Vaughan
And you wish me to find out what has happened to them——?
Lincoln
[Eagerly.]
I want another man in Richmond, quick—whose identity will be unknown—a man who can win the confidence of Judah P. Benjamin, Davis' Secretary of State, who is preventing my interview with the Confederate President. Benjamin is the ablest and by far the most dangerous man in the South to-day. I know from this document on my desk——
[TouchesBaker'sReport.]
that he is in close touch with the Copperhead Societies of the North—if his keen mind is not actually directing them. You have their signs and passwords. It seems too good to be true! If you carry to Benjamin a special report of this planned uprising, you can gain his confidence, and persuade him to let my men see Davis. If you can only get through the lines and reach him before being arrested——!
Vaughan
I've a brother in General Lee's army—sir—for whom I've often been mistaken before the war——
Lincoln
That's great——!
Vaughan
He is an officer too—a First Lieutenant.
Lincoln
Fine! Before you go, confer with Baker. He will give you the names of our agents in Richmond and decide on your disguise. He will probably put you in Confederate uniform and make out in your brother's name a rebel leave of absence to use in an emergency. You are a Southern man. Your accent is perfect. Your chances of success great. I want you to leave within an hour——
[He writes on two cards.]
Vaughan
In five minutes, if you wish——
Lincoln
If you can get for Jacquess and Gilmore a hearing and they are allowed to return and tell their story, all right—your work in Richmond is done. But if they are imprisoned or executed, report this fact and Mr. Davis' answer, and it will bedoublyeffective—you understand——?
Vaughan
Perfectly, sir——
Lincoln
That's your first job. Your next will be to get a special message through frominside the Confederacyto General Sherman, who is laying siege to Atlanta.
[Takes up telegram.]
This message from him, received this morning, says that he has as yet been unable to locate and count up Hood's second line of defense which he must fight in a flank movement. Take the train from Richmond to Atlanta. Keep your eyes open every foot of the way. Find out from inside, the position of this second line, and the number of regiments holding it. Make no mistake about it. Break through to Sherman, and report to him——
Vaughan
A tough job, sir—but I believe I can do it——
Lincoln
That's the way to talk, my boy——! When you reach General Sherman, you will deliver to him a verbal message—I'll give you a sign that will identify you. This is the big thing I'm sending you to do. I could telegraph my order direct to Sherman, but it would have to be filed in the War Office, and might offend General Grant. As an officer, you understand that——
Vaughan
Clearly, sir——
Lincoln
For this reason I'm sending you on this urgent and dangerous business. Tell General Sherman for me, that if he can take Atlanta at once, the blow will lift our people from despair, carry the election, and save the Union! I send by you the order for him to strike. If he wins, the order will remain a secret—the credit shall all be his! If he strikes and loses, I'll publish my order and take the blame on myself.—Youthinkyou cando this——?
Vaughan
[Quietly.]
I'll do it—or I'll die trying, sir——
Lincoln
[Writing on the back of his card.]
All right, take this card to Stanton's Office and tell him what I've told you. Ask him to arrange to send you by boat to Aquia, Virginia, by horse from there. This card to Baker's Office—Return here for your papers, and say good-by to your sweetheart——
Vaughan
At once, sir——
Lincoln
My boy—I trust you implicitly! My mother's God has been talking to me since you entered this room! You've lifted my spirit to the heights!
[Vaughanexits.]
CURTAIN
ACT III
Scene I
Set Scene:Jefferson Davis' room in the Confederate Capitol at Richmond, two days later. A long table is on the right. Two small tables on left. Doors right and left, and mantel center.
At Rise:A Doormanin Confederate uniform arranges the chairs about a long table as if for a Cabinet Meeting.
[Benjaminenters.]
Benjamin
Mr. Davis has not yet arrived——?
The Doorman
Not yet, Mr. Benjamin—I am expecting him at ten o'clock—it's now a quarter of——
Benjamin
I've asked a young man to wait in your room for me—has he come——?
