CHAPTER SIXTY THREE

By the evening of November fifteenth, Isaac had concluded his business with the clergy representatives of the south. An agreement had been reached, as the southern clergy leaders promised to work in cooperation with Isaac and the other Bishops, to maintain the unity of the church in the midst of the conflict that now divided the nation.

The promise was based on Isaac’s assurances that the Church would not interfere in the politics of the current state of affairs concerning the rights of the states, unfair trade and tariff restrictions, and the never ending question of slavery. Isaac encouraged the ministers to focus on the spiritual needs and eternal issues of their congregants.

As a result of the compromise, Jefferson Davis issued a Presidential Proclamation to his military commanders, requesting that no military action, including firing upon any member of the clergy, should occur. Further, President Davis declared that ministers from both North and South should be permitted to pass without hindrance in their work of mercy, peace and compassion.

Isaac replied to the President of the Confederacy with his appreciation of the proclamation, and assured the President that he would do all in his power to stop any action by Northern or Southern Clergy under his care to disrupt this proclamation. Isaac had stated that he was looking forward to this night’s ball at the Richmond White House, to personally thank President Davis for his support.

“You are sounding as if you have become sympathetic to the southern cause, Isaac”, I had remarked as we prepared to go into the evening’s activities.

“No, Liz, I am just trying to be as diplomatic as possible, to maintain the unity of the Church. It will be difficult enough to rebuild the nation once this war is over, without also having to rebuild the Church”, Isaac explained.

Isaac went on to discuss how rebuilding the nation without malice toward the southern leaders and people would be essential in the end for the well-being of all the people, north and south. He added that the war, in his view, would continue on for some time, and that there would be a great deal of healing needed in the end.

“And the Church will be integral in the process, Liz”, he stated.

We arrived at the White House shortly before eight in the evening. We were accompanied by Bishop and Missus Caldwell. Guests were arriving by carriage regularly, and it appeared as if there were well over five hundred in attendance.

The portico was brightly lit, and servants, dressed in their finest attire, greeted each guest by attending to their wraps and whatever other need they might have. It was difficult to accept the hospitality, knowing that each of the freshly dressed Negro attendants was considered the property of someone in the household. I prayed under my breath that the day of “Jubilee”, as I had often heard Frederick Douglass talk of freedom, would someday soon come to these poor souls, as well.

Upon entering the house, we were immediately greeted by President and Missus Jefferson. The President’s wife looked so youthful and bright, full of optimism and fanciful joy on this occasion. Varina Davis was dressed in a magnificent gown with layers of lavender silk, giving no appearance of the shortages now commonly seen in the south.

“Bishop Caldwell, Missus Caldwell, how delighted we are to have you join us this night.” President Davis was most charming.

Bishop Caldwell began, “Mister President, Varina. Allow me to introduce my friend and colleague, Bishop Isaac Stoltzfus from Washington City.”

Isaac and the President exchanged a few words and then Isaac introduced me as well. “You may remember Elizabeth, Mister President, from your days in the Senate.”

“Yes, quite so. Miss Fitzgerald, it is so very good of you to come this evening. My wife and I have been looking forward to seeing you once again.”

I thanked the President for his kind words, and stated that it was indeed my pleasure, to see them once again.

“Bishop, your companion was one of the few reporters who expressed words of kind sentiment upon my retiring from the Senate to return to my home in these troubled times.” Mister Davis continued, “I shall always be grateful that she did not take me to task, as many others did.”

With that, the President kissed my hand, Varina and I spoke briefly, and we then continued through the receiving line. The President assured me that we would talk again before our leaving for Washington. He further indicated he was looking forward to a dance later that night.

As I collected my dance card for the evening, I noticed that President Davis had already listed me as his partner in the Grand March, and Isaac was to partner with Varina Davis. I felt much honored to be asked to accompany President Davis in the introductory dance of the evening.

Throughout the evening, I had the opportunity to promenade with a number of Davis’s Cabinet. Following our waltz together, Judah Benjamin, Secretary of War, invited me to sit with him for a few moments in the private study.

“Miss Fitzgerald”, the Secretary began. “It is a delight to meet you first hand. I remember you from my brief time in the United States Senate.”

I thanked the Secretary for his remembrance, and immediately asked if there was a particular reason he wished to speak privately with me.

“My Dear, I only wished to have a few moments to reminisce of past events and explore my hopes for the future. Off the record, of course.”

