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, you are committed 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 as NICOLAY enters.]

[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! Unless you should give 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 of one Copperhead 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 can win 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.

[LINCOLN exits.]

[NICOLAY watches him go with deep sympathy, shaking his head as BETTY and VAUGHAN enter.]

Oh, Miss Winter——

BETTY

Captain Vaughan,—Colonel Nicolay——

NICOLAY

[Studying VAUGHAN.]

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——

[NICOLAY exits.]

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 what was your 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 and VAUGHAN kisses her.]

VAUGHAN

I'll know how to plead my cause——

BETTY

All right—good luck. I'm sure you'll win——

[BETTY exits.]

[VAUGHAN walks 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 which LINCOLN always 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 of LINCOLN'S voice is heard outside talking to MRS. LINCOLN.]

LINCOLN

[Outside.]

Go back, and talk to Miss Betty!

[VAUGHAN quickly places the Bible back on his desk and takes his stand near the door to the hall, as if he had just entered. LINCOLN enters 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 do all the worrying——

[LINCOLN closes 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 sees VAUGHAN, 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?

[LINCOLN drops wearily into his chair and his voice has a far-away dreamy expression in its tones while he studies VAUGHAN carefully.]

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're one of 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, takes VAUGHAN'S hands 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?

[LINCOLN picks up the little booklet and looks again at the title page and then at VAUGHAN.]

VAUGHAN

He had as much right to print as to speak it——

LINCOLN

No, he hadn't——

[Pauses and looks at VAUGHAN.]

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——?

[LINCOLN lays 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 in VAUGHAN'S eyes. VAUGHAN slowly draws his revolver and is about to lift to fire, when LINCOLN suddenly 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!

[LINCOLN pauses 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

You are using 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 there can be no 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 on VAUGHAN'S shoulders.]

Don't think, my son, that all the suffering of this war is not mine! Every shell from those guns finds my heart. 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 only dreamed a 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 democracy in this world because 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 around VAUGHAN.]

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 let you be the judge as to whether I'm a tyrant—

[He takes up the booklet and hands it to VAUGHAN.]

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——

[VAUGHAN sighs 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 shall not order 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 touching VAUGHAN'S head.]

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 you do it——?

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 won you, 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've won you now——?

VAUGHAN

[Eagerly.]

Just give me a chance to prove it——!

[LINCOLN studies VAUGHAN thoughtfully.]

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

[Seizing BAKER'S Report.]

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 Davis that 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 the Tribune, 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.

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——

[Touches BAKER'S Report.]

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 be doubly effective—you understand——?

VAUGHAN

Perfectly, sir——

LINCOLN

That's your first job. Your next will be to get a special message through from inside the Confederacy to 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.—You think you can do 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!

[VAUGHAN exits.]

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 DOORMAN in Confederate uniform arranges the chairs about a long table as if for a Cabinet Meeting.

[BENJAMIN enters.]

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——

[BENJAMIN seats himself at one of the small tables at left and examines his schedule for the day's work. THE DOORMAN opens the door and shows VAUGHAN in, dressed in Confederate uniform. BENJAMIN rises and greets him cordially.]

BENJAMIN

Good morning, young man——

[Gives VAUGHAN the 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. Gilmore is a reporter of the New York Tribune and 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 give your version 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——

[BENJAMIN hesitates while VAUGHAN watches 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!

[BENJAMIN hesitates and VAUGHAN watches him.]

All right, we'll risk it——!

[VAUGHAN shows 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 DOORMAN enters.]

THE DOORMAN

Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange——

[OULD enters.]

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.

[VAUGHAN takes his seat at the small table near BENJAMIN who gives him a note book and he prepares to take notes. OULD reenters conducting JACQUESS and GILMORE.]

OULD

Colonel James F. Jacquess and Mr. John R. Gilmore,—Mr. Secretary of State——

[OULD bows and exits, while BENJAMIN advances 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 and GILMORE shoots at VAUGHAN a look of startled recognition which VAUGHAN fails 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——

[BENJAMIN exits.]

GILMORE

[In low tones to VAUGHAN.]

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. BENJAMIN enters as GILMORE drops into his seat.]

BENJAMIN

Gentlemen: The President of the Confederate States of America!

[DAVIS enters 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?

[VAUGHAN takes 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 for independence and that or extermination we 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 there are twenty 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——

[BENJAMIN exchanges signs with VAUGHAN.]

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——

[JACQUESS and GILMORE rise. VAUGHAN catches GILMORE'S eye.]

JACQUESS

I am sorry, sir.

[DAVIS takes JACQUESS' hand in both his in the same way LINCOLN did.]

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 presses GILMORE'S hand 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.

[JACQUESS and GILMORE exit and OULD reenters.]

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——

[OULD unfolds a note.]

Ben Butler sent this note to me by their hands. It was sealed. Read it.

DAVIS

[Interrupting.]

Just a moment——

[To THE DOORMAN.]

General Lee is in the War Office—ask him if he can see me for a few minutes, please.

[THE DOORMAN bows and exits.]

Go on, gentlemen.

OULD

[To BENJAMIN—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.

[BENJAMIN conducts VAUGHAN and OULD into the room right—opposite the door through which JACQUESS and GILMORE made their exit.—THE DOORMAN enters and announces.]

THE DOORMAN

General Lee!

DAVIS

[Advances cordially and takes LEE'S hand 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. I must have 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 LEE salutes and exits—DAVIS goes to the opposite door—opens it and calls.]

I am ready, gentlemen.

[OULD, BENJAMIN and VAUGHAN reenter.]

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 to OULD.]

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 to VAUGHAN.]

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 only LINCOLN and OPERATOR, 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.

[The OPERATOR tries 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——

[The OPERATOR calls 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——

[The OPERATOR clicks 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.

[The OPERATOR repeats the call and LINCOLN follows 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!

[NICOLAY enters.]

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 to NICOLAY.]

Tell them positively, I will see them within half an hour.

[NICOLAY exits and LINCOLN returns 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....

[BETTY enters 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—why hasn't he reported?

LINCOLN

[Hopefully.]

I'm sure—remember, sure to a moral certainty—that he left Richmond safely.

BETTY

[Eagerly.]

You have a message then?

LINCOLN

Indirectly——

BETTY

Oh——

LINCOLN

[To EDWARD at 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—

[GILMORE enters.]

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.

[GILMORE exits.]

LINCOLN

[To BETTY lightly.]

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.

[BETTY turns away to hide her tears and LINCOLN follows her with tender pleading.]

Come, come, my dear—these tears won't do! You've got to help me now!

[BETTY brushes 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 up my courage!

[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're going 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 the OPERATOR—BETTY following.]

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——-

[The OPERATOR calls Atlanta and pauses—LINCOLN and BETTY bend over with breathless suspense. The instrument gives one click—LINCOLN starts. The instrument stops.]

Didn't the thing start to answer?

[The OPERATOR shakes 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 ask one question—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—I know! 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. I told General Sickles that he would live 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 will come—! 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——

[STANTON enters and LINCOLN turns 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 by RAYMOND and STEVENS crowd through the door against the protests of NICOLAY.]

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

[To STANTON.]

War Department——

[Low voice.]

—What is it, Stanton?

STANTON

Something I didn't believe and wouldn't repeat to you.

LINCOLN

[Whispering to OPERATOR.]

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 to LINCOLN and 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 around LINCOLN eager for the story, glancing at STEVENS.]

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 except STEVENS. During the laugh LINCOLN bends over the telegraph instrument—in low tones.]

How goes it, boy? How goes it?

[The OPERATOR shakes his head.]

Not a click——?

[Operator shakes his head again—and LINCOLN'S face 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 watch LINCOLN'S face. Suddenly the sharp click of the telegraph instrument begins to spell the word A-T-lanta. LINCOLN starts—his face flashing with excitement.]

LINCOLN

What's that?

[He follows breathlessly the spelling of the full word—his face expressing his joy.]

OPERATOR

Mr. President—It's come! It's here!

[LINCOLN rushes 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!

[To BETTY.]

Go tell Mother, quick, tell her to come here!

[BETTY exits running.]

NICOLAY

Three cheers for General William Tecumseh Sherman!

ALL SHOUT

Sherman! Sherman! Sherman!

[When the shout dies away LINCOLN lifts his head solemnly and cries.]

LINCOLN

Unto thee, O God, we give all the praise now and forever more!

[MRS. LINCOLN enters with BETTY and 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!

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord! He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored: He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword— His truth is marching on!

"He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat! He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat: Oh! Be swift my soul to answer Him! Be jubilant my feet! Our God is marching on!"

STANTON

That draft will be all right, Stevens! Now all together!

[STANTON leads and all sing.]

[LINCOLN listens with bowed head.]

We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more, From Mississippi's winding stream and from New England's shore; We leave our plows and workshop, our wives and children dear, With hearts too full for utterance, with but a single tear, We dare not look behind us but steadfastly before, We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more!

CHORUS

We are coming, we are coming, our Union to restore! We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more, We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more!

LINCOLN

And remember, gentlemen, U. S. Grant sent Sherman on that mission. You know I didn't remove him! Well, Raymond, what say you, now!

RAYMOND

It's glorious. It's a miracle! Lee's army can't survive. The end is sure! McClellan is beaten—the Union is saved!

LINCOLN

What say you all?

A COMMITTEEMAN

Your triumph is sure!

ANOTHER COMMITTEEMAN

You'll sweep the nation, sir!

NICOLAY

Three cheers for the old President and three cheers for the new!

ALL

Lincoln! Lincoln! Lincoln!

[All join except STEVENS, whose face remains a mask.]

LINCOLN

Come on, Stevens, smile! Take a chance. It may kill you, but my Lord, man, take a chance!

STEVENS

You're not elected yet, sir—and such levity ill becomes a Nation's Chief in these tragic hours——

LINCOLN

[Laughs.]

If I couldn't laugh I'd have died long ago at this job!

CURTAIN



EPILOGUE

SET SCENE: The great pillars of the Capitol at Washington fill the entire stage from arch to arch. In the foreground stands the platform on which the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, headed by Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice, are grouped about the President, who is delivering his Second Inaugural. JOHN VAUGHAN beside BETTY WINTER is conspicuously leading the applause.

AT RISE: The President is reading his Inaugural. A great burst of cheering follows the sentence he is closing before the curtain rises:

LINCOLN

[Before rise.]

Shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him?

[Applause as curtain rises.]

Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

[Applause.]

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and all nations.

[Fade out with the light on Lincoln's face as he utters the last word.]

CURTAIN