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.
- Scene 63
Mary predicts losing Robert and confronts Lincoln over the grief and bloodshed carried by his decisions.
- Scene 66
Lincoln joins the operatives himself and begins personally securing the remaining Democrats.
- Scene 71
Still short of votes and beset by demands for peace, Lincoln orders his allies to procure the final votes.
- Just before
- Scene 75
The race continues through the White House, with Hay reaching Lincoln's office ahead of Bilbo.
- Scene 76
Lincoln writes a narrowly worded denial; Hay fears impeachment, so Lincoln entrusts delivery to Bilbo.
- Scene 77
Lincoln's denial defeats postponement and the roll call begins, with Ellis supporting the amendment and Hutton opposing it.
- Scene 78
This scene
