Ingersoll Lockwood’s patriotic and biographical stage drama takes place immediately before, during and amid the aftermath of the American War of Independence.
The initial scenes take place in the household of George Washington. First through the words of his servants, we are introduced to the man who led the American rebellion against the British. Staking his prosperous life on the cause, Washington is shown to be a family man of noble spirit, immensely devoted to his proud mother and his doting wife, as well as the slaves who maintain his household.
As the war commences, the harsh and bloody realities of skirmishes are matched with the resolve of Washington and his generals. In perhaps the most emotionally charged passages of the drama, Washington is informed of the betrayal of Benedict Arnold. Shocked, aghast, distraught and initially in denial at the treason of a friend he’d so trusted and admired, Washington steels his spirit to recognize the horrible truth.
In the later scenes, Washington surveys the victories attained and prepares for his role as first President of the United States. Though the years of war and Revolution shook his spirit to the core, we see that as a leader and as a man, George Washington emerged from the chaos stronger and ready to lead the new nation.
