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18INT. LINCOLN'S OFFICE, WHITE HOUSE - MORNING

Preston Blair, still in his traveling cloak, and Lincoln stand near the fireplace facing one another.

PRESTON BLAIR

Jefferson Davis is sending three

delegates: Stephens, Hunter and

Campbell: Vice President of the

Confederacy, their former Secretary

of State, and their Assistant

Secretary of War. They're coming in earnest to propose peace.

Both men look into the fire. Preston moves closer.

PRESTON BLAIR (CONT'D)

I know this is unwelcome news for

you. Now hear me: I went to

Richmond to talk to traitors, to

smile at and plead with traitors,

because it'll be spring in two

months, the roads'll be passable,

the Spring slaughter commences.

Four bloody Springs now! Think of

my Frank, who you've taken to your

heart, how you'll blame yourself if

the war takes my son as it's taken

multitudes of sons. Think of all

the boys who'll die if you don't

make peace. You must talk with

these men!

LINCOLN

I intend to, Preston. And in

return, I must ask you -

PRESTON BLAIR LINCOLN

No, this is not horsetrading, - to

support our push for this is life

and - the amendment when it reaches

the -

There's a knock on the door.

LINCOLN

Not now!

Robert enters. Nicolay stands behind him, apologetic.

LINCOLN (CONT'D)

Oh. Bob. I'm sorry. Welcome home.

He shakes hands with his son, stiffly.

ROBERT

Thank you.

LINCOLN PRESTON BLAIR

(to Robert:) (pointedly:)