“It seems to me, my friend, that the South can afford to do as Seth Mills did, swallow her pride, be generous to us, get back with us into the Union, and help us build it bigger and broader and deeper, and wall it up, and put in a pipe big enough to supply us all with prosperity and happiness and peace. Maybe it’ll cost two or three dollars, but I believe it’s worth it.” It was not until the story and its moral were nearly finished that Bannister realized that it was about his own old Seth Mills that the President was talking. “I know that man, Mr. Lincoln,” he said. “I know Seth Mills, and I can well believe and appreciate the story. He has been, for years, my next and most valued neighbor, a good citizen, an honest man, and a worshiper at the shrine of Abraham Lincoln.” “Well, now, I’m glad to hear from Seth; I’m glad to hear from him. I knew he went East somewhere. You tell him, when you see him, if you ever do, that Abe Lincoln sends him greeting and good wishes in memory of the old days in Sangamon County.” Then the light of reminiscent memory died out from the President’s face, and the old strained, haggard, weary look came back into it. He straightened up his long body and said:-- “Let’s see. You’re a fugitive, ain’t you? a deserter?” “Something like that, I believe, Mr. Lincoln.” The President rose and went out into the telegraph office and gave some orders. When he came back he said:-- “I’ve sent for Lieutenant Forsythe. I’ll turn you over to him. He’ll see that you get to the right place. Tell me again about that boy of yours, will you?” So Bannister again told Bob’s story, and again expressed his willingness and eagerness to take the boy’s place in the ranks. “I do not feel quite as I did when I came in here, Mr. Lincoln,” he said. “I am ready now to concede that the quickest way to permanent peace is by the subjugation of the Southern armies. But, Mr. President, when the South is beaten, I am sure--I am sure you will be charitable.” The President did not reply. He had turned to the table, taken a pen, and begun to write. When he had finished he again faced Bannister, and read to him what he had written. It was as follows:-- “WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C., _October 26, 1863_. “MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE, Army of Potomac:--