There were murmured agreements, and when they died away Fox spoke again.

“With this inspiring news, Mr. President, do you think you can spare a few moments to meet with a delegation?”

“Delegation? I made no appointments.”

“They arrived at dawn this morning. I had the pleasure of their company at breakfast. It is President Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa of Ireland. With him is his vice-president, Isaac Butt — accompanying them is General Thomas Meagher. They say it is a matter of some urgency, and they hope that you will grant them a few moments of your time. They were — how shall I say it? — greatly upset. I think it would be prudent if you could make the time to see them now.”

“But you say that Tom Meagher is here? The last I heard he was stationed at Fort Bragg.”

“No longer. Some months ago he was granted indefinite leave to go to Ireland, where he is advising the Irish army.”

“We are pressed for time, Mr. President…” Pierce said, looking at his watch again.

Sherman’s voice was icily cold. “We are not too pressed, I sincerely hope, to see the elected President of Ireland — and with him an old comrade who, in addition to his victories in Ireland, has fought long and hard for our country.”

“Yes, of course, we must see them,” Lincoln said. “By all means show them in.”

“Shall we leave?” Grant asked.

“No — with Meagher here, this matter must surely be of some importance to the military.”

Lincoln stepped forward when the three men came in and took Rossa’s hand. “We haven’t met since your inauguration in Dublin,” he said warmly. “I must say that it was quite an occasion, as well as being one that I will never forget.”

“Nor shall I, Mr. President — for you speak the very truth.