1 00:02:25,979 --> 00:02:27,605 Mr. Adams! 2 00:02:29,399 --> 00:02:30,734 Mr. Adams! 3 00:02:32,068 --> 00:02:33,403 Mr. Adams! 4 00:02:34,904 --> 00:02:36,239 There you are. 5 00:02:36,323 --> 00:02:39,117 Didn't you hear me call you, Mr. Adams? 6 00:02:39,200 --> 00:02:43,663 You could've shouted down something, saved me climbing up four flights. 7 00:02:43,747 --> 00:02:47,292 A man that likes to talk as much as you do, I'd think... 8 00:02:48,793 --> 00:02:52,047 What do you keep coming up here for, Mr. Adams? 9 00:02:52,130 --> 00:02:54,924 Afraid someone's going to steal our bell? 10 00:02:55,592 --> 00:02:57,344 Well, don't worry. 11 00:02:57,427 --> 00:03:01,264 Been here more than 14 years, and ain't been carried off once. 12 00:03:04,726 --> 00:03:07,854 Better get yourself back down to Congress, Mr. Adams. 13 00:03:07,937 --> 00:03:11,858 Getting ready to vote, and they said they couldn't settle such an important question 14 00:03:11,941 --> 00:03:14,402 without Massachusetts being there. 15 00:03:15,904 --> 00:03:17,864 I can just imagine. 16 00:03:22,619 --> 00:03:27,207 All right. What burning issue are we voting on this time? 17 00:03:27,290 --> 00:03:31,211 On whether or not to grant General Washington's request 18 00:03:31,294 --> 00:03:34,672 that all members of the Rhode Island Militia be required 19 00:03:34,756 --> 00:03:36,800 to wear matching uniforms. 20 00:03:38,259 --> 00:03:39,969 Oh, good God. 21 00:04:17,340 --> 00:04:19,092 I have come to the conclusion 22 00:04:19,175 --> 00:04:23,430 that one useless man is called a disgrace, 23 00:04:24,264 --> 00:04:27,725 that two are called a law firm, 24 00:04:28,184 --> 00:04:32,564 and that three or more become a Congress. 25 00:04:32,647 --> 00:04:36,276 And, by God, I have had this Congress. 26 00:04:36,359 --> 00:04:39,154 For 10 years, King George and his parliament 27 00:04:39,237 --> 00:04:43,658 have gulled, cullied and diddled these colonies with their illegal taxes. 28 00:04:43,741 --> 00:04:47,745 Stamp Acts, Townshend Acts, Sugar Acts, Tea Acts. 29 00:04:48,538 --> 00:04:50,540 And when we dared stand up like men, 30 00:04:50,623 --> 00:04:53,793 they have stopped our trade, seized our ships, 31 00:04:53,877 --> 00:04:56,671 blockaded our ports, burned our towns, 32 00:04:56,754 --> 00:04:59,382 and spilled our blood. 33 00:04:59,466 --> 00:05:04,804 And still this Congress refuses to grant any of my proposals on independence 34 00:05:04,888 --> 00:05:08,183 even so much as the courtesy of open debate. 35 00:05:08,266 --> 00:05:11,311 Good God, what in the hell are you waiting for? 36 00:05:12,145 --> 00:05:15,482 Sit down, John. Sit down, John 37 00:05:15,565 --> 00:05:17,317 Thomas, for God's sake, listen to me. 38 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:19,110 For God's sake, John, sit down 39 00:05:19,194 --> 00:05:21,154 I've had enough of you, sir. 40 00:05:21,237 --> 00:05:22,780 Sit down, John Sit down, John. 41 00:05:22,864 --> 00:05:25,492 For God's sake, John, sit down. 42 00:05:25,575 --> 00:05:27,160 Someone ought to open up a window. 43 00:05:27,243 --> 00:05:29,003 Will you listen to me and forget the window? 44 00:05:29,078 --> 00:05:30,246 It's 90 degrees. 45 00:05:30,330 --> 00:05:32,123 Have mercy, John, please. 46 00:05:32,207 --> 00:05:34,501 It's hot as hell in Philadelphia. 47 00:05:34,584 --> 00:05:37,086 Someone ought to open up a window 48 00:05:37,170 --> 00:05:39,672 I say vote yes. 49 00:05:39,756 --> 00:05:41,549 Vote yes. 50 00:05:41,633 --> 00:05:43,843 Vote for independency. 51 00:05:43,927 --> 00:05:46,513 Someone ought to open up a window 52 00:05:46,596 --> 00:05:48,765 I say vote yes. 53 00:05:48,848 --> 00:05:50,767 Sit down, John. 54 00:05:50,850 --> 00:05:52,852 Vote for independency. 55 00:05:52,936 --> 00:05:55,313 Someone ought to open up a window. 56 00:05:55,396 --> 00:05:56,397 No, no, no! 57 00:05:56,481 --> 00:05:59,776 Too many flies, too many flies. 58 00:05:59,859 --> 00:06:02,529 But it's hot as hell in Philadelphia. 59 00:06:02,612 --> 00:06:04,656 Are you gonna open up a window? 60 00:06:04,739 --> 00:06:06,699 Can't we compromise here? 61 00:06:06,783 --> 00:06:08,117 Vote yes. 62 00:06:08,201 --> 00:06:10,370 No, too many flies here. 63 00:06:10,453 --> 00:06:11,871 Vote yes. 64 00:06:11,955 --> 00:06:14,666 Oh, for God's sake, John, sit down. 65 00:06:14,749 --> 00:06:17,335 Good God. Consider yourselves fortunate 66 00:06:17,418 --> 00:06:19,420 that you have John Adams to abuse, 67 00:06:19,504 --> 00:06:21,673 for no sane man would tolerate it. 68 00:06:21,756 --> 00:06:23,216 John, you're a bore. 69 00:06:23,299 --> 00:06:25,176 We've heard this before. 70 00:06:25,260 --> 00:06:27,637 Now, for God's sake, John, sit down 71 00:06:27,720 --> 00:06:30,014 - I say vote yes. - No! 72 00:06:30,098 --> 00:06:31,808 - Vote yes. - No! 73 00:06:31,891 --> 00:06:34,060 Vote for independency. 74 00:06:34,143 --> 00:06:36,145 Someone ought to open up a window. 75 00:06:36,813 --> 00:06:38,898 I say vote yes. 76 00:06:38,982 --> 00:06:41,234 Sit down, John. 77 00:06:41,317 --> 00:06:44,028 Vote for independency. 78 00:06:44,112 --> 00:06:46,239 Will someone shut that man up? 79 00:06:46,322 --> 00:06:47,949 Never! 80 00:06:48,992 --> 00:06:50,618 Never! 81 00:06:55,498 --> 00:06:56,791 Dear God. 82 00:06:58,001 --> 00:07:02,380 For one solid year they have been sitting here. A whole year! 83 00:07:02,463 --> 00:07:03,965 Doing nothing! 84 00:07:04,882 --> 00:07:09,429 I do believe you've laid a curse on North America. 85 00:07:10,805 --> 00:07:15,435 A curse that we here now rehearse in Philadelphia. 86 00:07:16,394 --> 00:07:18,604 A second flood, a simple famine. 87 00:07:18,688 --> 00:07:20,648 Plagues of locusts everywhere. 88 00:07:20,732 --> 00:07:22,608 Or a cataclysmic earthquake 89 00:07:22,692 --> 00:07:24,610 I'd accept with some despair. 90 00:07:24,694 --> 00:07:28,323 But, no, you've sent us Congress. 91 00:07:28,406 --> 00:07:32,702 Good God, sir, was that fair? 92 00:07:34,203 --> 00:07:37,123 You see, we piddle, twiddle and resolve. 93 00:07:37,206 --> 00:07:39,042 Not one damn thing do we solve. 94 00:07:39,125 --> 00:07:41,210 Piddle, twiddle and resolve. 95 00:07:41,294 --> 00:07:43,046 Nothing's ever solved. 96 00:07:43,129 --> 00:07:46,841 In foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy 97 00:07:46,924 --> 00:07:49,177 Philadelphia. 98 00:07:49,260 --> 00:07:53,014 Someone ought to open up a window. 99 00:07:53,097 --> 00:07:54,557 Oh, good God. 100 00:07:54,640 --> 00:07:56,476 John, John. 101 00:07:56,559 --> 00:08:00,938 Is that you carrying on, John? 102 00:08:01,856 --> 00:08:06,319 Abigail, Abigail, I have such a desire to knock heads together. 103 00:08:06,402 --> 00:08:08,946 Then why in heaven's name do you stay there? 104 00:08:09,030 --> 00:08:12,116 Come home to Boston, John. It's only 300 miles. 105 00:08:12,200 --> 00:08:14,786 If you left tonight, you could be here in only eight days. 106 00:08:14,869 --> 00:08:17,163 How can I do that, Abigail? 107 00:08:17,246 --> 00:08:20,750 I'm no further along now than I was when I first came here. 108 00:08:20,833 --> 00:08:22,794 I know, my dearest. I know. 109 00:08:22,877 --> 00:08:25,838 But that's because you make everything so complicated. 110 00:08:25,922 --> 00:08:27,757 It's all quite simple, really. 111 00:08:28,091 --> 00:08:31,052 Just tell the Congress to declare. 112 00:08:31,135 --> 00:08:34,430 Independency. 113 00:08:34,514 --> 00:08:36,682 Then sign your name get out of there. 114 00:08:36,766 --> 00:08:40,353 And hurry home to me. 115 00:08:40,436 --> 00:08:43,106 Our children all have dysentery. 116 00:08:43,189 --> 00:08:45,316 Little Tom keeps turning blue. 117 00:08:45,400 --> 00:08:47,318 Little Abby has the measles. 118 00:08:47,402 --> 00:08:49,654 And I'm coming down with flu. 119 00:08:49,737 --> 00:08:52,740 They say we may get smallpox. 120 00:08:52,824 --> 00:08:55,451 Madam, what else is new? 121 00:08:58,913 --> 00:09:00,706 Abigail, in my last letter, I wrote you 122 00:09:00,790 --> 00:09:05,461 that the king had collected 12,000 German mercenaries to send against us. 123 00:09:05,545 --> 00:09:10,049 I asked you to organize the ladies to make saltpeter for gunpowder. 124 00:09:10,466 --> 00:09:13,052 - Now, have you done as I asked? - No, John, I have not. 125 00:09:13,136 --> 00:09:14,720 Well, why have you not? 126 00:09:14,804 --> 00:09:17,974 Because you neglected to tell us how saltpeter is made. 127 00:09:18,516 --> 00:09:22,019 By treating sodium nitrate with potassium chloride, of course. 128 00:09:22,103 --> 00:09:23,438 Oh, yes, of course. 129 00:09:23,521 --> 00:09:24,647 Will it be done, then? 130 00:09:24,981 --> 00:09:27,483 John, I'm afraid we have a more urgent problem. 131 00:09:27,567 --> 00:09:29,235 More urgent, madam? 132 00:09:29,610 --> 00:09:33,865 There's one thing every woman's missed in Massachusetts Bay. 133 00:09:35,992 --> 00:09:38,369 Don't smirk at me, you egotist. 134 00:09:38,494 --> 00:09:42,248 Pay heed to what I say. 135 00:09:42,331 --> 00:09:44,709 We've gone from Framingham to Boston. 136 00:09:44,792 --> 00:09:46,669 And we cannot find a pin. 137 00:09:47,336 --> 00:09:51,257 “Don't you know there's a war on” say the tradesmen with a grin. 138 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:55,928 Well, we will not make saltpeter. 139 00:09:56,012 --> 00:10:00,183 Until you send us pins. 140 00:10:00,308 --> 00:10:02,435 Pins, madam? Saltpeter. 141 00:10:02,518 --> 00:10:04,562 - Pins. - Saltpeter. 142 00:10:04,645 --> 00:10:05,897 Pins. 143 00:10:05,980 --> 00:10:07,106 - Saltpeter. - Pins. 144 00:10:07,190 --> 00:10:08,190 - Saltpeter. - Pins. 145 00:10:08,232 --> 00:10:09,275 - 'Peter. - Pins. 146 00:10:09,358 --> 00:10:10,735 - 'Peter. 'Peter. - Pins. Pins. 147 00:10:10,818 --> 00:10:12,028 'Peter! 148 00:10:13,070 --> 00:10:14,197 Pins. 149 00:10:15,907 --> 00:10:17,950 Done, madam, done. 150 00:10:18,034 --> 00:10:19,410 Done, John. 151 00:10:20,620 --> 00:10:22,914 Hurry home, John. 152 00:10:22,997 --> 00:10:24,165 As soon as I'm able. 153 00:10:24,248 --> 00:10:26,125 Don't stop writing. It's all I have. 154 00:10:26,209 --> 00:10:28,377 Every day, my dearest friend. 155 00:10:31,756 --> 00:10:34,008 Till then. 156 00:10:34,091 --> 00:10:36,719 - Till then. - Till then 157 00:10:36,802 --> 00:10:39,972 - I am. - I am. 158 00:10:40,056 --> 00:10:43,476 - As I ever was. - As I ever was. 159 00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:48,189 - And ever shall be. - And ever shall be. 160 00:10:48,272 --> 00:10:50,525 - Yours. - Yours. 161 00:10:50,608 --> 00:10:52,568 - Yours. - Yours. 162 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:55,029 - Yours. - Yours. 163 00:10:55,112 --> 00:10:57,114 - Yours. - Yours. 164 00:10:57,657 --> 00:11:00,826 - Yours. - Yours. 165 00:11:00,910 --> 00:11:03,412 Saltpeter 166 00:11:04,247 --> 00:11:07,083 John. 167 00:11:07,792 --> 00:11:11,003 Pins 168 00:11:11,087 --> 00:11:13,839 Abigail. 169 00:11:16,092 --> 00:11:18,594 For God's sake, John. 170 00:11:18,678 --> 00:11:21,430 Sit down. 171 00:11:35,278 --> 00:11:36,862 Franklin! 172 00:11:39,115 --> 00:11:40,408 Franklin! 173 00:11:42,285 --> 00:11:44,120 Where in hell are you? 174 00:11:45,413 --> 00:11:46,789 Franklin! 175 00:11:46,872 --> 00:11:49,292 I see you hiding behind that tree. 176 00:11:50,001 --> 00:11:51,335 It won't do you any good. 177 00:11:52,545 --> 00:11:55,381 Damn it, this is no time for playing games. 178 00:11:57,091 --> 00:12:00,428 Franklin, I have been looking everywhere for you. 179 00:12:00,511 --> 00:12:02,805 Where in God's name have you been? 180 00:12:02,888 --> 00:12:05,850 Right here, John, being preserved for posterity. 181 00:12:05,933 --> 00:12:07,476 Do you like it? 182 00:12:11,439 --> 00:12:12,857 It stinks. 183 00:12:12,940 --> 00:12:14,525 As ever, the soul of tact. 184 00:12:14,609 --> 00:12:16,110 Well, the man's no Botticelli. 185 00:12:16,193 --> 00:12:18,070 And the subject's no Venus. 186 00:12:18,154 --> 00:12:21,032 Franklin, where were you last night when I needed you? 187 00:12:21,115 --> 00:12:22,955 You should have heard what I suffered in there. 188 00:12:22,992 --> 00:12:26,412 I heard, all right. Along with the rest of Philadelphia. 189 00:12:26,495 --> 00:12:28,247 Lord, your voice is piercing, John. 190 00:12:28,331 --> 00:12:31,125 Well, I wish to heaven my arguments were. 191 00:12:31,667 --> 00:12:34,754 My God, Franklin, when are they going to make up their minds? 192 00:12:34,837 --> 00:12:38,591 With one hand they can raise an army, dispatch one of their own to lead I, 193 00:12:38,674 --> 00:12:40,926 and cheer the news from Bunker's Hill. 194 00:12:41,010 --> 00:12:43,763 And with the other, they wave the olive branch, 195 00:12:43,846 --> 00:12:46,891 begging the king for a happy and permanent reconciliation. 196 00:12:46,974 --> 00:12:49,560 Fat George has declared us in rebellion. 197 00:12:49,644 --> 00:12:51,228 Why in bloody hell can't they? 198 00:12:51,312 --> 00:12:54,857 John, really? You talk as if independence were the rule. 199 00:12:54,940 --> 00:12:56,776 It's never been done before. 200 00:12:56,859 --> 00:12:59,819 No colony has ever broken from the parent stem in the history of the world. 201 00:12:59,862 --> 00:13:02,948 Damn it, Franklin, you make us sound treasonous. 202 00:13:03,032 --> 00:13:04,617 Do I? 203 00:13:04,700 --> 00:13:06,077 Treason, eh? 204 00:13:07,036 --> 00:13:11,457 Treason is a charge invented by winners as an excuse for hanging the losers. 205 00:13:11,874 --> 00:13:14,919 I have more to do than stand here, listening to you quote yourself. 206 00:13:15,044 --> 00:13:17,171 No, that was a new one. 207 00:13:17,254 --> 00:13:19,465 Damn it, Franklin, we're at war. 208 00:13:19,548 --> 00:13:21,467 To defend ourselves, nothing more. 209 00:13:21,550 --> 00:13:24,178 We expressed our displeasure, the English moved against us, 210 00:13:24,261 --> 00:13:25,721 and we in turn have resisted. 211 00:13:25,805 --> 00:13:29,475 Now our fellow congressmen want to effect a reconciliation before it becomes a war. 212 00:13:29,558 --> 00:13:31,227 Reconciliation, my ass. 213 00:13:31,310 --> 00:13:33,312 The people want independence. 214 00:13:33,396 --> 00:13:35,356 The people have read Mr. Paine's Common Sense. 215 00:13:35,439 --> 00:13:37,733 I doubt very much Congress has. 216 00:13:38,192 --> 00:13:39,402 That's true. 217 00:13:39,485 --> 00:13:41,278 John, why don't you give it up? 218 00:13:41,362 --> 00:13:43,823 Nobody listens to you. You're obnoxious and disliked. 219 00:13:45,241 --> 00:13:48,661 I'm not promoting John Adams. I'm promoting independence. 220 00:13:48,744 --> 00:13:50,955 Evidently, they cannot help connecting the two. 221 00:13:51,580 --> 00:13:53,416 Even your own cousin. 222 00:13:53,499 --> 00:13:56,752 And if Sam Adams can't put up with you, nobody can. 223 00:13:57,294 --> 00:13:59,422 You're getting at something. 224 00:14:00,548 --> 00:14:02,383 How can you tell? 225 00:14:02,466 --> 00:14:03,735 All right, out with it, Franklin. 226 00:14:03,759 --> 00:14:06,262 What new intrigue are you cooking up? 227 00:14:06,929 --> 00:14:09,765 Let someone else in Congress propose. 228 00:14:10,641 --> 00:14:11,809 Never! 229 00:14:19,650 --> 00:14:21,944 Why? Who did you have in mind? 230 00:14:22,027 --> 00:14:24,238 I don't know. I really haven't given it much thought. 231 00:14:26,782 --> 00:14:28,492 You sent for me, Benjamin? 232 00:14:29,326 --> 00:14:30,369 Never. 233 00:14:30,453 --> 00:14:33,622 - Hello, Johnny! - Richard. 234 00:14:33,706 --> 00:14:36,125 Johnny and I need some advice. 235 00:14:36,625 --> 00:14:38,627 If it's mine to give, it's yours, you know that. 236 00:14:38,711 --> 00:14:39,962 Thank you, Richard. 237 00:14:40,045 --> 00:14:43,549 As you know, the cause that we support has come to a complete standstill. 238 00:14:43,632 --> 00:14:45,551 - Now why do you suppose that is? - Simple. 239 00:14:45,634 --> 00:14:48,137 - Johnny here is obnoxious and disliked. - That's true. 240 00:14:48,220 --> 00:14:50,723 Now, what's the solution, I wonder? 241 00:14:52,475 --> 00:14:54,977 Get somebody else in Congress to propose. 242 00:14:55,060 --> 00:14:56,687 Richard, that's brilliant. 243 00:14:56,771 --> 00:14:58,689 - Wasn't that brilliant, John? - Brilliant. 244 00:14:58,773 --> 00:15:00,983 Yes. Now the question remains, who can it be? 245 00:15:01,066 --> 00:15:03,360 The man that we need must belong to a delegation 246 00:15:03,444 --> 00:15:05,321 publicly committed to support independence. 247 00:15:05,404 --> 00:15:07,132 And at the present time, only Massachusetts, 248 00:15:07,156 --> 00:15:08,884 New Hampshire and Delaware have declared our way. 249 00:15:08,908 --> 00:15:11,285 And Virginia. Don't forget Virginia, Benjy. 250 00:15:11,368 --> 00:15:12,995 Richard, I haven't. How could I? 251 00:15:13,078 --> 00:15:16,248 But strictly speaking, while Virginia's views on independence are well known, 252 00:15:16,332 --> 00:15:19,376 your legislature in Williamsburg has never formally authorized 253 00:15:19,460 --> 00:15:22,254 its delegation here in Congress to support the cause. 254 00:15:22,379 --> 00:15:26,050 Now, if we could think of a Virginian with enough influence to go down there 255 00:15:26,133 --> 00:15:27,760 and persuade the House of Burgesses... 256 00:15:27,843 --> 00:15:30,846 Damn me if I haven't thought of someone! 257 00:15:30,930 --> 00:15:32,056 - Who? - Who? 258 00:15:32,139 --> 00:15:33,140 Me. 259 00:15:33,224 --> 00:15:34,767 Why didn't I think of that? 260 00:15:34,850 --> 00:15:36,393 I'll leave tonight. 261 00:15:36,477 --> 00:15:39,021 Why, hell, I'll leave right now, if you like. 262 00:15:39,230 --> 00:15:42,107 I'll just stop off in Stratford long enough to refresh the missus, 263 00:15:42,191 --> 00:15:44,652 and then straight to the matter. 264 00:15:44,735 --> 00:15:47,613 Yes, sir. I really have to compliment you on your judgment, Johnny. 265 00:15:47,696 --> 00:15:49,114 Whoa, boy. Steady. 266 00:15:49,198 --> 00:15:51,992 You've come to the one colony that can get the job done. 267 00:15:52,076 --> 00:15:55,287 Virginia, the land that gave us our glorious Commander in Chief, 268 00:15:56,330 --> 00:15:57,498 George Washington, 269 00:15:57,581 --> 00:16:00,918 will now give the continent its proposal on independence. 270 00:16:01,001 --> 00:16:04,129 And when Virginia proposes, the South is bound to follow. 271 00:16:04,213 --> 00:16:07,633 And where the South goes, the middle colonies go. 272 00:16:07,716 --> 00:16:09,760 Gentlemen, a salute. 273 00:16:09,844 --> 00:16:13,514 To Virginia, the mother of American independence. 274 00:16:13,597 --> 00:16:16,892 Incredible. We're free, and he hasn't even left yet. 275 00:16:16,976 --> 00:16:19,562 What makes you so sure you can do it? 276 00:16:20,771 --> 00:16:24,817 My name is Richard Henry Lee Virginia is my home. 277 00:16:24,900 --> 00:16:30,239 My name is Richard Henry Lee Virginia is my home. 278 00:16:30,322 --> 00:16:34,743 And may my horses turn to glue if I can't deliver up to you. 279 00:16:34,827 --> 00:16:38,914 A resolution on independency. 280 00:16:38,998 --> 00:16:41,458 For I am FFV. 281 00:16:41,542 --> 00:16:43,168 The first family. 282 00:16:43,252 --> 00:16:47,256 In the sovereign colony of Virginia. 283 00:16:47,339 --> 00:16:49,717 Yes, the FFV. 284 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:51,594 The oldest family. 285 00:16:51,677 --> 00:16:55,639 In the oldest colony in America. 286 00:16:55,723 --> 00:16:57,933 And may the British burn my land. 287 00:16:58,017 --> 00:16:59,977 If I can't deliver to your hand. 288 00:17:00,060 --> 00:17:03,480 A resolution on independency. 289 00:17:03,564 --> 00:17:06,525 You see, it's here a Lee, there a Lee. 290 00:17:06,609 --> 00:17:08,360 And everywhere a Lee, a Lee. 291 00:17:08,444 --> 00:17:09,528 - Social... - Lee. 292 00:17:09,612 --> 00:17:10,654 - Political... - Lee. 293 00:17:10,738 --> 00:17:11,738 - Financial... - Lee. 294 00:17:11,780 --> 00:17:12,781 - Natural... - Lee. 295 00:17:12,865 --> 00:17:13,866 - Internal... - Lee! 296 00:17:13,949 --> 00:17:14,949 - External... - Lee! 297 00:17:14,992 --> 00:17:15,993 - Fraternal... - Lee! 298 00:17:16,076 --> 00:17:17,076 - Eternal .. - Lee! 299 00:17:17,119 --> 00:17:18,913 - The FFV. - The FFV. 300 00:17:18,996 --> 00:17:20,706 - The first family. - The first family. 301 00:17:20,789 --> 00:17:24,710 - In the sovereign colony of Virginia. - In the sovereign colony of Virginia. 302 00:17:24,793 --> 00:17:27,046 And may my wife refuse my bed. 303 00:17:27,129 --> 00:17:29,006 If I can't deliver as I said. 304 00:17:29,089 --> 00:17:32,968 A resolution on independency. 305 00:17:33,052 --> 00:17:35,804 Spoken modest-Lee. God help us. 306 00:17:35,888 --> 00:17:37,765 He will, John. He will. 307 00:17:37,848 --> 00:17:41,268 They say that God in heaven is everybody's God. 308 00:17:41,352 --> 00:17:42,394 Amen! 309 00:17:42,478 --> 00:17:47,650 I'll admit that God in heaven is everybody's God. 310 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:50,235 But I tell you, John, with pride. 311 00:17:50,319 --> 00:17:53,405 God leans a little on the side of the Lees. 312 00:17:53,489 --> 00:17:56,075 The Lees of old Virginia. 313 00:17:56,158 --> 00:17:58,494 You see, it's here a Lee, there a Lee. 314 00:17:58,577 --> 00:18:00,871 And everywhere a Lee, a Lee. 315 00:18:00,955 --> 00:18:02,706 Here a Lee, there a Lee. 316 00:18:02,790 --> 00:18:04,249 And everywhere a Lee. 317 00:18:04,333 --> 00:18:07,211 Look out! There's Arthur Lee, Bobby Lee. 318 00:18:07,294 --> 00:18:09,338 General Light-horse Harry Lee 319 00:18:09,421 --> 00:18:11,090 Willie Lee, Jesse Lee. 320 00:18:11,173 --> 00:18:13,008 - And Richard H. - That's me! 321 00:18:13,509 --> 00:18:16,845 And may my blood stop running blue. 322 00:18:16,929 --> 00:18:18,681 If I can't deliver up to you. 323 00:18:18,764 --> 00:18:22,267 The resolution on independency. 324 00:18:22,351 --> 00:18:25,562 Yes, sir, my God, it's here a Lee, there a Lee. 325 00:18:25,688 --> 00:18:27,606 Come on, boys, join in with me! 326 00:18:27,690 --> 00:18:29,501 - Here a Lee, there a Lee. - Here a Lee, there a Lee. 327 00:18:29,525 --> 00:18:30,526 When do you leave? 328 00:18:30,609 --> 00:18:31,652 Immediate-Lee! 329 00:18:31,735 --> 00:18:33,672 - Here a Lee, there a Lee. - Here a Lee, there a Lee. 330 00:18:33,696 --> 00:18:34,780 When will you return? 331 00:18:34,863 --> 00:18:35,906 Short-Lee! 332 00:18:35,990 --> 00:18:37,801 - Here a Lee, there a Lee. - Here a Lee, there a Lee. 333 00:18:37,825 --> 00:18:39,827 And I'll come back triumphant-Lee! 334 00:18:39,910 --> 00:18:42,121 Here a Lee, there a Lee. 335 00:18:42,204 --> 00:18:44,039 Everywhere a Lee, a Lee. 336 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:45,958 Forward. 337 00:19:23,328 --> 00:19:25,998 - Excuse me. - Yes? 338 00:19:26,081 --> 00:19:29,835 I'm Dr. Lyman Hall, the new delegate from Georgia. 339 00:19:29,918 --> 00:19:33,297 I'm Andrew McNair, congressional custodian. 340 00:19:33,380 --> 00:19:36,258 If you'll be wanting anything at all, just holler out "McNair" 341 00:19:36,341 --> 00:19:39,928 as all the others do and there won't be too long to wait. 342 00:19:41,096 --> 00:19:43,182 Where does the Georgia delegation belong? 343 00:19:43,265 --> 00:19:47,352 They mill about over there in that corner, near the two Carolinas. 344 00:19:53,108 --> 00:19:55,277 It's after 10:00. 345 00:19:55,360 --> 00:19:57,404 I was told Congress convenes at 10:00. 346 00:19:57,488 --> 00:20:01,617 Well, they'll be wandering in any time now, sir, with Old Grape and Guts 347 00:20:01,700 --> 00:20:03,535 - leading the pack. - Old who? 348 00:20:03,619 --> 00:20:04,995 McNair! 349 00:20:05,078 --> 00:20:06,371 Grape and Guts. 350 00:20:06,955 --> 00:20:08,123 'Nair! 351 00:20:09,249 --> 00:20:10,751 Fetch me a rum. 352 00:20:10,834 --> 00:20:14,922 Mr. Hopkins, you'll be pleased to meet Dr. Lyman Hall. 353 00:20:16,298 --> 00:20:18,175 I don't need a doctor, damn it. 354 00:20:18,258 --> 00:20:20,511 New delegate from Georgia. 