…
JAMES
(gets corn and shares; adjusts bandage wraps on Henry’s hands, then his own)
That was the tightest squeeze I’ve seen for wagons. Crow bars and shovels for
road building through solid rock….
LEVI SAVAGE
….and tools…all lost on the raft…
(Levi goes ahead, still helping others)
HENRY
I don’t know if I can go a step further. Got to rest….got to rest….
JAMES
Don’t stop….Henry….you might not get up.
42
HENRY
Just leave me here.
JAMES
You can’t stay here….that pretty little gal you were dancin’ with the night we left
our families…she is waitin’ for you…you said she promised…
HENRY
…no water for two and a half days. Leave me….die in peace.
(James looks very worried, looks around for help, but all are helping others)
JAMES
Sure, brother, you go ahead and die in peace……I’ll leave you alone….go ahead
and lay on the nice, soft, warm sand…
HENRY
Thank you…. brother….tell Sally…. I died thinkin’ …o’ her.
JAMES
Sure, brother. I’ll tell her, and she’ll cry into my shoulder and I’ll pat her golden
hair and kiss her sweet tears away…
(Sits up)
HENRY
You better not! You better not pat her hair and kiss her tears!
JAMES
Now, you know she’s going to need consoling, and I’ll be there to tell her how
brave you were….to the very end!
HENRY
You better not! (stands up)
JAMES
I promise to take very good care of her for you.
HENRY
You better not!
(Chases JAMES up one isle and back another, then falls on stage)
JAMES
Henry, look Henry, you fell by the water! You made it to the water.
(Helps Henry drink, but at first, has to shake him to revive him to drink)
JAMES
43
I’ll be back Henry. Remember… drink a sip… every now and then. Don’t die,
Henry. You’re goin’ to live… I’m going to dance… at your wedding!
(drinks a few sips, splashes water on his own face and Henry’s)
LEVI SAVAGE
(loaded down with filled canteens)
Ready, soldier?
JAMES
(takes half the canteens)
Ready. I pray we get there soon enough. The men must be scattered for the last
15 miles.
HENRY
(tries to get up)
…coming…. I’ll help. …..Daniel….Ben… must be…. ten mile back.
(falls on hands and knees)
(kneels to give a fallen soldier a drink)
LEVI SAVAGE
We’ll find ‘em all. We’ll bring Daniel and Ben.
(to fallen soldier)
Take it slow, son.
(as he leaves to help others)
JAMES
Drink, Henry, drink.
(Blackout)
Act 2—Scene 5
At sunset, January 29, 1847 near
San Diego; "Traveling in sight of the
ocean, the clear bright sunshine,
with the mildness of the atmosphere,
combined to increase the enjoyment
of the scene before us... The birds
sang sweetly and all nature seemed
to smile and join in praise to the
Giver of all good.”
(Men are singing softly and marching; they are ragged, but march in time as they
sing)
44
(Colonel Cooke puts his hand up for the men to stop)
(Battalion Men continue singing, more strongly)(various groups of Battalion men
can sing different verses with the whole battalion always singing the chorus)
Mormon Battalion Marching Song
The wind howled wild, great trees crashed down around us
Wagons tumbled, whirlwinds raged, and thunder roared
Lightning rent the sky as we clung tight in terror
We remembered then to call upon our Lord
Over mountains high, across the burning deserts
Battles right and left, behind, before us rage
No bullets aimed, no arrows find their targets
In gratitude we look to God and pray
We’re marching for the Lord and America
Dear Father, we ask thee to calm the storm
Our soul will sing with praises of thy name forevermore,
Strengthen us to bear the burdens to be born
Hunger, thirst, fatigue and wild beasts may slay us,
And yet our hearts turn soft to those we love
The mobs have driven tender souls to hardship
Our pleas for them reach heaven’s light above
On knees all hell is open wide before us
Our tongues are black, and yet our faith is strong
Though evil plans are laid down to destroy us
Our Lord again has heard our prayerful song
We’re marching for the Lord and America
Dear Father, we ask thee to calm the storm
Our soul will sing with praises of thy name forevermore,
Strengthen us to bear the burdens to be born
No Grumble, murmur, moan or groan escape us
In gratitude our Savior’s gift acclaim
We bring the light of truth unto thy nations
Rejoicing in thy love, the eternal flame
(sung with great emotion)
Those who would destroy this mighty nation
Those who would destroy all truth and right
45
Weep and wail for God is the great Captain
Angel warriors fight for freedom’s light
We’re marching for the Lord and America
Dear Father, we ask thee to calm the storm
Our soul will sing with praises of thy name forevermore,
Strengthen us to bear the burdens to be born
COLONEL COOKE
Men, there it is….the Pacific Ocean.
(The men look, see the ocean, and jump and hug and cheer)
(Men raise the American flag as pipers and drummers play, then they wave the
Mormon Battalion flag)(men listen as Colonel Cook speaks)
COLONEL COOKE
(speaks over music and soft ocean wave sounds)
History may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry. Half of it has
been through a wilderness, where nothing but savages and wild beasts are
found, or deserts where, for want of water, there is no living creature. There, with
almost hopeless labor, we have dug deep wells, which the future traveler will
enjoy. Without a guide, with crowbar and pick and axe in hand, we have worked
our way over mountains and hewed a pass through a chasm of living rock more
narrow than our wagons. We drove the garrison out of Tucson, with their
artillery. But your treatment of all citizens, American, Mexican or Indian, was
unmarked by a single act of injustice. Thus, marching half naked and half fed,
and living upon wild animals, our Mormon Battalion discovered and made a road
of great value to our country. Thank you, men."
Act 3
Act 3—Scene 1
Dance of the Green Veil: At the first,
the scene shows the beautiful, rural
countryside of Nottinghamshire,
England. After the father dies, the
scene becomes the smoky and grim
streets in 1840’s London
46
Dance of the Green Veil
Lucy dances happiness of youth (about age 10)
sister Elizabeth joins ( about age 8)
two brothers join (teenage)
Father and mother join
Father playfully waves green veil
family follows him as he waves the veil
Father tenderly places veil on mother, then slowly dies
Family mourns
Mother holding bible, gathers children around her, walks to London
(As they walk, the children shed parts of costume to appear older)
people from streets of London ignore and harass her and the children
Two missionaries come and give mother the green veil and the Book of
Mormon
Mother rejoices, remembers husband, holding the veil to her cheek
Lucy and Elizabeth dance with book and veil
brothers join the dance
Mother joins dance,
Elizabeth dies, then mother dies
Brothers given manual labor
Lucy is given stack of books to read and a hat to make
Veil and book of Mormon attempted to be taken but
Lucy holds them tightly
Pretty girl dances off with one brother, business man
with other brother
Lucy is left alone on stage
Lucy sings line from song of father wistfully
Feel ….the green veil
Watch… and pray
Know the green veil
When it comes…your…way.
Act 3—Scene 2
The back room of a hat shop workhouse
in London about May 1854
47
MEG
Lucy, are you still working on those hats? The other girls went to bed three hours
ago. What can you be thinkin’ of. You’ll ruin yer health.
LUCY
I’m fine, Meg. I’m healthy as a summer morning. I want to finish these hats
before morning. Mrs. Croft will be paying us tomorrow according to the number of
hats we have made, not according to the hours of sleep we’ve had.
MEG
Lucy, these are Fanny’s hats.
LUCY
Oh, I finished my hats over an hour ago. Fanny’s cough is getting worse, and she
needs the money for the apothecary’s medicine.
MEG
If you don’t have the sense it takes to go to bed it’ll be you needing the medicine.
(Sighs) If I don’t want to lie awake all night worrying about you, I guess I better
give you a hand. (Sits and begins making hats)
LUCY
You’re a true friend, Meg. And your kind heart is not as well hidden as you think.
MEG
Lucy what are you going to be doin’ with all that money you’ve been saving? You
must near have enough to buy Buckingham Palace, the way you’ve been slavin’
over those hats these years.
LUCY
(laughs)
I don’t want Buckingham Palace. All I want is passage to America. Any ship will
do, just as long as it gets me there.
MEG
Now why would you want to be going to America? Haven’t we got fine lads here
in London? A girl, as pretty as you, should be thinkin’ of choosing a husband and
settlin’ down. That young master Henry was givin’ you the eye when we were at
his shop t’other day.
LUCY
I want more than he can give me.
MEG
48
Oh, aren’t we fine! And what couldn’t he give you... him with his own shop and
all? He’s even got his own coach and four, and I heard him tellin’ his clerk that
you were a pretty thing and well-mannered, too.
LUCY
But Meg, I want to live with people who believe as I do, who believe that God
speaks to prophets, and that the truths of heaven will be shown to us if we are
willing to receive them, that people can live in harmony, and care for one
another...
MEG
Lucy, you can’t mean you’re going to... to... wherever it was.... the mountains in
the great desert of America where those... those Mormons are barely able to
keep a bit o’ corn alive with snakes and Indians and gold hunters wandering in
and out of the shacks they live in and what’s more....
LUCY
Meg, I can’t explain it... I know it sounds like a chase after fairies or rainbows...
MEG
I don’t know any fairies or rainbows that could live in a place without water.
LUCY
But don’t you see, Meg, it’s a place of Promise, a place where people are trying
to do what God wills, no matter the price, where the reward is much beyond even
my dreams.
Zion, the Pure in Heart
Long ago I had a dream, ‘twas the dream of many a girl
I dreamed of castles and courts and kings,
and dresses of butterfly wings
Then dreams transformed as the years unfurled, and, ah,
The castle became a humble home
With chickens of my own.
But still, I have another dream, my dream will always be
Of truths from the heavens, tumbling like rain,
On a welcoming, thirsting plain.
And there I stand and holding my hand is a noble son of God
Our children are free, and he loves me
He loves and trusts the Lord
How firm he stands on the greening land, …..the fruitful field
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His homespun shirt is armor-bright
His eyes reflect gentle might
Though foes may groan and rage and lash and cause
the world to reel
How calmly there he kneels and prays
Within his arms I’ll stay
And ‘round about our dearest friends are families like ours
Who plant and reap and laugh and weep
Zion, the pure in heart!
MEG
You make it sound like... like heaven on earth... even though it sounds like a
working heaven... but you’ve always been tougher than the rest of us, and kinder
too... Perhaps God is calling you; but after you get to America, how will you get to
t’otherside where your Mormons are building their Zion? It must be more than a
thousand miles from the ship’s landing place.
LUCY
I’ll get a job in New York City.
MEG
And what sort of job would you find in New York City?
LUCY
I’ll do what I learned how to do here in the workhouse. I’ll make hats. They must
wear hats in New York City, just as people do in London. I’ll make hats until I’ve
earned passage to the Mississippi River, to Iowa City, Iowa.
MEG
Then will you make those funny American hats out of a poor little animal with the
tail hanging down and earn enough money for a team and wagon? It will take you
years to do that, and you a single woman in the wilderness!
LUCY
No, I’ll not need a wagon and team. The people at church say the saints in
Deseret have it all planned out. Saints in Iowa are making carts that can be
pulled by people. There are wagons to carry the tents and bedding, and the carts
carry the rest.
MEG
(horrified) …like a pony? You’ll be pulling a cart like a pony?
LUCY
50
Meg, don’t worry. Perhaps I shall end the trip as strong as a little Welsh pony tied
up with ribbons and pulling a merry load of children.
MEG
Lucy, pulling a cart a thousand miles over mountain and desert with no stores or
inns to give you supplies or rest for a weary body? How much goods could you fit
in a little cart?
LUCY
Seventeen pounds. They will allow us seventeen pounds of our own things.
MEG
(Whispers) Seventeen pounds... why a good coat weighs at least five pounds...
and they say some of those mountains are so high the snows never melt even in
the heat of summer. The thought of you pulling a cart over a mountain through
snow and mud...
LUCY
I won’t be alone, Meg. God will be with me. If we’re trying to do His will, He
promises He will be with us.
MEG
Well, take Him with you then, dear friend; but take, also, a good warm coat.
LUCY
(Laughs)
I have such a coat. It is all made of fur. My father bought it for my mother when
they took a trip to the North Shore just before he died. It is warm on the coldest
foggy night. I have something else I shall take...
MEG
I know. It would be that book you’re always asking if I’m ready to read... the Book
of Mormon you call it.
LUCY
(Smiles) Well, I was thinking of something else but, yes, that too; someday, I
hope you will read it and then you might not think I was so out of my head. It’s
filled with stories of heroes...
MEG
You and your heroes, Lucy. You hold everyone to such a grand standard. People
are just people. They go to church and learn the Ten Commandments by heart.
They lie a little. They cheat on the weight of a peck of apples. They slave to
provide for their children, yet they drink their troubles away in the pub. Who can
blame them? Life is hard.
51
LUCY
I don’t blame them. They are trying to survive; but so many of them have given
up on looking for real happiness. They’ve traded their dreams for a loaf of bread,
because they think that’s all there is. I want more.
MEG
You remind me of my father back in Ireland. He used to say, “Meg, my lass, its
fine to ask for more potatoes; but if you want more, you’ve got to be willing to
give more; so I guess you’re volunteering to hoe the garden today....“ Is that why
you’re giving up your homeland... your friends... taking a perilous and harsh
journey? How do you dare? How do you dare?
LUCY
I dare because.... well, let me show you what else I’m taking besides my fur coat.
(Slowly takes the green veil out of a pocket bag tied to her waist)
MEG
(Meg takes the veil reverently)
Ah, Lucy, where did you ever get such an elegant thing? It’s sheer and soft as
the gossamer wings of a fairy princess.
(Whirls to make the veil float)
LUCY
…another gift from my father to my mother when I was very small... He was
always talking about this being a special time for England... a time when truth
would begin to cover the land like a green veil.
(Meg drapes the veil around Lucy’s head)
LUCY
He always told us to keep our eyes open, and learn a bit of truth from anyone
who had it. I believe that God will be with me in my search for truthl and, by living
the truth that I find, I will be happy.
MEG
Oh Lucy, you’re brave! …braver than a soldier on a white horse, if your captain is
God, but foolish as a boy in a rowboat crossing the ocean, if your captain is your
own fancy... What makes you so sure you’re not following a fairy tale? There are
many clever fairy tales that will lead a person nowhere.
LUCY
I read the Book of Mormon. I asked Him if it was true. I asked Him if I should go
to America. I asked Him if I should pull a handcart. When I feel happy and warm,
like I did when my mother and father held me in their arms, I know the answer is
52
“Yes”. …I just ask.
MEG
Perhaps... perhaps I will read your Book of Mormon, Lucy. But I’ll not read it
because you’re willing to pull a handcart across a great continent to a barren
desert. I’ll read it because you are once again finishing hats for little Fanny, and
last week you finished hats for Marybeth when she burned her lily white fingers
with the curling rod, and Marybeth would never consider pulling a handcart for
the queen herself.
(Reprise of Dance of the Green Veil)
Meg and Lucy start the hat dance.
Lucy dances with sailors in sailor hats
across the stage then dances a New
York hat dance with many New Yorkers
wearing hats. Once again, in dance,
Lucy waves goodbye to New Yorker
dancers as curtain slowly closes
Act 3—Scene 3
July 1856, Iowa City, Iowa; open field
where handcarts are being made;
round, large tents with center pole
(Much hustle of men working on carts and women cooking, sewing tents, etc.)
Lucy walks in carrying luggage
LUCY
(Looks for someone who appears to be in charge)
LEVI SAVAGE
That axle is not going to last, brother. You need to use your driest wood for the
axle.
JENS NIELSON
They say there is no dry wood. All green. Why they not ready for us as
promised?
LEVI SAVAGE
They didn’t know more groups were coming. They thought the three companies
that have gone were all who were coming for this summer. For fifty dollars, those
53
who have been waiting a long time could finally come. The floodgates are open.
JENS NIELSON
Yes, many pray for years to come to Zion. This plan make it possible for them to
come at last.
LEVI SAVAGE
Brother Jens Nielson, you could have had a team and wagon. You could have
gone to Zion with hired help and a wagon and team. Yet, you used your money
to buy handcarts and supplies for many families. Here you are building a
handcart for yourself with green wood.
JENS NIELSON
God bless me for a reason. I only share what he give me to share.
LUCY
Sir, I’m Lucy Ward. I just arrived from New York.
LEVI SAVAGE
Another! .... forgive me. I’m Levi Savage. Who are you with?
LUCY
I... I travel alone, Brother Savage.
LEVI SAVAGE
Well, you look strong. Find a family that is willing to carry your seventeen
pounds, in exchange for your help.
(He leaves to help lift cart to add wheel)
LUCY
Find a family.....
(Sung in round by Lucy, Elizabeth and Bodil)
Find a Family
LUCY
I am Lucy, Lucy Ward
I come alone..
ELIZABETH
I am alone, I come alone
I will push....
BODIL
I am alone, I am but nine
54
But strong and glad the work to do.
(Lucy and Elizabeth are astonished when Bodil sings)
LUCY
You’re so young to be alone! What’s your name?
BODIL
I’m Bodil Mortensen. I’m almost 10. I’m from Denmark.
ELIZABETH
And I’m Elizabeth Tait. How did you learn to speak English so well?
BODIL
(shrugs)
All the children learned how to speak English on the ship.
ELIZABETH
Well, we sisters traveling alone need to stick together.
BODIL
We can be friends, special friends?
LUCY
(kneels and hugs Bodil)
Friends forever! That’s the kind of friends I want.
ELIZABETH
We can help one another find a family to travel with.
55
LUCY
We can help one another pushing carts up the hills and through the streams.
BODIL
We can help one another bake a cherry pie.
(Lucy, Elizabeth and Bodil laugh)
BODIL
Well, maybe not pie.
LUCY
We’ll bake something, Bodil. I bought a Dutch oven!
(Sung as a round)
(dance with each going through arched arms of others)
LUCY
We can be sisters
We can be friends
God through his daughters
Tender love sends
You are so pretty
You are so bright
Your presence warms me
With rosy light
ELIZABETH
We can be sisters
We can be friends
God through his daughters
Tender love sends
You are so pretty
You are so bright
Your presence warms me
With rosy light
LUCY’S SONG
I am Lucy, Lucy Ward
I come alone, to serve the Lord
Who has need, I will not shirk
BODIL
We can be sisters
We can be friends
God through his daughters
Tender love sends
You are so pretty
You are so bright
Your presence warms me
With rosy light
56
Who has room for one who’ll work
My hand is steady, my heart is warm,
I offer help to face the storm
Who needs a friend, who won’t betray
I’ll give my heart to ease your way
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
I could use a strong lass such as yourself. My husband is buried in Scotland. It’s just my
four boys and me. The eldest has duties elsewhere, and as you can see, my Thomas is
‘most a grown man, but was born a cripple. I’ll be needing help pulling this cart for sure.
I worry about the wee one, Joseph. He’s but four years and his legs are a bit short, but I
fear he’s too big to ride.
JIMMY
I’ll carry him on my back, mama, every step of the way.
