Act I

Act I

Scene.⁠—The Exchange Coffee House in Philadelphia, a morning in August, during Washington’s first administration. It is a great room with low ceiling and neatly sanded floor. Against wall, back, are cupboards with shining pewter tankards and dishes. Centre, a great fireplace with wide stone hearth, and high-backed settles on each side. Running up right, table with chairs left of it at irregular intervals. Long seat right of table. Right, back, tub stands on floor and contains melons, cucumbers, bottles of wine and a pitcher of milk, cooling. Over fireplace is a large crimson silk liberty cap, with these words above in large letters, “Sacred to Liberty.” On wall near is the following, in large print: “Breakfast⁠—two shillings (fifty cents). Dinner, with grog or toddy⁠—three shillings (seventy-five cents). Quart of Toddy⁠—one and six (thirty-six cents). Bottle of Porter⁠—two and six (sixty cents). Best Madeira⁠—six shillings a quart (one dollar, fifty).” Entrances upper right and left, also door L. 2 E.

A crowd of eight or ten men, including two or three Quakers, smoking churchwardens, discovered sitting, standing, drinking. Mainly men of the better class⁠—not rabble. Melissa, the barmaid, is serving drinks. Men come and go during act. James Reynolds, a handsome, dissipated ne’er-do-well of about thirty-five, slightly the worse for liquor, but not drunk, is centre of a somewhat jeering crowd at top of table right. Monroe is up left talking to some men. Giles is sitting at right of small table down left centre. Giles is reading some manuscript⁠—possibly a draft of a Bill for Congress.

As curtain rises there is a general hubbub, Reynolds’ voice dominant. First Citizen is seated on down stage end of long seat right of table R. A Second Citizen is facing him, seated on a chair, another is on his left further upon seat. Three men are standing in a group up stage R. C. An old man is seated on settle right of fireplace reading The Federalist. A man is seated on settle left of fireplace. He is playing chess with another who is seated on a chair in front of him. The chessboard is on a small round table between them. Two Quakers are standing near the door on the left. Monroe is conversing with them. The original flag of the United States, thirteen stars in circle and thirteen stripes, is on wall above inner door on left back. The chairs are all Windsor chairs, dark in color. Wainscoting about two feet six inches high. All woodwork in dark oak and walls and ceiling a neutral smoky gray.

Round table down stage L. C. with three chairs around it⁠—two armchairs and one single chair. The high-hack settles are set at an angle and start from the fireplace down stage on either side. They fit in between two thick upright posts which support a crossbeam. Similar posts are suggested right and left at either end of beam. Against the post R. C. is a chair. Three windows in right flat and one similar window in same position in kitchen seen through entrance up right back. Shelves and bottles in kitchen. Through door left back is backing with door and beyond the street.

At rise Melissa is gathering up tankards and wiping is off table right.

Reynolds

Standing on chair at upper end table R. I’m selling, I’m selling.

First Man

Seated R. of table R. down stage end. Keep quiet there, will you?

Reynolds

Loudly. I’m selling, I’m selling. States’ securities for the price of printing. I’m selling⁠—I’m selling!

First Man

Can’t hear ourselves speak.

Reynolds

What’s the use of keeping quiet? Where’s a gentleman to do business if he can’t do it at the Exchange Coffee House?

Second Man

Seated down R. other side of table. Oh⁠—where’s the gentleman?

First Man

Send the gentleman here.

Reynolds

I’m the gentleman. Laughter. I’m selling, I’m selling!

Men

Sit down.

First Man

Melissa, a tankard of porter, my dear.

Reynolds

I’m selling, I’m selling!

First Man

Sit down, Reynolds! How can you be selling when there are no buyers! Enter Tallyrand up L. at back. Ask that gentleman if he’s nearly finished with the newspaper, Melissa.

You see some business between Melissa and the man with the newspaper. He refuses to give it up. Melissa then meets Tallyrand C. at back. He has come on from street L.

Reynolds

Coming down stage C. Don’t any of you gentlemen want to make easy money? I’m offering you states’ securities for the price of the printing. Here’s a hundred dollars going to the highest bidder. Will anyone bid five? Holding up a paper.

First Man

What state is it on?

Reynolds

South Carolina. Laughter from the crowd.

First Man

I’ll give you sixpence for it. Louder laughter.

Giles

Seated R. of round table, down stage L. Where’d you get all this paper all of a sudden, Reynolds?

