If the Gulf States had paused for a moment they could have seen thatsuch an administration, whatever its views about Slavery, would havefailed, and the next election would have been theirs. The moment theywithdrew their members of Congress, however, the new party had amajority and could shape the nation's laws.
The crowd mind acts on blind impulse, never on reason.
In spite of the President's humane4 purpose to keep peace when hedelivered his first inaugural5, he had scarcely taken his seat at thehead of his Cabinet when the mob mind swept him from his moorings and hewas caught in the torrent7 of the war mania8.
The firing on Fort Sumter was not the first shot by the Secessionists.
They had fired on the _Star of the West_, a ship sent to the reliefof the Fort, weeks before. They had driven her back to sea. But thePresident at that moment had sufficient power to withstand the cry forblood. At the next shot he succumbed9 to the inevitable10 and called for75,000 volunteers to invade the South. This act of war was a violationof his powers under Constitutional law. Congress alone could declarewar. But Congress was not in session.
The mob had, in fact, declared war. The President and his Cabinet wereforced to bow to its will and risk their necks on the outcome of thestruggle.
So long as Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee refused to secede11 andstood with the Border States of Maryland, Missouri and Kentucky insidethe union, the Confederacy organized at Montgomery, Alabama, must remaina mere12 political feint.
The call of the President on Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee,Kentucky, Missouri and Maryland, all slave States, to furnish theirquota of troops to fight the seceders, was in effect a declaration ofwar by a united North upon the South.
Virginia had refused to join the Confederacy before by an overwhelmingmajority. All eyes were again turned on the Old Dominion14. Would sheaccept the President's command and send her quota13 of troops to fight hersisters of the South, or would she withdraw from the union?
The darkest day of its history was dawning on Arlington. Lee had spent asleepless night watching the flickering15 lights of the Capitol, waiting,hoping, praying for a message from the Convention at Richmond. On thatmessage hung the present, the future, and the sacred glory of the past.
The lamp on the table in the hall was still burning dimly at dawn whenMary Lee came downstairs and pulled the old-fashioned bell cord whichsummoned the butler.
Ben entered with a bow.
"You ring for me, Missy?""Yes. You sent to town to see if an Extra had been issued?""Yassam. De boy come back more'n a hour ago.""There was none?""Nomum.""And he couldn't find Lieutenant16 Stuart?""Nomum. He look fur him in de telegraph office an' everywhar.""Why don't he come--why don't he come?" she sighed.
"I spec dem wires is done down, an' de news 'bout3 Secesum come froo decountry fum Richmon' by horseback, M'am."The girl sighed again wearily.
"The coffee and sandwiches ready, Ben?""Yassam. All on de table waitin'. De coffee gittin' cold.""I'll bring Papa down, if I can get him to come.""Yassam. I hopes ye bring him. He sho must be wore out.""It's daylight," she said, "open the windows and put out the lamp."Mary climbed the stairs again to get her father to eat. Ben drew thecurtains and the full light of a beautiful spring morning flooded theroom. A mocking bird was singing in the holly17. A catbird cried froma rosebush, a redbird flashed and chirped18 from the hedge and a coltwhinnied for his mother.
The old negro lowered the lamp, blew it out and began to straighten theroom. A soft knock sounded on the front door.
He stopped and listened. That was queer. No guest could be coming toArlington at dawn. Lieutenant Stuart would come on horseback and thering of his horse's hoofs19 could be heard for half a mile.
He turned back to his work and the knock was repeated, this time louder.
He cautiously approached the door.
"Who's dar?""Hit's me.""Me who?""Hit's me--Sam.""'Tain't no Sam nuther--""'Tis me.""Sam's bin6 free mos' ten year now an' he's livin' in New York--""I done come back. Lemme come in a minute!"Ben was not sure. He picked up a heavy cane21, held it in his right handand cautiously opened the door with his left, as Sam entered.
The old man dropped the cane and stepped back in dumb amazement22. It wassome time before he spoke23.
"Name er Gawd, Sam--hit is you.""Sho, hit's me!""What yer doin' here?""I come to see my old marster when I hears all dis talk 'bout war. Wharis he?"Ben lifted his eyes to the ceiling and spoke in a solemn tone:
"Up dar in his room all night trampin' back an' forth24 lak er lion inde cage, waitin' fur Marse Stuart ter fetch de news fum Richmond 'boutsecessun--""Secessun?"Ben nodded--and raised his eyes in a dreamy look.
"Some say Ole Virginy gwine ter stay in de union. Some say she's a gwineter secede. De Convenshun in Richmon' wuz votin' on hit yestiddy. MarseStuart gone ter town ter fetch de news ter Arlington."Sam stepped close and searched Ben's face.
