Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker

Elizabeth attends a church service during which her minister speaks passionately about God, Satan, and Abraham Lincoln. The congregation praises God for the emancipation proclamation and encourages all men capable of joining the Union Army to contribute to a Northern victory. Despite staying out late for the church service, Elizabeth wakes early the following morning to dress Mrs. Lincoln for a New Year’s celebration. Still in mourning, Mrs. Lincoln dresses in black. She intends to volunteer in a hospital for injured Union soldiers as a way to distract her from her grief.

Mr. Lincoln officially signs the Emancipation Proclamation into law on January 1, 1863. He makes two changes from the earlier draft: Emancipated people are allowed to defend themselves from violence and are officially allowed to enlist with the Union military. Elizabeth returns to her church, where she rejoices with her community. They march to the White House, thanking Mr. Lincoln for his leadership.

Mrs. Lincoln brightens emotionally when her two living sons, Robert and Tad, are with her. Still studying at Harvard, Robert frequently argues for permission to enlist in the Union Army. Mrs. Lincoln insists that Robert will be of better use to his country with a complete education.