diff options
Diffstat (limited to '25814-8.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 25814-8.txt | 7102 |
1 files changed, 7102 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/25814-8.txt b/25814-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ad86dc9 --- /dev/null +++ b/25814-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7102 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Man of the People, by Thomas Dixon + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Man of the People + A Drama of Abraham Lincoln + +Author: Thomas Dixon + +Release Date: June 16, 2008 [EBook #25814] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A MAN OF THE PEOPLE *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + + + + + +[Bookplate: EX LIBRIS + +The books, and your capacity +for understanding them, are just +the same in all places. + +A. Lincoln] + +WILLIAM H. TOWNSEND + + + + +A MAN OF THE PEOPLE + + +A DRAMA OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN + + + +BY + +THOMAS DIXON + +AUTHOR OF "THE BIRTH OF A NATION," "THE CLANSMAN," +"THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS," ETC. + + + +D. APPLETON AND COMPANY +NEW YORK LONDON +MCMXX + +COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY +THOMAS DIXON + +PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA + + + +TO + +WILLIAM HARRIS, JR. + +WHOSE COURAGE AND HIGH IDEALS AS A +PRODUCER GAVE TO THE AMERICAN +STAGE THE EPOCH-MAKING PLAY + +ABRAHAM LINCOLN + + + + +HISTORICAL NOTE + + +While the popular conception of Lincoln as the Liberator of the Slave +is true historically, there is a deeper view of his life and character. +He was the savior, if not the real creator, of the American Union of +free Democratic States. His proclamation of emancipation was purely an +incident of war. The first policy of his administration was to save the +Union. To this fact we owe a united Nation to-day. It is this truth of +history which I try to make a living reality in my play. + +The scenes relating to the issues of our National life have been drawn +from authentic records. The plot of the action is based on the letter +of Colonel John Nicolay to Major Hay, dated August 25, 1864, in which +the following opening paragraph is found: + + "Hell is to pay. The New York politicians have got a stampede on + that is about to swamp everything. Raymond and the National + Committee are here to-day. R. thinks a Commission to Richmond is + about the only salt to save us; while the President sees and says + it would be utter ruination. The matter is now undergoing + consultation. Weak-kneed damned fools are in the movement for a new + candidate to supplant the President. Everything is darkness, doubt, + and discouragement." + +No liberty has been taken with an essential detail of history in the +development of the action except to slightly shift the dates of two +incidents for dramatic unity. In neither case does the change of date +affect the validity of the scene as used. + +THOMAS DIXON + + + + +DIVISION INTO ACTS + + +PROLOGUE: The Lincoln cabin in the woods of Indiana, 1820. + +ACT I: In the President's room, the morning of August 23, 1864. + +ACT II: The same, that evening. + +ACT III: Scene 1. Jefferson Davis' room three days later, in Richmond. +Morning. + +Scene 2. Same as Acts I and II. + +EPILOGUE--VICTORY. The Platform of the second Inauguration, March 4, +1865, before the Capitol at Washington. + + + + +A MAN OF THE PEOPLE + +PROLOGUE + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PROLOGUE + + +ABE _A Boy of Ten._ +SARAH _His Sister._ +TOM LINCOLN _His Father._ +NANCY _His Mother._ +THE DOCTOR _An Old-fashioned Pioneer._ + + + + +PROLOGUE + + +SET SCENE: _The rough-hewn log cabin of Tom Lincoln is seen in the +center surrounded by the forest wilderness of Southern Indiana, 1820._ + +_The cabin door is cut in level with the ground. There is no shutter to +the door and no window to the cabin._ + +_Right and Left of the door opening are rude benches of split logs. On +the walls are stretched a coon and a small bear, squirrel and muskrat +skins. In the foreground on the right is seen an old-fashioned wash pot +set on three stones. Near the wash pot is fixed in the ground a pole, +on the top of which are hung six gourds cut for martin swallows to nest +in. Beside it are a rude bench and two wash tubs. On the left is a +crude settee made of a split log with legs set in augur holes and a +rough back made of saplings. An old-fashioned doctor's saddle-bags hang +across the back of the settee. The trees are walnut, beech and +oak--undergrowth of dogwood, sumac and wild grapevines. These vines, +festooned over the cabin, give a sinister impression. A creek winds +down through the hills behind the cabin._ + +AT RISE: SARAH _is seen softly tiptoeing toward the cabin door. She +pauses, listens and slowly peeps inside. She listens again and then +slips away and calls_. + + + SARAH + +Abe! Abe! + + [SARAH _goes back to the door and peeps in and runs to the gate._] + +Abe----! Ma's awake now! + + [_She returns to the door, peeps in again and runs once more to the + gate._] + +Abe----! He's feelin' her pulse! Come on in--don't stay out there in +the woods.... + + [ABE _enters slowly._] + + ABE + +What does he say? + + SARAH + +He ain't said nothin' yet. + + ABE + +He's a dumb doctor, anyhow. I couldn't get him to say a word comin', +last night. + + SARAH + +Well, he's here now, and there's his saddle-bags full of medicine. +You've been ridin' all night--you look terrible tired! Go to bed and +sleep a little---- + + ABE + +I can't--while Ma's so sick--I'm afraid to go to sleep---- + + SARAH + +Why----? + + ABE + +You know why--Sarah---- + + SARAH + +Ah, she ain't goin' to die now. She's talkin' to the doctor--lie down +just a little while and get to sleep before the sun comes up or ye +can't sleep---- + + [_Pleading._] + +--come on---- + + ABE + +No--I'm scared--the plague's killin' folks every day--and nobody knows +what to do for 'em---- + + [_The_ DOCTOR _and_ TOM _enter from the cabin and come down + slowly--the_ DOCTOR _seems to be debating his course of action._] + + [_Eagerly to_ DOCTOR.] + +You can do somethin' for her, Doctor? + + DOCTOR + + [_Hesitates._] + +Yes--Get me a clean towel and a bowl---- + + ABE + +Run, SARAH--quick---- + + SARAH + + [_Running to cabin._] + +Yes--I'll get 'em---- + + [_The_ DOCTOR _opens his saddle-bags, takes out his lancet and + examines its keen point._] + + TOM + +What are ye goin' ter do with that knife? + + DOCTOR + +Bleed her, of course--it's the only thing to do---- + + [_Starts toward cabin._] + + ABE + + [_To his father._] + +Don't let him do it----! + + DOCTOR + +What's that? + + TOM + +You shan't bleed her--I don't know nothin' 'bout doctorin'--but I know +that'll kill her---- + + DOCTOR + +I've a notion to give you the worst cussin' you ever had in your life, +Tom Lincoln.... + + TOM + +'Twouldn't do no good--Doctor---- + + DOCTOR + + [_Throwing his arms up._] + +'Twould do _me_ good! I've rode all night--thirty-five miles--from +my home in Kentucky across the Ohio, into this wilderness, just for you +to insult me---- + + TOM + +I didn't mean to---- + + DOCTOR + +Well, you're doin' it--and I'd give ye the cussin' that'ud pay me for +my trouble comin' up here--if I hadn't heard what you've been doin' for +your neighbors, in this plague. There's no doctor in thirty +miles---- You've been the doctor and nurse--mother and father to 'em +all. And when they die, you go into the woods, cut down a tree, rip out +the boards, make the coffin, dig the grave and lower the dead with a +prayer--I'd like to cuss you, Tom Lincoln--but I can't--damn ye----! + + TOM + +I'm sorry, Doctor--but I just couldn't let ye bleed her---- + + DOCTOR + +All right--good-by---- + + [_With a snort of anger, the_ DOCTOR _throws his lancet into his + saddle-bags, snaps them together, and starts for the gate._] + + ABE + + [_Following the_ DOCTOR _to gate._] + +Doctor----! + + DOCTOR + +What do ye want----? + + ABE + + [_Seizing his hand._] + +Please don't go--I'm mighty sorry we made ye mad--I didn't go to do +it--you see---- + + [_He falters._] + +I love my Ma so, I just couldn't see ye cut her arm open. And Pa didn't +mean to hurt yer feelin's--won't ye stay and help us? Can't ye do +somethin' else for her----? + + [_Pauses._] + +I'll pay ye----! I'll work for ye a whole--year---- + + DOCTOR + +You'd work for me a year? + + ABE + + [_Eagerly._] + +I'll work for ye _five_ years if you'll just save her--just save +her life--that's all--don't go--please, don't---- + + DOCTOR + + [_The_ DOCTOR _slips his arm around the boy, draws him close and + holds him a moment._] + +You're a good boy, Abe---- + + ABE + +You'll stay----? + + DOCTOR + +I'd stay and do something if I could, Sonny, but to tell ye the truth, +I don't know what to do--I'm not quite sure I'm right about the +bleedin', or I'd stay and make you both help me---- + + [_He pauses._] + +But I'm not sure----! I'm not sure! And I don't know what else to +do--I've got no medicine--so I can't stay. All I can tell ye is to keep +her warm--and give her everything good to eat that she can take--she's +in God's hands--Good-by---- + + [_The_ DOCTOR _hurries through the gate--and leaves_ ABE _and_ TOM + _gazing forlornly after him, as_ SARAH _comes from the house._] + + SARAH + +I've got the towel and bowl all ready---- + + [_Pauses._] + +What's the matter----? + + [_Looks around._] + +Where's the doctor----? + + ABE + +He's gone---- + + SARAH + +Gone----? + + TOM + +Yes---- + + [NANCY _enters by door of cabin._] + + [NANCY'S _sudden appearance in the door swings_ ABE _around with a + quick cry of pain. The sun is tinging the eastern sky with the + splendor of an Indian Summer morning. The mother's figure in blue + homespun suggests against the dark background of