| |
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9, NIV
Washington, D.C., Monday morning, April 15th, 1861
Governor Ramsey sank into the comfort of his favorite chair by the warmth of the fireplace in the privacy of his library and office located on the first floor of the townhome he’d rented for the duration of their time in the nation’s busy Capital. He was anxious to read his copy of the National Republican in relative relaxation with a second cup of strong, black coffee.
Breakfast was over and he knew his wife, Anne, and daughter, Melody, would be finishing their toilette to be ready to receive morning callers. This was his chance to take in the news before the day’s business itinerary pulled him away. At the top of the list, a meeting later that afternoon with the real estate attorney he’d hired to handle the sale of a prime piece of property he was delighted to part with—and for such a fine sum, too.
He opened the newspaper and shook it out, smiling in contentment at the prospect of signing any necessary legal papers. Ordinarily, he despised signing papers and the stacks of paperwork which swamped his desk. Though an attorney himself, he was not a licensed real estate attorney in the District of Columbia. He would follow the directions of the lawyer he’d hired, who this very moment was likely arranging his schedule to accommodate his arrival.
A little paperwork to sign was merely a prelude to adding the sum to his bank account to help pay for the hefty cost of the new furniture from that fancy Manhattan furniture store his wife so dearly enjoyed. He had to admit, he approved of her taste, and he very much liked the way in which she’d filled the mansion with the very best New York had to offer in both the latest styles and comfort.
In any case, he’d been hearing and reading things for the past few days since their arrival in Washington about Fort Sumter. He was anxious to see how the situation would play out since Lincoln had sent a non-hostile fleet with supplies to aid the fort. The fort, located on an island off the coast of South Carolina near the Charleston Harbor, had been enduring an assault. Then he saw the news that Sumter’s garrison commander, Major Robert Anderson, had surrendered after the bombardment rendered, courtesy of the South Carolina militia.
Then he nearly spat out his coffee as he read the headline in bold letters, Official, By the President of the United States. A colon followed this, and in all capital letters, the words, A PROCLAMATION. The article went on. “Whereas the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law: Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in virtues of the power...”
He rapidly scanned down a few lines. Ah, here we go. War! “...and do hereby call forth, the militia of the several States of the United States of the Union, to the aggregate number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. The details for this object...” He scanned a few more words. “...through the War Department.”
The next sentence grabbed him the most, right in his heart. “I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid, this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our national Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long enough endured.”
He quickly scanned the rest of the news, and satisfied with the knowledge of all that he read so that he could converse intelligently on the subject at hand, he rose from his comfortable seat. He folded the paper and set it aside with his coffee for the moment, pacing the length of the hearth as he considered what his response would be.
Not a minute later, but perhaps thirty seconds, he exited the library, throwing open the double doors, and stepped into the hall. Then he bellowed up the staircase to Anne and Melody, causing two of the maids they’d brought from Minnesota to come running out into the hall. “Anne! Melody! War has broken out! I’m headed to the White House this instant. If you want to meet Lincoln, this is the very moment.”
One maid leaned over the bannister from upstairs, having emerged from the master suite where she’d been arranging Anne’s hair, while the one downstairs came running out of the kitchen at the far end of the hall. Both maids they’d brought on the long journey from home peered at him with mouths agape.
“War?” Kitty repeated from downstairs.
Her sister, Alice, nodded as she continued to lean over the bannister, raising her voice enough for Kitty to hear below. “That’s what I thought I heard, too!”
“Alice, can you send Anne and Melody downstairs directly?” Governor Ramsey inquired as he reached for his hat and cane.
“Yes, Governor!” Alice replied as Melody emerged from her bedroom, and then Anne behind her daughter. “Ah, here they are, Sir. They’ll be right down.”
“Father, did I hear you say war has broken out?” Melody leaned over the banister in one of her finest purple day dresses, appearing ready to receive callers.
“War?” Anne breathed, clutching a handkerchief to her chest. “Mrs. Lincoln will need my support.”
“Did you want me to hail a cab down or have the carriage brought around from the livery, Sir?” The butler, Mr. Stiles, asked.
“Yes, yes,” the Governor replied to Melody. “War! We must go to the President at once.” Turning to Stiles, “Two greenbacks for you if you can have the carriage brought ‘round in less than five minutes. Anne, are you coming to meet Lincoln? Perhaps Mary will forgive the intrusion and have tea with you today.”
“Come in Governor Ramsey, come in,” the President said as his private secretary held the door to his office open.
They’d waited upstairs in the reception room with a long line of other people waiting to see the man who held the highest office in the land, but none appeared as official as Melody’s father did when she looked around. Now too, she understood why Washington’s traffic seemed worse than when she’d previously visited, and it had been bad then. Today however, was far worse.
Perhaps she was more alert to the presence of fine looking soldiers in uniform after losing Ned to Celia. But after father’s announcement, she could safely put her doubts to rest. She wasn’t imagining it. The capital indeed had an increase of soldiers pouring in with the objective of protecting the city. It had been a gallant trek worthy of remembering for their driver to navigate the carriages and fortresses springing up along the route. It also explained why restaurants and hotels were brimming with additional patrons and everywhere seemed to have such a long wait.
After the harrowing drive and the delay in the reception room, Melody found herself thankful to finally be seated beside father before the President in a pleasant room they called Lincoln’s Sitting Room. Since it was a bit chilly outside and dreary with sporadic rain showers, gray clouds casting a certain gloom on everything, she was glad to see the fireplace crackling with a warm fire. The heavy drapes around the long windows chased drafts away, and even the gas lights gave off a certain amount of warmth.
Tall and somber, the President had stood as they entered the room. He’d greeted them warmly and then sat across from them on one of the two horsehair sofas near the fireplace, setting them at ease at once.
There were several chairs about the room. These were the only items except for two desks, a bookcase, a large, round Walnut table, and a few other chairs against the wall which could be pulled up to the grouping. Lincoln seemed focused, calm, and likeable. She was surprised at how tall he was, being much taller than she’d expected.
Mama had taken the opportunity to call upon Mary Todd Lincoln, saying that if it was to be a short visit, she would take her chances. She meant to keep her promise to receive Mrs. Sibley for tea later that morning. If nothing else, she could leave a card that she’d called upon the First Lady. After all, she’d sent a letter in advance, informing her of their arrival from Minnesota.
Having yet to receive a reply, she remained hopeful Mrs. Lincoln would find her visit a welcome one under the circumstances. In the carriage, Father had handed the morning edition of the National Republican to Melody, insisting she read the appropriate articles relative to the situation as the two bay horses carried them closer to the White House. He would not have her remain ignorant of the political climate when they came face-to-face with Lincoln.
Now that she sat directly across from him, she was glad of father’s work to prepare her. Mama had been whisked away to see Mrs. Lincoln with a relieved smile at not being kept waiting too long. Melody was sure her mother’s graciousness and kindness would be a comfort and encouragement to the First Lady.
“My private secretary said you were responding to my proclamation,” Lincoln began as she looked around the sitting area and then at his desk, wondering if the President always worked in the comfortable second floor room. She could see why, if so. It was a most cozy room indeed. His desk was piled with a mountain of papers in various stacks and of all colors.
“I came as soon as I read it in the National Republican to respond to your call personally, and if you will forgive the presence of my daughter. She is acting as my secretary during our travels from Minnesota, in addition to having a strong desire to meet you. I’d not hear the end of it if I’d left her to suffice over a cup of tea with the ladies.” Governor Ramsey kept his arms and large hands resting calmly on his knees.
Lincoln gave her another warm smile as he appeared to be taking in her features. “Something about your daughter reminds me of my angel mother.” His comment made Melody smile. He was such a gentleman!
“It is an honor to meet you, Mr. President.” Melody extended her hand and Lincoln shook it, leaving her feeling welcome rather than intrusive.
He continued to speak with a warm smile and kind eyes aimed in her direction before turning back to the Governor, father’s explanation going over well with him. “I wish I had a daughter as efficient and willing. Usually I just have Tad in here asleep on the floor, but today he is with his mother.” Turning to her again, he chuckled and added with a sly grin, “Nor would I wish to have tea with the women when we have such important matters before us.”
“Precisely,” Melody agreed, a light laugh escaping her lips as she sat up straighter on the edge of her chair. She clutched the leather portmanteau father had given her with the letter inside bearing the official Minnesota state seal, a letter he’d prepared in haste.
“How long are you in Washington, Governor Ramsey?” the President asked.
“Only another week as we are here on a business matter. Then my wife and I will be escorting our daughter to Pennsylvania to enjoy some time with family. Anne and I are both from there as you may recall. Our Melody graduated from a private school in Philadelphia. She has plans to become a teacher, and a plethora of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents waiting anxiously for a visit.”
Lincoln nodded, looking at her again. “Family is important, and Philadelphia has some of the best schools in the country. One never knows how long the Lord loans our family members to each of us.” Turning back to Governor Ramsey, Lincoln added, “I want to add, you are the first to respond to the call for militia.”
“Bully good, Sir, bully good,” her father replied enthusiastically with a nod of gratification. “The state of Minnesota will be happy to be the first then to offer a militia of one-thousand men to help put down the rebellion, Mr. President.”
