Inheritance 54-05-23 The Nut Megger and the Turtle

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Inheritance – “The Nutmegger and the Turtle”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: September 19, 2025
Original Broadcast: May 23, 1954 (Golden Age of Radio)

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Overview:

This episode of Inheritance revives a dramatic retelling from America's Revolutionary War history, focusing on the true story of the first American military submarine—David Bushnell’s “Turtle”—and its daring pilot, Sergeant Ezra Lee, the nutmegger from Connecticut. Set during the dire days of 1776, the narrative weaves together invention, audacity, and the American spirit in a fictionalized, yet fact-based radio play, highlighting both technological innovation and stubborn courage against overwhelming odds.

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Main Theme & Purpose

• Central Focus: Showcases American ingenuity during the Revolution, spotlighting the development and attempted use of the Turtle submarine as a secret weapon against the British fleet, and the resolve of those involved—especially the wry, self-reliant Sergeant Lee.
• Purpose: Illustrates how vision, courage, and improvisation form a vital part of the “inheritance” that built the American nation.

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Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Scenes

1. Setting the Stage: Revolutionary America (00:12 – 02:17)

• Narration introduces the dire military situation post-Long Island defeat and the desperate measures being considered.
• Historical context is established—America’s “inheritance” is defined not just as material wealth, but the legacy of ideals and ingenuity.

2. The Invention Unveiled (02:17 – 06:13)

• Generals Putnam, Parsons, and inventor David Bushnell gather at the water’s edge to examine Bushnell’s novel underwater craft.

• Sergeant Ezra Lee’s character—a raw, independent “nutmegger”—is introduced as a potential pilot.

• Quote:

  “You mean this...this wooden clam here?”
  —General Putnam, skeptically eyeing the Turtle for the first time (03:22)

• Technical Explanation: Bushnell explains the Turtle’s construction, underwater operation, ballast, and explosive payload (03:39–05:22).

• Bushnell reassures:

  “The bomb contains a clock and a gun lock with good flint that cannot misfire. Once attached...the turtle [has] 20 minutes to escape.”
  (05:22)

3. Volunteers Needed; Sergeant Lee Steps Up (06:13 – 09:19)

• No volunteers emerge for the dangerous mission until Putnam recommends Lee, notorious for his brawling and solitary nature.
• Charming insight into Lee’s character:

  “Most of the time, sir. ... Sometimes I just get real hungry for words. Besides, way I figure, talking to yourself is safer than talking to others.”
  —Sergeant Ezra Lee on his habit of talking to himself (08:19)

• Lee is persuaded to take up the challenge, seeing the Turtle’s isolation as a good match for his temperament.

4. Training, Technical Challenges, and Hazards (09:19 – 13:36)

• Sergeant Lee practices submerging in the Turtle, dealing with fears about coming back up, limited visibility, and air supply.
• Running technical problems: Phosphorescent wood “compass” lights fail, air is scarce, and the Turtle is physically cramped for a “nutmegger” (10:29–10:45).
• Quote (light humor & camaraderie):

  “She sinks real fast. Real fast. ... Coming back up I’m mainly concerned about.”
  —Sergeant Lee (09:35)

• Determination: Lee insists the Turtle is ready for action:

  “Furthermore, I have spoken to my first mate and to all members of my vast crew. There’s not a single objection in the lot, sir. We all concur.”
  —Lee, humorously referring to himself as the entire crew (12:13)

• Plan set: Turtle is readied to be towed into position for a daring night attack on HMS Eagle (13:00–14:21).

5. The Mission Launches (14:21 – 15:58)

• Final banter before the dive; Lee's dry wit shows as he prepares for the unknown.
• Notable exchange:

  “There’s only one thing bothers me. ... I kind of wish I knew how to swim. It’s the one detail I forgot with all the preparations. Well, man can’t think of everything. Here I go.”
  —Sergeant Lee (15:37)

• Lee is sealed inside the Turtle and sets off for his dangerous mission.

6. Tense Waiting and the Mission’s Outcome (16:42 – 23:17)

• Generals wait anxiously; no explosion is heard for hours, prompting fears for Lee’s fate.
• Lee’s Underwater Monologue:
  Lee, alone in the Turtle, attempts to attach his “egg” bomb but discovers the Eagle is copper-sheathed—his auger cannot grip the hull (17:56–19:58).

