"John Adams Part I:" "Join Or Die." "Lobsters for sale!" "Lobsters!" "Who'll buy?" "Lobsters!" "Clean out my shit bucket, lobster!" "Who'll buy lobsters?" "Go back to England!" "Take that!" "Hit 'em right in the head!" "We are people, not an animal, lobster!" "That a girl." "Come on, you old fool." "Get over here." "Come here." "There we go." "Look at that." "Quite a big one." "That must have hurt." "You lost." "I did." "I could tell by the set of your shoulders." "My client alleged that his neighbor's horse" "had trampled his crops." "And had it?" "Hard to say." "There were no witnesses and the beast refused to testify for some reason." "Follow me!" "Father." "Allow the child to breathe, John." "There, can you breathe now?" "Did you go to the farm?" "Mr. Bass is sending a cord of wood." "And there's a fence down in the south field..." "It's a fire!" "Don't fire." "Do not fire, lads!" "Help me!" "Look at me." "Yes?" " Can you breathe?" " My son." "Is this your boy?" "Murderers!" "Come away." " Come away, Sam!" " Shoot me too, Preston," " if you dare!" " Sam, come away!" "You'll suffer the full penalty of the law!" "These people need to be tended to." "These people need our help here, yes?" "What happened, father?" " We looked, but we couldn't see..." " It's all over now." "Just a little hubbub is all." "Nothing to worry about." "Return to bed." "Bed!" "Both of ya!" "British soldiers fired into a crowd on state house square." "God help us." "I thought it might come to this." "People were killed?" "I cannot say what number..." "One of them no more than a child, from what I could see." "I have no words for it, Abigail." ""omnia gallia in tres partes divisa est."" ""all Gaul is divided unto three parts."" "Good." "Who do you think would divide Gaul?" " John!" " Beggin'your pardon." "Yes?" " Mr. Adams, my name is forrest." " What happened to you?" "It's nothing, sir." "I'm known to be a friend of the soldiers here." "What is your business, sir?" "I'm here to ask you to help a man." "Captain Preston." "No one else will plead his case." "Come in." "I will get a basin" " to dress those cuts." " That's very kind." "Thank you." "Here." "Sit." "Sit." "Can it harm to go and see this soldier?" "How?" "Because you will find a way to believe him." " He may be telling the truth." " All your clients tell the truth." "but your prospective client is the most despised man in Boston." "By the time the news of last night's events spread," "I'm sure he will be the most despised man in all of Massachusetts." "It will be much talked of." "Ambition." "Counsel is the last thing an accused person should lack in a free country, Abigail." " Then accept it." " But will I be condemned for it?" "They will say you are the crown's man." "I care not for malicious tongues on either side." "These are the murderers." "May God forgive them." "And you too, sir." "Captain Preston, you wish to engage my services in your defense?" "They've all refused us, sir, every man jack of them." "They say you're a man of integrity, Mr. Adams." "Well, you may expect from me no art of address, no sophistry or prevarication in such a cause." "Nothing more than fact, evidence and the law will justify," "Captain Preston." "But before I can even consider taking your case," "I must hear your account of what happened." "My men came to the aid of a sentry outside the customhouse." "He was being abused by the crowd." "They asked me to empty their shit buckets." "I told 'em to back off, but they kept at it..." "Screaming at me, throwing things." "Mr. Montgomery called for the guard." "I led them to the square, we made formation facing the crowd, bayonets fixed, muskets loaded." "Look, I gave no order to fire, sir." "I swear." "I was standing in front of the men." "I was talking to a big fella." "He had a club and..." "I think they call him palmes." "Yet some of your soldiers did fire, Captain Preston." "As of this morning, five are dead..." "Men and boys." "My men acted in self-defense, Mr. Adams, as God almighty is our judge." "The hotheads have finally tasted blood." "We cannot be surprised by it." "The presence of the soldiers here is much resented." "Of course, the people of Boston would be lining up to pay taxes if they were represented in parliament." "But the fact remains that they're not, and defiance will not ensure their inclusion." "Our other colonies understand this." "Why can't Boston?" "Do you speak as yourself here or as the attorney general?" "The man and the office are one in the same." "The Governor is pleased that you've taken on the Preston matter." "I was not aware that the Governor took any notice of me at all." "You do not think it merited?" "Well..." "It is not for me to say." "Surely, John, you did not move your practice from the country to go unnoticed in Boston." "Please do not trouble yourself with a rebuttal." "I know you too well." "You're a hero, boy." "You haven't much of a case." "Do I not?" "No Boston jury will ever vote for acquittal." "Thank you for your kind advice, Sam." "This is not a time for showing how clever you are, cousin." "This is a time for choosing sides." "I am for the law, cousin is there another