Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Grant rejects the commissioners' two-country premise and tells them that only terms of surrender can be discussed.

Scene 49 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Grant
R.m.t Hunter
Alexander Stephens

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:10 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 49

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 46
Hollister fires a derringer over Bilbo's head as Bilbo retrieves the dropped patronage portfolio.
Scene 47
The operatives demand a public denial of peace rumors; Seward refuses to let them instruct Lincoln.
Scene 48
Grant crosses the dock to meet the Confederate commissioners aboard the River Queen.
Scene 49
This scene

49INT. THE RIVER QUEEN SALOON, CITY POINT, VIRGINIA - DAY

Grant and the commissioners stand in an expansive cabin at the stern, patriotically decorated, large windows.

Grant hands the commissioners' peace proposal back to them. He's scribbled notes all over the document.

GRANT

I suggest you work some changes to

your proposal before you give it to

the President.

R.M.T HUNTER

We're eager to be on our way to

Washington.

ALEXANDER STEPHENS

Did Mr. Lincoln tell you to tell us

this, General Grant?

Grant fixes Stephens with a look - bemused, a little disappointed.

GRANT

It says..."securing peace for our

two countries." And it goes on like

that.

ALEXANDER STEPHENS

I don't know what you -

GRANT

There's just one country. You and

I, we're citizens of that country.

I'm fighting to protect it from

armed rebels. From you.

ALEXANDER STEPHENS

But Mr. Blair told us, he, he told

President Davis we were -

GRANT

A private citizen like Preston

Blair can say what he pleases,

since he has no authority over

anything. If you want to discuss

peace with President Lincoln,

consider revisions.

He lights a cigar.

ALEXANDER STEPHENS

If we're not to discuss a truce

between warring nations, what in

heaven's name can we discuss?

GRANT

Terms of surrender.