(Second officer entering),—I hope that there is good news this morning. Old Abe has been feeling terribly discouraged, though he is still ever ready with his jokes. We must have a victory, or the country will be lost. What's this? (Reads telegram that first officer has handed him.) This can't be all. There must have been more fighting to-day. See (points to a map on the table), we have just learned from a prisoner caught this morning that Lee is pushing ahead only a part of his army. He has no idea of the number of our men behind these hills. May God grant that General Mead will use his chance.
First Officer,—Old Abe is counting so much on him.
First Operator (who has been busy telegraphing, jumps up and cries),—Lines cut again, sir.
First Officer,—But the lines are guarded.
Operator,—Not in Washington, sir. I was just sending a message to Secretary Seward, and the lines have been cut not four blocks away.
Second Officer (rings a bell and a sergeant appears), turning to him,—Send men to find the cut in the line to Seward's office. Quick!
Sergeant,—Yes, sir. (Goes out.)
