He turned to Lee. The question he was going to put to the man in whom he had supreme confidence would test both his judgment and his character. On his answer would hang his career. If it should be what the Confederate Chief believed, Lee was the man of destiny and his hour had struck.
"In case Johnston abandons Richmond," the President slowly began, "where in your opinion, General Lee, is the next best line of defense?"
Lee's fine mouth was set for a moment. He spoke at first with deliberation.
"As a military engineer, my answer is simple. The next best line of defense would be at Staten River—but—"
He suddenly leaped to his feet, his eyes streaming with tears.
"Richmond must not be given up—it shall not be given up!"
Davis sprang to his side and clasped Lee's hand.
"So say I, General!"
From that moment the President and his chief military adviser lived on Johnston's battle line, Lee ready at a moment's notice to spring into the saddle and hurl his men against McClellan the moment Johnston should falter.
The Commander was forced to a decision for battle. He could not allow his arch enemy to remove him without a fight.