The Lincoln Special

Beth and Patrick followed the future president inside the train car. This car wasn’t full. It had only a half-dozen men inside.

Beth was surprised to see how fancy it was. The decor could have been from an expensive hotel. The fabric on the walls was blue with white stars. The seat covers were made from red velvet.

The seats were not in rows. Instead they were arranged like a living room, facing each other.

Lincoln was so tall he had to hunch over inside the train. He ducked even lower whenever he passed under a light fixture.

“Welcome to the Lincoln Special,” Lincoln said. He held his hat in his hands. “Some supporters of mine from Buffalo have provided this train for us. Only my family and special friends are allowed in this car.”

Patrick leaned over to Beth. He whispered, “It’s like a rolling version of Air Force One, the president’s airplane in our time.”

Then Patrick asked Mr. Lincoln, “Where’s Willie?”

“Mrs. Lincoln has a private compartment in the front of this car,” Lincoln said. “My son William is probably there.”

Patrick offered his hand to Lincoln. “I’m Patrick,” he said. “And this is my cousin Beth. Thank you for letting us visit.”

Mr. Lincoln and Patrick shook hands. Then Lincoln bowed to Beth. She curtsied again.

“The thanks is mine,” Lincoln said. “My bag has important papers inside. I am grateful it has been found and returned.”

Mr. Lincoln motioned for Patrick and Beth to sit on a bench. Patrick took off his wool cloak and folded it. He draped it over the back of his seat.

Beth settled into the comfortable velvet cushion. She felt the warmth of a wood-burning stove in the center of the compartment. The heat fought off the winter chill. But she still pulled her cloak tightly around her.

Mr. Lincoln sat on a similar bench across from them. The black bag was on the floor near him. He put his tall hat on the seat next to him. He pulled a brown blanket across his shoulders.

Mr. Lincoln’s long legs stretched out and filled the space between the benches. He closed his eyes.

Beth pulled in her feet so Lincoln’s legs had enough room.

The man who sat directly behind the future president stood up. He had silver hair. His navy-blue suit jacket was so long it almost reached his knees. The jacket had gold buttons down the front of it. The man reached for Lincoln’s black bag.

Without opening his eyes, Lincoln said, “Touch that bag, Mr. Wood, and I’ll personally put you off the train.”

“Just need to check it for security,” he said. “Someone left a package for you in Indianapolis. Rumor says it was a bomb.” Wood sat back down.

“A bomb!” Beth said. “Do the people in the South hate him so much?” Beth thought of Holman Jones and his goal to enslave Sally again. He probably didn’t like Lincoln much.

Wood turned in his seat so he could answer. He said, “You saw people from the North cheering. They love him! But in the South it’s a different story. Seven states have already banded together to leave the Union. They call themselves the Confederate States of America.”

“Are the Confederates afraid Mr. Lincoln will end slavery?” Patrick asked.

Wood raised a finger and gestured at Patrick. “Exactly, young man,” Wood said. “They will go to war rather than set their slaves free.”

Patrick asked, “You mean the Civil War?”

Mr. Lincoln opened his eyes and spoke: “I will do everything in my power to prevent a war between the states. My main goal in this struggle is to save the Union. And stand by my convictions.”

The men in the car made noises of approval.

Wood said, “Hear, hear. No one wants such a war.”

“And I don’t want to see Mr. Lincoln hurt!” Beth said. “He needs to lead the country so that people can be free.” Especially Sally, she thought.

Beth stood and stepped toward Lincoln. She took his hand. “It’s safe inside this train, isn’t it?” she asked. “Surely your friends will protect you.”

Mr. Lincoln smiled. “Thank you, Beth,” he said. “But I’m public property now. I belong to the people who elected me.” He squeezed her hand and let it go. “I fully intend to meet as many people as possible. Your compassion is needed more elsewhere.”

“Elsewhere?” Beth asked.

“With Mrs. Lincoln,” he said. “She isn’t feeling well. And the nursemaid who was supposed to care for my son Tad fell ill. She stayed in Illinois.”

“Isn’t Willie there?” Beth asked.

Mr. Lincoln nodded. “That brings something else to mind,” the future president said. “Patrick’s helpful nature is needed to distract Willie from troublemaking. Mr. Wood will escort you.”

Wood stood and stepped into the aisle. Beth and Patrick followed him toward the front of the car.

Wood opened a door.

Willie’s voice called out from inside, “I don’t want to take a nap!”