Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Stevens gives Lydia Smith the amendment, calling it a great measure passed by corruption and aided by Lincoln.

Scene 89 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act three

Thaddeus Stevens

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:53 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 89

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.
Scenes 17–84
Lincoln bargains, delays peace commissioners, confronts family costs and defends the vote against postponement.
Scene 85
Colfax announces the amendment has passed the House with a margin of two votes.
Just before
Scene 86
Bells and cannon announce victory; Lincoln raises the window and rests his hand on Tad's head.
Scene 87
The House celebrates abolition's passage, and Stevens borrows the official amendment to take home.
Scene 88
Stevens struggles against the celebrating crowds on his way home.
Scene 89
This scene

89INT. THADDEUS STEVENS'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Stevens is met at the door by LYDIA SMITH, a black woman in her fifties. As she helps him off with his coat, he takes a piece of paper from his pocket.

THADDEUS STEVENS

A gift for you.

She takes it.

THADDEUS STEVENS (CONT'D)

The greatest measure of the

Nineteenth Century. Passed by

corruption, aided and abetted by

the purest man in America.