355 00:20:20,594 --> 00:20:22,721 Well, why didn't you say so? 356 00:20:23,472 --> 00:20:27,392 I'm Stephen Hopkins, old delegate from Rhode Island. 357 00:20:27,476 --> 00:20:29,019 McNair, fetch two rums. 358 00:20:29,102 --> 00:20:31,730 I fear it's a little early in the day. 359 00:20:33,857 --> 00:20:35,442 Nonsense. 360 00:20:35,526 --> 00:20:39,988 It's a medicinal fact that rum gets a man's heart started in the morning. 361 00:20:41,406 --> 00:20:43,784 I'm surprised you didn't know that. 362 00:20:43,867 --> 00:20:46,328 Speaking as the oldest man in the Congress, I can tell you... 363 00:20:46,411 --> 00:20:49,414 Ben Franklin is older by almost a year. 364 00:20:49,498 --> 00:20:50,707 Rum! 365 00:20:56,421 --> 00:20:57,756 Tell me, Doctor. 366 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:01,051 Where does Georgia stand on the question of independence? 367 00:21:01,134 --> 00:21:03,428 With South Carolina, of course. 368 00:21:04,513 --> 00:21:06,223 Neddy, good morning. 369 00:21:06,306 --> 00:21:09,476 Neddy, come over here and shake the hand of Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia. 370 00:21:09,560 --> 00:21:12,521 Dr. Hall, this here is Edward Rutledge from... 371 00:21:12,604 --> 00:21:16,066 Whichever Carolina he says he's from. God knows I can't keep them straight. 372 00:21:16,149 --> 00:21:18,527 - It's a pleasure, Dr. Hall. - Your servant, Mr. Rutledge. 373 00:21:18,610 --> 00:21:21,446 You've met the long and the short of it now, Doctor. 374 00:21:21,530 --> 00:21:24,241 Neddy here is just a lad. He's the youngest of us. 375 00:21:24,324 --> 00:21:25,951 Except for Ben Franklin. 376 00:21:26,034 --> 00:21:28,328 - McNair! - Your rum! 377 00:21:29,204 --> 00:21:31,832 Well, where did you go for it, man? Jamaica? 378 00:21:32,708 --> 00:21:34,626 Well, now, come along, Dr. Hall. 379 00:21:34,710 --> 00:21:38,755 I know you must be anxious to meet your colleagues from the South. 380 00:21:40,424 --> 00:21:42,551 Doctor, may I present to you Joseph Hewes. 381 00:21:42,634 --> 00:21:45,304 This is Dr. Lyman Hall, the new delegate from Georgia. 382 00:21:45,387 --> 00:21:46,787 An honor and a pleasure, gentlemen. 383 00:21:46,847 --> 00:21:48,724 Where do you stand on independence, Dr. Hall? 384 00:21:49,224 --> 00:21:51,393 I'm here without instructions, Mr. Hewes, 385 00:21:51,476 --> 00:21:54,271 able to vote my own personal convictions. 386 00:21:55,063 --> 00:21:56,523 And they are? 387 00:22:00,611 --> 00:22:01,862 Personal. 388 00:22:03,280 --> 00:22:04,907 Now, Dr. Hall, 389 00:22:05,699 --> 00:22:08,035 the Deep South speaks with one voice. 390 00:22:08,118 --> 00:22:09,494 It's traditional. 391 00:22:09,578 --> 00:22:12,748 Even more, it is historical. 392 00:22:13,665 --> 00:22:15,334 Enter Delaware. 393 00:22:17,502 --> 00:22:18,712 Speak plain, Rutledge. 394 00:22:18,795 --> 00:22:21,673 You know I can't follow a word of your damn French. 395 00:22:21,757 --> 00:22:23,425 It's Latin, Colonel McKean, 396 00:22:23,508 --> 00:22:27,262 a tribute to the eternal peace and harmony of the Delaware delegation. 397 00:22:27,346 --> 00:22:30,182 What are you saying, man? You know perfectly well 398 00:22:30,265 --> 00:22:33,435 that neither Rodney nor I can stand the sight of this louse. 399 00:22:33,518 --> 00:22:34,561 Now, Thomas... 400 00:22:34,645 --> 00:22:35,771 Gentlemen, please. 401 00:22:35,854 --> 00:22:38,982 This is Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia. 402 00:22:39,942 --> 00:22:41,026 Caesar Rodney. 403 00:22:41,109 --> 00:22:42,152 - An honor, sir. - Sir. 404 00:22:42,235 --> 00:22:45,781 George Read and Colonel Thomas McKean. 405 00:22:45,864 --> 00:22:46,984 - Dr. Hall... - Your servant. 406 00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:50,369 I wonder if I might speak to you for a moment in private. 407 00:22:50,452 --> 00:22:51,620 By all means. 408 00:22:54,915 --> 00:22:55,916 McNair! 409 00:22:55,999 --> 00:22:57,542 I'm coming! I'm coming! 410 00:22:57,626 --> 00:22:59,962 Help me. I'm stuck. 411 00:23:03,006 --> 00:23:04,466 Tell me, sir, 412 00:23:05,008 --> 00:23:09,304 would you be a doctor of medicine or theology? 413 00:23:10,013 --> 00:23:12,557 Both, Mr. Rodney. Which one can be of service? 414 00:23:12,641 --> 00:23:15,227 By all means, the physician first. 415 00:23:15,310 --> 00:23:17,771 Then we shall see about the other. 416 00:23:18,897 --> 00:23:21,149 I shall call at your convenience, sir. 417 00:23:30,367 --> 00:23:34,955 I trust, Caesar, when you're through converting the poor fellow to independency 418 00:23:35,038 --> 00:23:38,333 that you'll give the opposition a fair crack at him. 419 00:23:39,376 --> 00:23:41,670 You're too late, John. 420 00:23:41,753 --> 00:23:44,214 Once I get them, they're got. 421 00:23:44,297 --> 00:23:49,261 Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia, Mr. John Dickinson of Pennsylvania. 422 00:23:49,344 --> 00:23:51,930 - An honor, sir. - Your servant, sir. 423 00:23:52,014 --> 00:23:54,182 Tell me, Doctor. 424 00:23:54,266 --> 00:23:56,059 Where do you stand on the question of... 425 00:23:56,351 --> 00:23:57,519 Independence? 426 00:23:58,020 --> 00:23:59,021 Treason. 427 00:24:01,982 --> 00:24:03,191 I've no stomach for it. 428 00:24:03,734 --> 00:24:06,319 Then be careful not to dine with John Adams. 429 00:24:06,403 --> 00:24:07,946 Between the fish and the soufflé, 430 00:24:08,030 --> 00:24:10,741 you'll find yourself hanging from an English rope. 431 00:24:10,824 --> 00:24:12,034 Your servant, sir. 432 00:24:15,537 --> 00:24:19,833 Judge Wilson, forgive me, but how can anyone see you 433 00:24:19,916 --> 00:24:23,879 if you insist on standing in Mr. Dickinson's shadow? 434 00:24:25,088 --> 00:24:29,051 James Wilson, also of Pennsylvania. 435 00:24:29,134 --> 00:24:30,218 Sir. 436 00:24:31,595 --> 00:24:33,096 An honor, sir. 437 00:24:33,930 --> 00:24:36,058 Good morning. Good morning. 438 00:24:38,810 --> 00:24:40,937 Good morning, ladies. Good morning. 439 00:24:41,021 --> 00:24:42,564 Steady, steady. 440 00:24:44,191 --> 00:24:46,902 Make gangway, sir. Make gangway! 441 00:24:46,985 --> 00:24:49,237 Good morning, Mr. Wilson. Good morning. 442 00:24:49,321 --> 00:24:52,324 Watch where you're going, damn it. Over there. 443 00:24:52,699 --> 00:24:55,660 McNair, get me out of this thing. 444 00:24:55,744 --> 00:24:57,871 Watch out for my foot. 445 00:24:57,954 --> 00:24:59,081 Good morning, all. 446 00:24:59,164 --> 00:25:01,124 - Morning, Ben. - Morning, Ben. 447 00:25:01,458 --> 00:25:04,795 Here you are. Two coppers apiece. Now, straight back to jail with you. 448 00:25:04,878 --> 00:25:07,464 - Good morning, Stephen. - All right, Benjamin. 449 00:25:08,548 --> 00:25:09,800 Dear God. 450 00:25:12,511 --> 00:25:13,887 What are you staring at? 451 00:25:13,970 --> 00:25:16,181 Haven't you ever seen a great man before? 452 00:25:16,264 --> 00:25:18,558 Good Lord, sir. Do you have the honor to be Dr. Franklin? 453 00:25:18,642 --> 00:25:22,604 Yes, I have that honor. Unfortunately, the gout accompanies the honor. 454 00:25:22,687 --> 00:25:24,207 Been living too high again, eh, pappy? 455 00:25:24,272 --> 00:25:28,193 Stephen, I only wish King George felt like my big toe all over. 456 00:25:29,986 --> 00:25:33,740 McNair! Fetch a pillow and two more rums. 457 00:25:33,824 --> 00:25:35,259 Well, Franklin, where's that idiot Lee? 458 00:25:35,283 --> 00:25:36,910 Is he back yet? I don't see him. 459 00:25:36,993 --> 00:25:39,746 Softly, John. Your voice is hurting my foot. 460 00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:43,416 One more day, Franklin. That's how long I'll remain silent, not a minute longer. 461 00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:46,044 That strutting popinjay was so damn sure of himself. 462 00:25:46,128 --> 00:25:48,338 He's had time to bring back a dozen proposals by now. 463 00:25:48,421 --> 00:25:49,464 Tell me, James. 464 00:25:49,548 --> 00:25:52,884 How do you explain the strange, monumental quietude 465 00:25:52,968 --> 00:25:55,470 that Congress has been treated to these past 30 days? 466 00:25:55,554 --> 00:25:59,182 Has the ill wind of independence finally blown itself out? 467 00:26:00,058 --> 00:26:01,893 Well, if you ask me... 468 00:26:01,977 --> 00:26:05,647 For myself, I must confess that a month free from New England noise 469 00:26:05,730 --> 00:26:07,691 is more therapeutic than a month in the country. 470 00:26:07,774 --> 00:26:09,401 Don't you agree, James? 471 00:26:09,484 --> 00:26:10,610 Well, I feel... 472 00:26:10,694 --> 00:26:12,737 Mr. Adams, pray look for your voice, sir. 473 00:26:12,821 --> 00:26:17,492 It cannot be far, and God knows we need the entertainment in Congress. 474 00:26:21,705 --> 00:26:22,914 Congratulations, John. 475 00:26:22,998 --> 00:26:25,017 You just made your greatest contribution to independence. 476 00:26:25,041 --> 00:26:26,334 You kept your flap shut. 477 00:26:26,418 --> 00:26:27,836 One more day, Franklin. 478 00:26:27,919 --> 00:26:30,172 Then I shall do the proposing. 479 00:26:31,506 --> 00:26:35,218 Gentlemen, the usual morning festivities concluded, 480 00:26:35,302 --> 00:26:37,721 I will now call Congress to order. 481 00:26:38,138 --> 00:26:39,639 Mr. Thomson. 482 00:26:43,226 --> 00:26:46,855 The Second Continental Congress meeting in the city of Philadelphia is now in session. 483 00:26:46,938 --> 00:26:50,483 7 June, 1776, the 380th meeting. 484 00:26:50,567 --> 00:26:52,194 Sweet Jesus! 485 00:26:54,029 --> 00:26:57,365 The Honorable John Hancock of Massachusetts Bay, president. 486 00:26:59,409 --> 00:27:02,287 Thank you, Mr. Thomson. Mr. McNair. 487 00:27:02,370 --> 00:27:05,707 The stores of rum and other drinking spirits are hereby closed 488 00:27:05,790 --> 00:27:09,294 to the colony of Rhode Island for a period of three days. 489 00:27:09,377 --> 00:27:10,754 Yes, sir. 490 00:27:10,837 --> 00:27:12,631 Johnny, you can't do that. 491 00:27:12,714 --> 00:27:16,009 Sit down, Mr. Hopkins. You've abused the privilege. 492 00:27:18,511 --> 00:27:20,388 The chair would like to take this opportunity 493 00:27:20,472 --> 00:27:23,433 to welcome Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia to this Congress, 494 00:27:23,516 --> 00:27:25,518 and hopes he will make the best of it. 495 00:27:28,730 --> 00:27:30,607 My God, it's hot. 496 00:27:31,608 --> 00:27:33,818 The secretary will read the roll. 497 00:27:33,902 --> 00:27:36,154 All members present with the following exceptions. 498 00:27:36,696 --> 00:27:39,491 "Mr. Paine, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Samuel Adams of Massachusetts, 499 00:27:39,574 --> 00:27:41,243 "Mr. Morton of Pennsylvania, 500 00:27:41,368 --> 00:27:43,578 "Mr. Wythe and Mr. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia." 501 00:27:44,079 --> 00:27:46,831 And the entire delegation of New Jersey. 502 00:27:47,249 --> 00:27:49,084 I'm concerned over the continual absence 503 00:27:49,167 --> 00:27:52,295 of one-thirteenth of this Congress. Where is New Jersey? 504 00:27:52,712 --> 00:27:55,590 Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania. 505 00:27:59,094 --> 00:28:00,845 Thank you very much. 506 00:28:01,596 --> 00:28:05,392 Dr. Franklin, have you heard anything? Your son resides there. 507 00:28:05,475 --> 00:28:06,726 Son, sir? What son? 508 00:28:07,686 --> 00:28:10,313 The royal governor of New Jersey, sir. 509 00:28:11,022 --> 00:28:13,024 As that title might suggest, sir, 510 00:28:13,108 --> 00:28:15,443 we are not in touch at the present time. 511 00:28:15,860 --> 00:28:17,696 Yes. Well... 512 00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:20,198 Now for the weather report, 513 00:28:20,282 --> 00:28:22,284 Mr. Jefferson of Virginia. 514 00:28:24,577 --> 00:28:25,578 Mr. Jefferson! 515 00:28:26,663 --> 00:28:27,789 Present, sir. 516 00:28:28,331 --> 00:28:29,958 May we hear about the weather? 517 00:28:30,250 --> 00:28:32,836 As if it weren't speaking for itself. 518 00:28:34,462 --> 00:28:37,048 Eighty-seven degrees of temperature, 519 00:28:37,132 --> 00:28:40,135 thirty-point-aught-six inches of mercury. 520 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:41,970 Wind... 521 00:28:43,013 --> 00:28:45,348 From the southwest for the rest of the day. 522 00:28:45,432 --> 00:28:46,891 And tonight... 523 00:28:46,975 --> 00:28:49,227 Tonight I'm leaving for home. 524 00:28:49,311 --> 00:28:50,770 On business? 525 00:28:50,854 --> 00:28:51,938 Family business. 526 00:28:52,188 --> 00:28:54,774 Give her a flourish for me, young feller. 527 00:29:22,510 --> 00:29:25,138 "From the Commander, army of the United Colonies to New York, 528 00:29:25,221 --> 00:29:27,599 "dispatch number 1,137." 529 00:29:27,682 --> 00:29:29,851 Sweet Jesus! 530 00:29:30,352 --> 00:29:31,996 "To the Honorable Congress, John Hancock, president. 531 00:29:32,020 --> 00:29:35,774 "Dear sir, it is with grave apprehension that I have learned this day 532 00:29:35,857 --> 00:29:37,984 "of the sailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, 533 00:29:38,068 --> 00:29:41,488 "of a considerable force of British troops in the company of foreign mercenaries 534 00:29:41,571 --> 00:29:44,157 "and under the command of General Sir William Howe." 535 00:29:44,240 --> 00:29:46,701 "There can be no doubt that their destination is New York, 536 00:29:46,785 --> 00:29:49,954 "“for to take and hold this city and the Hudson Valley beyond 537 00:29:50,038 --> 00:29:52,874 "would serve to separate New England from the rest of the colonies, 538 00:29:52,957 --> 00:29:56,002 "permitting both sections to be crushed in turn. 539 00:29:56,086 --> 00:29:58,671 "Sadly, I see no way of stopping them at the present time, 540 00:29:58,755 --> 00:30:01,132 "as my army is absolutely falling apart. 541 00:30:01,216 --> 00:30:03,218 "My military chest is totally exhausted. 542 00:30:03,301 --> 00:30:06,554 "My commissary general has strained his credit to the last. 543 00:30:06,638 --> 00:30:10,225 "My quartermaster has no food, no arms, No ammunition, 544 00:30:10,350 --> 00:30:13,269 "and my troops are in a state of near mutiny. 545 00:30:13,353 --> 00:30:18,233 "I pray God some relief arrives before the armada, but fear it will not. 546 00:30:18,316 --> 00:30:19,859 "Your obedient, 547 00:30:21,236 --> 00:30:22,654 "G. Washington." 548 00:30:23,446 --> 00:30:24,989 Mr. President! 549 00:30:25,073 --> 00:30:26,074 Colonel McKean. 550 00:30:26,157 --> 00:30:28,743 Surely we have managed to promote 551 00:30:28,827 --> 00:30:32,956 the gloomiest man on this continent to the head of our troops. 552 00:30:33,039 --> 00:30:37,335 Those dispatches are the most depressing accumulation 553 00:30:37,419 --> 00:30:42,715 of disaster, doom and despair in the entire annals of military history. 554 00:30:43,425 --> 00:30:45,510 Colonel McKean, please! 555 00:30:45,593 --> 00:30:46,594 What? 556 00:30:47,595 --> 00:30:49,097 It's too hot. 557 00:30:50,306 --> 00:30:52,058 Well, I suppose so. 558 00:30:52,934 --> 00:30:57,147 General Washington will continue wording his dispatches as he sees fit. 559 00:30:57,230 --> 00:30:59,190 And I'm sure we all pray 560 00:30:59,274 --> 00:31:03,194 he finds happier thoughts to convey in the near future. 561 00:31:04,529 --> 00:31:06,364 Mr. Thomson, are there any resolutions? 562 00:31:06,781 --> 00:31:08,950 Dr. Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire. 563 00:31:10,243 --> 00:31:13,413 "Resolved, that for the duration of the present hostilities, 564 00:31:13,496 --> 00:31:16,875 "the Congress discourage every type of extravagance and dissipation, 565 00:31:16,958 --> 00:31:19,586 "elaborate funerals and other expensive diversions, 566 00:31:19,669 --> 00:31:22,589 "especially all horse racing, gambling, 567 00:31:22,672 --> 00:31:25,341 "and other forms of sinful activity, which..." 568 00:31:25,425 --> 00:31:26,885 Fire wagon! 569 00:31:44,068 --> 00:31:45,653 Where's the fire? Can anybody tell? 570 00:31:45,737 --> 00:31:48,377 - Looks like the Pemberton House. - It couldn't be. It's brand new. 571 00:31:48,448 --> 00:31:51,826 - It might be the city tavern. - Bite your tongue, man. 572 00:32:01,169 --> 00:32:02,545 Benjy, I'm back! 573 00:32:03,171 --> 00:32:06,257 - I'm back, Johnny! - Richard, lad, welcome back. 574 00:32:10,136 --> 00:32:11,137 Lee, is it done? 575 00:32:11,221 --> 00:32:13,014 First things first. Tom! 576 00:32:13,097 --> 00:32:17,477 Tom! Tom, your little bride wants to know, "When's he coming home?" 577 00:32:17,560 --> 00:32:18,645 I leave tonight. 578 00:32:18,728 --> 00:32:20,271 Never mind that, man. Is it done? 579 00:32:20,355 --> 00:32:22,524 Done? Why, certain-Lee. 580 00:32:23,358 --> 00:32:27,111 Mr. President, I have returned from Virginia with the following resolution, 581 00:32:27,195 --> 00:32:30,740 "Resolved, that these united colonies are, and of a right ought to be, 582 00:32:30,823 --> 00:32:32,283 "free and independent states, 583 00:32:32,367 --> 00:32:35,078 “that they are absolved from allegiance to the British Crown, 584 00:32:35,161 --> 00:32:38,540 "and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, 585 00:32:38,623 --> 00:32:41,292 "and ought to be, totally dissolved." 586 00:32:41,376 --> 00:32:42,544 Hear, hear! 587 00:32:42,627 --> 00:32:45,421 Mr. President, I second the proposal. 588 00:32:45,505 --> 00:32:47,382 The resolution has been proposed and seconded. 589 00:32:47,465 --> 00:32:50,009 The chair will now entertain debate. 590 00:32:50,927 --> 00:32:52,554 - Mr. Dickinson. - Mr. President. 591 00:32:52,845 --> 00:32:54,973 Pennsylvania moves, as always, 592 00:32:55,056 --> 00:32:59,185 that the question of independence be postponed indefinitely. 593 00:32:59,269 --> 00:33:01,062 I second the motion. 594 00:33:01,521 --> 00:33:02,981 Judge Wilson, 595 00:33:03,565 --> 00:33:06,317 in your eagerness to be loved, you seem to have forgotten 596 00:33:06,401 --> 00:33:09,362 that Pennsylvania cannot second its own motion. 597 00:33:10,780 --> 00:33:12,490 Delaware seconds. 598 00:33:12,574 --> 00:33:14,867 You would, you lousy wart. 599 00:33:15,410 --> 00:33:18,580 The motion to postpone has been moved and seconded. 600 00:33:18,663 --> 00:33:20,081 Mr. Thomson. 601 00:33:21,583 --> 00:33:23,376 On the motion to postpone indefinitely 602 00:33:23,459 --> 00:33:26,296 the resolution on independency or proceed with the debate, 603 00:33:26,379 --> 00:33:28,047 all those in favor of debate say "yea," 604 00:33:28,131 --> 00:33:29,674 all those for postponement say "nay." 605 00:33:29,757 --> 00:33:30,842 New Hampshire? 606 00:33:31,759 --> 00:33:33,970 New Hampshire favors debate, and says yea. 607 00:33:36,264 --> 00:33:38,433 New Hampshire says yea. Massachusetts? 608 00:33:39,017 --> 00:33:43,521 Massachusetts, having borne the brunt of the King's tyranny... 609 00:33:43,605 --> 00:33:45,607 Yes, I said tyranny! 610 00:33:46,357 --> 00:33:49,360 Massachusetts now, and for all time, says yea. 611 00:33:50,945 --> 00:33:52,780 Massachusetts says yea. 612 00:33:53,114 --> 00:33:54,616 Rhode Island? 613 00:33:55,617 --> 00:33:57,035 Mr. Hopkins? 614 00:33:57,785 --> 00:33:59,162 Where's Rhode Island? 615 00:33:59,245 --> 00:34:02,206 Rhode Island is out visiting the necessary. 616 00:34:02,498 --> 00:34:05,835 After what Rhode Island's consumed, I can't say I'm surprised. 617 00:34:05,918 --> 00:34:07,837 We'll come back to him, Mr. Thomson. 618 00:34:07,920 --> 00:34:09,672 Rhode Island passes. 619 00:34:14,427 --> 00:34:15,553 Connecticut? 620 00:34:17,639 --> 00:34:20,224 While Connecticut has, till now, 621 00:34:20,308 --> 00:34:22,560 been against this proposal, 622 00:34:23,144 --> 00:34:25,605 our legislature has instructed me that in the event 623 00:34:25,688 --> 00:34:28,900 it is introduced by any colony outside of New England, 624 00:34:28,983 --> 00:34:32,362 we could not any longer withhold our support. Connecticut says yea. 625 00:34:32,445 --> 00:34:33,571 Hear! Hear! 626 00:34:33,655 --> 00:34:35,990 Connecticut says yea. New York? 627 00:34:37,492 --> 00:34:39,911 New York abstains courteously. 628 00:34:40,161 --> 00:34:41,663 New York abstains. 629 00:34:41,746 --> 00:34:42,789 Courteously. 630 00:34:44,999 --> 00:34:46,084 New Jersey? 631 00:34:46,167 --> 00:34:47,585 Absent, Mr. Secretary. 632 00:34:49,671 --> 00:34:51,547 New Jersey's absent. Pennsylvania? 633 00:34:52,340 --> 00:34:55,885 Pennsylvania, for the 24th time, says nay. 634 00:34:55,968 --> 00:34:58,137 Pennsylvania says nay. Delaware? 635 00:34:59,180 --> 00:35:03,935 Delaware, as ever for independence, says yea. 636 00:35:04,018 --> 00:35:06,437 Delaware says yea. Maryland? 637 00:35:07,355 --> 00:35:10,733 Maryland would welcome independence if it were given, 638 00:35:10,817 --> 00:35:14,028 but is highly skeptical that it can be taken. 639 00:35:14,112 --> 00:35:15,780 Maryland says nay. 640 00:35:17,573 --> 00:35:19,784 Maryland says nay. Virginia? 641 00:35:19,867 --> 00:35:22,620 Virginia, the first colony, says yea! 642 00:35:25,957 --> 00:35:28,292 Virginia says yea. North Carolina? 643 00:35:28,376 --> 00:35:32,672 North Carolina respectfully yields to South Carolina. 644 00:35:32,755 --> 00:35:33,798 South Carolina? 645 00:35:33,881 --> 00:35:35,383 Mr. President, 646 00:35:35,967 --> 00:35:39,512 although we of South Carolina have never seriously considered 647 00:35:39,595 --> 00:35:41,806 the question of independence, 648 00:35:41,889 --> 00:35:45,727 when a gentleman proposes I, attention must be paid. 649 00:35:47,353 --> 00:35:50,940 However, we in the Deep South, 650 00:35:51,023 --> 00:35:52,984 unlike our friends in New England, 651 00:35:53,067 --> 00:35:56,696 have no cause for impatience at the present time. 652 00:35:57,822 --> 00:36:01,159 If at some future date it becomes the wish of all our sister colonies, 653 00:36:01,242 --> 00:36:05,163 to effect a separation, we will not stand in the way. 654 00:36:05,246 --> 00:36:07,081 But for the time being, 655 00:36:07,165 --> 00:36:10,376 South Carolina will wait and watch. 656 00:36:11,377 --> 00:36:12,962 The vote is nay. 657 00:36:15,256 --> 00:36:16,299 North Carolina... 658 00:36:16,382 --> 00:36:18,718 Says nay. Yes, Mr. Hewes. I know. 659 00:36:21,345 --> 00:36:22,388 Georgia. 660 00:36:25,808 --> 00:36:27,059 Georgia. 661 00:36:28,644 --> 00:36:33,524 Mr. President, Georgia seems to be split right down the middle on this issue. 662 00:36:33,608 --> 00:36:36,444 The people are against it, and I'm for it. 663 00:36:38,905 --> 00:36:42,158 However, I'm afraid I'm not quite certain 664 00:36:42,241 --> 00:36:46,370 whether representing the people means relying on their judgment or on my own. 665 00:36:46,454 --> 00:36:51,167 In all fairness, until I can figure that out, I'd better lean a little on their side. 666 00:36:51,250 --> 00:36:52,460 Georgia says nay. 667 00:36:57,131 --> 00:36:59,217 Georgia says nay. 668 00:36:59,300 --> 00:37:00,843 Rhode Island? 669 00:37:02,762 --> 00:37:05,181 Second call, Rhode Island! 670 00:37:05,807 --> 00:37:07,517 Rhode Island! 671 00:37:07,767 --> 00:37:10,228 I'm coming! I'm coming! 672 00:37:10,478 --> 00:37:12,605 Hold your damn horses. 673 00:37:12,688 --> 00:37:16,234 - We're waiting on you, Mr. Hopkins. - Well, it won't kill you. 674 00:37:16,317 --> 00:37:19,737 You'd think the Congress would have its own pisser. 675 00:37:19,821 --> 00:37:21,322 All right, where does she stand? 676 00:37:21,405 --> 00:37:24,826 Five for debate, five for postponement, one abstention and one absence. 677 00:37:24,909 --> 00:37:26,577 So it's up to me, huh? 678 00:37:26,661 --> 00:37:28,162 Well, I'll tell you. 679 00:37:28,246 --> 00:37:32,291 In all my years, I never seen, heard nor smelled an issue 680 00:37:32,375 --> 00:37:35,002 that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about. 681 00:37:35,127 --> 00:37:38,130 Hell, yes! I'm for debating anything. Rhode Island says yea. 682 00:37:40,299 --> 00:37:43,553 - McNair, get Mr. Hopkins a rum. - But you said... 683 00:37:43,636 --> 00:37:46,472 Get him the whole damn barrel if he wants. 684 00:37:47,682 --> 00:37:50,101 The chair now declares this Congress a committee of the whole 685 00:37:50,184 --> 00:37:53,604 for the purpose of debating Virginia's resolution on independence. 