  “Sergeant Lee, the Turtle has been out foxed by an eagle.”
  (18:56)

• Forced improvisation: Lee tries circling the ship and ultimately must abort.
• Lee risks surfacing or suffocating:

  “There’s no time for lengthy debate, men... All those in favor of on top, all those for going under. ... Under the water it is. And let’s not stop until we run smack into the coast.”
  —Lee, talking to himself, humorously pretending his one-man crew is voting (21:33)

• He returns safely, exhausted but alive, after an epic escape (22:55–23:05).
• General Putnam’s assessment:

  “I think the Turtle has a good chance of being the grandfather to a long line of very successful offspring.”
  (23:17)

7. Aftermath and Historical Impact (23:40 – 26:36)

• Sergeant Lee meets General Washington:
  Humorous exchange about the Turtle’s temperamental nature and the origins of its wood (Connecticut vs. Massachusetts) (24:02–24:37).

  “It’s all American wood. That’s what really counts here.”
  —General Washington (24:37)

• Turtle’s ongoing impact: The Turtle is credited with harassing British ships, including the destruction of the Cerberus via explosives, spreading alarm and losses in the British fleet (24:36–25:19).
• Washington recruits Lee:

  “I’d like to have you on my staff as a spy... Calls for a man who likes to work alone, and for a man who, when he has to talk, make sure he only talks to himself.”
  —General Washington (26:06)

• Lee accepts, eager for new adventure.

8. Reflection on America’s Inheritance (26:36 – end)

• Closing narration ties the story to future innovation—drawing a direct line from the tiny Turtle to the atomic submarine.
• The real inheritance: Courage, invention, and the willingness to take risks for liberty.

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Notable Quotes

• General Israel Putnam (skepticism at first sight):

  “You mean this… this wooden clam here?” (03:22)

• Sergeant Ezra Lee (solitude):

  “Seems every time I talk to others, darned if I don’t talk myself right into a big mess of trouble.” (08:19)

• General Samuel Holden Parsons (reflection on innovation):

  “It’s never size that matters, Captain. In either men or ships…” (13:10)

• Sergeant Ezra Lee (self-reliance):

  “As captain of the Turtle, I want to report that my vessel is in the best of condition. Furthermore, I have spoken to my first mate and to all members of my vast crew. There’s not a single objection in the lot, sir. We all concur.” (12:11)

• General George Washington (the heart of the story):

  “It’s all American wood. That’s what really counts here.” (24:37)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:12 | Introduction and historical context | | 02:17 | Generals and Bushnell inspect the Turtle | | 06:14 | Sergeant Ezra Lee introduced | | 09:19 | Training in the Turtle—trial runs and technical details | | 12:11 | Lee asserts readiness as ‘crew’ of the Turtle | | 13:36 | Plan for launching and mission details | | 14:21 | Launch of the mission | | 15:37 | Lee’s witty resolve before submerging | | 17:56 | Lee’s inner monologue under water; failed attack | | 21:33 | Lee’s democratic “crew” meeting with himself | | 22:55 | Lee’s successful return | | 23:40 | Aftermath—meeting with General Washington; Turtle’s legacy | | 26:36 | Narrator—legacy and ‘inheritance’ reflections |

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Memorable Moments

• Lee’s Comedic Monologue:
  Throughout the mission, Lee talks to himself, treating the one-man Turtle as if commanded by a full crew, blending humor with high stakes.

• Gentle Humor of Regional Rivalry:
  Lee and the generals trade jabs about Connecticut (“nutmeggers”) and Massachusetts, poking fun at colonial-state stereotypes.

• Poignant Irony:
  The Turtle’s technical failure against the Eagle (due to copper sheathing) becomes a testament to both the unpredictable nature of war and the value of trying the unthinkable.

• Affirmation of American Spirit:
  General Washington encapsulates the theme: “It’s all American wood. That’s what really counts here.” (24:37)

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Conclusion & Reflections

This episode of Inheritance is a vibrant dramatization of a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in American history, balancing technical curiosity with character-driven storytelling. It captures the uniquely American attributes of innovation, resourcefulness, and humor in adversity, and frames them as the true “inheritance” passed down to future generations. The banter, technical explanations, and acts of courage render the story both educational and entertaining, suitable for anyone interested in history or the roots of American ingenuity.

