Chapter XXIII: Introduction

Abraham Lincoln was elected President. Soon after war broke out
between the North and the South. Lincoln declared that the war was not
to free the slaves but to save the Union. Lincoln soon saw that it was
time to free the slaves, so he signed the Proclamation of
Emancipation.

This act linked the name of Lincoln with one of the greatest acts in
history.

The last act will be President Lincoln signing the Proclamation of
Emancipation.

(Lincoln sits at desk. Two men are showing him papers. One enters
and says: "Mr. Lincoln, here is Mr. Seward with the
Proclamation." Enter Seward and several others.)

MR. SEWARD: I have brought you the Proclamation to sign, Mr. President.

(Lincoln takes paper, reads it over, takes up pen, tries to
write, drops pen several times.)

MR. SEWARD: What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln?

MR. LINCOLN: I have been shaking hands since nine o'clock this morning and my right hand is almost paralyzed. If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it. If my hand trembles as I sign this document, the ones who examine it will say--he hesitated.

GRANT AND LEE

INTRODUCTION:

Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio, April 27, 1822. His father was a
tanner. He was brought up for farm work. Later went to West Point from
where he graduated in 1843. He distinguished himself in the Mexican
War. He resigned from the army in 1854, tried various kinds of
business in St. Louis and Galena, Illinois. On the day after the fall
of Sumter, Grant made up his mind to return to the army. In August
1861 he became a brigadier general. From 1861 to 1863 his name was
connected with most of the successful operations in the West, till
Lincoln said of him, "I can't spare this man. He fights." His greatest
characteristic was his indomitable grit.

The first act will be Grant sending his answer to General Buckner at
the capture of Fort Donelson.

ACT I.

(Grant at desk, writing and looking over maps. Men at wall
looking over maps. Officer speaks to General Grant.)

OFFICER: Two soldiers from General Buckner await outside, General Grant.

GRANT: Show them in.

(Enter soldiers with Union man. Soldier salutes).

SOLDIER: General Grant, General Buckner wishes to know on what terms you will consider the surrender of Fort Donelson.

GRANT: No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

SOLDIER: Your answer will be given to General Buckner. Good bye, General Grant. (Salute).

GRANT: (Salute). Goodbye.

ROBERT E. LEE

INTRODUCTION:

Robert E. Lee was born in 1807, of an old aristocratic Virginia
family; he graduated from West Point (1829) and spent thirty-two years
in the regular army; he distinguished himself in the Mexican War.

Just before the Civil War broke out, he wrote to a friend: "If the
Union is dissolved and the Government disrupted, I shall return to
my native state and share the miseries of my people, and, save in
defense, will draw my sword no more."

A few days after the fall of Fort Sumter, he was offered the command
of the United States Army and declined it. He resigned and after
Virginia seceded, accepted a Confederate commission. He took command
of the Army of Northern Virginia June 1, 1862. He had great power
over men and his soldiers had perfect confidence in "Uncle Robert."

ACT II.