Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Lincoln visits wounded and amputee soldiers, asking their names and whether they have enough to eat.

Scene 61 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Lincoln
Army Surgeon
First Patient
Second Patient
Third Patient
Fourth Patient

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:22 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 61

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 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
Lincoln brings Robert to an army hospital; Robert refuses to accompany him inside.
Scene 61
This scene

61INT. ARMY HOSPITAL - MORNING

He's met in the antechamber by an ARMY SURGEON.

LINCOLN

Morning, Jim.

ARMY SURGEON

Hello, Mr. President.

LINCOLN

Good to see you again.

They move into the main ward, Lincoln removing his hat.

LINCOLN (CONT'D)

Well, boys, first question: You

getting enough to eat?

He walks from bed to bed, shaking hands with each patient. Most are amputees.

FIRST PATIENT

Hello, sir.

LINCOLN

What's your name, soldier?

FIRST PATIENT

Robert.

LINCOLN

Robert. Good to meet you, Robert.

SECOND PATIENT

Nice to meet you.

LINCOLN

What's your name?

SECOND PATIENT

Kevin.

LINCOLN

Tell me your names as I go past. I

like to know who I'm talkin' to.

Kevin.

THIRD PATIENT

Mr. President. John.

LINCOLN

John. I've seen you before.

FOURTH PATIENT

Mr. President...