On my word of honor——
[Dreamily.]
It is needless for me to say that I came into this office with high ambitions to serve my country. My dream of glory may be at an end and I have left only the agony and the tears——
[He pauses, breathes deeply, and struggles with his emotions, recovers himself, and goes on wistfully.]
I did want a chance to stay here for another term to see the sun shine again, to heal my country's wounds, and show all the people, North, South, East and West, that I love them. But I can't risk the chances of this election—if you and I can come to a perfect understanding, and you agree to take my place upon the solemn pledge to save the Union without division. I've made up my mind to this, because I have on my desk here a report from our Secret Service——
[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——?