Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Seward presents Lincoln with the choice of an immediate peace or delaying the delegates to preserve the amendment vote.

Scene 51 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Seward
Lincoln

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:11 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 51

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 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
Grant leaves the commissioners and urges Lincoln by telegram to hear their sincere appeal for peace and union.
Scene 51
This scene

51INT. SEWARD MANSION, LAFAYETTE SQUARE, WASHINGTON - NIGHT

Seward's in a fancy robe and slippers, reading a telegram.

SEWARD

"...will have a bad influence. I

will be sorry should it prove

impossible for you to have an

interview with them. I am awaiting

your instructions. U.S. Grant,

Lieutenant General Commanding

Armies United States"

Lincoln is in his coat, shawl over his shoulders, holding his hat.

LINCOLN

After four years of war and near

lives lost. He believes we can end

this war now. My trust in him is

marrow deep.

Seward looks up at Lincoln, then down again at the telegram. He stands and crosses to Lincoln.

SEWARD

You could bring the delegates to

Washington. In exchange for the

South's immediate surrender, we

could promise them the amendment's

defeat. They'd agree, don't you

think? We'd end the war. This week.

Lincoln has closed his eyes.

SEWARD (CONT'D)

Or. If you could manage, without

seeming to do it, to -

Lincoln shakes his head "no."

SEWARD (CONT'D)

The peace delegation might

encounter delays as they travel up

the James River. Particularly with

the fighting around Wilmington.

Within ten days time, we might pass

the Thirteenth Amendment.