Lincoln: Oh, no. Thank Mr. Hook.
Seward: McClellan is in pursuit of Lee, I suppose.
Lincoln: You suppose a good deal. But for the first time McClellan has the chance of being in pursuit of Lee, and that's the first sign of their end. If McClellan doesn't take his chance, we'll move Grant down to the job. That will mean delay, but no matter. The mastery has changed hands.
Blair: Grant drinks.
Lincoln: Then tell me the name of his brand. I'll send some barrels to the others. He wins victories.
Hook: Is there other business?
Lincoln: There is. Some weeks ago I showed you a draft I made proclaiming freedom for all slaves.
Hook (aside to Welles): I told you so.
Lincoln: You thought then it was not the time to issue it. I agreed. I think the moment has come. May I read it to you again? "It is proclaimed that on the first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any state, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." That allows three months from to-day. There are clauses dealing with compensation in a separate draft.
Hook: I must oppose the issue of such a proclamation at this moment in the most unqualified terms. This question should be left until our victory is complete. To thrust it forward now would be to invite dissension when we most need unity.