In the final winter of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln risks a fragile coalition and the chance of an early peace to force an amendment abolishing slavery through a divided House of Representatives.
- Scenes 1–7
The reelected president balances military command, popular affection and a household wounded by grief.
- Scenes 8–13
Lincoln needs a durable constitutional abolition measure and commits to passing it before the term ends.
- Scenes 14–16
Radical allies and discreet patronage operatives join the campaign as the amendment enters House debate.
- Scene 17
Robert returns, bringing the family's private struggle over his enlistment into Lincoln's public campaign.
- Just before
- Scene 23
A grieving Hutton slams the door on Schell's offer of a government job.
- Scene 24
Latham begins naming the more promising Democrats the operatives are pursuing.
- Scene 25
Latham separates Hanson from his colleagues and introduces the patronage portfolio.
- Scene 26
This scene
