 presented by A. DuPont. The Stolen General, a drama of America's first anniversary of the 4th of July. Adopted for radio from a story by Markless James. Starring John Garfield, the Colonel William Box. The DuPont Company, makers of better things for better living through chemistry. Tonight, present a young American actor who in brief three years has risen from relative obscurity to stardom. John Garfield. New York theater goers first became aware of John Garfield, for his performance in having a wonderful time. Later, Hollywood claimed him, and the country cheered his performance in four daughters, just to be my destiny and other films. At present, he is rehearsing in his new stage play, Heavenly Express, which shortly will be seen in the nation's capital. Tonight on Cavalcade of America, he makes one of his infrequent radio appearances, playing the role of Colonel William Barton in The Stolen General. The afternoon of July 3rd, 1777. The headquarters of Colonel Stanton, in command of a regiment of Colonial Militia, at Tiverton, Rhode Island. The Colonel looks up as his second-in-command, Lieutenant Colonel William Barton enters. Colonel Stanton. Yes, Barton? Private Coffin's outside, just escaped the British. Coffin, have him come in. Coffin, Coffin, Colonel Stanton wants to see you. Colonel Stanton, I... Here, here, sit down, man. What happened? Coffin, how'd you do it? How'd you ever get in? Sneaked out at night, made a run for it. The party virginal Prescott at the Overing House, and I took the chance that goose-faced Tory Overing is entertaining the British peacock, huh? More than that, Colonel Barton. Prescott's quartered in his house. Just across the water, Newport Island. Not far, either. He's there, all right. The cock of the war, crowing all over the place about how we'll never win this war. We'd best bow down before our English betters and let them tell us how to live. He sits up there on the porch of the Overing House all day. Him and Overing talk, talking about their army. The British... Is there any part of the sort of place you've got here, Overing? Not England, of course, but not bad. How hot weather, though, and only July. Man must have his little comfort, you know, even if he is putting down a rebellion. It's an honour to have you, General. I'm awfully sorry about the weather, but that's the way it grows in this country. What will your rebel neighbour's duty, Overing, if things don't turn out our way? Hmm? Good heavens, General. You don't think there's any chance of that, do you? My dear Overing, in a war, one side is bound to win, you know. That's the point. I know, General, but... you're trying to frighten us. Oh, I think I did, eh, Overing? Well, don't worry. These rascal rebels haven't a chance, not one chance in a thousand. And every mother son of them will regret it from walking them down before we get to them. General, what? Well, I'm at all still a beginner, ragged in the starving and beaten too. Oh, they haven't the sense to know it. I hear so many of them are deserting every day. Absolutely. The whole ridiculous rebellion is falling apart. Oh, what's the gear? I have a splendid idea. What are you amusing? Collins! Lost it all? Where's that loafing orderly Collins? Yes, General. Oh, there you are, at last, Collins. Give him my fan, will you? And bring me one of those rebel prisoners my men caught yesterday. Yes, General. What are you going to do with him, General? May I ask you just a little thought, Overing? I want to show you what sort of jack-o'-n-nate you're quaking in your boots about. Patriot. Bah! I'm afraid that we could get any of them to quit if they got the chance. He's one of the prisoners, General. Carpenter. Collins, you may go. Overing. Look at the beggar. Now, you see, what sort of scarecrow soldier his majesty's arm is a blad smother with. All they need is a chance to desert. At essay, this general was rather to be captured. Never to lie. Yeah, you can't be a rotten Tory. You and the rest of the dirty traders will get what's coming to you some day. Make your head full of that, you blasted rebel. Now, now, Overing. You hopped to fight these gentlemen just like they're inferior. I have got a better idea. I say, Collins! Collins, hang it, manny, or death. Think, Fabrice, what's his name? Beth, with my orders. He's given me a dozen lapses. No, no, no, let's think it's two dozen. Make your things just to do. Yes, sir. Come on, you. Do go away now, Overing. That's a good fellow, will you? He's