William B. Giles is a small, squat man, with swarthy, dirty-looking skin and a sharp eye. His features are thick and his manner coarse. His boots are heavy, his dress untidy, and his voice loud. He has the air of a successful bully and prizefighter.

Reynolds

R. C. down stage. I got it from the soldiers, Mr. Giles. The poor soldiers have entrusted me⁠—

Giles

Huh! They’ll be very poor soldiers if they trust you. General laugh.

Reynolds

Reading from a second paper. Here’s six months’ pay due Private Hiram Mott⁠—ninety-six dollars due from the state of Virginia.

Monroe

Up stage L. That’s not true, sir; Virginia’s paid every cent she owes.

James Monroe is a tall man, but because of broad shoulders and stocky build looks shorter than he is. His manner is the aggressively plain-citizen type. He is dressed plainly. He lacks Jefferson’s gracious bearing, but does not reach Giles’ roughness.

Reynolds

Ah, it’s easy to see you come from Virginia, sir, but the poor soldiers⁠—

Giles

Poor soldiers! It’s the fortune of war.

Tallyrand

He has been settling the score with Melissa up stage. He speaks with a slight French accent. Ha! Ha! The fortune of war! You bring about the war, your soldiers fight for you and conquer your enemies and then you repudiate their claim for pay. The fortune of war! The war for them⁠—the fortune for you, eh?

Some laughter. Reynolds mixes with men at back R. Tallyrand is very tall, with legs too small for his fat body. His blond hair is worn in long ringlets over his shoulders. His blue eyes, under heavy lids, have a look of scrutiny. His nose is pointed and aristocratic, but his mouth is large and coarse. His manner is watchful, but pleasant. He is dressed in the height of fashion. He wears a great hat with long curling black plume. When Reynolds goes to the men up R. two of them move away and go off up L.; a third sits R. of table R. Reynolds then sits on sill of centre window on R.

Monroe

Well, Tallyrand, I thought you had decided to return to France. Changed your mind, eh? Rather risky yet for the aristocrats to go back.

Coming down L. of table L.

Tallyrand

I leave tomorrow. I am settling my score with the beautiful Melissa.

Monroe

Sitting L. of table. You’re going to take the chance, eh? Well, I hope to follow you in a very short time.

Tallyrand

Leaving Melissa, who curtseys and goes out up R. To follow me, Senator Monroe?

Monroe

As Minister to France.

Tallyrand

Back of table L. Ah, yes, how charming! President Washington has already appointed you, eh?

Giles

Not yet, but we shall get it all right.

Tallyrand

We? Oh, you also? Two ministers?

Giles

No, not two ministers, but it sometimes takes two men to get one job.

Enter Schuyler from street up L.; he comes to C. looking around.

Tallyrand

Ah! You mean it is not so easy. You have to deal with Alexander Hamilton.

Giles

We’ll deal with him all right. Alexander Hamilton⁠—

General Philip Schuyler is a large man, inclining to stoutness. He has a gouty foot and walks with a slight limp. His dress suggests the aristocrat; his manner is open and genial. He is a handsome, lovable old gentleman. He carries a handsome cane.

Monroe

Shh!

Schuyler

Howdy, everybody!

Two or three of the men say “Howdy, General.” The Second Citizen rises and bows.

Tallyrand

Goes to him effusively. Ah, General Schuyler, how are you?

Schuyler

Turning and bowing. Count Tallyrand.

Tallyrand takes his two hands warmly.

Tallyrand

And how fares your illustrious son-in-law, Alexander Hamilton?

Schuyler

Why, I guess he’s all right. I’ve just come from Albany. I’ve been over to his house and find he’s not at home.

Giles moves to chair back of table L. and shows Monroe papers.

Tallyrand

Ah, ’tis good for him to get away from his labors sometimes.

Schuyler

Well, it’s a queer thing for him to be away this time in the morning. Turning again to look around to the R. another man rises and says: “Howdy, General.” I thought he might be here⁠—

Reynolds

Advancing effusively, taking off his hat and snaking a low bow. General Schuyler, now I’ll sell you one of these⁠—

Schuyler ignores him and turns back to Tallyrand. Reynolds goes up to behind table R., laughing.

Schuyler

Everybody calls here.

Tallyrand

Yes, everybody comes to see everybody at the Exchange Coffee House. I find it amusing. It is Club, Restaurant, Merchants’ Exchange, everything.