"What's my ole marster dat set me free gwine ter do?""Dat's what everybody's axin. He bin prayin' up dar all night."Sam glanced toward the stairway and held his silence for a while. Hespoke finally with firm conviction.
"Well, I'se gwine wid him. Ef he go wid de union, I goes. Ef he go widole Virginy, I go wid ole Virginy. Whichever way _he_ go, dat's de_right_ way--""Dat's so, too!" Ben responded fervently25.
Sam advanced to the old butler with the quick step of the days when hewas his efficient helper.
"What ye want me ter do?"Ben led him to the portico26 and pointed27 down the white graveled way toWashington.
"Run doun de road ter de rise er dat hill an' stay dar. De minute yersee a hoss cross dat bridge--hit's Marse Stuart. Yer fly back here an'
tell me--"Sam nodded and disappeared. Ben hurried back into the hall, as Mary andher mother came down the stairs.
Mrs. Lee was struggling to control her fears.
"No sign of Lieutenant Stuart yet, Ben?""Nomum. I'se er watchin'.""Look again and see if there's any dust on that long stretch beyond theriver--"Ben shook his head.
"Yassam, I look."He passed out the front door still wagging his head in deep sympathy forthe stricken mistress of the great house.
Mary slipped her arm around her mother, and used the pet name she spokein moments of great joy and sorrow.
"Oh, Mim dear, you mustn't worry so!"Her mother's lips trembled. She tried to be strong and failed. The tearscame at last streaming down her cheeks.
"I can't help it, darling. Life hangs on this message--our home--"She paused and her eyes wandered about the familiar room and itsfurnishings.
"You know how I love this home. It's woven into the very fiber28 of myheart. Our future--all that we have on earth--it's more than I canbear--"The daughter drew the dear face to her lips.
"But why try to take it all on our shoulders, dearest? We must leavePapa to fight this out alone. We can't decide it for him."The mother brushed her tears away and responded cheerfully.
"Yes, I know, dear. Your father didn't leave his room all day yesterday.
He ate no dinner. No supper. All night the tramp of his feet overheadhas only been broken when he fell on his knees to pray--"Her voice wandered off as in a half dream. She paused, and then rushedon impetuously.
"Why, why can't we hear from Richmond? The Convention should have votedbefore noon yesterday. And we've waited all night--""The authorities may be holding back the news.""But why should they suppress _such_ news? The world must know."She stopped suddenly--as if stunned30 by the thought that oppressed her.
She seized Mary's hand, and asked tensely:
"What do you think, dear? Has Virginia left the union?"A quick answer was on the young lips. She had a very clear opinion. Shehad talked to Stuart. And his keen mind had seen the inevitable. Shedidn't have the heart to tell her mother. She feigned31 a mind blank fromweariness.
"I can't think, honey. I'm too tired."Ben came back shaking his gray head.
"Nomum. Dey ain't no sign on de road yet."The waiting wife and mother cried in an anguish32 she could not control.
"Why--why--why?"Ben sought to distract her thoughts with the habit of house control. Hespoke in his old voice of friendly scolding.
"Ain't Marse Robert comin' doun to his coffee, M'am?""Not yet, Ben. I couldn't persuade him." The mistress caught the effortof her faithful servant to help in his humble33 way and it touched her.
She was making a firm resolution to regain34 her self-control when adistant cry was heard from the roadway.
"Uncle Ben!""What's dat?" the old man asked.
"He's coming?" Mrs. Lee gasped35.
"I dunno, M'am. I hears sumfin!"Sam's cry echoed near the house now in growing excitement.
"Uncle Ben--Uncle Ben!""See, Ben, see quick--" Mary cried.
"Yassam. He's comin', sho. He's seed him."The mother's face was uplifted in prayer.
"God's will be done!"The words came in a bare whisper. And then as if in answer to the cry ofher heart she caught new hope and turned to her daughter.
"You know, dear, the first Convention voted against Secession!"Sam reached the door and met Ben.
"Uncle Ben--he's a comin'--Marse Stuart's horse! I seen him 'way 'crossde ribber fust--des one long, white streak36 er dust ez fur ez de eye canreach!"The mother gripped Mary's arm with cruel force. The strain was againmore than she could bear.
"Oh, dear, oh, dear, what have they done? What have they done?"Ben entered the hall holding himself erect37 with the dignity of one whomust bear great sorrows with his people. The mistress called to himweakly:
"Tell Colonel Lee, Ben."The old man bowed gravely.
"Yassam. Right away, M'am."Ben hurried to call his master as Sam edged into the front door andsmiled at his mistress.
Mrs. Lee saw and recognized him for the first time. His loyalty38 touchedher deeply in the hour of trial. She extended her hand in warm greeting.
"Why, _Sam_, you've come home!""Yassam. I come back ter stan' by my folks when dey needs me."Mary's eyes were misty39 as she smiled her welcome.
