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