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 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
Seward presents Lincoln with the choice of an immediate peace or delaying the delegates to preserve the amendment vote.
- Scene 52
This scene