"You're a good boy, Sam.""Yassam. Marse Robert teach me."The echo of Stuart's horse's hoof20 rang under the portico and Sam hurriedto meet him.
His clear voice called:
"Don't put 'im up, boy!"Mary's heart began to pound. She knew he would be galloping40 down thewhite graveled way again in a few minutes. His next order confirmed herfear.
"Just give him some water!""Yassah!"The two women stood huddled41 close in tense anxiety.
Lee hurried down the stairs and met Stuart at the door. Before thefamiliarity of a handshake or word of welcome he asked:
"What news, Lieutenant?"Stuart spoke with deep emotion. On every word the man and the woman hungbreathlessly.
"It has come, sir. Virginia has answered to the President's call to sendtroops against her own people. She has sacrificed all save honor. Thevote of the Convention was overwhelming. She has withdrawn42 from theunion--"A moment's deathly silence. And the cry of pain from a woman's whitelips. Mary caught her mother in her arms and held her firmly. The crywrung her young heart.
"Oh, dear God, have mercy on us--and give us strength to bear it--"Stuart hurried to her side and tried to break the blow with cheerfulwords.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Lee. The South is right."Lee had not spoken. His brilliant eyes had the look of a man who walksin his sleep. They were in the world but not of it. The deep things ofeternity were in their brooding. He waked at last and turned to Stuartsadly.
"God save our country, my boy."He paused and looked out the doorway44 on the beautiful green of the lawn.
The perfume from the rose garden stole in on the fresh breeze thatstirred from the river.
"A frightful45 blow," he went on dreamily, "this news you bring."Stuart's young body stiffened46.
"You're the foremost citizen of Virginia, sir. Others may doubt andwaver and be confused. I think I know what you're going to do, in theend--""It's hard--it's hard," the strong man cried bitterly.
The mother and daughter studied his face in eager, anxious waiting. Onhis word life hung. Stuart glanced at their tense faces and couldn'tfind speech. He turned and spoke briskly.
"I must hurry, sir. I'll be in Richmond before sunset."The sound of carriage wheels grated on the road and a foaming47 pair ofhorses drew under the portico. A woman sprang out.
Mrs. Lee turned to the Colonel.
"It's your sister, Annie, Colonel.""Yes," Stuart added, "I passed her on the way--"Mrs. Marshall hurried to greet Mrs. Lee. The two women embraced and weptin silence.
"Mary!""Annie!"The names were barely breathed.
Mary silently kissed her aunt as she turned from her mother. TheColonel's sister raised her eyes and saw Stuart. Her tones were sharpwith the ring of a commander giving orders:
"Our army is marching, Lieutenant Stuart! You here in civilian48 clothes?"The strong, young body stiffened.
"I have resigned my commission in the United States Army, Mrs.
Marshall--"Her finger rose in an imperious gesture.
"You will live to regret it, sir!"Lee frowned and laid his hand on his sister's arm in a gesture ofappeal.
"Annie, dear, please."She regained49 her poise50 at the touch of his hand and turned to Mrs. Lee.
Stuart extended his hand briskly.
"Goodbye, sir. I hope to see you in Richmond soon--"Lee's answer was gravely spoken.
"Goodbye, my boy. I honor you in your quick decision, with the clearvision of youth. We, older men, must halt and pray, and feel our way."With a laugh in his blue eyes Stuart paused at the door half embarrassedat Mrs. Marshall's presence. He waved his hat to the group.
"Well, goodbye, everybody! I'm off to join the Cavalry51!"Outside as he hurried to his horse he waved again.
"Goodbye--!"There was a moment's painful silence. They listened to the beat of hishorse's hoof on the white roadway toward Washington. As the tall soldierlistened he heard the roar of the hoofs of coming legions. And awarrior's soul leaped to the saddle. But the soul of the man, of thefather and brother uttered a cry of mortal pain. He looked about thehall in a dazed way as if unconscious of the presence of the women ofhis home.
Mrs. Lee saw his deep anxiety and whispered to Mrs. Marshall.
"Come to my room, Annie, and rest before you say anything to Robert--"She shook her head.
"No--no, my dear. I can't. My heart's too full. I can't rest. It's nouse trying."The wife took both her hands.
"Then remember, that his heart is even fuller than yours.""Yes, I know.""And you cannot possibly be suffering as he is.""I'll not forget, dear."Mrs. Lee pressed her hands firmly.
"And say nothing that you'll live to regret?""I promise, Mary.""Please!"With a lingering look of sympathy for brother and sister, Mrs. Leesoftly left the room.
Lee stood gazing through the window across the shining waters of theriver whose mirror but a few months ago had reflected the distortedfaces of John Brown and his men at Harper's Ferry. It had come, thevision he had seen as he looked on the dark stains that fateful morning.