side?" "There are those who fight for our rights as natural-born Englishmen." "and those that would strip us of those rights!" "I do not have the luxury of your birth or your purse, Sam, to spend my days fomenting dissension." "I intend to prove this colony is governed by law..." "Whatever you and your sons of liberty may say on the matter!" "We're all sons of liberty here." "The jury are all but certain to have judged this issue before they hear a word of evidence." ""Does the government of King George have the right to tax the citizens of Boston when they are denied representation in the Parliament in Westminster?"" "Charles, stay away from the fire!" "But this is not a trial about taxes levied on Massachusetts." "You would do well to acknowledge it." "No, it is a trial about whether or not captain preston ordered his men to fire on that crowd, and if that crowd was a lawful assembly or a mob." "Remove yourself, sir!" "Nabby!" "Charles, please." "The resentment of Boston towards the crown is irrelevant!" "Do not ignore it." "It must be said." "Acknowledge it as a fact." "Do not comment and sit in judgment of the jury's prejudice." "Suggest that they must rise above it as you have done." "You have a higher opinion of juries than I." "You must persuade even more, and mask your impatience with those less intelligent than yourself." "Good heaven." "Is my demeanor in the court on trial now?" "I would not dream of telling you how to conduct yourself in court." "Would you not?" "I heard Captain Preston plain as day." ""damn your bloods!" he said." ""you won't treat me this way."" "And how would you describe the behavior of these young lads just before the soldiers fired?" "Throwing snowballs." "Snowballs!" "A terrifying prospect for armed soldiers..." "Snowballs!" "They didn't like it, sir." "Chilly on the skin and all." "Mr. Adams." "Mr. Goddard, when you arrived in the square, you had ample opportunity to observe the crowd." "I did, sir." "And were any of them carrying anything apart from snowballs?" "Let me see." "I don't recall, sir." "Were any of these men carrying clubs?" " They were, sir." " Indeed?" "A lawful assembly." "Not a riot, a lawful assembly in which people were carrying clubs." "To make certain nothing unlawful occurred, perhaps?" "The men are rope makers, sir." "As any true Boston man would know, the clubs they were carrying are for beating out rope." "For beating out rope, indeed?" "But could they not also be used for beating out men's brains?" "There was no riot!" "Any man who suggests there was is lying!" "Order!" "Mr. Goddard, where exactly were you standing when you say you heard the officer in the dock, Captain Preston, give the order to fire?" "Close enough to have touched him, sir." " And where was he standing?" " He stood behind his men, sir." "I see, I see." "Behind his men?" "I will ask the jury to take note of that." "Mr. Holmes..." "Would you please describe the events you witnessed on the night of march the 5th?" "I... saw some boys near the sentry..." "At the customhouse door." "And what were they doing, these boys?" "Making a noise." "Shouting..." "At the sentry?" "I suppose." "Were they doing anything else?" "What were they doing?" "Throwing ice, sir, and oyster shells." "And did this harassment continue?" "with the arrival of Captain Preston and his men?" "Yes." "It did." "Did you yourself pick up everything you could find and throw it at them?" "Yes, sir." "How many people were there about, Mr. Holmes?" "Near 200 boys and men before it was over." "200 boys and men." "Good heavens." "And as you say, they were throwing ice and oyster shells." "Were they throwing anything else?" "Did they throw their clubs, Mr. Holmes?" "As you say, this crowd, they were making a great hullabaloo?" " Yes." " They were shouting?" "What were they shouting to the soldiers?" "Just before the soldiers started shooting  I heard the people say..." "What did you hear them say?" "Please, Mr. Holmes." "What did you hear them say?" ""Fire," ""damn you. fire!"" ""Fire!" ""Fire!" ""Fire, damn you!" "Fire!"" "Now, did you take this to be the cry of "fire"" "or bidding these soldiers to fire?" "They meant for the soldiers to shoot, sir." "You say that this crowd actually dared the soldiers to fire?" "That they did." "God help me, they did." "Thank you, sir." "Mr. Palmes?" "Mr. Palmes." "I know that you spoke to Captain Preston." "I simply want you to say what you saw that evening." "If British soldiers fired on a defenseless crowd without provocation" "I will be the first to want to see them hanged for it." "But suppose they are innocent." "I do not wish to see innocent men die in my name." "Do you?" "I wish to point out that my next witness does not appear in support of either party." "The court calls." "Richard palmes." "To come forth and be heard!" "Mr. Palmes," "Captain Preston has told me..." "That you were standing next to him just before the fatal moment." "I was." "So close, in fact, that your coat was scorched with musket fire." "Did you have occasion to exchange words with the accused?" "I did." "What did you say to him?" "I asked him if he had intention to order his