“Of course”, I responded.

Judah Benjamin never engaged in small talk without some deeper purpose. I was certain that I would know that purpose shortly.

The Secretary of War for the Confederacy shared at length his frustration over the criticism that he was receiving almost daily. There were many who blamed him directly for the slow advance of military action guaranteeing the right of secession.

“Generals Beauregard and Jackson seem to think that their lack of success is directly my fault”, Benjamin stated in frustration.

“The Union blockade makes retrieving war supplies from Great Britain and France almost impossible at times”, he went on to explain.

“So have Great Britain and France finally agreed to recognize the government of the Confederate States?” I asked.

“Not yet. But as I am sure you know, it is only a matter of time. If Secretary Hunter is able to work through the matters of State with her majesty Queen Victoria’s representatives, then I am sure Great Britain will join our cause.”

Benjamin was almost enthusiastic at this point, compared to his relative frustration moments ago.

Judah Benjamin went on to share that two of the Confederate commissioners to Great Britain had been seized from the British frigate Trent just a few days prior. Great Britain had already filed an official protest with Washington.

“If Washington does not release the Commissioners soon to the care of the British Minister to the United States, then Britain must declare war on the United States. You can clearly see how this will advance our cause and assure our right to form our sovereignty as a nation.”

Queen Victoria had ordered, through her Prime Minister, the recall of their Minister to the United States in one week, if the Commissioners were not released. Lincoln was attempting to stall as long as possible, to aid in bringing a quick resolution to the Rebellion.

To withdraw the British Ambassador would be paramount to ending diplomatic relations with the United States. Surely the British would seize the opportunity to go to war once again with the Nation.

“Will Lincoln comply with the terms and demands of the Queen, Mister Secretary?” I asked.

“We are praying he does not.”

Benjamin had a most cynical look in his eyes that made one want to run away.

“What is it you wish me to do with the information you have shared? I assume that is the reason for this private meeting”, I stated with as much boldness and arrogance as I could manage.

“I merely wish you to report in your paper that the people in the sovereign states of the Confederacy are most excited about Great Britain entering the war on the side of the South. Report that the support of Great Britain and France will ensure our victory”, Benjamin concluded.

“In what way will my reporting this information bring it about?”, I inquired.

“My Dear Miss Fitzgerald, it will boost the morale of every southerner and revitalize our Army to read this in a northern paper. And hopefully, it will harden even further the hearts of the wicked in Washington”, Benjamin concluded with small, self-amusing laughter.

I promised to write a report of my travels to the south in fairness and with accuracy. How he, or anyone in either the north or south, interpreted my articles was entirely up to them.

The Secretary of War rose to his feet and escorted me back to the main party. Isaac was waiting for me, concerned for my well being, as I had been away for nearly an hour.

“Did he hurt or threaten you, Liz?” Isaac asked quietly in my ear.

“No, my Love. I am quite fine. We will talk later.”

With that, I kissed Isaac on the cheek, and was immediately taken off by one of the young officers for another dance.

Throughout the remainder of the evening, I was able to briefly engage the Secretary of State, Robert Hunter, in conversation, as well as a number of Confederate officers. They all were inquisitive as to whether I held sympathies to the southern cause, or was I merely there to accompany Bishop Stoltzfus and report the stories I found. I assured each one that my loyalties remained with my work, and that of reporting stories with fairness and accuracy, to the extent possible.

President Davis remarked to his statesmen and officers, “Miss Fitzgerald is as much a politician as she is a reporter, gentlemen. You will not get a straight answer from her on any subject. And don’t play poker with her; she will take even the pants you are wearing, before the night is out.”

With that, the men all enjoyed a hearty laugh. Several of the men invited me to accompany them into the library for a cigar and brandy, having heard of my reputation for enjoying these vices as much as they. I accepted.

The evening came to a close, and by the time we were back at our hotel, it was nearly three in the morning. Isaac escorted me to my room, and we kissed goodnight.

Isaac asked, “Did you have a good time tonight, Liz?”

“Yes my Darling. I had a wonderful time. How sad, though, to know that none of this will end well. The pain and suffering yet to come is beyond any reasonable person’s mind to grasp”, I responded.

I went into my room, closed the door, and prepared for bed. We would leave for Washington within the week. I still hoped for a meeting with General Lee, and perhaps General Jackson, before going home.