He dreaded52 this interview with his sister. He knew the views of JudgeMarshall, her husband. He knew her own love for the union.
She was struggling for control of Her emotions and her voice wasstrained.
"You've--you've heard this awful news from Richmond?""Yes," he answered quietly. "And I've long felt it coming. The firstthunderbolt struck us at Harper's Ferry. The storm has broken now--""What are you going to do?"She asked the question as if half afraid to pronounce the words. Leeturned away in silence. She followed him and laid a hand on his arm.
"You'll let me tell you all that's in my heart, my brother?"The soldier was a boy again. He took his sister's hand and stroked it ashe had in the old days at Stratford.
"Of course, my dear.""And remember that we _are_ brother and sister?""Always."She clung to his hand and made no effort now to keep back the tears.
"And that I shall always believe in you and be proud of you--"A sob53 caught her voice and she could not go on. He pressed her hand.
"It's sweet to hear you say this, Annie, in the darkest hour of mylife--"She interrupted him in quick, passionate54 appeal.
"Why should it be the darkest hour, Robert? What have you or I, or ourpeople, to do with the madmen who are driving the South over the brinkof this precipice55?"Lee shook his head.
"The people of the South are not being driven now, my dear--"He stopped. His eyes flashed as his words quickened.
"They are rushing with a fierce shout as one man. The North thinks thatonly a small part of the Southern people are in this revolution, misledby politicians. The truth is, the masses are sweeping56 their leadersbefore them, as leaves driven by a storm. The cotton states areunanimous. Virginia has seceded57. North Carolina and Tennessee willfollow her to-morrow, and the South a Unit, the union is divided."The sister drew herself up with pride, and squarely faced him. She spokewith deliberation.
"Our families, Robert, from the beginning have stood for the glory ofthe union. It is unthinkable that you should leave it. Such men asEdmund Ruffin--yes--the impulsive58 old firebrand has already volunteeredas a private and gone to South Carolina. He pulled the lanyard thatfired the first shot against Fort Sumter. We have nothing in common withsuch men--"Lee lifted his hand in protest.
"Yes, we have, my dear. We are both sons of Virginia, our mother and themother of this Republic.""All the more reason why I'm begging to-day that you dedicate yourgenius, your soul and body to fight the men who would destroy theunion!"Lee raised his eyes as if in prayer and drew a deep breath.
"There's but one thing for me to decide, Annie--my duty."His sister clasped her hands nervously59 and glanced about the room. Hereyes rested on the portraits of Washington, and his wife and she turnedquickly.
"Your wife is the grand-daughter of Martha Washington. Can you look onthat portrait of the father of this country, handed down to the motherof your children, and dare draw your sword to destroy his work?""I've tried to put him in my place and ask what he would do--"He stopped suddenly.
"What would Washington do if he stood in my place to-day?""My dear brother!""Remember now that you are appealing to me as my sister. Did Washingtonallow the ties of blood to swerve60 him from his duty? His own mother wasa loyal subject of the King of Great Britain and died so--""Washington led an army of patriots61 in a sacred cause," she interrupted.
"Surely. But he won his first victories as a soldier fighting theFrench, under the British flag. He denounced that flag, joined with theFrench and forced Cornwallis to surrender to the armies of France andthe Colonies of America. He was equally right when he fought under theBritish flag against the French, and when he fought with Lafayette andRochambeau and won our independence. Each time he fought for his rightsunder law. Each time with mind and conscience clear, he answered thecall of duty. The man who does that is always right, my sister, nomatter what flag flies above him!""Oh, Robert, there is but one flag--the flag of Washington, and yourfather, Henry Lee--"The brother broke in quickly.
"And yet, the first blood in this conflict was drawn43 by a man who cursedthat flag, who again and again defied its authority, and gloried in thefact that he had trampled62 it beneath his feet. The North has proclaimedhim a Saint. Their soldiers are now marching on the South singing a songof glory to John Brown and all for which he stood. What would Washingtondo if he were living, and these men were marching to invade Virginia,put his home at Mount Vernon to the torch, and place pikes in the handsof his slaves--"Lee searched his sister's eyes and drove his question home.
"What would he do?"The woman was too downright in her honesty to quibble or fence. Shecouldn't answer. She flushed and hesitated.
"I don't know--I don't know. I only know," she hastened to add, "that hecouldn't be a traitor63.""Even so. Who is the traitor, my dear? The man who defies theConstitution and the laws of the union? Or the man who defends the lawand the rights of his fathers under it?"Again she couldn't answer. She would not acknowledge defeat. She simplyrefused to face such a problem. It led the wrong way. With quick witshe changed her point of attack. She drew close and asked in passionatetenderness:
"Have you counted the cost? The frightful cost which you and yours mustpay if you dare defend Virginia?"Lee nodded his head sorrowfully.
"On my knees, I've tried to reckon it." He looked longingly64 over thewide lawn that rolled in green splendor65 toward the river.
"I know that if I cast my lot with Virginia, this home, handed down tous from Washington, will be lost, and its fields trampled under thefeet of hostile armies. That my wife and children may wander homeless,dependent on the charity or courtesy of friends. The thought of it tearsmy heart!"His voice sank to a whisper. And then he lifted his head firmly.
"But I must not allow this to swerve me an inch from my duty--"The sound of horses' hoofs again echoed on the roadway, as Ben enteredfrom the dining room to announce breakfast.
Lee listened.
"See who that is, Ben.""Yassah."As Ben passed out the door, Lee continued:
"I will not say one word to influence my three sons. I will not evenwrite to them. They must fight this battle out alone, as I am fightingit out to-day."His sister smiled wanly66.
"Your sons will follow you, Robert. And so will thousands of the bestmen in Virginia. Your responsibility is terrible."Ben announced from the door.
"Mr. Francis Preston Blair, ter see you, sir."Lee waved the butler from the room.
"I'll receive him, Ben. You can go.""Thank God!" Mrs. Marshall breathed. "He's the most influential67 manin Washington. He is in close touch with the President, and he is aSoutherner--"She looked at her brother pleadingly.
"You'll give him the most careful hearing, Robert?""I don't know the object of his visit, but I'll gladly see him.""He's a staunch union man. He can have but one object in coming!" shecried with elation68.
With courtesy Lee met his distinguished69 visitor at the door and graspedhis hand.
"Walk in, Mr. Blair. You know my sister, Mrs. Marshall of Baltimore?"Blair smiled.
"I am happy to say that Mrs. Marshall and I are the best of friends.
We have often met at the house of my son, Montgomery Blair, of Mr.
Lincoln's Cabinet.""Let me take your hat, sir," Lee said with an answering smile.
"Thank you."The Colonel crossed the room to place it on a table.
Mrs. Marshall took advantage of the moment to whisper to Blair.
"I've done my best. I'm afraid I haven't convinced him. May God give youthe word to speak to my brother to-day!"Blair rubbed his hands and a look of triumph overspread his rugged70 face.
"He has, Madame. I have a message for him!""A message?""From the highest authority!""May I be present at your conference?" she pleaded eagerly.
"By all means, Madame. Stay and hear my announcement. He cannot refuseme."Lee sought at once to put Blair at ease on his mission.
"From my sister's remark a moment ago, I may guess the purpose of yourcoming, Mr. Blair?"His guest surveyed Lee with an expression of deep pleasure in theunfolding of his message.
"In part, yes, you may have guessed my purpose. But I have something tosay that even your keen mind has not surmised--""I am honored, sir, in your call and I shall be glad to hear you."Blair drew himself erect as if on military duty.
"Colonel Lee, I have come after a conference with President Lincoln, toask you to throw the power of your great name into this fight now to putan end to chaos--""You have come from the President?""Unofficially--""Oh--""But with his full knowledge and consent.""And what is his suggestion?"Blair hesitated.
"He cannot make it until he first knows that you will accept his offer.""His offer?"Blair waited until the thought had been fully29 grasped and then utteredeach word with solemn emphasis.
"His offer, sir, of the supreme71 command of the armies of the union--"A cry of joy and pride came resistlessly from the sister's lips.
"Oh, Robert--Robert!"Lee was surprised and deeply moved. He rose from his seat, walked to thewindow, looked out, flushed and slowly said:
"You--you--cannot mean this--?"Blair hastened to assure him.
"I am straight from the White House. General Scott has eagerly endorsedyour name.""But I cannot realize this to me--from Abraham Lincoln?""From Abraham Lincoln, whose simple common sense is the greatestasset to-day which the union possesses. His position is one of frankconciliation toward the South.""Yet he said once that this Republic cannot endure half slave and halffree and the South interpreted that to mean--war--""Exactly. Crowds do not reason. They refuse to think. They refuse,therefore, to hear his explanation of those words. He hates Slaveryas you hate Slavery. He knows, as you know, that it is doomed73 by theprocess of time. To make this so clear that he who runs may read, hewrote in his inaugural address in so many words his solemn pledge torespect every right now possessed74 by the masters of the South under law.
_"'I have no purpose to interfere75 with the institution of Slavery in theStates where it exists.'"_"His sole purpose now is to save the union, Slavery or no Slavery--""Surely, Robert," his sister cried, "you can endorse72 that stand!""Mr. Lincoln," Blair went on eagerly, "is a leader whose common senseamounts to genius. No threats or bluster76, inside his own party oroutside of it, can swerve him from his high aim. He is going to savethis union first and let all other questions bide77 their time."Lee searched Blair with his keen eyes.
