Part 1, Chapters 15-20 Summary

Chapter 15 opens with the threat of invasion ended and troops and money flowing in nicely. Still, the Maryland crisis convinces Lincoln to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the military zone. Seward begins thinking of how to respond when Lincoln is inevitably impeached. Vice President Hamlin will be easily lead. At a reception for the child-governor of Rhode Island, William Sprague, discussions include the loyalty of various Lincoln relatives. At the White House, visiting Kentucky relatives Ben and Emilie Helm face this question also and decide they must side with the South.

In Chapter 16, Herold is sent across the bridge with an urgent message but cannot find the Confederate contact to deliver it. The code warns of a Union invasion of Alexandria, which Herold sees carried out. He is shaken, seeing the heroic Col. Ellsworth shot dead. The...