Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Grant leaves the commissioners and urges Lincoln by telegram to hear their sincere appeal for peace and union.

Scene 50 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Grant

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:11 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 50

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 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
Grant rejects the commissioners' two-country premise and tells them that only terms of surrender can be discussed.
Scene 50
This scene

50EXT. THE JAMES RIVER DOCK AT CITY POINT, VIRGINIA - DAY

As a somber Grant disembarks with his aides from the River

QUEEN:

GRANT (V.O.)

"Office United States Military

Telegraph, War Dept. For Abraham

Lincoln, President of the United

States. January 20, 1865. I will

state confidentially that I am convinced, upon conversation with these Commissioners, that their intentions are good and their desire sincere to restore peace and union. I fear now their going back, without any expression of interest..."

Seward's voice takes over from Grant's.

GRANT (V.O.) (CONT'D) SEWARD (V.O.)

"...from anyone in authority,

"...from anyone in authority, Mr.

Lincoln..." Mr. Lincoln..."