INT. LINCOLN'S OFFICE, WHITE HOUSE - EARLY AFTERNOON

Nicolay opens the door to the crowded outer office to admit perpetually worried JAMES ASHLEY, 42, (R, OH). Tad eyes him from a chair by the window. 29.

Lincoln enters the room with Seward.

           LINCOLN

Well, Mr. Representative Ashley! Tell us the news from the Hill.

Lincoln shakes his hand and warmly claps the discombobulated but flattered representative on the shoulder.

           JAMES ASHLEY

Well! Ah! News -

           LINCOLN

Why for instance is this thus, and what is the reason for this thusness?

           JAMES ASHLEY

I...

           SEWARD

James, we want you to bring the anti-slavery amendment to the floor for debate -

JAMES ASHLEY SEWARD Excuse me. What? - immediately, and - You are the amendment's manager, are you not?

           JAMES ASHLEY

I am, of course - But - Immediately?

           SEWARD

And we're counting on robust radical support, so tell Mr. Stevens we expect him to put his back into it, it's not going to be easy, but we trust -

           JAMES ASHLEY

It's impossible. No, I am sorry,no, we can't organize anything immediately in the House. I have been canvassing the Democrats since the election, in case any of them softened after they got walloped. But they have stiffened if anything, Mr. Secretary. There aren't nearly enough votes -

           LINCOLN

We're whalers, Mr. Ashley! 30.

           JAMES ASHLEY

Whalers? As in, um, whales?

Lincoln moves in, standing very close to Ashley.

           LINCOLN

We've been chasing this whale for a long time. We've finally placed a harpoon in the monster's back. It's in, James, it's in! We finish the deed now, we can't wait! Or with one flop of his tail he'll smash the boat and send us all to eternity!

           SEWARD

On the 31st of this month. Of this year. Put the amendment up for a vote.

Ashley is agog.