The water is bad--"
"And you have come to the very gates of the city?"
"Because the ground is dry, the water good, and we are near our
supplies--"
The President's lips trembled with rage.
"And McClellan can now plant his guns within six miles and his soldiers
hear our church bells on Sunday--"
"Possibly--"
The President's eye pierced his General.
"Richmond is to be surrendered without a battle?"
"That depends, sir, upon conditions--"
The Confederate Chief suddenly threw his thin hands above his head and
faced his stubborn sulking Commander.
"If you are not going to give battle, I'll appoint a man in your place
who will--"
Before Johnston could reply the President turned on his heel, waved to
Colonel Ives, mounted his horse and dashed into the city.
His Cabinet was called in hasty consultation with General Lee.
Davis turned to his counselors.
"Gentlemen, I have just held a most amazing conference with General
Johnston. You were afraid he would fight beyond the Chickahominy. He has
crossed the river, left its natural defenses unguarded, and has run all
the way to town without pause. I have told him to fight or get out of
the saddle. In my judgment he intends to back straight through the city
and abandon it without a blow.
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