LUCY
And who is this fine strong boy?
JIMMY
I’m Jimmy. I’m from Bridge-on-Weir in the Highlands. I can beat any lads in a footrace
because mother had me running after the sheep and goats all summer.
LUCY
Well, I’d be honored to pull the cart with your family, Jimmy.
ELIZABETH’S SONG
I am alone, I come alone
My strength will grow to match my soul
I was born in far Bombay
The silver spoon was mine each day
With priceless jewels was my throat adorned
The meek and poor my family scorned
Then came a man who loved me so
A captain, tall, coat red and gold
He was brave and strong and true
with Irish eyes of heavenly blue
and visions of true heavn’ly goals
We joined our hearts, entwined our souls
He went to Zion with our son.
I stayed ‘til baby girl was born
My parents begged for us to stay
57
Rose- petaled silks would line our way
How could I break my vows to God?
To follow where my husband trod,
My baby died, my poor heart cries
But with my captain my heart lies
SARAH MOULTON
You break my heart. Here, (Puts baby in her arms) I had a baby on the ship. I was
promised in a blessing that none of my nine would die. You can hold him whenever
your arms are aching. (fiercely) He’ll not die on this journey.
(Elizabeth puts baby’s cheek to hers tenderly, then hands him back)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Come with my eight children and me then, love. My daughters and I will teach you how
to scrub and cook so you can take care of that fine captain and little boy waiting for you
in Zion.
ELIZABETH
(Holds small trunk)
I must tell you, I ... I carry a bit of extra weight. I have permission to bring it. Its jewels
and costly dresses…
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
(Looks surprised then kindly)
Well now, and am I not always saying all woman should be treated as the jewels they
are? We should get along fine, you and me.
BODIL’S SONG
I am alone, I am but nine
My mother says I make things shine
My mother is across the sea.
My parents soon will follow me.
They sent my sister just last spring
She waits for me, in a garden swing
I’m small but I am very strong
I’ll tend a baby, sing a song
My stories that I love to tell
‘bout fairy queens and wishing wells
Will keep a child walking far
We’ll race the sun and count the stars.
And when the night is cold and bleak
58
I’ll tuck a blanket ‘round his cheek
A mother bird, I’ll sweetly sing
And tuck him warm beneath my wing
(Else and Jens Nielson step forward with son)
LITTLE JENS
(very bouncy)
Do you know stories ‘bout giants?
BODIL
There was one giant that was so big and fierce, the ground shook when he laughed,
and it rained oceans when he cried.
LITTLE JENS
(takes Bodil’s hand)
Let’s keep her, mama! Why did the giant cry?
Act 3—Scene 4
Late July 1856 in mid Iowa; a small
settlement can be seen in the distance;
three to five handcarts are being used
depending on stage size; room for the
Shoe Dance is needed.
(Saints pull handcarts on stage)
JOSEPH
My feet hurt, Jimmy.
JIMMY
Your feet hurt ‘cause you want me to carry you, but my feet hurt, ‘cause I’ve walked the
soles right off my shoes. (Displays very old shoes with soles flapping)
JOSEPH
I want to ride on your back again.
JIMMY
Hold your horses. I’ve got to take a sticker out before you can get back on my back.
LUCY
(Comes pulling cart with Margaret Kirkwood pushing)
Let’s see if we can make it to that rock by that tree up ahead by the time we’ve sung our
handcart song. (Sings) When pioneers moved to the west...
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
59
With courage, strong, they met the test...
(All pioneers)
They pushed their handcarts all day long....
(The cart of the Kirkwood family breaks down)
(Iowa SETTLERs gather to watch the handcarts go by)
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
Oh no, not another break. That makes the third one this morning. Jimmy, run see if your
brother is done fixing Brother Caldwell’s wagon; ours is in need of his services once
again.
(Jimmy leaves)
SETTLER 1
Hey Bill, look-it them poor whites. Do ya’ think they c’n cross the Rockies pushing them
baby buggies?
SETTLER 2
Not if all their babies is as big as that one.
JOSEPH
He’s not a baby! He can’t walk.
LUCY
Come rest in the cart a minute, Joseph. I’ll lift you up.
SETTLER 1
(grabs Lucy’s arm)
Hey, you’re too pretty to be travel’n with this scruffy lot. Why don’t you come home with
me. I’d marry ya’ proper.
ELIZABETH
(removes settler’s hand from Lucy’s arm)
She’ll do better than to marry the likes of you, sir.
SETTLER 1
Well, my...my. Here’s one fer you, Bill. If’n you can git ‘er to leave these Mormons. They
say these Mormon gals make a real good wife....
SETTLER 3
I hear tell they got some women tied up and hide ‘em in their wagons. They prob’ly got
fifty women takin’ them against their will.
LEVI SAVAGE
60
Now gentlemen, where could we hide a woman in these little handcarts? Don’t you see
all our noble women are pulling handcarts themselves? Our few wagons are filled with
the sick.
CHARLES GOOD
Noble women and a noble purpose… Come, Bill and Jesse, can you see how brave
these people are being to give up every comfort and battle the wilderness to worship
God as they see fit?
SETTLER 2
Charlie, these folks think there’s angels talkin’ to ‘em! They’ve been driv out of every
state they ever was in.
CHARLES GOOD
Well, Jesse, God won’t hold you responsible for the sins of the Missourians or the folks
in Illinois, but I know your gran’daddy fought in the Revolution so people could go to the
church they felt was right for them.
SETTLER 2
But they’re just Mormons. They don’t count same as....
CHARLES GOOD
They count to God, Jesse. We all count to God. We’re all His children, no matter what
we do or what we believe. Don’t these people laugh and cry, same as us? Don’t they
get weary after a long day’s work?
CHARLES GOOD
The Strangest Dream
Last night I had the strangest dream,
It woke me from my sleep
I dreamed the clouds had gathered low
The snow was cold and deep
The wind came screaming from the north
It made my blood run chill
For dimly through the snow I saw
Folks struggling up a hill
I saw a little fellow step
His little legs were spent
His little feet were bare and cold
His coat was worn and rent
With every step the snow turned red
61
With every step he’d cry
But still he struggled up the hill
So bravely he would try
I looked down at my sturdy boots
My woolen socks were warm
My heavy coat, my gloves, my hat
Kept me from winter’s harm
I looked up at the little lad
His trials were not done
I sought his face, and was amazed
The child was my son.
The child was my son.
The child was my son.
CHARLES GOOD
Jesse, Bill, I’ve brought these children 15 pairs of good sturdy boots. It was all the
shoes in Mikes Mercantile. It’ll get them over some rough places without undue
suffering. I’d appreciate it if you would help me find some children whose feet are bare,
whose shoes look downright worn out.
LUCY
You brought our children....shoes? Bless you, sir. What is your name?
CHARLES GOOD
I’m Charles Good, ma’am. Do you know a child who could fit in this pair?
LUCY
Charles Good, I’ve never met a man who so deserved his name! Bodil...look what this
good man has brought you!
BODIL
For me?
CHARLES GOOD
They look just your size.
BODIL
I never had new shoes before.......
(Lucy puts one shoe on Bodil, Charles puts on the other)
(Jesse gives a pair to Jimmy)
(There is much laughter and joy among the children)
62
(Jimmy does a hornpipe type dance to the tune of “The Handcart Song”)
(15 other children join the dance)
(Settlers and Pioneer adults clap hands in time)
(Bodil throws her arms around Charles Good’s neck and kisses his cheek)
BODIL
Oh, thank you, kind man.
Act 3—Scene 5
August 13, 1856 near Florence, or Old
Winter Quarters ruins
(Elizabeth and Lucy are toughened pioneer women)
ELIZABETH
I am so tired this evening. I wish I could just curl up in my blanket and go to sleep by the
fire. Why is it that the men and boys are never too tired to eat? I’ll make the biscuits
tonight if you’ll make the stew.
LUCY
But we made it to Winter Quarters, Elizabeth. I’m tired, but I’m so happy to see this
place I’ve heard about so many times back in England, that I feel like doing an Irish jig
and I’m not Irish!
ELIZABETH
Just fix the stew, Lucy. We’re not to Zion yet.
LEVI SAVAGE
Perhaps it would be wise to stop here for the winter. It’s halfway through August, and
the snows come early in the Rockies.
ELIZABETH
Ah snow! After pulling a cart all day through this heat, snow sounds wonderful!
LEVI SAVAGE
It wouldn’t be wonderful to pull a handcart through...
CAPTAIN WILLIE
Brother Savage, where is your faith? With the Lord’s help, we’ll make it there before the
first flake touches the highest pass. Those who are grumblers had best quit here so the
rest of us won’t be burdened with them on our way.
LEVI SAVAGE
Brother Willie, I’ve crossed the Rockies many a time. Who knows the hardships we may
have to endure if we go on? We may have to wade through snow up to our knees, and
63
many of the handcarts are being pulled entirely by women with little children. We may at
night have to wrap ourselves in a thin blanket and lie on the frozen ground without a
bed, not having a wagon to go into even if it snows. We haven’t the proper bedding nor
clothing for winter camping, and even if we could get it, we couldn’t carry it. We must go
as we are–destitute of proper clothing. The lateness of the season requires us to plan
carefully and consider wintering at Winter Quarters as the first group of Saints did in ‘46.
CAPTAIN WILLIE
What do you think Brother Richards?
FRANKLIN RICHARDS
Brother Levi Savage, Brother William Kimball and I are just returning from a mission in
England. Many Saints there are encouraged to try this handcart system themselves.
