_Lincoln_: It couldn't be put better, Mr. Jennings. That's what the Union means. It is a Union that stands for common right. That is its foundation--that is why it is for every honest man to preserve it. Be clear about this issue. If there is war, it will not be on the slave question. If the South is loyal to the Union, it can fight slave legislation by constitutional means, and win its way if it can. If it claims the right to secede, then to preserve this country from disruption, to maintain that right to which every state pledged itself when the Union was won for us by our fathers, war may be the only way. We won't break up the Union, and you shan't. In your hands, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. You can have no conflict without yourselves being the aggressors. I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, do not allow it to break our bonds of affection. That is our answer. Tell them that. Will you tell them that? _White_: You are determined? _Lincoln_: I beg you to tell them. _Jennings_: It shall be as you wish. _Lincoln_: Implore them to order Beauregard's return. You can telegraph it now, from here. Will you do that? _White_: If you wish it. _Lincoln_: Earnestly. Mr. Seward, will you please place a clerk at their service. Ask for an answer. SEWARD _rings a bell_. A CLERK _comes in_. _Seward:_ Give these gentlemen a private wire. Place yourself at their disposal. _Clerk_: Yes, sir. WHITE _and_ JENNINGS _go out with the_ CLERK. _For a moment_ LINCOLN _and_ SEWARD _are silent,_ LINCOLN _pacing the room_, SEWARD _standing at the table. _Lincoln:_ Seward, this won't do. _Seward_: You don't suspect-- _Lincoln_: I do not. But let us be plain. No man can say how wisely, but Providence has brought me to the leadership of this country, with a task before me greater than that which rested on Washington himself. When I made my Cabinet, you were the first man I chose. I do not regret it. I think I never shall. But remember, faith earns faith. What is it? Why didn't those men come to see me? _Seward_: They thought my word might bear more weight with you than theirs. _Lincoln_: Your word for what? _Seward_: Discretion about Fort Sumter. _Lincoln_: Discretion? _Seward_: It's devastating, this thought of war.