"But Mr. Lincoln, without the authority of Congress, has practicallydeclared war. He has called on Virginia to furnish troops to fighta sister State. My State has decided78 that he had no power under theConstitution to issue such a call. It is, therefore, illegal. Theorganic law of the republic makes no provision for raising troops tofight a sister State."Blair lifted both hands in a persuasive79 gesture.
"Let us grant, Colonel Lee, that in law you are right. The States aresovereign. The Constitution gives the General Government no power tocoerce a State. Our fathers, as a matter of fact, never faced such apossibility. Grant all that in law. Even so, a mighty81, united nationhas grown through the years. It is now a living thing, immutable,indissoluble. It commands your obedience82 and mine."Lee was silent and Mrs. Marshall cried:
"Surely this is true, Robert!""My dear Mr. Blair," Lee slowly began, "your claim is the beginning ofthe end of law--the beginning of anarchy83. If under the law, Virginiais right, is it not my duty to defend her? Obedience to law is thecornerstone on which all nations are built if they endure. Reverence84 forlaw is to-day the force driving the South into revolution--""A revolution doomed to certain failure," Blair quickly interrupted.
"The border slave states of Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, under Mr.
Lincoln's conservative leadership, will never secede. Without them theSouth must fail. You have served under the flag of the union for thirtyyears. You know the North. You know the South. And you know that such arevolution based on a division of the union without these border Statesis madness--""It is madness, Robert," Mrs. Marshall joined, "utter madness!""Right and duty, Mr. Blair, have nothing to do with success or failure,"Lee responded. "I know the fearful odds86 against the South. I know theindomitable will, the energy, the fertile resources, the pride ofopinion of the North, once set in motion. I know that the South has nomoney, no army, no organized government, no standing87 in the Court ofNations. She will have a white population of barely five millionsagainst twenty-two millions--and her ports will be closed by our Navy--"Blair interrupted and leaned close.
"And let me add, that as our leader _you_ will not only command thegreatest army ever assembled under the American flag, backed by a greatNavy--but that your victory will be but the beginning of a career. Fromyour window you see the White House and the Capitol. The man who leadsthe union armies will succeed Mr. Lincoln as President."Lee's protest was emphatic88.
"I aspire89 to no office, Mr. Blair. I'm fifty-four years of age. I am onthe hilltop of life. The way leads down a gentle slope, I trust, to avalley of peace, love and happiness. Ambition does not lure85 me; I havelived. I have played my part as well as I know how. I am content. I lovemy Country, North and South, East and West. I am a trained soldier--Iknow nothing else.""The highest honor of this Nation, Colonel Lee, is something no man bornunder our flag dares to decline. Few men in history have been so wellequipped as you for such an honor, both by birth and culture. You mustalso remember that the President of the United States is Commander inChief of the Army and Navy. You are proud of your profession. You wouldhonor it in the highest office of the Republic. You are held in thehighest esteem90 by every soldier in the army. The President calls you.
The Nation calls you. All eyes are upon you."Blair studied the effect of his appeal. He saw that Lee was profoundlymoved. Yet his courteous91 manner gave no hint of the trend of hisemotions. He did not reply for a moment and then spoke with tenderness.
"My dear friend, you must not think that I am deaf to such calls. Theymove me to the depths. But no honor can reconcile me to this awful war.
It is madness. It is absolutely unnecessary. But for John Brown's insaneact it could have been avoided. But it has come. Its glory does nottempt me. I wish peace on earth and good will to all men. I am asoldier, but a Christian92 soldier--"His voice broke.
"I am one of the humblest followers93 of Jesus Christ. There is but asingle question for me to decide--my duty--"A horseman dashed under the portico, threw his reins94 to Sam and enteredwithout announcement.
"Colonel Lee?" he asked.
"Yes."He handed Lee a folded paper bearing the great seal of the State.
"A message, sir, from Richmond."Lee's hand trembled as he broke the seal. He stared at its words as in adream.
"You have important news?" Blair asked.
"Most important. I am summoned to Richmond by the Governor in obedienceto a resolution of the Legislature."Mrs. Marshall advanced on the dusty, young messenger, her eyes aflamewith anger.
"How dare you enter this house unannounced, sir?"The boy did not answer. He turned away with a smile. She repented95 herwords immediately. They had sounded undignified, if not positively96 rude.
But she had been so sure that Blair could not fail. This call fromRichmond, coming in the moment of crisis, drove her to desperation. Shelooked at Blair helplessly and he rallied to the attack with reneweddetermination.
"A Nation is calling you. The union your fathers created is calling you,Colonel Lee!"Lee's figure stiffened the least bit, though his words were uttered inthe friendliest tones.
"Virginia is also calling me, Mr. Blair. Your own State of Maryland hasnot seceded. For that reason you cannot feel this tragedy as I feel it.