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Transcript

[David Bushnell]

Inheritance. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with the American Legion, presents a story out of that great composite of visions, struggles and victories of the American past. Our inheritance. Yes, we Americans are heirs to a vast fortune. A fortune composed of many things. John Peter Zanger's fight for freedom of speech. The gathering of a Continental Congress in Philadelphia to defy a king. The voice of a great bell proclaiming liberty. It is Marquette, leading his canoes down the mighty Mississippi. And the swift clipper ships of the East India trade. Let us now go back to a significant time in America's history. One which we all share in our inheritance. By the late summer of 1776, the Continental army had been badly beaten by the English on Long Island. With calm deliberation, and with that far seeing vision which made America what it is today, General George Washington decided that the time had come to put into use a secret weapon. This is the story of that secret weapon. And of the modest man whose courage made reality out of a fantastic dream. This is the story of the nutmegger and the turtle.

[General Israel Putnam]

How much further do we have to walk to see this. This turtle of yours, General Parsons?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Just to the water's edge, Putnam. After all, this is a seaborn turtle.

[General Israel Putnam]

Now, mind you, Parsons, my personal feelings are the.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

I've been hearing about your personal feelings all morning.

[David Bushnell]

Ahoy, General Parsons. We're anchored over here.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Morning, David. That's David Bushnell, the inventor of the turtle. Now, may I suggest diplomacy? He's quite young, quite sensitive. You may not be impressed. True. But let's not forget that General Washington was very much impressed.

[David Bushnell]

You. You must be General Putnam, sir.

[General George Washington]

I am.

[David Bushnell]

A pleasure, sir. Nice day.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Very.

[David Bushnell]

I suppose you gentlemen would like to see the turtle. I warn you, sir, she's not really much to look at, but she's serviceable. Serviceable, sir? I told General Washington.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Suppose, David, we let General Putnam decide for himself.

[David Bushnell]

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, of course. Well, there she is.

[General Israel Putnam]

You mean this. This wooden clam here?

[David Bushnell]

Clam? Well, I. I suppose she could be described like that, sir.

[General Israel Putnam]

And you say this clam can contain a man travel underwater like a fish and attack a British man of war with a large magazine load of explosives?

[David Bushnell]

That's right, General. Here, sir. Old frame, timber. Solid iron bands. All seams caulked and the hole smeared over with tar. Completely waterproof, sir.

[General Israel Putnam]

Yes, yes, I can smell the tar.

[David Bushnell]

Notice these eight windows on top? Perfect visibility for the pilot. Let me unhinge it so you can have a look inside, sir. Six feet, bottom to top. Ample room for a man to move around.

[General Israel Putnam]

What are these odd looking compartments here?

[David Bushnell]

For submerging underwater? These foot springs here open a valve which admits water.

[General Israel Putnam]

I'm sure this vessel is capable of sinking. How does it get back on the surface?

[David Bushnell]

Well, there are two hand pumps here. They withdraw the water from the compartments and force it back outside, allowing the vessel to rise.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Well, Putnam, what do you think? Pretty ingenious, isn't it?

[General Israel Putnam]

I suppose these rudder things on each side are for locomotion.

[David Bushnell]

Exactly, sir. By turning these cranks, you can easily do about three miles an hour. A good speed, all things considered.

[General Israel Putnam]

Let me try to get the whole picture. A man climbs in through the top. I suppose that's locked from the outside?

[David Bushnell]

Correct, sir.

[General Israel Putnam]

He drives out to sea by using these paddles. Encounters a British man of war by approaching under the water, having submerged himself previously. And then what?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Why, he attaches the bomb to the man of war.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

What bomb?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

With this large egg shaped container right here. It's attached to the Turtle here by the rudder. Contains 130 pounds of gunpowder. Enough to blow General Howe halfway back to England.

[David Bushnell]

I may add. General Putnam, sir, The bomb contains a clock and a gun lock with good flint that cannot misfire. Once attached to a man of war. The clock is set to allow the turtle 20 minutes to escape. Ample time, sir.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Well, Putnam, what do you think?

[General Israel Putnam]

You know, Parsons, this dilapidated clam might actually work.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes, it might actually work, but who's.

[General Israel Putnam]

Going to be the pilot?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Well, I have already posted a notice for volunteers, but so far no one has shown any inclinations of becoming a fish.

[David Bushnell]

Gentlemen, I'd be very glad to do it.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

No, no, no, no, no, David, no. I've already told you, we need you on land. No, this calls for a very special type of man. Offhand, I'd see it calls for an improviser.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

I know.