What would they think if you stopped halfway? We’ll go ahead and purchase food and
furs for you at Fort Laramie. Then we’ll let the brethren in Salt Lake know you’re coming
late and they can send supplies and wagons if they’re needed.
FRANKLIN RICHARDS
(speaking to Saints)
Brothers and sisters, God is your helper. If you are united in faith and works you shall
pass through the Red Sea dryshod, though you might have some trials to endure as
proof to God that you have true grit. All who will have the faith to go on say “Aye”.
(There is a mighty shout)
(ALL but LEVI SAVAGE)
AYE!
(All but Levi Savage gather in groups discussing plans)
(Levi Savage sits, Lucy hands him a plate of food)
(Levi, unaware of the offered food, sings to himself)
The Exiles
God pity the exiles, when storms come down–
When snow-laden clouds hang low on the ground,
When the chill blast of winter, with frost on its breath
Sweeps through the tents like the angel of death!
When the sharp cry of child-birth is heard on the air,
And the voice of the father breaks down in his prayer,
As he pleads with Jehovah, his loved ones to spare!
(Author Unknown)
LUCY
Did you write that, brother Savage?
LEVI SAVAGE
No, Sister Ward, some poor soul on the plains of Nebraska wrote it in ‘47. But I have
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lived it, and I fear...
(stands)
Brothers and Sisters it seems you have made your decision.
(All turn to listen)
If It’s Required
My brothers and sisters, I’ve said what is true,
The road is far harsher than early saints knew
But God in His wisdom lets Saints find their way
Through trials by fire or freezing dismay
I’ve marched with the brave boys of company D
Through deserts so barren e’en rocks threw their plea
to heaven for water to cool the parched land
and heaven was silent then. God stayed his hand.
Our tongues thickened, lips cracked, and blue sky just mocked
One hundred and thirty degrees and death stalked
I saw many comrades suffer and die
Pleading for water or Mother’s kind eye
I’ve taken the gospel to India’s shore
and saw the sad plight of millions and more
Little children, God’s children eyes big, sad tears slip
Pleading for bread, arms cruel-thin as a whip
And dying in gutters, as the careless pass by
No mother to rock them or mourn when they die
Does not God love these as we love our own?
But his plan of salvation is to Him alone known
He allows us to suffer, to sorrow, to groan
As our soul is refined, yet we’re not alone
For did not our Savior so feel every pain
That blood soaked his clothing, for us he was slain
You have chosen the journey, harsh and lonely through snows
and lands far more barren than anyone knows
Your little ones, old ones and even the strong
May suffer and die .... before very long
I will go with you, pray with you, help all I can
Through blizzards and ice storms, though not my plan
I’ll walk with you, rest with you, suffer and cry
And if its required of us, with you I’ll die.
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Act 3—Scene 6
Late September on the trail
BODIL
Oh Jimmy, where can they be? They’ve been missing all night. It was so cold last night
and they didn’t have their blankets.
JIMMY
Don’t you be worryin’, lass. The men will find them. They won’t give up ‘til they find
them.
BODIL
They didn’t have any supper, ‘cause they’ve been missing since noon stop. What if one
of them was bitten by a rattlesnake, like Ellen was last week?
JIMMY
Little Ellen Cantwell’s only a wee thing. She’s too little to know to watch for them, and
after they doctored her up and gave her a blessing she was all right. Lucy and Elizabeth
are grown up.
BODIL
But what if the Indians got them and carried them off... or worse...
I heard the men say there was another attack on a wagon train just yesterday.
A woman and some men were killed!
JIMMY
They haven’t attacked us yet. The leaders say if we trust in the Lord, He won’t let them
attack us. We’ve got to trust. For some reason the Indians have left us alone. Just took
our cattle, that’s all. We be surrounded by Arapaho, Souix and Omaha, and yet they
haven’t harmed any of us. We’ve got to trust Heavenly Father.
BODIL
But Jimmy, old Brother Haley died yesterday, and he had lots of faith that he would get
to Zion.
JIMMY
Maybe there’s more than one Zion. Mama says Zion is where people have a pure heart.
I guess there’s plenty o’ pure hearts in heaven.
BODIL
Well, it must be a nice place.... but I hope Lucy and Elizabeth aren’t there yet.
CAPTAIN WILLIE
(enters with Lucy and Elizabeth holding his arm)
Bodil , no need to worry; here’s your lost lambs.... they were just the other side of the
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river.
(Bodil and Jimmy run and hug them)
BODIL
Oh, Lucy.....Elizabeth...... where have you been?
LUCY
We were going to watch to make sure none of you children wandered off, and it ended
up being us who were lost. Bodil, don’t cry.... we’re alright.
JIMMY
Did you see any Indians? Were you afraid?
ELIZABETH
(laughs)
Bodil’s worried about us, and Jimmy wishes he’d been with us to have an adventure.
BODIL
How did you get lost?
LUCY
Well, remember I promised you we’d make a dutch oven pie? I found some currents
growing by the river at our last stop. Elizabeth and I were going to pick enough to bake
a pie and surprise you. After we picked enough, we sat down to rest under a big, old
sagebrush and fell asleep. It was so hot yesterday.
ELIZABETH
And we were the ones who were surprised when we woke up and the company had
moved on.
JIMMY
We thought ye were afore us.
LUCY
Jimmy, even when you carry Joseph on your back you’re always ahead of everyone.
How did your mother ever manage pulling the cart all by herself? It gets very heavy.
CAPTAIN WILLIE
…and I’m afraid it’s going to get heavier. With all the oxen we’ve lost in the storms,
buffalo herd stampede, and the Indians scaring ‘em off, we’ve got to abandon some
supply wagons. The oxen, left, can’t pull the weight alone. Every person has to take a
hundred pounds of flour on their cart.
LUCY
(whispers)
…a hundred pounds!
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(Bodil gives a frightened gasp, then goes to Lucy for comfort)
ELIZABETH
I’ve been thinking how I could lighten my cart. Last night we didn’t have any blanket or
food or fire. I realized I had to trust Heavenly Father completely. But then how will any of
us make it back to live with him if we don’t trust Him completely?
(Takes small trunk out of cart)
What good will these fine clothes and jewels do me in Zion? Do I really need the safety
they might bring? Right now, what I need, more than riches, is a lighter load; so I can
get that cart, with an hundred pounds of flour, over the Rocky Mountains. Maybe
someone will come along who will need these more than I.
(opens trunk and takes out dress)
Treasures
(sung by Elizabeth and Lucy)
In this dress with a duke I danced
I was wined and dined…. and romanced
I’d wear it now but the duke’s not here
In deserts dukes are dear.
ELIZABETH
Once I wore this velvet gown…..
To meet the queen, I wore this crown…
But now the one I want to impress
Doesn’t care at all for sumptuous dress
He looks at me and sees my heart
Have I done my best to do my part?
Do I strive to follow His perfect plan?
Do I love and serve my fellow man?
This string of pearls I thought so rare
Cannot with lasting wealth compare
The lovely pearl of a child’s prayer
The wealth to hear my dear boy’s prayer
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
ELIZABETH
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
ELIZABETH
His pearl-white toes ‘neath his nightgown peek LUCY AND ELIZABETH
A string of toe-pearls hooked to feet
His rosy cheeks are ruby-red
He kneels beside his trundle bed.
These sapphires, blue as the bluest skies
Are glass compared to my husband’s eyes
My captain’s eyes are brilliant blue
And his heartbeat strong and true.
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
ELIZABETH
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
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I’ll leave these earthly treasures here. (puts things away, closes lid)
Perhaps someone will think they’re dear
But I’ll be richer far than she
I carry true jewels with me.
Once I needed jewels galore
I don’t need them any more.
Greater treasures I adore
I don’t need jewels any more.
LUCY
It’s strange how things that seemed so important don’t seem important any more. I used
to think all I wanted was to live with people who were like me, who wanted the same
things I wanted... dreamed the same dreams.... but now I just want us all to get safely to
Zion, to eat a bite of stew, to get a few hours rest, to hear Bodil tell one of her fairy
stories...
BODIL
Lucy, it’s getting so cold at night, and my feet hurt so at the end of the day. Sometimes I
feel too tired to eat my bit of bread. I wonder if... if God has lost us... does He care.....
does he care that you were lost.... that the hills are getting steeper..
LUCY
Oh yes, Bodil. I know what you’re saying. You’re missing your mama, aren’t you?
BODIL
She seems so far away in one direction, and my sister seems so far away in the other
direction....
LUCY
…and there’s not much here but sagebrush and more hills. But God knows that he has
a treasure here, and it’s not Elizabeth’s jewels, it’s you, Bodil. You are Jesus’ little sister.
That makes you very precious to Him. He is your big brother. He knows where you are
and how you are doing. This bit of earth is precious to Him because we are here….you
are here! (twirls Bodil)
I’m Jesus’ Little Sister
BODIL
I’m Jesus’ little sister
He’s more than just a friend
He’s my mostest biggest brother
His love will never end
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He thinks that I am special
He likes my hair and clothes
I think I heard him whisper
Even likes my funny nose
(holds up ragged dress,
then looks down and up surprised)
And someday when I see Him
I’ll sit upon His knee
And with His arms around me
I’ll be ever warm and free!
