ACT II
Set Scene:The same as Act I at a quarter to eight the same evening.
At Rise:Edward,the old Doorman, is straightening the furniture in the room. He clumsily clears the floor of a litter of letters and places them in the corner with the unopened bag. He draws the heavy draperies of the windows and adjusts them so that no ray of light can reach the outside.Mrs. Lincolnenters and watches him fix the draperies.
Mrs. Lincoln
[Speaking suddenly.]
Edward——!
Edward
[Jumping in fright.]
Yes, Madam!
Mrs. Lincoln
What on earth are you doing in here——?
Edward
[In terror ofMrs. Lincoln.]
Just—er drawin'—er the curtains, Madam.
Mrs. Lincoln
[Sternly.]
These curtains haven't been drawn in a year——
Edward
[Stammering.]
I-don't-think-they-have-either——
Mrs. Lincoln
You know they haven't!
Edward
[Gulping wind.]
Yes'm——
Mrs. Lincoln
Who told you to draw them?
Edward
Colonel Nicolay!
Mrs. Lincoln
Where is he?
Edward
Down-stairs, on the door.
Mrs. Lincoln
In your place?
Edward
Yes'm——
Mrs. Lincoln
While you're up here acting as house maid?
Edward
[Embarrassed.]
Well, so it seems, Madam——
Mrs. Lincoln
[Sternly.]
What does this mean?
Edward
I do not know, Madam——
Mrs. Lincoln
[Sarcastically.]
And you haven't the slightest idea—I suppose?
Edward
Not the slightest. My experience as Doorman of the White House has taught me that my first duty is to obey the orders of my Chief——
Mrs. Lincoln
Mr. Lincoln asked you to remain on duty here to-night?
Edward
[Bows.]
Asked me as a particular personal favor to him, that I remain on duty until eight o'clock and dismiss all the other White House attendants——
Mrs. Lincoln
Theguardhas been dismissed!
Edward
Yes, Madam, both of them—inside and out.
Mrs. Lincoln
Ask Colonel Nicolay to come here——
Edward
[Hesitates.]
Yes'm——
Mrs. Lincoln
[Sharply.]
Quick!
Edward
[Jumps.]
Right away, Madam!
[Mrs. Lincolnquickly examines the President's desk, looking for a memorandum of his appointments—she finds a pad and reads.]
Mrs. Lincoln
At eight o'clock —— ——
At nine o'clock—Miss Betty Winter——
[Nicolayenters hurriedly.]
Nicolay
What is it, Madam?
Mrs. Lincoln
Who has this mysterious appointment with the President at eight o'clock—the name is blank.
Nicolay
I am forbidden to discuss it with any one.
Mrs. Lincoln
[Angrily.]
Indeed!
Nicolay
I am sorry.
Mrs. Lincoln
Do you know who is coming?
Nicolay
Yes——
Mrs. Lincoln
Do you know the subject for discussion at this meeting?
Nicolay
I wish to God I did——
[Lincolnenters and glances at his wife in surprise.]
Lincoln
Will you go back to the door, John——
Nicolay
At once—sir——
Lincoln
And tell Edward I'm much obliged to him for staying, but he can go now——
Nicolay
Yes, sir——
Lincoln
See that he goes before our visitor arrives. I have asked him to say nothing about this appointment.
Nicolay
You can trust him implicitly, sir——
[Nicolayexits.]
Mrs. Lincoln
But, you can't trust your wife, to-night, it seems——
Lincoln
[Whimsically.]
Well, you know you're a woman, Mother——
Mrs. Lincoln
[Angrily.]
Thank God——
Lincoln
Amen! So say I!
Mrs. Lincoln
You'reafraidto tell me—who this man is——?
Lincoln
I may tell you to-morrow——
Mrs. Lincoln
When—you've-made-some-fatal-blunder——
Lincoln
I'll make no mistake this time——
Mrs. Lincoln
Then why are you afraid of my woman's intuition——
Lincoln
[Smiling.]
I'm not afraid of yourintuition, Mother——
Mrs. Lincoln
Thank you.
Lincoln
I didn't say it!——
[Laughs.]
—But you know you dotalktoo much sometimes!
Mrs. Lincoln
[Angrily.]
And I'm going to say something to you now. I thought this morning that you would treat those scoundrels with the contempt they deserve when they dared to ask you to sacrifice yourself and the cause of the Union to the ambitions of some traitor behind them.