[General Israel Putnam]

Sergeant Ezra Lee.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Who?

[General Israel Putnam]

Let's get back to Camp Larson's. I think I have the captain for your American turtle. If you don't mind, Parsons, I'll speak to Sergeant Ezra Lee. He's the most unruly hunk of soldier. Connecticut volunteer, nutmegger from head to toe. Stubborn, unpredictable, but a tremendous good soldier. I told him all about the turtle and he's thinking it over. He still has 10 days to go in the guardhouse.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

The guard house?

[General Israel Putnam]

Oh, yes, yes, fighting. And again. I don't even bother reducing him to private anymore. This time he beat up three Massachusetts patriots. The only thing they ever agree on is the color of the red coats the British soldiers wear. Yes, come in.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Sergeant Ezriel Lee reporting his orders, sir.

[General Israel Putnam]

Howdy, Sergeant. Where's your military escort?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Why, I left him at the guard house, sir. Being a Connecticut man like myself, why, he didn't see the need for both of us to walk all the way over. Anyway, sir, I always like doing things by myself.

[General Israel Putnam]

Like getting in trouble, huh?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Gosh, trouble sure has a habit of sitting in my knapsack. Nothing I can do about it, I guess.

[General Israel Putnam]

Sergeant Lee, just exactly what was this last fight of yours about?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Oh, about talking.

[General Israel Putnam]

Talking?

[Truman C. Wold]

Yes.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Talking to myself was what done it. Some Massachusetts men, why, they listened in and they made a few remarks in which they voiced general opinions about Connecticut and particular ones about Lyme. That's where I was born, sir. And I asked them most politely to take back what they'd said. And next thing I knew, three of them were on the ground. My hands weren't even bruised.

[General Israel Putnam]

Do you always go around talking to yourself?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Most of the time, sir. You see, there aren't too many people back in Lyme. And sometimes, why, I just get real hungry for words. Besides, way I figure, talking to yourself is safer than talking to others. Seems every time I talk to others, darned if I don't talk myself right into a big mess of trouble.

[General Israel Putnam]

Yes, sergeant? Have you thought about the Turtle?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir, I have. Well, I kind of think I'd like to try it, sir. Now, mind you, I don't particularly care for water except for drink. But since I'll be the captain, the mate and the hull crew rolled into one, I guess it appeals to me. I figure I can't get into too much trouble as long as I'm by myself. Isn't that so, S.

[David Bushnell]

Hold her steady now, Ezra. That's it. Easier it. Slowly. Slowly. All right. Fine. That does it.

[Truman C. Wold]

Now.

[David Bushnell]

Wait till I get the top open.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Yeah.

[David Bushnell]

Are the compartments working good?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Oh, she sinks real fast. Real fast.

[David Bushnell]

900 pounds of lead ballast on the bottom. Help?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Just the same, sir, it's. They're coming back up I'm mainly concerned about.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Well, how do you feel, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

You know something, General Parsons? Why, even after two months of this, every time I step out of the Turtle, I feel like nowhere. Climbing out of the whale's belly, glad to be alive and not believing any part of it. Mr. Bushnell.

[David Bushnell]

Yes?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

She's awfully tight of late. I. I'm afraid you didn't have a nutmegger in mind when you designed her. Now, I tell you, a Massachusetts man, he'd fit in real snug. But, Mr. Bushnell, what are you doing now?

[David Bushnell]

Attaching a little gadget. It'll permit you to measure the depth of your dive. Now, this cork will rise as you go down and fall as you come up. One inch. Rise at cork will mean one fathom deep.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Well, it's beyond me, but I guess it's all right.

[David Bushnell]

How's the phosphorescent wood?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Does it work?

[David Bushnell]

Have enough light to see the compass?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Nope. Sort of went out the moment I submerged wooden candles.