The Doorman
He's there now—sir——
Benjamin
You've talked with him freely——?
The Doorman
[Laughs.]
Oh, yes, sir—we've been swappin' yarns for half an hour——
Benjamin
I thought so—that's why I asked him to wait in your room——
The Doorman
Well, I always try to be sociable——!
Benjamin
I know! Did you get much out of him?
The Doorman
Why, how—how do ye mean?
Benjamin
Find out anything about his people—where he came from, where he's going to—what he's doing in Richmond?
The Doorman
Oh, no, sir! He's full of fun—he kept me laughin' most o' the time——
Benjamin
I see——!
[Laughs.]
He knows his business. Show him in.
The Doorman
Yes, sir——
[Benjaminseats himself at one of the small tables at left and examines his schedule for the day's work.The Doormanopens the door and showsVaughanin, dressed in Confederate uniform.Benjaminrises and greets him cordially.]
Benjamin
Good morning, young man——
[GivesVaughanthe Sign of the Knights of the Golden Circle.]
Vaughan
[Returns Sign.]
Good morning, Mr. Benjamin—I hope you've rested well?
Benjamin
Not so well as usual—the truth is I've been wrestling all night with the problem of Jacquess and Gilmore. I've confirmed your view that they have given their real names. Gilmoreisa reporter of the New YorkTribuneand Colonel Jacquess is a Methodist clergyman well known in the hospital service, in fact famous for his kindly treatment of Southern prisoners——
Vaughan
Just as I told you——
Benjamin
I've allowed the Commissioner of Exchange who has been holding them in custody to bring them here this morning——
Vaughan
Good!
Benjamin
Last night, I made up my mind to take your advice and to let them see Mr. Davis——
Vaughan
I'm glad——
Benjamin
This morning I'm puzzling over it!
Vaughan
[Showing his disappointment.]
Why——?
Benjamin
I agree with you that we could use the interview for our own purposes. But the trouble is, Mr. Davis is soft-hearted sometimes. He may refuse to take my advice. He may let these men go.
Vaughan
You surely can depend on his allowing you to hold them in Libby Prison until after the election?
Benjamin
I'm not sure of it. If he takes a notion to let them go—he's as stubborn as a mule.
Vaughan
All right—Let me be present at the interview and take notes. If Mr. Davis makes an important declaration about peace and lets them go, I'll beat them to the North and giveyourversion of the interview first——!
Benjamin
[Hesitating.]
I might do that—yes——!
Vaughan
I could not only head off any injury from their report, but I could give it a twist that would make it a boomerang on Lincoln——
[Benjaminhesitates whileVaughanwatches him breathlessly.]
Benjamin
[Thinking.]
You could act as my special secretary for the meeting and take shorthand notes—or pretend to——
Vaughan
I take shorthand. I've been a reporter in Washington——
Benjamin
Then it would be easy.
Vaughan
No matter what is said, I can make a report that will harden the purpose of our Societies to swing the uprising on the night of the election.
Benjamin
You are sure the order for the revolt against the Lincoln Government has been issued?
Vaughan
Absolutely sure.
Benjamin
I know they have discussed it and may have decided to do it, but are the actual preparations under way?
Vaughan
In every Lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle, the command is now on record. Our forces are being drilled. I have read the original order with the signature of the Commander——
Benjamin
[Elated.]
It's great news you've brought us, young man—great news!
[Benjaminhesitates andVaughanwatches him.]
All right, we'll risk it——!
[Vaughanshows his secret joy and deep excitement.]
These men are Lincoln's spies beyond a doubt—but we'll dig out of them all the information possible, and then use them for our purpose——
[The Doormanenters.]
The Doorman
Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange——
[Ouldenters.]
Ould
Our visitors are outside, Mr. Benjamin.
Benjamin
You understand, Judge Ould, that these men are prisoners of war in your charge as Exchange Commissioner?
Ould
I am painfully aware of that fact, sir—and the responsibility is not to my liking.
