 Starring Gregory Peck in Young Major Washington on the Cavalcade of America, sponsored by the DuPont Company. Maker of better things for better living through chemistry. But first, here is Gain Whitman. There's no time like the present to improve your home's appearance. And you'll be surprised at the fine facelifting job a little paint will do. When the paint is DuPont's speedy, easy wall finish, you can make your walls more beautiful in less time and for little money. Speed easy comes in 11 beautiful colors. It dries in just one hour and costs less than $3 to do the average room in one color. Apply it over practically any interior wall surface, including wallpaper, and you'll be amazed at the room's new sparkle. Use speed easy, one of DuPont's better things for better living through chemistry. DuPont Company presents Young Major Washington Starring Gregory Peck as Washington on the Cavalcade of America. The weather? 11 o'clock, and all's well in the town of Williamsburg. The weather? No water until he cools off? Yes, sir, Major. You know if the governor is still up? There's a light in his study, sir. All right. Don't break it in. Governor Dinwoody, sir. Well, come in, lad, come in. I'm sorry to come in this late, sir, but what I have to say can't wait. No, but, man, look at you. What's happened to you? Well, I am a little grimy. Grimy? You look as though you've been through the pit. I'll have chowds put on some water. No, sir, not now. My report, sir. Report, eh? Sit down, Major. Thank you, sir. Now, you've something to tell me? Something that can't wait, eh? I have. Governor, are we prepared for war with the French? War? Washington, I sent you to deliver an ultimatum to the French. I prod them into war. I have no more wish for war than you, Governor. Then what are you talking about? It's in my report, sir. Oh, that it will take your report. Tell me in your own word. Very well, sir. I took along my fencing master, Jacob von Brahm, as interpreter, and picked up a guide, Christopher Gist. I left Williamsburg in October. Aye, aye, you did. And where have you been for these three months? What kept you? Sir, if you let me finish what I have to say, you'll find out. What? Sir, I'll have to remind you that I am the governor. And may I remind you, sir, that what I have to say is important. I asked you if you were prepared to fight the French and Indians. You're a spirited lad. All right. I'll not interrupt you further. Now, go on with your story. Thank you, sir. I just returned from Fortn of Berth. Fortn of Berth? What were you doing there? 500 miles away, I sent you only to the junction of the Ohio and the Moncahala to tell the French to get out of English Territories. Sir, I have a report. Do you care to hear it or not? Then don't we it. I've been trying to get it out for the past two minutes. I'm sorry, Major. Proceed. Well, the French were not where you sent me. They'd moved on to Van Angle. Where? I'll show you. Here. Now, here's where we thought the French were. Where did you get this map? I made it, sir. All right. Go on. Well, Governor, we made our way here to the French post at the Ohio and the Moncahala. It was there that we stopped, intending to deliver the ultimatum. Guist, how does it look to you? Yeah, Major. You're a soldier. I'm a guide. Now, you being a soldier, you'd know something's wrong, but the looks of the place... You're right, Guist. In weather like this, I'd double the guard. In the French... The area's sold. We haven't even been challenged. It might be a trap. It could be. But we've got to chance it. Major, you're not thinking of going in sight, are you? No. Many have gone brown since the French didn't come out to meet us. It seems we've got to go in to meet them. Come on. I'm not liking the looks of this, Major. Not the soul. The cert that this place is. But look here. Plates on this table. Food? Bread stale, Major. Like it's not two days old? Yes. Van Brom. A yamené. Call out in French that Major Washington presents his compliments and wishes to deliver a message from Governor Dinwiddie. It's like talking to the dead. Go ahead. Call out. The Commander George Washington presents his compliments and wishes to give a message to the Commander of Mr. Governor Dinwiddie. You may as well have shouted that to the wind. Come on, we'll try the next room. But let me go first now, Major. No, you better stay behind with your musket ready. Idiots, you! Stop! You! Stay right where you are. Yes, coverage. What? What do you want? What do you do here? Me, singe. Are you alone? Yeah, he'll never tell the truth, Major. The place is likely full of the devils. Me alone. Where are French? French leave. One, maybe, two moon gone. Singe speaks with double tongue. Singe's lies. You. You English? Yes. Where are the French who were here? Maybe White Brother pay wampum. Singe's tell where. All right, I pay wampum. You tell where French go. Into great forest. To Venango. Venango. Why are that 40 miles or more? We got no food to take us that far. Seneca Hall, Six Nation, Powow, at Logstown. They take you to French at Venango. Major, do you think we ought to trust this, Singis? I don't see what else we can do. We've got only his word for it that the French have gone to Venango. Singe speaks truth. I believe you. But just the same, Singis. You're coming with us. We went to Logstown and picked up some Seneca Indian guides. From there, we made trail to Venango. The post was in command of a Captain Jean Caire. He had a force of about 50 regulars and some Indian allies. I went to see him. Captain Jean Caire? Oui, Major. Captain, may I present my interpreter, Mindy, of Van Brown. I'm Manard. The Captain, Jean Caire. And my guide, Christopher Gist. Oh, I've heard of Mission Gist. I have, you know. Oui. But Major, to what do we owe the honor of this visit? I've been sent by Governor Dinwiddie to deliver a message. It's in this packet. I am flattered, Major Washington, that you should consider me worthy of this, but... But... I'm unworthy and unable to accept it. Why, sir? Oh, I'm but a poor Captain. I would have no authority to read it or answer it. Is there someone here who has the authority? No, Major. I am the highest ranking officer here. I see. Then to whom can I take it, Captain? General Sampierre. Sampierre? He's here? Oh, no, Mission Gist. He's not here. Then where is he? You will find General Sampierre at Fort Lebeuf. Did you say Fort Lebeuf? I said Fort Lebeuf. Thank you, Captain Sampierre. You've been very kind. We shall inform General Sampierre of your courtesy and efficiency. And of your sense of humor. I am sorry, Major Washington. But it is too loud, Nespa. Why? Come to this window, Major. Look, Major, the Blizzards have started. The trails, such as they are, will be impassable. And Fort Lebeuf is 100 miles from here. Yes, he's right, Major. You'll be getting into territory. I don't know a thing about it. You've broken trails before, Gist. Well, that I have. But not in a blizzard. Captain Jean-Claire. Where, Major Washington? Can you furnish us Indian guides for the journey to Fort Lebeuf? But no. We'll pay them. Oh, that is not a question. You have guides? But yes. Well, they are in our pay, Major. I have no wish to make General Sampierre think I have turned into an ally of you English. I see. Very well. We thank you, Captain. I'm so sorry that I'm not able to help. Yes, I imagine you are. Goodbye. Well, Governor, we left Vanango. Now, here you'll see I've marked the trail from Vanango to Fort Lebeuf. It was hard going. Some of the Seneca's deserted, but we've finally reached Lebeuf. And just in time, we run out of food, and the Seneca's were becoming nasty. I presented my compliments to General Sampierre and waited to see him. What is he waiting for? We've been here for hours. I'm glad. At least I'm resting. Then, Brom, you're not a friend, Seisman. That I am not, Major Gist. I'm a fencing master. I was brought on this trip as an interpreter. And for what? Not one word of French I've been speaking. I could have stayed home. Here I am frozen. We're a chair of Van Brom. We still have the trip back to think about. Do you have to remind me of it? I tell you that I... That's enough, Bickering. I'm sorry. Major, what do you think Sampierre is keeping us waiting like this for? I wish I knew. Gist. Yeah? Back at Vanango, you said you knew Sampierre. Yes, I do. What do you know about him? I know he's a tricky, sly devil, Major. Oh? That case is making us wait for some purpose of his own. What purpose could that be? Look, there was trouble at the Ohio and Vanango Heaver. The Indians attacked an English settlement there. Yeah, and those Indians were armed by the French military. And the French were no longer there when we arrived. What do you get in that, Major? Just this. Sampierre knows that we wouldn't have come 500 miles through a blizzard to deliver some unimportant message. Well, he would be a fool if he thought that. And Sampierre is nobody's fool. All right, Major, go ahead. Go ahead. Gist and Brom, now that we're here, when the package's delivered, you may as well know what was in it. You may as well know what we're in for. What, Major? Didn't Woody send the French and Ultimatum to get out of English territory and stay out? That's strong, huh? That could mean a war. But why does Sampierre keep you waiting, the Ultimatum? Come in. Major Washington, the General Sampierre presents his compliments and wishes your presence at your convention. Ah, there we are, Major. Yes. Thank you, I'll be right there. Major, be careful. We'll be careful now. We're 500 miles away from any help. Yes, it would be easy for Sampierre to liquidate us. No one knows we're here but him. Oh, didn't Woody think she went to the Ohio in Mahon Gahila? That's perfect for Sampierre. Yeah, we shouldn't get back to our territory. Well, maybe it was the blizzard. Oh, please, please, must you talk like this. It is no good. No, it's not. Well, I've got to see him now. You be sharp watch, Gist. Yeah, that I will. I'll be back as soon as possible. Major Washington, for the birthday's honor. Thank you, sir. The honor is mine. Oh, you are too kind or pleased to sit down. So, Major, you came 500 miles through the blizzard. I had orders, General. I carried them out. Just so, Monsieur, you are a magnificent soldier. Thank you. I've heard of you, sir. Oh, so? It is flattering to think that an English officer should take notice of a French soldier. Oh, I see you have the packet on your table. Pack it? Well, that one right there, sir. I brought it. Oh, yes, sir, to be sure. You haven't opened it. But no, I was busy. A soldier's life, you understand. Of course. But, General, you do intend to open it and read it? You are so anxious, Major, your sense of duty does you credit. Will you open it now, sir? Mm-hmm. Oh, but what am I thinking of that nothing can wait until you have eaten until your guides have been taken care of? General, I should prefer that you open it and read it now. I must return to Williamsburg with an answer. Oh, then you know what is in the packet, something very important to judge from your anxiety about it. Do you know what is in the packet, Major? I give you my word of honor, General, that I did not open it. And if you did not open it, you could not read it, n'est pas. Your perception is admirable, sir. Ha-ha-ha. Just so. Now, if you will please to follow me. Uh, the packet? Ooh, it can wait, it can wait. What is a message from one official to another? You and I, we are soldiers. We mistake all that life has to offer at the moment. I'm afraid I don't understand that. Well, I will put it another way, Major. Let us say that a soldier never knows from one minute to the next whether his life will be set or not. That, you understand, Major? General Zampierre, you put it so plainly that the most stupid man in the world would understand. And you are far from stupid, mon ami. Now come, I will show you to your quarters. After you, sir. Major, you are making matters no better. Please sit down, I'm getting nervous. You're nervous? You should have been in there with me with Zampierre. What do you think he's up to? Yes, he's playing for time. He deliberately ignored the message, pretended to be busy with other things. And you? Did you tell him? Oh, I'm not a fool, Van Brown. The moment I tell him I know what's in the message... Yeah, you get us killed for sure. But he would not dare. It would start the war. He wouldn't dare. Zampierre knows we're helpless, miles from our nearest outpost on the Allegheny. We should have sent word back to Din Witte and we had to come up here. Now what good would that have done? We would be protected. Don't be so naive, Van Brown. Would there be any witnesses to our death? Please, not to talk like that, Major. Well, what would you have me do? Pretend we're not in danger? We're in for it, that's sure. There's only one thing I can do. Keep up the pretence of ignorance. Ignorance of the contents of Din Witte's message. And then? Well, Zampierre's playing for time. Why? We have asked that question a hundred times and still we do not know the answer. But when we know, then we can act accordingly. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Our Seneca Guides, where are they? Yeah, that's another thing now. I ain't seen hiding her here since we got to the Berth. I haven't either. They may have gone back to Logstown. No, I don't think so. We'll need them if we have to leave here in a hurry. Better look around, Gist, and see where they are. It's a safe word, you know, they're up to no good. They're in the French thickest thieves. Well, we may have to get to the Allegheny without them. You think we can do it? Well, we come up this way and you made a chart, didn't you, Major? Yes, but that'll do us no good on the way back. But why not? Because that's the way Zampierre will expect us to return. Listen. What's that? Gist and Brown, look. What's the matter, Major? Come here and see. Wow. There's the reason for Zampierre's delay. Soldiers? That's very plain now. Those men were out on expedition. They just got back. Oh, so what about it, Major? That tricky devil. Don't you see? He had to wait for this company to get back. Ah, you know, I see it too. Major, what do you mean to dispatch him back again? To the English territory. Major, you're right. He's going to reject the elder made him to withdraw French forces from English territory. And before I can get back with his answer, you'll have a striking force ready for a surprise attack. Din Whitty won't be ready for it. Unless you can get back and warn him. And that we must do. You're listening to Gregory Peck in Young Major Washington on the Cavalcade of America sponsored by the DuPont Company. Maker of better things for better living through chemistry. As the second part of our story opens, Major Washington and General Zampierre are walking through the courtyard of Port LeBeuil. Well, Major, we have a strong fort here, hm? Yes, it looks strong, General. Looks. But it is, mon ami. Impregnable. Well, I wouldn't say that, sir. No? Well then, Major, as a brilliant tactician, how would you conquer Fort LeBeuil? Well, the forest hems you in on the southwest, isn't it? True. What of it? I should mount an attack from that direction. Oh, but my dear Major, that is the most heavily defended part of Fort LeBeuil. Is it, General? But of course. But there are no cannon in the embrasures. Oh. You'll notice that. Yes, there were five when I arrived. Hm. You are observant, Major. Also, the fort seems to be undermanned, scarcely a handful of men. But for LeBeuil is in French territory, we have no reason to keep a large force here. No, perhaps not. But it hardly seems likely that such an important post with the general in command would be garrisoned so lightly. Good, General. Can make an hundred men, two for a thousand. Of course. There is something in that. But another point. Oui. Oh, it is splendid of you to teach me military tactics. A pleasure, General. But as I was going to say, the barracks, they seem to have been occupied recently. However, now, blankets and tent rolls are gone. I see. I see. It is no good trying to joke with you, Major. You are right. A large force does belong here, but at the moment there is a little expedition into the north. Ah, I see. I might have known that General Sampierre would not be foolish enough to put up with a small garrison. Merci, Major Washington. And now... Major? Major Washington. Oh, yes. What is it? What did you say? Ah, about Van Brom. Van Brom, what's the matter with him? Eh, well, sure. A thousand thousands. Excuse me, Major, Mr. Beeson. Oh. What about Van Brom, guest? It ain't about him, Major. It's a cynicist. Oh, where are they? Oh, they're all right. But every one of them says, Broke is a lord. Ain't no good desk that way. Oh, all right, guest, thanks. Yes. What's up with him? Oh, he's already sent out the forces with five cannons. Looks like he means it to be war, then, sir. Then he won't have a chance to get ready. How soon can you leave? I've had my pack ready since we got here, Major. Good. Tell Van Brom we'll leave before morning. What about Governor Genwood's message? I'm here. I think it's funny that we don't wait for an answer. I'll take care of that. Now, off with the guest. Washington. I thought you had gone to bed. Sir, I've been here three days now. I'd like an answer to the governor's message. How strange you should come to me at this moment. I have just finished writing an answer to it. Here. Thank you, General. And, though, when do you plan to leave with it, Major? Well, I had thought about, uh, the morning. Good night, sir. One moment. Yes? In case, sir, you should lose the package, Major. It is wise that you should also know my answer. Which is? Sir, you may inform Governor Dean Whitty that I reject without reservation his ultimatum to get out of any territory we now occupy. Good night, sir. We left Fortley-Birth, Governor. We doubt Guy? Well, they were still drunk the next morning. Nothing we could do about it. Well, sir, we went as far as we could on horse. Then the trail and the weather became too difficult for our mounts. To make matters worse, then Brown stepped into a snowdrift and wrenched his leg badly. We expected Indian attack every moment. But finally, oh, we had to stop. It's no use, Major. It's got to be gist. We've already passed the French force. We'll be in time to warn Dean Whitty. But we will never get there. I know. I know. And him, sir, he can't make another half mile with his leg. Then we've got to carry him. I can't hardly walk myself, Major. And if we... I know! Indians, run for cover! Major! We're not forgetting you, then, Brown. Come on, gist, help me. Why do they not attack? Why do they torture us? They will kill us. Quiet. Gist. Yes, Major. You know why the Indians have an attack. I know. Because they know we're almost done for. They're playing with us, letting us go on and on until we almost reach the Allegheny. And around post, then... Then they'll come in and finish us off. And we've got to get through. Now, look. We're here on this chart. Five miles from the Allegheny. And might as well be 500. Then Brown can't walk another step. He wasn't cut out to be a frontiersman, Major. You're going with us. Major, you wouldn't do that. No, no, it's not what you think. I'll show you tonight. Now we'll carry him until it gets dark. And then we'll see if my trick will work. All right, gist, this is as far as we go now. The Allegheny's up ahead. Then Brown's faded. Well, maybe that's better. Now, get some fireworks. Fire? You crazy? I'm begging you, pardon me. Trust me. Get fireworks and leave me your pack. All right, Major. If I hadn't trusted you, I wouldn't have gone this far with you. Here's my pack. Where's the fireworks? Major. Major Washington. Then Brown, lie quietly. Where are we? Almost home. I can't go no farther. Well, you don't have to. We're leaving you here. What? Leave me. Oh, no. Please, Major, no. You'll be safe. Now, please listen to what I say. There's a cave on this hillside. We'll put you in it with all the food we have