the cabin door the + coming of a spirit from the unseen world. She pauses a moment in + the doorway and smiles at her son._] + + ABE + +Oh, Ma, you mustn't---- + + TOM + + [_Following._] + +Nancy----! + + NANCY + +I'm better, I'm a lot better---- + + ABE + +You're too sick to come out here, Ma---- + + NANCY + + [_Smiling._] + +I can walk--as well as you can,--see---- + + [_She sways slightly toward the settee._] + + ABE + +But the Doctor says you must keep warm---- + + NANCY + +Well--I have on the warm stockings that Sarah knit for me and the coon +skin moccasins you made--don't you see, I'm better now----? + + ABE + + [_Joyfully._] + +Look, Pa, she's better! + + SARAH + +Yes--she's better! + + TOM + + [_Alarmed._] + +Don't try to walk--set down, honey! + + NANCY + + [_Sinking on bench._] + +Yes--I will---- + + [_The boy comes closer, staring eagerly into his mother's face._] + + NANCY + +Come closer, my boy---- + + [ABE _kneels at her feet._] + + TOM + +I'm a feared of this, Nancy--you better let me git a hot rock and wrap +it up for your feet. + + NANCY + +Yes, Tom--and bring me the Bible. I want Abe to read to me. + + [TOM _goes into the cabin worried over her._] + + ABE + +Feel all right, Ma----? + + NANCY + + [_She nods and breathes deeply--her eyes alight._] + +I wanted to see the sun rise through the trees! You remember the day +you cut down your first tree to begin the clearing and the sunlight +came through the hole you'd made to the sky---- + + ABE + +Yes--I remember. + + NANCY + +You called me to come and see it---- + + ABE + + [_In a whisper._] + +Yes---- + + NANCY + +I was proud that morning as I saw you stand with your ax on that big +log--anything my boy starts to do--he does---- + + [_Pauses._] + +Your father taught you to use the ax and---- + + [_Turns and looks at_ ABE.] + +Your father's a good man, my son--kind-hearted and true and everybody +likes him. They made him road supervisor of his township in Kentucky +once. If he could read and write he would have gone to the +legislature---- + + [TOM _enters from the cabin with the rock and Bible, he crosses to_ + NANCY, _and_ ABE _takes the rock and puts it under her feet_--SARAH + _kneels and helps him._ NANCY'S _hand drops on the bench._ TOM + _picks up her hand, and the chill of it worries him._] + + [ABE _and_ SARAH _rise._] + + NANCY + +Read to me, son--I like to hear your voice---- + + ABE + + [_Brightly._] + +All right--what----? + + NANCY + +The Twenty-third Psalm. + + [ABE _looks for the place._] + +I love to hear you read, my boy. It means that you can do what any +other man can--it means so much! + + ABE + + [_Reads._] + +The Lord is my shepherd--I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in +green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my +soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's +sake---- + + NANCY + + [_In a whisper._] + +Yea, tho' I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear +no evil, for thou art with me---- + + [ABE _stops, looks up at his mother in amazement._] + + ABE + +Ma---- + + NANCY + +Remember always, my boy, that God _is_ with you! He is in the day +and the night. He is in the sun and the wind, the trees and the +grass--and not a sparrow falls to the ground without He knows. You +recollect the year you put up those gourds there---- + + [_She points to the pole._] + +for your martins----? You cried when they circled away in the fall---- + + [ABE _nods._] + +I told you God would send them back in the spring, didn't I----? + + [_She laughs softly._] + +You said that He'd forget to tell them and they'd never find the +way--but they came--didn't they----? + + ABE + +Yes, Ma, and I know now they'll come again next spring. + + NANCY + +So--I want you never again to doubt God, my boy, and I want you never +to doubt yourself. Your bare feet, your ragged clothes, how poor you +are--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! I've taught you to +read and write, and now you can do anything! If God takes me---- + + [_She pauses exhausted._] + + ABE + +But you mustn't say that, Ma----! + + NANCY + +"The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether!" + + ABE + +No! no, Ma! Don't talk that way! You'll give up if you do----! + + NANCY + +If He calls, my son, then _my_ work is done--and _you_ can do +all I've tried and failed to do---- + + ABE + + [_Alarmed._] + +Had she better talk so much, Pa---- + + [_Stoops to fix her feet._] + + TOM + + [_Feeling her hand._] + +Nancy----! + + NANCY + +Just a minute more, Tom----! Don't let him know yet--_you_ +know----! + + TOM + + [_With upward look of faith._] + +Yes, I know---- + + [_To_ ABE.] + +It's all right--boy---- + + NANCY + +Come back close, my son, I want to tell you something I saw last night! +I had a dream--the same one I had the night before you were born. You +had grown a man--strong and brave--wise and gentle. The people hung on +your words, and did you homage. But you remembered this cabin here in +the deep woods and you were humble. I walked with you between two white +pillars. It was still and solemn, in there. Outside I could hear the +people calling your name. You bowed low and whispered in my ear: "This +is all yours, my Mother. I bought it for you with my life. All that I +am I owe to you----" + + [_Her voice sinks to a whisper that is half a laugh of religious + ecstasy._] + + ABE + + [_Joyfully._] + +See how she's smilin'--Pa! She's getting well--I tell you----! + + TOM + + [_Whispering._] + +Don't ye understand, boy----? + + ABE + +No--what----? + + SARAH + +What--what is it----? + + TOM + + [_In deep religious awe._] + +Look--look at her eyes----! She's not telling ye a dream--she's +looking through the gates of Heaven---- + + ABE + +No--no--no----! + + TOM + +It's death--boy--it's come--Lord, God, have mercy---- + + [ABE _springs to his feet and stares in anguish, as_ TOM _falls on + his knees beside_ NANCY. NANCY'S _hand rests gently on_ TOM'S + _shaggy head, while he sobs. With her other hand she feels for_ + ABE'S _and holds it feebly._] + + NANCY + +Be good to your Father,---- + + [_She pauses and breathes with difficulty._] + +In the days to come, he will be the child and you the man---- + + ABE + +Yes---- + + NANCY + +And love your sister---- + + [ABE _nods._] + +If dark hours come, my spirit will be watching, my son--and I'll help +you if I can---- + + ABE + +Yes, I know it! + + NANCY + +And remember that you can be a great man in this free country if you +only say--I will---- + + [NANCY'S _body sinks in death as the boy lifts his face illumined + by the light of a great purpose._] + + ABE + +Yes, Ma,--I will! + + +CURTAIN + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + + +ABRAHAM LINCOLN _The President._ +MRS. LINCOLN _His Wife._ +COLONEL NICOLAY _His Secretary._ +EDWARD _The Doorman._ +EDWIN M. STANTON _Secretary of War._ +GEN. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN _Lincoln's Rival._ +CAPTAIN VAUGHAN _Of the U. S. Army._ +BETTY WINTER _His Sweetheart._ +THADDEUS STEVENS _Leader of Congress._ +HENRY RAYMOND _Editor of the New York Times._ +JOHN R. GILMORE _Of the New York Tribune._ +COLONEL JACQUESS _A Methodist Clergyman._ +JEFFERSON DAVIS _President of the Confederacy._ +JUDAH P. BENJAMIN _His Secretary of State._ +JUDGE ROBERT OULD _Commissioner of Exchange._ +ROBERT E. LEE _Commanding General._ +A SISTER _Who begs for her brother's life._ +A CONGRESSMAN _Who demands a hearing._ +A LITTLE GIRL _From Virginia._ +A MOTHER _With a baby._ +A WOMAN _Who has lost two sons._ +A TELEGRAPH OPERATOR _In the White House._ +A DOORMAN _At Richmond._ + COMMITTEEMEN, SOLDIERS AND GUARDS. + + + + +ACT I + + +SET SCENE: _The President's room in the White House, August 23, 1864. +A flat desk left center. At right a long table and chairs. Doors open +right and left. Large windows open center. Beside the center window +stands an upright desk. In one corner a rack with map rollers and +folios of maps on the floor and leaning against the wall._ + +AT RISE: _Colonel Nicolay, the President's Secretary, is seen writing +before an enormous pile of mail. He reads a letter and throws it down +in disgust. Reads another and hurls it into the waste basket. He +rises--turns back to the desk and hurls an armful of the letters into +the corner on the floor and removes enough letters to clear a space for +his Chief to write._ + + + [EDWARD _enters dragging a mail bag._] + + NICOLAY + + [_Calling to the Doorman._] + +Edward! + + EDWARD + +Yes, sir---- + + NICOLAY + +Hold that door tight this morning---- + + EDWARD + +Tight as a drum, sir---- + + NICOLAY + +If any men of importance try to crowd in before their time---- + + EDWARD + +I'll look out for them, sir--here's another bag of letters, Colonel +Nicolay---- + + NICOLAY + +Another----? + + EDWARD + +And there's two more outside---- + + NICOLAY + +My God----! + + EDWARD + +Don't blame me, sir--I didn't write 'em---- + + NICOLAY + +No, I'll vouch for your loyalty to the President. + + EDWARD + +Where'll I put these----? + + NICOLAY + +Throw the bag in the corner--there's no room on his desk now---- + + EDWARD + + [_Obeying._] + +Yes, sir---- + + [EDWARD _throws the bag in the corner of the room where_ NICOLAY + _has already piled the letters from the desk, and turns to_ + NICOLAY. _He watches_ NICOLAY _destroying letters for a moment._] + + NICOLAY + +Well, Edward----? + + EDWARD + +Will you tell me one thing, Colonel Nicolay----? + + NICOLAY + +If I can---- + + EDWARD + +What do they say in these letters to the President----? I've served +through four administrations--I've never seen such piles of letters in +the White House before---- + + NICOLAY + +Well, Edward--these letters ask two things of Abraham Lincoln: That he +dismiss General Grant from command of the Army---- + + EDWARD + +The idiots---- + + NICOLAY + +And stop the war to-day--August 23, 1864,--make peace--peace at any +price--to-day---- + + EDWARD + +God save us! After nearly four years--quit, with nothing settled----? + + NICOLAY + +That's what these letters demand---- + + EDWARD + +You couldn't believe it---- No wonder his eyes sink back in his head, +an' he looks as if he were seeing ghosts---- + + [_Pauses and starts._] + + NICOLAY + +Watch out for that door, Edward---- + + [EDWARD _bows, and exits to door leading to the main corridor._ + NICOLAY _returns to his task of reading the letters--one he tosses + into the basket wearily--one he crumples in anger and hurls into + the basket._] + + NICOLAY + +The fools----! + + [_He is absorbed in a letter when_ MRS. LINCOLN _enters in a state + of nervous excitement. He rises quickly, and goes to meet her._] + +What is it, Mrs. Lincoln----? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I have just heard that the Republican National Committee is in +Washington----! + + NICOLAY + +They are---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +In conference at Senator Winter's house----? + + NICOLAY + +Yes---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +What do they want? + + NICOLAY + +There are ugly rumors---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +What----? What----? What----? + + NICOLAY + +I can't discuss it, Madam, until the Chief knows---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Mr. Lincoln doesn't know---- + + NICOLAY + +Not yet. He will, this morning. They've just sent a demand to me that +he see them before his public reception begins---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +You've heard something--you know something--tell me--I can't endure the +suspense---- + + NICOLAY + +Only rumors--and they're too ugly to put into words--they're +incredible---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +All the same, you believe them---- + + [_Impetuously._] + +What have you heard----? + + NICOLAY + + [_Shakes his head._] + +The Chief wouldn't like it if I talk, before he knows. I'll tell you a +few things I'm _thinking_ in plain English--if you'd like to hear---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +You can't make it too _plain_ to suit me---- + + NICOLAY + +In my opinion, the devil is to pay. Weak-kneed fools are deserting the +Chief. Every man who loves Abraham Lincoln must get off his coat now +and fight. He is the only man who can save this Nation to-day, and he's +too big and generous to be trusted alone with wolves---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +What can you mean----? The Republican National Committee have no power +over the President of the United States---- + + NICOLAY + +No, Madam---- But they have certain powers over the Nominee of their +party---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +But Mr. Lincoln is already the nominee of his party for the second term +... chosen two months ago--and the election is but eight weeks +off--what do you mean----? + + [EDWARD _enters._] + + EDWARD + +Miss Betty Winter to see you, Ma'am---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +How fortunate--they're at her father's house----! + + NICOLAY + +Yes---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Show her right in here, Edward---- + + EDWARD + +Yes, Madam---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_To_ NICOLAY.] + +And she's loyal to Mr. Lincoln-- + + EDWARD + + [_At door left._] + +Right this way,--Miss Betty---- + + [BETTY _enters--a young woman 25 years old--poised, cultured, + charming._] + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Meeting Betty._] + +Welcome--my child---- + + BETTY + +You're always so kind----! + + NICOLAY + +Excuse me, ladies--while I go out and get rid of some of these people +waiting to see the President---- + + [NICOLAY _exits._] + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Tell me, dear, you've heard something--the Republican National +Committee are at your father's---- + + BETTY + +They _were_ there--they've adjourned to Thaddeus Stevens' house +across the street from us---- They were locked in with father for two +hours---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Locked in----? + + BETTY + + [_Nods._] + +With the keyhole chinked up----! + + MRS. LINCOLN + +And you didn't get a hint of what they're up to----? + + BETTY + +Not the faintest---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Oh, Betty--they're discussing me---- + + BETTY + +They didn't mention your name---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +How do you know----? + + BETTY + +Well--I did hear a little----! I could hear from the next room when +they got excited! It's Abraham Lincoln they're discussing--not his +wife---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +You're sure----? + + BETTY + +Sure----! It sounded like a regular dog fight--with one big brute +howling---- + + [_Imitates._] + +--the President's name above the din---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +But, you can't be sure, my dear---- + + BETTY + +What on earth could they be discussing you for----? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +My loyalty, of course--you know that my brothers are in the Southern +Army, fighting the Union. Fools have accused me of giving them +important secrets of the Government. When I _hate_ them for all +they have done to me and mine----! + + BETTY + +But my dear Mrs. Lincoln--no one believes such lies about you now--not +even in this bitter campaign--it's absurd---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Hesitates._] + +That is not the real thing I'm afraid of, child--it's something +worse--I'm going to take you into my confidence now--may I? + + BETTY + +I'll be tickled to death with the honor----! + + MRS. LINCOLN + +And I'm going to ask you to help me---- + + BETTY + +I'll be in the Cabinet next----! + + MRS. LINCOLN + +The truth is, I owe A. T. Stewart and Company an enormous bill for +dresses--$60,000---- + + BETTY + +Sixty thousand--oh, my Lord! That's worse than mine----! + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I had to get them! The world said the White House would be disgraced by +my awkward husband's régime--I've shown them better! But I just +couldn't tell Mr. Lincoln. He has no idea of the cost of clothes. If +these jackals have found out and attack him on my account, the thought +of it will kill me---- + + BETTY + +But you know he'd defend you against any one who dares attack you. + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Yes, dear--but it would hurt him so to hear it from their brutal lips. +I want you to find out from your father, if they know---- + + BETTY + +And if they know----? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Get here before they do, and I'll head them off--I'll tell Mr. Lincoln +first---- + + BETTY + + [_Smiling._] + +On one condition--that you help me---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Anything you ask---- + + BETTY + +I've promised my fiancé that I would get an appointment for him to see +the President on something very important---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Mr. Lincoln will be here in a few minutes. I'll have him see your +sweetheart first---- + + BETTY + +But--it's a personal matter and he doesn't wish to come to a public +reception. He wants an hour alone---- Could you get it for him, +to-night? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I--think--so---- + + BETTY + +You'll try----? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I'll _do_ it, child--certainly! You're one loyal friend we have in +that crowd of wolves on the Capitol Hill---- + + BETTY + +All right, I'll find out if they're discussing politics or your +dressmaker's bill. + + [BETTY _hurries to the door, followed by_ MRS. LINCOLN.] + + MRS. LINCOLN + +God bless you, child---- + + [NICOLAY _enters by the other door._] + +--Hurry! + + BETTY + +If it's dresses--I'll beat them to the White House! + + [BETTY _exits._] + + NICOLAY + +The President is coming, Madam---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I'm going. But I may want to see him before that Committee--in case I +send in--see that he comes, will you? + + NICOLAY + +I'll try to manage it. The friends of the Chief may call on you for +some inside work, Madam. + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Eagerly._] + +I'll do my part, never fear! + + [MRS. LINCOLN _exits and_ NICOLAY _hastily arranges his desk and + stands at attention as_ LINCOLN _enters._] + + [LINCOLN _crosses the room with long nervous stride, reaches his + desk, looks at the pile of letters and shakes his head wearily._] + + LINCOLN + +Sorry for you, John, with all these letters on your hands---- + + [_Laughs._] + +_You_ have to work----! + + NICOLAY + +I'm trying to get them out of your way, sir---- + + LINCOLN + +Thank you--you know the ones I want to see---- + + NICOLAY + +Yes, sir---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Softly._] + +And don't forget that no man or woman can be turned from that door, who +comes here to ask for the saving of a human life---- + + [_Pauses._] + +There's a firing squad shooting a boy down in Virginia this +morning----! + + [_Shakes his head._] + +I hope I didn't do wrong to let them. Somehow I could not find an +excuse to save him---- + + [_Sighs._] + +The Generals are all after me about my pardons---- + + NICOLAY + +The Secretary of War is out there now, champing his bit, to head you +off on some of them, I think---- + + LINCOLN + +Don't let old Mars in yet. He's no business here at this hour. Let him +paw a hole in the ground. + + [_Pauses._] + +Any news from the front, this morning? + + NICOLAY + + [_Handing him a telegram._] + +From General Grant's lines--only this, sir---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Reads._] + +"Confederate Cavalry raiders capture a Brigadier General and fifty army +mules."