Benjamin
While in Richmond, they are to be held under the strictest guard and on no conditions allowed a liberty except by my order, or the order of the President.
Ould
I can trust them here with you, I hope, for half an hour?
Benjamin
You can. Show them in.
[Vaughantakes his seat at the small table nearBenjaminwho gives him a note book and he prepares to take notes.Ouldreënters conductingJacquessandGilmore.]
Ould
Colonel James F. Jacquess and Mr. John R. Gilmore,—Mr. Secretary of State——
[Ouldbows and exits, whileBenjaminadvances with marked cordiality to greet his visitors. He does not shake hands but bows politely.]
Benjamin
I am delighted to see you, gentlemen—pray be seated.
[The two men sit andGilmoreshoots atVaughana look of startled recognition whichVaughanfails to return.]
You bring overtures from your Government I trust.
Jacquess
No, sir, we bring no overtures——
Gilmore
We have no authority from our Government.
Jacquess
We have come simply as private citizens to know what terms will be acceptable to Mr. Davis for ending the war?
Benjamin
You are acquainted with Mr. Lincoln's views, however?
Jacquess
One of us is fully——
Benjamin
I supposed so. May I ask, did Mr. Lincoln in any way authorize you to come here?
Gilmore
No, sir. We came on his pass through the lines, of course, but not by his request.
Jacquess
We came, Mr. Benjamin, simply as men and Christians, not as diplomats, hoping in a frank talk with Mr. Davis to discover some way by which this war may be stopped.
Benjamin
On my advice, gentlemen, Mr. Davis will see you——
Jaquess and Gilmore
Thank you——
Benjamin
I think he is here now——
[Benjaminexits.]
Gilmore
[In low tones toVaughan.]
What are you doing here?
Vaughan
Writing! I don't know you——
Gilmore
The hell you don't!
Vaughan
No!
Gilmore
We worked on the same paper in Washington, once——
Vaughan
Never saw you before——
Gilmore
Get-word-through-will you!We're in a trap!
Vaughan
Shut your damned trap! or we'll both make our breakfast on lead at sunrise to-morrow morning! Get back to your seat!
[The sound of approaching steps are heard.Benjaminenters asGilmoredrops into his seat.]
Benjamin
Gentlemen: The President of the Confederate States of America!
[Davisenters and bows to his visitors, who rise. His figure is about five foot ten and quite thin. His features are typically the Southern scholar and thinker with angular cheeks and high cheek bones. His iron gray hair is long and thick and inclined to curl at the ends. His whiskers are thin and trimmed farmer fashion, on the lower end of his strong chin. His eyes flash with strong vitality. His forehead is broad, his mouth strong. He wears a brown suit of foreign cloth which fits him perfectly. His shoulders slightly droop. His manner is easy and graceful, his voice charming and cultured.]
Davis
I am glad to meet you, gentlemen. You are very welcome to Richmond.
Gilmore
We thank you, Mr. Davis.
Davis
Mr. Benjamin tells me that you have asked to see me——
[He pauses and waits for his visitors to finish the sentence.]
Jacquess
Yes, sir. Our people want Peace. Your people do. We have come to ask how it may be brought about?
Davis
Very simply. Withdraw your armies from the South, let us alone and Peace comes at once.
Jacquess
But we cannot let you alone so long as you seek to divide the Union.
Davis
I know. You deny us, what you exact for yourselves—the right of self-government.
Jacquess
Even so, Mr. Davis, we cannot fight forever. The war must end sometime. We must finally agree on something. Can we not find the basis of agreement now, and stop this slaughter?
[Vaughantakes notes rapidly.]
Davis
I wish peace as much as you do. I deplore bloodshed. But I feel that not one drop of this blood is on my hands. I can look up to God and say this. I tried to avert this war. I saw it coming and for twelve years I worked day and night to prevent it. The North was mad and blind and would not let us govern ourselves, and now it must go on until the last man of this generation falls in his tracks and their children seize their muskets and fight our battle—unless you acknowledge our right to self-government. We are not fighting for Slavery. We are fighting forindependenceand that orexterminationwe will have——
Jacquess
[Protesting.]
We have no wish to exterminate the South! But we must crush your armies. Is it not already nearly done? Grant has shut you up in Richmond, and Sherman is before Atlanta.
Davis
[Laughs.]
You don't seem to understand the situation! We're not exactly shut up in Richmond yet. If your papers tell the truth, it is your Capitol that is in danger, not ours. Lee's front has never yet been broken. He holds Grant, invades the North and shells Washington. Sherman, to be sure, is before Atlanta. But suppose he is? His position is a dangerous one. The further he goes from his base of supplies, the more disastrous defeat must be. And his defeat may be at hand.
Jacquess
And yet, the odds are overwhelmingly against you. How can you hope for success in the end?
Davis
My friend, the South stands for a principle—their equal rights under the Constitution which their fathers created. This country has always been a Republic of Republics—not an Empire. We are fighting for the right of local self-government which we won from the tyrants of the old world. The states of the Union have always been sovereign. We never paused to figure on success or failure, sir. Five million Southern freemen drew their sword against twenty millions because their rights had been invaded.
Jacquess
And yet, Mr. Davis, you know as well as I that five millions cannot hold out forever against twenty. Have we not reached the end?
Davis
Hardly! Do you think therearetwenty millions in the North still determined to crush us? If so, let me tell you that I am better informed on the present situation inside your lines than you are. The North at this moment is hopelessly divided, sir——
[Benjaminexchanges signs withVaughan.]
Jacquess
The dispute then with your government is narrowed to this—union—or disunion?
Davis
Let us say independence or subjugation. We mean to govern ourselves. We will hold this principle if we have to see every Southern plantation sacked and every city in flames——
[JacquessandGilmorerise.VaughancatchesGilmore'seye.]
Jacquess
I am sorry, sir.
[DavistakesJacquess'hand in both his in the same wayLincolndid.]
Davis
I respect your character, Colonel Jacquess and your motives and I wish you well—every good wish possible consistent with the interests of the Confederacy——
[He pressesGilmore'shand and follows them to the door.]
Jacquess
Thank you.
Davis
[At door.]
And say to Mr. Lincoln that I shall be pleased to receive proposals for peace direct from him, at any time, on the basis of our independence. It will be useless to approach me with any other.
[JacquessandGilmoreexit andOuldreënters.]
Ould
[To Davis.]
And shall I conduct these gentlemen back to Grant's lines?
Benjamin
[Quickly.]
No, these men are spies straight from Lincoln's desk. It's the slyest trick the old fox has ever tried to play on us. He knows that McClellan's election on a peace platform is a certainty. He's after ammunition for this campaign. We dare not play into his hands! Our very life may depend on it! Make no mistake—these men must be locked up to-night and shot at sunrise.
Ould
[Shakes his head.]
I wouldn't do it if I were you——
Benjamin
Why?
Ould
For one reason this——
[Ouldunfolds a note.]
Ben Butler sent this note to me by their hands. It was sealed. Read it.
Davis
[Interrupting.]
Just a moment——
[ToThe Doorman.]
General Lee is in the War Office—ask him if he can see me for a few minutes, please.
[The Doormanbows and exits.]
Go on, gentlemen.
Ould
[ToBenjamin—handing him the note.]
Read it!
Benjamin
[Reading.]
"If these men do not return to my lines within ten days, I shall demand them, and if you don't produce them—I'll execute two for one.
"(Signed)B. F. Butler."
[Angrily.]
Bluff! Bluff!
Davis
He's a beast. He'll do it.
Benjamin
All right! Let him try it! Two can play that game. We can execute four for one——
Davis
I don't like these bloody reprisals. There's no end, once we begin.
Benjamin
The decision is yours, sir.
Davis
I reserve my decision. I'll give it to you presently. I want a word with General Lee—first—if you will give me this room.
