I wrote this play in order to promote the benefit of a performer who possesses talent, and I have no objections to write another for any deserving object. New plays, in this country, are generally performed, for the first time, as anonymous productions: I did not withhold my name from this, because I knew that my friends would go and see it performed, with the hope of being pleased, and my opponents would go with other motives, so that between the two parties a good house would be the result. This was actually the case, and two performances produced nearly $2,400; I hope this may encourage Americans of more talent to attempt something. National plays should be encouraged. They have done everything for the British nation, and can do much for us; they keep alive the recollection of important events, by representing them in a manner at once natural and alluring. We have a fine scope, and abundant materials to work with, and a noble country to justify the attempt. The "Battle of Chippewa" was selected, because it was the most neat and spirited battle fought during the late war, and I wish I was able to do it more justice. N. New-York, July, 1819. DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[4] GENERAL, Mr. Graham. JASPER, Mr. Robertson. LENOX, Mr. Pritchard. HON. CAPTAIN PENDRAGON, Mr. Simpson. JERRY, Mr. Barnes. LAROLE, Mr. Spiller. JENKINS, Mr. Johnson. INDIAN CHIEF, Mr. Maywood. 1ST OFFICER, Mr. Bancker. SOLDIER, Mr. Nexsen. WAITER, Mr. Oliff. JAILOR, Mr. Baldwin. _Soldiers, Peasants, Indians, &c._ CHRISTINE, Miss Leesugg. ADELA, Miss Johnson. MAID, Mrs. Wheatley. _Peasant Women, &c._ FOOTNOTES: [4] In Dr. Atkinson's copy of this play, the following cast is given: as a note, in the handwriting of Henry Wallack: PHILADELPHIA, 1819. GENERAL, Hughes. JASPER, ---- LENOX, Darley, John, Jr. PENDRAGON, Wood, William. JERRY, Jefferson, Joseph. LAROLE, Blissett, Francis. CHIEF, Wallack, Henry. CHRISTINE, Darley, Mrs. John (Miss E. Westray). ADELA, Wood, Mrs. Wm. (Miss J. Westray). SHE WOULD BE A SOLDIER, or; the PLAINS OF CHIPPEWA ACT I. SCENE I. _A Valley with a neat Cottage on the right, an Arbour on the left, and picturesque Mountains at a distance._ _Enter from the cottage, JASPER and JENKINS._ JENKINS. And so, neighbour, you are not then a native of this village?