Lincoln (2012)

Hal Holbrook: Preston Blair

Photos 

Quotes 

• Preston Blair : I went to Richmond to talk to traitors, to smile at and plead with traitors, because it'll be spring in two months, the roads'll be passable, the spring slaughter commences.

• Preston Blair : Where's my hat?

  Elizabeth Blair Lee : Leo has your hat. All right? Go make peace.

• Abraham Lincoln : If the Blairs tell them to, no Republican will baulk at voting for the amendment.

  Montgomery Blair : No conservative Republican is what you mean.

  Preston Blair : All Republicans ought to be conservative. I founded this party, in my own goddamn home, to be a conservative anti-slavery party, not a hobby-horse for goddamn radical abolitionists.

• Preston Blair : Our Republicans ain't abolitionists. We can't tell our people they can vote yes on abolishing slavery unless at the same time we can tell them that you're seeking a negotiated peace.

• Preston Blair : Those Southern men are coming. I beg you, in the name of gentle Christ, sir.

  Abraham Lincoln : I understand.

  Preston Blair : Talk peace with these men.

  Abraham Lincoln : I understand, Preston.