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 Mass 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 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 convention---- NICOLAY I thought so---- LINCOLN John, if I could win one man out of the inner councils of the Copperhead orders--one man who really loves his country----