Lincoln
No! No! They're honest in what they say——
Mrs. Lincoln
[Furious.]
You're too good and simple for this world! Don't you know that some schemer is behind all this——?
Lincoln
Maybe—— It's not a crime, Mother, for a man to aspire to high office, if the bee's in his bonnet. You know I've felt it tickle me lots of times——
Mrs. Lincoln
Don't—don't—don't say such foolish things. You need a guardian. You kept three men in your Cabinet who used their position to try to climb into the Presidency over your head. And you didn't kick them out.
Lincoln
The country needed them.
Mrs. Lincoln
[With earnest dignity.]
The country needs you—you are the man, and the only man who has the simple common sense to save this Union first, and settle all other questions afterwards——
Lincoln
That may be so—too——
Mrs. Lincoln
Tell me one thing—is the man who has this appointment at eight the traitor whom Raymond's Committee is trying to put in your place——?
Lincoln
No! Yet—if thereisanywhere a better man who can render the country a greater service than I can, heoughtto be in my place——
Mrs. Lincoln
But don't you see that it isn't really the man who can give the greater service who will win in such a treacherous fight? It's the liar and the hypocrite who may win.
Lincoln
I have no right in such an hour to think of my own ambitions. My personal desire for a second term is the biggest thing in my life, God knows——
[He pauses as his voice breaks—he struggles a moment and lifts his hand as if to throw off an obsession with a determined smile.]
And yet, my personal desire is a petty thing! My duty to-day is thebiggestthing in the world!
Mrs. Lincoln
You won't take my advice and send these men about their business?
Lincoln
Mary, I've got to fight this thing out alone, with myself and God——
Mrs. Lincoln
I sometimes think, Father, that you're the stubbornest man the Lord ever made!
Lincoln
I've got to be—to do this job——
[Mrs. Lincolnexits.]
[Lincolnpaces the floor with his arms locked behind him in tense thought.]
[Nicolayenters.]
Nicolay
The carriage is approaching, sir.
Lincoln
The coast is clear?
Nicolay
Yes. Edward has gone——
[He pauses.]
You, of course, realize, Chief, the importance of a cool head in dealing with McClellan——
Lincoln
I won't lose my temper, John.
Nicolay
McClellan may lose his——
Lincoln
I'll watch out——
[Looking over his desk.]
That report of Baker's on the Copperhead Societies——
Nicolay
[Pointing.]
Under that paper weight, sir——
Lincoln
Oh, yes, I see——
[Picks up report, glances at it, and lays it back on his desk.]
I'm ready—bring him in. See that we are not interrupted, and when he goes, I'll not need you any more to-night. I'll let in the young people myself, at nine o'clock.
Nicolay
Yes, sir.
[Nicolayexits andLincolnreturns to his desk and writes.]
[Nicolayenters withGeneral McClellan.The General is thirty-eight years old, dressed in a uniform of immaculate cut, flashing with gold. While his figure is short and stocky, in striking contrast to the President, he is a man of commanding appearance, and gives one the impression of a born leader of men. He enters with quick military precision and salutes with studied formality the President as his superior officer. The President answers his salute, asNicolayexits.]
Lincoln
I suggest, General McClellan, that we forget for the moment that I am the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy—and we have a little heart to heart talk in a perfectly informal way——
McClellan
[Stiffening.]
May I enquire, Mr. President, at once, to what I owe this extraordinary summons?
Lincoln
[Cordially.]
Will you be seated, General——?
McClellan
Thank you, I prefer to stand.
[Angrily.]
What right have you to send for me or ask anything, after the foul injustice with which you have treated me as Commanding General——
Lincoln
[Interrupting.]
Just a moment—I have not treated you with injustice—I have treated you with more than justice. I have treated you with the generous faith and love of a father for a wayward boy——
McClellan
Really!
Lincoln
I have. When I appointed you to the chief command of our Army, you were but thirty-four years old. I did it against the bitterest opposition of my party leaders. They told me you were a pro-Slavery Democrat—a political meddler, and that you were opposed to me on every issue before the people. I refused to listen. I asked but one question: Is McClellan the man to whip the new army into a mighty fighting machine, and hurl it against the Confederacy? I said to them: "I don't care what his religion is, or his politics may be. The question is, not whether I shall save the Union—but that the Union shall be saved. My future and the future of my party can take care of themselves"—and I appointed you.
