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