The first American play, written by a Harvard graduate of the class of 1776, presents a delightful view of early colonial life. A Yankee colonel and his bumpkin servant, who is the first stage Yankee, arrive in a highly Chester-fleldian New York. They contrive to outwit the urbane, unctious continental-mannered dandy, using humorous, embarrassing and patriotic devices. The play winds up with an oration by the Colonel upholding the independence and superiority of the good old United States. Good scene: the bumpkin servant attempting to gain cherub in consequences from a servant girl.

Authentic scenery and production methods of the eighteenth century are reproduced. Footlights are lighted by torch and all the scene changes are made (in full view of the audience) by consumed stage hands.

The interior rooms are depicted by side wings and backdrop on which the furniture is painted. Music is sung at intervals by a gay-clad quartet, accompanied by a spinnet