"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——" He paused and drew a deep breath.
"I did want the chance," he went on wistfully, "to stay here another term to see the sun shine again, to heal my country's wounds, and show all my people, North, South, East, and West, that I love them! But I can't risk this new battle, if you will agree to take my place and save the Union. Will you preside over such a meeting?"
"No," was the sharp, clear answer.
"I am sorry—why?"
"Perhaps I am already certain of that election without your assistance?"
"Oh—I see."
"Besides, what right have you to ask anything of me?"
"Only the right of one who sinks all thought of himself in what he believes to be the greater good."
"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!"
The big hand rose in kindly protest: