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[_Pauses and picks up the report._]
showing that the Copperhead Societies are of your party and are thoroughly organized in every state of the North--that they demand an immediate peace and will accept a division of the Union----
McCLELLAN
[_Interrupting._]
What has this to do with me, may I ask----?
LINCOLN
[_Evenly._]
This report shows that they propose to end the war on the night of the election by a revolutionary uprising which will result in the recognition of the Confederacy. I am now being urged to arrest their leaders.
[_He pauses and watches_ McCLELLAN _closely._]
I shall answer no. Let sleeping dogs lie. One revolution at a time. If the Union candidate wins the election, they won't dare to rise. If he loses, it's all over anyhow--and it makes no difference what they do.
McCLELLAN
A sensible decision----
LINCOLN
I'm glad you agree with it. Now the Democratic Convention meets in Chicago next week--you have no opposition. Your nomination will be unanimous. The question is,--what will they do on the issue of the war?
The leaders of the Copperhead Societies are now in touch with the rebel government in Richmond----
McCLELLAN
That's a large statement, sir--even about Copperhead Societies----
LINCOLN
I have the _proofs_ in this doc.u.ment----
[_Touches_ BAKER'S _report._]
My fear is, that they may get complete control of your Convention----
McCLELLAN
[_Angrily._]
Indeed----?
LINCOLN
I have heard the ugly rumor that they are counting on you----
McCLELLAN
[_Advancing._]
Stop----!
LINCOLN
[_Going to meet_ McCLELLAN _and holding his gaze firmly._]
Well----?
McCLELLAN
No man can couple the word Treason with my name, sir----!
LINCOLN
Have I done so----?
McCLELLAN
You are insinuating it!
LINCOLN
_Am_ I?
McCLELLAN
I demand a retraction!
LINCOLN
[_Smiling._]
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 Ma.s.s 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