Enter Melissa with drinks; places them on table R.

Schuyler

Ah, we’ll alter all that in time. Count Tallyrand. We’re young, you know. Give Alexander Hamilton time to sow some seeds. We’ll have a real Merchants’ Exchange and a real live country that will be able to pay its debts. Twinge of gout. Melissa gets chair from in front of post R. and brings it down R. of Schuyler, replacing it against table R., then taking tray with other drinks across to table down L., giving one to Giles and one to Monroe. And I hope I shall have a real foot, which I haven’t at this moment. And if you don’t mind, Melissa, my girl, I’ll just rest it in the parlor before I hobble along. Good day to you. Count Tallyrand.

Going L.

Tallyrand

I shall call on Alexander before I leave.

Schuyler

He’ll be extremely glad to see you. Twinge. Confound this foot. Goes off R. 2 E.

Reynolds

Who has been drinking and conversing with one or two shady-looking characters, coming to him. Count Tallyrand, before you return to la belle France, wouldn’t you like to buy up the whole of the French Loan? I’ll sell it to you for ten cents.

Laughter. Enter L. front street, Thomas Jefferson. He is a man over six feet tall. His red hair is unpowdered. He has pointed features and a freckled face. His corduroy breeches are well-worn.

Jefferson

Coming down stage C. Good day to you, Citizens.

First Man rises and says: “Good day, Mr. Jefferson”; one or two other men say: “Mr. Jefferson.”

Melissa

Coming forward with a curtsey to L. of Jefferson. Good day to you, Mr. Jefferson.

Jefferson

Good day to you, Melissa. And how is your father today? Mending, I hope.

Melissa

Yes, Your Honor. Thank you, Your Honor.

Jefferson

No “Honor” for me; just plain Citizen, Melissa. Tell him I asked after him.

Moving toward table L.

Melissa

Thank you, sir. Curtseys and is going R.

Jefferson

Turning slightly, raising finger in protest. Leave off the “Sir.”

Melissa

Yes, sir.

Jefferson

Laughs slightly amused. A little Madeira now, Melissa. She goes hurriedly R., and exits. Citizen Monroe⁠—Shakes hands. Good day to you, Citizen Giles. Does not shake with Giles.

Giles

Howdy, Tom Jefferson.

Jefferson

Turning in front of table L. Ah, Citizen Tallyrand.

Tallyrand

Coming down C. Count Tallyrand, if you please.

Jefferson

In America there are no titles. Citizen Tallyrand. In this land of the free all men are equal.

Giles

And they say titles ain’t so very popular in France just now.

Jefferson

Sitting R. of table L. Ah, France! What a glorious change! The apostle of Liberty and Fraternity.

Tallyrand

Liberty! Fraternity! What do you mean by liberty, Mr. Jefferson?

Jefferson

Points to cap over mantel. Ask your own countrymen, Citizen Tallyrand. There you behold the symbol of the liberty of your great land of France. To us in America, that crimson cap stands as a symbol of freedom⁠—a symbol⁠—

Tallyrand

You call that dirty rag a symbol of Liberty? I call it a symbol of license, of lawlessness, of murder. What say you, Thomas Jefferson, to the murder of my king, Louis of France? Is that, too, a symbol of Liberty, of Fraternity?

Jefferson

It is the will of the people. The time is not far distant, Citizen Tallyrand, when every king in Europe will have been swept into the dust heap of history. Approval from the crowd.

Monroe

Louis the Sixteenth was an oppressor of the people.

Jefferson

A tyrant.

Giles

Yes, sir.

Tallyrand

To Jefferson. You say that⁠—you who for five years were Minister to France and enjoyed his friendship? You, who have sat at his table?

Jefferson

It was necessary to use the arm of the people. Fate decreed that your newly-founded Republic should be cemented with the blood of aristocrats.

Giles

Down with aristocrats! Down with tyrants everywhere!

Tallyrand

Yes, I know your idea of liberty! Down with aristocrats! Down with everybody⁠—who is in your way!

Giles

I’ll tell you one thing, Citizen Tallyrand, and I’ll tell it to you now. There are some damned aristocrats in this country that’ll get the same treatment your king got if they don’t go careful.

Tallyrand

Who helped you win your freedom? The king of France.

Giles

Well, we ain’t goin’ t’ have any kings in this country.

Tallyrand

Who desires to be king?