686 00:37:53,688 --> 00:37:55,189 Mr. Dickinson. 687 00:37:57,066 --> 00:38:02,029 Well, now, you've got your way at last, Mr. Adams. 688 00:38:02,405 --> 00:38:04,740 The matter may now be discussed. 689 00:38:05,575 --> 00:38:08,035 I confess I'm almost relieved. 690 00:38:08,703 --> 00:38:12,206 There's a question I've been fairly itching to ask you. 691 00:38:14,584 --> 00:38:15,668 Why? 692 00:38:15,751 --> 00:38:17,962 Why what, Mr. Dickinson? 693 00:38:18,045 --> 00:38:20,715 Well, why independence, Mr. Adams? 694 00:38:21,215 --> 00:38:24,135 Well, for the obvious reason that our continued association 695 00:38:24,218 --> 00:38:27,096 with Great Britain has grown intolerable. 696 00:38:27,179 --> 00:38:29,724 Well, to whom, Mr. Adams? To you? 697 00:38:30,683 --> 00:38:33,644 Well, then I suggest you sever your ties immediately. 698 00:38:33,728 --> 00:38:38,941 But please be kind enough to leave the rest of us where we are. 699 00:38:39,734 --> 00:38:41,736 For myself, I have no objection at all 700 00:38:41,819 --> 00:38:44,530 to being part of the greatest empire on Earth, 701 00:38:44,614 --> 00:38:47,575 to enjoying its protection and sharing its benefits. 702 00:38:47,658 --> 00:38:48,910 Benefits? 703 00:38:50,119 --> 00:38:51,579 What benefits? 704 00:38:52,246 --> 00:38:55,458 Crippling taxes? Cruel repressions? 705 00:38:55,541 --> 00:38:57,168 Abolished rights? 706 00:38:58,920 --> 00:39:02,840 Is that all England means to you, sir? 707 00:39:04,967 --> 00:39:08,179 Is that all the pride and affection you can muster 708 00:39:08,262 --> 00:39:10,681 for the nation that bore you? 709 00:39:10,765 --> 00:39:14,518 For the noblest, most civilized nation on the face of this planet? 710 00:39:14,602 --> 00:39:18,230 Well, would you have us forsake Hastings and Magna Carta, 711 00:39:18,314 --> 00:39:21,901 Strongbow and Lionheart, Drake and Marlborough, 712 00:39:21,984 --> 00:39:23,986 Tudors, Stuarts and Plantagenets? 713 00:39:24,070 --> 00:39:25,696 For what, sir? 714 00:39:25,780 --> 00:39:27,782 Well, tell me. For what? 715 00:39:31,035 --> 00:39:32,286 For you? 716 00:39:35,790 --> 00:39:39,919 Some men are patriots, like General Washington, 717 00:39:40,002 --> 00:39:42,213 and some are anarchists, like Mr. Paine. 718 00:39:42,296 --> 00:39:45,049 Some even are internationalists, like Dr. Franklin. 719 00:39:45,132 --> 00:39:47,677 But you, sir... 720 00:39:49,303 --> 00:39:52,056 You are merely an agitator, 721 00:39:52,139 --> 00:39:53,557 disturbing the peace, 722 00:39:53,641 --> 00:39:56,102 creating disorder, endangering the public welfare. 723 00:39:56,185 --> 00:39:57,561 And for what? 724 00:39:57,645 --> 00:39:59,939 Your petty little personal complaints. 725 00:40:00,022 --> 00:40:02,066 Your taxes are too high. 726 00:40:03,693 --> 00:40:07,446 Well, sir, so are mine. 727 00:40:10,282 --> 00:40:12,493 Come, come, Mr. Adams. 728 00:40:13,119 --> 00:40:16,497 If you have grievances, and I'm sure you have, 729 00:40:16,580 --> 00:40:20,084 our present system must provide a gentler means of redressing them 730 00:40:20,167 --> 00:40:22,169 short of revolution. 731 00:40:23,087 --> 00:40:25,256 Yes, that's what he wants. 732 00:40:25,339 --> 00:40:27,258 Nothing less will satisfy him. 733 00:40:27,341 --> 00:40:30,136 Violence, rebellion, treason. 734 00:40:32,638 --> 00:40:34,682 Now, Mr. Adams, 735 00:40:35,850 --> 00:40:39,020 are these the acts of Englishmen? 736 00:40:39,103 --> 00:40:41,647 Not Englishmen, Dickinson. Americans. 737 00:40:41,731 --> 00:40:43,691 No, sir. Englishmen! 738 00:40:44,483 --> 00:40:46,444 Please, Mr. Dickinson, must you start banging? 739 00:40:46,527 --> 00:40:47,778 How is a man to sleep? 740 00:40:49,363 --> 00:40:52,825 Forgive me, Dr. Franklin, but must you start speaking? 741 00:40:52,908 --> 00:40:55,036 How is a man to stay awake? 742 00:40:56,537 --> 00:40:58,622 We'll promise to be quiet, sir. 743 00:40:58,706 --> 00:41:01,917 I'm sure everyone prefers that you remain asleep. 744 00:41:02,251 --> 00:41:04,336 If I'm to hear myself called an Englishman, sir, 745 00:41:04,420 --> 00:41:06,422 I assure you I prefer I'd remained asleep. 746 00:41:07,715 --> 00:41:10,301 Now, what's so terrible about being called an Englishman? 747 00:41:10,384 --> 00:41:11,927 The English don't seem to mind. 748 00:41:12,261 --> 00:41:15,639 Nor would I, were I given the full rights of an Englishman. 749 00:41:15,723 --> 00:41:19,685 But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull. 750 00:41:19,769 --> 00:41:23,314 He's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his. 751 00:41:29,945 --> 00:41:32,740 When did you first notice they were missing, sir? 752 00:41:38,412 --> 00:41:41,248 Fortunately, the people of these colonies 753 00:41:41,332 --> 00:41:43,959 maintain a higher regard for their mother country. 754 00:41:44,919 --> 00:41:47,838 Higher, certainly, than she feels for them. 755 00:41:47,922 --> 00:41:52,134 Never was such a valuable possession so stupidly and so recklessly managed 756 00:41:52,218 --> 00:41:55,137 than this entire continent by the British Crown. 757 00:41:55,221 --> 00:41:58,390 Our industry discouraged, our resources pillaged. 758 00:41:59,642 --> 00:42:02,436 Worst of all, our very character stifled. 759 00:42:03,104 --> 00:42:05,356 We've spawned a new race here, Mr. Dickinson. 760 00:42:05,439 --> 00:42:06,774 Rougher, simpler, 761 00:42:06,857 --> 00:42:09,485 more violent, more enterprising, 762 00:42:09,568 --> 00:42:11,028 less refined. 763 00:42:11,654 --> 00:42:13,405 We're a new nationality. 764 00:42:13,489 --> 00:42:15,616 We require a new nation. 765 00:42:18,911 --> 00:42:19,995 Well, 766 00:42:20,788 --> 00:42:23,249 that may be your opinion, Dr. Franklin, 767 00:42:23,332 --> 00:42:28,796 but, as I said, the people feel quite differently. 768 00:42:28,879 --> 00:42:32,258 Now, what do you know about the people, Dickinson? 769 00:42:32,341 --> 00:42:35,928 You don't speak for the people. You represent only yourself. 770 00:42:36,011 --> 00:42:38,097 And that precious status quo 771 00:42:38,180 --> 00:42:41,559 you keep imploring the people to preserve for their own good 772 00:42:41,642 --> 00:42:45,771 is nothing more than the eternal preservation of your own property. 773 00:42:47,314 --> 00:42:50,067 Mr. Adams, you have an annoying talent 774 00:42:50,151 --> 00:42:52,236 for making such delightful words 775 00:42:52,319 --> 00:42:55,531 as "property" sound quite distasteful. 776 00:42:55,614 --> 00:42:58,534 In heaven's name, what's wrong with property? 777 00:42:59,243 --> 00:43:02,371 Perhaps you've forgotten that many of us first came to these shores 778 00:43:02,454 --> 00:43:05,082 in order to secure rights to property, 779 00:43:05,166 --> 00:43:09,420 and that we hold these rights no less dear than the rights you speak of. 780 00:43:09,503 --> 00:43:13,966 Yes. So safe, so fat, so comfortable in Pennsylvania. 781 00:43:14,049 --> 00:43:16,427 And what is this independence of yours 782 00:43:16,510 --> 00:43:19,221 except the private grievance of Massachusetts? 783 00:43:19,305 --> 00:43:22,016 Why is it always Boston that breaks the King's peace? 784 00:43:22,099 --> 00:43:26,478 My dear Congress, you must not adopt this evil measure. 785 00:43:26,562 --> 00:43:28,772 It is the work of the devil. 786 00:43:28,856 --> 00:43:31,192 Leave it where it belongs. 787 00:43:32,026 --> 00:43:33,444 In New England. 788 00:43:33,527 --> 00:43:37,198 Brother Dickinson, New England has been fighting the devil for more than 100 years. 789 00:43:37,740 --> 00:43:42,453 And as of now, Brother Sherman, the devil has been winning hands down. 790 00:43:43,120 --> 00:43:46,457 Why, at this very moment, he's sitting right here in this Congress. 791 00:43:46,540 --> 00:43:50,377 Don't let him deceive you. This proposal is entirely his doing. 792 00:43:50,461 --> 00:43:52,129 It may bear Virginia's name, 793 00:43:52,213 --> 00:43:56,133 but it reeks of Adams, Adams and more Adams. 794 00:43:56,217 --> 00:44:01,513 Look at him. Ready to lead this continent down the fiery path of total destruction. 795 00:44:01,597 --> 00:44:05,726 Good God! Why can't you acknowledge what already exists? 796 00:44:05,809 --> 00:44:09,313 It has been more than a year since Concord and Lexington. 797 00:44:09,396 --> 00:44:11,690 Damn it, man, we're at war, right now! 798 00:44:11,774 --> 00:44:15,027 You may be at war. You, Boston and John Adams. 799 00:44:15,110 --> 00:44:17,738 But you will never speak for Pennsylvania. 800 00:44:17,821 --> 00:44:18,864 Nor for Delaware. 801 00:44:18,948 --> 00:44:23,327 Mr. Read, you represent only one-third of Delaware. 802 00:44:23,410 --> 00:44:25,496 The sensible third, Mr. Rodney. 803 00:44:25,579 --> 00:44:28,749 Sit down, you scurvy dog, or I'll knock you down. 804 00:44:29,583 --> 00:44:31,001 Sit down, all three of you! 805 00:44:31,085 --> 00:44:33,087 McNair, do something about that damn dog! 806 00:44:33,170 --> 00:44:34,672 And here, fetch me a rum. 807 00:44:34,755 --> 00:44:36,840 - Get that dog first! - Rum, rum! 808 00:44:36,924 --> 00:44:38,717 I only got two hands. 809 00:44:43,555 --> 00:44:45,266 Christ, it's hot! 810 00:44:57,653 --> 00:44:59,697 Please do go on, gentlemen. 811 00:44:59,780 --> 00:45:02,074 You're making the only breeze in Philadelphia. 812 00:45:03,826 --> 00:45:05,160 Mr. Adams, 813 00:45:05,828 --> 00:45:08,747 perhaps you could clear up something for me? 814 00:45:09,415 --> 00:45:11,542 After we have achieved independence, 815 00:45:11,625 --> 00:45:14,295 who do you propose would govern in South Carolina? 816 00:45:16,088 --> 00:45:17,631 The people, of course. 817 00:45:18,173 --> 00:45:21,010 Which people, sir? The people of South Carolina 818 00:45:21,135 --> 00:45:23,429 or the people of Massachusetts? 819 00:45:23,762 --> 00:45:25,264 Why don't you admit it, Neddy? 820 00:45:25,347 --> 00:45:28,267 You're against independence now and you always will be. 821 00:45:28,350 --> 00:45:29,643 Aye. 822 00:45:31,770 --> 00:45:35,357 Gentlemen, you refuse to understand us. 823 00:45:35,441 --> 00:45:38,193 We desire independence. Yes. 824 00:45:39,153 --> 00:45:41,864 For South Carolina. That is our country. 825 00:45:43,157 --> 00:45:46,243 And as such, we don't wish to belong to anyone. 826 00:45:46,327 --> 00:45:48,996 Not to England and not to you. 827 00:45:50,164 --> 00:45:52,791 We intend to have one nation, Rutledge. 828 00:45:52,875 --> 00:45:56,086 A nation of sovereign states, Mr. Adams. 829 00:45:56,170 --> 00:46:01,759 United for our mutual protection, but separate for our individual pursuits. 830 00:46:01,842 --> 00:46:04,803 Now, that is what we have understood it to be, 831 00:46:04,887 --> 00:46:07,681 and that is what we will support. 832 00:46:09,183 --> 00:46:11,685 As soon as everyone supports it. 833 00:46:15,689 --> 00:46:18,025 Well, there you are, Mr. Adams. 834 00:46:18,817 --> 00:46:21,111 You must see that we need time. 835 00:46:21,612 --> 00:46:26,658 Time to make certain who we are and where we stand in regard to one another. 836 00:46:26,742 --> 00:46:30,704 For if we do not determine the nature of the beast before we set it free, 837 00:46:30,788 --> 00:46:33,457 it will end by consuming us all. 838 00:46:33,540 --> 00:46:35,751 For once in your life, Wilson, 839 00:46:36,710 --> 00:46:38,212 take a chance. 840 00:46:39,838 --> 00:46:41,715 I say the time is now. 841 00:46:42,883 --> 00:46:44,843 It may never come again. 842 00:46:45,594 --> 00:46:49,348 Your clock is fast, Mr. Adams. I say we're not yet ripe for independence. 843 00:46:49,556 --> 00:46:52,768 Not ripe? Hell, we're rotting for want of it. 844 00:46:53,352 --> 00:46:57,231 Gentlemen, please, what in God's name is the infernal hurry? 845 00:46:57,314 --> 00:46:59,316 Why must this question be settled now? 846 00:46:59,400 --> 00:47:01,652 What's wrong with now, Mr. Chase? 847 00:47:01,902 --> 00:47:04,113 General Washington is in the field. 848 00:47:04,196 --> 00:47:08,325 If he's defeated, as it now appears, we'll be inviting the hangman. 849 00:47:08,409 --> 00:47:12,496 But if, by some miracle, he should actually win, 850 00:47:12,579 --> 00:47:15,290 we can then declare anything we damn please. 851 00:47:15,374 --> 00:47:18,210 The sentiments of North Carolina precisely. 852 00:47:18,919 --> 00:47:21,046 Has it ever occurred to either of you 853 00:47:21,130 --> 00:47:25,592 that an army needs something to fight for in order to win? 854 00:47:25,759 --> 00:47:29,179 A purpose? A goal? A flag of its own? 855 00:47:29,638 --> 00:47:30,973 Mr. Adams, 856 00:47:31,890 --> 00:47:37,229 how can a nation of only 2 million souls stand up to an empire of 10 million? 857 00:47:37,312 --> 00:47:38,730 Think of it. 10 million. 858 00:47:38,814 --> 00:47:41,150 How do we compensate for that shortage? 859 00:47:41,233 --> 00:47:43,944 It's simple, Mr. Chase. Increase and multiply. 860 00:47:44,027 --> 00:47:45,404 How's that? 861 00:47:46,738 --> 00:47:49,533 We will more than compensate with spirit. 862 00:47:49,908 --> 00:47:52,703 I tell you, there is a spirit out there among the people 863 00:47:52,786 --> 00:47:54,872 that is sadly lacking in this Congress. 864 00:47:54,955 --> 00:47:58,000 Yes, of course. Now it's spirit. 865 00:47:58,083 --> 00:48:00,085 Well, why didn't I think of that? 866 00:48:00,169 --> 00:48:04,298 No army, no navy, no arms, no ammunition, 867 00:48:04,381 --> 00:48:08,677 no treasury, no friends, 868 00:48:08,760 --> 00:48:11,847 but, bless our soul, spirit. 869 00:48:12,848 --> 00:48:15,267 Mr. Lee, Mr. Hopkins, 870 00:48:15,350 --> 00:48:17,769 Mr. Rodney, Colonel McKean, 871 00:48:17,853 --> 00:48:19,354 Dr. Franklin. 872 00:48:20,647 --> 00:48:24,943 Why have you joined this incendiary little man, 873 00:48:25,694 --> 00:48:27,779 this Boston radical, 874 00:48:29,072 --> 00:48:30,574 this agitator, 875 00:48:31,950 --> 00:48:33,494 this demagogue, 876 00:48:33,994 --> 00:48:35,662 this madman? 877 00:48:35,746 --> 00:48:38,248 Are you calling me a madman, you... 878 00:48:39,500 --> 00:48:40,918 You fribble! 879 00:48:43,086 --> 00:48:46,006 You and your Pennsylvania proprietors, 880 00:48:46,089 --> 00:48:49,051 you cool, considerate men, 881 00:48:49,134 --> 00:48:51,303 you hang to the rear on every issue, 882 00:48:51,386 --> 00:48:54,765 so that if we should go under, you'll still remain afloat. 883 00:48:54,848 --> 00:48:56,683 Are you calling me a coward? 884 00:48:57,351 --> 00:48:59,019 Yes. Coward! 885 00:48:59,728 --> 00:49:00,771 Madman! 886 00:49:00,854 --> 00:49:01,939 Landlord! 887 00:49:02,022 --> 00:49:03,273 Lawyer! 888 00:49:09,738 --> 00:49:11,698 Stop it! Stop it! 889 00:49:13,492 --> 00:49:16,787 This is the Congress. Stop it, I say! 890 00:49:16,870 --> 00:49:18,121 The enemy's out there. 891 00:49:18,205 --> 00:49:19,873 No, Mr. Rodney, the enemy is here. 892 00:49:19,957 --> 00:49:22,793 No. I say he's out there. 893 00:49:22,876 --> 00:49:24,503 England. 894 00:49:24,586 --> 00:49:28,090 England closing in, cutting off our air. 895 00:49:28,173 --> 00:49:29,758 There's no time! 896 00:49:33,345 --> 00:49:34,555 No air. 897 00:49:35,889 --> 00:49:37,182 Dr. Hall. 898 00:49:41,270 --> 00:49:42,771 Colonel McKean. 899 00:49:42,854 --> 00:49:44,648 Aye. It's the cancer. 900 00:49:45,774 --> 00:49:47,651 But he should go home. 901 00:49:48,652 --> 00:49:51,863 A man should die in his own bed. 902 00:49:53,532 --> 00:49:55,742 John. John Adams. 903 00:49:55,826 --> 00:49:57,452 I'm here, Caesar. 904 00:50:00,247 --> 00:50:02,332 I leave you 905 00:50:02,416 --> 00:50:04,710 a divided Delaware. 906 00:50:05,961 --> 00:50:07,337 Forgive me. 907 00:50:08,046 --> 00:50:10,132 I'll take you home, Caesar. 908 00:50:34,948 --> 00:50:37,159 I'll be back within the week. 909 00:50:44,750 --> 00:50:48,170 Mr. President, South Carolina calls the question. 910 00:50:50,213 --> 00:50:51,423 What's that, Mr. Rutledge? 911 00:50:52,633 --> 00:50:54,676 I said, Mr. President, 912 00:50:54,760 --> 00:50:58,180 South Carolina desires to end the debate 913 00:50:59,806 --> 00:51:02,225 and calls the question of independence. 914 00:51:02,309 --> 00:51:04,519 - Delaware seconds. - Thank you. 915 00:51:05,979 --> 00:51:09,024 Gentlemen, please! 916 00:51:09,107 --> 00:51:11,943 The question has been called and seconded. 917 00:51:13,028 --> 00:51:15,072 The secretary will record the vote. 918 00:51:15,155 --> 00:51:17,491 Franklin, do something. Think. 919 00:51:17,574 --> 00:51:19,576 I'm thinking, but nothing's coming. 920 00:51:19,660 --> 00:51:21,787 All those in favor of the resolution on independence 921 00:51:21,870 --> 00:51:24,414 as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by saying... 922 00:51:24,498 --> 00:51:25,999 Mr. Secretary. 923 00:51:26,792 --> 00:51:28,752 Will you please read the resolution again? 924 00:51:28,835 --> 00:51:29,961 What? 925 00:51:31,171 --> 00:51:32,339 I've forgotten it. 926 00:51:32,422 --> 00:51:34,007 Now, Benjamin... 927 00:51:36,510 --> 00:51:39,221 "Resolved, that these united colonies are, 928 00:51:39,304 --> 00:51:41,932 "and of a right ought to be, free and independent..." 929 00:51:48,313 --> 00:51:51,900 Excuse me. Is this the Continental Congress? 930 00:51:51,983 --> 00:51:54,569 Yes, I can see that it must be. 931 00:51:55,779 --> 00:51:57,906 It's all right. We found it. 932 00:51:58,407 --> 00:52:00,784 We've been looking for you everywhere, you see. 933 00:52:00,867 --> 00:52:03,495 Someone told us that you might be at Carpenters' Hall 934 00:52:03,578 --> 00:52:06,206 and someone else suggested Library Hall, and... 935 00:52:06,289 --> 00:52:07,958 So, finally, we asked a constable... 936 00:52:08,041 --> 00:52:09,126 Excuse me, sir, 937 00:52:09,209 --> 00:52:12,295 but, if you don't mind, the Congress is about to decide 938 00:52:12,379 --> 00:52:14,381 the question of American independence. 939 00:52:15,507 --> 00:52:17,884 How splendid. That means we're not too late. 940 00:52:17,968 --> 00:52:20,220 These gentlemen are Mr. Francis Hopkinson, 941 00:52:20,303 --> 00:52:24,057 Mr. Richard Stockton, and I'm the Reverend John Witherspoon. 942 00:52:27,436 --> 00:52:29,730 We're the new delegates from New Jersey. 943 00:52:29,980 --> 00:52:31,356 New Jersey? 944 00:52:35,569 --> 00:52:37,028 Dr. Franklin, 945 00:52:37,487 --> 00:52:41,116 I regret that I must be the bearer of unhappy tidings, sir, 946 00:52:41,199 --> 00:52:43,994 but your son, the royal governor of New Jersey, 947 00:52:44,077 --> 00:52:45,996 has been taken prisoner 948 00:52:46,079 --> 00:52:50,083 and has been moved under guard to the colony of Connecticut for safekeeping. 949 00:52:50,167 --> 00:52:51,501 Is he unharmed, sir? 950 00:52:51,585 --> 00:52:53,378 When last I heard, he was. Yes, sir. 951 00:52:53,462 --> 00:52:57,174 Well, then why the long face? I hear Connecticut is an excellent location. 952 00:52:57,257 --> 00:53:00,343 Tell me. Why did they arrest the little bastard? 953 00:53:02,596 --> 00:53:03,722 Our... 954 00:53:04,306 --> 00:53:07,893 New Jersey legislature has recalled the old delegation to this Congress 955 00:53:07,976 --> 00:53:10,645 and has sent a new one. 956 00:53:11,605 --> 00:53:13,857 Quickly, man, where do you stand on independence? 957 00:53:13,940 --> 00:53:15,650 - Well, haven't I made that clear? - No. 958 00:53:15,734 --> 00:53:17,068 Well, I suppose I haven't. 959 00:53:17,152 --> 00:53:18,987 But that's the reason for the change. 960 00:53:19,070 --> 00:53:21,448 See, we've been instructed to vote for independence. 961 00:53:21,531 --> 00:53:22,866 Mr. President! 962 00:53:22,949 --> 00:53:27,370 Massachusetts is now ready for the vote on independence, 963 00:53:27,454 --> 00:53:31,875 and reminds the chair of its privilege to decide all votes that are deadlocked. 964 00:53:31,958 --> 00:53:33,960 I won't forget, Mr. Adams. 965 00:53:35,420 --> 00:53:39,382 The chair takes this opportunity to welcome the New Jersey delegation 966 00:53:39,466 --> 00:53:42,803 and appoints the Reverend Witherspoon congressional chaplain 967 00:53:42,886 --> 00:53:44,387 if he will accept the post. 968 00:53:44,471 --> 00:53:46,431 With much pleasure, sir. 969 00:53:48,391 --> 00:53:53,563 Very well. Mr. Thomson, you may now proceed with the vote on independence. 970 00:53:54,523 --> 00:53:56,733 All in favor of the resolution on independence 971 00:53:56,817 --> 00:53:59,086 as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by saying... 972 00:53:59,110 --> 00:54:00,153 Mr. President. 973 00:54:01,905 --> 00:54:06,034 Pennsylvania moves that any vote in favor of independence 974 00:54:07,452 --> 00:54:09,246 must be unanimous. 975 00:54:09,913 --> 00:54:10,956 What? 976 00:54:11,414 --> 00:54:12,749 I second the motion. 977 00:54:12,833 --> 00:54:14,251 Judge Wilson! 978 00:54:14,668 --> 00:54:16,002 Oh, my God. 979 00:54:16,628 --> 00:54:18,296 Delaware seconds, Mr. President. 980 00:54:18,380 --> 00:54:21,049 No vote has ever had to be unanimous, Dickinson, and you know it. 981 00:54:21,132 --> 00:54:23,593 - Yes, but this one must be. - On what grounds? 982 00:54:23,677 --> 00:54:27,389 That no colony be torn from its mother country without its own consent. 983 00:54:27,472 --> 00:54:28,849 Hear! Hear! 984 00:54:29,266 --> 00:54:32,143 But it will never be unanimous, damn it. 985 00:54:33,144 --> 00:54:35,355 If you say so, Mr. Adams. 986 00:54:37,232 --> 00:54:40,402 It has been moved and seconded that the vote on independence 987 00:54:40,485 --> 00:54:42,779 must be unanimous in order to carry. 988 00:54:42,863 --> 00:54:45,365 All those in favor, signify by saying yea. 989 00:54:45,448 --> 00:54:46,449 Yea! 990 00:54:46,533 --> 00:54:51,037 One, two, three, four, five, six. 991 00:54:51,121 --> 00:54:53,415 Six colonies say yea. Against? 992 00:54:53,498 --> 00:54:54,583 Nay! 993 00:54:54,666 --> 00:54:59,045 One, two, three, four, five, six. 994 00:54:59,296 --> 00:55:01,089 Six colonies say nay. 995 00:55:02,132 --> 00:55:06,803 Mr. Secretary, New York abstains courteously. 996 00:55:06,887 --> 00:55:11,308 Mr. Morris, why does New York constantly abstain? 997 00:55:11,391 --> 00:55:14,311 Why doesn't New York simply stay in New York? 998 00:55:15,729 --> 00:55:17,856 Very well. The vote is tied. 999 00:55:19,107 --> 00:55:22,527 The principles of independence have no greater advocate in Congress 1000 00:55:22,611 --> 00:55:24,362 than its president. 1001 00:55:24,905 --> 00:55:28,241 That is why I must join those who vote for unanimity. 1002 00:55:28,992 --> 00:55:31,453 Good God, John! What are you doing? You've sunk us. 1003 00:55:31,536 --> 00:55:33,246 Now, hear me out. 1004 00:55:33,330 --> 00:55:35,832 Don't you see that any colony who opposes independence 1005 00:55:35,916 --> 00:55:37,727 will be forced to fight on the side of England? 1006 00:55:37,751 --> 00:55:40,503 That we'll be setting brother against brother, 1007 00:55:40,587 --> 00:55:44,424 that our new nation will carry as its emblem the mark of Cain. 1008 00:55:45,258 --> 00:55:46,885 I can see no other way. 1009 00:55:46,968 --> 00:55:51,097 Either we all walk together, or together we must stay where we are. 1010 00:55:53,141 --> 00:55:54,851 The man's from Massachusetts. 1011 00:55:54,935 --> 00:55:57,145 Very well. Proceed, Mr. Thomson. 1012 00:55:57,228 --> 00:55:59,814 A unanimous vote being necessary to carry, 1013 00:55:59,898 --> 00:56:02,400 if any be opposed to the resolution on independence 1014 00:56:02,484 --> 00:56:04,611 as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by... 1015 00:56:04,694 --> 00:56:05,695 Mr. President. 1016 00:56:05,779 --> 00:56:08,406 For heaven's sake, let me get through it once. 1017 00:56:08,490 --> 00:56:09,991 Mr. President. 1018 00:56:11,284 --> 00:56:12,786 I move for a postponement. 1019 00:56:12,869 --> 00:56:14,037 Postponement? 1020 00:56:14,120 --> 00:56:15,997 I wish you the same luck I had with it. 1021 00:56:16,081 --> 00:56:18,041 Mr. Adams is right. We need a postponement. 1022 00:56:18,124 --> 00:56:19,417 On what grounds? 1023 00:56:19,501 --> 00:56:21,127 On what grounds? 