Put yourself in my place. I ask you the question, is not the command ofa State that of a mother to a child? We are citizens of the State, notof the union. There is no such thing as citizenship97 in the union. Wevote only as citizens of a State. We enlist98 as soldiers by States. I wassent to West Point as a cadet by the State of Virginia. Even PresidentLincoln's proclamation calling for volunteers to coerce80 a State,revolutionary as it is, is addressed, not to individual men, but to theStates. He must call on each to furnish her quota of soldiers--""Yet the call is to every citizen of the Nation!"Lee's hand was raised in a gesture of imperious affirmation.
"There is no such thing as citizenship of the Nation! We don't pay taxesto the Nation. We may yet become a Nation. We are as yet a union ofSovereign States. Virginia has refused to furnish the troops called forby the President and has withdrawn from the union. She reserved in hervote to enter, the right to withdraw. I am a Virginian. What is myduty?""To fight for the union, Robert--always!" Mrs. Marshall answered.
"I love the union, my dear sister, my heart aches at the thought of itsdivision--"He turned sharply to Blair.
"But is not the South to-day in taking her stand for the rights of theState asserting a principle as vital as the union itself? All the greatminds of the North have recognized that these rights are fundamentalto our life. Bancroft declares that the State is the guardian99 of thesecurity and happiness of the individual. Hamilton declares that, ifthe States shall lose their powers, the people will be robbed of theirliberties. George Clinton says that the States are our _only_ securityfor the liberties of the people against a centralized tyranny. Theserights once surrendered, and I solemnly warn you, my friend, that yourchildren and mine may live to see in Washington a centralized power thatwill dare to say what you shall eat, what you shall drink, and what youshall wear!"Blair laughed incredulously.
"Surely it's a far cry to that, Colonel--""I'm not so sure, Mr. Blair. And the cry from Virginia rings through myheart. I see her in mortal peril100. My father was three times Governorof the Commonwealth101. Virginia gave America the immortal102 words of theDeclaration of Independence. She gave us something greater. She gave usGeorge Washington, a Southern slaveholder, whose iron will alone carriedour despairing people through ten years of hopeless revolution and wonat last our right to live. Madison wrote the Constitution. John Marshallof Virginia, as Chief Judge of the Supreme Court, established its poweron the foundations of Justice and Law. Jefferson doubled our area in theLouisiana Territory. Scott and Taylor extended it to the Pacific Oceanfrom Oregon to the Gulf of California. Virginia in the generosity103 of hergreat heart gave the Northwest to the union and forbade the extension ofslavery within it--"Blair leaped to make a point.
"Surely these proud recollections, of her gifts to the union should formbonds too strong to be broken!""So say I, sir! Surely they should place the people of all sectionsunder obligations too deep to permit the invasion of her sacred soil!
Can I stand by as her loyal son and see this invasion begun? I regretthat Virginia has withdrawn. But the deed is done. Her people throughtheir Governor and their Legislature call me--command me to come to herdefense. They may be wrong. They may be blinded by passion. They arestill my people, my neighbors, my friends, my children--and I cannot--"He drew a deep breath and rose to his full height.
"_I will not draw my sword against them!_""Glory to God!" the messenger exulted104.
Blair spoke with despair.
"This is your final decision?""Final."The messenger slipped close to Lee and spoke hurriedly.
"I came by special train, sir--an engine and coach. They wait you ona siding just outside of town. We're afraid the line may be cut. TheNorthern troops are bivouacing on the Capitol hill. They may stop us.
We've no time to lose. I hope you can come at once."The messenger walked quickly through the door and seized his horse'sreins.
Lee turned to Blair.
"Troops are on the Capitol Hill?""A regiment105 of Pennsylvanians has just arrived, I believe."Sam had edged through the door and stood smiling at his old master. TheColonel had not seen him to this moment.
"You here, Sam?" he said with feeling.
"Yassah. I come home ter stan' by you, Marse Robert.""Saddle my horse, you can go with me!""Yassah. Thankee, sah!""Bring Sid to fetch our horses back from the train.""Yassah, glory hallelujah!" Sam shouted as he darted106 for the stable.
The anxious mother, praying in her room upstairs, heard Sam's shout andhurried down with Mary. The other children happily were on the Pamunkeyat the home of Custis.
The mother's heart was pounding. There was war in Sam's shout. She feltits savage107 thrill. She gripped herself for the ordeal108. There shouldbe no vain regrets, no foolish words. Her soul rose in the glory ofsacrificial love.
"What is it, my dear?" she asked softly.
"I go to Richmond immediately. Northern troops are pouring intoWashington. Send my things to me if you can."His eyes wandered about the room he loved. He would never see it again.
He felt this in his inmost soul. It would be but the work of an hourfor the troops to sweep across the bridge, sack its rooms and leave itsbeautiful lawn a sodden109 waste.