McClellan
And forced me to march against Richmond before I was ready!
Lincoln
I ordered you to move, because it was necessary to forestall a great tragedy. Your army of 180,000 men had gone into winter quarters around a glittering camp over which a young Napoleon presided. Fools about you daily advised that you proclaim the end of the Republic and establish yourself as Dictator. You do not deny this——?
McClellan
No. The fact is well known. Besides, Stanton, your Secretary of War, was at that time my attorney, and he knew——
Lincoln
Exactly. I took the bull by the horns and ordered your grand army to move on Richmond. When you failed and retreated, I refused to dismiss you against the fierce protest of my Cabinet. I left you in command of half our men and appointed General Pope to lead the other half.
McClellan
[Sneeringly.]
And he led them to overwhelming disaster at the second battle of Manassas——
Lincoln
[Quickly.]
For which disaster, you must share the blame. You were ordered to join Pope. You didn't move. Pope was broken by a deliberate design, that was little short of treason, sir. But instead of agreeing to the demand for your trial by court martial, I did the most unpopular act of my life. I reappointed you to the chief command of the whole army—defied public opinion, and faced a storm of abuse in my party councils.
McClellan
And when I led that superb, reorganized army to our first victory at Antietam, you removed me from my command before I could win my campaign.
Lincoln
I removed you from your command because, after you had cut Lee's army to pieces, and he had but 23,000 men left, and you had 75,000—three to one—you lay down on your arms and allowed Lee to escape across the river without a blow—while Jeb. Stuart with his cavalry once more insulted you by riding around your army. Come now, can't we leave to posterity to settle the merits of our controversy over the command of armies? Can't you believe me to-day, when I tell you with God as my witness, that I have never allowed a personal motive to enter into a single appointment or removal which I have made——?
McClellan
I cannot believe it——
Lincoln
In spite of the fact that when I reappointed you to the chief command of the army after the disaster to Pope,youthought that my messenger was an officer with a warrant for your arrest! You still say no——?
McClellan
I still say no—youhadto do it—and you know that youhadto reappoint me.
Lincoln
Well, I'll not pretend that I didn't understand the seriousness of that hour. The Armywasbehind you, to a man! I sounded the officers, I sounded the men. They were against me and with you. If the leaders had dared risk their necks on a revolution, they might have won and set up a Dictatorship!
McClellan
Just so!
Lincoln
This power over men which you possess, General McClellan, is a marvelous thing. It is a dangerous force. It can be used to create a Nation, or destroy one. Because you held this power over your men, I honestly believed you were the ablest General in sight, and I called you back to your high position.
McClellan
[With a smile.]
Very kind!
Lincoln
You had to win or lose at Antietam. If you had won I was vindicated, and your success would have been mine! But when Lee's army escaped, you lost the power over the imagination of your men, the threat of a Dictatorship had passed—the supremacy of the civil government was restored, and I removed you from command——
McClellan
[Angrily.]
I repeat that your act was one of foul injustice!
Lincoln
[Cordially.]
All right then. I've given you my side. Granted for the sake of argument that I have treated you unfairly, I'm going to put you to a supreme test. I am going to propose, on a certain condition, to the man whom I have wronged, an amazing thing——
McClellan
Hence the secrecy with which I am summoned!
Lincoln
Yes. I have just written out on this sheet of paper——
[Takes up the sheet.]
and addressed to Henry Raymond, Chairman of our National Committee, my resignation as a Candidate for the Presidency for a second term—and I will give it to him to-night, if you will agree to take my place andsavethe Union?
McClellan
[Overwhelmed with excitement.]
What-can-you-mean——?
Lincoln
Exactly what I've said.
McClellan
[Paces the floor trembling.]
And your conditions——?
Lincoln
Very simple. Agree to preside to-morrow night at a great Democratic Union Mass Meeting in New York, and boldly put yourself at the head of that wing of your party which stands for the preservation of the Union——
McClellan
And you——?
Lincoln
I will withdraw from the race, secure your endorsement, or prevent my party from naming a successor, take the stump for you and guarantee your election.
McClellan
[StudiesLincolna moment with suspicion.]
You are in earnest——?
Lincoln
I was never more so.
McClellan
And there is no string to this offer?
Lincoln
On my word of honor——
[Dreamily.]