Benjamin
Certainly, we'll retire until you're ready. This way.
[BenjaminconductsVaughanandOuldinto the room right—opposite the door through whichJacquessandGilmoremade their exit.—The Doormanenters and announces.]
The Doorman
General Lee!
Davis
[Advances cordially and takesLee'shand in both of his.]
Thank you, General. I wish to consult you first on a peculiar matter—of small importance from one point of view—of tremendous importance from another. Two men have been passed into our lines to sound me on the question of Peace. I have just talked with them. I am certain—so is Benjamin—that they come straight from Lincoln though they have no credentials. Benjamin demands their execution—Judge Ould protests. Are they spies?
Lee
Technically, yes—morally, no.
Davis
Thank you. Before I decide whether to let these men go with a message to the North, I must ask you one or two questions——
Lee
At your service, sir.
Davis
How long can you hold Grant?
Lee
Certainly a year—unless——
Davis
Yes?
Lee
Unless Atlanta falls.
Davis
And then?
Lee
If General Hood fails to hold Atlanta, Sherman can cut the South in two and my supplies fail. My men are living now on parched corn. If Sherman takes Atlanta, I cannot get the corn.
Davis
What is the spirit of your men at this moment, General?
Lee
A more formidable force was never set in motion than the army I command, sir. They are our stark fighters—men who individually or in the mass can be depended on for any feat of arms in the power of mortals to accomplish. I know them from experience. They will blanch at nothing—yet they must have food.
Davis
You shall have it. But after one year—then what?
Lee
It's solely a question of man power, sir. Imusthave more men.
Davis
And you suggest?
Lee
That you immediately begin to arm and drill 500,000 negroes for my command.
Davis
And you think they would make good soldiers?
Lee
Led by their old masters—they'll fight—to a man.
Davis
It would be necessary to give each black volunteer his freedom?
Lee
Of course. I, as you know, freed my own slaves before entering the service of the South. It is one of the ironies of Fate that I am supposed to be fighting for slavery—I who refuse to own a slave and my opponent General Grant is through his wife's estate a slaveholder. Slavery is doomed, sir. It can never survive this tragedy. The Legislature of Virginia came within one vote of freeing her slaves, years ago.
Davis
I know. But the great Gulf States and South Carolina with their majority of Negro population will never agree to the arming of half a million slaves.
Lee
And you will allow Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina to defeat a plan necessary to save the life of the Confederacy?
Davis
The States are sovereign, General Lee—for this principle we are fighting.
Lee
Then I think it may be time to ask ourselves, heart to heart, the question whether the Confederacy, as organized, does not carry within its own body the seeds of death? The rights of a state must somewhere yield to the supreme power of a nation. The Negro will make a brave soldier, and he can save the South. Will you use him?
Davis
I'll consider your suggestion, General, but I can't see it—I can't see it now. I won't detain you longer.
[General Leesalutes and exits—Davisgoes to the opposite door—opens it and calls.]
I am ready, gentlemen.
[Ould, BenjaminandVaughanreënter.]
Benjamin
You have decided?
Davis
Yes.
[He sits and writes a pass.]
It is probably a bad business for us——
Benjamin
There can be no doubt about that, sir——
Davis
But it would alienate many of our Northern friends if we held these men. I have decided to let them go. Give them this pass.
[Hands pass toOuld.]
Show them through the hospitals and Libby Prison and conduct them back to General Grant's lines.
Ould
You have acted wisely, sir.
Benjamin
[With deep feeling toVaughan.]
He has made exactly the blunder I feared——
Vaughan
[With elation.]
We'll hope for the best, sir! With the twist I'll give the news——
CURTAIN
Scene II
Set Scene:The same as Acts I and II, except that a small table has been placed down center on the side near Lincoln's desk. A telegraph instrument has been installed on this table.
At Rise:At rise, the audience sees onlyLincolnandOperator,the lights gradually rise until full day shows the entire room. It is the morning of September 3, 1864.
Lincoln
[Bending over the key.]
Try to get Atlanta again, my boy.
[TheOperatortries again and again to get Atlanta.]
Operator
It's no use, sir——
Lincoln
We don't seem to have any luck, do we? My messenger should have reached Sherman! He must be there now. He must be there—he can't be lost!
[Laughs forlornly.]
Two whole days I've listened to that thing click——
[TheOperatorcalls Atlanta, with a peculiar loud call.]
Is that the word Atlanta you're clicking off?
Operator
Yes, sir—calling—over this wire we have a direct connection to-day. The trouble is Sherman's old headquarters don't answer either.
Lincoln
Call Atlanta again. Do it slowly. I want to learn it—Uncle Billy——
[TheOperatorclicks off each letter in the Morse Code, spelling it slowly.]
Must be there by this time!
Operator
A—T—L—A—N—T—A— G—A— Atlanta, Ga.
Lincoln
Once more.
[TheOperatorrepeats the call andLincolnfollows it repeating after him.]
I want to catch that as quick as you do—when it comes!
[Aside.]
Oh, my God, why don't it come!—Why don't it come!
[Nicolayenters.]
Nicolay
The time's up. Raymond and his damned Committee are here, sir, and insist on your final answer at Once——
Lincoln
Hold them back awhile. We're bound to hear something to-day. I promised them my decision this morning, I know—but I'm still full of foolish hopes.
Nicolay
They are not foolish hopes,—Chief!
Lincoln
This machine here seems to think they are. The darn fool thing will talk one way but won't chirp the other.
Nicolay
What shall I tell them?
Lincoln
[Listening at the instrument.]
Anything—tell them a funny story!
[Listening.]
They need a laugh—the bunch of undertakers! Waiting for me to deliver my corpse to them!—Restless, because I haven't given it up sooner!
[The sharp click of the telegraph receiver catches his ear and he starts to the table.]
No—that wasn't it——
[Turns again toNicolay.]
Tell them positively, I will see them within half an hour.
[Nicolayexits andLincolnreturns to his vigil by the telegraph table.]
How close can you get to Atlanta over the Chattanooga line——?
Operator
Twenty miles out is the last station that answers and he don't know what's the matter with the line.
Lincoln
Strange—we got closer than that yesterday—Sherman's on the move....
[Bettyenters timidly.]
That's certain.
[Looking up.]
Come right in, Miss Betty—I know what you want.
Betty
Nothing yet from General Sherman?
Lincoln
Nothing——
Betty
And no message of any kind from John since he left?
Lincoln
Not yet.
Betty
Why—whyhasn't he reported?
Lincoln
[Hopefully.]
I'm sure—remember,sure to a moral certainty—that he left Richmond safely.
Betty
[Eagerly.]
Youhavea message then?
Lincoln
Indirectly——
Betty
Oh——
Lincoln
[ToEdwardat door.]
Edward, ask Mr. Gilmore to step in here a minute.
Edward
Yes, sir.
Lincoln
Gilmore's report ought to be worth half a million votes for me—it may be worth something to you—
[Gilmoreenters.]
Gilmore, did you see a handsome young fellow in Confederate uniform taking notes at your interview with Davis——
Gilmore
Yes, sir, and I knew him too——
Betty
[Eagerly.]
It was Captain Vaughan?
Gilmore
Sure! He denied it, of course, but I knew him all right.
Betty
He was well?
Gilmore
I never saw him looking better. He was scared stiff, of course, and so were we——
Betty
Thank you!
Lincoln
That'll do, Gilmore. I wish you'd help Nicolay choke that Committee off a little while—and you come with them when they break in—will you?
Gilmore
Gladly, Mr. President.
[Gilmoreexits.]
Lincoln
[ToBettylightly.]
Now you've had some good news——
Betty
[Forlornly.]
How long since any word came from General Sherman?
Lincoln
Two days. I know the hole where he went in at. But I can't tell where the old varmint's going to come out——
Betty
[Chokes.]