“Excellent news. I hope more governors follow your example forthwith.” Lincoln leaned forward, and her father shook hands with him. “I’m glad to be able to count upon your support in this endeavor.”
Her father turned to cue her. “I’ll need that document, dear, for the War Department.”
Melody, mesmerized by the man they called Honest Abe, returned to her senses and nodded. Finally, it was her chance to say something.
She opened the leather case and retrieved the document with the seal, handing it to her father, who gave it to Lincoln. The document stated in Ramsey’s own handwriting what her father had promised verbally. “Here it is, and may I say what a shameful thing it is for the state of Virginia and other rebel states to dare to withdraw from the Union or attempt to organize under Jefferson Davis. ‘Tis treason of the worst kind.” She bit her lower lip then to close her mouth, fearing she’d said too much.
Lincoln looked oddly relieved to have heard her words, almost visibly relaxing as he turned toward her to reply. It was as if she’d poured a balm of ointment upon his ears. Perhaps he’d needed affirmation from a regular citizen such as herself. “You are loyal and wise beyond your years, young lady.”
“They won’t win this fight. I shall do whatever I can to help the Union, and so shall thousands upon thousands of others. We’ll send our men, we’ll supply them with food, warm clothing, and letters of comfort. We shall pray for our army, our leaders, and especially for wisdom for you. We will raise up support, we shall speak out, we shall spy on their plans, and we’ll generally do whatever it takes, but they won’t win, Mr. President. We stand with you. God stands with you.” Melody clamped her mouth shut again, having no idea where her words had come from, but she felt he’d needed to hear them after having read about the miserable debate Lincoln had endured with the disloyal Virginians and the treasonous militia of South Carolina.
She didn’t dare look at her father. She would rather endure a week long lecture later than one glance of reprimand while she was speaking to the leader of the nation. However, her father surprised her just then.
“My daughter Melody is right,” Ramsey affirmed, surprising her with his remark. “We stand with you, and many, many more with us.”
At that moment, the three of them noticed the sunshine streaming through the long windows over the White House lawn. It was as if the Lord had heard her words, too. There was an uncanny feeling in the room that the Union would prevail.
“Ramsey, you have indeed brought an angel with you. I am glad to hear her words. Coming from a citizen a little closer to the people than we are, it is refreshing to hear her perspective, and especially knowing she is somewhat outside the walls of D.C. politics. Your commitment to the Union on behalf of the state of Minnesota is commendable. Your visit has encouraged and strengthened me at a time when I surely need it as we face this crisis.” Lincoln paused, but neither Melody nor her father dared to interrupt him as he leaned back into a more comfortable position.
“I confess I am already weary of hearing of what the rebels are saying or doing, and yet I fear, this is merely the beginning. I cannot emphasize enough how good ‘tis to hear what the citizens think, and what the Union majority believes and intends.” Lincoln turned to Melody then, reaching out for her hand. “Now Miss Ramsey, a gentle word of caution if I may. Please don’t become entangled with such notions as spying. It could prove to be more dangerous than you might think. Our government has its ears and eyes open.”
“Well, if I hear of anything, anything at all that might help you to hold this nation together, rest assured, I will personally write to you at once,” she assured as he patted her hand.
“I don’t doubt it, not one little bit,” Lincoln replied, laughing a great laugh with a wink and a good-natured smile as they followed Ramsey’s lead when he stood.
They turned to return to the reception room where they’d waited to see him, but the President prevented them from starting for the door. “There’s a door right through here to the family library where I’m sure your wife is having tea with my Mary and our son, Tad, if he hasn’t fallen asleep. I think I’m ready for a cup of tea myself, if you’ll follow me.”
Father grinned as Lincoln motioned them toward the door he now held open, revealing a hall leading to his private family quarters. “Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much.”
Melody Ramsey smoothed her dark purple skirts as they rustled over the oilcloth carpet while they followed Lincoln through the hall.
Melody sighed with relief and whispered, “I think our meeting went well, Father, don’t you?”
“Yes, I agree,” he replied in a low voice, appearing lost in thought. She figured he was likely mulling over every word they’d exchanged with Honest Abe.
“And now we get to meet Mary Todd Lincoln. I feel as though we are royalty.” Melody smiled with a contented sigh, excited at the next prospect of their day.
They stood behind the President, waiting before being introduced to the First Lady while he spoke to a servant, asking them to bring more tea for a few extra guests. Looking to their left, Melody glanced around the family library of the White House. Mother appeared lost in a deep and enjoyable conversation with Mrs. Lincoln, seated comfortably near the fireplace on the opposite wall. Just as Abe Lincoln had said, young Tad was asleep on the floor by the fireplace.