--Too bad--rush a regiment after the mules--they're worth $200 a +piece--Jeff Davis can have my Brigadier General----! + + NICOLAY + + [_Laughs._] + +Yes, sir--and this came in code from Sherman-- + + [_Hands_ LINCOLN _another telegram._] + + LINCOLN + + [_Eagerly._] + +Word from Sherman! Good! + + [_Reads._] + +--"Scouts report Hood's trenches before Atlanta are impregnable--carefully +considering a flank movement--but as yet, I cannot find the position or +strength of Hood's second line----" W. T. Sherman---- + + [_Pauses._] + +Grant's deadlocked with Lee at +Petersburg--If-Sherman-could-only-give-us-Atlanta!---- + + [_Pauses._] + +I've a notion to telegraph Sherman an order direct----! + + NICOLAY + +I wouldn't go over General Grant's head, sir, with a military +order--he's sensitive---- + + LINCOLN + +It might make trouble--Grant might resent my interference with his plan +of campaign---- + + NICOLAY + +It would have to be filed in the War Department---- + + LINCOLN + +Yes--I know. Anything else----? + + NICOLAY + + [_Handing him a large document._] + +Baker's full report of the secret service on the Copperhead +Societies---- He asks for the immediate arrest of their leaders--and I +think he's right---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Shakes his head._] + +It won't do--it won't do just now--it's an ugly business--too ugly for +haste--I'll look it over carefully---- + + [_Lays the report on his desk._] + +I'm ready now to see the people---- + + NICOLAY + +The Republican National Committee are in town, sir---- + + LINCOLN + +What on earth are they doing here----? + + NICOLAY + +That's what everybody's asking---- + + LINCOLN + +They should be in their States, leading the Party to victory---- What +do they want? + + NICOLAY + +To see you---- + + LINCOLN + +Umph----! + + NICOLAY + +Henry Raymond, their Chairman, is with them, and has just sent word +demanding a hearing before your public reception this morning. + + LINCOLN + +Make the appointment later. They're all distinguished men. They can +wait while the humbler people have their turn. I came up here from the +wilderness. I know what it means to have the great rush by me---- + + [_Laughs._] + +No--I'll see the common folks first---- + + NICOLAY + +I think you'd better see this Committee right away, sir---- + + LINCOLN + +Why----? What have you heard----? + + NICOLAY + +Some ugly rumors---- + + LINCOLN + +Spare me the rumors! We've enough of them flying around Washington to +poison us all. They can only wish me to hedge on some of my principles +in this crisis. I've made all the campaign statements I'm going to +make. I've faith in the good sense of the people. I'm going to plant my +feet squarely on that faith and wait the verdict of this election---- + + NICOLAY + +You won't see the Committee now----? + + LINCOLN + +No----! I'll take my bath of public opinion first. I want to see real +men and women and feel their hearts beat close to mine. It tones me up +for the day's work--let them in. + + [STANTON _bursts into the room in a towering rage._] + + STANTON + +Mr. President, I've been kept waiting! + + [_Confronting_ NICOLAY.] + + [NICOLAY _turns away and laughs._] + +Nicolay! How dare you keep me waiting in an anteroom, while you talk to +the President! I want you to understand, sir, that as Secretary of War, +I've the right to enter this room at any hour, day or night, announced +or unannounced, and by God, I'm going to exercise that privilege! + + [STANTON _paces the floor furiously._] + + LINCOLN + + [_Laughing._] + +Well, you're here now, and it's all right, Stanton--Easy! Easy, or +we'll have to put some rocks in your pocket to hold you down. What can +I do----? + + STANTON + +Mr. President, I've come here this morning to make a square issue with +you on the abuse of the pardoning power which you are making daily---- + + LINCOLN + +As Chief Magistrate of the people, I have been clothed with that power, +Stanton---- + + STANTON + + [_Angrily._] + +You have no right to exercise it under the present conditions! +Discipline in our armies must be maintained. You are hamstringing me +and every General in the field--by suspending the death penalty of our +Courts-Martial. Men are deserting in thousands and we've got to put a +stop to it. + + LINCOLN + +That's what I say----! Bring to me the traitors who are causing them to +desert, and see what I'll do to them! + + STANTON + +You can't evade the issue I'm making, sir! You'll be asked this morning +to pardon a deserter. I call a halt here and now--will you stop to-day +the use of this pardoning power----? + + LINCOLN + +I've got to hear both sides--it's my solemn duty---- + + STANTON + +All right, I'm done. There's my resignation as your Secretary of +War--Good-by! + + [STANTON _strides angrily to the door and_ LINCOLN _speaks as he + puts his hand on the knob._] + + LINCOLN + +Wait a minute---- + + STANTON + +It's no use---- + + LINCOLN + +Come back here. I've something to say to you. + + [STANTON _returns._] + + STANTON + +You're wasting your breath---- + + LINCOLN + +Stanton, I appointed you Secretary of War against the advice of every +man about me. You were a cantankerous Democrat and my enemy. You had +said the meanest things about me that were ever spoken in +Washington--and that's putting it pretty strong. You called me a low +clown--the original gorilla. In spite of all this, I saw _your_ great +qualities! I saw that you were absolutely fearless and absolutely +honest, that your nerves were made of steel and your capacity for work +was boundless. Even in your passions and hatreds, you showed a loyalty +to the Union that rose above the parties and creeds of a lifetime. I +like men of your strong personality. They stand between a nation and +hell. And so, I appointed you, my bitter foe, to my cabinet. I've never +regretted it for a minute in these years of blood and anguish. You've +made the best Secretary of War this country ever had. In spite of your +mean traits and your awful profanity, I've learned to love you! Now, +you've resigned, and done your duty, as you see it. I've accepted your +resignation, _conscripted_ you again, and reappointed you----! + + [_Pauses and strokes his shoulder._] + +Go back to your desk and stick to the rules--that's your business; and +I'll keep right on here tempering Justice with Mercy when I get a +chance. + + STANTON + + [_Gazing at him a moment hopelessly._] + +Well,--I suppose I'll have to try----! + + [_Snorts._] + +But--I'm--damned--if--you--interfere--with--me--again! + + [STANTON _hurries to the door._] + + LINCOLN + +All right now---- But look here, Stanton---- + + [STANTON _pauses._] + +If I _have_ to send over a pardon or two to you this morning---- + + STANTON + +Hell fire! + + LINCOLN + +Easy--easy now! You'll know they're _very_ urgent, and will admit of no +delay on account of red tape---- + + STANTON + + [_Throws his hands up in wild gesture of despair._] + +Oh, my God! + + [STANTON _exits._] + + LINCOLN + +John, the old Fox _was_ trying to head me off, wasn't he----? Get them +in here quick--who's the first in turn----? + + NICOLAY + +A young lady to plead for the life of her brother---- + + LINCOLN + +Bring her in! + + [_As_ NICOLAY _goes to the door_, LINCOLN _follows to meet the + young woman. She enters, a forlorn little figure with baby face and + blonde hair. She is plainly dressed in homespun cloth and does not + wear hoopskirts. The President greets her with the utmost + deference._] + + [_Taking both her hands._] + +My dear young lady--I'm glad to see you--good old Pennsylvania Dutch! I +knew you before you spoke--my folks came down to Virginia from there, +in the old Colonial days---- + + THE SISTER + + [_Overcome._] + +Oh--Meester--Presiden--you are so goot to me--you are so kind---- + + [_Pauses overcome._] + +I haf no speech---- + + LINCOLN + +Come now, tell me in your own way what I can do to help you---- + + THE SISTER + +Oh--Meester Presiden--you can do all--you can do any t'ing--und I am so +happy to see you--I cannot begin---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Soothing her._] + +Take your time, little girl--all the others will have to wait on you +now---- + + THE SISTER + +Ya-ya--it is my turn now--ya, und I must hurry. You see, it's mine +brudder--he ist just von leetle poy, Meester Presiden--von leetle poy +with curly hair like mine---- + + [_She chokes._] + + LINCOLN + + [_Taking her hand._] + +And what happened to him, my dear? + + THE SISTER + +Vell, you see he lif wid me in Pennsylvania--ve are all alone +to-gedder--und he lef me und go into der armee--und von bad man he giv +him a leetle book vot tell him to desert und go home to his peoples--I +haf dot leetle book, Meester Presiden---- + + [_She hands him the book._] + +Und my brudder he's such a leetle poy, he read und he tink vot ze book +say is so, und he leef ze armee und come home und kiss me und say, "I +vill take care of you now, mein seester----" + + [_Breaks down._] + +Und zey come und take heem, und now he is to be shot---- + + [_She chokes._] + + [LINCOLN _reads the title of the little book._] + + LINCOLN + +"Why should Brothers Fight?" "By Richard Vaughan"--an old Copperhead +leader I'll warrant! + + [_Pauses._] + +And you came to me, all alone, little girl? + + THE SISTER + +Ya--I haf no friens here---- + + LINCOLN + +Your Congressman does not know of this? + + [NICOLAY _begins to make out the pardon._] + + THE SISTER + +I do not know ze Congress-man--mein leetle brudder is all I haf---- + + LINCOLN + +Alone, friendless--with no Congressman to speak for you! Well, little +girl, you don't need anybody to speak for you--you speak for +yourself--you're good and honest and love your brother--and by jings, +you don't wear hoopskirts--I'm sorry