The Sergeant Was A Lady
by Walter Charles Roberts

This play is based upon the historical facts in the case of Deborah Sampson who, masquerading as Robert Shurtleff, served in the Continental Army for many months without revealing her sex.

She was one of the first wounded soldiers to receive the Order of the Purple Heart, and after her death Congress granted her surviving husband a pension as a "war-widower."

The action here discovers Deborah entering the Continental Army and becoming the top marksman in the company.

The men notice her undue modesty, and she barely escapes detection for 2 years.

The general's daughter makes love to her, but is repulsed in disgust.

She is saved from retribution by the general when she becomes wounded in a dangerous campaign.

While unconscious, the doctor discovers her secret.

She is mustered out honorably.

In the last act, her former bunkmate proposes to her, and they are happily wed.

Produced by Oscar Serlin at Dennis, Mass., with Gertrude Michael, Philip Huston and Martha Scott in the leading roles.