Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

The commissioners arrive at Grant's headquarters aboard the River Queen at City Point.

Scene 35 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 50 min into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 35

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 32
Seward reports six Democratic votes, then discovers Lincoln has permitted Blair's Confederate peace initiative.
Scene 33
Confederate peace commissioners cross the lines and reluctantly enter an ambulance staffed by Black soldiers.
Scene 34
Seward warns peace negotiations could destroy the amendment coalition; Lincoln orders him to find thirteen more votes.
Scene 35
This scene

35INT. INSIDE THE AMBULANCE WAGON - DAY

The ambulance has come to a stop. The rear door opens and the soldiers immediately hop out. The commissioners squint, blinded, into the dazzling sunlight, at the River Queen, Grant's side-wheel steamer, docked on the banks of the James River.

TITLE: US ARMY HEADQUARTERS

CITY POINT, VIRGINIA

JANUARY 12