to rile old Stanton again---- + + [_Laughs._] + +But I'm going to pardon your brother----! + + THE SISTER + + [_Seizes and kisses his hand._] + +Oh--Meester Presiden--I praise ze good God---- + + LINCOLN + +There! There! Now, don't do that, you'll have me crying in a minute and +John Nicolay here will see me---- + + THE SISTER + +Ya! Meester Nicolay--won't mind--he so kind to me too---- + + [NICOLAY _has prepared the pardon and the President signs and hands + it to her._] + + THE SISTER + + [_Seizing the pardon._] + +Wiz all my heart! + + LINCOLN + + [_To_ NICOLAY.] + +Send her to Stanton, and tell him to rush that order to stay the +execution. They shall not shoot this poor boy, ignorant of our laws, +but if he can find the man who put that little book---- + + [_Holds up book._] + +into his hand, advising desertion--I'll hang him on a gallows forty +cubits high! + + [_He lays the booklet on his desk._] + + [NICOLAY _writes on the back of the pardon._] + + THE SISTER + + [_Joyfully._] + +Mein brudder he vill go back und he vill be von goot poy for you, +Meester Presiden---- + + LINCOLN + +Yes, I know he will, my child, I know he will. Good-by, and God bless +you. + + THE SISTER + +Und God bless you, Meester Presiden----! + + [NICOLAY _pauses at the door and gives orders to the doorman._] + + NICOLAY + +Edward, take her to the War Office with this message---- + + EDWARD + +Yes, sir---- + + CONGRESSMAN + +I demand to see the President at once---- + + NICOLAY + +I can't admit you, Mr. Congressman, just now---- + + CONGRESSMAN + + [_Forcing his way in._] + +I demand it, sir---- + + [LINCOLN _crosses to the door._] + + LINCOLN + +What is it, John---- + + CONGRESSMAN + +Mr. President, I have been here three times! I demand the right to see +you--to ask the pardon of one of my constituents. + + LINCOLN + +All right! Out with it! + + CONGRESSMAN + +He is one of the solid citizens of Massachusetts; a slave trader whose +ship has been confiscated. He has spent five years in prison, and +cannot pay the heavy fine in money imposed---- He is not a bad man at +heart. + + LINCOLN + +And he wants _me_ to pardon him--this slave-trader----! + + CONGRESSMAN + +I ask it as a matter of justice--he has paid the penalty--five long +years in prison---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Laughs._] + +I might pardon a murderer from old Massachusetts, she's done glorious +service in this war--but a man who can make a business of going to +Africa and robbing her of helpless men, women and children and selling +them into bondage----! + + [_He pauses and stiffens._] + +--before that man can have liberty by any act of mine, he can stay in +jail and rot! + + NICOLAY + + [_To the Congressman._] + +Now, you've got it----! + + CONGRESSMAN + + [_Crestfallen._] + +Yes--I heard it---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Turning back to his desk, and examining his papers._] + +Good---- Bring in the next one, John! + + [_As_ NICOLAY _exits with the Congressman who continues to talk in + loud tones, a sweet little girl of twelve slips by and reaches the + President's desk unannounced. The President has taken his seat and + is writing. While the President continues to write, the little girl + slips close and watches him wistfully. He lifts his head, sees her, + and smiles._] + +Why, what a wee girl--and you got in here all by yourself----? + + VIRGINIA + +I slipped in when no one was looking---- + + LINCOLN + +Did you? What did you do that for? + + VIRGINIA + +I was afraid they wouldn't let me in, if they knew what I wanted---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Tenderly._] + +And what _do_ you want? + + VIRGINIA + +If you please, sir--a pass to go through the lines to Virginia--my +brother's there--he was shot in the last battle--and I want to see him. + + LINCOLN + +Of course, you do--and you shall too. + + [_He seizes his pen, writes a pass and hands it to her._] + + VIRGINIA + + [_Breathlessly._] + +Oh, thank you--thank you! + + LINCOLN + + [_Casually placing his hand on her head._] + +Of course, you're loyal----? + + [VIRGINIA'S _lips quiver, she hesitates, looks up into his face + through dimmed eyes, and her slender body stiffens as she slowly + speaks._] + + VIRGINIA + +Yes--loyal--with all my heart--to Virginia! + + [_The trembling little fingers hand the pass back as the tears roll + down her cheeks. LINCOLN looks away to hide from her his own + emotion, stoops and takes her hand in his. His voice is low and + tender and full of feeling._] + + LINCOLN + +I know what it cost you to say that, child. You're a brave little girl! +And I'll love you always for this glimpse you've given me of a great +spirit and a great people. That's why I can't let the South go---- They +can't leave this Union. We need them---- Now I can trust you----? + + VIRGINIA + + [_Eagerly._] + +Yes, sir! + + [NICOLAY _enters with a young mother and baby and hesitates at + sight of the little girl._] + + LINCOLN + +Come on in, John--it's all right. I'm about through with this young +lady---- + + [NICOLAY _brings the young mother to the desk and_ LINCOLN _takes_ + VIRGINIA _down stage._] + +Come down here, dear, so old man Nicolay can't hear us--he mightn't +understand. + + [_He sits on a chair and draws the girl close._] + +You see, I understand you--and can trust you implicitly. Now if I give +you back this and let you go--will you promise me that no word shall +pass your lips of what you've seen inside our lines? + + VIRGINIA + +Oh, yes--I promise----! + + LINCOLN + + [_Handing her the pass._] + +May God speed the day, child, when your people and mine shall no longer +be enemies---- + + VIRGINIA + +Thank you, sir! + + LINCOLN + +Run now! + + [VIRGINIA _exits. At the door she throws him a kiss._] + + [LINCOLN _comes quickly to the mother and greets her cheerily._] + +Well, little mother, what's the matter? + + [_She hesitates and appeals to_ NICOLAY.] + + NICOLAY + +Tell him yourself---- + + THE MOTHER + + [_Trembling._] + +If you please, sir, we ain't been married but a little over a year, and +my husband's never seen the baby---- + + LINCOLN + +That's too bad---- + + THE MOTHER + +He's in the army and I couldn't stand it any longer--so I came down to +Washington to get a pass to take the baby to him. But he wouldn't let +me have it at the War Office---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Laughs._] + +I'll bet old Mars wouldn't--Phew! + + [_Pauses and turns to_ NICOLAY.] + +What do you say. John--let's send her down? + + NICOLAY + +The strictest orders have been issued to allow no more women to go to +the front---- + + LINCOLN + +Humph----! Well, I'll tell you what we _can_ do--give her husband a +leave of absence, and let _him_ come up here to see _them_! + + THE MOTHER + + [_Laughing and crying._] + +You don't mind my laughing, do you? I just can't help it--I can't stop! +I can't stop laughing! + + LINCOLN + +Laugh and cry as much as you please--but tell me where are you +stopping? + + THE MOTHER + +Nowhere yet, sir---- + + LINCOLN + +How's that? + + THE MOTHER + +I went straight from the depot to the War Office and then I just walked +the street blind with crying till I made up my mind to come here. + + LINCOLN + +We'll fix that then! Nicolay will write you an order that will take you +and your baby to a good hospital and care for you till your husband +comes--and fix it so _he_ can stay here a week with you---- + + THE MOTHER + + [_Laughs._] + +I just can't thank you! I'm so happy, all I can do is to laugh! + + LINCOLN + +Laugh on, little mother--and off with you now--clear out! + + [_The mother goes out laughing._] + + [NICOLAY _shows the little mother out and returns to_ LINCOLN.] + + NICOLAY + +The deputation of colored men whom you asked to come this morning are +waiting, sir--will you see them now? + + LINCOLN + +At once---- + + [LINCOLN _turns to his desk and takes up a document containing his + plan of Colonization and examines it as_ NICOLAY _and three + well-dressed colored men enter. They are typical Africans._] + + FIRST NEGRO + + [_Bowing deferentially._] + +Mr. President----! + + SECOND NEGRO + + [_Tenderly._] + +_Our_ Father Abraham---- + + THIRD NEGRO + + [_With religious feeling._] + +We salute our Savior! + + LINCOLN + +Welcome, my friends. I have sent for you this morning to place in your +hands a copy of my plan for colonization and to ask your help---- + + FIRST NEGRO + +Yes, sir---- + + [_The ebony faces with their cream white teeth showing in smiles + and their wide rolling eyes make a striking contrast to the rugged + face and poise of the President._] + + LINCOLN + +Your race is suffering, in my judgment, the greatest wrong inflicted on +any people. But even when you cease to be slaves, you are yet far +removed from being placed on an equality with the white race. On this +broad continent, not a single man of your race is made the equal of a +single man of ours---- + + FIRST NEGRO + +It's so--yes, it's so----! + + LINCOLN + +Go where you are treated best and the ban is still upon you. I cannot +alter it if I would. It is better for us both, therefore, to be +separated. For the sake of your people you should sacrifice something +of your present comfort. + + FIRST NEGRO + +Let our great leader show us the way---- + + LINCOLN + +The Colony of Liberia is an old one, and it is open to you. I am now +arranging to open another in Central America. You are intelligent and +know that success does not so much depend on external help as on +self-reliance. If you will engage in the enterprise I will spend the +money Congress has entrusted to me for this purpose. I ask you to +consider it seriously, not for yourselves merely, nor for your race and +ours for the present time, BUT FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND. + + FIRST NEGRO + +We will, sir----! + + LINCOLN + +The