If he ever comes out!
Lincoln
Oh! He'll come out——
[He stops and listens at the telegraph instrument again, and sighs in disappointment.]
He'll come out somewhere—It's a habit Uncle Billy has——
Betty
[Hopelessly.]
They've no news at the War Department either.
Lincoln
No news is generally good news from Sherman.
[Bettyturns away to hide her tears andLincolnfollows her with tender pleading.]
Come, come, my dear—these tears won't do! You've got to help me now!
[Bettybrushes the tears away.]
I may have sent your lover to his death. I know that! But he went with a smile on his face and a great joy in his heart for the service he was doing his country——
Betty
Yes—I know—I know—I'm proud of the honor you did him.
Lincoln
[Whispering.]
Give me a little lift, then——
[Pauses.]
I'm just whistling to keep upmycourage!
[He pauses again in an agony of suffering.]
I know that he got to Atlanta——
[Pauses.]
Sherman has disappeared!
Betty
Forgive me—I forgot.You'regoing to win. I feel it. I know it!
Lincoln
That's the way to talk! That's the way I'm talking to myself though I'm scared within an inch of my life——
[He pauses and goes over to theOperator—Bettyfollowing.]
Say, boy—can't you beat it a little harder and make the blame thing talk for us?
Operator
I wish I could, sir.
Lincoln
Try him again——-
[TheOperatorcalls Atlanta and pauses—LincolnandBettybend over with breathless suspense. The instrument gives one click—Lincolnstarts. The instrument stops.]
Didn't the thing start to answer?
[TheOperatorshakes his head.]
Call the War Office and ask Stanton to step over here—My God—why can't we hear!
Betty
[Wistfully.]
I'm not going to cry again—but I just want to askonequestion—you won't mind?
Lincoln
As many as you like!
Betty
He—he—had to enter Atlanta a spy, didn't he?
[Sobs and catches herself.]
Lincoln
Yes—of course——
Betty
Well, if he should be captured—could—they execute him without our knowing it?
Lincoln
They might—but he's a very bright young man! He'll be too smart for them——
Betty
[Hopelessly.]
I don't know—I don't know——!
Lincoln
Now listen—! I'm going to tell you something—Iknow! I've a sort of second sight that tells me things sometimes, my dear. After the battle of Gettysburg I saw General Daniel E. Sickles in the hospital. They told me that he was mortally wounded and could not possibly live.Itold General Sickles that hewouldlive and get well, and he did! I saw his living body that day at work in health and strength as plainly as I see you! We have not heard from Captain Vaughan yet, but it willcome—! He has reached Atlanta. The General got my message. I know that. I felt it flash through the air from his soul to mine! I can see you and your lover at this moment seated side by side smiling and happy——
Betty
[In awe.]
You—see—this——!
Lincoln
[In dreamy tones.]
As plainly as I see the sunlight dancing on the leaves outside that window now——
[Stantonenters andLincolnturns to meet him eagerly.]
Stanton
You've no news?
Lincoln
I sent for you, to ask that——
Stanton
Nothing——
Lincoln
[In low tones.]
What does it mean?
Stanton
A storm swept Atlanta yesterday—the wires may be all down——
Lincoln
You think that's it——?
Stanton
No—I don't.
Lincoln
Neither do I——
Stanton
Something big has happened! Sherman has either taken Atlanta or Hood has cut his communications and his army may be imperiled.
Lincoln
[His head droops.]
That's what I think too—God help us!
[The sharp click of the telegraph instrument causes him to start quickly, cross to the table and listen. The committee headed byRaymondandStevenscrowd through the door against the protests ofNicolay.]
Nicolay
I promised you an answer in half an hour, gentleman!—you must wait.
Raymond
Not another minute!
Stevens
[Waving a telegram.]
The matter is too urgent!
Lincoln
All right—John—let 'em in—I'm ready.
Raymond
We have just heard a most painful and startling piece of news from the War Department——
Lincoln
[ToStanton.]
