Good morning, Mr. Benjamin--I hope you've rested well?
Not so well as usual--the truth is I've been wrestling all night with the problem of Jacquess and Gilmore. I've confirmed your view that they have given their real names. Gilmore _is_ a reporter of the New York _Tribune_ and Colonel Jacquess is a Methodist clergyman well known in the hospital service, in fact famous for his kindly treatment of Southern prisoners----
I've allowed the Commissioner of Exchange who has been holding them in custody to bring them here this morning----
Last night, I made up my mind to take your advice and to let them see Mr. Davis----
I agree with you that we could use the interview for our own purposes. But the trouble is, Mr. Davis is soft-hearted sometimes. He may refuse to take my advice. He may let these men go.
You surely can depend on his allowing you to hold them in Libby Prison until after the election?
I'm not sure of it. If he takes a notion to let them go--he's as stubborn as a mule.
All right--Let me be present at the interview and take notes. If Mr. Davis makes an important declaration about peace and lets them go, I'll beat them to the North and give _your_ version of the interview first----!
I could not only head off any injury from their report, but I could give it a twist that would make it a boomerang on Lincoln----
[BENJAMIN _hesitates while_ VAUGHAN _watches him breathlessly._]
You could act as my special secretary for the meeting and take shorthand notes--or pretend to----
I take shorthand. I've been a reporter in Washington----
No matter what is said, I can make a report that will harden the purpose of our Societies to swing the uprising on the night of the election.
You are sure the order for the revolt against the Lincoln Government has been issued?
I know they have discussed it and may have decided to do it, but are the actual preparations under way?
In every Lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle, the command is now on record. Our forces are being drilled. I have read the original order with the signature of the Commander----
It's great news you've brought us, young man--great news!
[BENJAMIN _hesitates and_ VAUGHAN _watches him._]
[VAUGHAN _shows his secret joy and deep excitement._]