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sighed. "They can't see the difference between my duty and my personal feelings. I had to take a stand on the matter of the forts-but the last thing I wanted to do was provoke war. The very idea of Americans quarreling is grievous to me, Mr. Kent. I've said repeatedly I bear no ill will toward the Southern states. I've tried to make it plain my policy was not to interfere in the South's domestic institution where it already exists, only to promote its containment. But that didn't satisfy then- more extreme spokesmen. So I tried to sue for accord when I gave my inaugural-though my conscience did compel me to be absolutely candid on one point. I said it in March, and I'll say it now-I do believe I have a solemn oath registered in heaven to prevent an unconstitutional act. I mean the destruction of the Union. But believe me, Mr. Kent, I want to end this struggle quickly, not prolong or inflame it." Trying to write the essence of the President's thoughts, Jephtha nodded again, then said: The Titans71 "All right, sir. Could we turn for a moment to the high command of the army?" Lincoln's hairy brows puckered together. "What are you getting at? Scott is general-in-chief-was "But he's almost seventy-five. In poor health-was Lincoln grinned. "Fat as a prairie hen, too. His gout wouldn't plague him so severely if he'd stay away from all that rich food and wine." A finger stabbed out "Don't write that down." "I realize General Scott's the senior officer in the service. But there have been persistent rumors that the actual command of the Federal army will be offered to Colonel Lee." Lincoln's quick backward movement-a sort of jerking in his chair-showed Jephtha he'd hit a target. The President's fids drooped a moment The gaunt, yellowish face grew unreadable: "I consider Bob Lee the best officer in the United States army, Mr. Kent. That's no secret" "No, sir. It was evident in March after he came back from Texas and General Scott promoted him to full colonel and command of the First Cavalry." Hoping to insure Lee's continued loyalty? Jephtha didn't voice the cynical suspicion. He let Lincoln resume at his own pace: "Bob Lee's served the Union in exemplary fashion. You know he commanded the Marines who captured that lunatic Brown at Harper's Ferry. But Bob Lee is also a Virginian. I reckon I shouldn't say a word about his possible reaction to any overtures. Not that there are any overtures-or will be," Lincoln emphasized. But Jephtha knew Colonel Lee was resting at his mansion across the river in Arlington. If the special convention sitting in Richmond right this moment vojed for secession, Lee's reaction would be of inestimable importance to those on both sides of the quarrel The President rose. 7'I don't wish to be short with you, Mr. Kent. But we've passed the allotted time by several minutes." Jephtha stood. "Just one or two more questions before I go-was "Guess I'm trapped," Lincoln said, chuckling. "You do have a reputation as one of the most persistent reporters in the whole town." "Is the city in any danger at present?" "Military danger?" Jephtha nodded. Lincoln's eyes shifted away. For the first time during the conversation, Jephtha sensed a deliberate evasion coming. "I think not. Virginia hasn't left the Union-was "But everyone assumes she will. Congressman Pryor went to Charleston a while back and all but pleaded with the governor to start the attack on Sumter." "Yes, I'm acquainted with the pleadings of Mr. Pryor of Virginia. 'Strike a blow," he said. Then his state would surely step into line. Still, even if Virginia does join the insurrection, we'll manage to keep house. Precautions are being taken-was His tone said the subject was closed. But it wasn't for Jephtha. "There are very few Federal troops in Washington, sir. Even with more, can it be defended?" The President hesitated before answering. "I believe General Scott thinks not. But he also feels we won't be attacked. I can't say whether he's right or wrong. But I do