suffocating. Oh, what a place for a war. God, I wish it was over. Well, it's just a fight. That's the story, Colonel Barton. The kind of swine general Prescott is. Look at my back, Colonel Stence. Butcher. Coffin, you'd better see Dr. Williams to put the serve on those welks. Thanks, Colonel. I'll go now. Coffin, yes, Colonel. Newport Island, well guarded. Prescott's got a company of light horse with him and a company of infantry there, too. Two companies, eh? I'll tell you this. There's only one sentry before the house. Only one sentry? You sure, Coffin? Only one sentry? Yes, I saw it myself. Good. That's very interesting, Coffin. Thanks. Report back to duty as soon as you can, Coffin. Won't be long, sir. I'm not missing a chance to pay those red coats back. Blasted British cut coats. Colonel Stence. Yes? I'm going up to Newport Island to get Prescott. I'm going what? And I'll bring him back a prisoner. Barton, you're a fool. Watch me. Well, don't be insane, man. The British fleet's guarding Newport Island. You heard Coffin say Prescott's protected by infantry and cavalry at the Overing Estate. I've never heard anything so fantastic. I heard Coffin say there's only one sentry guarding the house. One sentry. Well... It's ridiculous. I won't allow it. But listen, General Stanton, only one sentry between us and the general. One sentry between you and the sentry. You'd be blown out of the water before you got that started. I know it can be done. I wouldn't try it. Give me 40 Rhode Island oarsmen who know these water better than any man alive. Give me a dark night and we'll flip past that squadron and press guitar. The Americans need something to pick up their spirits. That'll make the British look silly and give us a real Fourth of July celebration. The third, Barton. You can't do it. And I won't be responsible for ordering men to risk certain deaths on any scheme as crazy as that. Look, Colonel. The British have captured General Lee. He was second in command of the American Army. Well, we get pressed it. We exchange pressed it for Lee. Well, Colonel? Oh, I don't know, Barton. I wish you wouldn't tempt me this way. Parade the regiment. Let me call for volunteers. Well, all right. But still doesn't make sense. But if you get your 40, go ahead. If not, we'll forget the whole thing and let me worry about that. Colonel, you'll have nothing to worry about. You'll have to send me permission to find out how many of you would be willing to accompany me on a secret and dangerous expedition. That's all I can say about it now. But I tell you, boys, it's for freedom. And don't forget tomorrow is the Fourth of July. Any man ready to volunteer without hearing any more about it, and what I've just told you will step three paces forward. Well, Colonel Sam, that's more than 40. It's the whole regiment. You win, Barton, but you can't take them all. Don't eat them. Men, thanks for your spirit, but I can't use all of you. I've got it. Here's what we'll do. Tomorrow we're having boat rangers. The first five crews to cross the finish line will report to me at the cove. That'll make an even 40 in all. Just the right number of good oarsmen. I'll say it. Thank you, men. Well, there we are, Colonel. Good luck, Barton. You'll need it. Thanks, Colonel. Now we'll show you one way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Remember what I told you back there on the shore? Aye, Colonel. You see, the others can see us out here. Might be dark. I'll tie my handkerchief to this bicep here. They ought to be able to see that. Must be drawing near the warships, Colonel. No more talk, then. There's the British leader head to port. A dozen warships. My ore broke there. Don't move a muscle, men. Hold still. Who's out there, I say? I'll see nothing in this rain. I want to make sure we have this light, Hunt. You think that the zones will be quartered how far from the house? The stable is about 200 yards south-side of the house, sir. The infantry would most like to be camping far on the other. Good. And the house is about a mile from the beach, huh? Yes, the galley with high banks. Good. It'll feel us till we get near the house. But that ring isn't letting us. In a minute the moon will come out and they'll be seeing us on shore. Hurry up. We can get color on shore. Oh, that's it, men. It must be the goons on patrol. I think they saw it. I don't know, Hunt. The moon's almost sailing out from behind that cloud. They might have. Listen, they're gone. We're safe. Can you tell whether they're going away from the house or to it, Hunt? I get away, sir. Then we may be lucky again, lad. All right, lad. Here it is. Are we all beached? How about the others? They're pulling on shore now, sir. Good. We'll cut. Your squads follow mine. All right. We'll cut, man. Your squads cover the sides and rear of the house. Look, sir. Your's the road. That cut. Stand by for emergency. Watch out for the goons. You men remaining here get the boats turned around. We'll have to get away fast. The rest of you come with me up to the house. Sign of a light in the house. Look, pin them down. Be ready. Who comes there? Just a friend, lad. A friend and be recognized. Tell me, have you seen any deserters tonight? Deserters? All right, lad. Come on. I've got them quiet now. Some sound out of you locked their back and you're a dead man. Yeah, Gretty? All right, sir. He's tired, all right. Stay by him, Daniel. If anything looks suspicious, why we're inside the house, give a lower whistle, yes? No. Mr. Overeem, sir? Mike Kendall, I believe you did it on purpose. There's enough light for what we want. What do you want? What are you doing here? All right, but I have urgent dispatches from Newport for General Preston. Better show them the Major Barrington before disturbing the general. Where is the light? You'll just show us the way to General Preston, Mr. Overeem. We can do without a light, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Overeem. I don't believe... Never mind what you believe, Overeem. Where's Preston? Why, you're not even British. You are American. Yes, you're sorry, dawg. Now, where's Preston? I won't tell you. You... You've got a lot of art in yours if you want noise. See? Now then... You think I'll surrender to General Preston? Tell him I'll go on. My pistol may go off in the wrong time. It's all right, General. Nothing wrong. There's a matter of importance. Oh, I don't want to say it. Visitors, General, on a matter of vital importance. They insist upon seeing you, sir. I'd like to thank you. Well, who are they? What are they for? Tell them you're bringing us in, Overeem. Come on. I'm bringing them, General. Yes, we'll be right there. Fast, Overeem. Let me get into something. Who are these visitors? I don't believe I know their names, sir. But don't be ridiculous, Overeem. You mean to say you admitted them without finding that out? Who are you, sir? What does this mean? Colonel Barton, Rhode Island militia. You're my prisoner. Do you hear, Overeem? You'll... General, please. I see it now. You'll regret this, Overeem. That's enough of this quiet. I'll obey, General, and start dressing. I'm accustomed to giving orders. I don't take them from ragged rebels. Have it your own way, General, but you look better in clothes instead of a night shirt. One, two... Wait, wait, wait. It's better. Here's your vest, quick. Thank you. I saw a light off near the table. Come along, General. You'll have to dress later. But I can't go this way with only a night shirt and my waist. Where's my britches? Quiet, General. Where are the general's britches? Here they are. Thank you, Overeem. This is a mitigate your punishment only slightly. When his majesty hears of this... No, you don't still believe that I have anything to do with this. And they're like a copper ring. And mimics britches. A couple of you lads better tie Overeem up and gag him, put him in the general's bed. No time for your britches now, General. Bring him along, lads. Now listen, General. We've got to get you out of here. Quick, be inspired. And if you let one creep out of you, I'll blast you right out of that night shirt. Come on, men. You don't keep quiet and hurry along, General. What an upgrade is going to be. You rambles of scratching my legs. Just a minute. We can fix that, General. Austin, General. Make a hand chair for the general to ride in style. Riding along like this bare-legged knight shirt. Why, Georgia, haven't you even got this sword? Come on, that's a serious mistake, indeed. Whoever heard of a general of Al-Rassaud will volunteer to go back for the general sword. Al-Rassaud? All right, Daniel. I just say you see you can go back for it, but shouldn't we? Come, the etiquette, General. I'll produce surrender without it. But, Daniel, remember, you'll have to hurry. We can't wait too long for you at the boat. You won't have to, sir. I'll be there with it almost as soon as you. Getting past that British fleet again is going to be our last risk. Then we'll be back in camp