Giles

Fiercely. George Washington does.

Monroe

And Alexander Hamilton wants to be Prime Minister! Wants to be? He is Prime Minister this very minute. Prime Minister of America. Huh!

By this time everybody in the room is listening.

Jefferson

Conciliatory. I assure you, Citizen Tallyrand, Citizen Giles and Citizen Monroe voice the sentiments of the great body of the American people. Murmurs of assent from the crowd. There is a growing unrest all over this land at the aristocratic tendencies of our President. There is bitter and righteous opposition to Alexander Hamilton’s efforts to centralize the government and assume the debts of the thirteen free and independent states. Such a centralization of power would inevitably lead to monarchy. I stand on the platform of the Rights of Man⁠—the rights of the individual⁠—the right of each state to its freedom. And I tell you, Citizen Tallyrand, the gravest danger that threatens America today rests in the persons of those men who are striving to centralize the power of the United States; striving to establish a military dictatorship.

Approval from crowd at table R. One man strikes the table to emphasize his agreement.

Monroe

A condition that will involve us in European quarrels in which it should be our policy to take no part.

Tallyrand

How can you keep out of European quarrels when your interests are bound up with those of Europe?

Monroe

Our riches and resources can bid defiance to any power on earth. It is only when our rights are invaded that we should make preparation for our defense.

Tallyrand

With a shrug. Yes, and then it will be perhaps too late.

Jefferson

Citizen Tallyrand, I look for the day when during the rage of eternal wars in Europe, the lion and the lamb within our regions shall lie down together in peace.

Tallyrand

Down beside Jefferson. Yes, they would lie down together⁠—until the lion feel hungry, then he would get up and eat the lamb.

Laughter from crowd.

Monroe

Against this tendency toward centralization, we who love the freedom of our own state will fight to the death.

Tallyrand

Moving to C. Yes, thirteen jealous states all working against each other. How are you going to pay your debts without a central government? You have no credit abroad. Your paper is not worth five cents on the dollar. Why don’t you pay the men who furnished you supplies for your war? Why don’t you pay the soldiers who gained you that liberty that you love so dearly?

Giles

Damn the soldiers. This country’s goin’ to put a stop to Washington’s coddling of the army.

Tallyrand

Advancing a little to Giles. It was the soldiers who won you your precious freedom.

Monroe

Well, Virginia’s paid her soldiers.

Tallyrand

Coming down on Monroe’s level. Has South Carolina? Has Rhode Island?

Monroe

That’s no affair of Virginia.

Giles

No, sir.

Tallyrand

Why not? Did not the soldiers of Rhode Island help Virginia to her liberty? Each one fought for the common good. Each one should be paid.

Jefferson

By that, Citizen Tallyrand, I understand you to mean that the government should assume the war debts of all the states.

Tallyrand

Those debts were the price of your liberty. If you have a government, it should pay the country’s debts.

Jefferson

Citizen Tallyrand, you are simply speaking from Alexander Hamilton’s platform. You are an aristocrat.

Some of the crowd agree with this.

Monroe

So’s Hamilton.

Tallyrand shrugs his shoulders and moves to R. C.

Jefferson

As such you cannot possibly understand the love of liberty that burns in the heart of every loyal American. Rising and coming to Tallyrand. This attempt by Alexander Hamilton to compel the central government to assume the debts of the thirteen states is merely a trick, a maneuver, to give greater power to that central body and to ruthlessly crush the freedom of the states. We, as Virginians, love Virginia. Her freedom⁠—We will fight for her freedom⁠—

Moves back to his chair.

Tallyrand

Coming toward him. Fight! Mon Dieu! Where were you when Alexander Hamilton stormed the redoubts at Yorktown?

Jefferson

As you know, Citizen Tallyrand, I am not a soldier. Sits.

Giles

Winking at Monroe. Jefferson has never been a fighter, you know, Citizen Tallyrand.

Tallyrand

C. Citizen! Citizen! Citizen! You prate and boast about the rights of man, and sneer at Alexander Hamilton as an aristocrat. Have any of you worked for the Rights of Man as he has? When it was an affair of fighting for your liberty, he fought. At the age of nineteen⁠—twenty years, he had risen to be Colonel and was leading the victorious charge at Yorktown. At the hour when your liberty was assured he lay down his arms and commenced to make a nation of you. I tell you I have known all the great men of my time⁠—Pitt, Fox, Washington⁠—and of them all it is my boast that I know Alexander Hamilton. Adieu!

He sweeps out, L. U. E. to the street. During the following dialogue there is general movement and talking amongst the crowd; some laugh tolerantly, others shake their heads in doubt. The First Man rises and bowing to the man he has been talking to, crosses to the man at the fireplace who is reading the paper, has a few words with him and then exits up R. The man he has been speaking to, down R., rises and is joined by the man who has been sitting on the other side of the table, R.; they take arms and stroll out up L., chatting as they go. One of the Quakers goes into the street L. and the other comes to C. and watches the men who are playing chess; he afterwards sits in the upper corner of settle L. of fireplace. Reynolds strolls up and takes down a pipe from mantel. He chats a moment with a soldier who is sitting L. of table R. The man who was reading the paper goes off R., leaving the paper on settle.

Giles

Why, the crazy⁠—

Jefferson

Hush! He’s right, friend, he’s right. Hamilton is a great man, but his energies are misdirected.

Rises and moves to C.

Giles

Great man! Why, he ain’t got half the following you have!

Monroe

That infernal French aristocrat has put the whole thing in a nutshell. Hamilton and Washington are working against the interests of the individual. They’re working against us.

During this Melissa enters from R. with a glass of Madeira, puts it on table L. and then crossing over to post R. C. she hangs a card on it. It is a notice of a ship’s sailing. Reynolds has some business of flirting with her. He slips his arm through hers⁠—she resents and exits L. 2 E. Reynolds goes off up R.

Jefferson

Come, come, we mustn’t say that.

Monroe

Well, it’s true!

Jefferson

That may be, but⁠—

Giles

Well, what you goin’ t’ do about it!

Jefferson

To Melissa. Ah, thank you, my dear. He and Monroe drink. As they drink Reynolds flirts with Melissa; see above. Citizen Monroe, I came in the hope of finding you here this morning because I have decided that it is necessary that you and I should make a friendly call upon Alexander Hamilton.

During dialogue the two men who have been playing chess rise and consult the card Melissa has hung up. One of them makes some notes; they exchange a few words, bow to each other and go off R. and L. The Quaker remains on settle L. of fireplace reading from a small book.

Monroe

A friendly call!

Jefferson

To conciliate him.

Monroe

With what object?

Jefferson

We need his cooperation. Sits again. The decision of the location of the Capital of the United States is now a matter of urgent necessity. It is vitally necessary that we should secure the Capital for the South, where our influence is paramount.

Monroe

Don’t see any need to worry about that. The North hasn’t got any chance anyway. Why, Washington’s a Virginian⁠—if he is under Alexander Hamilton’s thumb.

Giles

Rising. George Washington ain’t got a damned bit of loyalty in him!

Jefferson

Come, come! I cannot discuss this matter with you, Citizen Giles, unless you refrain from invective.

Giles

Well⁠—he’s a Virginian, and yet he is just as interested in New York and Massachusetts as he is in Virginia. It makes me sick.

A soldier who has been sitting L. of table R. rises and goes off up R. smiling.

Monroe

The Capital of the United States doesn’t go to the North as long as James Monroe has a fight in him.

Jefferson

Let us consider our own position. Hamilton is straining every nerve to pass through Congress his Bill for the Government Assumption of States’ Debts.

Reynolds appears at door up R. smoking a pipe. He leans against door a minute, then comes to post R. C. and pretends to be reading the card while he listens.

Giles

It’s an outrage. Let every state pay its own debts.

Monroe

Well, we’re blocking that bill, and will continue to block it to the last ditch.

Giles sits back of table L.

Jefferson

Without our cooperation⁠—which we cannot possibly extend⁠—his bill cannot go through.

Monroe

Then what’s the use of us going to ask favors of him when he knows perfectly well that we are the most active opponents of his bill?

Giles

I say, fight him.

Monroe

I believe you’re right, Giles, fight him!

Jefferson

Coming toward table L. Come, come, Monroe, more flies may be caught with a dish of molasses than with a sea of vinegar. You know you’ve set your heart on being appointed Minister to France.

Monroe

I have.

Jefferson

Hamilton’s word will go a long way with Washington. Reynolds turns his head slightly toward them, then picking up paper sits on seat R. of fireplace and reads, removing his hat, which he places beside him. Come, we’ll make a friendly call.

Giles

Hamilton will fight tooth and nail to have the Capital in New York.

Jefferson

That may be. Hamilton is a New Yorker.

Giles

Sneers. Is he? He comes from God knows where.

Jefferson

Sh⁠—sh!

Giles

A bastard, born in the⁠—

Monroe and Jefferson protest; Jefferson rises.

Monroe

We don’t need to discuss his arrival into the world, Giles. I am far more interested in his removal.

Reynolds turns chair in front of him and puts his feet on it.

Jefferson

Moving to C. We must be prepared for his opposition to the South⁠—

Monroe

It will be a lasting disgrace to this country if the Capital is not in Virginia.

Jefferson

Too remote, Monroe. You see we’ve no post-roads. Inaccessible from New England.

Giles

Damn it! Ain’t you workin’ for Virginia?

Jefferson

I’m afraid we cannot hope for Virginia. I believe, though, if we go carefully, there is a chance of getting it for the South.

Monroe

Where?

Jefferson

On the Potomac.

Giles

Well, that’s a damned sight better’n New York.

Jefferson

Coming back to table. Come, we will call on Hamilton this evening⁠—a friendly call⁠—after supper, perhaps. But remember we must steer clear of any mention of his Bill for the Government Assumption of States’ Debts.

Monroe

It doesn’t suit me to go begging to Hamilton.

Giles

He’s got the President wound round his little finger.

Monroe

And the people trust him.

Giles

Shake the people’s faith in him, that’s the thing.

Reynolds lowers his paper a moment.

Jefferson

He’s honest, Giles. We’ve tested his honesty.

Monroe

Yes, the Anti-Federalists have attacked his honesty as Secretary of the Treasury from every possible angle, and he’s always beaten us.

Giles

We ain’t used up our whole bag o’ tricks yet, not by a damned sight.

Jefferson

With a slight look of disapproval at Giles. Then, Citizen Monroe, we will meet here this evening at nine. Monroe rises. We will make a late call on Hamilton, as I wish our visit to be regarded scarcely as one relating to business.

He goes up to street door L.

Giles

Scratching chin. If we could only make the people believe that Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, ain’t playin’ fair with the gate-money⁠—why, we’d have the hull country in our pockets.

Reynolds can be observed listening. Enter Schuyler from parlor L. 2 E., followed by Melissa. At sound of Schuyler’s voice, Giles rises and crossing to table R. puts his foot up on a chair and thinks.

Schuyler

I think I’ll be hobbling off, Melissa. My regards to your father.

Melissa crosses Schuyler to chessboard at fireplace.

Jefferson

Good day to you. Citizen Schuyler.

Returning from street door.

Schuyler

At post L. of fireplace. Howdy do, Mr. Jefferson. Howdy do, Senator Monroe.

Jefferson

And how’s the gout?

Schuyler

Well, it’s⁠—Gets a twinge. Oh⁠—I can’t tell you in the presence of this young lady.

Melissa, taking pipes off chess-table, moves over to table R., picks up some jugs and exits up R.

Monroe

Coming up L. We were just talking about your son-in-law, Alexander Hamilton.

Schuyler

With a grunt. Ah! That doesn’t surprise me.

Jefferson

Mrs. Hamilton is not back from England yet?

Schuyler

No, Betsy’s not back yet.

Jefferson

I understand she went over to see your other daughter who was sick. I trust she is better.

Schuyler

Yes, she’s all right now, thank God!

Monroe

Mr. Jefferson and I propose to drop in and see Alexander Hamilton tonight.

Jefferson

I hope that he is well.

Schuyler

Yes, he’s as well as you fellows will let him be.

Monroe

A step toward him angrily. What do you mean by that, General Schuyler?

Schuyler

Responding with anger. You know what I mean. Monroe goes up to street door L.

Jefferson

Between them and laughing. Come, come, do not let us quarrel. We’re coming in to have a little chat with Citizen Hamilton concerning the location of the Capital. Schuyler looks interested. Citizen Schuyler, I bid you good day, sir. Good day to you, Citizen Giles.

Monroe

Good day.

Giles

Good day. Exit Jefferson and Monroe to L. through street door. Give my love to Alexander.

Grins.

Schuyler

Looks after Jefferson and Monroe and then at Giles. You’re cooking something for him between you, and you’re the chief stoker.

Giles

I’m a fighter, if that’s what you mean.

Schuyler

Yes, you’re a fighter, but a damned poor sportsman. When your party wants to circulate any damnable insinuations about Alexander Hamilton, they go to Giles of Virginia and he does the dirty work. Giles turns. Because you and your gang know that Alexander has the confidence of the people and that he means to make the government assume the states’ debts, you are forever trying to trip him up⁠—shouting corruption in the Treasury, dishonesty in the Treasury, and God knows what. Moving toward L. and turning again. I don’t say who’s the author of the accusations. I don’t say it’s Tom Jefferson or Senator Monroe, but I know where to put my hand on the man who does the dirty work. Giles crosses angrily toward him. Yes, you’re a fighter, but you know only one knockout blow, and that’s the one below the belt. You needn’t glare at me. I wouldn’t soil my hands with you, but this is one of the times when I wish I had gout anywhere but in my foot.

Exit Schuyler L. to street. Giles thinks hard and looks ugly, then laughs and comes down to R. of table L. and drinks.

Reynolds

Who has been listening and enjoying the row, says meditatively. Shake the people’s faith in him.

Curtain warning.

Giles

Turning to him. What d’you say?

Reynolds

Smiling. Shake the people’s faith in him.

Giles

You’ve been listening, eh?

Reynolds

Well, that’s the only way I get a living, Mr. Giles⁠—keeping my ears open.

Picking up his hat from beside him.

Giles

Well, keep your mouth shut.

Sits R. of table L. and chews a toothpick.

Reynolds

Rising and coming to C. slowly, laughing. Pretty hard job to shake the people’s faith in Alexander Hamilton, ain’t it?

Giles

Mind your own damn business.

Reynolds

Laughs and crosses to chair back of table L.; puts his hat down on table. You’ve tried to prove him incompetent; you’ve tried to prove him dishonest; but there’s one thing you haven’t tried, Mr. Giles. Back of table.

Giles

Turning away from him. Go to the devil.

Reynolds

And it’s strange you haven’t thought of it. How about a woman?

Giles is silent a moment. Rolls toothpick around in his mouth, spits it out, replaces it with another, and then looks at Reynolds.

Giles

You’re a little gentleman, ain’t yer, Reynolds?

Reynolds

Women are the deuce for tangling up a man’s finances.

Giles

You know all about it, don’t you?

Reynolds

Yes, I know a good deal about women. I’m married, you know.

Giles

Yes, I know.

Reynolds

I know a good deal about men, too. Now Mrs. Hamilton is away, been away a long time in England. Now, what do you say⁠—

Giles

Turning away. I don’t want any advice from you. Besides, as you know so much, you know that Hamilton hardly ever leaves his house.

Reynolds

Makes it all the easier. Send the woman to the house.

Giles

Looking in front of him. What the devil do you mean?

Reynolds

It’s a matter of choosing the right woman and the right moment. Puts down pipe and leans forward. You’ve seen Mrs. Reynolds, haven’t you?

Giles

Your wife?

Reynolds

Yes.

Giles

Turning squarely toward him. God, you’re a bad ’un, ain’t you?

Reynolds

Leaning back and smiling. I’m what may be called a soldier of fortune, Mr. Giles.

Giles

You come in on the blackmailing end of the game, eh? You’d do any damned thing for a ten dollar piece, wouldn’t you?

Reynolds

Yes, I’m afraid my price is a little lower than yours, Mr. Giles. Leans forward again. You might see Mrs. Reynolds. She’s a nice little thing. I’m very fond of her, but she’s too good for me.

Giles

Looking in front of him again. Oh!

Reynolds

Yes, it’s the clothes, you know, that cause the trouble. She must have pretty clothes. She’s young, you see. She⁠—Noticing that Giles is interested he takes a pen and writes on a slip of paper, rises and puts the paper on Giles’ knee. That’s our address, Mr. Giles.

Reynolds, picking up his hat, moves toward door L. 2 E.

Giles

She be at home now? Looking at paper.

Reynolds

Smiling and coming back a step. Yes, I think so. You’ve seen her with me, haven’t you?

Giles

Yes.

Reynolds

She’s a pretty little thing, ain’t she? Giles looks at him sideways. She’s a clever little thing, too. Well, good day, Mr. Giles.

Exit Reynolds L. 2 E. Giles remains looking at the paper, apparently thinking it over. He reaches for his hat, which is on the table beside him; rises with sudden determination; puts his hat on, looks again at the paper, then with his mind made up he exits quickly through the street door up L.

Curtain.