Gene Witham

Reverdy Johnson: Could somebody bring me the transcript of today's trial?

Edwin Stanton: Shall I read it aloud to you?

[brings transcript over]

Reverdy Johnson: Oh, Ed.

Edwin Stanton: Your young associate is putting up a spirited defense. Reminds me of a certain lawyer I had to face 25 years ago.

Reverdy Johnson: Ah, he learned to fight in your army. Can I get you a drink?

Edwin Stanton: No, no. No. I won't be staying long. Reverdy... You've done so much for this nation as any man I know.

Reverdy Johnson: Oh. Feeling's mutual, Ed.

Edwin Stanton: Don't you think it's time for us two old war horses to call a truce?

Reverdy Johnson: Not if you insist on staging this travesty.

Edwin Stanton: This trial will do more to keep the peace than any paper treaty could.

Reverdy Johnson: Heh. How'd you convince yourself of that?

Edwin Stanton: Because justice, swift and firm will help deter the South from ever conspiring again, as well as discouraging the North from seeking revenge.

Reverdy Johnson: What about the rule of law?

Edwin Stanton: My first responsibility is to ensure that this war stays won.

Reverdy Johnson: Oh, and this is how you do it, by keeping fear alive as long as you see fit?

[shows headlines and stories in a newspaper]

Reverdy Johnson: Look. "Stanton warns of future rebel plots", water supplies poisoned, firebombing cities, yellow fever spreading all over the place. This is a frightening country, Ed. And you don't need to scare us anymore.

Edwin Stanton: And who is to say that none of these things could happen? The unspeakable already has- Our president assassinated, 600,000 dead. The world has changed, Reverdy.

Reverdy Johnson: Abandoning the Constitution is not the answer.

Edwin Stanton: You may prefer dining alone. I just hope your young associate does as well. If he pushes too hard, he will make enemies who will not soon forget. On this, you know I'm right.

Frederick Aiken: Sarah. Sarah, where are you going?

Sarah Weston: Conduct unbecoming.

Frederick Aiken: I'm sorry about the party.

Sarah Weston: You think I care about the party?

Frederick Aiken: Please. Everything will be all right. I promise you.

Sarah Weston: You are just like that woman, ready to go to the gallows for the most pointless cause. People do get left behind when you do that.

Frederick Aiken: I can't ignore what's going on in that courtroom.

Sarah Weston: But you can ignore me, us?

Frederick Aiken: I didn't say that. Please, I have to do this.

Sarah Weston: Do you? I find your devotion to this frightening. I waited such a long time for you.

Frederick Aiken: I'm so sorry. I know. But I'm back now.

Sarah Weston: No, you're not.

Frederick Aiken: I am. I-ple -

[Sarah gets on the carriage]

Frederick Aiken: Sarah, please, will you just - We have to - we have to talk about this.

Sarah Weston: Fred, I love you. I - I wish I could do this. I just-I can't. I just can't.

Frederick Aiken: Wait. Let me see you at home at least.

[looks back for Edwin]

Frederick Aiken: Please wait.