The Patriots

Patriots, The (1943), a play by Sidney Kingsley. [National Theatre, 172 perf.; NYDCC Award.] Thomas Jefferson (Raymond Edward Johnson) returns from France, hoping to settle with his daughters at his Monticello retreat. But George Washington (Cecil Humphreys), buffeted by rough political opposition and particularly fearful of rising monarchist strength, urges Jefferson to become his secretary of state. Jefferson accepts reluctantly. Before long he is locked in battle with his arch rival, the Federalist, Hamilton (House Jameson), before running successfully for president in 1800. The Playwrights' Company produced the solidly written chronicle play when World War II gave Jefferson's fight for democratic ideals added meaning. Kingsley was a sergeant in the army at the time of the production.