practical thing I want to ascertain is whether I can get a number +of able-bodied men with their wives and children to go at once--men who +"can cut their own fodder" so to speak----? Take this plan, show it to +your people---- + + [_Hands the document to the First Negro._] + +--and find this out for me---- + + FIRST NEGRO + +We'll do our best---- + + THIRD NEGRO + + [_Bowing out with religious ecstasy._] + +Praise God forever for our Savior-Leader----! + + [NICOLAY _ushers out the three Negroes and shows in a stately + black-robed figure in mourning for her dead. She walks quietly to + the President and extends her hand with a gracious smile._] + + THE WOMAN + +Perhaps I've done wrong to take up your time---- + + LINCOLN + +My time belongs to the people, Madam---- + + THE WOMAN + +I've come to you, Mr. President, under an impulse I could not resist. +Mr. Stoddard, your third Secretary, is my friend. He told me this +morning that all night the sound of your footfall came from this room. +He heard it at nine, at ten, at eleven. At midnight the Secretary of +War left the door ajar and the steady tramp came with heavier sound. +The last thing he heard at three was the muffled beat upstairs. The +guard said it had not stopped at daylight. I saw you staggering alone +under a Nation's sorrow and I wondered if you had been given the vision +to see the dawn of a new life for our people. I know I'm looking into +the eyes of the man whose word can stop this war and divide the +Union--I have come to tell you that I lost my first born son at +Fredericksburg--a lad of twenty---- + + [_She pauses and_ LINCOLN _bends and presses her hand._] + +May God help you in your trials, Mr. President, as he has helped me in +mine---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Startled._] + +You lost your first born at Fredericksburg and come to say this to me? + + THE WOMAN + +And I've been praying for you, day and night since---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Softly._] + +Will you say that again, Madam---- + + THE WOMAN + +I have been praying for you, day and night, and I've come this morning +to bring you this message--Be strong and courageous, and God will bring +the Nation through! + + LINCOLN + +You say this to me--standing beside the grave of your son? + + THE WOMAN + +And beside the cot of my other boy of sixteen who was dangerously +wounded in General Grant's last battle. I am proud of two such sons to +lay on the altar of my country. I _had_ to tell you that I'm +praying for you. + + [LINCOLN _closes both hands over hers and holds them a moment in + silence._] + + LINCOLN + + [_With upward gaze._] + +How strange that you should come to me in this black hour with such a +message. I've often wondered if the soul of my mother were not speaking +to me! The day she died in the woods of Indiana, she told me that if +dark hours came, her spirit would be watching, and she'd help me if she +could! While you were talking to me--I got the tremor of her voice and +the quiver of her lips--how strange! + + [_Looking down into her face._] + +Thank you, Madam! You have brought me medicine for both body and soul. + + [LINCOLN _presses her hand again and she quietly goes as he gazes + after her._] + + [NICOLAY _starts to follow her to the door_--LINCOLN _lifts his + hand._] + +John, I'm rested now--I'm ready for any work----! + + NICOLAY + +The National Committee have just arrived, sir. + + LINCOLN + +All right--let them in! + + [LINCOLN _resumes his place beside his desk and the Committee + headed by_ HENRY RAYMOND, _Editor of the New York Times, enter and + solemnly range themselves about the President._] + + [_To_ HENRY RAYMOND--_taking his hand formally._] + +Raymond, this is an unexpected honor you and your Committee do me. I +thought you were at your desk in the _Times_ office pouring hot shot +into the flanks of our enemies, and the boys were all at home fighting +for the victory that must be ours on the first Tuesday in November. Not +that you're unwelcome. You are the leaders of public opinion. The +people rule this country, and I am their servant--what is it----? + + RAYMOND + +You may be sure, Mr. President, that our mission is of the gravest +importance. These gentlemen have brought such startling reports from +their several states as to the bitterness and closeness of the fight, +that they have reached a unanimous conclusion---- + + LINCOLN + +And that is----? + + RAYMOND + +That with your personality and record against General McClellan's, your +Democratic opponent--the election for us is lost. + + LINCOLN + +Your statement is blunt. But, as I have been renominated for a second +term, my administration has been endorsed by our party, and the +election is only eight weeks off--there is but one conclusion +possible--and that is, that you should roll up your sleeves and get to +work. + + RAYMOND + +The National Committee, Mr. President, has reached a different +conclusion---- + + LINCOLN + +Yes----? + + RAYMOND + +In view of your unpopularity, in view of the criticism of your +policies, and your conduct of the war--they have decided to ask you to +withdraw from the ticket and permit them to name a new candidate---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Springing to his feet._] + +What----! + + RAYMOND + +I _have_ stated it bluntly---- + + LINCOLN + +And this is your unanimous verdict, gentlemen----? + + ALL + +Yes. + + LINCOLN + + [_Paces the floor a moment and then faces the Committee._] + +It surpasses human belief! Future generations will hold it +incredible--that you, my party leaders, should heap this insult upon +the man who led you to your first and only victory. That you should +come here to-day to ask me to quit under fire, to sacrifice without a +blow all I hold worth fighting for on this earth----! + + RAYMOND + +The Committee made their request solely on the ground of patriotic +duty--and ask you for the sacrifice upon the same grounds. They have +found it impossible to defend your policies---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Brusquely._] + +What policies? + + RAYMOND + +Understand me, Mr. President--I am telling you the conclusion of this +Committee---- + + LINCOLN + +All right, Raymond--fire away--spare me the oratory, please--just give +me the plain reasons, one at a time, why you wish me to get off the +ticket---- + + RAYMOND + +The first policy found indefensible has been your handling of the +border slave states of Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri. You have not +yet declared the slaves free in these states, the only ones in which +you actually have the power to do so--at all. + + LINCOLN + +The first policy of my Administration has been to save for the Union +the great border states--for the simple reason--with these border slave +states, we have such a balance of power that the Union _may_ be +saved! Without these states, the Union _cannot_ be saved! +Therefore in my Proclamation of Emancipation, I purposely did not raise +the question of the right or wrong of slavery. If slavery is not wrong, +nothing is wrong. But the Constitution of the United States, which I +have sworn to uphold in the border states of Maryland, Kentucky and +Missouri, guarantees to their people the right to hold slaves if they +choose. + + RAYMOND + +But why pat on the back the slaveholder of Maryland and strike at the +slaveholder of South Carolina? + + LINCOLN + +Because Maryland is loyal to the Union, and South Carolina is fighting +it. My Proclamation was not a sermon on the rights of man--black or +white. It was an act of war--a blow aimed at the heart of the seceding +South to break its wealth and power, end the war, and save the Union. I +know the spell of _State loyalty_ in the South, gentlemen. I was born +there. Many a mother in Richmond wept the day our flag fell from their +Capitol. But they brushed their tears away and sent their sons to the +front the next day, to fight that flag--_in the name of Virginia_! So +would thousands of mothers in these border slave states, if I put them +to the test. In God's own time slavery will be destroyed. I have saved +these states for our cause by conciliation and compromise. I will not +apologize for this act. + + [_He lifts his hand to stop interruption._] + +My paramount object is to save the Union, and not, either to save or +destroy slavery. If I could save the Union, without freeing a slave, I +would do it. And if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would +do it. And if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, +I would also do that. What I do about slavery and the colored race, I +do because I believe it _helps to save this Union_! + + [_Pauses and faces his accusers._] + +I'll test this question right here--will the three Committeemen from +Kentucky, Missouri and Maryland stand up for a minute? + + [_The three Committeemen rise._] + +Will the gentleman from Kentucky tell me what would have been the +effect if I had included his state in my proclamation freeing the +slaves----? + + THE KENTUCKY COMMITTEEMAN + +The state would have seceded from the Union, sir. + + LINCOLN + +Just so, and in Missouri? + + THE MISSOURI COMMITTEEMAN + +The Legislature would have joined the Confederacy within twenty-four +hours. + + LINCOLN + +And Maryland----? + + THE MARYLAND COMMITTEEMAN + +Maryland would have promptly cut the railroads leading into Washington, +isolated the Capital and joined the South. + + LINCOLN + +And with the loss of our Capital, Europe, eager to strike, would have +recognized the Confederacy, would they not? + + THE MARYLAND COMMITTEEMAN + +Undoubtedly, sir---- + + LINCOLN + +So I hold---- + + THE MARYLAND COMMITTEEMAN + +Our State believed you when you said in your Inaugural: "I have no +purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of +slavery in the states