men to fire on the crowd." "And what did Captain Preston reply?" "He said..." "As he was standing in front of them..." "He would be foolish to do so." "So you are prepared to swear he was standing in front of his men..." "Not behind them as Mr. Goddard told us?" "Mr Palmes." "And when did you hear the command to fire?" "After the first shot went off." "And did these words come from behind his men?" "I think they did." "Could you swear that Captain Preston did not shout that command?" "I could not." "Very good, Mr. Palmes." "Captain preston, you have heard the words of Richard Palmes." "Do you agree that you were standing not behind, but in front of your men?" "I do, sir." "Order!" "It was while I was speaking with him the first shot was fired, sir." " Without your giving orders?" " Indeed, sir." "If I may recall to the court the words of Richard Palmes." "I asked him "and when did you hear the command to fire?"" "and he answered" ""after the first shot went off."" "Which man fired, Captain?" "Young Mont..." "Private Montgomery, sir." "And what caused this man to fire, Captain?" "He received a severe blow with a club, sir." "He fell to the ground and his musket discharged." "After that happened, more clubs, bats..." "Order!" "Order!" "Planks rained down on my men!" "I was telling them not to fire, sir!" "Order!" "But some voices were urging them to fire." ""Fire!" ""Shoot me if you dare."" "They were, sir." "Where did these voices come from, Captain?" "From the alley behind my men, sir." "Voices from a crowd saying..." "Shouting "damn your bloods!" "Why don't you shoot fire?"" "kindly recall for the court the evidence of Robert Goddard." ""I heard the voice of Captain Preston say" ""Damn your bloods!"" ""and then he gave the order to fire."" "Be still." " Allow me to finish." " Well?" "John, how can I answer if you'll not let me finish?" " You did not like it." " I did not say that." "You did not have to." "It is a fine summary for the defense." "There is..." "Is much to admire." "It is, perhaps, at times..." "Yes?" "John, there's not a person in oston who doubts your education." "Your command of language..." "Dear." "You are charming me, Abigail." "You never charm me unless what you're about to say is cutting." "Vanity." "Vain?" "You have overburdened your argument with ostentatious erudition." "You do not need to quote great men to show you are one." "My purpose is to show that certain principles are eternal." "And that men of great minds have..." "Why are you laughing?" "Through the ages agreed on certain basic principles." "A noble purpose, no doubt." "But some of the jury might think that you want to prove the brilliance of the speaker rather than the truth of the case he is arguing." "Perhaps in certain passages, a more direct line..." "Might be an improvement." "I can see that I am to have no sleep tonight." "Would you have me lose all the quotations?" "What species of homicide is this?" "Here, in law, such a thing as voluntary manslaughter?" "No, a person cannot justify killing if he can by any means make his escape." "****" "Is guilty of malice aforethought." "And malice was very much on these prisoners' minds." "By the very act of loading their muskets with powder and ball, they have proved this." "They stand condemned by their own actions." "I ask that you heed the words of the indictment, that the accused, not having the fear of God before therir eyes, but being moved by the instigation of their own wicked hearts, did perpetrate nothing less than murder." "You must pronounce them guilty!" "I am for the prisoners at the bar." "In the words of the Marquis of Beccaria..." ""if by supporting the rights of mankind" ""I shall save from the agonies of death one unfortunate victim of tyranny," ""or of ignorance equally fatal..." ""His blessings will be sufficient consolation to me" ""for the contempt of all mankind."" "When people are taxed without representation, they are sometimes to feel abused." "And sometimes they may even rebel." "But we must take care, lest borne away by a torrent of passion we make shipwreck of conscience." "The prisoners must be judged solely upon the evidence produced against them in court and by nothing else." "And the evidence we have heard speaks plainly enough, gentlemen." "A sentry's post is his castle!" "And to attack it, by English law, is an illegal act." "Soldiers so assaulted may defend themselves to the death." "The people are crying," ""kill them!" "Kill them!" "Knock them down!"" "and they're heaving sharp cutting ice, oyster shells, clubs." "What are they to do, behave like stoic philosophers lost in apathy?" "Disregard these uniforms." "Consider the men who wear them." "Consider yourselves in such a situation and judge if a reasonable man would not fear for his life." "Facts are stubborn things." "See, whatever our wishes, our inclinations..." "Or the dictums of our passions..." "They cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." "You see, the law on the one hand is inexorable to the cries and lamentations of the prisoners." "But on the other hand, it is dea deaf as an adder to the clamors of the populace." "Gentlemen of the