Previously: War Secretary Stanton holds the Lincolns and janitor Gabby Zook captive in the White House basement. Private Adam Christy takes guard duties. Ashamed and distraught, Adam gets drunk and kills the butler who stops him from molesting the cook. Six months later Richmond falls to the Union. Lincoln impersonator Duff learns that he is officially dead.
Stanton unlocked the billiards room door, rousing Gabby from a restless afternoon nap. Gabby listened carefully to Stanton as he spoke to the Lincolns.
“The president has returned from Richmond.”
“With Tad safe and sound,” Mrs. Lincoln said.
“You have to learn the details of the trip,” Stanton said, ignoring her. “When you return upstairs, you’ll have to answer questions from the press.”
“Our places upstairs?” She sounded surprised. “This will be over soon?”
“General Grant is pursuing General Lee through the heart of Virginia.”
“I’ll be back with my precious Taddie.”
And I’ll be back with my precious Cordie. Gabby’s heart raced. What will I do first once I’m free to go to her?
“Calm down, Molly,” Lincoln said. “Listen to Mr. Stanton.”
“After Richmond fell,” Stanton began, “the navy removed Confederate torpedoes in the James River. You were aboard the U.S.S. Malvern until it could no longer pass the line of enemy obstructions, then you transferred to a barge pulled by the tugboat Glance. You were recognized by a group of colored workmen who shouted, ‘Bless the Lord, this is the great Messiah! Glory, hallelujah!’ From there you, Mr. Lincoln, and Tad went to the Confederate White House where you sat in Jefferson Davis’s chair.” He paused to cough.
“You don’t look well, Mr. Stanton,” Lincoln said.
Good. Gabby clinched his jaw. I hope he dies.
“You spent time reviewing troops, and left Richmond yesterday evening, and arrived at the capital this afternoon. You’ll speak to the public tomorrow and meet with the Cabinet on Wednesday.
“About reconstruction of the South?” Lincoln asked.
“I’m sure the topic will come up. I’ve encouraged him to pursue your agenda. He’s been so persistent he’s alienated several sympathetic Cabinet members.”
“When I return, I can soothe any hurt feelings,” Lincoln said.
“Perhaps.”
Gabby noticed a pause.
“Mr. Stanton,” Lincoln continued, “exactly what is your position?”
“On what?”
“Reconstruction.”
“Undecided.”
Stanton did not want reconstruction. Gabby glared at the war secretary. He wanted to keep the nation divided to make it easier for him to become king. Long ago, Gabby decided Stanton did not want to end the war, but wanted to be all-powerful.
“The rebels must be punished,” Stanton declared.
“I believe they already have been,” Lincoln replied.
“They certainly have,” Mrs. Lincoln agreed.
Gabby heard the door open. It must be the private with supper.
“When you return to office, you may pursue any reconstruction policy you wish, but I doubt you’ll succeed.”
“Excuse me,” Adam muttered.
Slowly rounding the corner, Gabby watched him place the tray on the billiards table.
“Here’s a wire from the War Department.” Adam handed Stanton the envelope and turned away. As he was about to pass Gabby, Adam lowered his eyes. Gabby noticed Lincoln studied Stanton as he opened the wire and read it. Lincoln reached out to squeeze his wife’s hand. Stanton cleared his throat, and Gabby watched Lincoln lean forward.
“This is the news we’ve been waiting for. General Lee surrendered at the Appomattox courthouse in Virginia. The war is over.”
The war is over. Gabby’s mind raced with a thousand thoughts. I don’t know what to do. I wonder if the President would mind if I hollered for joy. No. I want to see Cordie. That’s all that mattered. I’m going to see Cordie!