NICOLAY

[_Pointing._]

Under that paper weight, sir----

LINCOLN

Oh, yes, I see----

[_Picks up report, glances at it, and lays it back on his desk._]

I'm ready--bring him in. See that we are not interrupted, and when he
goes, I'll not need you any more to-night. I'll let in the young people
myself, at nine o'clock.

NICOLAY

Yes, sir.

[NICOLAY _exits and_ LINCOLN _returns to his desk and writes._]

[NICOLAY _enters with_ GENERAL MCCLELLAN. _The General is
thirty-eight years old, dressed in a uniform of immaculate cut,
flashing with gold. While his figure is short and stocky, in
striking contrast to the President, he is a man of commanding
appearance, and gives one the impression of a born leader of men.
He enters with quick military precision and salutes with studied
formality the President as his superior officer. The President
answers his salute, as_ NICOLAY _exits._]

LINCOLN

I suggest, General McClellan, that we forget for the moment that I am
the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy--and we have a little heart
to heart talk in a perfectly informal way----

McCLELLAN

[_Stiffening._]

May I enquire, Mr. President, at once, to what I owe this extraordinary
summons?

LINCOLN

[_Cordially._]

Will you be seated, General----?

McCLELLAN

Thank you, I prefer to stand.

[_Angrily._]

What right have you to send for me or ask anything, after the foul
injustice with which you have treated me as Commanding General----

LINCOLN

[_Interrupting._]

Just a moment--I have not treated you with injustice--I have treated
you with more than justice. I have treated you with the generous faith
and love of a father for a wayward boy----

McCLELLAN

Really!

LINCOLN

I have. When I appointed you to the chief command of our Army, you were
but thirty-four years old. I did it against the bitterest opposition of
my party leaders. They told me you were a pro-Slavery Democrat--a
political meddler, and that you were opposed to me on every issue
before the people. I refused to listen. I asked but one question: Is
McClellan the man to whip the new a