I did say some colored men, the intelligent, the educated, and veterans, I qualified it.
Mr. Stevens is furious, he wants to know why you qualified it.
No one heard the intelligent or the educated part. All they heard was the first time any president has ever made mention of Negro voting.
Still, I wish I'd mentioned it in a better speech.
Mr. Stevens also wants to know why you didn't make a better speech.
[There's a knock on the door; John Nicolay enters.]
Mrs. Lincoln's waiting in the carriage. She wants me to remind you of the hour, and that you'll have to pick up Miss Harris and Major Rathbone.
Am I in trouble?
No, sir.
[Slade hands Lincoln his gloves as Colfax and Ashley drain their drinks and rise.]
I suppose it's time to go though I would rather stay.
[On the way out, Lincoln tosses the gloves on a side table. Slade grabs them, considers chasing after Lincoln, then walks back towards the office. Slade turns and watches till Lincoln turns the corner and is gone.]
