Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

The operatives demand a public denial of peace rumors; Seward refuses to let them instruct Lincoln.

Scene 47 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Seward
W.n. Bilbo
Richard Schell
Robert Latham

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:09 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 47

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 44
Hawkins runs from Bilbo, fearing that a vote for abolition will make his neighbors kill him.
Scene 45
Seward's operatives report that peace rumors are costing them votes and hardening Democratic resistance.
Scene 46
Hollister fires a derringer over Bilbo's head as Bilbo retrieves the dropped patronage portfolio.
Scene 47
This scene

47EXT. IN A BACK ALLEY, SOMEWHERE IN WASHINGTON - AFTERNOON

Seward, now inside the carriage, slams the door.

SEWARD

Perhaps you push too hard.

W.N. BILBO

I push nobody. Perhaps we need

reinforcements. If Jeff Davis wants

to cease hostilities, who do you

think'll give a genuine solid shit

to free slaves?

SEWARD

Get back to it, and good day,

gentlemen.

Schell and Latham lean in to the carriage.

RICHARD SCHELL

We are at an impasse.

ROBERT LATHAM

Tell Lincoln to deny the rumors.

Publicly.

RICHARD SCHELL

Tell us what you expect of us.

SEWARD

I expect you to do your work! And

to have sufficient sense and taste

not to presume to instruct the

President. Or me.

Schell steps up on the running board, intent.

RICHARD SCHELL

Is there a Confederate offer or

not?