where it exists!" + + LINCOLN + +Then you three gentlemen, at least, are with me on this issue? + + ALL THREE + +Yes--! Yes--! Yes--! + + LINCOLN + +I thought so---- + + [_To Raymond._] + +What next? + + RAYMOND + +Your plan to _colonize_ the Negro race as expressed in your Proclamation +of Emancipation and in the bill which you have had passed through +Congress has hurt your best friends---- + + LINCOLN + +And why should it? My views on that subject were known to all men +before you nominated me first in Chicago, four years ago. I said then +that I believed there is a sharp physical difference between the white +and black races, and I have always linked colonization with freedom. +The Negro cannot remain in a free democracy unless we absorb him into +our social and political life. Therefore, we must colonize him. We owe +it to ourselves, we owe it to future generations--above all, we owe it +to the Negro himself. He was brought here by cruel force. At our own +expense, therefore, we should return him to the home of his fathers, +and build there a free republic for his children. We should give him +our language and our ideals, and we should give him millions of our +money, until he can stand alone. We must face this problem squarely +now. + + RAYMOND + +Yet you compromise on other issues. + + LINCOLN + +Only because I must to save the Union. Trim and hedge on _this_ issue, +and future generations will feel their way back to it through blood and +tears. I have always held that the happiness and progress of this Union +of Free Democratic States will be secure only in the separation of the +white and black races, and I will not eat my words!---- + + [_Pauses._] + +--the next charge in your bill of indictment, gentlemen? + + RAYMOND + +I now present the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, leader of Congress, the +representative of the radical wing of our party, who have split our +organization by nominating another candidate for President--Mr. Stevens +will give their views. + + STEVENS + + [_Pompously to the Committee._] + +The radical wing of the party, gentlemen, has been the only creative +force within it--and is the only thing that gives it an excuse for +being to-day. + + LINCOLN + + [_Firmly._] + +Which means that you think that I am superfluous and always have +been--I thank you--proceed! + + STEVENS + +We denounce first your policy of reconstruction in the South as weak +and vacillating--a civil and military failure. As the army advances, +the South should be held as conquered soil, its civilization torn up by +the roots, the property of the Southern white people confiscated and +given to the negroes. The ballot must be taken from the whites and +given to their slaves. We demand this just vengeance and we will be +content with nothing less! + + LINCOLN + +Stevens, I greet with shame your demands! Surely the vastness of this +war, its grim battles, its heroism, its anguish, its sublime earnestness, +should sink all schemes of revenge. Before the grandeur of its simple +story our children will walk with uncovered heads. Conquered soil! The +South has never been out of this Union. Secession was null and void +from the beginning. I say to the South now, as I have always said: +"Come back home! You can have peace at any moment, by simply laying +down your arms and submitting to the National Authority." When the +South lies crushed at our feet, God's vengeance shall be enough. + + STEVENS + +The life of our party, sir, demands that the Negro be given the ballot +and made the ruler of the South. This is not vengeance. It is +justice--it is patriotism. + + LINCOLN + +The Nation cannot be healed until the South is healed. Let the gulf be +closed in which we bury strifes and hatreds. The good sense of our +people will never consent to your scheme of vengeance. + + STEVENS + +The people have no sense! And a new fool is born every second. + + LINCOLN + +I have an abiding faith in their honesty and good purpose. I have +trusted the people before, and they have not failed me. + + STEVENS + +Bah----! + + LINCOLN + +I can't tell you, Stevens, how your venomous plans sicken me. I'd +rather work with you than fight you, if it's possible. But the line is +drawn now--we've got to fight--and I'm not afraid of you. + + STEVENS + +You had better listen---- + + LINCOLN + +I'll suffer my right arm to be severed from my body before I'll sign +one measure of revenge on a brave, fallen foe! + + STEVENS + +I have always known you had a sneaking admiration for the South! + + LINCOLN + +I love the South--it is a part of this Union! And when the curse of +slavery is lifted, it should be the garden spot of the world--I love +every foot of its soil--every hill and valley, and every man, woman and +child in it. I am an American! + + STEVENS + +The kind of an American that makes the election of your opponent, +General George B. McClellan, a certainty---- + + LINCOLN + +Well, who would you put in my place? + + [_He faces_ RAYMOND _and_ STEVENS, _and dead silence follows._] + +Come on--out with his name----! + + [_They remain silent._] + +You can't name him? Let me try to nominate him for you---- On a +platform of proscription and revenge, the hanging of rebel leaders, the +confiscation of the property of the white people of the South and its +bestowment upon the negroes, the taking of the ballot from the whites +and setting their slaves to rule over them--on this program I resign as +your candidate and nominate for President, the Hon. Thaddeus +Stevens---- + + THE COMMITTEE + + [_In a wild uproar._] + +No! No! No! Not by a damn sight! To hell with Stevens! + + [LINCOLN _quietly laughs and_ STEVENS _angrily lifts his hand to + quiet them._] + + STEVENS + +Now that you've had your joke--let me remind you that the radical wing +of the Republican Party has already named General John C. Fremont +against you---- + + LINCOLN + + [_To the Committee._] + +What say you, gentlemen----? Shall I resign in favor of the bolter who +attempted to dictate to you your platform and your candidate before +your convention met? Do you ask me to resign in favor of General +Fremont? + + THE COMMITTEE + +No! No! Down with the bolter! To the devil with Fremont. No! No! No! +Damnation--no---- + + [RAYMOND _quiets the uproar._] + + STEVENS + +I am not asking you to nominate Fremont. We split the party and named +Fremont because we wouldn't have you. Get off the ticket and we will +withdraw Fremont and put up a man who can be elected! Whatever the +chances of General Fremont at this moment the election of McClellan on +a Democratic Copperhead Platform is conceded by your own party +councils. McClellan is even now choosing his Cabinet---- + + LINCOLN + +They say it is not wise to count chickens before they're hatched--we +still have our chance! + + STEVENS + +You have no chance! You have _already_ been weighed and found +wanting! In the Congressional election, what happened?--your majorities +were wiped out. Maine cut you down from nineteen thousand to four! The +Democrats swept Ohio. Indiana deserted us. In Pennsylvania even, we +lost by four thousand. New York elected Horatio Seymour against us. New +Jersey turned you down. Wisconsin was a tie. In your own state of +Illinois, the Democrats won by seventeen thousand----! + + LINCOLN + +Even so, Stevens--the ballots in _this_ election have not yet been +counted! My faith in the ultimate good sense of the people is unshaken. +You can fool some of the people all the time. You can fool all of the +people sometimes. But you can't fool all the people all the time! + + STEVENS + +That's why we ask you to get off the ticket! You are to-day the most +unpopular man who ever sat in the Presidential chair. For the first +time in our history the effigy of a living President--your effigy--has +been publicly burned in the streets of American towns and cities, amid +the curses and jeers of the men who elected you! Your administration is +a failure--your conduct of the war a series of blunders---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Brusquely._] + +For example---- + + STEVENS + + [_Furiously._] + +For one thing--you have never yet chosen a successful General. The +South has not changed Commanders since Jeff Davis appointed Robert E. +Lee. In thirty days of the last campaign in a series of massacres, Lee +has killed and wounded sixty-two thousand of our men--more than he +himself commanded--and Grant has only reached the point where McClellan +stood in 1862. He could have marched there by McClellan's old line +without the loss of a man. Washington is piled with the wounded, the +dying and the dead. Your mail is choked with letters demanding the +removal of this butcher as our Commander, and you refuse--why? + + LINCOLN + + [_Smiling calmly._] + +Well, now that you've _really_ let off steam, I think you'll feel +better, Stevens----! + + STEVENS + +I demand, sir, an answer to my question--why have you not removed +Grant? + + LINCOLN + + [_Quickly._] + +Because I can't spare him! He is the one General we have developed who +knows how to fight--his business is not to reach any particular spot +where McClellan stood. McClellan was generally _standing_ somewhere--he +was a great engineer--of the stationary type---- Grant is a fighter. +His business is to find and destroy Lee's army--and his sledge hammer +blows are winning this war! + + STEVENS + +Winning--is he? And yet Lee sends a division under Jubal Early and +reconquers the Valley of Virginia--invades Maryland and Pennsylvania, +throws his shells into Washington and burns the home of one of your +Cabinet---- + + LINCOLN + +And if old Jubal Early had been a little _earlier_, he would have +burned Washington, too--but thank God, Grant got here in time--didn't +he? What have you got to say to that? + + STEVENS + +That Lee's strategy has been superb, his