It is needless for me to say that I came into this office with high ambitions to serve my country. My dream of glory may be at an end and I have left only the agony and the tears——
[He pauses, breathes deeply, and struggles with his emotions, recovers himself, and goes on wistfully.]
I did want a chance to stay here for another term to see the sun shine again, to heal my country's wounds, and show all the people, North, South, East and West, that I love them. But I can't risk the chances of this election—if you and I can come to a perfect understanding, and you agree to take my place upon the solemn pledge to save the Union without division. I've made up my mind to this, because I have on my desk here a report from our Secret Service——
[Pauses and picks up the report.]
showing that the Copperhead Societies are of your party and are thoroughly organized in every state of the North—that they demand an immediate peace and will accept a division of the Union——
McClellan
[Interrupting.]
What has this to do with me, may I ask——?
Lincoln
[Evenly.]
This report shows that they propose to end the war on the night of the election by a revolutionary uprising which will result in the recognition of the Confederacy. I am now being urged to arrest their leaders.
[He pauses and watchesMcClellanclosely.]
I shall answer no. Let sleeping dogs lie. One revolution at a time. If the Union candidate wins the election, they won't dare to rise. If he loses, it's all over anyhow—and it makes no difference what they do.
McClellan
A sensible decision——
Lincoln
I'm glad you agree with it. Now the Democratic Convention meets in Chicago next week—you have no opposition. Your nomination will be unanimous. The question is,—what will they do on the issue of the war? The leaders of the Copperhead Societies are now in touch with the rebel government in Richmond——
McClellan
That's a large statement, sir—even about Copperhead Societies——
Lincoln
I have theproofsin this document——
[TouchesBaker'sreport.]
My fear is, that they may get complete control of your Convention——
McClellan
[Angrily.]
Indeed——?
Lincoln
I have heard the ugly rumor that they are counting on you——
McClellan
[Advancing.]
Stop——!
Lincoln
[Going to meetMcClellanand holding his gaze firmly.]
Well——?
McClellan
No man can couple the word Treason with my name, sir——!
Lincoln
Have I done so——?
McClellan
You are insinuating it!
Lincoln
AmI?
McClellan
I demand a retraction!
Lincoln
[Smiling.]
Then, I apologize for my careless expressions. I am glad to see you meet the ugly subject in this way! I have never believed you a traitor to the Union. That's why I sent for you to-night. Will you denounce these men publicly at a Union Mass Meeting, and let me resign and take the stump for you——?
McClellan
[Hesitates.]
I am sure of this election without your help, sir!
Lincoln
You can't be——
McClellan
A straw vote was taken yesterday in the Carver Hospital. The wounded soldiers gave me three votes to your one. Straws show which way the wind is blowing. I know that your party is divided—that John C. Fremont has split your organization, and is daily gaining ground—that unlessheretires,youcan't be elected! Your party is in a hopeless panic—and my election is conceded. Yet, you ask me allow you to dictate the policy of my administration!
Lincoln
[Evenly and pressingly.]
Will you denounce these conspirators within your party——?
McClellan
No——! When I need your advice on any public utterance, I'll let you know.
Lincoln
Will you preside over this Union Meeting?
McClellan
[Firmly.]
Never! I'll do my best to save my country, but in my own way without suggestion or assistance from you——
Lincoln
[With firm conviction.]
Then, sir, youarecommitted by your pledges to the possible division of this Union! I suspected it—but I had hoped for the best—good night!
[The General bows stiffly and leaves the President standing in sorrowful silence, his deep eyes staring into space, seeing nothing asNicolayenters.]
[Pausing, and looking up.]
I thought you'd gone——?
Nicolay
I hope there may be something else I can do for you, sir——?
Lincoln
Yes—there is——
Nicolay
What?
Lincoln
Bear witness with me to this, the blackest hour of my life—I have touched the depths of despair——
[Springs to his feet.]
But I can't give up—there's too much at stake!
Nicolay
Corruption, intrigue and malice are doing their work, Chief—but you can't be beaten! Unlessyou shouldgive up!
Lincoln
Well! I won't give up!
Nicolay
McClellan refused the pledge you asked?
Lincoln
Yes. He is bound hand and foot to the Copperhead leaders who will control his convention——
Nicolay
I thought so——
Lincoln
John, if I could win one man out of the inner councils of the Copperhead orders—one man who really loves his country——
Nicolay
Can a Copperhead love his country——?
