The story begins with President Lincoln at 7 a.m. Friday, April 14, 1865 and ends the next day at 7:22 a.m. when he is pronounced dead by Surgeon General Barnes. In between a number of other related and momentous events of Lincoln's last day are depicted including a meeting with General Grant, his last Cabinet session, the assasins completing their preparations, and the actors and management of Ford's Theatre arranging to receive the Presidential party.