CLELLAN

[_Hesitates._]

I am sure of this election without your help, sir!

LINCOLN

You can't be----

McCLELLAN

A straw vote was taken yesterday in the Carver Hospital. The wounded
soldiers gave me three votes to your one. Straws show which way the
wind is blowing. I know that your party is divided--that John C.
Fremont has split your organization, and is daily gaining ground--that
unless _he_ retires, _you_ can't be elected! Your party is in
a hopeless panic--and my election is conceded. Yet, you ask me allow
you to dictate the policy of my administration!

LINCOLN

[_Evenly and pressingly._]

Will you denounce these conspirators within your party----?

McCLELLAN

No----! When I need your advice on any public utterance, I'll let you
know.

LINCOLN

Will you preside over this Union Meeting?

McCLELLAN

[_Firmly._]

Never! I'll do my best to save my country, but in my own way without
suggestion or assistance from you----

LINCOLN

[_With firm conviction._]

Then, sir, you _are_ committed by your pledges to the possible division
of this Union! I suspected it--but I had hoped for the best--good
night!

[_The General bows stiffly and leaves the President standing in
sorrowful silence, his deep eyes staring into space, seeing nothing
as_ NICOLAY _enters._]

[_Pausing, and looking up._]

I thought you'd gone----?

NICOLAY

I hope there may be something else I can do for you, sir----?

LINCOLN

Yes--there is----

NICOLAY

What?

LINCOLN

Bear witness with me to this, the blackest hour of my life--I have
touched the depths of despair----

[_Springs to his feet._]

But I can't give up--there's too much at stake!

NICOLAY

Corruption, intrigue and malice are doing their work, Chief--but you
can't be beaten! Unless _you should_ give up!

LINCOLN

Well! I won't give up!

NICOLAY

McClellan refused the pledge you asked?

LINCOLN

Yes. He is bound hand and foot to the Copperhead leaders who will
control his conv