A Man of the People Part 31

[_Pauses and picks up the report._]

showing that the Copperhead Societies are of your party and are thoroughly organized in every state of the North--that they demand an immediate peace and will accept a division of the Union----

McCLELLAN

[_Interrupting._]

What has this to do with me, may I ask----?

LINCOLN

[_Evenly._]

This report shows that they propose to end the war on the night of the election by a revolutionary uprising which will result in the recognition of the Confederacy. I am now being urged to arrest their leaders.

[_He pauses and watches_ McCLELLAN _closely._]

I shall answer no. Let sleeping dogs lie. One revolution at a time. If the Union candidate wins the election, they won't dare to rise. If he loses, it's all over anyhow--and it makes no difference what they do.

McCLELLAN

A sensible decision----

LINCOLN

I'm glad you agree with it. Now the Democratic Convention meets in Chicago next week--you have no opposition. Your nomination will be unanimous. The question is,--what will they do on the issue of the war?

The leaders of the Copperhead Societies are now in touch with the rebel government in Richmond----

McCLELLAN

That's a large statement, sir--even about Copperhead Societies----

LINCOLN

I have the _proofs_ in this doc.u.ment----

[_Touches_ BAKER'S _report._]

My fear is, that they may get complete control of your Convention----

McCLELLAN

[_Angrily._]

Indeed----?

LINCOLN

I have heard the ugly rumor that they are counting on you----

McCLELLAN

[_Advancing._]

Stop----!

LINCOLN

[_Going to meet_ McCLELLAN _and holding his gaze firmly._]

Well----?

McCLELLAN

No man can couple the word Treason with my name, sir----!

LINCOLN

Have I done so----?

McCLELLAN

You are insinuating it!

LINCOLN

_Am_ I?

McCLELLAN

I demand a retraction!

LINCOLN

[_Smiling._]

Then, I apologize for my careless expressions. I am glad to see you meet the ugly subject in this way! I have never believed you a traitor to the Union. That's why I sent for you to-night. Will you denounce these men publicly at a Union Ma.s.s Meeting, and let me resign and take the stump for you----?

McCLELLAN

[_Hesitates._]

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

LINCOLN

You can't be----

McCLELLAN