[NICOLAY _starts to follow her to the door_--LINCOLN _lifts his hand._] John, I'm rested now--I'm ready for any work----! NICOLAY The National Committee have just arrived, sir. LINCOLN All right--let them in! [LINCOLN _resumes his place beside his desk and the Committee headed by_ HENRY RAYMOND, _Editor of the New York Times, enter and solemnly range themselves about the President._] [_To_ HENRY RAYMOND--_taking his hand formally._] Raymond, this is an unexpected honor you and your Committee do me. I thought you were at your desk in the _Times_ office pouring hot shot into the flanks of our enemies, and the boys were all at home fighting for the victory that must be ours on the first Tuesday in November. Not that you're unwelcome. You are the leaders of public opinion. The people rule this country, and I am their servant--what is it----? RAYMOND You may be sure, Mr. President, that our mission is of the gravest importance. These gentlemen have brought such startling reports from their several states as to the bitterness and closeness of the fight, that they have reached a unanimous conclusion---- LINCOLN And that is----? RAYMOND That with your personality and record against General McClellan's, your Democratic opponent--the election for us is lost. LINCOLN Your statement is blunt. But, as I have been renominated for a second term, my administration has been endorsed by our party, and the election is only eight weeks off--there is but one conclusion possible--and that is, that you should roll up your sleeves and get to work. RAYMOND The National Committee, Mr. President, has reached a different conclusion---- LINCOLN Yes----? RAYMOND In view of your unpopularity, in view of the criticism of your policies, and your conduct of the war--they have decided to ask you to withdraw from the ticket and permit them to name a new candidate---- LINCOLN [_Springing to his feet._] What----! RAYMOND I _have_ stated it bluntly---- LINCOLN And this is your unanimous verdict, gentlemen----? ALL Yes. LINCOLN [_Paces the floor a moment and then faces the Committee._] It surpasses human belief! Future generations will hold it incredible--that you, my party leaders, should heap this insult upon the man who led you to your first and only victory. That you should come here to-day to ask me to quit under fire, to sacrifice without a blow all I hold worth fighting for on this earth----! RAYMOND