Lincoln
Why not——? A rattlesnake might love his own fence corner! There are plenty of honest misguided men among them. I have been studying Baker's report this afternoon—— If I could just get hold ofoneCopperhead who knows the signs and passwords of their inner council, I've worked out A PLAN THAT CAN WIN THIS FIGHT!
Nicolay
[Suddenly.]
The very man may be on the way here at this moment!
Lincoln
[Eagerly.]
What's that——?
Nicolay
[Thinking.]
Miss Winter is due here with her lover—a young Captain of Grant's Army——
[Pauses.]
Lincoln
Well——?
Nicolay
[Slowly.]
In view of the attempts to take your life—I made some inquiries to-day about him—I knew the White House would be without guards to-night——
[Pauses.]
Lincoln
Yes—yes—go on——! What about him?
Nicolay
He was on McClellan's staff at one time——
Lincoln
That's promising——!
Nicolay
He's a McClellan man—then——
Lincoln
Beyond a doubt——
Nicolay
In the hospital the past two months he has heard a lot of bitter talk——
Lincoln
[Quickly.]
And may have joined The Knights of the Golden Circle——!
Nicolay
It's almost a certainty——
Lincoln
Of course. Their infernal agents haunt our hospitals daily, and pour their poison into every open wound——
Nicolay
Prove to this boy to-night that these men are liars——
Lincoln
If he'll listen——
Nicolay
He's got to listen! He comes to ask of you a great favor——
Lincoln
I wonder what?
Nicolay
I couldn't find out. But you can use the opportunity to gain his confidence. He is engaged to a girl who is Mrs. Lincoln's intimate friend—a girl who admires and trusts you. You canwin him, Chief, if you only try!
Lincoln
[With excited emphasis.]
Don't you worry—I'm going to try——!
[Pauses.]
—You wait and show them in. I'll report to Mother my talk with McClellan. She'll be uneasy about it. I'll be back in a minute——
Nicolay
All right, sir.
[Lincolnexits.]
[Nicolaywatches him go with deep sympathy, shaking his head asBettyandVaughanenter.]
Nicolay
Oh, Miss Winter——
Betty
Captain Vaughan,—Colonel Nicolay——
Nicolay
[StudyingVaughan.]
Pleased to meet you, Captain—the President will be back in a moment. He has just stepped in to speak to Mrs. Lincoln. He is expecting you—make yourselves at home——
Betty
Thank you, Colonel——
[Nicolayexits.]
What's the matter, dear——?
Vaughan
Nothing—nothing——
Betty
But your arm is trembling—— I didn't realize you're so weak—I keep forgetting that you're just out of the hospital——
Vaughan
Oh—I'm all right——
Betty
I'm afraid of the strain of this interview——!
[Pauses.]
—You've never told me, dear—for whatwasyour father imprisoned?
Vaughan
[Deliberately.]
He made a speech against the war in our town in Missouri and printed it in a pamphlet——
Betty
Oh—for making and circulating seditious writing——
Vaughan
Technically, yes—in reality for exercising the right of free speech on a policy of the government——
Betty
It may be very serious——
[Pauses.]
—I've an idea——! Let me stay and help you——
Vaughan
But I may have something to say that a girl's ears should not hear——
Betty
Please don't say it! You differ with the President in politics. You must say nothing to offend him——
Vaughan
I'll not——! I think I love my country as well as I love my father——
Betty
Let me stay!
Vaughan
You mustn't—I don't need a chaperone——
Betty
But you may need a friend——
Vaughan
[Bitterly.]
He does wield a terrible power, doesn't he?
Betty
Yes—with the tenderness and love of a father——
Vaughan
[Lightly.]
All right, dear, run along now, see Mrs. Lincoln and get the President to come——
Betty
Can't I stay and help you——?
Vaughan
No, no——
Betty
It means so much to me now——!
[She nestles in his arms andVaughankisses her.]
Vaughan
I'll know how to plead my cause——
Betty
All right—good luck. I'm sure you'll win——
[Bettyexits.]
[Vaughanwalks to the door leading to the Lincoln Apartments, and listens a moment, and walks to the President's desk. His eye rests on the worn copy of the Bible whichLincolnalways kept on his desk. He gazes at the thumbed pages in amazement.]
Vaughan
The Bible—My God!
[Turns its leaves.]