JIMMY
I’m Jesus’ little brother
So, ya better be nice to me
And when He’s right behind me
I’m tough, and six foot three
And if I’m feelin’ funny
He laughs at all my jokes
And if I’m feelin’ ornery
How kindly He will coax
And someday when I see Him
I’ll sit upon His knee
And with His arms around me
I’ll be ever warm and free
LUCY AND ELIZABETH
We’re Jesus’ little sisters
and though we’re very tall
He knows that even grownups
Can still feel very small
He knows that ‘specially grownups
Could use a helping hand
And with the Savior helping
We’ll find the Promised Land
(Jimmy, Bodil sit close to Lucy and Elizabeth) (All sing slow and sweet)
And someday when I see Him
I’ll sit upon His knee
And with His arms around me
I’ll be ever warm and free
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Act 4—Scene 1
Salt Lake City, October 5th, 1856, near the
Bowery
(Brigham stands at podium talking to group of Saints)
Brothers and sisters, it has been just nine years since the first of us arrived here in the
valley of the Great Salt Lake, and in that short time you have built your homes and
farms and even shops. Now I know some of you are discouraged that, once again this
summer, we had to battle the crickets who would devour our crops, but with the help of
the Lord and the seagulls, there is sufficient food for the winter. Though supplies are
low, with rationing....
( Richards brings a note to Brigham)
(people stir with concern and surprise at interruption)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
(Seems overcome after reading note)
(struggles to speak, deeply sorrowing)
Brothers and sisters........ I have just received word that two handcart companies and
two wagon train companies are struggling on the far side of the Rockies to make it to
the Salt Lake Valley. Their carts are flimsy, and their food is nearly gone. Many are on
the point of death from hunger, cold and exhaustion.
Rise up, Oh Rise Up
My brothers and sisters I plead with you now,
To open your hearts and then solemnly vow,
To do all you can with unbendable will
To rescue these people and God’s word fulfill
Don’t sit by your fire with the table full-spread
And pray for them only with pious-bowed head
Potatoes and milk are the prayer that they need
Prayer only is mockery when hungry souls plead
What can you spare for these souls lost…alone
What would you give if these folks were your own?
Your children were perishing, out in the storm
What would you not give.... to save them from harm?
The Savior has asked us to bind up the wounds
Of those who are suffering, appear to be doomed
The thirsty, the naked, the hungry, the faint
To serve is to serve Him so let us be Saints
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Rise up now, rise up and give me your names
The spirit of God.... to do good enflames
Those who love others the Lord says He claims
Rise up, oh rise up and give me your names.
JOSEPH YOUNG
I’ll go, father. Stephen Taylor and I will go. We brought the gospel to some of those
people in England and they’re suffering..... We’ll leave as soon as we can get fresh
horses and supplies so we can let them know help is coming.
BRIGHAM YOUNG
(closes eyes to answer)
Go, my son. May you return safely to your mother.
JAMES
I’ll go, sir. I have a good team and wagon. My name is James Cole.
(Many cries of help offered; teams, drivers, flour, onions, etc.)
Rise Up Dance
(people dance to fetch supplies then pile them up)
BRIGHAM YOUNG
(During the dance, Brigham calls loudly for:)
40 good young men to drive teams
65 spans of horses and mules
Wagons for supplies
24,000 pounds of flour
onions & potatoes
blankets and furs
warm clothing
shoes and boots.
250 wagons and men to keep the pass open
(The last part of the dance, a man lifts up a little girl, who hugs her dolly then puts it on
top of the pile)
(James and Moroni walk in front as people leave)
MORONI
James, It’s never been easy making a home here on the frontier, but this is going to be
the hardest journey any man could make.
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JAMES
I keep remembering all the people who helped us in hard times.
MORONI
Remember when you marched off with Company D of the Mormon Battalion? You were
my hero, going off to fight for America.
JAMES
Well, we fought bulls and thirst, mostly.
MORONI
But your pay you sent back made it possible for the rest of us to get here. I still think
you’re a hero.
JAMES
Once we were crossing a dry lake bed looking for water. We finally dug down eight feet
and found some. The captain sent young Lot Smith back with water for the stragglers.
He told him to pass all the men and give water to the last man first. Poor Lot. He
couldn’t pass up men pleading for cool water. He was a hero to those who got a drink,
but the captain made him walk tied to the tail of a wagon for a day, anyway. …so much
for heroes…
(pauses)
Will you look at that? Now, there’s a hero. Brother Robert Angus Bain, what are you
doing here? You’ve been mighty sick with mountain fever.
ROBERT BAIN
My brave mother, my four beautiful sisters and my wee baby brother are out there
starvin’ and freezin’! Brother Hatch loaned me a yoke of cattle and a wagon and filled it
with hay and food and some clothing. I am so weak they had to lift me into the wagon,
put the whip in my hand, but I must help rescue my family. Brother, can ya help me
back into me wagon?
(James grabs Robert’s arm and turns to go)
MORONI
(stops James)
Rhoda Ann and I bought this orange from a California company. Cost near a day’s
wages, but we wanted to try one. Rhoda says you’re to give it to someone who needs it
worse’n we do. Pack it deep so it don’t freeze. Rhoda says to save the peelings.
JAMES
I hope I can save more than peelings, brother.
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Act 4—Scene 2
(Women and children enter, pulling handcarts.
Lucy carries sleeping Joseph Kirkwood in her
arms. All appear exhausted. Words spoken
quickly with anxiety, women work during
conversation starting fire, getting soup pot,
putting up tent, etc.)
(Lucy is carrying little Joseph)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Come children, we’ll set up camp here. Come, sit a minute before you collect
sagebrush. Here, Lucy, set little Joseph here on the handcart.
JIMMY KIRKWOOD
I couldna’ carry him… I couldna’ carry him the last mile….
ELIZABETH TAIT
But you carried him the other 5 miles…
JIMMY KIRKWOOD
Time was I could carry him all day……most 20 miles….it’s so……so cold….
ELSIE NIELSON
The cold seems to drain the strength right out….
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
…wish I could give you all a cup of hot soup….
ELIZABETH TAIT
Maybe the men will find some buffalo this time… I hope the Indians…..
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
The Lord has protected us from the Indians so far….
JANE JAMES
….killed others though….
ELIZABETH
….took our cattle….
ELSIE NIELSON
They’ve been watching…..
LUCY
(with a bitter laugh)
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…but we look so rag-tag and pitiful, even savages on the warpath haven’t the heart to
attack us.
(kinder)
Jimmy, where’s your hat. You’ll never keep warm without a hat.
JIMMY
….fell off…canna’ say where….on the trail…..
LUCY
Here, take my woolen scarf.
JIMMY
….nay….ye’ve a greater need….
LUCY
I’ll make me another….
(rips bottom 12 inches off fur coat and shapes it into a stylish hat, sits down and starts
stitching)
(Jimmy wraps the woolen scarf around his head and shoulders then begins gathering
sagebrush for the fire)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Children, go get more sage for the fire, now. We’ll warm up with a nice hot blaze.
(children leave) If only I had some soup…some rich broth…
LUCY
I’m worried about Jimmy. He’s losing his strength. He used to be the strongest one.
ELIZABETH
Remember how he used to charge up the hills with Little Joseph bouncing and laughing
on his back?
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
….wish I could pull Joseph on the cart, but even though he’s light as a feather…
LUCY
(sharply)
Margaret, you’re already pulling a full-grown man and all the supplies for your family! If
you had to pull a baby chick more of weight you know you wouldn’t have made it up that
last hill.
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
Aye, lass, you’re right.
75
LUCY
We still have so far to go, and who would pull your son if you got sick? I’m…I’m afraid
I’m getting weaker, too.
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
If only my boy, Robert Angus, was here. He works for a good farmer with much food,
and to spare…
ELIZABETH
I want to make it to Zion, to hold my little boy in my arms again… to be held in the arms
of my dear husband…
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
And so you shall, my dear, God willing….
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
God willing…
LUCY
God willing? Did God will this? Does he even care? Are you there God? We’re
here….and we’re cold and sick and even the strong are….
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Come dear, you’re tired. If I just had a bit of soup to give you…
LUCY
There’s no soup….just miles and miles of grass and sage and hills…why would even
buffalo stay….
A Bit of Soup
A bit of soup, a bit of bread
Would warm my heart, remove this dread
How can we climb another hill,
Unless we know it is Thy will?
The nights are dark, the stars seem far
Is Heaven’s door for me ajar?
And cold and distant seems the moon.
And worlds away the flow’rs of June.
A bit of soup, a bit of bread
Would warm my heart, remove this dread
How can we climb another hill,
Unless we know it is Thy will?
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My husband seems so far away,
Will I e’er see that happy day,
When his eyes light with joy to see,
His true love’s love is still in me.
Men’s prayers no longer plead for life
or fields of grain, or no more strife
Their prayers are simple, only one
Thy will be done, thy will be done
Can my prayers with such faith sing?
With child’s faith my soul will ring
My woman’s heart will ever hum
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Wait a bit….(reaches into the trunk in her cart) I tucked two sea biscuits in this trunk
when we crossed the ocean…(triumphantly) Here they are!
LUCY
Ann, two biscuits will hardly make enough watery broth for….
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
I’m not going to ask the Lord for watery broth. I’m going to ask him for good rich stew….
like the loaves and fishes. (puts biscuits in pot) I promised my husband before he died
that I would get our children to Zion so we could be sealed forever as a family, and
that’s what I’m going to do.
(children enter)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Come children….kneel with us and pray. Pray with faith, sisters.
(all kneel)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
Dear Father in Heaven. We don’t know what thy will is for each of us, but we know we’ll
find out, and we’ll abide by it, but right now our spirits and bodies could use some stew,
with lots of onions and potatoes and thick, rich broth. We ask in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
(ALL)
Amen.
(No one moves)
ANN JEWEL ROWLEY
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(starts to stand then sinks back)
Who’s going to lift the lid and look?
LUCY
How long does miracle stew take?……I’ll look.
