human
No man can couple the word treason with my name, sir!
gpt
Have I done so?
human
You are insinuating it--and I demand a retraction!
gpt
Then I apologize for my carelessness of expression. I have never believed you a traitor to the Union.
human
Thank you!
gpt
I don't believe it now, General. That's why I've sent for you.
human
Then I suggest that you employ more caution in the use of words if this conversation is to continue.
gpt
Again I apologize, General, with admiration for your manner of meeting the ugly subject. I'm glad you feel that way--and now if you will be seated we can talk business.
human
I have sent for you to ask an amazing thing----
gpt
Hence the secrecy with which I am summoned?
human
Exactly. I'm going to ask you to take my place and save the Union.
gpt
What do you mean?
human
Exactly what I've said.
gpt
And your conditions?
human
They are very simple: Preside to-morrow night at a great Democratic Union Mass Meeting in New York and boldly put yourself at the head of the Union Democracy----
gpt
And you?
human
I will withdraw from the race.
gpt
What race?
human
For the next term of the Presidency.
gpt
Oh----
human
My convention is but ten months off. Yours can meet a day earlier. I will withdraw in your favor and force my Party to endorse you. Your election will be a certainty.
gpt
You're in earnest?
human
I was never more so. It is needless for me to say that I came into this office with high ambitions to serve my country. My dream of glory has gone--I have left only agony and tears----
gpt
I did want the chance, he went on wistfully,
human
No,
gpt
I am sorry--why?
human
Perhaps I am already certain of that election without your assistance?
gpt
Oh--I see.
human
Besides, what right have you to ask anything of me?
gpt
Only the right of one who sinks all thought of himself in what he believes to be the greater good.
human
You who, with victory in my grasp before Richmond, snatched it away! You, who nailed me to the cross on the bloody field of Antietam with your accursed Proclamation of Emancipation and removed me from my command before I could win my campaign!
gpt
Can't you believe me, General, when I tell you, with God as my witness, that I have never allowed a personal motive or feeling to enter into a single appointment or removal I have made? What I've done has always been exactly what I believed was for the best interests of the country. Can't you believe this?
human
No.
gpt
In spite of the fact that I risked the dissolution of my Cabinet and the united opposition of my party when I restored you to command?
human
No--you had to do it.
gpt
Grant then, the persuasive voice went on,
human
I'll do my best to save my country, was the slow, firm answer,