In the Lincolns' Springfield home, Lincoln says his oldest son, Robert, should meet his grandfather, Thomas Lincoln, whom the boy has not seen. But Mrs. Lincoln objects to the idea. She disapproves of her father-in-law, considering him very lower class. The scene ends as Robert is standing in front of his smiling mother who is holding her hands on his shoulders in contrast to Lincoln's disappointed look.
In reality, it was Lincoln's decision never to allow his sons to see Thomas Lincoln. Nor did he attend his father's funeral. Thomas Lincoln was a semi-literate, backwoods farmer who had been a harsh taskmaster to the future president during the latter's childhood. He reminded Lincoln of everything he wanted to escape.
In reality, it was Lincoln's decision never to allow his sons to see Thomas Lincoln. Nor did he attend his father's funeral. Thomas Lincoln was a semi-literate, backwoods farmer who had been a harsh taskmaster to the future president during the latter's childhood. He reminded Lincoln of everything he wanted to escape.
The Lincolns are hosting a reception for General and Mrs. Tom Thumb, two dwarfs from P.T. Barnum's circus. One Senator dryly says to the other that maybe Lincoln should appoint General Thumb to command the Union armies. The other says, "After the disaster at Fredericksburg, it'd be an improvement." An earlier scene shows Lincoln encouraging his 11-year-old Willie to come down to the reception. Willie Lincoln died February 20, 1862. The Battle of Fredericksburg was on December 13 of that year.