jury," "I submit to your candor and justice..." "The prisoners and their cause." "All those trees we planted..." "Keep them well pruned." "They should fetch a shilling each." "And maybe we should try flax instead of corn this year in the north pasture." " The jury's back already, sir." " Thank you." "An ill omen for our side." "Go." "Don't leave those lying all about, Charles." "Here." "Well done." "On the charge of murder..." "We the jury find the accused," "Captain Thomas Preston, not guilty." "On the charge of murder, we the jury find the accused:" "John Carroll, James Hartigan," "Matthew Kilroy, William Mccauley," "Hugh Montgomery, William Warren," "William Wemms and Hugh White..." "Not guilty." "There being further business before the court" "I hereby declare this session adjourned!" "God save the King!" "God save the King!" " God save your King!" " Move." "Bastard." " Well well, gentlemen." " Thank you, sir." "Please take this, sir." "It isn't much, but it's from the lot of us..." "Now if I were you, I'd confine myself to barracks for a good while, yeah?" "What about yourself, Mr. Adams?" "You really think you're gonna be safe from this rabble?" "No, you forget, Captain Preston, you have just been acquitted by a jury of New England men." "Massachusetts is my country, sir." " With me, lads." " Thank you, sir." "I have done it, Mrs. Adams." "There will be no living with you at all now, I suppose." "Children, congratulate your father." " Congratulations, father." " Thank you." " Charles, fetch my pipe." " Yes, sir." " Nabby, tea." " Yes, father." "Johnny, come here and help me with my boots." " Yes, father." " There we are." "Harder!" "There we go." "Whatever the cost to your practice, your defense of Captain Preston has earned you a reputation for impartiality." "If you were now to speak out in opposition to the crown, it would lend gravity to our cause." "I know you share our sympathies, cousin." "Why not stand for election on the Massachusetts council?" "I have no talent for politics." "I am by nature far too independent-minded." "And besides," "I hardly think that my name will add luster to your cause at this time." "Half my clients have left me since the trial." "I have already served one term on the Massachusetts council and it made me ill with work, work which made it almost impossible for me to attend to my practice." "I have no desire to serve again." "I thank you for your offer, gentlemen..." "But my family must take precedence." "Many in Boston are unable to make their living." "The crown's policies are reducing them to poverty." " You exaggerate, sir." " We are required..." "We are required to import British goods and then expected to pay for the privilege." "They've taxed our paper, our glass, the lead in our paint..." "even our playing cards and dice." "All such taxes, I remind you, repealed." "Repealed because we've spoken out against them." "And we'll continue to do so." "without your support it would seem." "I cannot oblige you, gentlemen." "I'm sorry." "The office of advocate general in the court of admiralty" " has become vacant." " Is that so?" "I have spoken about you to the Governor." "We were both of the opinion that you would be... the ideal candidate." "I'm flattered." "A recommendation has been agreed to by the King." "The appointment is yours, John, and brings with it the powers and privileges attached to the King's name." "Congratulations, John." "It's no secret, John that your practice has fallen off since the trial." "For the most part, that is the case." "This would be an entree to the most profitable business in the colony." "What do you say, my friend?" "You do not speak, John." "qui tacet consentire" "Mrs. Adams means to say that her husband's silence suggests that he is willing to have his name put forward to King George." "My father was a shoemaker." "My mother could not read." "and I have been singled out for preferment by the King of England." "I am for the law... and yet, in whom is the power of that law vested?" "The King." "I am for the law..." "And yet who can give me preferment?" "The King of England." "To be the King's man, and all that it would carry with it." "So what is it Mr. Hancock requires of me?" "He would like your advice." "If he is in need of legal advice, I will speak to him." "but if this is yet again an exercise to win me over..." "John, this is business, John." "The Dartmouth, the Eleanor, the Beaver, just in, their holds full of tea." "All British ships. the King demands that their cargo be unloaded, cargo on which we, the citizens of Boston, must pay a new tax." "You will not land this cargo, gentlemen!" "This is legitimate cargo, tea from the east india company that you are bound by law to unload." "What's legitimate about it, friend?" "No other tea is allowed in Boston harbor!" "Either we drink the King's foul brew or nothing at all." " And who may you be, sir?" " John Hancock, ship owner." " Not John Hancock, smuggler?" " watch your words, sir!" "I'm an honest man being strangled by monopoly!" " Shame on you, sir!" " Shame on you!" "Shame on you!" "Shame on you!" "Sam!" "Teach him a lesson!" "tar the bastard!" "No, