Nicolay, his first Secretary, wrote to John Hay,
who was in Illinois:
"DEAR MAJOR: Hell is to pay. The politicians have a stampede on
that is about to swamp everything. The National Committee are here
to-day. Raymond thinks a commission to Richmond is the only salt to
save us. The President sees and says it would be utter ruin. The
matter is now undergoing consultation. Weak-kneed damned fools are
on the move for a new candidate to supplant the President.
Everything is darkness and doubt and discouragement. Our men see
giants in the airy and unsubstantial shadows of the opposition, and
are about to surrender without a blow. Come to Washington on the
first train. Every man who loves the Chief must lay off his coat
now and fight to the last ditch. He's too big and generous to be
trusted alone with these wolves. He is the only man who can save
this Nation, and we must make them see it."
Worn and angry after the long discussion with his cowardly advisers, the
President retired to his bedroom, locked the door, laid down, and tried
to rest. Opposite the lounge on which he lay was a bureau with a
swinging mirror. He gazed for a moment at his long figure, which showed
full length, his eye resting at last on the deep cut lines of the
haggard face.
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