1
2
The Battle Picnic
by Jonas Sellers
[Scene: a well-furnished drawing room in a fancy Washington DC. home, July 16, 1861] MANFRED [Excitedly) Well, the war with the Confederates has finally begun! We are determined to march to Richmond, and we will certainly overcome those rebels before the month has ended. Our victory will be swift, and the rebels will learn that they should not have unleashed Pandora's box with their traitorous ways.
3 JENNY [Distressed.] I believed that the war had already started in April, when the Confederate soldiers fired boldly on Fort Sumter. Surely that was an easy victory for them, and thankfully no one was killed on either side. But with all the volunteers President Lincoln gathered, why would the Confederate forces try to attack us now? I have heard officials say that our display of strength would frighten the Confederates into submission. [Pausing briefly in thought.] I am anxious about beginning a war; surely, many people will be harmed by such as serious act.
4 MANFRED [With a knowing smile.] I believe, sister, that you are less worried about war in general than about the safety of your own dear brother. Do not waste a moment worrying on my account; we will reward those Southern soldiers with a hearty beating, bring the black sheep back into the Union, and be at restful, even boring, peace again before you notice I am gone. By fighting, we will show our strength and our well-deserved confidence because we are battling on the proper side.
5 JENNY When must you leave?
6 MANFRED I came to say farewell, dear sister, as we march as soon as we are gathered. [Manfred walks over to the window and looks out.] Look at all the fine and fancy carriages filled with townspeople, determined to travel the road with our troops. What a stirring show of public support!
7 JENNY (Joining him at the window.] What can they be thinking of, to so merrily follow troops into battle?
8 MANFRED They are thinking that the battle will offer rewarding entertainment. They are thinking they will see our troops easily march to victory, just as I am thinking.
9
[Scene: July 21, 1861, along the Bull Run River, near Manassas Junction; there is a mass of confusion, with sightseers grabbing baskets and jumping into carriages; soldiers running toward the road heading back to Washington, and many soldiers dead and dying on the battlefield.]
10 JENNY [Totally distraught, staring toward the field.] Father, where is Manfred? Can you see Manfred anywhere on the battlefield?
11
MR. BENJAMIN (Demandingly] Manfred will have to take care of himself. Sit down and get settled now, quickly as you can. The road is already filled to overflowing with panicky people.
12 JENNY Father, this is the most horrifying experience of my life. Why did we come? Why did so many people come, to picnic at a battle? critical idea written like a 8th grader in35 lengthed wording