And every page thumbed——!
[He continues to turn the leaves of the Bible.]
[The sound ofLincoln'svoice is heard outside talking toMrs. Lincoln.]
Lincoln
[Outside.]
Go back, and talk to Miss Betty!
[Vaughanquickly places the Bible back on his desk and takes his stand near the door to the hall, as if he had just entered.Lincolnenters from the other door, still talking to his wife who follows him.]
Don't worry, Mother! Who cares for a few old dresses more or less in these times! But if I'd known they cost that much, I'd taken a second look at them and tried to get my money's worth!
Mrs. Lincoln
You're sure it won't influence your decision?
Lincoln
Not a bit! If we stay here—it'll be all right. We can skimp a little. If we don't stay—the old sign still swings on the door in Springfield—Billy Herndon's waiting for me and the law business will be better than ever. Go back now, and don't worry! It's my business to doallthe worrying——
[Lincolncloses the door after she goes, and comes down toward the desk, lifts his haggard eyes in a dazed way and looks about the room. Anxiety and suffering again mark his rugged face. He seesVaughan,and at once throws off the spell of his troubles, advances to meet him and takes his hand.]
I'm glad to see you, my boy—Will you pull up a chair?
[Lincolndrops wearily into his chair and his voice has a far-away dreamy expression in its tones while he studiesVaughancarefully.]
And what can I do for you?
Vaughan
My name is Vaughan—the elder son of Dr. Richard Vaughan of Palmyra, Missouri——
Lincoln
[Thoughtfully.]
Vaughan—Richard Vaughan—I've heard that name—But you'reoneof our boys fighting with Grant's army?
Vaughan
Yes——
Lincoln
[Looking him over.]
You've been very ill, I see—wounded of course?
Vaughan
Yes——
Lincoln
[Rises, takesVaughan'shands in both his, and presses it.]
There's nothing I won't do for one of our wounded boys—if I can——
Vaughan
Thank you——
Lincoln
What is it?
Vaughan
[With cold precision.]
My mother writes me that my father has been arrested without warrant, is held in prison without bail, and denied the right of trial——
[He pauses, trembling with excitement.]
Lincoln
Go on—my boy——
Vaughan
I have come to ask for justice——
Lincoln
He shall have it——
Vaughan
I ask that he be confronted by his accusers in open court and given a fair trial——
Lincoln
[Interrupting.]
For what was he arrested?
Vaughan
For exercising the right of free speech. In a public address, he denounced the war——
Lincoln
Oh!—And his address was printed?
[Lincolnpicks up the little booklet and looks again at the title page and then atVaughan.]
Vaughan
He had as much right to print as to speak it——
Lincoln
No, he hadn't——
[Pauses and looks atVaughan.]
You say your father's name is Richard Vaughan——?
Vaughan
Yes—Dr. Richard Vaughan—and I ask for him a fair trial confronted by his accusers—I ask for justice—will you grant him this trial——?
[Lincolnlays the pamphlet down on his desk and rises.]
Lincoln
[Shakes his head.]
I cannot——! I cannot do it!
[He folds his arms behind his back and paces the floor, unconscious of the glitter of murder inVaughan'seyes.Vaughanslowly draws his revolver and is about to lift to fire, whenLincolnsuddenly turns and speaks.]
[With sharp emphasis.]
That little pamphlet, sir, found its way into the ranks and caused a number of soldiers to desert——
Vaughan
Who says this?
Lincoln
I happen to know it!
[Lincolnpauses and shakes his head sorrowfully.]
You see, my boy, your house is divided against itself—the symbol of our unhappy country. Of course, I didn't know of this particular case. Such things hurt me so, I refuse to know them unless I must. They tell me that Seward and Stanton have arrested without warrant and hold in jail more than thirty-five thousand men at this moment. I hope the number is exaggerated—still it may be so——
Vaughan
[Angrily.]
It's true—I've learned it since my father's arrest!
Lincoln
[Tenderly.]
But, come now, my son, put yourself in my place! I'm here to save the Union for which you are fighting—for which you have poured out your blood. I've armed two million men and we are spending four millions a day, to fight the South for trying to secede. My opponents, taking advantage of our sorrow, harangue the people and elect hostile legislatures in the Northern states. They were about to pass ordinances of Secession and establish a Northwestern Confederacy! Shall I fight Secession in the South and merely argue with it here? I was compelled to suspend the civil law, arrest these men and hold them without bail or trial——
Vaughan
Youareusing the naked power of an emperor then?
