A Man of the People Part 46

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 b.l.o.o.d.y 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 pa.s.sed 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 ma.s.s 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?