1024 00:56:21,670 --> 00:56:25,966 Mr. President, how can this Congress vote on independence 1025 00:56:26,049 --> 00:56:30,929 without a written declaration of some sort defining it? 1026 00:56:32,639 --> 00:56:34,557 What sort of declaration? 1027 00:56:36,142 --> 00:56:40,230 Well, you know, listing the reasons for the separation, 1028 00:56:40,313 --> 00:56:43,316 our purposes, goals, so forth, so on. 1029 00:56:43,400 --> 00:56:45,777 - Ditto, Ditto. - Ditto, ditto, et cetera, et cetera. 1030 00:56:45,860 --> 00:56:47,362 We know those, don't we? 1031 00:56:49,698 --> 00:56:51,825 Yes, good God, we know them, 1032 00:56:52,826 --> 00:56:55,078 but what about the rest of the world? 1033 00:56:55,161 --> 00:56:57,580 Certainly we require the assistance 1034 00:56:57,664 --> 00:57:01,251 of a powerful nation such as France or Spain. 1035 00:57:01,334 --> 00:57:05,839 And such a written declaration would be consistent with European delicacy. 1036 00:57:07,340 --> 00:57:10,593 Come now, Mr. Adams. You'll have to do better than that. 1037 00:57:10,677 --> 00:57:13,596 Answer straight. What would be its purpose? 1038 00:57:14,556 --> 00:57:16,599 Yes. Well... 1039 00:57:19,436 --> 00:57:23,565 To place before mankind the common sense of the subject 1040 00:57:24,482 --> 00:57:27,193 in terms so plain and firm 1041 00:57:27,819 --> 00:57:29,904 as to command their assent. 1042 00:57:37,620 --> 00:57:40,790 Mr. Jefferson, are you seriously suggesting 1043 00:57:40,874 --> 00:57:43,835 that we publish a paper declaring to all the world 1044 00:57:43,918 --> 00:57:48,214 that an illegal rebellion is, in reality, a legal one? 1045 00:57:48,298 --> 00:57:51,134 Mr. Dickinson, I'm surprised at you. 1046 00:57:51,217 --> 00:57:53,970 You should know that rebellion is always legal in the first person, 1047 00:57:54,054 --> 00:57:55,764 such as "our rebellion." 1048 00:57:55,847 --> 00:57:58,808 It's only in the third person, "their rebellion," that it is illegal. 1049 00:58:01,102 --> 00:58:03,313 Mr. President, I second the motion 1050 00:58:03,396 --> 00:58:05,148 to postpone the vote on independence 1051 00:58:05,231 --> 00:58:09,069 for a period of time sufficient for the writing of a declaration. 1052 00:58:09,402 --> 00:58:11,404 It has been moved and seconded. Mr. Thomson. 1053 00:58:11,488 --> 00:58:14,991 All those in favor of the motion to postpone, signify by saying yea. 1054 00:58:15,075 --> 00:58:16,576 Yea! 1055 00:58:16,659 --> 00:58:20,914 One, two, three, four, five, six. 1056 00:58:20,997 --> 00:58:22,957 Six colonies say yea. Against? 1057 00:58:23,041 --> 00:58:24,042 Nay! 1058 00:58:24,125 --> 00:58:28,379 One, two, three, four, five, six. 1059 00:58:28,797 --> 00:58:30,590 Six colonies say nay. 1060 00:58:33,009 --> 00:58:36,805 Mr. Secretary, New York abstains courteously. 1061 00:58:41,434 --> 00:58:44,896 Mr. Morris, what in hell goes on in New York? 1062 00:58:45,897 --> 00:58:49,442 I'm sorry, Mr. President, but the simple fact is that 1063 00:58:49,526 --> 00:58:53,947 our legislature has never sent us explicit instructions on anything. 1064 00:58:54,989 --> 00:58:56,157 Never? 1065 00:58:57,492 --> 00:58:59,160 That's impossible. 1066 00:59:00,829 --> 00:59:05,834 Mr. President, have you ever been present at a meeting of the New York legislature? 1067 00:59:06,417 --> 00:59:08,670 They speak very fast and very loud, 1068 00:59:08,753 --> 00:59:11,297 and nobody listens to anybody else 1069 00:59:11,381 --> 00:59:14,300 with the result that nothing ever gets done. 1070 00:59:16,886 --> 00:59:18,972 I beg the Congress' pardon. 1071 00:59:21,266 --> 00:59:23,309 My sympathies, Mr. Morris. 1072 00:59:23,977 --> 00:59:27,730 The vote again being tied, the chair decides in favor of postponement. 1073 00:59:27,814 --> 00:59:29,566 So ruled. 1074 00:59:29,649 --> 00:59:31,794 A committee will now be formed to manage the declaration. 1075 00:59:31,818 --> 00:59:34,779 Said document to be written, debated, approved by the beginning of July, 1076 00:59:34,863 --> 00:59:36,614 some three weeks hence. 1077 00:59:36,698 --> 00:59:41,578 At which time, Virginia's resolution on independence will finally be voted. 1078 00:59:41,661 --> 00:59:43,163 Is that clear? 1079 00:59:43,997 --> 00:59:47,250 Very well. Will the following gentlemen serve on the Declaration Committee, 1080 00:59:47,333 --> 00:59:49,085 - Dr. Franklin? - Gladly. 1081 00:59:49,460 --> 00:59:51,337 - Mr. John Adams? - Yes. 1082 00:59:51,462 --> 00:59:52,547 Mr. Sherman? 1083 00:59:53,548 --> 00:59:55,341 - Mr. Livingston? - Right. 1084 00:59:55,425 --> 00:59:57,302 And, of course, Mr. Lee. 1085 00:59:57,844 --> 01:00:01,639 Excuse me, but I must be returning to the sovereign colony of Virginia 1086 01:00:01,723 --> 01:00:04,142 as I have been asked to serve as governor. 1087 01:00:04,225 --> 01:00:07,854 And therefore I must decline respectful-Lee. 1088 01:00:12,692 --> 01:00:14,819 Very well, Mr. Lee, you're excused then. 1089 01:00:14,903 --> 01:00:17,405 I suppose we could leave it a four-man committee. 1090 01:00:17,488 --> 01:00:19,782 Just a moment. This business needs a Virginian. 1091 01:00:19,866 --> 01:00:21,492 Therefore I propose a replacement. 1092 01:00:21,576 --> 01:00:23,369 - Mr. Thomas Jefferson. - No. Mr. Adams... 1093 01:00:23,453 --> 01:00:25,622 Very well, Mr. Adams. Mr. Jefferson will serve. 1094 01:00:25,705 --> 01:00:28,374 - I'm going home, too, to my wife. - Move to adjourn! 1095 01:00:28,458 --> 01:00:29,542 - Wait. - I second. 1096 01:00:29,626 --> 01:00:33,296 Mr. Hancock, I haven't seen her for six months. 1097 01:00:33,379 --> 01:00:35,256 Moved and seconded. Any objections? 1098 01:00:35,340 --> 01:00:37,425 I have objections. I have lots of objections. 1099 01:00:37,508 --> 01:00:39,719 So ruled! Congress stands adjourned! 1100 01:00:39,802 --> 01:00:42,138 John, I need to see my wife. 1101 01:00:42,222 --> 01:00:43,848 It's all right. Come along, come along. 1102 01:00:43,932 --> 01:00:45,892 No. I'm going home tonight. 1103 01:00:45,975 --> 01:00:47,560 Of course you are. Of course. 1104 01:00:47,644 --> 01:00:50,521 McNair, some rum up to my office. 1105 01:00:52,065 --> 01:00:54,067 Don't worry, Tom. 1106 01:00:54,150 --> 01:00:55,818 Let me handle it. 1107 01:00:55,902 --> 01:00:57,737 I'll get Adams to write it. 1108 01:00:57,820 --> 01:01:00,198 I don't know. He had a funny look on his face. 1109 01:01:00,281 --> 01:01:01,407 He always does. 1110 01:01:01,491 --> 01:01:02,784 All right, gentlemen, 1111 01:01:02,867 --> 01:01:04,452 let's get on with it. 1112 01:01:04,535 --> 01:01:07,538 Which of us will write our Declaration of Independence? 1113 01:01:09,207 --> 01:01:12,210 Mr. Adams, I say you should write it. 1114 01:01:13,086 --> 01:01:15,713 To your legal mind and brilliance we defer. 1115 01:01:15,797 --> 01:01:19,050 Is that so? Well if I'm the one to do it. 1116 01:01:19,133 --> 01:01:21,010 They'll run their quill pens through it 1117 01:01:21,094 --> 01:01:23,596 I'm obnoxious and disliked You know that, sir. 1118 01:01:23,680 --> 01:01:24,681 Yes, I know. 1119 01:01:24,764 --> 01:01:27,475 But I say you should write it, Franklin, yes you. 1120 01:01:27,558 --> 01:01:28,643 Hell no! 1121 01:01:28,726 --> 01:01:31,312 Yes, you, Dr. Franklin, you. 1122 01:01:31,396 --> 01:01:32,397 - But... - You! 1123 01:01:32,480 --> 01:01:33,523 - But... - You! 1124 01:01:33,606 --> 01:01:35,149 But... 1125 01:01:37,277 --> 01:01:40,488 Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams. 1126 01:01:40,947 --> 01:01:44,200 The things I write are only light extemporanea 1127 01:01:44,284 --> 01:01:48,162 I won't put politics on paper, it's a mania. 1128 01:01:48,246 --> 01:01:52,083 So I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvania 1129 01:01:52,166 --> 01:01:53,876 Pennsylvania 1130 01:01:53,960 --> 01:01:56,045 Pennsylvania. 1131 01:01:56,129 --> 01:01:59,465 Refuse to use the pen. 1132 01:02:10,727 --> 01:02:14,105 Mr. Sherman, I say you should write it. 1133 01:02:14,188 --> 01:02:16,899 You are never controversial as it were. 1134 01:02:16,983 --> 01:02:18,026 That is true. 1135 01:02:18,109 --> 01:02:20,153 Whereas if I'm the one to do it. 1136 01:02:20,236 --> 01:02:21,946 They'll run their quill pens through it 1137 01:02:22,030 --> 01:02:24,407 I'm obnoxious and disliked You know that, sir. 1138 01:02:24,490 --> 01:02:25,491 Yes, I do. 1139 01:02:25,575 --> 01:02:28,077 So I say you should write it, Roger, yes, you. 1140 01:02:28,161 --> 01:02:29,412 Good heavens, no. 1141 01:02:29,495 --> 01:02:31,539 Yes, you, Roger Sherman. 1142 01:02:31,622 --> 01:02:32,623 - You! - But... 1143 01:02:32,707 --> 01:02:33,708 - You! - But... 1144 01:02:33,791 --> 01:02:36,210 - You! - But... 1145 01:02:37,754 --> 01:02:41,174 Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams 1146 01:02:41,257 --> 01:02:45,053 I cannot write with any style or proper etiquette 1147 01:02:45,136 --> 01:02:48,598 I don't know a participle from a predicate 1148 01:02:48,681 --> 01:02:51,684 I am just a simple cobbler from Connecticut 1149 01:02:52,560 --> 01:02:54,395 Connecticut 1150 01:02:54,479 --> 01:02:56,105 Connecticut. 1151 01:02:56,189 --> 01:02:59,942 A simple cobbler, he. 1152 01:03:10,661 --> 01:03:14,040 Mr. Livingston, maybe you should write it. 1153 01:03:14,123 --> 01:03:16,751 You have many friends and you're a diplomat. 1154 01:03:16,834 --> 01:03:17,835 Oh, that word. 1155 01:03:17,919 --> 01:03:19,837 Whereas if I'm the one to do it. 1156 01:03:19,921 --> 01:03:21,521 They'll run their quill pens through it. 1157 01:03:21,589 --> 01:03:24,008 He's obnoxious and disliked Did you know that? 1158 01:03:24,092 --> 01:03:25,134 I hadn't heard. 1159 01:03:25,218 --> 01:03:27,762 So I say you should write it, Robert, yes, you. 1160 01:03:27,887 --> 01:03:28,930 Not me, Johnny. 1161 01:03:29,013 --> 01:03:31,140 Yes, you, Robert Livingston. 1162 01:03:31,224 --> 01:03:32,225 - You! - But... 1163 01:03:32,308 --> 01:03:33,309 - You! - But... 1164 01:03:33,393 --> 01:03:36,854 - You! - But... 1165 01:03:38,022 --> 01:03:41,317 Mr. Adams, dear Mr. Adams 1166 01:03:41,401 --> 01:03:44,987 I've been presented with a new son by the noble stork. 1167 01:03:45,071 --> 01:03:48,533 So I am going home to celebrate and pop the cork. 1168 01:03:48,616 --> 01:03:52,537 With all the Livingstons together back in old New York. 1169 01:03:52,620 --> 01:03:54,122 New York. 1170 01:03:54,539 --> 01:03:56,374 New York. 1171 01:03:56,457 --> 01:04:02,296 Livingston's going to pop a cork. 1172 01:04:12,598 --> 01:04:14,976 Mr. Adams. 1173 01:04:15,059 --> 01:04:18,479 Leave me alone. 1174 01:04:20,481 --> 01:04:22,692 - Mr. Jefferson... - Mr. Adams, I beg of you. 1175 01:04:22,775 --> 01:04:26,237 I've not seen my wife these past six months. 1176 01:04:26,320 --> 01:04:29,824 "And we solemnly declare that we will preserve our liberties, 1177 01:04:29,907 --> 01:04:34,745 "being with one mind resolved to die free men rather than to live slaves." 1178 01:04:34,829 --> 01:04:39,792 Thomas Jefferson, "On the Necessity of Taking Up Arms," 1775. 1179 01:04:39,876 --> 01:04:41,043 Magnificent. 1180 01:04:41,794 --> 01:04:44,881 You write 10 times better than any man in Congress, 1181 01:04:44,964 --> 01:04:46,674 including me. 1182 01:04:46,757 --> 01:04:48,843 For a man of only 33 years, 1183 01:04:48,926 --> 01:04:52,513 you possess a happy talent for composition 1184 01:04:52,597 --> 01:04:55,475 and a remarkable felicity of expression. 1185 01:04:56,267 --> 01:04:59,395 Now, then, sir. Will you be a patriot 1186 01:04:59,479 --> 01:05:00,813 or a lover? 1187 01:05:02,523 --> 01:05:03,774 A lover. 1188 01:05:04,567 --> 01:05:06,068 No. 1189 01:05:06,152 --> 01:05:08,196 But I burn, Mr. A. 1190 01:05:08,279 --> 01:05:10,448 So do I, Mr. J. 1191 01:05:11,282 --> 01:05:12,950 - You? - You do? 1192 01:05:13,034 --> 01:05:14,535 - John. - Who'd have thought it? 1193 01:05:16,537 --> 01:05:18,581 Mr. Jefferson. 1194 01:05:18,664 --> 01:05:21,000 Dear Mr. Jefferson. 1195 01:05:21,751 --> 01:05:26,756 I'm only 41, I still have my virility. 1196 01:05:27,507 --> 01:05:32,178 And I can romp through Cupid's grove with great agility. 1197 01:05:33,513 --> 01:05:38,768 But life is more than sexual combustibility 1198 01:05:38,851 --> 01:05:39,971 Jefferson, stop right there. 1199 01:05:40,019 --> 01:05:41,103 'Bustability. 1200 01:05:41,187 --> 01:05:43,272 'Bustability 1201 01:05:43,356 --> 01:05:44,774 Combustibili... 1202 01:05:44,857 --> 01:05:46,192 Quiet! 1203 01:05:50,530 --> 01:05:52,657 Now, you'll write it, Mr. J. 1204 01:05:53,199 --> 01:05:55,201 Who will make me, Mr. A.? 1205 01:05:56,118 --> 01:05:57,119 I- 1206 01:05:58,037 --> 01:05:59,121 You? 1207 01:05:59,705 --> 01:06:00,873 Yes. 1208 01:06:05,002 --> 01:06:06,045 How? 1209 01:06:07,838 --> 01:06:10,716 By physical force, if necessary. 1210 01:06:11,717 --> 01:06:14,387 It's your duty, damn it. Your duty! 1211 01:06:16,639 --> 01:06:18,933 Mr. Adams. 1212 01:06:19,016 --> 01:06:21,269 Damn you, Mr. Adams. 1213 01:06:22,478 --> 01:06:25,231 You're obnoxious and disliked. 1214 01:06:25,314 --> 01:06:27,650 That cannot be denied. 1215 01:06:28,359 --> 01:06:34,323 Once again you stand between me and my lovely bride. 1216 01:06:34,407 --> 01:06:37,910 Lovely bride. 1217 01:06:39,662 --> 01:06:45,001 Oh, Mr. Adams, you are driving me to homicide 1218 01:06:45,084 --> 01:06:46,204 Jefferson, stop right there! 1219 01:06:46,252 --> 01:06:47,253 Homicide. 1220 01:06:47,336 --> 01:06:48,337 Homicide. 1221 01:06:48,421 --> 01:06:49,880 Quiet! 1222 01:06:55,303 --> 01:06:57,263 The decision is yours, Mr. Jefferson. 1223 01:06:57,346 --> 01:06:59,265 Do as you like with it. 1224 01:07:03,269 --> 01:07:09,900 We may see murder yet. 1225 01:07:18,909 --> 01:07:20,369 Damn the man. 1226 01:07:23,331 --> 01:07:24,957 God damn the man. 1227 01:08:12,880 --> 01:08:14,048 Sorry. 1228 01:08:16,884 --> 01:08:19,637 - Pardon me, sir. - Step aside. Step aside. 1229 01:08:20,471 --> 01:08:22,348 - How are you? - Franklin. 1230 01:08:28,979 --> 01:08:30,314 Jefferson! 1231 01:08:33,526 --> 01:08:34,860 Jefferson! 1232 01:08:37,321 --> 01:08:38,614 What is that racket? 1233 01:08:38,698 --> 01:08:40,783 Latest thing from Europe, John. It's called music. 1234 01:08:40,866 --> 01:08:44,328 I came here hoping to hear a pen scratching, not a bow. 1235 01:08:46,706 --> 01:08:49,125 Jefferson! I know you're in there! 1236 01:08:51,293 --> 01:08:53,421 Jefferson, are you finished? 1237 01:08:55,381 --> 01:08:57,383 Well, is it written yet? 1238 01:09:00,261 --> 01:09:02,805 Well, you've had a whole week, man. 1239 01:09:02,888 --> 01:09:04,265 Is it done? 1240 01:09:06,016 --> 01:09:07,476 Can I see it? 1241 01:09:15,067 --> 01:09:17,587 "There comes a time in the lives of men when it becomes necessary 1242 01:09:17,611 --> 01:09:20,823 "to advance from that subordination in which they have hitherto..." 1243 01:09:20,906 --> 01:09:22,575 This is terrible. 1244 01:09:23,242 --> 01:09:24,243 Where's the rest of it? 1245 01:09:30,541 --> 01:09:33,919 Do you mean to say that it is not yet finished? 1246 01:09:34,837 --> 01:09:36,005 No, sir. 1247 01:09:36,088 --> 01:09:38,716 I mean to say that it's not yet begun. 1248 01:09:39,425 --> 01:09:40,968 Good God! 1249 01:09:42,303 --> 01:09:43,763 A whole week. 1250 01:09:44,889 --> 01:09:47,933 The entire Earth was created in a week. 1251 01:09:51,604 --> 01:09:55,149 Someday you must tell me how you did it. 1252 01:09:58,194 --> 01:09:59,945 Disgusting. 1253 01:10:00,863 --> 01:10:02,448 Look at him, Franklin. 1254 01:10:02,531 --> 01:10:04,742 Virginia's most famous lover. 1255 01:10:05,659 --> 01:10:07,328 Virginia abstains. 1256 01:10:11,332 --> 01:10:13,167 Well, cheer up, Jefferson. 1257 01:10:13,250 --> 01:10:15,228 Get out of the dumps. It'll come out all right, I assure you. 1258 01:10:15,252 --> 01:10:17,630 Now, get back to work. 1259 01:10:18,380 --> 01:10:21,008 Franklin, tell him to get back to work. 1260 01:10:21,091 --> 01:10:22,843 I think he's asleep. 1261 01:10:25,930 --> 01:10:27,598 Wake up, Franklin! 1262 01:10:31,936 --> 01:10:35,147 Hello! And whose little girl are you? 1263 01:10:38,943 --> 01:10:40,736 John, who is she? 1264 01:10:40,820 --> 01:10:42,238 His wife. 1265 01:10:43,322 --> 01:10:44,490 I hope. 1266 01:10:46,033 --> 01:10:47,701 What makes you think so? 1267 01:10:47,785 --> 01:10:49,662 Because I sent for her. 1268 01:10:50,788 --> 01:10:51,831 You what? 1269 01:10:51,914 --> 01:10:54,518 Well, it simply occurred to me that the sooner his problem was solved, 1270 01:10:54,542 --> 01:10:56,585 the sooner our problem is solved. 1271 01:10:56,669 --> 01:10:59,421 That's good thinking, John. Good thinking. 1272 01:10:59,505 --> 01:11:02,508 Madam, may I present myself? John Adams. 1273 01:11:05,553 --> 01:11:06,679 Adams. 1274 01:11:08,347 --> 01:11:09,723 John Adams. 1275 01:11:11,016 --> 01:11:13,185 And Dr. Franklin. 1276 01:11:15,479 --> 01:11:17,606 The inventor of the stove. 1277 01:11:22,194 --> 01:11:25,030 Jefferson, kindly present me to your wife. 1278 01:11:27,908 --> 01:11:29,910 She is your wife, isn't she? 1279 01:11:29,994 --> 01:11:31,914 Well, of course she is. Look at the way they fit. 1280 01:11:35,040 --> 01:11:36,375 Come along, John, come along. 1281 01:11:36,458 --> 01:11:39,128 - Franklin, where are you going? - Come along, John. 1282 01:11:39,712 --> 01:11:41,547 Come along where? There's work to be done. 1283 01:11:41,630 --> 01:11:42,965 Obviously. 1284 01:11:43,674 --> 01:11:46,760 Good God. You don't mean to say that... 1285 01:11:48,012 --> 01:11:50,306 I mean, they're not going to... 1286 01:11:51,098 --> 01:11:53,726 In the middle of the afternoon? 1287 01:11:53,809 --> 01:11:56,228 Not everybody's from Boston, John. 1288 01:11:57,396 --> 01:11:59,148 Incredible. 1289 01:11:59,231 --> 01:12:00,983 Well, goodbye, John. 1290 01:12:01,901 --> 01:12:03,402 Franklin? 1291 01:12:04,528 --> 01:12:06,322 - Have you eaten? - Not yet, but... 1292 01:12:06,405 --> 01:12:08,405 I understand the turkey's fresh at Bunch of Grapes. 1293 01:12:08,574 --> 01:12:11,493 Well, the fact is I have a rendezvous, John. 1294 01:12:11,577 --> 01:12:14,747 I'd ask you along, but talking makes her nervous. 1295 01:12:17,458 --> 01:12:19,001 Yes, of course. 1296 01:12:38,854 --> 01:12:40,272 Incredible. 1297 01:12:48,280 --> 01:12:49,531 Abigail? 1298 01:12:50,866 --> 01:12:52,868 I'm very lonely, Abigail. 1299 01:12:53,619 --> 01:12:54,995 Are you, John? 1300 01:12:55,079 --> 01:12:58,540 As long as you were sending for wives, why didn't you send for your own? 1301 01:12:58,624 --> 01:13:01,543 Now, don't be unreasonable, Abigail. 1302 01:13:01,627 --> 01:13:03,462 Now I'm unreasonable. 1303 01:13:03,796 --> 01:13:06,131 You must add that to your list. 1304 01:13:07,299 --> 01:13:08,717 List? 1305 01:13:08,801 --> 01:13:11,971 The catalog of my faults you included in your last letter. 1306 01:13:13,597 --> 01:13:17,184 They were fondly intended, madam. 1307 01:13:17,267 --> 01:13:18,894 That I play at cards badly? 1308 01:13:18,978 --> 01:13:20,396 A compliment. 1309 01:13:20,479 --> 01:13:22,272 That my posture is crooked? 1310 01:13:22,898 --> 01:13:24,900 An endearment. 1311 01:13:24,984 --> 01:13:26,860 That I read, write and think too much? 1312 01:13:26,944 --> 01:13:28,988 An irony. 1313 01:13:29,071 --> 01:13:30,447 That I'm pigeon-toed? 1314 01:13:33,117 --> 01:13:35,536 Well, now there you have me, Abby. 1315 01:13:37,162 --> 01:13:39,039 I'm afraid you are pigeon-toed. 1316 01:13:41,458 --> 01:13:45,379 Please. Come to Philadelphia. Please come. 1317 01:13:45,921 --> 01:13:48,048 Thank you, John. 1318 01:13:48,132 --> 01:13:50,592 I do want to, but you know now it's not possible. 1319 01:13:50,676 --> 01:13:51,876 The children have the measles. 1320 01:13:52,636 --> 01:13:54,096 So you wrote. 1321 01:13:55,848 --> 01:13:57,266 Tom and little Abby. 1322 01:13:57,808 --> 01:14:00,185 Only now it's Quincy and Charles. 1323 01:14:02,604 --> 01:14:05,858 And it appears the farm here in Braintree is failing, John. 1324 01:14:07,234 --> 01:14:09,987 The chickens and the geese have all died. 1325 01:14:10,446 --> 01:14:13,490 The apples never survived the late frost. 1326 01:14:15,242 --> 01:14:18,078 How do you suppose she managed to get away? 1327 01:14:19,121 --> 01:14:21,915 Well, the winters are softer in Virginia. 1328 01:14:22,499 --> 01:14:24,376 And their women, John? 1329 01:14:25,544 --> 01:14:26,879 Fit for Virginians, madam, 1330 01:14:26,962 --> 01:14:30,299 but pale, puny things beside New England girls. 1331 01:14:30,924 --> 01:14:32,092 John. 1332 01:14:33,886 --> 01:14:35,679 I thank you for that. 1333 01:14:39,641 --> 01:14:42,227 Abigail, how goes it with you? 1334 01:14:42,811 --> 01:14:45,022 Not well, John. Not at all well. 1335 01:14:46,356 --> 01:14:49,943 I live like a nun in a cloister. 1336 01:14:50,027 --> 01:14:54,156 Solitary, celibate I hate it. 1337 01:14:54,239 --> 01:14:55,991 And you, John? 1338 01:14:56,075 --> 01:15:00,204 I live like a monk in an abbey. 1339 01:15:00,287 --> 01:15:02,706 Ditto, ditto I hate it. 1340 01:15:04,124 --> 01:15:11,048 Write to me with sentimental effusion. 1341 01:15:12,091 --> 01:15:18,764 Let me revel in romantic illusion. 1342 01:15:20,766 --> 01:15:27,481 Do you still smell of vanilla and spring air? 1343 01:15:29,274 --> 01:15:32,986 And is my favorite lover's pillow. 1344 01:15:33,070 --> 01:15:36,448 Still firm and fair? 1345 01:15:37,658 --> 01:15:43,038 What was there, John. 1346 01:15:43,122 --> 01:15:49,753 Still is there, John. 1347 01:15:50,921 --> 01:15:55,050 Come soon as you can to my cloister 1348 01:15:55,134 --> 01:15:59,513 I've forgotten the feel of your hand. 1349 01:15:59,972 --> 01:16:04,685 Soon, madam, we shall walk in Cupid's grove together. 1350 01:16:04,768 --> 01:16:11,108 - And we'll fondly survey. - And we'll fondly survey. 1351 01:16:11,191 --> 01:16:17,573 - That promised land. - That promised land. 1352 01:16:18,574 --> 01:16:22,995 - Till then, till then. - Till then, till then 1353 01:16:23,078 --> 01:16:28,667 - I am as I ever was. - I am as I ever was. 1354 01:16:28,750 --> 01:16:33,255 - And ever shall be. - And ever shall be. 1355 01:16:33,338 --> 01:16:35,757 - Yours. - Yours. 1356 01:16:35,841 --> 01:16:37,926 - Yours. - Yours. 1357 01:16:38,218 --> 01:16:40,679 - Yours. - Yours. 1358 01:16:40,762 --> 01:16:43,348 - Yours. - Yours. 1359 01:16:43,724 --> 01:16:47,269 - Yours. - Yours. 1360 01:16:47,853 --> 01:16:50,022 Saltpeter 1361 01:16:51,190 --> 01:16:54,234 John. 1362 01:17:04,036 --> 01:17:05,704 John? 1363 01:17:05,787 --> 01:17:06,788 John! 1364 01:17:06,872 --> 01:17:07,956 What? 1365 01:17:08,040 --> 01:17:09,058 What are you doing down here? 1366 01:17:09,082 --> 01:17:11,043 I thought you'd be up there, cracking the whip. 1367 01:17:11,126 --> 01:17:14,421 Well, the shutters are still closed. 1368 01:17:15,714 --> 01:17:17,549 My word! So they are. 1369 01:17:19,927 --> 01:17:21,053 Well, as the French say... 1370 01:17:21,136 --> 01:17:23,180 Please, Franklin! 1371 01:17:23,263 --> 01:17:26,600 Spare me your bawdy mind first thing in the morning. 1372 01:17:27,809 --> 01:17:28,894 Dare we call? 1373 01:17:29,102 --> 01:17:31,313 A congressman dares anything. 1374 01:17:31,396 --> 01:17:33,232 - Go ahead. - Me? 1375 01:17:33,315 --> 01:17:35,442 Your voice is more piercing. 1376 01:17:37,861 --> 01:17:40,405 John, look at her. Just look at her. 1377 01:17:40,489 --> 01:17:41,698 I am. 1378 01:17:41,782 --> 01:17:44,701 She's even more magnificent than I remember. 1379 01:17:46,203 --> 01:17:48,914 Of course, we didn't see much of her front last night. 1380 01:17:48,997 --> 01:17:50,249 Good morrow, madam. 1381 01:17:50,332 --> 01:17:51,750 Good morrow. 1382 01:17:54,294 --> 01:17:58,215 Is it the habit in Philadelphia for strangers to shout at ladies from the street? 1383 01:17:58,298 --> 01:17:59,508 Not really, but... 1384 01:17:59,591 --> 01:18:04,054 And for men of your age it is not only unseemly, it is unsightly. 1385 01:18:05,264 --> 01:18:08,475 Excuse me, madam, but we met last evening. 1386 01:18:09,601 --> 01:18:11,270 I spoke to no one last evening. 