Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Pendleton and Wood expose Hawkins's patronage deal and intimidate him.

Scene 43 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Fernando Wood
George Pendleton

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:07 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 43

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 40
Mary begs Lincoln not to let Robert enlist, but news of the Wilmington bombardment calls him away.
Scene 41
Lincoln tells an Ethan Allen story while awaiting battle news; Fort Fisher falls, but Wilmington and heavy losses remain.
Scene 42
Democrats plan to provoke Stevens into declaring racial equality; Yeaman publicly opposes the amendment despite hating slavery.
Scene 43
This scene

43INT. AN EMPTY COMMITTEE ROOM, THE CAPITOL - DAY

Hawkins enters and stops when he sees Pendleton and Wood. It's a trap. LeClerk follows, closing the door.

FERNANDO WOOD

Bless my eyes, if it isn't the Post

Master of Millersburg Ohio!

Hawkins looks at LeClerk, who guiltily avoids his glance.

GEORGE PENDLETON

Mr. LeClerk felt honor-bound to

inform us. Of your disgusting

betrayal. Your prostitution.

FERNANDO WOOD

Is that true, Postmaster Hawkins?

Is your maidenly virtue for sale?

Hawkins sinks.