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

Lincoln is at his desk, working, when Hay bursts in. Bilbo appears in the doorway, beet-red and gasping for air.

Hay's too winded to speak. Bilbo holds out the note, limp with sweat, and brings it to Lincoln. Lincoln reads it.

           LINCOLN

This is precisely what Mr. Wood wishes me to respond to? 103.

Tad runs into the room, excited by the commotion. He wraps his arm around his father's neck, then tears wildly out of the room.

           LINCOLN (CONT'D)

Word for word? This is precisely the assurance that he demands of me?

W.N. BILBO Yes sir.

As Nicolay heaves into the room in last place, wheezing terribly, Lincoln deliberates for a moment, then writes a note. He blots, folds and hands it to Hay, who immediately reads it, Nicolay looking on.

           LINCOLN

Give this to Mr. Ashley.

Hay looks at Nicolay, who can't speak; he waves at Hay to speak for him.

           JOHN HAY

I feel, um, I have to say, Mr. Lincoln, that this - (annoyed, impatient, to BILBO:) Could you please just step outside?!

W.N. BILBO You gonna have a chat now, with with the whole of the House of Representatives waiting on that?

Nicolay continues gasping, trying to speak. He can't.

           JOHN HAY
           (TO LINCOLN:)

Making false representation to Congress is, it's, um -

           JOHN NICOLAY

It's, it's -

           LINCOLN

Impeachable. I've made no false representation.

           JOHN HAY

But there are - (WHISPERING:) 104.

There is a delegation from Richmond.

           LINCOLN

Give me the note, Johnnie.

Hay gives Lincoln the note. Lincoln takes it, holding on to Hay's hand; with his free hand, Lincoln passes the note to Bilbo.

           LINCOLN (CONT'D)
           (TO BILBO:)

Please deliver that to Mr. Ashley.