War Department——
[Low voice.]
—What is it, Stanton?
Stanton
Something I didn't believe and wouldn't repeat to you.
Lincoln
[Whispering toOperator.]
Pull for me, boy, pull for me—keep picking at that thing!
Stevens
[Triumphantly.]
You were advised to withhold the new draft of men until after the election! Well, read that copy of a telegram from New York, just received by General Halleck, sir!
[Offers telegram toLincolnand he refuses to take it.]
Lincoln
I don't want to read it, Stevens. Your face is enough for me. It must be bad, or you wouldn't be so happy. You're almost smiling!
Stevens
Read it!
Lincoln
[Ignoring the proffered telegram.]
You know, Stevens, you remind of an old farmer I knew in Illinois——
[The committee gather aroundLincolneager for the story, glancing atStevens.]
Stevens
Go on, give 'em the joke. It's your funeral—not mine!
Lincoln
[Facing the committee.]
This old farmer raised the biggest hog ever seen in the county. He was so fat the news of his size spread over the country and people came from far and near to see this wonder in pork. A stranger came up one day and asked the farmer to see him. The old man said: "Wal I've got sech a animal an' he's the biggest one I ever seed. I'll say that. But so many folks are comin' here pesterin' me to look at him, I've decided to charge a shillin' a look." The stranger put his hand in his pocket, pulled out the money, paid the shilling, stared at the old man, turned and walked away. The farmer called after him—"Hi—there—ain't yer goin' ter see the hog?" "No"—the fellow answered—"I've seen you! I've got my money's worth."
[All laugh exceptStevens.During the laughLincolnbends over the telegraph instrument—in low tones.]
How goes it, boy? How goes it?
[TheOperatorshakes his head.]
Not a click——?
[Operatorshakes his head again—andLincoln'sface contracts in suffering.]
Stevens
Just a minute, Mr. President,—I'll give you the telegram if you won't read it.
Lincoln
Fire away, Stevens, if it makes you happy.
Stevens
[Reading.]
"New York, Sept. 3, 1864.
"The Federal authorities have just discovered a nation-wide conspiracy to resist by force of arms the new draft. It will be necessary for General Grant to detach half his army from Lee's front immediately to put down this counter revolution. Send these soldiers without delay to our great cities."
The signature is in code.
Raymond
It's the blackest news yet, sir—and it's true.
Stevens
You must realize that we cannot delay a moment in placing another man at the head of the ticket.
[There is a moment of dead silence while all watchLincoln'sface. Suddenly the sharp click of the telegraph instrument begins to spell the word A-T-lanta.Lincolnstarts—his face flashing with excitement.]
Lincoln
What'sthat?
[He follows breathlessly the spelling of the full word—his face expressing his joy.]
Operator
Mr. President—It's come! It's here!
[Lincolnrushes to the table, the crowd following.]
It's for you, sir!
Lincoln
Out with it, boy, word for word as you get it!
Operator
[Click-click.]
Atlanta—
[Click-click.]
Georgia—
[Click-click-click.]
September 3, 1864.
Lincoln
Glory to God!
Operator
[Click-click.]
—Atlanta
[Click-click.]
—is ours—
[Click—click—click.]
and fairly won—W. T. Sherman——
Lincoln
O my soul, lift up thy head!
[ToBetty.]
Go tell Mother, quick, tell her to come here!
[Bettyexits running.]
Nicolay
Three cheers for General William Tecumseh Sherman!
All Shout
Sherman! Sherman! Sherman!
[When the shout dies awayLincolnlifts his head solemnly and cries.]
Lincoln
Unto thee, O God, we give all the praise now and forever more!
[Mrs. Lincolnenters withBettyand rushes to meet the President. He takes her in his arms.]
Mother! It's all right!—Uncle Billy's there!
Mrs. Lincoln
You'll never doubt again?
Lincoln
Never!——
[Turning to the committee.]
My friends! A poem is singing in my heart!