“I’ll go, sir!” Douglass rose to his feet. Lincoln’s tall form lifted itself. He looked out across the lawn without seeing it. “Navy guns have been bombarding Fort Wagner for several days. We were planning an attack. Surely--” He stopped as the two men came out on the porch. The courier was only a boy. His eyes were bloodshot, and his uniform was streaked and spattered. He swayed a little as he bowed and extended a letter. “General Stephenson sends his greetings, sir.” Lincoln’s eyes were on the boy as his shaking fingers tore at the envelope. “Why do you not come from General Strong?” “General Stephenson is now in command of the two brigades.” He stopped, but the President’s eyes still questioned him and he added, “General Strong and Colonel Putnam have been killed.” Then Lincoln looked down at the single sprawled sheet. His lips began to move, and some of his words were distinct enough for Douglass to hear. “On the night of July 18 we moved on Fort Wagner ... the Sixth Connecticut, Forty-eighth Infantry New York, Third New Hampshire, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania, Ninth Maine....” He read on, then cried out, “Douglass! Listen to this!” “The honor of leading the charge was given to the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts. I must report, sir, that these black soldiers advanced without flinching and held their ground in the face of blasting fire which mowed them down cruelly. Only a remnant of the thousand men can be accounted for. Their commander, Colonel Robert Shaw, is missing. We had counted on aid from the guns of the fleet--troops in the rear could not--” The President stopped. Douglass’ breath had escaped from his tense body in a groan. Now he gasped. “I must go--Forgive me. I must go to my wife!” The President took a step toward him, understanding and concern in his face. “You mean--?” “Our sons--Lewis and Charles--in the Fifty-fourth.” Lincoln laid his hand on Douglass’ arm, then spoke quickly to his secretary. “See that the courier has food and rest. Wire General Stephenson for the list.” Then he was walking to the door with Douglass, his arm through his. “Extend to your wife my deepest sympathy. I commend you both to God, who alone can give you strength. Keep me informed. You will hear from me.” The news of the defeat ran on ahead of him. Anna was standing in the hall, waiting. He took her in his arms, and for a few moments neither spoke. Then she said, “There is no word--yet.”