The wife saw the anguish in his gaze and her words rang with exaltation.
"Then it is God's will. And I shall try to smile. You have reached thisdecision in deepest thought and prayer. And I know that you are right!"Lee took her in his arms and held her in silence. Those who saw, wept.
At last he kissed her tenderly and turned to the others.
His sister walked blindly toward him.
"Oh, Robert, you have broken my heart--""I know, Annie, that you'll blame me," he answered, gently.
She slipped her arms about his neck.
"No, I shall not blame you. I understand now. I only grieve--"Her voice broke. She struggled to control herself.
"How handsome you are in this solemn hour, my glorious,soldier-brother--" Again her voice failed.
"The pity and horror of it all! My husband and my son will fightyou--and--I--shall--pray--for--their--success--oh--how can God permitit!--Goodbye, Robert!"Her arms tightened110 and his responded. His hand touched her hair and hesaid slowly:
"If dark hours come to us, my sister, we are children again roaming thefields hand in hand. We'll just remember that."She kissed him tenderly.
"And success or failure, dear Annie," he continued, "shall be in God'shands--not ours. I go to lead a forlorn hope perhaps. But I must sharethe miseries111 of my people."He slipped from her arms and silently embraced his daughter, and againher mother.
"Say goodbye to the other children for me when you see them, dear."Blair took his extended hand.
"I know what you feel, Colonel Lee," he said solemnly. "I'm only sorry Icould not hold you.""Thank you, my friend. My people believe, and I believe that we haverights to defend. And we must do our best--even if we perish."He strode quickly to the door, and paused. A sudden pain caught hisheart as he crossed its threshold for the last time. He looked back,lifted his head as in prayer and passed out.
He mounted his horse and rode swiftly through the beautiful springmorning toward Richmond--and Immortality112. The women stood weeping. ThePresident's messenger watched in sorrow.
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收听单词发音
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1
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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bout
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| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
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humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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inaugural
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| adj.就职的；n.就职典礼 | |
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6
bin
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| n.箱柜；vt.放入箱内；[计算机] DOS文件名:二进制目标文件 | |
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torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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mania
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| n.疯狂；躁狂症，狂热，癖好 | |
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succumbed
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| 不再抵抗（诱惑、疾病、攻击等）( succumb的过去式和过去分词 )； 屈从； 被压垮； 死 | |
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inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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secede
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| v.退出，脱离 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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quota
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| n.（生产、进出口等的）配额，（移民的）限额 | |
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dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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holly
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| n.[植]冬青属灌木 | |
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chirped
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的过去式 ) | |
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hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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hoof
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| n.(马，牛等的)蹄 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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22
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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23
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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portico
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| n.柱廊，门廊 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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fiber
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| n.纤维，纤维质 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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30
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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31
feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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32
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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33
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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34
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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35
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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streak
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| n.条理，斑纹，倾向，少许，痕迹；v.加条纹，变成条纹，奔驰，快速移动 | |
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37
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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39
misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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40
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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41
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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42
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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43
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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44
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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45
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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46
stiffened
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| 加强的 | |
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47
foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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48
civilian
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| adj.平民的，民用的，民众的 | |
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49
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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50
poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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51
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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52
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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53
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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54
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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55
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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56
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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57
seceded
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| v.脱离，退出( secede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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59
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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60
swerve
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| v.突然转向，背离；n．转向，弯曲，背离 | |
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61
patriots
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| 爱国者，爱国主义者( patriot的名词复数 ) | |
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62
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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63
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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64
longingly
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| adv. 渴望地 热望地 | |
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65
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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66
wanly
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| adv.虚弱地；苍白地，无血色地 | |
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67
influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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68
elation
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| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
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69
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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70
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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71
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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72
endorse
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| vt.(支票、汇票等)背书，背署；批注；同意 | |
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73
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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74
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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75
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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76
bluster
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| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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77
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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78
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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79
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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80
coerce
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| v.强迫，压制 | |
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81
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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82
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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83
anarchy
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| n.无政府状态；社会秩序混乱，无秩序 | |
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84
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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85
lure
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| n.吸引人的东西，诱惑物；vt.引诱，吸引 | |
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86
odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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87
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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88
emphatic
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| adj.强调的，着重的；无可置疑的，明显的 | |
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89
aspire
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| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
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90
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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91
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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92
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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93
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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94
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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95
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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96
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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97
citizenship
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| n.市民权，公民权，国民的义务(身份) | |
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98
enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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99
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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100
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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101
commonwealth
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| n.共和国，联邦，共同体 | |
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102
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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103
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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104
exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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106
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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107
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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108
ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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109
sodden
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| adj.浑身湿透的；v.使浸透；使呆头呆脑 | |
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110
tightened
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| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
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111
miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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112
immortality
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| n.不死，不朽 | |
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