Lincoln
[Shaking his head sadly.]
I have been entrusted with that power for a brief term by the people. I am using it sorrowfully but firmly—and I am backed by the prayers of the mothers whose sons are dying for our cause—and the silent millions out there, whom I can't at this moment see—but whom I love and trust.
Vaughan
[With angry tears.]
The Constitution of the Republic guarantees to every freeman the right to trial in open court, confronted by his accusers——
Lincoln
[Passionately.]
But we are fighting a war for the life of the Constitution itself! I did not begin it. Once begun it must be fought to the end and the Nation saved. We must prove now that among freemen therecan beno successful appeal from the ballot to the bayonet. To preserve the Constitution of the Republic I must in this crisis strain some of its provisions——
Vaughan
[In hard tones.]
And you will not interfere to give these accused men a trial?
Lincoln
I dare not interfere! The civil law must be suspended for the moment—as the law of life is suspended while the surgeon cuts a cancer out of bleeding flesh! I cannot shoot one soldier for desertion if I allow the man to go free who causes him to desert——
[He pauses, and puts his hands onVaughan'sshoulders.]
Don't think, my son, that all the suffering of this war is not mine! Every shell from those guns findsmyheart. The tears of widows and orphans—all, the blue and the gray—are mine! For we are equally responsible for this war! When I came here from the West, I found a panic-stricken North, strangling with the poison of Secession. Our fathers had onlydreameda Union—they never lived to see it. The North had threatened Secession for thirty years. Horace Greeley in his great paper on the day of my inauguration was telling the millions who hung on his word as the oracle from Heaven, that Secession was inevitable! "Therefore let our erring sisters of the South go!" was his daily cry. I could not have prevented this war, nor could Jefferson Davis. We are in the grip of mighty forces sweeping in from the centuries. We are fighting the battle of the ages——
[He pauses again.]
But our country's worth it, my boy, if we can only save it! Out of this agony will be born a united people. There has never been a democracyin this worldbecause there's never been one without the shadow of a slave. We must build a real Government of the people, by the people, for the people. It's not the question merely of four million black slaves. It's a question of the life of freemen yet unborn. I hear the tread of these coming millions. Their destiny is in your hands and mine. A mighty Union of free democratic states without a slave—the hope, refuge and inspiration of the world—a beacon light on the shores of time!
[Pauses.]
—There's but one tragedy, that can have no ray of light, and that is that this blood we are now pouring out shall have flowed in vain, and these brave men shall die for naught, that the old curse shall remain, the Union be broken into hostile sections and these battles must be fought again.
[He pauses, breathes deeply, and lifts his figure as if to throw off another nightmare and slips his arm aroundVaughan.]
My enemies call me a tyrant and usurper! I who came up here from a pioneer's cabin in the wilderness, out of rags and poverty——
[Pauses.]
—How well I remember when my mother looked at them and said—"This is nothing—it doesn't count here—it's what you feel—it's what you believe—it's what you see that counts——"
[Struggles with his emotions.]
Now I'm going to show you something, my son, and I'll letyoube the judge as to whether I'm a tyrant—
[He takes up the booklet and hands it toVaughan.]
Read the title page.
Vaughan
[Reading in amazement.]
"Why Should Brothers Fight?" By Dr. Richard Vaughan.
Lincoln
That pamphlet was taken by his sister from the pocket of a poor ignorant boy, who was sentenced to be shot for desertion to-morrow at sunrise——
Vaughan
No! No!——
Lincoln
I pardoned him this morning——
[Vaughansighs his relief.]
Your father wrote and printed that poison, and has forfeited his life for that boy's act——
Vaughan
[Trembling.]
I know you could order his execution——
Lincoln
I said to-day that I'd hang such a man on a gallows forty cubits high—but now that I see you trembling——
[He pauses.]
I shallnotorder his execution. I shall only hold him until the war is over, and then let him and all the others go——
[Pauses.]
Tyrant and usurper they call me! And I'm the humblest man who walks the earth to-night!
Vaughan
[Slowly sinking to a seat and covering his face with his hands in a cry of despair.]
Oh,—my God——!
Lincoln
[Bending in sorrowful amazement and touchingVaughan'shead.]
