CUSTIS slowly stands up, bows his head, and sits again.
Custis: My people much to learn. Years, and years, and years. Ignorant, frightened, suspicious people. It will be difficult, very slow. (With growing passion.) But born free bodies. Free. I born slave, Mista Lincoln. No man understand who not born slave.
Lincoln: Yes, yes. I understand.
Custis (with his normal regularity): I think so. Yes.
Lincoln: I should like you to ask me any question you wish.
Custis: I have some complaint. Perhaps I not understand.
Lincoln: Tell me.
Custis: Southern soldiers take some black men prisoner. Black men in your uniform. Take them prisoner. Then murder them.
Lincoln: I know.
Custis: What you do?