[EDWARD _throws the bag in the corner of the room where_ NICOLAY _has already piled the letters from the desk, and turns to_ NICOLAY. _He watches_ NICOLAY _destroying letters for a moment._]
Will you tell me one thing, Colonel Nicolay----?
What do they say in these letters to the President----? I've served through four administrations--I've never seen such piles of letters in the White House before----
Well, Edward--these letters ask two things of Abraham Lincoln: That he dismiss General Grant from command of the Army----
And stop the war to-day--August 23, 1864,--make peace--peace at any price--to-day----
God save us! After nearly four years--quit, with nothing settled----?
You couldn't believe it---- No wonder his eyes sink back in his head, an' he looks as if he were seeing ghosts----
[EDWARD _bows, and exits to door leading to the main corridor._ NICOLAY _returns to his task of reading the letters--one he tosses into the basket wearily--one he crumples in anger and hurls into the basket._]
[_He is absorbed in a letter when_ MRS. LINCOLN _enters in a state of nervous excitement. He rises quickly, and goes to meet her._]
I have just heard that the Republican National Committee is in Washington----!
In conference at Senator Winter's house----?
I can't discuss it, Madam, until the Chief knows----
Not yet. He will, this morning. They've just sent a demand to me that he see them before his public reception begins----
You've heard something--you know something--tell me--I can't endure the suspense----
Only rumors--and they're too ugly to put into words--they're incredible----
The Chief wouldn't like it if I talk, before he knows. I'll tell you a few things I'm _thinking_ in plain English--if you'd like to hear----
You can't make it too _plain_ to suit me----
In my opinion, the devil is to pay. Weak-kneed fools are deserting the Chief. Every man who loves Abraham Lincoln must get off his coat now and fight. He is the only man who can save this Nation to-day, and he's too big and generous to be trusted alone with wolves----
What can you mean----? The Republican National Committee have no power over the President of the United States----
No, Madam---- But they have certain powers over the Nominee of their party----