[David Bushnell]

Do candles consume the air too fast? No. I'll have to write to Silas Dean. He can ask Dr. Benjamin Franklin if he might know of any kind of phosphorus that'll give even more light in the dark and not consume air.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Can you breathe all right in there, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Yes, General. There's two hoses. They feed me lots of air when I'm on the surface and below. Well, then I've just got what's inside the turtle. 30 minutes worth if I ever need more. Why, I'll just have to breathe slower, Sergeant.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

I had hopes of putting the Turtle into operation just as soon as possible. Things are a bit on the dark side for us. British have Long Island, Staten Island, Governor's Island. The sound was getting far too dangerous for any American vessel. We're inside of a bottle. The British are tightening the cork more every day. There's a sizable fleet in the harbor right now, along with a large number of transports. And leading the procession is General Howe's flagship, the Eagle. She's a big one, 64 guns. You can understand my concern.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

I think it'd be rather nice if the Turtle had get a chance to chew a few of the Eagle's feathers.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

That's exactly what I was thinking, Sergeant. But considering the Turtle's condition, I think.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

She'S in fine shape, sir.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Well, from what I just saw and.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Heard, sir, I'm the captain of the Turtle, ain't I?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes, you are, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Very good. General Parsons, as captain of the Turtle, I want to report that my vessel is in the best of condition. Furthermore, I have spoken to my first mate and to all members of my vast crew. There's not a single objection in the lot, sir. We all concur. How then do we pluck the feathers.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Of the Eagle, Captain? I'm afraid I'm outnumbered. We'll baptize the Turtle. We'll take her overland to the Hudson river, launch her, and then have two whale boats tore out to sea. And after that, it'll be in your hands, Sergeant. Captain Lee.

[David Bushnell]

General Parsons, sir.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes, Captain Hawkins.

[David Bushnell]

Got the little clam all tied on snug to the whale boats ready to go.

[General Israel Putnam]

She's a small one, isn't she?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

It's never size that matters, Captain. In either men or ships of the crew. You pardon me saying so, sailors being sailors, if you know what I mean. Well, they've been betting on just how.

[David Bushnell]

Long the turtles stay afloat.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

And what's the majority opinion? Well, considering the high wind, the strong.

[David Bushnell]

Side and the strength of waves. Well, men, give it an hour, a.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Half on the outside.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

That sounds like Massachusetts talk to me.

[David Bushnell]

Nothing better than straight Massachusetts talk.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

No, Sergeant Lee.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

It's Captain Lee now, sir. So you give it an hour, do you, Captain Hawkins?

[David Bushnell]

I do.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Well, then it looks like a nutmega. I'll have to teach you a few things about navigation.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

There's nothing any nut maker can teach me.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

No? Then suppose we start with a lesson in courtesy.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

That'll be enough, Sergeant. Captain Hawkins.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Sir?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Tell your men to stand by. We're ready to tow the turtle out to sea. And, Sergeant Lee, from now on, if you've got to talk, talk to yourself.

[David Bushnell]

Hide on those ropes. Man all the turtle close to the whaleboat.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

All right, Sergeant, over with you. Putnam and I will lock the hinge top once you're inside.

[General Israel Putnam]

Sergeants, you know what to do, don't you?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Yes, General, yes. I paddle over to the Eagle, submerge, get close to the hull, work a large spike into the Eagle, attach a line from the explosive magazine, pull the trigger and get away before I get caught in the explosion. And I do all this in the light of two phosphorescent pieces of wood as bright as a dying ember. Why, General has nothing to it.

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[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

The baby could do it.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Now, Sergeant. It's not too late. We can postpone this if you have any doubts.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

I'll never give a Massachusetts man an opportunity to laugh at a nutmega. General, there's only one thing bothers me.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

What's that?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

I kind of wish I knew how to swim. It's the one detail I forgot with all the preparations. Well, man can't think of everything. Here I go.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Steady, lads, steady. Hold that ladder steady. You'll be getting enough water in due time.

[David Bushnell]

Fine, General.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

You can lock the lid on the coffin. By the way.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

If I come out of this alive, will you forget those 10 days guardhouse I owe you.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Get the ego and I'll get you a medal.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

I'll settle for those 10 days.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

All right, I promise.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Thank you kindly.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Duck your head.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Close her up.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Good luck, Sergeant. Good luck.

[General Israel Putnam]

What time is it now, Parsons?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

A little past two.

[General Israel Putnam]

Sergeant Lee has been gone for three hours. He should have reached the Eagle by now. Been sitting here on shore since midnight, I know. No explosion. Not even a sign of one.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

What could have gone wrong? I haven't the slightest idea.

[General Israel Putnam]

Well, you know more about the Turtle than I do at your pet project.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes, that's the whole trouble. Perhaps I know a little too much. Shall I tell you what could go wrong? Those strong waves could cause the Turtle to develop a leak when there's no way Lee can get out. A floating log could break a window. A stiff joat could set off the bomb prematurely. Well, there are a hundred things that could go wrong. Pardon him. I. I never should have permitted him to venture out.

[General Israel Putnam]

Well, let's not suspect the worst. What do you think Sergeant Lee is doing at this moment?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

If Rhino Lee. Nothing is bothering him. He's probably sitting there in the dark having a mighty fine conversation with himself, that glorious fool.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

All right, Captain Lee. Now, calla howl. Then take it. Therein are just where you are. That should be the Eagle straight ahead, right? Right, sir.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Good.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Now, if you hadn't been quite so sure of yourself, you wouldn't have let the tide carry you miles out to sea. Suppose you're tired from paddling back. Well, it serves you right. There. See? Even the phosphorus wood is tired. You won't be able to see a thing shortly. A fine captain you are. Easy now, easy. There'll be a watch on deck. Probably dreaming of some fair little English lass. Go easy. You don't want to wake him. You're not exactly dressed to pay court to General Howe. Easy, lad. Easy does it. Now then, unless you're a complete fool, we should have made contact with the Eagle. Oh, I have a few things to tell Mr. Bushnell about. How about how waterproof the Turtle is? Come now, Captain. Get those nutmegger muscles to work. You've been raised good milk and clear Air. Turn her. Turn her hard. Each turn his knees closer to freedom. Turn her, lad. Turn her over. What now? She won't turn any further now, will she, lad? Metal. A wooden ship with metal sheathing on the bottom. Sergeant Lee, the Turtle has been out foxed by an eagle. What now? What's that? Right, you'll submerge and try the other side. There are two sides to every problem. Now take a deep breath, my lad. Stop talking. You'll need every ounce of air you can.

[General Israel Putnam]

It's five o', clock, Parsons.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Yes, I know.

[General Israel Putnam]

Be light soon.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

That might be a blessing in disguise. I've been looking through this spineless till I'm blind. And every hour that British fleet looks bigger, more imposing and more dangerous. General Parsons, sir. Yes, Captain Wilkinson. The man brewed some tea. I thought perhaps you gentlemen might like to have some. That's very kind. No sign of a yet. Not even a ripple in the water. Brave man. That's Sergeant Lee, even though he is a nut maker. Takes a lot of cold courage to go out there alone in the dark. British fleet on all sides of you.

[General Israel Putnam]

Parsons. Parsons. I see something out there.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Give me the glass.

[General Israel Putnam]

Over there. Due east.

[General George Washington]

Is it the Turtle, sir?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

I can't make it out. Wait. Yes. Yes, it is the Turtle. Thank heavens he's safe.

[General Israel Putnam]

Not quite, Parsons. Look over there, towards Governor's Island. Looks like the whole British army is lined up on the green.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

If only the Sergeant can get by without their seeing him. Captain Hawkins, sir. What odds will you give me that he makes it? Sir, this is one time I'm not betting, just gonna stand here with my fingers crossed. And for the first time in my life, I'm gonna say a prayer for a nutme.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Well, Captain Lee, what now? The Eagle's metal bottom. From port to starboard and from bow to stern. I think you better head back for land. Now then, here's how we stand, my lad. You stay on top of the water. They're sure to see you from the island. Submerge. And you can't see the compass to know where you're going. You'll probably die for lack of air. All right, now, there's no time for lengthy debate, men. You know what you're up against, so I tell you, let's have a show of hands. Do we stay on top, or do we play the Turtle proper and duck our heads? All those in favor of on top. All those for going under. All right, my lads, the majority wins. Under the water it is. And let's not stop until we run smack into the coast.

[General Israel Putnam]

How long has the Turtle been underwater now?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

35 minutes.

[General Israel Putnam]

He was out two miles when he submerged. His top speed is three miles an hour. And if nothing goes wrong, he should make it in 40 minutes, providing he.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Travels in a straight line.

[General Israel Putnam]

How long will the air inside the turtle last?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

30 minutes.

[General Israel Putnam]

Any sign yet?

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

None, General. I see something rippling in the water. Yeah, right close to the shore. Too big for a fish.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

The little clam.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Big his life. He's made it. By George, he's made it. Well, Putnam, what's your opinion now of our underwater secret weapon?

[General Israel Putnam]

General Parsons, I think the Turtle has a good chance of being the grandfather to a long line of very successful offspring.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Coming.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Sergeant Lee Reporting is ordered, sir.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Eddie's agent. I sent for you because there's a visitor here who'd like a few words with you, Sergeant. This is General George Washington, sir.

[General George Washington]

How do you, Sergeant? How's the Turtle?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Why, she's fine, sir. Gets a little frisky every now and then, but she's. She's fine.

[General George Washington]

Gets frisky, does she? She must be a lot like her captain. You know, Sergeant, the Turtle has been one of my pets for a long time. Even before that unfortunate attempt on the Eagle. You've been very active since then, haven't you?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Well, General, I tell you, I guess the title has just taken a natural dislike to the Red Colts. The only way I can count for it is must have Connecticut wood in its belly.

[General George Washington]

A nice thought, sergeant. Only I know for a fact that it's Massachusetts wood.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Massachusetts?

[General George Washington]

Oh, don't feel badly, Sergeant. It's all American wood. That's what really counts here. Some of my reports are most interesting. The Turtle has been distributing explosive kegs all through the Sound. Along the Delaware river, even as far as Bloomingdale. The British fleet just hasn't been able to dodge them. Tremendous losses. The matter's hornets. Good. And then the situation about the British frigate Cerberus. Tell me about that.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

Well, sir, I attached an explosive egg to one of their lines. The crew kind of curious to see what was so heavy. At the end, they pulled it in and hauled it on deck. Oh, it made a pretty explosion and bl. Blasted the Cerberus to bits.

[General George Washington]

You'll enjoy this, Sergeant. One of my spies intercepted this letter from Captain Simus of the late Cerberus. The ingenuity of these people. That means you, Sergeant, Is singular in their secret methods of mischief. Well, I couldn't have said it better myself. Well, Sergeant, you can gather from this that I'm very pleased with both you and the Turtle, I'm convinced that thanks to your courage, underwater crafts like the Turtle will have a tremendous future. Now, coming back to the Eagle. We should have known that British ships were using Carpathisi. But unfortunately, our military intelligence is still in its infancy. And that's why I've come to see you, Sergeant. I'd like to have you on my staff as a spy.

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

A spy? Me, sir?

[General George Washington]

It's a dangerous profession, Sergeant. Calls for courage, for improvising. But mostly it calls for a man who likes to work alone. And for a man who, when he has to talk, make sure that he only talks to himself. Well, does that appeal to you, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Ezra Lee]

General Washington, sir, when do I start?

[David Bushnell]

The amazing record of Sergeant Ezra Lee is now part of our inheritance. So is the foresight of General Parsons, General Putnam, and especially General George Washington for realizing that someday the little clam, the American Turtle would grow in size and power and mobility to finally become the atomic submarine as we know it today. These are the things in the people who have made and will continue to make the America of which we are so justly proud. This is our inheritance. You have been listening to Inheritance, presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with the American Legion. We are privileged this evening to hear from the national vice commander of the American Legion, Department of North Dakota, Mr. Truman C. Wold.

[Truman C. Wold]

The American Legion has always maintained that to preserve the American way of life, we must inculcate moral and spiritual values and a sound knowledge of the process of representative government in the minds and hearts of American youth. For that reason, we have through the years designed and supported a variety of youth activities. Approximately a million boys play baseball each year under the supervision of American Legion Junior Baseball. The objective of this program has been to teach the boys the qualities of teamwork, respect for rules, sportsmanship and fair play. American Legion, Boys State and Boys Nation annually provide a dramatic learn by doing experience in representative government for the youth of our land. Boys under this program in every way simulate the actual form and functioning of our United States government. This, we believe, is important citizenship training. As I see America's youth embrace these programs annually, I am impressed with their fresh faces, clean minds, sturdy bodies and high moral values. Watching them, I realize that tomorrow's citizens will, under God, preserve and promote the way of life which is our birthright as Americans. Our inheritance.

[David Bushnell]

Thank you, Mr. Truman C. Wold.

[General Samuel Holden Parsons]

Next.

[David Bushnell]

Next week, Inheritance will take you on another journey through the pages of history to a time when Americans, dreaming of the future, forge that which we possess today. Today's story, the Nutmegger and the Turtle was written by Guy DeVry and featured Robert Easton as Sergeant Ezra Lee. Included in the cast, in order of their appearance, were Tom McKee, William Johnstone, Paul Dubov, Kurt Martell and Byron King. The original music was composed and conducted by Robert Armbruster. Inheritance is produced and directed for the National Broadcasting Company and the American legion by Albert McCleary. This is John Wall, SPE tonight, here meet the Press on the NBC Radio Network.