Lincoln, the unknown

130 • LINCOLN THE UNKNOWNBut—and this was the trouble—he was a Virginian, a proudVirginian, a Virginian who put State above Nation. For twohundred years his forebears had been mighty factors in thedestiny, first of the Colony, and then of the State. His father,the famous "Light Horse Harry" Lee, had helped Washingtonchase the redcoats of King George; after that, he had beenGovernor of Virginia; and he had taught his son, Robert E., tolove the State more than the Union.So when Virginia cast her lot with the South, Lee quietlyannounced: "I cannot lead a hostile army against my relatives,my children and my home. I go to share the miseries of mypeople."That decision probably lengthened the Civil War by two orthree years.To whom could Lincoln now turn for help and guidance?General Winfield Scott was then in command of the army.Scott was an old man. He had won a notable victory at Lundy'sLane in the War of 1812. And this was 1861. Forty-nine yearslater. He was weary, now, in body and mind. His youthfulinitiative and courage had long since perished.Besides, he was suffering from a spinal affliction. "For morethan three years," he wrote, "I have been unable to mount ahorse or walk more than a few paces at a time, and that withmuch pain."In addition, he now had "other and new infirmities—dropsyand vertigo."Such was the man to whom Lincoln had to look to lead thenation to victory: a broken old soldier who ought to have beenin the hospital, with a nurse and a water mattress.Lincoln had called in April for seventy-five thousand mento serve for three months. Their enlistments would expire inJuly; so, in the last part of June, a great hue and cry arose foraction! Action! Action!Day after day Horace Greeley kept "The Nation's War Cry"standing in bold type at the head of the "Tribune's" editorialcolumns: "Forward to Richmond!"Business was bad. The banks were afraid to extend credit.Even the Government had to pay twelve per cent for borrowedmoney. People were disturbed. "Now, look here," they said,"there is no use fooling any longer. Let's strike one sharp blow,capture Lee's army, and have this nasty mess over and donewith once and for all."