1387 01:18:11,353 --> 01:18:12,604 Indeed, you did not. 1388 01:18:12,688 --> 01:18:15,357 Nonetheless, we did present ourselves. 1389 01:18:15,440 --> 01:18:18,402 This is Mr. John Adams. I'm Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 1390 01:18:19,820 --> 01:18:21,238 The inventor of the stove. 1391 01:18:23,282 --> 01:18:26,618 Please! I know your names very well, but... 1392 01:18:26,702 --> 01:18:29,121 Well, you said you presented yourselves last night? 1393 01:18:29,204 --> 01:18:31,957 It's of no matter. Your thoughts were well-taken elsewhere. 1394 01:18:35,043 --> 01:18:36,962 My husband is not yet up. 1395 01:18:37,045 --> 01:18:39,464 Well, then shall we start over again? Won't you join us? 1396 01:18:40,299 --> 01:18:42,050 Yes, of course. 1397 01:18:44,303 --> 01:18:45,822 Well, no wonder the man couldn't write. 1398 01:18:45,846 --> 01:18:47,806 Who would think of independence married to her? 1399 01:18:47,889 --> 01:18:50,142 - I feel an absolute fool. - That's good for you, John. 1400 01:18:50,225 --> 01:18:52,144 I tell you, Franklin, it's positively indecent. 1401 01:18:52,227 --> 01:18:55,897 - John, they're young and they're in love. - Not them, Franklin. Us. 1402 01:18:55,981 --> 01:18:59,151 Standing down here, waiting for them to... 1403 01:19:00,319 --> 01:19:02,195 Well, what will people think? 1404 01:19:02,279 --> 01:19:05,574 Don't worry, John. The history books will clean it up. 1405 01:19:05,657 --> 01:19:06,825 Well, it doesn't matter. 1406 01:19:07,159 --> 01:19:10,579 I'll not appear in the history books anyway. Only you. 1407 01:19:10,662 --> 01:19:15,500 Franklin did this and Franklin did that, and Franklin did some other damned thing. 1408 01:19:15,625 --> 01:19:18,754 Franklin smote the ground and out sprang 1409 01:19:18,837 --> 01:19:20,547 George Washington, 1410 01:19:20,630 --> 01:19:22,966 fully grown and on his horse. 1411 01:19:23,050 --> 01:19:26,470 Franklin then electrified him with his miraculous lightning rod 1412 01:19:26,553 --> 01:19:30,182 then the three of them, Franklin, Washington and the horse, 1413 01:19:30,265 --> 01:19:33,477 conducted the entire revolution all by themselves. 1414 01:19:36,897 --> 01:19:37,939 I like it. 1415 01:19:40,025 --> 01:19:42,194 I beg your pardon, gentlemen. 1416 01:19:43,320 --> 01:19:47,366 It is indeed an honor to meet the two greatest men in America. 1417 01:19:47,449 --> 01:19:49,743 Certainly the greatest within earshot anyway. 1418 01:19:49,826 --> 01:19:51,703 I'm not an idle flatterer, Dr. Franklin. 1419 01:19:51,787 --> 01:19:53,997 My husband admires you both greatly. 1420 01:19:54,206 --> 01:19:55,707 Then we are doubly flattered, 1421 01:19:55,791 --> 01:19:59,169 for we admire very much that what your husband admires. 1422 01:20:04,299 --> 01:20:05,884 Did you sleep well, madam? 1423 01:20:08,720 --> 01:20:10,639 Well, I mean, did you lie... 1424 01:20:13,183 --> 01:20:14,285 Damn it, you know what I mean. 1425 01:20:14,309 --> 01:20:15,620 Yes, John, we know what you mean. 1426 01:20:15,644 --> 01:20:18,313 Tell us about yourself. We've heard precious little. 1427 01:20:18,397 --> 01:20:20,399 - What's your first name? - Martha. 1428 01:20:20,649 --> 01:20:21,691 Martha! 1429 01:20:22,609 --> 01:20:24,736 He might at least have told us that. 1430 01:20:24,820 --> 01:20:26,363 Your husband doesn't say very much. 1431 01:20:26,446 --> 01:20:27,948 Most silent man in Congress. 1432 01:20:28,031 --> 01:20:29,967 I have never heard him utter three sentences together. 1433 01:20:29,991 --> 01:20:31,576 Not every man's a talker, John. 1434 01:20:32,077 --> 01:20:35,872 Yes, it's true, you know. Tom is not a talker. 1435 01:20:38,583 --> 01:20:42,212 Oh, he never speaks his passions. 1436 01:20:42,295 --> 01:20:45,340 He never speaks his views. 1437 01:20:45,507 --> 01:20:48,927 Whereas other men speak volumes. 1438 01:20:49,010 --> 01:20:53,515 The man I love is mute. 1439 01:20:53,598 --> 01:20:56,184 In truth I can't recall. 1440 01:20:56,268 --> 01:20:59,479 Being wooed with words. 1441 01:20:59,563 --> 01:21:01,857 At all. 1442 01:21:01,940 --> 01:21:05,777 Even now. 1443 01:21:05,861 --> 01:21:07,362 Don't stop, madam. 1444 01:21:07,446 --> 01:21:09,156 No. Tell us, how did he win you? 1445 01:21:09,239 --> 01:21:12,409 And how does he hold on to a bounty such as you? 1446 01:21:12,492 --> 01:21:15,328 Well, surely you've noticed that Tom is a man of many accomplishments. 1447 01:21:15,412 --> 01:21:16,413 Of course. 1448 01:21:16,496 --> 01:21:19,666 Author, lawyer, statesman, architect, farmer. 1449 01:21:20,917 --> 01:21:25,046 And still one more that I hesitate to mention. 1450 01:21:25,130 --> 01:21:27,340 Don't hesitate, madam. Don't hesitate. 1451 01:21:27,424 --> 01:21:30,886 No, tell us. What else can that redheaded tombstone do? 1452 01:21:33,263 --> 01:21:38,268 He plays the violin. 1453 01:21:38,351 --> 01:21:42,606 He tucks it right under his chin. 1454 01:21:42,689 --> 01:21:44,816 And he bows. 1455 01:21:44,941 --> 01:21:47,027 Oh, he bows. 1456 01:21:47,110 --> 01:21:51,031 For he knows Yes, he knows. 1457 01:21:51,114 --> 01:21:55,243 That it's hi-hi-hi-diddle diddle. 1458 01:21:55,327 --> 01:21:58,914 'Twixt my heart, Tom and his fiddle. 1459 01:21:58,997 --> 01:22:03,001 My strings are unstrung. 1460 01:22:03,084 --> 01:22:05,712 Hi-hi-hi. 1461 01:22:05,795 --> 01:22:09,132 Hi 1462 01:22:09,216 --> 01:22:12,260 I am undone. 1463 01:22:12,344 --> 01:22:13,637 The violin, madam? 1464 01:22:13,720 --> 01:22:17,265 I hear his violin. 1465 01:22:17,349 --> 01:22:20,894 And I get that feeling within. 1466 01:22:20,977 --> 01:22:24,523 And I sigh Oh, I sigh. 1467 01:22:24,606 --> 01:22:28,109 He draws near, very near. 1468 01:22:28,193 --> 01:22:32,322 And it's hi-hi-hi-diddle diddle. 1469 01:22:32,405 --> 01:22:35,992 And goodbye to the fiddle. 1470 01:22:36,076 --> 01:22:40,080 My strings are unstrung. 1471 01:22:40,163 --> 01:22:42,791 Hi-hi-hi. 1472 01:22:42,874 --> 01:22:46,127 Hi 1473 01:22:46,211 --> 01:22:48,338 I'm always undone. 1474 01:22:48,421 --> 01:22:50,382 That settles it, John. We're taking up the violin. 1475 01:22:50,799 --> 01:22:53,479 Very well, madam. You have us playing the violin. What happens next? 1476 01:22:53,552 --> 01:22:54,636 Next, Mr. Adams? 1477 01:22:54,719 --> 01:22:56,179 Yes. What does Tom do now? 1478 01:22:56,513 --> 01:22:57,847 Why, just what you'd expect. 1479 01:23:00,684 --> 01:23:01,726 We dance. 1480 01:23:02,519 --> 01:23:03,520 Dance? 1481 01:23:03,603 --> 01:23:05,814 Dance? Incredible! 1482 01:23:06,565 --> 01:23:08,942 One, two, three. One, two, three! 1483 01:23:13,530 --> 01:23:15,448 Who's playing the violin? 1484 01:23:15,532 --> 01:23:17,158 John, really? 1485 01:23:53,737 --> 01:23:55,614 John, you can dance. 1486 01:23:55,697 --> 01:23:58,700 We still do a few things in Boston, Franklin. 1487 01:24:13,131 --> 01:24:15,842 Hi-hi-hi. 1488 01:24:15,925 --> 01:24:18,887 Hi. 1489 01:24:18,970 --> 01:24:20,472 Hi. 1490 01:24:20,555 --> 01:24:24,559 When heaven calls to me. 1491 01:24:24,643 --> 01:24:27,812 Sing me no sad elegy. 1492 01:24:27,896 --> 01:24:29,439 Say I died. 1493 01:24:29,856 --> 01:24:31,566 Loving bride. 1494 01:24:31,650 --> 01:24:34,819 Loving wife, loving life. 1495 01:24:34,903 --> 01:24:38,907 For it was hi-hi-hi-diddle diddle. 1496 01:24:38,990 --> 01:24:42,744 'Twixt my heart, Tom and his fiddle. 1497 01:24:42,827 --> 01:24:47,290 And ever 'twill be. 1498 01:24:51,419 --> 01:24:54,130 Hi-hi-hi. 1499 01:24:54,214 --> 01:24:57,467 Hi. 1500 01:24:57,550 --> 01:24:59,260 Through eternity. 1501 01:24:59,344 --> 01:25:02,305 He plays the violin. 1502 01:25:02,389 --> 01:25:06,017 He plays the violin. 1503 01:25:06,101 --> 01:25:10,980 He plays the violin. 1504 01:25:18,697 --> 01:25:22,117 Look! Look, Franklin, he's done it. He's written it. 1505 01:25:24,369 --> 01:25:26,871 "Dear Mr. Adams, I am taking my wife back to bed. 1506 01:25:26,955 --> 01:25:29,958 "Kindly go away. Your obedient, T. Jefferson." 1507 01:25:31,042 --> 01:25:32,752 Incredible! 1508 01:25:34,379 --> 01:25:37,048 You know, perhaps I should have written the declaration after all. 1509 01:25:37,132 --> 01:25:41,261 At my age, there's little doubt the pen is mightier than the sword. 1510 01:25:43,555 --> 01:25:48,226 For it's hi-hi-hi-diddle diddle. 1511 01:25:48,309 --> 01:25:52,397 And God bless a man who can fiddle. 1512 01:25:52,480 --> 01:25:56,443 And independency. 1513 01:25:56,526 --> 01:25:59,320 - Hi-hi-hi. - Hi-hi-hi. 1514 01:25:59,404 --> 01:26:01,489 - Hi. - Hi. 1515 01:26:01,573 --> 01:26:06,202 - Ya-da-da-da-da. - Ya-da-da-da-da. 1516 01:26:06,870 --> 01:26:09,914 - Through eternity. - Through eternity. 1517 01:26:10,039 --> 01:26:14,544 - He plays the violin. - He plays the violin. 1518 01:26:14,836 --> 01:26:18,506 - Violin. - Violin. 1519 01:26:18,590 --> 01:26:24,804 - Violin. - Violin. 1520 01:26:31,102 --> 01:26:35,440 Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia's absent, 1521 01:26:35,523 --> 01:26:39,778 and North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. 1522 01:26:40,028 --> 01:26:43,072 And what follows Is a complete and up-to-date list 1523 01:26:43,156 --> 01:26:45,450 of all the committees of this Congress, 1524 01:26:45,533 --> 01:26:49,454 now sitting, about to sit or just having sat. 1525 01:26:50,288 --> 01:26:53,208 "A committee formed to investigate a complaint made against 1526 01:26:53,291 --> 01:26:56,753 “the quality of yeast manufactured by Mr. Henry Pendleton's mill 1527 01:26:56,836 --> 01:26:59,380 "designated as the Yeast Committee." 1528 01:26:59,464 --> 01:27:02,133 "A committee formed to consider the most effective method 1529 01:27:02,217 --> 01:27:03,635 "of dealing with spies 1530 01:27:03,718 --> 01:27:06,262 "designated as the Spies Committee." 1531 01:27:07,806 --> 01:27:10,809 "A committee formed to think, perhaps to do, 1532 01:27:10,892 --> 01:27:14,187 "but in any case, to gather, to meet, to confer, to talk, 1533 01:27:14,270 --> 01:27:17,732 "and perhaps even to resolve that each rifle regiment 1534 01:27:17,816 --> 01:27:21,736 "be allowed at least one drum and one fife attached to each company, 1535 01:27:21,820 --> 01:27:24,531 "designated as the Drum and Fife Committee." 1536 01:27:24,614 --> 01:27:27,075 "A committee formed to..." 1537 01:27:27,158 --> 01:27:28,827 Where is that committee? 1538 01:27:28,910 --> 01:27:31,830 What do you think of it, Doctor? Democracy? 1539 01:27:32,497 --> 01:27:36,000 What Plato called "a charming form of government 1540 01:27:36,084 --> 01:27:38,378 “full of variety and disorder." 1541 01:27:39,003 --> 01:27:41,631 I never knew Plato had been to Philadelphia. 1542 01:27:42,173 --> 01:27:45,635 Ben, I want you to see some cards I've gone and had printed up. 1543 01:27:45,718 --> 01:27:47,887 Ought to save everybody here a lot of time and effort, 1544 01:27:47,971 --> 01:27:52,934 considering the epidemic of bad disposition that's been going on around here lately. 1545 01:27:53,017 --> 01:27:56,104 "Dear sir, you are, without any doubt, a rogue, a rascal, 1546 01:27:56,187 --> 01:27:58,690 "a villain, a thief, a scoundrel and a mean, dirty, 1547 01:27:58,773 --> 01:28:01,067 "stinking, sniveling, sneaking, pimping, pocket-picking, 1548 01:28:01,150 --> 01:28:03,069 “"thrice double-damned no-good son-of-a-bitch." 1549 01:28:03,194 --> 01:28:04,874 And you sign your name. What do you think? 1550 01:28:04,946 --> 01:28:06,781 I'll take a dozen right now. 1551 01:28:06,865 --> 01:28:08,533 Here it is. 1552 01:28:08,616 --> 01:28:11,619 "A committee formed to answer all congressional correspondence, 1553 01:28:11,703 --> 01:28:15,373 "designated as the Congressional Correspondence Committee." 1554 01:28:17,041 --> 01:28:19,627 All right, Franklin, enough socializing. There's work to be done. 1555 01:28:19,711 --> 01:28:21,296 - Good morning, John. - What? 1556 01:28:21,379 --> 01:28:23,756 - Good morning. - Good morning, good morning. 1557 01:28:23,840 --> 01:28:25,800 - Now then, let's get to it. - Get to what? 1558 01:28:25,884 --> 01:28:27,886 Unanimity, of course. Look at that board. 1559 01:28:27,969 --> 01:28:30,221 Six nays to win over in little more than a week. 1560 01:28:30,305 --> 01:28:33,141 "A committee formed to consider the problem of counterfeit money 1561 01:28:33,224 --> 01:28:35,143 "designated as the Counterfeit Money Committee." 1562 01:28:35,226 --> 01:28:37,687 - Oh, God! What... - All right, John, all right. 1563 01:28:37,770 --> 01:28:40,148 - Where shall we start? - Well, what about Delaware? 1564 01:28:40,231 --> 01:28:43,359 Sad thing to see them on the wrong side after all this time. 1565 01:28:43,443 --> 01:28:45,320 - Any news of Rodney? - Yes. McKean's back. 1566 01:28:45,403 --> 01:28:46,404 Thomas! 1567 01:28:46,487 --> 01:28:50,450 "A committee formed to study the causes of our military defeat in Canada." 1568 01:28:50,533 --> 01:28:54,662 Thomas, how did you leave Caesar? Is he still alive? 1569 01:28:54,746 --> 01:28:58,750 Aye, but the journey to Dover was fearful hard on him. 1570 01:28:58,833 --> 01:29:02,462 He never complained, but I could see the poor man was suffering terrible. 1571 01:29:02,545 --> 01:29:04,505 But you got him safely home. 1572 01:29:04,589 --> 01:29:08,301 I did, but I doubt he'll ever set foot out of it again. 1573 01:29:08,384 --> 01:29:10,905 That leaves you and Read split down the middle. Will he come over? 1574 01:29:10,929 --> 01:29:13,723 I don't know. He's a stubborn ignoramus. 1575 01:29:13,806 --> 01:29:15,806 Work on him. Keep after him till you wear him down. 1576 01:29:15,850 --> 01:29:19,437 Look, John, face facts, will you? If it were just Read standing in our way, 1577 01:29:19,520 --> 01:29:21,981 it wouldn't be so bad, but look for yourself, man. 1578 01:29:22,065 --> 01:29:26,027 Maryland, Pennsylvania and the entire South. It's impossible! 1579 01:29:26,110 --> 01:29:29,280 Well, it's impossible if we all stand around complaining about it. 1580 01:29:29,364 --> 01:29:32,200 To work, McKean! One foot in front of the other! 1581 01:29:32,283 --> 01:29:33,563 I believe I put it a better way. 1582 01:29:33,618 --> 01:29:36,704 - Never leave off until tomorrow... - Shut up, Franklin. 1583 01:29:36,788 --> 01:29:39,207 But what good will it do? 1584 01:29:39,290 --> 01:29:42,293 You know Dickinson. He'll never give in. 1585 01:29:42,794 --> 01:29:44,754 And you haven't heard the last of Rutledge either. 1586 01:29:44,796 --> 01:29:46,965 Never mind about them. Your job is George Read. 1587 01:29:47,048 --> 01:29:49,801 Talk him deaf if you have to, but bring us back Delaware. 1588 01:29:49,884 --> 01:29:52,095 - There's a simpler way. - What? 1589 01:29:52,679 --> 01:29:54,138 This'll break the tie. 1590 01:29:54,222 --> 01:29:56,182 All right, John, who's next? 1591 01:29:56,265 --> 01:29:58,226 "A committee formed to keep secrets 1592 01:29:58,309 --> 01:30:00,728 "designated as the Secrets Committee." 1593 01:30:00,812 --> 01:30:02,313 Pennsylvania and Maryland. 1594 01:30:02,397 --> 01:30:04,732 Now, I suggest you try to get your own house into order 1595 01:30:04,816 --> 01:30:07,110 and I'll take a crack at old vacant-face. 1596 01:30:07,193 --> 01:30:09,278 Lord, look at him stuff himself. 1597 01:30:10,780 --> 01:30:12,031 Mr. Chase! 1598 01:30:12,115 --> 01:30:15,368 How about it, Chase? When are you coming to your senses, man? 1599 01:30:15,451 --> 01:30:18,538 Please, Mr. Adams, not while I'm eating. 1600 01:30:18,621 --> 01:30:20,206 Mr. Wilson, sir? 1601 01:30:21,124 --> 01:30:23,042 It's time to assert yourself. 1602 01:30:23,126 --> 01:30:25,086 Tell me something. When you were a judge, 1603 01:30:25,169 --> 01:30:28,047 how in hell did you ever make a decision? 1604 01:30:28,131 --> 01:30:32,844 The decisions I made were all based on legality and precedence. 1605 01:30:32,927 --> 01:30:37,015 But there is no legality here and certainly no precedent. 1606 01:30:37,098 --> 01:30:41,811 Because it's a new idea, you clot! 1607 01:30:41,894 --> 01:30:44,439 We'll be setting our own precedent! 1608 01:30:44,522 --> 01:30:48,484 No, Mr. McKean. No, no, no! 1609 01:30:48,568 --> 01:30:52,071 Damn your eyes, Read! You come into this world screaming "no," 1610 01:30:52,155 --> 01:30:56,159 and you're determined to leave it the same way, you slimy worm! 1611 01:30:57,785 --> 01:31:00,580 The Congress is waiting on you, Chase! 1612 01:31:00,663 --> 01:31:04,375 America is waiting! The whole world is waiting! 1613 01:31:04,459 --> 01:31:06,419 What's that? Kidney? 1614 01:31:06,502 --> 01:31:09,088 Leave me alone, Mr. Adams! 1615 01:31:09,172 --> 01:31:10,715 You're wasting your time. 1616 01:31:10,798 --> 01:31:12,592 If I thought we could win this war, 1617 01:31:12,675 --> 01:31:14,218 I'd be at the front of your ranks. 1618 01:31:14,302 --> 01:31:17,180 But you must know it's impossible. 1619 01:31:17,263 --> 01:31:19,474 You've heard General Washington's dispatches. 1620 01:31:19,557 --> 01:31:21,601 His army has fallen to pieces. 1621 01:31:21,684 --> 01:31:24,437 Washington is exaggerating the situation 1622 01:31:24,520 --> 01:31:27,065 in order to arouse this torpid Congress into action. 1623 01:31:27,148 --> 01:31:28,691 Why, as chairman of the War Committee, 1624 01:31:28,775 --> 01:31:32,570 I can state for a fact that the army has never been in better shape. 1625 01:31:32,653 --> 01:31:35,323 Never have troops been more cheerful. 1626 01:31:35,406 --> 01:31:37,575 Never have soldiers been more resolute. 1627 01:31:37,658 --> 01:31:41,370 Never have training and discipline been more spirited. 1628 01:31:41,454 --> 01:31:43,247 Oh, good God. 1629 01:31:52,465 --> 01:31:55,843 May we have your ears, gentlemen? Mr. Thomson has a dispatch. 1630 01:31:55,927 --> 01:31:58,721 "From the Commander, army of the United Colonies in New York, 1631 01:31:58,805 --> 01:32:01,015 "dispatch number 1,157, 1632 01:32:01,099 --> 01:32:02,618 "to the Honorable Congress, John Hancock, president. 1633 01:32:02,642 --> 01:32:06,604 "Dear sir, it is with the utmost despair that I must report to you 1634 01:32:06,687 --> 01:32:09,482 "the disorder and confusion that reign in every department.” 1635 01:32:09,565 --> 01:32:12,026 Sweet Jesus! 1636 01:32:14,070 --> 01:32:16,948 "The Continental soldier Is as nothing ever seen 1637 01:32:17,031 --> 01:32:18,825 “in this or any other century. 1638 01:32:18,908 --> 01:32:21,119 "He is a misfit, ignorant of hygiene, 1639 01:32:21,244 --> 01:32:24,413 "destructive, disorderly and totally disrespectful of rank. 1640 01:32:24,914 --> 01:32:26,582 "Only this last is understandable, 1641 01:32:26,666 --> 01:32:31,087 "as there is an incredible reek of stupidity amongst the officers. 1642 01:32:31,504 --> 01:32:33,131 "The situation is most desperate 1643 01:32:33,214 --> 01:32:35,758 "at the New Jersey training ground in New Brunswick 1644 01:32:35,842 --> 01:32:39,846 "where every able-bodied whore in the..." Whore? 1645 01:32:41,347 --> 01:32:43,474 "In the colonies has assembled. 1646 01:32:43,558 --> 01:32:47,728 “There are constant reports of drunkenness, desertion, foul language, 1647 01:32:47,812 --> 01:32:50,314 "naked bathing in the Raritan River, 1648 01:32:50,398 --> 01:32:52,441 "and an epidemic 1649 01:32:52,525 --> 01:32:54,819 "of the French disease." 1650 01:32:56,279 --> 01:32:59,949 "I have placed this town off-limits to all military personnel 1651 01:33:00,032 --> 01:33:02,201 "with the exception of officers. 1652 01:33:02,285 --> 01:33:05,872 "I beseech the Congress to dispatch the War Committee to this place 1653 01:33:05,955 --> 01:33:10,626 "in the hope of restoring some of the order and discipline we need to survive. 1654 01:33:10,710 --> 01:33:12,253 "Your obedient, 1655 01:33:13,421 --> 01:33:15,006 "G. Washington." 1656 01:33:17,508 --> 01:33:20,011 That man would depress a hyena. 1657 01:33:21,971 --> 01:33:25,016 Well, Mr. Adams, you're chairman of the War Committee. 1658 01:33:25,099 --> 01:33:29,353 Do you feel up to whoring, drinking, deserting and New Brunswick? 1659 01:33:29,562 --> 01:33:34,025 There must be some mistake. I have an aunt who lives in New Brunswick. 1660 01:33:36,027 --> 01:33:38,905 You must tell her to keep up the good work. 1661 01:33:41,699 --> 01:33:43,784 Come, come, Mr. Adams. 1662 01:33:43,868 --> 01:33:46,120 You must see that it's hopeless. 1663 01:33:46,204 --> 01:33:48,080 Let us recall General Washington 1664 01:33:48,164 --> 01:33:52,043 and disband the Continental Army before we're overwhelmed. 1665 01:33:52,585 --> 01:33:55,296 Yes, indeed. The English would like that, now, wouldn't they? 1666 01:33:55,379 --> 01:33:59,091 Why not ask them yourself? They ought to be here any minute. 1667 01:33:59,759 --> 01:34:02,220 And when they hang you, Mr. Adams, 1668 01:34:02,303 --> 01:34:05,264 I hope you will put in a good word for the rest of us. 1669 01:34:14,148 --> 01:34:16,025 Face facts, Mr. Adams. 1670 01:34:16,943 --> 01:34:21,530 A handful of drunk and disorderly recruits against the entire British Army, 1671 01:34:22,240 --> 01:34:24,992 the finest musket men on Earth. 1672 01:34:25,076 --> 01:34:26,827 How can we win? 1673 01:34:26,911 --> 01:34:29,455 How can we even hope to survive? 1674 01:34:29,538 --> 01:34:31,165 Answer me straight, Chase. 1675 01:34:31,749 --> 01:34:34,835 If you thought we could beat the Redcoats, 1676 01:34:34,919 --> 01:34:37,338 would Maryland say yea to independence? 1677 01:34:37,421 --> 01:34:39,298 Well, I suppose... 1678 01:34:39,382 --> 01:34:40,549 No supposing. 1679 01:34:41,050 --> 01:34:43,094 Would you or wouldn't you? 1680 01:34:45,596 --> 01:34:47,390 Very well, Mr. Adams. 1681 01:34:48,224 --> 01:34:50,518 Yes, we would. 1682 01:34:50,601 --> 01:34:53,688 Then come with me to New Brunswick and see for yourself. 1683 01:34:53,771 --> 01:34:54,772 John, are you mad? 1684 01:34:54,855 --> 01:34:56,458 You heard what Washington said. It's a shambles. 1685 01:34:56,482 --> 01:34:58,067 They're pushing you into it, Johnny! 1686 01:34:58,150 --> 01:34:59,235 What do you say, Chase? 1687 01:34:59,318 --> 01:35:02,029 Go ahead, Sam. It sounds lively as hell up there. 1688 01:35:02,113 --> 01:35:04,115 All right. Why not? 1689 01:35:04,198 --> 01:35:07,201 And maybe it'll be John Adams who comes to his senses. 1690 01:35:07,285 --> 01:35:10,413 Mr. President, the War Committee will heed General Washington's request. 1691 01:35:10,496 --> 01:35:13,874 A party consisting of Mr. Chase, Dr. Franklin and myself will leave immediately. 1692 01:35:13,958 --> 01:35:15,293 Is that... 1693 01:35:16,002 --> 01:35:19,046 Is that satisfactory with you, Dr. Franklin? 1694 01:35:19,130 --> 01:35:21,799 Wake up, Franklin! You're going to New Brunswick. 1695 01:35:21,882 --> 01:35:23,342 Like hell I am. What for? 1696 01:35:23,426 --> 01:35:25,636 The whoring and the drinking. 1697 01:35:27,263 --> 01:35:30,099 All right, Chase! Move all that lard. Not a moment to lose. 1698 01:35:30,182 --> 01:35:33,811 Left, right, left, right. Left, right, left, right. 1699 01:35:33,894 --> 01:35:35,563 Left, right, left! 1700 01:35:46,657 --> 01:35:50,536 Mr. McNair, all this talk of independence 1701 01:35:50,619 --> 01:35:53,331 has left a certain foulness in the air. 1702 01:35:53,414 --> 01:35:57,335 My friends and I would appreciate it if you could open some windows. 1703 01:35:57,418 --> 01:35:59,587 Well, what about the flies? 1704 01:35:59,670 --> 01:36:01,672 The windows, Mr. McNair. 1705 01:36:03,883 --> 01:36:06,927 Open the windows, close the windows. 1706 01:36:07,011 --> 01:36:09,013 Sweet Jesus! 1707 01:36:18,064 --> 01:36:22,193 Oh, say, do you see what I see? 1708 01:36:22,693 --> 01:36:26,072 Congress sitting here in sweet serenity 1709 01:36:26,155 --> 01:36:29,450 I could cheer, the reason's clear. 1710 01:36:29,533 --> 01:36:31,702 For the first time in a year 1711 01:36:31,786 --> 01:36:33,788 Adams isn't here. 1712 01:36:33,871 --> 01:36:37,416 And look, the sun is in the sky. 1713 01:36:37,500 --> 01:36:39,502 A breeze is blowing by. 1714 01:36:39,585 --> 01:36:43,464 And there's not a single fly 1715 01:36:43,547 --> 01:36:45,549 I sing hosanna. 1716 01:36:45,633 --> 01:36:48,135 Hosanna. 1717 01:36:48,219 --> 01:36:52,098 Hosanna, hosanna. 1718 01:36:52,181 --> 01:36:53,808 And it's cool. 1719 01:36:56,060 --> 01:37:00,272 Come, ye cool, cool, conservative men. 1720 01:37:00,356 --> 01:37:04,151 Our like may never ever be seen again. 1721 01:37:04,235 --> 01:37:07,613 We have land, cash in hand. 1722 01:37:07,696 --> 01:37:11,742 Self-command, future planned. 1723 01:37:11,826 --> 01:37:15,579 Fortune thrives, society survives. 1724 01:37:15,663 --> 01:37:17,581 In neatly ordered lives. 1725 01:37:17,665 --> 01:37:21,544 With well-endowered wives. 1726 01:37:21,627 --> 01:37:24,004 Come sing hosanna. 1727 01:37:24,088 --> 01:37:26,340 Hosanna. 1728 01:37:26,424 --> 01:37:30,261 In our breeding and our manner. 1729 01:37:30,344 --> 01:37:33,848 We are cool. 1730 01:37:33,931 --> 01:37:38,352 Come, ye cool, cool, considerate set. 1731 01:37:38,436 --> 01:37:41,981 We'll dance together to the same minuet. 1732 01:37:42,064 --> 01:37:45,901 To the right, ever to the right. 1733 01:37:45,985 --> 01:37:49,864 Never to the left, forever to the right. 1734 01:37:49,947 --> 01:37:53,617 Let our creed be never to exceed. 1735 01:37:53,701 --> 01:37:55,578 Regulated speed. 1736 01:37:55,661 --> 01:37:58,956 No matter what the need. 1737 01:37:59,748 --> 01:38:01,917 Come sing hosanna. 1738 01:38:02,001 --> 01:38:03,919 Hosanna. 1739 01:38:04,253 --> 01:38:08,048 Emblazoned on our banner. 1740 01:38:08,132 --> 01:38:12,052 Is keep cool. 1741 01:38:20,102 --> 01:38:23,314 To the right, ever to the right. 1742 01:38:23,939 --> 01:38:27,860 Never to the left, forever to the right. 1743 01:38:27,943 --> 01:38:31,947 Hands attach, tightly latch. 1744 01:38:32,031 --> 01:38:33,449 Everybody match 1745 01:38:33,532 --> 01:38:36,118 I have a new dispatch. 1746 01:38:39,747 --> 01:38:42,208 "From the Commander, army of the United Colonies in New York, 1747 01:38:42,291 --> 01:38:44,251 "dispatch number 1,158, 1748 01:38:44,335 --> 01:38:45,979 "to the Honorable Congress, John Hancock, president. 1749 01:38:46,003 --> 01:38:49,715 "Dear sir, I awoke this morning to find that General Howe 1750 01:38:49,798 --> 01:38:52,801 "has landed 25,000 British regulars and Hessian mercenaries 1751 01:38:52,885 --> 01:38:54,428 "on Staten Island, 1752 01:38:54,512 --> 01:38:58,307 "and that the fleet, under the command of his brother, Admiral Lord Howe, 1753 01:38:58,390 --> 01:39:02,144 “controls not only the Hudson and the east rivers, but New York Harbor, 1754 01:39:02,228 --> 01:39:05,189 "which now looks like all of London afloat. 1755 01:39:05,689 --> 01:39:07,316 "I can no longer, in good conscience, 1756 01:39:07,441 --> 01:39:09,276 "withhold from the Congress my certainty 1757 01:39:09,360 --> 01:39:13,364 "that the British military object at this time is Philadelphia. 1758 01:39:13,447 --> 01:39:16,283 "Happy should I be if I could see the means of preventing them, 1759 01:39:16,367 --> 01:39:19,036 "but, at present, I confess I do not. 1760 01:39:19,620 --> 01:39:23,415 "How I wish I had never seen the Continental Army. 1761 01:39:23,541 --> 01:39:26,126 "I would have done better to retire to the back country, 1762 01:39:26,210 --> 01:39:28,963 "and to live in a wigwam. 1763 01:39:29,046 --> 01:39:30,548 "Your obedient, 1764 01:39:31,966 --> 01:39:33,551 "G. Washington." 1765 01:39:34,510 --> 01:39:38,055 What we do, we do rationally. 1766 01:39:38,556 --> 01:39:41,892 We never, ever go off half-cocked, not we. 1767 01:39:41,976 --> 01:39:45,396 Why begin till we know that we can win. 1768 01:39:45,479 --> 01:39:49,275 And if we cannot win, why bother to begin? 1769 01:39:49,358 --> 01:39:53,028 We say this game's not of our choosing. 1770 01:39:53,821 --> 01:39:57,157 Why should we risk losing? 1771 01:39:57,283 --> 01:40:01,120 We're cool, cool men. 1772 01:40:03,122 --> 01:40:07,418 Mr. Hancock, you're a man of property, one of us. 1773 01:40:08,085 --> 01:40:10,421 Why don't you join us in our minuet? 1774 01:40:10,504 --> 01:40:13,173 Why do you persist in dancing with John Adams? 1775 01:40:13,257 --> 01:40:15,217 Good Lord, sir, you don't even like him. 1776 01:40:15,759 --> 01:40:19,054 That is true. He annoys me quite a lot. 1777 01:40:19,138 --> 01:40:22,474 But still I'd rather trot o Mr. Adams' new gavotte. 1778 01:40:22,975 --> 01:40:26,270 Why? For personal glory? For a place in history? 1779 01:40:26,395 --> 01:40:29,898 Be careful, sir. History will brand him and his followers as traitors. 1780 01:40:30,190 --> 01:40:32,860 Traitors, Mr. Dickinson? To what? 1781 01:40:32,943 --> 01:40:36,447 The British Crown or the British half crown? 1782 01:40:36,530 --> 01:40:40,367 Fortunately, there are not enough men of property in America to dictate policy. 1783 01:40:40,451 --> 01:40:44,038 Perhaps not, but don't forget that most men with nothing 1784 01:40:44,121 --> 01:40:47,374 would rather protect the possibility of becoming rich 1785 01:40:47,458 --> 01:40:50,002 than face the reality of being poor. 1786 01:40:52,421 --> 01:40:54,798 And that is why they will follow us... 1787 01:40:54,882 --> 01:40:58,719 To the right, ever to the right. 1788 01:40:58,802 --> 01:41:02,473 Never to left, forever to the right. 1789 01:41:02,556 --> 01:41:05,976 Where there's gold, a market to behold. 1790 01:41:06,060 --> 01:41:07,728 Tradition that is old. 1791 01:41:07,811 --> 01:41:09,855 Reluctant to be bold 1792 01:41:09,938 --> 01:41:11,899 I sing hosanna. 1793 01:41:11,982 --> 01:41:13,984 Hosanna. 1794 01:41:14,068 --> 01:41:17,279 In a sane and lucid manner. 1795 01:41:17,363 --> 01:41:18,489 We are cool! 1796 01:41:19,657 --> 01:41:23,827 We're the cool, cool considerate men. 1797 01:41:23,911 --> 01:41:27,581 Whose like may never, ever be seen again. 1798 01:41:27,665 --> 01:41:31,460 We've got land, cash in hand. 1799 01:41:31,543 --> 01:41:35,422 Self-command, future planned. 1800 01:41:35,506 --> 01:41:39,176 And we'll hold to our gold. 1801 01:41:39,301 --> 01:41:41,261 Tradition that is old. 1802 01:41:41,345 --> 01:41:43,347 Reluctant to be bold. 1803 01:41:43,430 --> 01:41:47,518 We say this game's not of our choosing. 1804 01:41:48,268 --> 01:41:51,814 Why should we risk losing? 1805 01:41:52,022 --> 01:41:56,443 We're cool. 1806 01:41:56,527 --> 01:42:00,280 Cool. 1807 01:42:00,364 --> 01:42:07,204 Cool cool men. 1808 01:42:26,390 --> 01:42:30,102 How'd you like to try and borrow a dollar from one of them? 1809 01:42:31,186 --> 01:42:33,313 You want some more rum, General? 1810 01:42:33,397 --> 01:42:34,648 General? 1811 01:42:35,524 --> 01:42:37,609 Lord, I ain't even a corporal. 1812 01:42:37,693 --> 01:42:40,070 Yeah, well, what's the army know? 1813 01:42:43,073 --> 01:42:45,075 Here, son. There you go. 1814 01:42:49,663 --> 01:42:53,917 Sit down, gentlemen. The chair rules it's too damn hot to work. 1815 01:43:04,136 --> 01:43:06,889 Well, General, what's it like out there? 1816 01:43:07,431 --> 01:43:09,391 You probably know more than me. 1817 01:43:09,683 --> 01:43:10,768 Sitting here? 1818 01:43:10,851 --> 01:43:14,813 Sweet Jesus, this is the last place to find out what's going on. 1819 01:43:15,856 --> 01:43:17,357 I'm aiming to join up. 1820 01:43:17,441 --> 01:43:20,527 What are you talking about? You don't have to join up. 1821 01:43:20,611 --> 01:43:21,653 You're in Congress. 1822 01:43:21,737 --> 01:43:23,030 What's that got to do with it? 1823 01:43:23,113 --> 01:43:26,241 Well, you don't see them rushing off to get killed, do you? 1824 01:43:26,325 --> 01:43:29,203 They sure are great ones for sending others, I can tell you that. 1825 01:43:29,953 --> 01:43:31,580 Hey, who sits here? 1826 01:43:32,080 --> 01:43:34,124 Caesar Rodney of Delaware. 1827 01:43:34,625 --> 01:43:35,918 Where are you from, General? 1828 01:43:36,210 --> 01:43:37,878 Watertown. 1829 01:43:37,961 --> 01:43:39,880 Now where's that? 1830 01:43:39,963 --> 01:43:41,131 Massachusetts. 1831 01:43:41,465 --> 01:43:43,425 Well, then you belong over there. 1832 01:43:49,473 --> 01:43:50,766 But be careful. 1833 01:43:51,141 --> 01:43:54,645 There's something about that chair that makes a man awful noisy. 1834 01:43:58,982 --> 01:44:00,818 You seen any fighting? 1835 01:44:02,152 --> 01:44:03,403 Sure did. 1836 01:44:04,530 --> 01:44:08,450 I see'd my two best friends get shot dead on the very same day. 1837 01:44:09,368 --> 01:44:11,787 And at Lexington it was, too. 1838 01:44:11,870 --> 01:44:13,997 Right on the village green. 1839 01:44:14,706 --> 01:44:15,975 When they didn't come home for supper, 1840 01:44:15,999 --> 01:44:19,002 their mamas went down the hill looking for them. 1841 01:44:19,086 --> 01:44:21,380 Mrs. Lowell, she found Timothy. 1842 01:44:23,674 --> 01:44:25,008 Right off. 1843 01:44:28,262 --> 01:44:30,013 But Mrs. Pickett... 1844 01:44:32,850 --> 01:44:35,727 She looked near half the night for William. 1845 01:44:36,895 --> 01:44:39,314 He went and crawled off the green 1846 01:44:40,440 --> 01:44:41,984 before he died. 1847 01:44:50,534 --> 01:44:54,246 Mama, hey, Mama. 1848 01:44:54,329 --> 01:44:59,376 Come looking for me 1849 01:44:59,459 --> 01:45:03,964 I'm here in the meadow. 1850 01:45:04,047 --> 01:45:08,427 By the red maple tree. 1851 01:45:09,344 --> 01:45:13,473 Mama, hey, Mama. 1852 01:45:13,557 --> 01:45:15,726 Look sharp. 1853 01:45:15,809 --> 01:45:19,021 Here I be. 1854 01:45:19,104 --> 01:45:23,734 Hey, hey. 1855 01:45:23,817 --> 01:45:28,906 Mama, look sharp. 1856 01:45:31,325 --> 01:45:34,995 Them soldiers, they fired. 1857 01:45:35,454 --> 01:45:39,207 Oh, Ma, did we run. 1858 01:45:40,083 --> 01:45:44,004 But then we turned round. 1859 01:45:44,087 --> 01:45:48,425 And the battle begun. 1860 01:45:49,593 --> 01:45:53,221 Then I went under. 1861 01:45:53,305 --> 01:45:57,434 Oh, Ma, am I done? 1862 01:45:58,852 --> 01:46:02,397 Hey, hey. 1863 01:46:03,190 --> 01:46:08,278 Mama, look sharp. 1864 01:46:10,822 --> 01:46:14,952 My eyes are wide open. 1865 01:46:15,035 --> 01:46:19,039 My face to the sky. 1866 01:46:19,873 --> 01:46:23,669 Is that you I'm hearing. 1867 01:46:23,752 --> 01:46:27,673 In the tall grass nearby. 1868 01:46:28,548 --> 01:46:32,052 Mama, come find me. 1869 01:46:32,135 --> 01:46:35,847 Before I do die. 1870 01:46:36,473 --> 01:46:40,143 Hey, hey. 1871 01:46:40,560 --> 01:46:42,729 Mama. 1872 01:46:42,813 --> 01:46:46,400 Look sharp. 1873 01:46:49,027 --> 01:46:52,614 I'll close your eyes. 1874 01:46:53,281 --> 01:46:56,326 My Billy. 1875 01:46:56,410 --> 01:47:01,748 Them eyes that cannot see. 1876 01:47:02,457 --> 01:47:05,669 And I'll bury you. 1877 01:47:05,752 --> 01:47:08,630 My Billy. 1878 01:47:08,714 --> 01:47:15,595 Beneath the maple tree. 1879 01:47:16,054 --> 01:47:17,806 And. 1880 01:47:18,849 --> 01:47:23,061 Never again. 1881 01:47:23,145 --> 01:47:28,483 Will you whisper to me. 1882 01:47:29,443 --> 01:47:32,029 Hey. 1883 01:47:32,112 --> 01:47:34,781 Hey. 1884 01:47:34,865 --> 01:47:37,784 Oh, Mama. 1885 01:47:37,868 --> 01:47:44,750 Look sharp. 1886 01:48:01,600 --> 01:48:05,312 The secretary will now read the report of the Declaration Committee. 1887 01:48:05,395 --> 01:48:06,897 Mr. Thomson. 1888 01:48:06,980 --> 01:48:08,815 "A declaration by the representatives 1889 01:48:08,899 --> 01:48:12,861 "of the United States of America, in general Congress assembled. 1890 01:48:13,737 --> 01:48:15,197 "When in the course of human events 1891 01:48:15,280 --> 01:48:18,533 "it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands 1892 01:48:18,617 --> 01:48:20,494 "which have connected them with another 1893 01:48:20,577 --> 01:48:23,038 "and to assume among the powers of the Earth 1894 01:48:23,121 --> 01:48:25,832 "the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature 1895 01:48:25,916 --> 01:48:28,335 "and of nature's god entitle them, 1896 01:48:28,418 --> 01:48:31,046 "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind 1897 01:48:31,129 --> 01:48:35,383 "requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 1898 01:48:35,884 --> 01:48:38,845 "We hold these truths to be self-evident, 1899 01:48:38,929 --> 01:48:41,598 “"that all men are created equal. 1900 01:48:41,681 --> 01:48:45,268 "They're endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, 1901 01:48:45,519 --> 01:48:48,980 "that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, 1902 01:48:49,064 --> 01:48:51,024 "that to secure these rights..." 1903 01:48:51,108 --> 01:48:55,195 Jefferson! We're back, and we've got Maryland. 1904 01:48:55,278 --> 01:48:58,132 That is, we will, as soon as Chase gets through telling the Maryland assembly 1905 01:48:58,156 --> 01:49:00,117 what we saw in New Brunswick. 1906 01:49:00,200 --> 01:49:01,785 He's in Annapolis right now, 1907 01:49:01,868 --> 01:49:05,539 describing a ragtag collection of provincial militiamen 1908 01:49:05,622 --> 01:49:08,625 who couldn't drill together, train together or march together. 1909 01:49:08,708 --> 01:49:10,669 But when a flock of ducks flew over 1910 01:49:10,752 --> 01:49:13,797 and they saw their first meal in three full days, 1911 01:49:13,880 --> 01:49:15,882 sweet Jesus, could they shoot together! 1912 01:49:15,966 --> 01:49:18,552 - It was a slaughter. - A slaughter. 1913 01:49:18,635 --> 01:49:20,262 They're reading the declaration. 1914 01:49:20,345 --> 01:49:22,806 Good God! How far have they gotten? 1915 01:49:23,140 --> 01:49:24,766 "To render the military independent of 1916 01:49:24,850 --> 01:49:26,643 "and superior to the civil power." 1917 01:49:27,144 --> 01:49:29,771 "...independent of and superior to..." 1918 01:49:35,652 --> 01:49:37,028 Nothing to fear. 1919 01:49:37,112 --> 01:49:38,280 It's a masterpiece. 1920 01:49:38,947 --> 01:49:40,907 I'm to be congratulated. 1921 01:49:41,491 --> 01:49:42,576 You? 1922 01:49:43,785 --> 01:49:45,370 For making him write it. 1923 01:49:45,453 --> 01:49:46,663 Of course. 1924 01:49:48,248 --> 01:49:51,001 It's a masterpiece, I say. 1925 01:49:51,084 --> 01:49:55,088 They will cheer every word, every letter 1926 01:49:55,172 --> 01:49:58,258 I wish I felt that way 1927 01:49:58,341 --> 01:50:01,678 I believe I can put it better. 1928 01:50:01,761 --> 01:50:04,347 Now then attend as friend to friend. 1929 01:50:04,431 --> 01:50:06,933 Our Declaration Committee. 1930 01:50:07,017 --> 01:50:10,770 For us I see immortality. 1931 01:50:10,854 --> 01:50:15,942 In Philadelphia City. 1932 01:50:16,026 --> 01:50:19,237 A farmer, a lawyer. 1933 01:50:19,321 --> 01:50:20,947 And a sage. 1934 01:50:22,407 --> 01:50:24,284 A bit gouty in the leg. 1935 01:50:25,493 --> 01:50:29,122 You know, it's quite bizarre to think that here we are. 1936 01:50:29,206 --> 01:50:32,584 Playing midwives to an egg. 1937 01:50:33,835 --> 01:50:35,045 Egg? What egg? 1938 01:50:35,128 --> 01:50:37,172 America. The birth of a new nation. 1939 01:50:37,255 --> 01:50:40,508 If only we could be sure of what kind of a bird it's going to be. 1940 01:50:40,592 --> 01:50:43,136 Tom has a point. What sort of bird shall we choose 1941 01:50:43,220 --> 01:50:45,347 as the symbol of our new America? 1942 01:50:45,430 --> 01:50:47,390 The eagle. 1943 01:50:47,474 --> 01:50:48,892 The dove. 1944 01:50:48,975 --> 01:50:50,352 The turkey. 1945 01:50:51,728 --> 01:50:53,063 The eagle. 1946 01:50:54,022 --> 01:50:56,274 - The dove. - The eagle! 1947 01:50:57,692 --> 01:50:59,569 - The eagle. - The turkey. 1948 01:51:00,904 --> 01:51:02,948 The eagle is a majestic bird. 1949 01:51:03,031 --> 01:51:05,784 The eagle is a scavenger, a thief and a coward. 1950 01:51:05,867 --> 01:51:09,454 A symbol of over 10 centuries of European mischief. 1951 01:51:09,537 --> 01:51:10,830 A turkey? 1952 01:51:10,914 --> 01:51:13,083 The turkey is a truly noble bird. 1953 01:51:13,166 --> 01:51:16,253 Native American. Source of sustenance of our original settlers. 1954 01:51:16,336 --> 01:51:18,546 An incredibly brave fellow who will not flinch 1955 01:51:18,630 --> 01:51:21,675 at attacking a regiment of Englishmen single-handedly! 1956 01:51:21,758 --> 01:51:24,427 Therefore, the national bird of America is going to be... 1957 01:51:24,511 --> 01:51:25,512 The eagle! 1958 01:51:25,595 --> 01:51:27,097 The eagle! 1959 01:51:27,597 --> 01:51:30,725 We're waiting for the chirp, chirp, chirp. 1960 01:51:31,518 --> 01:51:34,229 Of an eaglet being born. 1961 01:51:34,312 --> 01:51:37,399 Waiting for the chirp, chirp, chirp. 1962 01:51:37,482 --> 01:51:40,568 On this humid Monday morning. 1963 01:51:40,652 --> 01:51:44,948 In this congressional incubator. 1964 01:51:45,031 --> 01:51:47,909 God knows the temperature's hot enough. 1965 01:51:47,993 --> 01:51:51,538 To hatch a stone, let alone an egg. 1966 01:51:52,956 --> 01:51:56,459 We're waiting for the scratch, scratch, scratch. 1967 01:51:56,543 --> 01:51:59,671 Of that tiny little fellow. 1968 01:51:59,754 --> 01:52:02,757 Waiting for the egg to hatch. 1969 01:52:02,841 --> 01:52:06,011 On this humid Monday morning. 1970 01:52:06,094 --> 01:52:10,223 In this congressional incubator. 1971 01:52:10,307 --> 01:52:13,143 God knows the temperature's hot enough. 1972 01:52:13,226 --> 01:52:14,769 To hatch a stone. 1973 01:52:14,853 --> 01:52:16,980 But will it hatch an egg? 1974 01:52:18,648 --> 01:52:22,736 The declaration will be a triumph. I tell you, a triumph. 1975 01:52:22,819 --> 01:52:24,946 If I was ever sure of anything, I'm sure of that. 1976 01:52:25,030 --> 01:52:26,364 A triumph. 1977 01:52:27,490 --> 01:52:32,078 And if it isn't, we've still got four days left to think of something else. 1978 01:52:32,162 --> 01:52:35,707 The eagle's going to crack the shell. 1979 01:52:35,790 --> 01:52:38,501 Of the egg that England laid. 1980 01:52:38,626 --> 01:52:41,588 Yes, sir, we can tell, tell, tell. 1981 01:52:41,671 --> 01:52:44,674 On this humid Monday morning. 1982 01:52:44,758 --> 01:52:49,012 In this congressional incubator. 1983 01:52:49,095 --> 01:52:52,349 And just as Tom here has written. 1984 01:52:52,432 --> 01:52:54,934 Though the shell may belong to Great Britain. 1985 01:52:55,018 --> 01:52:58,772 The eagle inside belongs to us. 1986 01:52:58,855 --> 01:53:01,941 And just as Tom here has written. 1987 01:53:02,025 --> 01:53:04,444 We say, "To hell with Great Britain”. 1988 01:53:04,527 --> 01:53:09,866 The eagle inside belongs to us 1989 01:53:21,127 --> 01:53:22,687 "...and to do all other acts and things 1990 01:53:22,712 --> 01:53:25,048 "which independent states may of right do. 1991 01:53:25,382 --> 01:53:27,509 "And for the support of this declaration, 1992 01:53:27,592 --> 01:53:30,178 "we mutually pledge to each other our lives, 1993 01:53:30,261 --> 01:53:32,806 "our fortunes and our sacred honor." 1994 01:53:35,433 --> 01:53:37,352 Thank you, Mr. Thomson. 1995 01:53:38,103 --> 01:53:42,023 The Congress has heard the report of the Declaration Committee. 1996 01:53:42,482 --> 01:53:44,776 Are there any here who wish to offer alterations, 1997 01:53:44,859 --> 01:53:47,695 deletions, amendments to this declaration? 1998 01:53:48,655 --> 01:53:50,156 Mr. President! 1999 01:53:50,782 --> 01:53:52,534 Gentlemen! 2000 01:53:52,617 --> 01:53:55,245 Gentlemen, please! 2001 01:53:56,579 --> 01:53:58,873 Colonel McKean, I saw your hand first. 2002 01:53:58,957 --> 01:54:00,500 Mr. Jefferson, 2003 01:54:00,583 --> 01:54:03,962 it's a funny paper you've written, Tom, but somewhere in it, 2004 01:54:04,045 --> 01:54:08,007 you mention Scottish and foreign mercenaries sent to destroy us. 2005 01:54:08,800 --> 01:54:10,301 Scottish, Tom? 2006 01:54:10,760 --> 01:54:14,097 That is in reference to a Highland regiment which stood against us at Boston. 2007 01:54:15,765 --> 01:54:20,270 It's more likely Germans wearing kilts to disguise their being there. 2008 01:54:20,395 --> 01:54:25,316 I ask you to remove the word and avoid giving offense to a good people. 2009 01:54:25,400 --> 01:54:26,901 Mr. Jefferson? 2010 01:54:28,445 --> 01:54:29,904 The Reverend... 2011 01:54:30,280 --> 01:54:31,322 Witherspoon. 2012 01:54:31,406 --> 01:54:35,743 Mr. Jefferson, nowhere do you mention the Supreme Being. 2013 01:54:35,827 --> 01:54:37,412 Now, surely this was an oversight, 2014 01:54:37,495 --> 01:54:42,000 for how could we hope to achieve a victory without His help? 2015 01:54:42,083 --> 01:54:44,544 Therefore, I most humbly suggest the following addition 2016 01:54:44,627 --> 01:54:46,379 to your final sentence. 2017 01:54:46,463 --> 01:54:50,300 "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence." 2018 01:54:50,633 --> 01:54:51,676 Mr. Jefferson? 2019 01:54:54,804 --> 01:54:55,889 Mr. Read. 2020 01:54:57,599 --> 01:55:00,643 Among your charges against the king, Mr. Jefferson, 2021 01:55:00,727 --> 01:55:04,856 you accuse him of depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury. 2022 01:55:04,939 --> 01:55:06,316 This is untrue, sir. 2023 01:55:06,399 --> 01:55:09,319 In Delaware, we've always had trial by jury. 2024 01:55:10,236 --> 01:55:12,071 In Massachusetts, we have not. 2025 01:55:12,822 --> 01:55:16,534 Well, then I suggest that the words "in many cases" be added. 2026 01:55:17,494 --> 01:55:18,995 Mr. Jefferson? 2027 01:55:19,496 --> 01:55:22,707 "In many cases"? Brilliant! 2028 01:55:22,790 --> 01:55:25,335 I suppose every time you see those three words, 2029 01:55:25,418 --> 01:55:27,587 your puny chest will swell with pride 2030 01:55:27,670 --> 01:55:30,340 over your great historical contribution. 2031 01:55:30,423 --> 01:55:33,760 It's more memorable than your unprincipled whitewash 2032 01:55:33,843 --> 01:55:35,845 of that race of barbarians! 2033 01:55:35,929 --> 01:55:38,389 Race of barbarians? 2034 01:55:38,473 --> 01:55:39,766 Why, I'll have you... 2035 01:55:40,391 --> 01:55:42,769 Colonel McKean, Mr. Read, that's enough! 2036 01:55:45,355 --> 01:55:47,041 - Mr. Hopkins. - I've no objections, Johnny. 2037 01:55:47,065 --> 01:55:48,775 I'm just trying to get a drink. 2038 01:55:48,858 --> 01:55:51,086 I should've known. McNair, get him a rum. 2039 01:55:51,110 --> 01:55:52,750 I should've known. McNair, get him a rum. 2040 01:55:56,991 --> 01:55:58,368 Mr. Bartlett. 2041 01:55:59,160 --> 01:56:00,328 Mr. Jefferson. 2042 01:56:00,745 --> 01:56:03,540 I beg you to remember that we still have friends in England. 2043 01:56:03,623 --> 01:56:07,544 I see no purpose in antagonizing them with such phrases as... 2044 01:56:08,503 --> 01:56:11,256 "Unfeeling brethren" and "enemies at war." 2045 01:56:11,339 --> 01:56:14,676 Our quarrel is with the British king, not the British people. 2046 01:56:14,759 --> 01:56:16,803 Be sensible, Bartlett. 2047 01:56:16,886 --> 01:56:17,887 Remove those phrases, 2048 01:56:17,971 --> 01:56:20,807 and the entire paragraph becomes meaningless. 2049 01:56:20,890 --> 01:56:24,102 And it so happens that it's one of the most stirring and poetic 2050 01:56:24,185 --> 01:56:27,522 of any passage in the entire document. Now... 2051 01:56:27,605 --> 01:56:31,150 We're a Congress, Mr. Adams, not a literary society. 2052 01:56:31,234 --> 01:56:33,987 I ask that the entire paragraph be stricken. 2053 01:56:34,070 --> 01:56:35,071 Mr. Jefferson? 2054 01:56:37,740 --> 01:56:38,825 Good God. 2055 01:56:38,908 --> 01:56:41,869 Jefferson, when are you going to speak up for your own work? 2056 01:56:41,953 --> 01:56:44,998 I had hoped that the work would speak for itself. 2057 01:56:45,582 --> 01:56:46,958 Mr. Hancock? 2058 01:56:47,584 --> 01:56:48,960 What is it, Mr. McNair? 2059 01:56:49,043 --> 01:56:52,505 I can't say I'm very fond of "The United States of America" 2060 01:56:52,589 --> 01:56:54,090 as a name for a new country. 2061 01:56:56,092 --> 01:56:58,845 I don't care what you're fond of, Mr. McNair. 2062 01:56:58,928 --> 01:57:01,514 You're not a member of this Congress! 2063 01:57:04,726 --> 01:57:06,102 Mr. Sherman. 2064 01:57:06,644 --> 01:57:09,606 Brother Jefferson, I noted at least 2065 01:57:09,689 --> 01:57:11,816 two distinct and direct references 2066 01:57:11,899 --> 01:57:14,444 to the British Parliament in your declaration. 2067 01:57:14,527 --> 01:57:17,155 Do you think it's wise to alienate that august body 2068 01:57:17,238 --> 01:57:18,406 in light of our contention 2069 01:57:18,489 --> 01:57:21,117 that they've never had any authority over us anyway? 2070 01:57:21,200 --> 01:57:23,620 This is a revolution, damn it! 2071 01:57:23,703 --> 01:57:25,788 We're going to have to offend somebody. 2072 01:57:25,872 --> 01:57:27,457 Brother Hancock! 2073 01:57:31,878 --> 01:57:33,880 John. John. 2074 01:57:33,963 --> 01:57:36,483 You'll give yourself an attack of apoplexy if you're not careful. 2075 01:57:36,507 --> 01:57:37,610 Have you heard what they're doing to it? 2076 01:57:37,634 --> 01:57:38,760 - Have you heard? - I heard. 2077 01:57:38,843 --> 01:57:42,305 And, so far, that's just our friends. Can you imagine what our enemies will do? 2078 01:57:42,388 --> 01:57:45,141 The word "parliament” will be removed wherever it occurs. 2079 01:57:45,224 --> 01:57:48,436 They won't be satisfied till they remove one of the "F's" from Jefferson's name. 2080 01:57:48,519 --> 01:57:51,314 Courage, John. It won't last much longer. 2081 01:57:54,567 --> 01:57:56,069 Mr. Dickinson. 2082 01:57:56,569 --> 01:57:58,613 Mr. Jefferson, 2083 01:57:58,696 --> 01:58:00,573 I have very little interest in your paper, 2084 01:58:00,657 --> 01:58:04,369 as there's no doubt in my mind that we've all but heard the last of it. 2085 01:58:04,452 --> 01:58:07,038 But I am curious about one thing. 2086 01:58:07,997 --> 01:58:11,417 Why do you refer to King George as a tyrant? 2087 01:58:13,127 --> 01:58:15,004 Because he is a tyrant. 2088 01:58:16,005 --> 01:58:20,009 I remind you, Mr. Jefferson, that this tyrant is still your king. 2089 01:58:21,678 --> 01:58:23,930 When a king becomes a tyrant, 2090 01:58:24,013 --> 01:58:27,600 he thereby breaks the contract binding his subjects to him. 2091 01:58:27,684 --> 01:58:29,310 How so? 2092 01:58:29,394 --> 01:58:31,521 By taking away their rights. 2093 01:58:31,604 --> 01:58:34,565 Rights that came from him in the first place? 2094 01:58:34,649 --> 01:58:36,359 All except one. 2095 01:58:36,442 --> 01:58:39,153 The right to be free comes from nature. 2096 01:58:40,029 --> 01:58:42,990 And are we not free, Mr. Jefferson? 2097 01:58:45,201 --> 01:58:47,328 Homes entered without warrant. 2098 01:58:47,412 --> 01:58:50,540 Citizens arrested without charge. 2099 01:58:50,623 --> 01:58:54,001 And in many places, free assembly itself denied. 2100 01:58:54,085 --> 01:58:56,838 No one approves of such things, 2101 01:58:56,921 --> 01:58:59,215 but these are dangerous times. 2102 01:58:59,298 --> 01:59:01,008 Be careful, Mr. Dickinson. 2103 01:59:01,092 --> 01:59:05,179 Those who give up some of their liberty in order to obtain a little temporary safety, 2104 01:59:05,263 --> 01:59:07,765 deserve neither liberty nor safety. 2105 01:59:09,434 --> 01:59:10,810 Mr. Wilson. 2106 01:59:12,311 --> 01:59:15,732 Do we in Pennsylvania consider King George a tyrant? 2107 01:59:17,066 --> 01:59:19,444 Well, I don't know. 2108 01:59:20,236 --> 01:59:21,362 He... 2109 01:59:23,573 --> 01:59:25,533 No. No, we don't. 2110 01:59:26,284 --> 01:59:27,952 He's not a tyrant. 2111 01:59:28,995 --> 01:59:30,496 In Pennsylvania. 2112 01:59:30,580 --> 01:59:31,998 There you are, Mr. Jefferson. 2113 01:59:32,081 --> 01:59:34,125 Your declaration does not speak for us all. 2114 01:59:34,208 --> 01:59:36,335 I demand the word "tyrant" be removed. 2115 01:59:36,419 --> 01:59:37,419 Very well. 2116 01:59:37,462 --> 01:59:39,630 Just a moment, Mr. Thomson. 2117 01:59:39,714 --> 01:59:41,340 I do not consent. 2118 01:59:42,300 --> 01:59:45,928 The king is a tyrant whether we say so or not. 2119 01:59:47,221 --> 01:59:48,639 We might as well say so. 2120 01:59:48,723 --> 01:59:50,683 But I already scratched it out. 2121 01:59:50,767 --> 01:59:52,727 Then scratch it back in. 2122 01:59:54,479 --> 01:59:58,024 Put it back, Mr. Thomson. The king will remain a tyrant. 2123 02:00:02,111 --> 02:00:03,196 Mr. Hewes. 2124 02:00:03,279 --> 02:00:04,697 Mr. Jefferson. 2125 02:00:04,781 --> 02:00:07,867 Nowhere do you mention deep-sea fishing rights. 2126 02:00:10,286 --> 02:00:13,289 Good God! Fishing rights! 2127 02:00:14,290 --> 02:00:17,126 How long is this piddling to go on? 2128 02:00:17,210 --> 02:00:20,630 We have been here for three full days. 2129 02:00:20,713 --> 02:00:24,467 We have endured, by my count, 85 separate changes, 2130 02:00:24,550 --> 02:00:27,970 and the removal of close to 400 words. 2131 02:00:28,054 --> 02:00:31,182 Now, would you whip it and beat it till you break its spirit? 2132 02:00:31,265 --> 02:00:36,938 I tell you that document is a masterful expression of the American mind! 2133 02:00:42,151 --> 02:00:43,820 If there are no more changes, 2134 02:00:43,903 --> 02:00:47,365 then I can assume the report of the Declaration Committee has been... 2135 02:00:47,490 --> 02:00:49,492 Just a moment, Mr. President. 2136 02:00:50,493 --> 02:00:51,744 Look out. 2137 02:00:53,162 --> 02:00:55,706 I wonder if we might prevail upon Mr. Thomson 2138 02:00:55,790 --> 02:00:59,794 to read again a small portion of Mr. Jefferson's declaration. 2139 02:01:00,878 --> 02:01:03,714 The one beginning "He has waged cruel war." 2140 02:01:06,676 --> 02:01:08,845 "He has affected... He's combined... 2141 02:01:08,928 --> 02:01:11,389 "He's abdicated... He's plundered... 2142 02:01:11,472 --> 02:01:14,141 "He's constrained... He's excited... He's incited... 2143 02:01:14,225 --> 02:01:16,644 "He's waged cruel war." Here it is. 2144 02:01:16,727 --> 02:01:19,480 "He's waged cruel war against human nature itself 2145 02:01:19,564 --> 02:01:22,441 "in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, 2146 02:01:22,525 --> 02:01:26,445 "captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, 2147 02:01:26,529 --> 02:01:28,114 "Determined to keep open a market 2148 02:01:28,197 --> 02:01:30,157 "where men should be bought and sold, 2149 02:01:30,241 --> 02:01:31,321 "he has prostituted his..." 2150 02:01:31,367 --> 02:01:34,453 That will suffice, Mr. Thomson. I thank you, sir. 2151 02:01:34,537 --> 02:01:39,208 Mr. Jefferson, I can't quite make out what it is you're talking about. 2152 02:01:41,210 --> 02:01:43,004 Slavery, Mr. Rutledge. 2153 02:01:43,087 --> 02:01:44,338 Oh, yes. 2154 02:01:44,422 --> 02:01:47,049 You're referring to us as slaves of the king. 2155 02:01:47,133 --> 02:01:49,802 No, sir. I'm referring to our slaves. 2156 02:01:49,886 --> 02:01:51,387 Black slaves. 2157 02:01:54,223 --> 02:01:55,683 Black slaves. 2158 02:01:56,893 --> 02:01:59,145 Why didn't you say so, sir? 2159 02:01:59,228 --> 02:02:01,814 Were you trying to hide your meaning? 2160 02:02:02,565 --> 02:02:03,816 No, sir. 2161 02:02:03,900 --> 02:02:06,736 Just another literary license, then. 2162 02:02:07,862 --> 02:02:09,238 If you like. 2163 02:02:10,114 --> 02:02:12,617 I don't like at all, Mr. Jefferson. 2164 02:02:13,659 --> 02:02:17,705 To us, in South Carolina, black slavery is our peculiar institution, 2165 02:02:17,788 --> 02:02:19,582 and a cherished way of life. 2166 02:02:19,665 --> 02:02:22,501 Nevertheless, we must abolish it. 2167 02:02:22,585 --> 02:02:25,630 Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate 2168 02:02:25,713 --> 02:02:27,590 than that these people shall be free. 2169 02:02:27,673 --> 02:02:31,594 I am not concerned with the book of fate right now, Mr. Jefferson. 2170 02:02:31,677 --> 02:02:34,317 I'm more concerned with what is written in that little paper there. 2171 02:02:34,388 --> 02:02:38,100 That little paper there deals with freedom for Americans. 2172 02:02:40,102 --> 02:02:41,437 Oh, really? 2173 02:02:42,897 --> 02:02:44,148 Mr. Adams 2174 02:02:44,899 --> 02:02:49,195 is now calling our black slaves "Americans." 2175 02:02:49,278 --> 02:02:51,405 - Are they, now? - Yes, they are. 2176 02:02:51,489 --> 02:02:53,991 They're people and they're here. 2177 02:02:54,075 --> 02:02:55,886 If there's any other requirement, I've never heard of it. 2178 02:02:55,910 --> 02:02:58,788 They are here, yes, but they are not people, sir. They are property. 2179 02:02:58,871 --> 02:03:03,084 No, sir. They are people who are being treated as property. 2180 02:03:03,167 --> 02:03:05,878 I tell you, the rights of human nature 2181 02:03:05,962 --> 02:03:09,548 are deeply wounded by this infamous practice. 2182 02:03:09,632 --> 02:03:13,552 Then see to your own wounds, Mr. Jefferson, for you are a practitioner! 2183 02:03:13,636 --> 02:03:15,054 Are you not? 2184 02:03:21,310 --> 02:03:24,146 I have already resolved 2185 02:03:25,147 --> 02:03:26,941 to release my slaves. 2186 02:03:45,334 --> 02:03:46,877 Then I'm sorry, 2187 02:03:47,753 --> 02:03:51,841 for you've also resolved the ruination of your personal economy. 2188 02:03:51,924 --> 02:03:54,301 Economy. Always economy. 2189 02:03:55,428 --> 02:03:58,431 There's more to this than a filthy purse string, Rutledge. 2190 02:03:58,514 --> 02:04:00,599 It's an offense against man and God. 2191 02:04:00,683 --> 02:04:04,103 It's a stinking business, Mr. Rutledge. A stinking business. 2192 02:04:04,186 --> 02:04:06,230 Is it really, Mr. Hopkins? 2193 02:04:06,313 --> 02:04:08,399 Then what is that I smell 2194 02:04:08,482 --> 02:04:10,693 floating down from the North? 2195 02:04:12,236 --> 02:04:14,655 Could that be the aroma of hypocrisy? 2196 02:04:14,739 --> 02:04:18,868 For who holds the other end of that filthy purse string, Mr. Adams? 2197 02:04:22,329 --> 02:04:27,668 Our Northern brethren feeling a bit tender toward our slaves. 2198 02:04:27,752 --> 02:04:29,670 They don't keep slaves. 2199 02:04:30,212 --> 02:04:31,380 Oh, no. 2200 02:04:32,631 --> 02:04:36,427 But they're willing to be considerable carriers 2201 02:04:36,510 --> 02:04:38,262 of slaves to others. 2202 02:04:39,013 --> 02:04:40,598 They're willing. 2203 02:04:42,058 --> 02:04:43,684 For the shilling. 2204 02:04:44,185 --> 02:04:46,520 Or haven't you heard, Mr. Adams? 2205 02:04:47,897 --> 02:04:50,483 Clink, clink. 2206 02:04:51,567 --> 02:04:54,153 Molasses to rum. 2207 02:04:54,236 --> 02:04:57,073 To slaves. 2208 02:04:57,156 --> 02:05:02,745 Oh, what a beautiful waltz. 2209 02:05:02,828 --> 02:05:05,581 You dance with us. 2210 02:05:05,664 --> 02:05:08,084 We dance with you. 2211 02:05:08,167 --> 02:05:10,961 In molasses and rum. 2212 02:05:11,045 --> 02:05:16,175 And slaves. 2213 02:05:16,258 --> 02:05:19,887 Who sail the ships out of Boston 2214 02:05:19,970 --> 02:05:23,849 Ladened with Bibles and rum? 2215 02:05:23,933 --> 02:05:27,561 Who drinks a toast to the Ivory Coast? 2216 02:05:27,645 --> 02:05:31,565 Hail Africa, the slavers have come. 2217 02:05:31,649 --> 02:05:35,194 New England with Bibles. 2218 02:05:35,277 --> 02:05:37,696 And rum. 2219 02:05:38,447 --> 02:05:41,283 And it's off with the rum and the Bibles. 2220 02:05:41,367 --> 02:05:43,869 Take on the slaves, clink, clink. 2221 02:05:43,953 --> 02:05:48,040 Then hail and farewell to the smell. 2222 02:05:48,124 --> 02:05:52,294 Of the African coast. 2223 02:05:55,714 --> 02:05:58,300 Molasses to rum. 2224 02:05:58,384 --> 02:06:00,761 To slaves. 2225 02:06:00,845 --> 02:06:06,392 'Tisn't morals, 'tis money that saves. 2226 02:06:06,475 --> 02:06:11,730 Shall we dance to the sound of the profitable pound? 2227 02:06:11,814 --> 02:06:14,233 In molasses and rum. 2228 02:06:14,316 --> 02:06:19,572 And slaves. 2229 02:06:19,655 --> 02:06:23,200 Who sail the ships out of Guinea 2230 02:06:23,284 --> 02:06:26,871 Ladened with Bibles and slaves? 2231 02:06:26,954 --> 02:06:30,666 "Tis Boston can boast to the West Indies coast 2232 02:06:30,749 --> 02:06:34,378 Jamaica, we brung what ye craves 2233 02:06:34,461 --> 02:06:38,007 Antigua, Barbados. 2234 02:06:38,090 --> 02:06:41,468 We brung Bibles. 2235 02:06:41,552 --> 02:06:45,306 And slaves. 2236 02:06:45,389 --> 02:06:48,434 Gentlemen, you mustn't think that our Northern friends 2237 02:06:48,517 --> 02:06:52,062 see our black slaves as merely figures in a ledger. 2238 02:06:52,146 --> 02:06:53,439 Oh, no. 2239 02:06:53,522 --> 02:06:57,776 They see them as figures on a block. 2240 02:06:57,860 --> 02:07:00,529 Look at the faces at the auctions, gentlemen. 2241 02:07:00,613 --> 02:07:03,115 White faces on African wharves. 2242 02:07:03,199 --> 02:07:04,825 Seafaring faces. 2243 02:07:04,909 --> 02:07:06,660 New England faces. 2244 02:07:06,744 --> 02:07:09,121 "Put them in the ships." 2245 02:07:09,205 --> 02:07:11,790 "Cram them in the ships." 2246 02:07:11,874 --> 02:07:15,628 "Stuff them in the ships." 2247 02:07:15,711 --> 02:07:19,006 Hurry, gentlemen. Let the auction begin. 2248 02:07:19,548 --> 02:07:24,637 Ya-ha, ya-ha-ma-cundah. 2249 02:07:24,720 --> 02:07:28,515 Gentlemen, do you hear? That's the cry of the auctioneer. 2250 02:07:28,599 --> 02:07:33,687 Ya-ha, ya-ha-ma-cundah. 2251 02:07:33,771 --> 02:07:36,190 Slaves, gentlemen! 2252 02:07:36,273 --> 02:07:38,651 Black gold! 2253 02:07:38,734 --> 02:07:41,153 Living gold! 2254 02:07:41,237 --> 02:07:44,907 Gold from Angola! 2255 02:07:44,990 --> 02:07:46,867 Guinea, Guinea, Guinea! 2256 02:07:46,951 --> 02:07:49,745 Blackbirds for sale. 2257 02:07:49,828 --> 02:07:54,375 Ashanti Ibo, Ibo, Ibo! 2258 02:07:54,458 --> 02:07:57,336 Blackbirds for sale. 2259 02:07:57,419 --> 02:08:01,340 Handle them! 2260 02:08:01,757 --> 02:08:05,177 Fondle them! 2261 02:08:05,261 --> 02:08:08,347 But don't finger them! 2262 02:08:08,430 --> 02:08:10,641 They're prime. 2263 02:08:10,724 --> 02:08:13,394 They're prime. 2264 02:08:13,477 --> 02:08:20,192 Ya-ha, ya-ha-ma-cundah. 2265 02:08:20,776 --> 02:08:23,988 For the love of God, Mr. Rutledge, please. 2266 02:08:33,038 --> 02:08:35,958 Molasses to rum. 2267 02:08:36,041 --> 02:08:39,461 To slaves. 2268 02:08:39,545 --> 02:08:44,550 Who sail the ships back to Boston 2269 02:08:44,633 --> 02:08:47,011 Ladened with gold. 2270 02:08:47,094 --> 02:08:50,222 See it gleam. 2271 02:08:50,306 --> 02:08:55,019 Whose fortunes are made in the triangle trade. 2272 02:08:55,102 --> 02:08:59,523 Hail slavery, the New England dream 2273 02:08:59,606 --> 02:09:02,151 Mr. Adams, I give you a toast. 2274 02:09:03,193 --> 02:09:05,446 Hail Boston. 2275 02:09:05,529 --> 02:09:08,115 Hail, Charleston. 2276 02:09:09,658 --> 02:09:16,665 Who stinketh the most? 2277 02:09:24,923 --> 02:09:27,343 Mr. Rutledge, please! 2278 02:09:30,137 --> 02:09:31,472 Mr. Hewes. 2279 02:09:34,933 --> 02:09:36,185 Dr. Hall. 2280 02:09:47,029 --> 02:09:49,615 Don't worry, John. They'll be back. 2281 02:09:49,698 --> 02:09:52,326 Aye, to vote us down. 2282 02:09:58,999 --> 02:10:01,001 Adams! Franklin! 2283 02:10:02,544 --> 02:10:04,463 It's done. I have it. 2284 02:10:04,546 --> 02:10:07,007 And the Maryland Assembly's approved it. 2285 02:10:07,091 --> 02:10:12,221 I told them about one of the greatest military engagements in history 2286 02:10:12,304 --> 02:10:14,431 against a flock of... 2287 02:10:17,726 --> 02:10:19,186 What's wrong? 2288 02:10:20,771 --> 02:10:23,774 - I thought... - You'll have to forgive them, Mr. Chase. 2289 02:10:23,857 --> 02:10:26,527 They just suffered a slight setback. 2290 02:10:26,610 --> 02:10:29,321 And after all, "What is a man profited 2291 02:10:29,405 --> 02:10:33,659 "if he shall gain Maryland and lose the entire South?" 2292 02:10:34,868 --> 02:10:37,746 Matthew, Chapter 16, Verse 26. 2293 02:10:39,498 --> 02:10:40,707 McNair. 2294 02:10:41,375 --> 02:10:43,210 I know. The flies. 2295 02:10:43,293 --> 02:10:44,336 No. 2296 02:10:45,254 --> 02:10:46,505 The rum. 2297 02:10:51,135 --> 02:10:53,929 Well, what are we all sitting around for? 2298 02:10:55,305 --> 02:10:57,015 We're wasting time. Precious time. 2299 02:10:57,099 --> 02:10:59,184 Thomas, I want you to ride down into Delaware 2300 02:10:59,268 --> 02:11:00,894 and fetch back Caesar Rodney. 2301 02:11:00,978 --> 02:11:04,314 John, are you mad? It's 80 miles, and he's a dying man. 2302 02:11:04,398 --> 02:11:06,442 No, he's a patriot. 2303 02:11:06,525 --> 02:11:08,902 John, what good will it do? The South's done us in. 2304 02:11:08,986 --> 02:11:10,612 And suppose they change their minds? 2305 02:11:10,696 --> 02:11:13,198 Can we get Delaware without Rodney? 2306 02:11:15,951 --> 02:11:18,996 God! What a bastardly bunch we are. 2307 02:11:21,540 --> 02:11:24,793 - Stephen, I want you to... - I'm going to the tavern, Johnny. 2308 02:11:24,877 --> 02:11:28,422 If there's anything I can do for you there, let me know. 2309 02:11:29,339 --> 02:11:30,507 Chase. 2310 02:11:31,383 --> 02:11:32,468 Bartlett! 2311 02:11:32,551 --> 02:11:36,138 What's the use, John? The vote's tomorrow morning. 2312 02:11:36,221 --> 02:11:38,640 There's less than a full day left. 2313 02:11:42,019 --> 02:11:43,562 Roger. 2314 02:11:43,645 --> 02:11:46,148 Face facts, John. It's finished. 2315 02:11:48,901 --> 02:11:50,486 I'm sorry, John. 2316 02:11:58,869 --> 02:12:00,829 We have no choice, John. 2317 02:12:01,997 --> 02:12:03,832 The slavery clause has got to go. 2318 02:12:07,085 --> 02:12:08,504 Franklin, what are you saying? 2319 02:12:09,004 --> 02:12:10,797 It's a luxury we can't afford. 2320 02:12:11,924 --> 02:12:13,175 A luxury? 2321 02:12:15,594 --> 02:12:19,348 A half million souls in chains, 2322 02:12:19,431 --> 02:12:22,434 and Dr. Franklin calls it a luxury. 2323 02:12:23,560 --> 02:12:25,437 Maybe you should've walked out with the South. 2324 02:12:25,979 --> 02:12:27,940 You forget yourself, sir. 2325 02:12:28,023 --> 02:12:31,193 I founded the first anti-slavery society on this continent. 2326 02:12:31,652 --> 02:12:34,947 Don't wave your credentials at me. Perhaps it's time you had them renewed. 2327 02:12:35,572 --> 02:12:38,617 The issue here is independence. 2328 02:12:38,700 --> 02:12:41,495 Perhaps you've forgotten that fact, but I have not. 2329 02:12:41,578 --> 02:12:45,123 How dare you jeopardize our cause 2330 02:12:45,207 --> 02:12:47,125 when we've come so far! 2331 02:12:48,752 --> 02:12:50,087 These men, 2332 02:12:51,380 --> 02:12:53,632 no matter how much we may disagree with them, 2333 02:12:53,715 --> 02:12:57,135 are not ribbon clerks to be ordered about. 2334 02:12:57,219 --> 02:13:00,430 They're proud, accomplished men. The cream of their colonies. 2335 02:13:00,514 --> 02:13:03,517 And whether you like it or not, they and the people they represent 2336 02:13:03,600 --> 02:13:07,479 will be part of this new nation you hope to create. 2337 02:13:07,563 --> 02:13:10,774 Now either learn how to live with them or pack up and go home. 2338 02:13:16,405 --> 02:13:19,491 In any case, stop acting like a Boston fishwife. 2339 02:13:33,589 --> 02:13:36,466 Good God. What's happened to me? 2340 02:13:36,550 --> 02:13:39,845 John Adams. The great John Adams. 2341 02:13:40,345 --> 02:13:41,888 What have I come to? 2342 02:13:41,972 --> 02:13:43,849 Law practice down the pipe. 2343 02:13:43,932 --> 02:13:46,059 Farm mortgaged to the hilt. 2344 02:13:46,143 --> 02:13:49,271 At a stage in life when other men prosper, 2345 02:13:49,354 --> 02:13:51,982 I'm reduced to living in Philadelphia. 2346 02:13:54,026 --> 02:13:55,485 Philadelphia. 2347 02:14:04,870 --> 02:14:07,456 Abigail, what am I going to do? 2348 02:14:07,539 --> 02:14:08,790 Do, John? 2349 02:14:10,125 --> 02:14:11,793 I need your help. 2350 02:14:12,461 --> 02:14:15,088 You don't usually ask my advice. 2351 02:14:15,172 --> 02:14:18,592 Yes, well, there doesn't appear to be anyone else right now. 2352 02:14:18,675 --> 02:14:20,802 Very well, John. What is it? 2353 02:14:21,553 --> 02:14:24,973 The entire South has just walked out of this Congress, 2354 02:14:25,599 --> 02:14:29,561 George Washington is on the verge of total annihilation, 2355 02:14:29,645 --> 02:14:32,648 and the precious cause for which I have labored these several years 2356 02:14:32,731 --> 02:14:34,483 has come to nothing. 2357 02:14:36,443 --> 02:14:39,905 And it seems that I'm obnoxious and disliked. 2358 02:14:39,988 --> 02:14:41,615 Nonsense, John. 2359 02:14:42,366 --> 02:14:44,826 That I am unwilling to face reality. 2360 02:14:44,910 --> 02:14:47,037 Foolishness, John. 2361 02:14:47,120 --> 02:14:48,830 That I'm pigheaded. 2362 02:14:49,456 --> 02:14:51,249 Well, there you have me, John. 2363 02:14:51,333 --> 02:14:53,377 I'm afraid you are pigheaded. 2364 02:14:57,297 --> 02:14:58,632 Well, yes. 2365 02:15:01,218 --> 02:15:02,511 Abby. 2366 02:15:03,970 --> 02:15:06,682 Has it been any kind of a life for you? 2367 02:15:07,557 --> 02:15:09,810 God knows I haven't given you very much. 2368 02:15:10,686 --> 02:15:12,562 I never asked for more. 2369 02:15:13,355 --> 02:15:15,273 After all, I am Mrs. John Adams. 2370 02:15:15,357 --> 02:15:17,901 That's quite a lot for one lifetime. 2371 02:15:20,195 --> 02:15:21,613 Is it, Abby? 2372 02:15:22,406 --> 02:15:24,408 Well, think of it, John. To be married to the man 2373 02:15:24,491 --> 02:15:27,577 who is always the first in line to be hanged... 2374 02:15:31,915 --> 02:15:33,834 Yes. The agitator. 2375 02:15:36,378 --> 02:15:37,713 Why, Abby? 2376 02:15:39,798 --> 02:15:42,217 You must tell me what it is. I... 2377 02:15:42,884 --> 02:15:46,138 Well, I have always been dissatisfied. I know that. 2378 02:15:47,639 --> 02:15:52,227 But lately, I find that I reek of discontentment. 2379 02:15:52,310 --> 02:15:55,647 It fills my throat and it floods my brain. 2380 02:15:59,985 --> 02:16:02,904 Sometimes I fear there is no longer a dream, 2381 02:16:04,197 --> 02:16:06,324 but only the discontentment. 2382 02:16:08,452 --> 02:16:09,870 Oh, John. 2383 02:16:12,289 --> 02:16:15,292 Can you really know so little about yourself? 2384 02:16:16,877 --> 02:16:18,170 Can you think so little of me 2385 02:16:18,253 --> 02:16:21,631 that you'd believe I'd marry the man you've described? 2386 02:16:23,800 --> 02:16:27,387 Have you forgotten what you used to say to me? I haven't. 2387 02:16:28,764 --> 02:16:30,849 "Commitment, Abby. 2388 02:16:31,933 --> 02:16:33,310 "Commitment. 2389 02:16:34,770 --> 02:16:38,774 "There are only two creatures of value on the face of this Earth. 2390 02:16:39,858 --> 02:16:42,027 "Those with a commitment, 2391 02:16:42,110 --> 02:16:45,280 "and those who require the commitment of others." 2392 02:16:47,449 --> 02:16:49,284 Do you remember, John? 2393 02:16:51,536 --> 02:16:53,121 Yes, I remember. 2394 02:16:53,747 --> 02:16:55,665 Mr. Adams! 2395 02:16:57,292 --> 02:16:59,628 Are you up there, Mr. Adams? 2396 02:17:00,295 --> 02:17:01,963 What do you want? 2397 02:17:02,380 --> 02:17:06,176 There's a delivery down here for you. 2398 02:17:06,259 --> 02:17:07,636 What is it? 2399 02:17:09,513 --> 02:17:11,723 Where did it come from? Who sent it? 2400 02:17:17,979 --> 02:17:22,609 Compliments of the Concord Ladies' Coffee Club. 2401 02:17:22,692 --> 02:17:27,572 And the Sisterhood of the Truro Synagogue. 2402 02:17:27,656 --> 02:17:32,536 And the Friday Evening Baptist Sewing Circle. 2403 02:17:32,619 --> 02:17:37,582 And the Holy Christian Sisters of St. Claire. 2404 02:17:37,666 --> 02:17:41,670 All for you 2405 02:17:41,753 --> 02:17:44,881 John 2406 02:17:44,965 --> 02:17:50,387 I am as I ever was. 2407 02:17:50,470 --> 02:17:55,350 And ever shall be. 2408 02:17:55,433 --> 02:18:00,939 Yours, yours, yours. 2409 02:18:01,022 --> 02:18:03,650 Yours 2410 02:18:03,733 --> 02:18:06,987 Abigail, what's in these kegs? 2411 02:18:07,487 --> 02:18:14,035 Saltpeter, John. 2412 02:18:21,877 --> 02:18:23,044 McNair! 2413 02:18:23,920 --> 02:18:27,132 McNair, go out and buy every damned pin you can find in Philadelphia. 2414 02:18:27,215 --> 02:18:28,967 Pin? What sort of pin? 2415 02:18:29,050 --> 02:18:31,970 Well, I don't know. Whatever the ladies use for their sewing. 2416 02:18:32,053 --> 02:18:35,473 Franklin, Jefferson, what are you all sitting around for? 2417 02:18:35,557 --> 02:18:37,267 Didn't you hear a word I said before? 2418 02:18:37,350 --> 02:18:39,102 Never mind about that. 2419 02:18:39,185 --> 02:18:40,812 Now, here's what I want you to do. 2420 02:18:40,896 --> 02:18:43,106 John, I'm not even speaking to you. 2421 02:18:43,189 --> 02:18:45,942 It's too late for that, damn it. There's work to be done. 2422 02:18:46,026 --> 02:18:47,861 Jefferson, go find Rutledge. 2423 02:18:47,944 --> 02:18:49,905 Don't come back until you've worn him down. 2424 02:18:49,988 --> 02:18:51,907 Now, you're both Southern aristocrats. 