left. What? What, the Indians? Don't worry about them. They'll follow Gist and me. Yes, Major. All right. Now, start a fire. What have you done with our packs? Made them look like three men hunched over a fire. Now, get the fire going. Yes, Major. Hurry. It's hard to catch a spark in this dam. Yeah, there she goes. That ought to give them a good silhouette. Ain't something to shoot at. What next, Major? We'll get them Brown to that cave, and you and I will make for the river. There it is, Gist. The Allegheny. Yes, we're not over-checking. No. By now, the Indians have discovered our trick with a fire and packs. We'll have to make a run for it. I hope the ice is thick enough to hold us. Well, that's a chance we'll have to take. Don't run in a straight line. Across that river we'll be safe. Well, come on, Gist. The ice looks thick to our left. You lead, Major. They've seen us. Make a left from the trees. Across the river. Faster, Gist. Faster. I can't, Major. Not much further. Major, help! Your hand. Give me your hand. Can you run? Yes. Yes, I... Yes, sir. Gist. Gist, they've stopped following us. Our outpost is just ahead. Gist, we're there. Well, sir, we reached our outpost. I warned them about the French. Took time to send a party back for Van Brown. Rested one night. Van Brown was brought in the next day. I... Well, that's about all, sir. Major, I... Oh, that devil take me for a fool. You must be dead tired. Well, I am sleepy, sir. And sleepy shall. If you please, sir, I'd like a fresh horse. Fresh horse? Not what for? Well, I must ride on to my home at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon? What for, lad? What for? I'd like to be home on my birthday. Birthday, you say? Well, lad. And how old will you be, Major? On the 22nd of the month, sir. I'll be 21. Gregory Peck will return to our Cavalcade microphone in a moment. Now here is Gain Whitman. Have you heard about the motorboat that flies? It saved the lives of flyers forced down at sea during the war. Now it will be used by the Air Sea Rescue Service of the Coast Guard. From the nearest land base, a transport plane takes off with the flying motorboat slung underneath. Three giant parachutes, made of Dupont nylon yarn, let the boat down. It hits the water with a splash, and then a lot of things happen automatically. Smoke and light signals go off. Rockets fling out 200-foot lines on either side of the boat so that weakened survivors can haul themselves aboard. The boat has two engines with a cruising range of 500 miles and a pair of sails. Storage lockers contain more than 80 items, everything for the treatment of injured survivors. Food, clothing, blankets, fishing tackle, a radio, even a still to manufacture drinking water from seawater. The Higgins Airborne Lifeboat has just about everything that a life-saving craft can possibly have, stowed away in the least possible space with the greatest possible efficiency. It shows what really can be done when modern design gets to work on an old problem. And as might be expected, chemistry plays a considerable part in its design. Not only in the three strong, tough Dupont nylon parachutes, which lower it safely to the water, but also in the cellophane, which, during the manufacture of the boat, covers the mold in which the strong hull is formed. The new airborne lifeboat offers an unusual example of the way in which, in hundreds upon hundreds of little-known applications, improved devices make use of the products of chemistry we call Dupont better things for better living through chemistry. And now once again, here is our star, Gregory Pech. Thank you. Thank you, Gregory, for being with us tonight and for turning in such a swell job. Well, you do pretty well yourself, Gaines. Well, if you're going to start passing compliments, I'd like to mention your work in the Metro Golden Mayor production of the yearling that's being released soon. That's a great story, Gaines, a Pulitzer Prize winner, in technicolor, you know. Next week's Cavalcade. I'm glad you brought it up. It's called Star in the West. Cavalcade is dramatizing an exciting story of early Texas on its centennial anniversary. A story of devotion and labor and love which wrought the miracles of the American frontier 100 years ago. And we'll have Ida Lupino with us in the leading role. Oh, that's great. Ida Lupino is one of my favorites, Gaines. I'll be listening. Thank you, Gregory. And once more, congratulations on a fine piece of acting tonight. Good night. Good night. The music for tonight's DuPont Cavalcade was composed and conducted by Robert Armbruster. The Cavalcade play was written by Robert Kaniger. In the cast with Mr. Peck were Raymond Lawrence, Howard McNeer, Ramsey Hill, Roland Varnault, George Sorrell, Ed Max, Stan Waxman, Hal Dawson, and Jerry Hausner. This is Tom Collins inviting you to listen next week to Ida Lupino in Star in the West on the Cavalcade of America, brought to you by the DuPont Company of Wellmington, Delaware. This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.