Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Lincoln brings Robert to an army hospital; Robert refuses to accompany him inside.

Scene 60 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Robert
Lincoln

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:21 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 60

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.
Scene 56
Lincoln changes his telegram to hold the Confederate commissioners outside Washington, choosing time for the amendment over immediate talks.
Just before
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
Stevens tells a disgusted Litton that there is almost nothing he will not say to secure the abolition amendment.
Scene 60
This scene

60EXT. THE STREETS OF WASHINGTON - MORNING

Lincoln and Robert are in the buggy driven by the old soldier; a young bodyguard soldier sits beside the driver, his rifle uselessly tucked under his legs. Lincoln is on one side reading over a stack of documents. Robert's on the other side of the buggy, staring sullenly at his feet.

The buggy stops outside an army hospital. Lincoln packs up his papers.

ROBERT

I'm not going in.

LINCOLN

You said you wanted to help me.

ROBERT

This is - This is just a clumsy

attempt at discouragement. I've

been to army hospitals, I've seen

surgeries, I went and visited the

malaria barges with mama.

LINCOLN

She told me she didn't take you

inside.

ROBERT

I snuck in after - I've seen what

it's like. This changes nothing.

LINCOLN

At all rates, I'm happy to have

your company.

Stepping out of the buggy, he hands his folio to the bodyguard and enters the army hospital.