2425 02:18:51,990 --> 02:18:54,075 If he'll listen to anybody, he'll listen to you. 2426 02:18:54,159 --> 02:18:56,077 Franklin, out of that chair! 2427 02:18:56,161 --> 02:18:58,788 What good is the South if you can't deliver Pennsylvania? 2428 02:18:58,872 --> 02:19:00,457 Talk to Wilson. 2429 02:19:00,540 --> 02:19:01,791 Get him away from Dickinson. 2430 02:19:01,875 --> 02:19:05,045 That's the only way to do it. Go on, now, both of you. 2431 02:19:05,253 --> 02:19:07,756 - John... - Time's running out, damn it. 2432 02:19:08,632 --> 02:19:09,925 Now move. 2433 02:19:13,303 --> 02:19:14,846 I'm still from Massachusetts, John. 2434 02:19:16,806 --> 02:19:18,725 You know where I stand. 2435 02:19:19,184 --> 02:19:20,518 I'll do whatever you say. 2436 02:19:24,064 --> 02:19:25,231 No. 2437 02:19:26,524 --> 02:19:29,110 No, you're the president of Congress. 2438 02:19:30,362 --> 02:19:33,073 You're a fair man, Hancock. Stay that way. 2439 02:19:55,345 --> 02:19:58,807 Tell me, Mr. Thomson, out of curiosity, 2440 02:19:59,516 --> 02:20:03,103 do you stand with Mr. Dickinson, or do you stand with me? 2441 02:20:05,063 --> 02:20:07,065 I stand with the General. 2442 02:20:08,984 --> 02:20:13,279 Well, lately, I've had the oddest feeling that he's been 2443 02:20:13,363 --> 02:20:14,864 writing to me. 2444 02:20:18,952 --> 02:20:21,955 I have been in expectation. 2445 02:20:22,038 --> 02:20:25,250 Of receiving a reply. 2446 02:20:25,333 --> 02:20:31,506 On the subject of my last 15 dispatches. 2447 02:20:32,674 --> 02:20:37,929 Is anybody there? 2448 02:20:39,097 --> 02:20:44,686 Does anybody care? 2449 02:20:45,854 --> 02:20:51,276 Does anybody care? 2450 02:20:53,445 --> 02:20:55,864 "Your humble and obedient..." 2451 02:21:29,105 --> 02:21:30,774 "Is anybody there? 2452 02:21:34,444 --> 02:21:36,696 "Does anybody care?" 2453 02:21:40,366 --> 02:21:46,873 Does anybody see what I see? 2454 02:21:50,585 --> 02:21:52,921 They want me to quit. 2455 02:21:53,922 --> 02:21:58,259 They say, "John, give up the fight". 2456 02:21:58,343 --> 02:22:01,429 Still to England, I say. 2457 02:22:01,513 --> 02:22:04,933 Good night, forever, good night! 2458 02:22:05,934 --> 02:22:10,605 For I have crossed the Rubicon. 2459 02:22:10,688 --> 02:22:13,483 Let the bridge be burned behind me. 2460 02:22:13,566 --> 02:22:15,860 Come what may. 2461 02:22:15,944 --> 02:22:18,029 Come what may. 2462 02:22:18,113 --> 02:22:19,197 Commitment! 2463 02:22:19,614 --> 02:22:23,868 The croakers all say we'll rue the day. 2464 02:22:23,952 --> 02:22:29,207 There'll be hell to pay in fiery purgatory. 2465 02:22:29,290 --> 02:22:33,044 Through all the gloom, through all the gloom 2466 02:22:33,128 --> 02:22:37,090 I can see the rays of ravishing light. 2467 02:22:37,173 --> 02:22:39,509 And glory. 2468 02:22:39,968 --> 02:22:41,970 Is anybody there? 2469 02:22:43,221 --> 02:22:45,640 Does anybody care? 2470 02:22:46,349 --> 02:22:49,394 Does anybody see what I see? 2471 02:22:50,520 --> 02:22:52,480 I see fireworks. 2472 02:22:53,189 --> 02:22:56,526 I see the pageant and pomp and parade 2473 02:22:56,609 --> 02:22:59,070 I hear the bells ringing out 2474 02:22:59,154 --> 02:23:02,282 I hear the cannons roar 2475 02:23:02,365 --> 02:23:04,909 I see Americans. 2476 02:23:04,993 --> 02:23:08,413 All Americans free. 2477 02:23:08,496 --> 02:23:11,749 Forevermore. 2478 02:23:24,679 --> 02:23:30,226 How quiet, how quiet the chamber is. 2479 02:23:31,519 --> 02:23:38,359 How silent, how silent the chamber is. 2480 02:23:42,113 --> 02:23:47,493 Is anybody there? 2481 02:23:48,870 --> 02:23:54,042 Does anybody care? 2482 02:23:55,919 --> 02:24:01,257 Does anybody see what I see? 2483 02:24:02,884 --> 02:24:04,427 Yes, Mr. Adams. 2484 02:24:06,429 --> 02:24:07,597 I do. 2485 02:24:11,392 --> 02:24:12,685 Dr. Hall. 2486 02:24:13,478 --> 02:24:15,563 I didn't know anyone was... 2487 02:24:16,689 --> 02:24:18,816 I'm sorry if I startled you. 2488 02:24:19,692 --> 02:24:21,319 I couldn't sleep. 2489 02:24:22,362 --> 02:24:25,782 And in trying to resolve my dilemma, 2490 02:24:25,865 --> 02:24:28,785 I remembered something I'd once read. 2491 02:24:28,868 --> 02:24:32,664 That a representative owes the people not only his industry, 2492 02:24:32,747 --> 02:24:35,250 but his judgment. 2493 02:24:35,333 --> 02:24:38,795 And he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion. 2494 02:24:41,923 --> 02:24:44,300 That was written by Edmund Burke, 2495 02:24:45,843 --> 02:24:48,346 a member of the British Parliament. 2496 02:25:17,292 --> 02:25:19,210 Good night, Mr. Adams. 2497 02:25:19,294 --> 02:25:20,628 Good night. 2498 02:25:31,723 --> 02:25:33,433 It's never been done before. 2499 02:25:33,516 --> 02:25:36,161 No colony has ever broken from the parent stem in the history of the world. 2500 02:25:36,185 --> 02:25:38,855 If you have grievances, and I'm sure you have, 2501 02:25:38,938 --> 02:25:42,066 our present system must provide a gentler means of redressing them 2502 02:25:42,150 --> 02:25:44,310 - short of revolution. - We've spawned a new race here. 2503 02:25:44,360 --> 02:25:45,570 Rougher, simpler, 2504 02:25:45,653 --> 02:25:48,364 more violent, more enterprising, less refined. 2505 02:25:48,448 --> 02:25:51,909 "My quartermaster has no food, no arms, no ammunition, 2506 02:25:51,993 --> 02:25:54,704 "and my troops are in a state of near mutiny." 2507 02:25:54,787 --> 02:25:56,682 - No army, no navy... - "I pray God some relief arrives 2508 02:25:56,706 --> 02:25:59,143 "before the armada, but fear it will not."” -...No arms, no ammunition, 2509 02:25:59,167 --> 02:26:02,086 - no treasury, no friends. - And when they hang you, Mr. Adams, 2510 02:26:02,170 --> 02:26:04,672 I do hope you'll put in a good word for the rest of us. 2511 02:26:04,756 --> 02:26:07,884 England closing in, cutting off our air. 2512 02:26:07,967 --> 02:26:08,968 There's no time! 2513 02:26:09,052 --> 02:26:12,221 To place before mankind the common sense of the subject... 2514 02:26:12,305 --> 02:26:14,599 The issue here is independence. 2515 02:26:14,682 --> 02:26:16,618 Perhaps you've lost sight of that fact, but I have not. 2516 02:26:16,642 --> 02:26:18,329 "We mutually pledge to each other our lives 2517 02:26:18,353 --> 02:26:21,356 "our fortunes and our sacred honor." 2518 02:26:22,106 --> 02:26:25,109 Can you really know so little about yourself? 2519 02:26:30,156 --> 02:26:31,491 Very well. 2520 02:26:33,409 --> 02:26:37,580 The Congress will now vote on Virginia's resolution on independence. 2521 02:26:45,588 --> 02:26:46,839 Thank you for coming, Caesar. 2522 02:26:47,799 --> 02:26:49,550 God bless you, sir. 2523 02:26:55,056 --> 02:26:57,225 The secretary will call the roll. 2524 02:26:57,308 --> 02:27:00,269 And I remind you, gentlemen, 2525 02:27:00,353 --> 02:27:02,522 that a single "nay" vote 2526 02:27:03,648 --> 02:27:05,566 will defeat the motion. 2527 02:27:06,859 --> 02:27:08,236 Mr. Thomson. 2528 02:27:13,408 --> 02:27:14,909 New Hampshire? 2529 02:27:15,284 --> 02:27:16,452 New Hampshire says yea. 2530 02:27:16,536 --> 02:27:19,038 New Hampshire says yea. Massachusetts? 2531 02:27:19,122 --> 02:27:20,289 Massachusetts says yea. 2532 02:27:20,373 --> 02:27:22,750 Massachusetts says yea. Rhode Island? 2533 02:27:22,834 --> 02:27:24,168 Rhode Island says yea. 2534 02:27:24,252 --> 02:27:26,796 Rhode Island says yea. Connecticut? 2535 02:27:26,879 --> 02:27:28,089 Connecticut says yea. 2536 02:27:28,172 --> 02:27:30,967 Connecticut says yea. New York? 2537 02:27:31,050 --> 02:27:34,303 Mr. Secretary, New York abstains courteously. 2538 02:27:34,387 --> 02:27:36,722 - New York abstains. - Courteously. 2539 02:27:38,141 --> 02:27:39,684 New Jersey? 2540 02:27:39,767 --> 02:27:41,060 New Jersey says yea. 2541 02:27:41,144 --> 02:27:43,729 New Jersey says yea. Pennsylvania? 2542 02:27:45,731 --> 02:27:47,900 Mr. Secretary, Pennsylvania is not ready. 2543 02:27:47,984 --> 02:27:50,194 Please come back to us later. 2544 02:27:50,278 --> 02:27:52,530 Pennsylvania passes. Delaware? 2545 02:27:52,613 --> 02:27:53,656 Just a moment. 2546 02:27:54,699 --> 02:27:57,952 Delaware, by majority vote... 2547 02:27:58,536 --> 02:28:01,205 - Aye. - ...says yea. 2548 02:28:01,289 --> 02:28:04,250 Delaware says yea. Maryland? 2549 02:28:04,333 --> 02:28:05,543 Maryland says yea. 2550 02:28:05,626 --> 02:28:07,253 Maryland says yea. Virginia? 2551 02:28:07,336 --> 02:28:08,379 Virginia says yea. 2552 02:28:08,463 --> 02:28:10,548 Virginia says yea. North Carolina? 2553 02:28:10,631 --> 02:28:13,384 North Carolina yields to South Carolina. 2554 02:28:14,635 --> 02:28:15,636 South Carolina? 2555 02:28:16,637 --> 02:28:18,306 Well, Mr. Adams? 2556 02:28:19,432 --> 02:28:20,725 Well, Mr. Rutledge. 2557 02:28:23,811 --> 02:28:25,146 Mr. Adams, 2558 02:28:27,648 --> 02:28:31,611 you must believe that I will do what I promised to do. 2559 02:28:38,367 --> 02:28:39,952 What is it you want, Rutledge? 2560 02:28:40,036 --> 02:28:43,664 Remove the offending passage from your declaration. 2561 02:28:44,040 --> 02:28:46,167 If we did that, we would be guilty 2562 02:28:46,250 --> 02:28:49,170 of what we ourselves are rebelling against. 2563 02:28:51,130 --> 02:28:53,341 Nevertheless remove it, 2564 02:28:54,091 --> 02:28:57,178 or South Carolina will bury now and forever 2565 02:28:57,261 --> 02:28:59,347 your dream of independence. 2566 02:29:00,389 --> 02:29:03,851 John, I beg you, consider what you're doing. 2567 02:29:10,816 --> 02:29:12,443 Mark me, Franklin, 2568 02:29:13,569 --> 02:29:16,030 if we give in on this issue, 2569 02:29:16,113 --> 02:29:18,616 posterity will never forgive us. 2570 02:29:18,699 --> 02:29:20,785 That's probably true, but we won't hear a thing. 2571 02:29:20,868 --> 02:29:22,954 We'll be long gone. 2572 02:29:23,037 --> 02:29:27,375 Besides, what will posterity think we were? Demigods? 2573 02:29:28,042 --> 02:29:29,627 We're men, no more, no less, 2574 02:29:29,710 --> 02:29:32,588 trying to get a nation started against greater odds 2575 02:29:32,672 --> 02:29:35,550 than a more generous God would have allowed. 2576 02:29:36,175 --> 02:29:39,428 First things first, John. Independence. America. 2577 02:29:39,512 --> 02:29:41,973 If we don't secure that, 2578 02:29:42,056 --> 02:29:44,559 what difference will the rest make? 2579 02:29:50,690 --> 02:29:52,692 Jefferson, say something. 2580 02:29:55,152 --> 02:29:57,154 What else is there to do? 2581 02:29:58,072 --> 02:30:00,825 Well, man, you're the one that wrote it. 2582 02:30:01,701 --> 02:30:04,829 I wrote all of it, Mr. Adams. 2583 02:30:26,100 --> 02:30:27,310 There. 2584 02:30:27,393 --> 02:30:30,163 There it is, Rutledge. You have your slavery. Little good may it do you. 2585 02:30:30,187 --> 02:30:32,106 You now vote, damn you! 2586 02:30:33,691 --> 02:30:37,486 Mr. President, the fair colony of South Carolina 2587 02:30:38,779 --> 02:30:40,364 says yea. 2588 02:30:40,448 --> 02:30:41,949 South Carolina says yea. 2589 02:30:42,033 --> 02:30:43,534 North Carolina says yea. 2590 02:30:43,618 --> 02:30:45,578 North Carolina says yea. 2591 02:30:47,121 --> 02:30:48,205 Georgia? 2592 02:30:48,289 --> 02:30:49,665 Georgia says yea. 2593 02:30:49,749 --> 02:30:51,292 Georgia says yea. 2594 02:30:52,627 --> 02:30:54,420 Pennsylvania, second call. 2595 02:30:56,464 --> 02:30:58,299 Mr. President, 2596 02:30:58,382 --> 02:31:01,552 Pennsylvania regrets all of the inconvenience 2597 02:31:01,636 --> 02:31:06,682 that such distinguished men as Adams, Franklin and Jefferson 2598 02:31:06,766 --> 02:31:08,601 were put to just now. 2599 02:31:08,684 --> 02:31:10,478 They might've kept their document intact 2600 02:31:10,561 --> 02:31:13,147 for all the difference it will make. 2601 02:31:13,230 --> 02:31:14,857 Mr. President, 2602 02:31:15,274 --> 02:31:16,651 Pennsylvania says... 2603 02:31:16,734 --> 02:31:17,818 Just a moment. 2604 02:31:19,487 --> 02:31:21,489 I ask the delegation to be polled. 2605 02:31:22,239 --> 02:31:24,367 Dr. Franklin, don't be absurd. 2606 02:31:24,825 --> 02:31:27,828 A poll, Mr. President. It's a proper request. 2607 02:31:28,079 --> 02:31:29,246 Yes, it is. 2608 02:31:29,330 --> 02:31:31,624 Poll the delegation, Mr. Thomson. 2609 02:31:31,707 --> 02:31:33,417 Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 2610 02:31:33,501 --> 02:31:34,543 Yea. 2611 02:31:34,627 --> 02:31:36,587 Mr. John Dickinson. 2612 02:31:36,671 --> 02:31:38,047 Nay. 2613 02:31:38,130 --> 02:31:39,757 Mr. James Wilson. 2614 02:31:42,968 --> 02:31:44,428 Judge Wilson? 2615 02:31:47,598 --> 02:31:50,184 There it is, Mr. Wilson. It's all up to you now. 2616 02:31:50,267 --> 02:31:51,947 The whole question of American independence 2617 02:31:52,019 --> 02:31:54,605 rests squarely on your shoulders. 2618 02:31:54,689 --> 02:31:58,234 An entirely new nation ready to be born or to die at birth, 2619 02:31:58,317 --> 02:32:00,027 all on your say-so. 2620 02:32:01,153 --> 02:32:03,364 Which will it be, Mr. Wilson? 2621 02:32:03,823 --> 02:32:07,368 Every mapmaker in the world is waiting for your decision. 2622 02:32:07,993 --> 02:32:11,122 Come now, James. Nothing has changed. 2623 02:32:11,205 --> 02:32:13,958 We mustn't let Dr. Franklin create one of his confusions. 2624 02:32:14,041 --> 02:32:15,918 The question is clear. 2625 02:32:16,419 --> 02:32:19,964 Most questions are clear when someone else has to decide them. 2626 02:32:20,047 --> 02:32:21,507 It would be a pity for a man 2627 02:32:21,590 --> 02:32:24,135 who's handed down hundreds of wise decisions 2628 02:32:24,218 --> 02:32:26,053 from the bench 2629 02:32:26,137 --> 02:32:29,306 to be remembered only for the one unwise decision 2630 02:32:29,390 --> 02:32:31,183 he made in Congress. 2631 02:32:32,643 --> 02:32:35,604 James, you're keeping everybody waiting. 2632 02:32:35,688 --> 02:32:37,732 The secretary has called for your vote. 2633 02:32:38,607 --> 02:32:39,817 Please. 2634 02:32:41,152 --> 02:32:44,739 Don't push me, John. I know what you want me to do. 2635 02:32:47,491 --> 02:32:50,286 But Mr. Adams is correct about one thing. 2636 02:32:52,788 --> 02:32:55,541 I'm the one who'll be remembered for it. 2637 02:32:55,833 --> 02:32:56,917 What do you mean? 2638 02:33:02,631 --> 02:33:04,842 I'm different from you, John. 2639 02:33:05,676 --> 02:33:08,429 I'm different from most of the men here. 2640 02:33:09,388 --> 02:33:11,599 I don't want to be remembered. 2641 02:33:12,850 --> 02:33:14,810 I just don't want the 2642 02:33:15,644 --> 02:33:17,188 responsibility. 2643 02:33:18,314 --> 02:33:20,816 Yes, well, whether you want it or not, James, 2644 02:33:20,900 --> 02:33:23,152 there's no way of avoiding it. 2645 02:33:23,235 --> 02:33:25,112 Not necessarily, John. 2646 02:33:25,780 --> 02:33:27,782 If I go with them, 2647 02:33:27,865 --> 02:33:30,117 I'll just be one among dozens. 2648 02:33:31,952 --> 02:33:35,206 No one will ever remember the name of James Wilson. 2649 02:33:36,582 --> 02:33:38,459 But if I vote with you, 2650 02:33:39,960 --> 02:33:43,297 I'll be the man who prevented American independence. 2651 02:33:46,133 --> 02:33:47,760 I'm sorry, John. 2652 02:33:49,178 --> 02:33:51,472 I just didn't bargain for that. 2653 02:33:53,057 --> 02:33:56,477 And is that how new nations are formed? 2654 02:33:57,895 --> 02:34:00,397 By a nonentity trying to preserve 2655 02:34:00,481 --> 02:34:03,776 the anonymity he so richly deserves? 2656 02:34:04,652 --> 02:34:08,072 Revolutions come into this world like bastard children, Mr. Dickinson. 2657 02:34:08,155 --> 02:34:10,741 Half improvised and half compromised. 2658 02:34:10,825 --> 02:34:13,244 Our side has provided the compromise. 2659 02:34:13,327 --> 02:34:15,996 Now Judge Wilson is supplying the rest. 2660 02:34:20,167 --> 02:34:21,335 James. 2661 02:34:22,878 --> 02:34:24,505 I'm sorry, John. 2662 02:34:25,548 --> 02:34:26,757 My vote 2663 02:34:27,967 --> 02:34:29,218 is yea. 2664 02:34:30,010 --> 02:34:31,846 Mr. Secretary, Pennsylvania says yea. 2665 02:34:34,682 --> 02:34:38,310 The count being 12 to none 2666 02:34:40,437 --> 02:34:41,772 with one abstention, 2667 02:34:42,147 --> 02:34:44,358 the resolution on independence 2668 02:34:46,318 --> 02:34:47,695 is adopted. 2669 02:34:49,154 --> 02:34:50,489 It's done. 2670 02:34:53,826 --> 02:34:55,160 It's done. 2671 02:34:57,872 --> 02:34:59,248 Mr. Thomson, 2672 02:35:00,207 --> 02:35:01,792 is the declaration ready to be signed? 2673 02:35:01,876 --> 02:35:03,502 It is. 2674 02:35:03,586 --> 02:35:05,546 Then I suggest we do so. 2675 02:35:07,381 --> 02:35:09,049 And the chair further proposes, 2676 02:35:09,133 --> 02:35:11,844 for our mutual security and protection, 2677 02:35:13,762 --> 02:35:15,723 that no man be allowed to sit in this Congress 2678 02:35:15,806 --> 02:35:18,100 without attaching his name to it. 2679 02:35:21,145 --> 02:35:24,023 I'm sorry, Mr. President. 2680 02:35:25,482 --> 02:35:29,778 I cannot, in good conscience, sign such a document. 2681 02:35:31,405 --> 02:35:35,659 I will never stop hoping for our eventual reconciliation with England. 2682 02:35:37,328 --> 02:35:39,496 But because, 2683 02:35:40,748 --> 02:35:42,249 in my own way, 2684 02:35:43,250 --> 02:35:46,754 I regard America no less than does Mr. Adams, 2685 02:35:48,839 --> 02:35:52,718 I will join the army and fight in her defense 2686 02:35:54,261 --> 02:35:57,348 even though I believe that fight to be hopeless. 2687 02:36:03,020 --> 02:36:04,772 Goodbye, gentlemen. 2688 02:36:06,857 --> 02:36:09,026 Gentlemen of the Congress, 2689 02:36:09,109 --> 02:36:11,445 I say yea, John Dickinson. 2690 02:36:23,165 --> 02:36:24,500 Very well. 2691 02:36:25,459 --> 02:36:27,211 Are there any objections to the declaration 2692 02:36:27,294 --> 02:36:28,879 being approved as it now stands? 2693 02:36:29,380 --> 02:36:30,506 I have one, Mr. Hancock. 2694 02:36:31,382 --> 02:36:32,925 You, Mr. Adams? 2695 02:36:33,467 --> 02:36:35,552 Yes. Mr. Jefferson, 2696 02:36:36,011 --> 02:36:40,140 it so happens that the word is "unalienable," 2697 02:36:40,224 --> 02:36:42,017 not "inalienable." 2698 02:36:43,727 --> 02:36:47,815 I'm sorry, Mr. Adams, but "inalienable" is correct. 2699 02:36:49,358 --> 02:36:52,528 I happen to be a Harvard graduate, Mr. Jefferson. 2700 02:36:55,656 --> 02:36:58,367 I attended William and Mary, Mr. Adams. 2701 02:36:59,785 --> 02:37:01,036 Gentlemen, please! 2702 02:37:01,120 --> 02:37:04,623 Mr. Jefferson, will you yield to Mr. Adams' request? 2703 02:37:06,959 --> 02:37:09,169 No, sir. I will not. 2704 02:37:15,884 --> 02:37:17,761 Very well. I withdraw it. 2705 02:37:18,303 --> 02:37:20,014 Good for you, John. 2706 02:37:24,685 --> 02:37:27,146 I'll speak to the printer about it later on. 2707 02:37:29,732 --> 02:37:31,525 Very well, gentlemen. 2708 02:37:32,067 --> 02:37:35,904 We're about to brave the storm in a skiff made of paper. 2709 02:37:37,114 --> 02:37:39,116 And how it shall end, 2710 02:37:39,199 --> 02:37:40,743 God only knows. 2711 02:37:42,745 --> 02:37:44,872 That's a pretty large signature, Johnny. 2712 02:37:44,955 --> 02:37:48,042 So Fat George in London can read it without his glasses. 2713 02:37:50,669 --> 02:37:55,007 All right, step right up, gentlemen. Don't miss your chance to commit treason. 2714 02:37:56,842 --> 02:38:00,888 Hancock is right. This paper is our passport to the gallows. 2715 02:38:00,971 --> 02:38:02,222 But there's no backing out now, 2716 02:38:02,306 --> 02:38:03,533 for if we do not hang together, 2717 02:38:03,557 --> 02:38:06,310 we shall most assuredly hang separately. 2718 02:38:08,562 --> 02:38:11,106 In my case, hanging won't be so bad. 2719 02:38:11,190 --> 02:38:14,318 One snap and it'll be all over, just like that. 2720 02:38:14,401 --> 02:38:15,819 But look at Read there. 2721 02:38:15,903 --> 02:38:18,947 He'll be dancing a jig long after I'm gone! 2722 02:38:20,908 --> 02:38:24,036 Gentlemen, forgive me if I don't join in the merriment, 2723 02:38:24,119 --> 02:38:26,080 but if we are arrested now, 2724 02:38:26,205 --> 02:38:29,291 my name is still the only one on the damn thing! 2725 02:38:49,770 --> 02:38:53,107 "From the Commander, army of the United Colonies in..." 2726 02:38:54,316 --> 02:38:58,195 Army of the United States in New York, 2727 02:38:58,278 --> 02:39:00,280 "dispatch number 1,209, 2728 02:39:00,364 --> 02:39:02,092 "to the Honorable Congress, John Hancock, president. 2729 02:39:02,116 --> 02:39:05,577 "Dear sir, I can now report with some certainty 2730 02:39:05,661 --> 02:39:07,621 "that the eve of battle is near at hand. 2731 02:39:08,455 --> 02:39:12,668 "Toward this end, I have ordered the evacuation of Manhattan 2732 02:39:12,751 --> 02:39:14,419 "and directed our defenses to take up 2733 02:39:14,503 --> 02:39:17,005 "stronger positions on the Brooklyn Heights. 2734 02:39:17,798 --> 02:39:19,883 "At the present time, my forces consist 2735 02:39:19,967 --> 02:39:22,553 “entirely of Haslet's Delaware Militia 2736 02:39:22,636 --> 02:39:24,513 "and Smallwood's Marylanders, 2737 02:39:24,596 --> 02:39:28,308 "a total of 5,000 troops to stand against 2738 02:39:30,686 --> 02:39:33,188 "twenty-five thousand of the enemy. 2739 02:39:33,689 --> 02:39:35,858 "And I begin to notice that many of us 2740 02:39:35,941 --> 02:39:40,070 "are lads under 15 and old men, 2741 02:39:40,154 --> 02:39:43,115 "none of whom could truly be called soldiers. 2742 02:39:44,867 --> 02:39:47,161 "One personal note to Mr. Lewis Morris of New York. 2743 02:39:48,328 --> 02:39:49,705 "I must regretfully report 2744 02:39:49,788 --> 02:39:52,875 “that his estates have been totally destroyed, 2745 02:39:52,958 --> 02:39:56,086 "but that I have taken the liberty of transporting Mrs. Morris 2746 02:39:56,170 --> 02:39:59,506 "and eight of the children to Connecticut and safety. 2747 02:39:59,882 --> 02:40:04,094 “The four older boys are now enlisted in the Continental Army. 2748 02:40:05,012 --> 02:40:07,181 "As I write these words, 2749 02:40:07,264 --> 02:40:10,350 "the enemy is plainly in sight beyond the river. 2750 02:40:11,727 --> 02:40:14,813 "How it will end, only Providence can direct."” 2751 02:40:15,939 --> 02:40:18,192 "But, dear God, what brave men. 2752 02:40:22,362 --> 02:40:23,864 "I shall lose 2753 02:40:26,408 --> 02:40:27,618 "before 2754 02:40:28,744 --> 02:40:30,245 "this business 2755 02:40:32,789 --> 02:40:33,957 "ends. 2756 02:40:37,878 --> 02:40:39,671 "Your obedient, 2757 02:40:43,217 --> 02:40:45,260 "G. Washington." 2758 02:41:10,244 --> 02:41:12,037 Very well, gentlemen. 2759 02:41:13,413 --> 02:41:14,623 McNair. 2760 02:41:18,794 --> 02:41:20,420 Go ring the bell. 2761 02:41:27,678 --> 02:41:28,720 Mr. President. 2762 02:41:29,012 --> 02:41:30,389 Mr. Morris. 2763 02:41:31,098 --> 02:41:32,849 To hell with New York. 2764 02:41:32,933 --> 02:41:35,060 I'll sign it anyway. 2765 02:41:35,143 --> 02:41:37,020 Thank you, Mr. Morris. 2766 02:41:43,735 --> 02:41:45,946 Stephen, sit down. 2767 02:41:47,114 --> 02:41:48,532 No. 2768 02:41:48,615 --> 02:41:51,660 I want to remember each man's face as he signs. 2769 02:41:54,079 --> 02:41:55,414 Very well. 2770 02:41:56,999 --> 02:41:58,375 Mr. Thomson. 2771 02:42:01,753 --> 02:42:04,965 New Hampshire. Dr. Josiah Bartlett. 2772 02:42:15,183 --> 02:42:16,435 Massachusetts. 2773 02:42:16,977 --> 02:42:18,478 Mr. John Adams. 2774 02:42:38,498 --> 02:42:41,084 Rhode Island. Mr. Stephen Hopkins. 2775 02:42:48,675 --> 02:42:51,011 Connecticut. Mr. Roger Sherman. 2776 02:42:57,976 --> 02:43:00,645 New York. Mr. Lewis Morris. 2777 02:43:07,778 --> 02:43:10,572 New Jersey. The Reverend John Witherspoon. 2778 02:43:17,704 --> 02:43:21,208 Pennsylvania. Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 2779 02:43:27,381 --> 02:43:30,175 Delaware. Mr. Caesar Rodney. 2780 02:43:41,228 --> 02:43:43,397 Maryland. Mr. Samuel Chase. 2781 02:43:54,825 --> 02:43:57,411 Virginia. Mr. Thomas Jefferson. 2782 02:44:04,918 --> 02:44:07,671 North Carolina. Mr. Joseph Hewes. 2783 02:44:13,593 --> 02:44:16,138 South Carolina. Mr. Edward Rutledge. 2784 02:44:22,477 --> 02:44:25,439 Georgia. Dr. Lyman Hall.