(Puts newly fashioned hat firmly on her head)
(While others hold their breaths, Lucy slowly lifts the lid with hem of skirt as hot pad to
reveal thick, rich stew bubbling)
LUCY
(breathlessly)
Supper is ready!
(everyone excitedly looks, then help each other up and hug one another)
(Gust of wind blows Lucy’s hat off. Lucy catches it just before it lands in the stew)
JIMMY
T’would make a grand bowl, Lucy.
LUCY
I think I’d rather use the one you carved me, Jimmy.
BODIL
(worriedly)
Lucy, the wind will blow it off again.
LUCY
There’s a answer to that, too.
(Walks to the handcart, takes out the green veil, whirls it around Bodil, then ties her fur
hat on)
BODIL
Oh, Lucy, lovely….like a fairy snow queen!
JIMMY
(offers Lucy his arm)
To the banquet, your highness? …and you fairy princess?
(offers Bodil his other arm)
LUCY
Noble sir, may your wish be my command.
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Act 4—Scene 3 Spotlight 1
The morning sun shows the handcart pioneers
trudging very slowly near the Sweetwater
River.
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
(stage right)
(lies on ground)
I will rest…away from my little boy and my daughters. God bless my big boy,
Robert, safe in Deseret.
LUCY
(kneels by her side)
Sister Margery, why aren’t you with your daughters and handcart?
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
(puts her cheek on Lucy’s arm and looks up in pleading manner)
I know I’m failing. I can’t go on. I’ve seen it in others… I-I can’t die in front of my
children. I sent them on ahead.
LUCY
Oh, my dear sister….
(looks up to see Mary)
Mary…your mother…
MARY
(kneels beside her mother)
Oh, mother, help will come.
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
(breathlessly, near death)
Well, never mind, Mary….. Don’t bother me. I am so tired.
CAPTAIN WILLIE
I go to find help. I won’t turn back ‘til I find help. ….wait here….
JOSEPH ELDER
I come with you.
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(Blackout)
Act 4—Scene 3 Spotlight 2:
October 20, 1856; Saints are waiting for
death or deliverance in the snow of
Wyoming
(Stage Center)
(Everyone is seated, looking gaunt and pale, waiting for death)
(Lucy and Joseph are huddled together near Jimmy and his family;
Bodil is with the Nielson family)
Thy Will, Not Mine
Three days….we have waited in the snow
Our strength is gone. Is the journey over?
Our lives are in the hands of God
Our lives are in the hands of God
Our lives are in the hands of God
Will we meet the Savior this night?
Will our offering be clean? Have I loved my neighbor?
Will He greet me and say, “Well done, well done,
thou good and faithful
good and faithful…..good and faithful servant?
(Light dims)
Act 4—Scene 3 Spotlight 3
Wyoming; October 20, 1856; Camp of
rescuers, near South Pass in central
Wyoming, snowy blizzard; scene inside a
large tent; Lucy appears in a dream to
James, as if standing on the air; a soft
breeze gently blows her snow white gown
and green veil
(James struggles in the tent against wind and snow)
(Wind sounds loud and mournful but softens when people are speaking)
(Kimball is stirring a stew. James takes off his hat, coat and scarf brushing off the snow)
JAMES
The horses are rubbed down. Old Sorry asked me why I didn’t bring the barn on
a night like this, but at least they have feed and water.
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WILLIAM KIMBALL
It’s getting too hard to find the trail. We’ll have to stop until the storm stops. We
don’t want to pass the handcarts in this blizzard.
JAMES
(takes off boots)
The handcart people must have stopped, wouldn’t you think? It would be certain
death to continue in this terrible storm.
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
(hands James a plate of stew)
Only God knows what’s happening to them. They’re in His hands. Harvey Cluff
braved the storm and made a sign and posted it by the trail, just in case someone
passes by.
JAMES
Brother Kimball, I thought I’d seen some hard trails with the Mormon Battalion,
and taking winter loads up to Fort Supply, but this is the hardest trek I’ve ever taken. I’m
tired ....
WILLIAM KIMBALL
....and we’ve only come 500 miles. How are those poor folks enduring? It’ll be a
miracle if just a handful make it.
JAMES
(lies down and covers himself with a blanket)
(sleepily)
Well, I guess it’s good we’re a people that believe in miracles. I’ve always believed in
miracles since I was a little tyke, and the mob couldn’t kill my pa.
WILLIAM KIMBALL
The mob! I don’t believe you ever told me that story, James. How did your pa get
away?......James........JAMES.......? Humph. Out like a candle. Young folks.... could
sleep in a tree in a hailstorm. (Lies down and blows out lantern)
(Dim light on James)
(He appears to be restlessly dreaming)
(Suddenly, a dream-vision of Lucy, appearing to be standing in air)
(She wears a loose and flowing white robe. Her hair is loose also. A long and flowing
green veil from her hair and drapes shawl-like around her, fluttering in a gentle breeze)
(James sits up clearly awed and astonished)
JAMES
Lovely lady, who are you?
LUCY
I am the woman wearing a green veil.
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JAMES
You are so beautiful. Why have you come to me? May I help you?
LUCY
The Woman Wearing the Green Veil
James, dearest James, I wear the green veil
It curls around me through my soul
It twines as ivy ‘round a rose
It will bring me to you
It is a rainbow bearing promise
It is my courage and my hope
The storm will soon be over
And the garden full of flowers
I’m the girl with the green veil
I am here in the snow
Dying, dying..
Take me from this bitter cold
I am to be your wife forever
Come, ere my spirit slips away
I am the woman in the green veil
Come to me and take me
To the warmth of your heart
Come find me, love
(She disappears)(stage is completely dark)
(Suddenly, James sits up and shouts)
(Kimball quickly lights the lantern)
WILLIAM KIMBALL
What in heaven... what’s the matter? Indians? Wake up the others! Where’s my boots?
Where’s my hat?
JAMES
It wasn’t Indians, it was just me. I.... I had a dream....it was almost like a.... a vision... it
was.... it was wonderful...
WILLIAM KIMBALL
You woke me up because of a.... a dream? Son, you’re too old to be having nightmares.
JAMES
Oh, it was no nightmare! No, she was... this was a lovely woman... a beautiful woman..
dressed in purest white wearing a green veil, a soft green veil. She said.... she said she
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was dying in the snow, but if I rescued her in time..... she said she would be my wife.....
forever.....
WILLIAM KIMBALL
James, go back to sleep. There’s no beautiful women in green veils out there in that
blizzard.....only poor forlorn, freezing, starving people.
(turns over and pulls blanket up)
JAMES
Well I aim to find out today. Come on, the sun’s almost up.
(Turns to leave)
(Kimball groans, but sits up)
(Shouts and commotion are heard)
(James and Kimball leave tent)
(Willie and Elder walk in)
(Willies feet are wrapped in burlap, he has difficulty walking and falls to his knees)
WILLIAM KIMBALL
Why, it’s Willie! Captain Willie!
CAPTAIN WILLIE
(He has traveled through deep snow and storm for 27 miles)
Thank God...... thank God we found you! The sign… the sign… showed us the way…
JOSEPH ELDER
(collapses, and is helped to lean on others)
No food…no sleep…deep snow….
(Kimball and James help him to his feet)
CAPTAIN WILLIE
The company... my people... east… 27 miles.... freezing..... starving... hurry.... we must
hurry... almost... too late....
Act 4—Scene 4
The handcart Saints are huddled in the
snow waiting for death at Rock Springs.
Thomas Kirkwood sits up in a handcart.
THOMAS KIRKWOOD
(shouting)
We’re not going to die! I dreamed the wagons came….at sunset….they’ll be
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here….
SARAH MOULTON
Margaret, you better check your son. His fever must be worse. He sounds delirious.
THOMAS KIRKWOOD
I tell you, the wagons are coming!
Thy Will, Not Mine
The night is stealing in, will I sleep?
(All)
Will I greet my father and my mother once again?
LUCY
my dear sister and dear friends
Will they be glad of how I lived my life?
(All)
I don’t feel the cold anymore.
The sun is setting on my world
I had hoped in this life to be someone’s wife
LUCY
A mother in Zion…………
(Lucy and Elizabeth)
Once I thought to raise a family in Zion, but….
(All)
Thy will not mine
Thy will not mine
Thy will not mine be done
I don’t feel the cold anymore….
JOSEPH
I’m still cold. Lucy….Lucy…I’m cold! My hands are cold.
(Lucy woodenly takes off her fur hat, covers Joseph’s fingers. She opens her coat and
he snuggles into her at her side. Lucy places the green veil on her hair, not bothering to
tie it)
(everything is silent, but the wind, as people await death)
THOMAS KIRKWOOD
(to himself)
I hear them.
(loudly)
I hear them! They are coming! They are here, they are here!
(Rescuers arrive; they stand and weep as they see the suffering before them, Some
turn away or hide eyes, others with tears running down their cheeks)
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JAMES
Oh, see how they have suffered!
(tears run down his cheeks)
(Slowly, the Handcart Saints stand in disbelief)
(Suddenly, they realize they are rescued)
(They run and hug and kiss the rescuers)
(children are joyfully jumping and laughing)
(Lucy rises with difficulty, swaying, but can’t take a step)
(Heber K. Kimball sees Lucy first)
(He nudges James)
WILLIAM KIMBALL
There’s your dream girl. There’s your wife.
(James moves slowly towards Lucy)
(They simply look at each other for a long moment)
Hello in the Snow
Hello…………………………...………
………….hel-lo………………………..
You’re…..here……in…the..….snow…
(long pause)
Did you……..dream…..of……….me?
How……did……you…………know?
(long pause)
You…..wear……a green……veil…
All tum……bling………….down
Like the……breath….of…spring
Halos rich fields of brown……….
JAMES
LUCY
JAMES
JAMES
LUCY
JAMES
You’re lovely face,
your gentle grace
I’ve seen in a dream, ……………………
And yet……….. another ……..place
I know…..you well
I don’t know why…
The square of your jaw
Your honest eyes
LUCY
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Won’t you give me your hand
Rest for a while
I brought you a gift
That will bring you smile
JAMES
(seats Lucy on a fur, makes
a rest for her back with his pack)
(James hands Lucy the orange)
Oh, Joseph…….look
The kind man has brought
An orange sun
From the land we sought
LUCY
A glowing fruit
To make our eyes shine
With sweetest of fruits
A gift divine
Let’s thank God in prayer
For the sweetest taste
Of His loving care
And His endless grace
God saved my life
Why?….when others died
To be my wife…..
To be my bride….
JAMES
LUCY
Could it be so? Could you be the one I have dreamed of and looked for?
JAMES
Let me introduce myself. I am James……..James Cole.
I am the oldest son of Barnet and Phoebe Cole. They’ve been in the church…oh
years….since the first year the church was restored. I have brothers and sisters. My
little brother, Moroni, is married. He and his wife sent you the orange. She’s very kind,
and keeps telling me I should be married….but….I hadn’t found anyone I wanted
to…….marry. (pause)
We all built a mill in Willard. And we have a farm and a ranch. We’re not rich, but
we have an orchard and plenty to eat….
LUCY
Why are you telling me this?
JAMES
I want to convince you………
LUCY
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Convince me?
JAMES
……not to ….die…
LUCY
I thought I was going to…….to die……….. I thought when the sunlight was gone,
perhaps I would go where the sun had gone, and get as close to it as I could and be
toasty warm………… but then, you came……….and I…..I don’t think I’ll go just yet….
JAMES
First thing, I’ll make a fire, and then I’ll set on a big pot of stew….not too
rich….’cause you need to take it slow at first…then I’ll make a bed in my wagon for you
and Joseph…and it’ll be the warmest bed you ever slept in….
JOSEPH
With a pillow? I remember my pillow…..
JAMES
…the fluffiest pillow in the territory for you, young man… and blankets piled a
mile high….and in the morning……why, in the morning…we can get to know each
other…and I’ll give ol’ Joseph here a ride on my shoulders to where ever he wants to
go.
JOSEPH
Zion…..I want to go to Zion!
JAMES
Zion! Then that’s where we’ll go!
Spring Always Comes
Come to a land where children play
Safe in the shelter of mountains high
Runnin’ and jumpin’ with lambs all day
Or dreamin’ in the sun eatin’ apple pie
And fresh-plowed fields are planted with wheat
and flooded with water from a big ol’ ditch
And planted with hopes of a harvest sweet
Where love of man makes every man rich
Would you like to go to a land of streams
Tumbling clear from snow-capped peaks
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Where the word of God like sunlight beams
Where a man can learn as a prophet speaks
A land that tries the best of men,
And the best of men is what the Lord brought
To match the women with valiant souls
By the greatest trials they’ve been taught
And a man can raise a family
of noble daughters and sons
A land of hope and a land of peace
Where the spring always comes
Where the spring always comes…
Spring….
LUCY
Stage right (spotlight; could be in isle)
(May Bain tugs her reluctant little
brother, Alexander, along the trail)
ALEXANDER
Where’s Mama. I want my mama!
MAY BAIN
Come along, Alexander. You know big brother Robert Angus is waiting for ye in
the valley. He is probably making you a big pot of boiled beef right now.
ALEXANDER
When we get to that creek, I wish we could see our brother, Rob.
MAY BAIN
Ye never know. He might be just over that hill.
(surprised)
…why….who is that man?
ROBERT ANGUS BAIN
(very healthy, runs down the aisle to embrace his sisters and baby brother)
My beautiful sisters….my baby brother! …..but…..where is mother?
MAY BAIN
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(falls to knees, head bowed)
Thank God…thank God you have come.
(looks up at Robert)
Mother has gone off so as not to die in front of her children and to rest.
Rosy spotlight on mother and sun
ROBERT ANGUS BAIN
(runs across stage)
Mother, Mother! I’m here. I was sick and weak, but now, I’m strong. Mother….
(gathers his mother in his arms and stands)
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
Robert? Robert, is it you?
(weeps into his chest)
ROBERT ANGUS BAIN
(puts his cheek on her hair, tenderly)
Mother, I’ll take care of you now. Mother….are you happy?
MARGERY BAIN SMITH
(looks up at son’s face)
I couldn’t be more happy and thankful to see you than if I were to be in the
highest Kingdom in Heaven.
ROBERT BAIN
Oh, my dear mother…
(carries mother back to sisters and they all move off stage)
Act 4—Scene 5
October 23, 1856; a very rocky slope, five
mile ascent, called Rocky Ridge. Snow is
blowing; wind blowing “bleak and cold”; at
the last of scene, a very small fire is
burning and a shelter of growing willows
(Sounds of fierce wind, blowing snow)
(people struggling through deep snow, falling often)
(Elsie Nelson pulling handcart, Jens Nelson pushing; handcart stuck)
JENS NIELSON
(falls)
Elsie, my feet are frozen black. I cannot walk another step.
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ELSIE NIELSON
I know… I know…
(weeps on her husbands shoulder)
JENS NIELSON
Leave me by the trail in the snow to die, and you go ahead and try to keep up with
the company and save your life.
ELSIE NIELSON
(stops weeping, abruptly; suddenly a tower of strength)
I will not! I will not! Get in this cart and ride! I cannot leave you! I can pull you!
JENS NIELSON
I will not ride. It will kill you to pull me up Rocky Ridge. Why, it’s a good five miles
to the top…this blizzard…
ELSIE NIELSON
It would kill me to leave you. (very forcefully) YOU... GET... IN... THIS... CART!
JENS NIELSON
(resigned)
Woman, what am I going to do with you?
(gets in handcart)
CAPTAIN WILLIE
(helps get cart unstuck)
Pray to God ….. (loudly) Here, men.
(Men come to help)
We’ve got to help with each handcart or they’ll never make it up Rocky Ridge.
Brother Savage and some of the rescuers are stuck at the river with a wagonload of
children….oxen won’t pull over the ice…
SARAH MOULTON
My baby…(spoken fiercely) God promised me none of mine would die…
(anxiously) I held him up to the sun today…you could see right through him…he’s so
weak…he can’t even cry anymore…I carry him on the handcart on my feather
pillow…still I fear the jarring hurts his little body…. (fiercely) God promised me…
LUCY
The men…they’re getting weaker…. Brother William James kept putting his little girls
on the cart….says little legs can’t climb big hills…pulled like a Clysdale pulling a plow
into camp last night….dead in his tent this morning…
JANE JAMES
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My William….stayed behind to dig the grave…not a deep one he said…He was
badly chilled…died in the morning…(weeps)
ELIZABETH
(comforting Jane)
…great courage to pick up the shovel…
JANE JAMES
Brother Gibbs died this morning… They brought his coat for William
but….(weeps) I brought it for Bodil. Hers is getting too thin. I saw her give her mittens to
little Sophie…Sophie crying every time she fell in the snow….
LUCY
Bodil …such a mother hen…
ELSIE NIELSON
She keeps Jens walking. Since my husband’s feet froze….they’re still black…it’s
all I can do to pull him in the cart….. Little Jens won’t leave Bodil’s side…she’s an
angel… Someday I’ll tell her mother….
(Bodil enters a bit slowly with little children)
LUCY
Bodil, Sister James brought this coat for you. Here, let’s button you up. Let the
sleeves cover your hands. I wish I could help with the children… Will you be all right?
BODIL
Thank you…thank you…
(Bodil and 6 children struggle through deep snow, falling often)
ELSIE NIELSON
(putting down the cart handle)
Little Jens, keep your scarf around your ears and pull your hat down tight.
(Kisses him and adjusts his scarf)
(frantically)
Little Jens, keep holding Bodil’s hand. Don’t let go….
LITTLE JENS
OK Mommy…
(Lucy, pulling cart with Ann)
LUCY
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Help the little ones, Bodil. They’ll get lost in the storm if someone doesn’t help
them.
(Bodil helps all the children, but says nothing)
(Margaret Kirkwood and Elizabeth pull crippled son, Thomas)
THOMAS KIRKWOOD
(sits in handcart, crying)
Mother, mother, if only I could help! Oh mother…..oh, Jimmy!
(Jimmy struggles with Joseph on his back)
(sound of wind gets louder as they struggle on)
Lights dim until stage is black)
(Lights come up dimly….storm has calmed a bit)
(Jimmy carries Joseph in, and sets him by the fire, pulling blanket around him. Lucy’s
woolen scarf has been given to Joseph)
JIMMY
Keep warm…..mother’ll be here soon….got to rest…
(Jimmy lies by the fire)
(Bodil and the children wearily come in)
(Bodil seats children around fire)
BODIL
Stay by fire….got to get more wood.
LITTLE JENS
I come, too. Mommy says hold hands. I help you, Bodil.
(Bodil and Jens wander off)
JOSEPH
(sits by Jimmy)
Jimmy, Jimmy….wake up Jimmy….Jimmy are you froze?
…………………Jimmy………………Jimmy are you with papa and Jesus?
(sad music)
(handcarts come in)
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(everyone works slowly)
LEVI SAVAGE
There’s still more handcarts, men. Let’s bring the last of them in.
(men leave)
ELIZABETH
Rocky Ridge…what a name for this terrible hill.
LUCY
Three hours of the hardest pulling in the harshest wind…. I didn’t think we’d
make it. Look at poor Jimmy, sleeping by the fire. We better get a blanket on him until
the tent is up.
(Elizabeth takes a blanket to cover Jimmy)
ELIZABETH
Lucy………… Jimmy is dead.
LUCY
Oh, no….. not Jimmy…..
(Lucy goes to Jimmy, kneels by him)
(Margaret Kirkwood, his mother, comes over)
MARGARET KIRKWOOD
Oh, my son, my son…… my brave, brave lad……
LUCY
Where’s Bodil……and Little Jens…
JOSEPH
Gone…gone to get wood.
(Lucy carries lantern, light follows her)
Bodil……Jens where are you….. Bodil……
(Lucy finds Bodil slumped by the handcart wheel, dead. Little Jens is leaning against
her, still clasping her hand)
LUCY
Oh, Bodil…..Little Jens….
ELSIE NIELSON
My baby… oh my baby! (falls on her knees by Little Jens)
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(Lucy tenderly takes apart their clasped hands)
(Elsie carries Little Jens body away)
(Lucy lays Bodil’s body across her lap with Bodil’s head on her shoulder and rocks her
as she sings)
(Music of Jesus’ Little Sister sadly plays as Lucy hums a verse like a
lullaby)
(Lucy sings)
I’m Jesus’ Little Sister (chorus)
And someday when you see Him
You’ll sit upon His knee
And with His arms around you
You’ll be ever….warm….and….free
(James comes to the fire carrying two children. He sets them by the fire, then stands
behind Lucy with his hand on her shoulder and his head down in mourning)
Act 4—Scene 6
2 Nov 1856; The day is a beautiful, bluesky, winter day; frosted tree branches and
pine boughs make a lovely scene for the
wedding in the snow
(James, Levi Savage, Heber Kimball and William Kimball are seated stage left around a
fire, drinking something warm, just before dawn)
(Lucy is talking happily with a group of women stage left)
MARY ANN JAMES
A wedding! A wedding in the snow! We’re going to have a wedding!
LEVI SAVAGE
(jumps up as if he had seen a ghost)
Mary Ann JAMES……!!!
MARY ANN JAMES
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Sir?
LEVI SAVAGE
I thought you were…….dead!
MARY ANN JAMES
No sir. (gives a happy little jump)
LEVI SAVAGE
But I saw you! You were frozen…..you were stiff and white, and they wrapped
you in a blanket to……to bury you!
MARY ANN JAMES
(shrugs)
While they were digging the grave, somebody spilled hot water on my foot. Mama saw it
twitch, and they worked on me ‘til I got warm. I feel fine now!
LEVI SAVAGE
That’s …….good. ………..that’s good.
MARY ANN JAMES
(skips off) There’s goin’ to be a wedding!
(runs to her mother and hugs her)
(Levi Savage sits down heavily)
WILLIAM KIMBALL
Levi, you don’t look like you feel so good yourself.
LEVI SAVAGE
Just give me a minute.
WILLIAM KIMBALL
Brother Savage, I believe that’s the first time I’ve ever seen you rattled. Even
when you were reprimanded by Brother Richards and me for recommending the
handcart companies winter safely in Florence, Nebraska, you remained steady and
strong. Your love for these saints humbles us all. How am I going to live with the
knowledge that many have died because I didn’t listen to your experienced council?
LEVI SAVAGE
Brother Kimball, in our leadership, we all make mistakes because of our lack of
knowledge and experience. But a true leader quickly changes course, when the mistake
is found, and does all he can to make right the error. That is all God requires of us. That
is what you are doing in coming to rescue us.
95
WILLLIAM KIMBALL
God bless you, Brother. God bless us all.
LEVI SAVAGE
…and so He does; so He does. Look at Brother Cole, about to receive the most
treasured blessing…a lovely and loving wife…
WILLIAM KIMBALL
Well, Brother Cole, congratulations! You don’t waste time, do you? How long has
it been? Twelve days?
JAMES
Twelve days.
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
Twelve whole days since you met! Now, normally, I’d say that was a might quick,
hardly time to find out the color of her eyes.
JAMES
Grey-blue, sir.
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
What?
JAMES
Her eyes, they’re gray-blue.
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
Oh, oh yes….her eyes. Well, that’s good to know. I’ll be sure and take note
during the wedding ceremony. Now I want you to understand something. ……. you’re
getting by quite easy here?
JAMES
Easy, sir?
(LEVI SAVAGE shakes his head, no)
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
Son, I’ve seen some quick romances, but I’ve got to say, this is the quickest. No
parlor, no trousseau, no weddin’ dress, no ring, no church,……. just the things that are
the most important things…. the bride and the groom and someone to marry ‘em, and if
we hadn’t a got here as quick as we did, there wouldn’t even have been a bride, and
that would’a been a mighty shame ‘cause a wedding without a lovely bride just wouldn’t
be a wedding! She’s going to make a fine wife, and from the way these folks carry on
about how much she’s done to help everyone, why I guess you’re a lucky fellow, and
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you better take good care of that little lady ‘cause she’s had enough trials for three
lifetimes!
JAMES
Yes sir, I will sir.
WILLIAM KIMBALL
That’s good.
JAMES
I was wondering, sir. Could you be the one to marry us? Lucy has asked Brother
Savage to stand up with her.
WILLIAM KIMBALL
I’d be honored, son, and I guess that’d be proper since I heard you tell about her
even before you met her; and I hope you don’t mind, but we still have 500 miles to go
and these folks are pretty weak yet, and since I’m not long winded, we can have a quick
ceremony and get on our way.
JAMES
Thank you, Brother Kimball. I’ll fetch Lucy now.
(tenderly brings Lucy)
(Lucy’s head is bare)
(After Lucy leaves, women huddle and conspire)
LEVI SAVAGE
Gather ‘round, folks. We’re going to have a wedding before we start our journey
today.
WILLIAM KIMBALL
Let’s begin…
(women and girls walk-dance in carrying gifts for Lucy)
(As they sing, they give her gifts)
(first few lines sung a capella)
Wedding in the Snow
Lovely bride, lovely bride
Here in the morning light
Rosy light starts a new way
(two dance green veil upon her
hair)
Dawning sky, arches high
Tendrils of dawning bright
( dance wreath of winter berries
and winter-green on veil)
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Bringing the glorious day
Gentle hands, tender soul
Kindest heart, your trousseau
Those whom you love have a friend
Sturdy man, highest goals
Willing to fight for souls
Warrior girded with good
(Place lovely winter spray in
her arms)
(Ann Jewel Rowley hugs Lucy,
then JAMES, then gives JAMES
her wedding ring)
Carpet of sparkling snow
Icicles chime and glow
May you be lovers and friends.
WILLIAM. KIMBALL
I now pronounce you wed, and when we get a temple built, I’ll marry you
there, too.
So Joyfully Happy
When I was a little girl, I rode my Daddy’s shoulders LUCY
When I was a little boy, I climbed the highest tree
JAMES
I thought that was as high as I could be.
(Lucy and JAMES)
Then I learned the gospel plan
Learned the upward reach of man
Great truths learned at mother’s knee
What I do is what I’ll be
(Lucy and JAMES
sing solos and duet)
Seemed if I
would but try
I could touch Eternity
But when I saw man’s indifference to man
I doubted heaven on earth could ever be
Now with you at my side I see another light
Shining through the night, a light, a light, great light
We will follow Him together,
to the Father, to forever
And the journey will be long
We must grow stronger,
but we will be so happy,
so happy, so joyfully happy
on our way together, and forever
eternally
98
And we’ll not forget the brave who gave their lives
to show the way towards the light
Then someday we will share a world
With those who’ve gone before
And we will sit at Jesus feet and He will say
Be joyfully happy, for you are mine
Well done…….Well done
And I will squeeze your hand and we will be
so joyfully happy
(All)
Epilogue
A scene of rural, Utah Valley in early
summer; also, behind a scrim curtain, as if
a veil, we see into heaven where Jesus sits
on a chair or rock
(James and Lucy greet Moroni, wife, Phoebe and Barnet, and other children)
LUCY (voice off)
(Lucy and James stand with 10, beautiful children}
James and I finally made it to the Great Salt Lake Valley. I love his family very
much. He and I built a lovely farm in Payson, Utah. We had 10 children. It is a good,
good life. Whenever my grandchildren are sick, I bring them an orange.
(Elizabeth greets her husband and small son)
JAMES
(voice off)
Elizabeth finally found her Captain and little son. They settled in Cedar City. Elizabeth
sewed fine Sunday shirts for all the men in town. Her only luxury was a big… warm…
cookstove. She and the captain had 8 more children.
(Ann Jewel Rowley and her children meet spirit husband/father and Brigham joins their
hands)
LUCY
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Elsie and Jens Nielson family helped settle many areas. They were blessed with two,
little girls.
LUCY
Ann Jewel Rowley was able to get her family sealed for time and all eternity in the
temple.
JAMES
Many of the handcart saints were asked to help colonize new towns in the west,
because they knew how to keep going when times were rough.
(Bodil and Jimmy run and greet the Savior. Christ kneels on one knee. Bodil sits on his
knee. Jimmy stands by Him, their arms around one another.)
LUCY
And I think Bodil and Jimmy are all right, too. I look forward to seeing them again.
(Everyone sings Finale)
Finale
Feel the Green Veil,
Watch and pray,
Know the green veil,
When it comes your way,
The light of God,
The hope of all,
The lovely green veil,
The breath of God,
Breath of God!