Why,—what's the matter, my boy——? I'm the only man to despair. You're just a Captain in the army. You have only to obey your superior officer. If to be the head of hell is as hard as what I've had to undergo here, I could find it in my heart to pity Satan himself. And if there's a man outside of perdition who suffers more than I do, I pity him——!
Vaughan
[Springing to his feet and throwing his hands up in anguish.]
You don't understand——! You don't understand——!
Lincoln
Understand—what——?
Vaughan
[Impetuously.]
When I lay in the hospital suffering from my wounds, I received the letter telling me of my father's imprisonment. I must have gone mad—for when you refused to-night to give him a trial—I started to—kill—you—— Oh, my God!
[Breaks down.]
Lincoln
To kill me——! You are the second man to try it. He'll get me the next time—I who envy the dead their rest!
[Laughs.]
What a strange thing this life of ours!
[Pauses.]
Why didn't youdoit——?
Vaughan
Because, for the first time you made me see things as they are, and I got a glimpse of the inside——
Lincoln
[Eagerly.]
Then, I won—didn't I——?
Vaughan
Yes—and I can never forgive myself the thought of harming you——!
Lincoln
[Ignoring his grief.]
If I've wonyou, I can win others, if I only get their ear and make them know as you know! All I need is a little time! And I'm going to fight for it now——
[With quick uplift of spirit.]
I've told you the truth and the truth has turned a murderer into my friend! If only the people can know—can have time to think, I'll win—I'll win—! Look here—I'vewonyou now——?
Vaughan
[Eagerly.]
Just give me a chance to prove it——!
[LincolnstudiesVaughanthoughtfully.]
Lincoln
You doubtless said many bitter things in Washington?
Vaughan
Many of them——
Lincoln
Then, you were approached by the leaders of a Copperhead Secret Order called The Knights of the Golden Circle—were you not?
Vaughan
Yes——!
Lincoln
I thought so——
[Cautiously.]
You—joined the Order——?
Vaughan
[Hesitates.]
I joined, and I'm one of their officers——
Lincoln
[Carefully.]
Of their inner council?
Vaughan
Yes——
Lincoln
You—know—all their signs and passwords?
Vaughan
Every one——
Lincoln
[With sudden deep excitement.]
Young man, you may have thought you came here to-night with murder in your heart—but Almighty God sent you for a different purpose——!
Vaughan
What do you mean?
Lincoln
You'll stand by me now, through thick and thin?
Vaughan
[Passionately.]
I'd count it an honor to die for you——!
Lincoln
Well, I'm going to ask you to do something harder than that for a man of sensitive honor. These Copperhead traitors took advantage of your illness and grief over your father to inveigle you into a scheme of high treason——
Vaughan
What——!
Lincoln
You believed their purpose to be patriotic—didn't you——?
Vaughan
Of course——
Lincoln
[SeizingBaker'sReport.]
This document from Baker's Office contains the original order of their Chief for an uprising on the night of the election——
Vaughan
Uprising for what——?
Lincoln
To overturn the Government, recognize the Confederacy, and divide the Union——
Vaughan
Is it possible——!
Lincoln
You know—after what has passed between us to-night—that I speak the truth——
Vaughan
Yes——!
Lincoln
You came in here to demand a trial for your father—and find him in reality justly condemned to death. I have pardoned him. I want you to atone for his wrongs and your own tragic mistake, by placing yourself with the signs and passwords of that Society at my disposal. You have been basely deceived and betrayed—will you do it?
Vaughan
If my country calls—yes—and I'll thank God for the chance to atone——!
Lincoln
Good——! You are the one man on earth to-night whom I need and didn't think I could get! I'm going to send you on a dangerous mission. I need two things to carry this election and save the Union—a single victory in the field to lift our people out of the dumps, and a word from Jefferson Davisthat there can be no peace save in division! I know Davis. We were both born in Kentucky, on almost the same day. He holds that position. But the peace party of the North refuse to believe it. They say he will compromise. Now I've sent two men down there—Colonel Jacquess, a Methodist clergyman, of our hospital service, and John R. Gilmore of theTribune, old Greeley's paper. They go as private citizens of the North, who desire peace. They are to draw Davis out, and get his declaration for me. Technically, they are spies—for they have no credentials. They may be imprisoned or executed. They passed through our lines but twenty miles from Richmond, seven days ago. I haven't been able to hear from them. The silence is ominous.