The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-28
AoPOSS THE POTOMAC.
War Incidents Revived in Alfriend's Play
at the Academy.

at the Academy
The new war drama, the joint work Of
Messrs. Augustus Pitou and Edward NJ.
Alfriend. the latter gentleman a native
Of Richmond. entitled Across the Poto-
mac" was presented TO a good house
at the Academy Of Music last evening.
If has well been called the best Of the
dramatized stories Of the war we nave,
and is. in addition, well devised and
well written full Of interesting scenes
and situations, and thrilling incidents.
There Is liberalism in the treatment
Of the military parts of the play, ana the
especially commendable quality OF lalr-
ness towards both sides IN the story oI
the war.
Neither cause, or its representative,
suffers by undue exaltation of the other,
but. while patriotism predominates Ihe
courage and chivalry Of the soldier oI
the South are set forth quite as strongly as
the good traits of the Northern officers.
Federal and Confederate officer both
io,,e tho same woman, but both are brave
and noble men, and instead OF eitneI
irving TO kill his rival, or supplahI nm
g., nor affections, one Of the strahsesI
scenes is that i'm which one OF them 'lhe
Southern officer undertakes dangerous
ride TO save the life OF MS NoIlheiH ''''''9
onist in love and war. ...,.s ,,,o
Across the Pot1mac' Is olNlueu IL ~
five acts and tableauN. Inc stoiS opI t,5.i,
the Connecticut valley at Ing ou'S 49,,
- he war. and the remaining scenes
are in Virginia. .... f....ft,. or.
.oiat.d to the Garlauds Of Virginia Johh
Garland has married his cousin, heleh
Raker and when he goes TO JON the NoH-
fodorate army she goes with him. haiph
Raker. the hero Of the play is ehsaSea
-, tbc same time to his cousin, Edlth
Garland He is the captain OF company
- federal volunteers, and Edith, having
failed 10 win him over TO the cause Ul
the South. departs for her nome WIN
her brother, but not before tney nou
pledged each other TO rum men , ,',,.',
,Vhen peace returns. Near fetersours
rditb through Union prisoner, learns
tbot her betrothed, who is now colonel
A. about TO attack the outpost when her
hrotber commands, and near which she
is living. Ralph Baker is taken prisoner
in the fight and is confined i'm an old mill.
Here he is visited by Edith In the disguise
of a Sister of Charity. Ralph Baker es-
canes with number of other prisoners
but IS captured i'm the home Of the Gar
lands. where ne had been concealed by
Notifications had been intrusted 10 him for
delivery TO General Grant by a female spy.
who was a prisoner al the mill, and this
was found on his capture. the secret haV-
ing been betrayed by the husband Of the
spy. who desired the death OF the colonel
because he knew Of a murder which the
husband had committed and which the
latter found he would give information Of.
In spite Of the efforts OF Edith and her
family and the confession Of the spy that
she alone was guilty Of procuring the
plans. Colonel Baker and three OF his
comrades were condemned to death. A
Captain Walker Of the Confederate army
who had long hopeessly loved Edith
placed his services at her command IN
order TO show his devotion, and she,
driven TO despair decides TO ride TO Gene
raj Lee 10 ask for her lovers pardon.
Captain Walker volunteered 20 go in her
place. His horse stumbles while jump
ing a ravine and he is brought back to
camp mortaly wounded. The last scene
presents a view Of the Confederate for
tifcations on the day OF Lees surrender,
and a happy denouement OF the story.
The play was received with much APP
plause and enthusiasm from the audi
ence, especially In the gallery, AT the
strong points Of the piece and the many
tableaux and situations Of interest, which
were OF very frequent occurrence.
The part of Colonel Ralph Baker U. S.
A., was taken by Mr.. Boyd Putnam, who
is. by the way. a granddaughter Of General
Israel Putnam. OF revolutionary fame.
Mr. Putnam played the part with force
and dignity, and was a favorite from
start TO finish with the house.
Captain Noah Walker c. S. A.. was well
portrayed by Mr.. Henry Napier, and he
made the most of the part possible, hav-
ing. of course, the sympathy Of the house
for being on the Confederate side.
This character was taken from life, and
the name Of 1t was the real one Of a