Lee turned back into the group and Taylor explained:
"I have called an informal meeting at the request of Senator Rives."
Lee smiled.
"Oh, I see. A council of both War and State."
Rives came forward and the Commander grasped his hand.
"Always glad to see you, Senator. What can we do for you?"
"Everything, sir. Can we enter at once into our conference?"
"The quicker the better. General Grant may drop in on us at any moment without an invitation."
Rives smiled wanly.
"General Lee, we face the gravest crisis of the war."