Chapter 36

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.