Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Stevens tells a disgusted Litton that there is almost nothing he will not say to secure the abolition amendment.

Scene 59 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Asa Vintner Litton
Thaddeus Stevens

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:20 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 59

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 56
After reflecting on equality through Euclid, Lincoln orders the commissioners held at Hampton Roads instead of brought to Washington.
Scene 57
Ashley begs Stevens to limit his argument to legal equality before a gallery crowded with journalists.
Scene 58
Stevens resists Democratic bait and disclaims equality in all things to protect the amendment's chance of passage.
Scene 59
This scene

59INT. A CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE HOUSE CHAMBER - LATER

Stevens sits on a bench, alone, thinking, troubled. Asa Vintner Litton approaches him.

ASA VINTNER LITTON

You asked if ever I was surprised.

Stevens nods.

ASA VINTNER LITTON (CONT'D)

Today, Mr. Stevens, I was

surprised. You've led the battle

for race equality for thirty years!

The basis of, of every hope for

this country's future life, you

denied Negro equality! I'm

nauseated. You refused to say that

all humans are, well... human! Have

you lost your very soul, Mr.

Stevens? Is there nothing you won't

say?

Stevens nods, then, quietly:

THADDEUS STEVENS

I'm sorry you're nauseous, Asa,

that must be unpleasant. I want the

amendment to pass. So that the

Constitution's first and only

mention of slavery is its absolute

prohibition. For this amendment,

for which I have worked all of my

life and for which

countless colored men and women have fought and died and now hundreds of thousands of soldiers - no, sir, no, it seems there is very nearly nothing I won't say.