moral victory complete! He +holds Grant by the throat while he invades the North, and _shells_ +our Capitol--a feat that not one of your generals has yet done for +Richmond in four years--and still you cling to Grant----! + + LINCOLN + + [_Angrily._] + +Now, I'm going to talk plain English to you, Stevens. You're an +Abolitionist, and you can't do Grant justice. Your crowd demanded his +removal after the battle of Shiloh--and you made it so hot for me then, +I had to appoint General Halleck his superior, to save him for the +country. You can't forget that Grant is a Democrat, and therefore he +may vote for McClellan against our party, in this election! + + STEVENS + +I've heard that he _is_ for McClellan. + + LINCOLN + +Exactly! And you can't forget that his wife is a Southern woman whose +dowry was in Slaves, and therefore at this moment, Grant is constructively +a slaveholder, whose slaves I have not freed---- + + STEVENS + +I protest---- + + LINCOLN + +It's no use--I know the process of your mind--I can see the wheels go +round inside! You tell me that the star of Grant has set in a welter of +blood before Lee's army. I do not believe it. I know that miles of +hospital barracks are the witnesses of our agony. I know that every +city, town and village is in mourning. From these stricken homes there +has arisen a storm of protest against the new leader of the army. The +word butcher is bandied from lip to lip. They tell me that Grant is +merely a bulldog fighter--that he can win only as long as thousands are +poured into his ranks to take the place of the dead--They tell me that +he has no genius, no strategy, no skill. My reply to this is simple but +unanswerable. We must fight to win. Grant is the ablest general we have +developed. His losses are appalling--but the struggle is on now to the +bitter end! Our resources are exhaustless. The South cannot replace +_her_ fallen soldiers--and therefore _her_ losses are fatal! If we +continue to fight, five millions cannot whip twenty millions--the end +is certain--and we're now locked in the last death grapple +before--VICTORY! + + STEVENS + +It's a waste of time to talk----! + + LINCOLN + +I've thought so from the first, but I've tried to be polite---- + + STEVENS + + [_Trying to go._] + +Good day, sir----! + + LINCOLN + + [_Cordially._] + +Good day, Stevens---- + + [_Pauses._] + +You know this meeting reminds me of what happened in Illinois once---- + + STEVENS + + [_Throwing up his hands in anger._] + +I won't hear it, sir! You and your stories are sending this country to +hell--it's not more than a mile from there now! + + LINCOLN + +I believe it _is_ just a mile from here to the Capitol where you +sit! + + STEVENS + + [_Going in rage._] + +Damnation! + + [STEVENS _goes muttering furiously._] + + RAYMOND + +You will consider our request, Mr. President? + + LINCOLN + +Raymond, this is the most brutal insult ever offered to a man in my +position in the history of this country. I'm going to waive the insult +and give your request my earnest thought. If I can save the +Union--that's the only question--that's the only question! + + RAYMOND + +You will give us your answer to-day? + + LINCOLN + + [_Firmly._] + +No. I must have time to think. As I've listened to you, the conviction +grows on me that the life of the Union _may_ be bound with mine now, +and I'm not going to give up--_without a fight_. + + RAYMOND + + [_Brusquely._] + +We cannot leave Washington _without your answer_, Mr. President. + + LINCOLN + +You'll get it in due time. + + RAYMOND + +The time is short---- + + LINCOLN + +It may be long enough yet, to save the Nation---- + + RAYMOND + + [_Firmly._] + +The Committee _must_ take definite action before we leave--we will give +you ten days to decide---- + + LINCOLN + +I understand. Good day, gentlemen! + + ALL + + [_Bowing out._] + +Good day, Mr. President. + + [LINCOLN _stands erect, with_ NICOLAY _watching them go in silence. + When the last man is gone, he turns to_ NICOLAY.] + + LINCOLN + +It's infamous, John! Infamous! + + [MRS. LINCOLN _enters hurriedly._] + +Don't tell her the nasty things old Thad said to me. It will hurt her. + + NICOLAY + +Of course not. + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Tensely._] + +What is it, Father--what did they say? + + [_He pauses and she presses him tremblingly._] + +What did they say? What did they say? + + LINCOLN + + [_With dreamy look._] + +They told me in plain English that I am the most unpopular man in the +United States--that my conduct of the war is a series of blunders, my +administration a failure! + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Relieved._] + +Oh!--is _that_ all! + + LINCOLN + +What more----? + + MRS. LINCOLN + +I thought they had something important to tell you---- + + LINCOLN + + [_Laughs._] + +Oh!---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +That is of no importance, because it's a lie---- + + LINCOLN + +But, if they believe it, and millions of people believe it---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Well, they won't. I've something important to ask of you--Betty +Winter's in my room and wants to bring her lover here to see you alone +for an hour to-night---- + + LINCOLN + +I'll see Miss Betty Winter any time--she is my good friend--make it +nine o'clock. + + MRS. LINCOLN + + [_Going._] + +At nine--don't forget now! + + LINCOLN + +I'll not---- + + [MRS. LINCOLN _exits._] + +John, is General McClellan at home? + + NICOLAY + +I saw him to-day, sir. + + LINCOLN + +Go to his house immediately and tell him I want to see him here at +eight o'clock to-night. Say that it's a matter of the gravest +importance--both to him and to the country--he can't refuse. + + NICOLAY + +Yes, sir. + + LINCOLN + +Say to General McClellan that I would come to him but for the fact that +it would attract attention which I wish to avoid. It will be the best +for both that this meeting should not be known. Ask him to come in a +closed carriage. Assure him that you will meet him at the door and he +will see no one but me---- + + NICOLAY + +You can't take me into your confidence, Chief? + + LINCOLN + + [_Pauses._] + +Partly--I'm going to put McClellan to the supreme test, John. If he +will make me one pledge on the Copperhead issue which I will ask of +him, I'll name for this Committee a candidate they're not looking +for--I'll give them the surprise of their life--so help me God! + + NICOLAY + +I don't think the General will give that pledge, sir. + + LINCOLN + + [_Gazing upward and folding his arms._] + +I wonder!--I wonder if he will! + + [NICOLAY _exits._] + +I wonder if he will---- + + +CURTAIN + + + + +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. LINCOLN _enters 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 of_ MRS. 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 + +The _guard_ has 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. LINCOLN _quickly 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---- + + [NICOLAY _enters 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---- + + [LINCOLN _enters 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---- + + [NICOLAY _exits._] + + 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're _afraid_ to 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 your _intuition_, Mother---- + + MRS. LINCOLN + +Thank you. + + LINCOLN + +I didn't say it!---- + + [_Laughs._] + +--But you know you do _talk_ too 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 there _is_ anywhere a better man who can render the +country a greater service than I can, he _ought_ to 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 the +_biggest_ thing 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. LINCOLN _exits._] + + [LINCOLN _paces the floor with his arms locked behind him in tense + thought._] + + [NICOLAY _enters._] + + 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. + + [NICOLAY _exits and_ LINCOLN _returns to his desk and writes._] + + [NICOLAY _enters with_ GENERAL 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, as_ NICOLAY _exits._] + + 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, _you_ thought that my +messenger was an officer with a warrant for your arrest! You still say +no----? + + McCLELLAN + +I still say no--you _had_ to do it--and you know that you +_had_ to reappoint me. + + LINCOLN + +Well, I'll not pretend that I didn't understand the seriousness of that +hour. The Army _was_ behind 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 and +_save_ the 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 + + [_Studies_ LINCOLN _a 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 watches_ McCLELLAN _closely._] + +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 the _proofs_ in this document---- + + [_Touches_ BAKER'S _report._] + +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 meet_ McCLELLAN _and 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 + +_Am_ I? + + 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 +unless _he_ retires, _you_ can'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, 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 + _reënters 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 _reënters._] + + 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 _reënter._] + + 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 + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Man of the People, by Thomas Dixon + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A MAN OF THE PEOPLE *** + +***** This file should be named 25814-8.txt or 25814-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/8/1/25814/ + +Produced by David Garcia and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was +produced from images generously made available by The +Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |