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[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