again. Hurry, lads. Thanks heaven the moon disappeared. We've got to make for the boats and be off. We're ready to pick him up. Come off that horse's sleigh. You'll know me well enough, gentlemen. I'm sure they have you to thank for this. No, no, indeed, General. On the contrary, sir, we are grateful to you for the honor of this visit. In fact, we are deeply indebted to Colonel Barton for persuading you to come, sir. Now, what's up? What's wrong out there? Colonel Barton. Yes? A big part of the message is arrived here under a flag of truth. Flag of truth? I believe he's from Newport, sir. Admittedly. Yes, sir. A big part of the message is arrived here under a flag of truth. No, no, sir. I'm looking for you now. Oh, General Brescht. I came by horse as quickly as I could, sir. I have your wardrobe, sir. General Brescht, do you know this man? Of course I know him. My order, you know, that I, Madison, is going to send him. Are you all right, sir? You say, Harmue, he's also shocking. The staff is terribly upset. You can reassure my staff. Tell them I have been treated with proper respect. Thank heaven for that, sir. I also brought you a purse, sir. In case you wanted anything, a purse is refused to supply. I also thought to bring you this bottle of perfume. Uh, a big pardon, Colonel Barton. If he gets the general's standin' long enough, he must be exhausted. That's certainly part of your right. Dude, sit down, General. Forgive us our rudeness. Sounds like your loutish Yankee sense of humor to me. Oh, no, General. I assure you, quite the contrary. Everything must be of exceptional satisfaction. You may, you must rely on that. You'll be comfortable, General, in your temporary quarters before going on to problems. Thank you, Colonel. I'm sure I will be. May I retire now to freshen up a bit to the journey? Certainly. Father, I detail you to escort General Preston to his spot. Yes, sir. Ben? Hey, sir. All right. Thank you. Uh, this way? This way, General Preston. Orderly, be sure to bring along the general's perfume. Thank you, General. All right. Thank you. That was a good job, Father. Wait till the news of this gets around the country. The best thing that could have happened at this time was a great job, my boy. Excellent. Channel, you should have seen him without his britches. Ha-ha-ha-ha. And a laugh rings out from New Hampshire to Georgia. People laugh and soldiers laugh from the roist recruit to the commander in chief of the Continental Office. As that laugh went up, with it rose the spirit of the Americas. At length, the fight for freedom was over and won. Then one day, some years later in New York, in the office of President George Washington, we asked Mr. Beer several scholars waiting there, Mr. Adams, Williamson, and, uh, uh, Colonel Barton. Barton? Do you suppose that should be the Colonel Barton, the one who captured Preston? He said he was somewhere in New England, sir, and maybe Colonel Barton. Well, where is he? The others can wait, Mr. Beer. Send Colonel Barton in. Uh, wait, get my clipping book, sir. See if you can find that item from the London Chronicle and bring it to me, and I'll get it. Come in, Colonel. Come in. How do you do, Mr. Barton? So, your Colonel William Barton. I'm glad. Very glad to see you. Thank you, sir. I've just been to the city for a few days, my first visit in years, and I wish to pay my respects. Thank you. I've always wanted to meet you. Well, what are you up to these days, Colonel Barton? Well, I'm living the mountains, Mr. President. Things have been going well. I really have nothing to complain of. We've got all that we wanted, freedom and a country of our own to live in. Indeed, indeed. Thank you, Barton, sir. Ah, here's the clipping you asked. Thank you. Yes. Yes, this is it. Barton, here's something to introduce you. A bit of doggo like saved from the London Chronicle. As of September 23rd, 1777. I'll wait until you haven't heard it. All right. Don't know, Mr. President. What's it about? I'll read it to you, Colonel. Othello crying the handkerchief. I ties it more than riches. A different note for Prescott Rawls for not resounds the Atlantic shores, but where, oh, where's my bridges? Tell me. What do you think of that tribute? Very unfriendly of the Chronicle I always thought. I'm glad I said that you thought enough of it to change it. Thought enough of it? I'll never forget, Colonel Barton, how much we needed that exploited word. I was saying something like, I remember how dark it seemed. You know, for going advanced, everything seemed lost. And then you showed it. Showed all the stories and all the people what a handful of names could be. It is like a cloud, Colonel Barton. A star cloud. Thank you, Mr. President. I don't know if any of us thought of it that way. I always think of it as the First Fourth of July. By his celebration of the First Fourth of July, William Barton struck an effective blow at British authority and prestige and a blow for American independence. But the reason it appeals so strongly to the American colonists was because it expressed their own and America's sense of humor. And for his courage and enterprise, William Barton tonight takes the rightful place in the Cavalcade of America. Thank you, John Garpe. We are happy to have you as our guest on the Cavalcade of America. And now before we hear from Dr. Monahan about next week's program, we have a story from the wonder world of chemistry. Visitors support special in Southern California these days to see a curious sight. A big ship comes to anchor more than half a mile offshore. It is a tanker ready to load up with oil. The sailors hook a cable to a buoy floating in the water alongside and haul up a gigantic hose of foot in diameter and 180 feet long. This hose is attached to a pipe that lies on the ocean floor and connects with storage tanks near the shore. Oil is pumped into the ship and then the hose is dropped back into the ocean. One of the key reasons why this method of loading is so efficient is that the big submarine hose is lined with neoprene, the amazing chemical rubber developed by DuPont Chemist. Natural rubber wouldn't do for aligning because oil or gasoline would soon destroy it. But even though the oil has to be heated to above 120 degrees to make it flow easily, this chemical rubber can take it. Neoprene's ability to resist oil and grease and chemicals comes a lot closer to your daily life than the job of loading tankers on the Pacific coast. When you stop at the service station to get gas, chances are that the gasoline is pumped to a neoprene lined hose. As a matter of fact, neoprene is used for conveying petroleum products every step of the way from the oil wells to the engine of your car or the oil burner in your basement. And in jobs where men have to walk on oily, greasy floors as in garages or packing plants, they're wearing shoes with neoprene soles. And up in the sky, airplanes are flying through the clouds with neoprene fuel tanks like football bladders tucked inside the wings. Now, neoprene does beauty in your own kitchen too because neoprene resists the softening effect of grease and cleaning preparation, sink scrapers, drainers, soap dishes and drain board mats are being made of it. And housewives find neoprene gloves last much longer than rubber gloves for dishwashing, polishing furniture, paintings and other household tasks. So you see what a variety of needs are served by the unique qualities of this DuPont development. The chemical rubber that has its beginning in a strange combination of raw materials. Limestone, coal and salt. It looks and acts like natural rubber, but it's superior in many ways. The special services provided by neoprene are another illustration of the DuPont pledge, better things for better living through chemistry. And now the cavalcade of America's historians, Dr. Frank Monaghan of Yale University. At the close of our broadcast on Sam Houston, earlier in the present series, Destiny, chiefly in the person of Andrew Jackson, was directing Houston to the western horizons of America, to Texas. Next week's program portrays the brilliant consummation of this unusual career. This is a story of how, following a massacre at the Alamo, Houston led a ragged remnant of sections in one of history's most extraordinary retreats. Suddenly he stopped, wheeled about, destroyed the larger Mexican army and captured General Santa Ana, president of Mexico. By this, Houston won the independence of Texas and thus paved the way for the American annexation of that fabulous empire, which is the lone star state. Next week, the cavalcade of America again is happy to announce that the distinguished American actor, Walter Houston, will again play the leading role in its concluding drama of a colorful career of Sam Houston, the Raven Wind, Texas. On tonight's program, the orchestra and musical effects run in the direction of Don Voorhees, with his battle rise dale saying good night and best wickets from DuPont. This is the National Broadcasting Company.