Scene 6 continues.
Sam I to must leave. I have no stomach for bloodletting. I will aid in all that I can with the supplies that I have gathered. Here the key, who wishes its ownership? [Herold takes it] Please I beg you turn from this path, for it seems as if evil haunts this gathering tonight
Booth Do you remember Sam when we were but striplings? A gypsy visited our school on a midsummer’s day, eagerly I did have my fortune read, she told me that I had the worst hand that ever she had seen and that I should become a priest or a missionary to escape my fate. A fast life but a short one she said. A bad end I would meet and many would hate me but I would live a grand life and so I have. If this is to be my end how noble it will be to die in the service of my beloved land, with the love of my mother and sister so strong in me. I will have no regrets if this is to be the first step on my journey to the undiscovered country.
Sam I am leaving, and I am going as far from Washington as I can get. You have naught to fear from me in this matter for I never would betray you. Good luck friends. Forgive a coward, I beg you. [Exits]
Booth Do they not understand that a knight who is true in his championship cannot be beaten? [Pulls Sword his passion fully ignited] What say the rest, do you hold fast in the breech? Or must I go alone to give my country peace.
Paine I will stay until you bid me depart Cap I am yours to command and use. [He draws his knife and presents it to Booth] Only tell me the path to take and what action to perform I thirst and water is too tepid to assuage my needs. [Booth touches his blade to Paines in acceptance of his oath of fealty]
Booth Its seems that our comrades do shrivel at the smell of the actual doing of the deed. We must not condemn them, for not all men stand secure upon their bravado. Instead will shiver and shake, until the ground that they have placed themselves upon, cracks and throws them to their imaginations which having not been overused, gives them images of such horror that Mars himself would run screaming from the sight
J.Surratt I am no coward! I remind you Booth that it was I, who brought you in contact with our agents in the South. You have no right to order us to murder Lincoln or nobody else. I want written orders from our commander or else I report you as an agitator to our cause and a common assassin. You are crazy Booth. A drunken braggart and a poor :
[What ever else he was going to say was stifled by Paine landing on him and driving him to the floor The Knife flashed in the lamplight. Paine was aroused to frenzy his eyes blood red; veins stood out all over his forehead and neck. Paine was ready to deliver his gift of death and he was happy.]
Booth John, I do not take kindly to your insults. All that saves you from a swift end is the love I bear your Mother. Get yourself out of Washington, indeed out of the country within 24 hours or I will ensure the Provost marshal knows of your affiliations. Lewis if you please save your blade for nobler blood. He does not warrant the trouble it would take to dispose of his miserable carcass
Paine [Looks pleadingly at Booth.] Just a sip Cap? I beg you, to prime my pump for tonight.
Booth nods his head. Paine makes a slashing cut on Surratts face. Surratt lets out a scream and runs from the room.
Booth Davie please furnish Lewis with some whisky for his trouble. I thank you for your loyalty my
Fair Horatio, never has a man been possessed of such a friend as I you. Noble one.
Herold Everone is going away Johnny,whats that mean? are they mad at me did I do [The two men drink a blood toast] something wrong? I’m sorry Johnny I didn’t mean to be bad honest.
Booth Do not worry Herold this time you are the one without fault… We who remain will suffice to complete the task bequeathed to us by everysoldier who fought under theStars and Bars, and by the messengers of God portrayed by these innocents here dying in misery on their native soil. How obscene is war and how like demons is thevisage of the warmongers. Lincoln has a most unatural lookcast upon his face.
Paine Cap? Do we leave out Johnson now? for theres onlyfour of us left. I could go after Seward on my own, but that leaves you, Davey and Atzerodt to try for both the others it wont be easy.
Booth George! I had quite overlooked you so silent has been your involvement in tonights affairs. What say you? Art thou noble or art thy base? Say on for all rests upon your’e reply
George I don’t know what I am thinking Mr. Booth, of course I agree that the way to achieve true revenge for the South is to remove theTyrants who have caused her such agony these many long years. However My heart was reconciled to a kidnapping. I have never spilled another’s blood, I had hoped to meet my maker with hands unsullied. Now I must prepare myself to answer when my country calls. I Pray that the intention of the cause will overthrow the sin. Instruct me Sir. I am yours to command
Booth George, a grander speech has ner been spoke upon the Stage. Your Duty commends you to a merciful god. So now, we number four. Though I would that Michael could accompany you George, You must be the one to go for Johnson.
George As you say sir.
Booth Lewis, you have the most complex task of us all. You must gain entry into Sewards house, through a phalanx of defenders. Seward will be surrounded by doctors, nurses, servants, and family members. This is a plan of the interior of the house; we believe that Seward is in this room at the top of the stairs. Your cover story is that you are delivering medicine from the Surgeon, and have been instructed to relinquish it only to Seward himself. I will have Herald obtain horses for you both. He will stand by, ready for a fast escape. Make your way across the Navy yard bridge and meet up with George and I at Mary’s Tavern, then to Virginia, Home and Glory
Paine Sounds like an easy mission Cap! Sure you don’t want me to try for a few congressmen on the way.
Booth Your spirit does you credit man, but do not be overconfident for they will fight ferociously for one of their favorites. Davie you do what Paine tells you now, you hear me. I need your knowledge of the back roads to lead us safe home. Stay alert.
George I am to end Vice President Johnson’s life is that the way of it Mr. Booth? Do we know when he will be accessible
Booth As of now, I know nothing of Johnston plans. When I have ascertained his movements I will contact you. Upon which time I will set our arrangements in cement of knowledge greater confirmed than is possible now…’Tis a great sorrow that the doing of it must be in front of their loved ones eyes. Perhaps Lincoln will perform a heroes death, and so make a martyr for the North, deserving of a monument in a park one day.&
I am going to my room at the National for a few hours rest; I will meet with you all sometime during the day to finalize our designs. Goodnight friends, I seek my bed. He picks up the gun and with reluctance the Bible.
(EXITS)…(LX.OUT)
Scene 7
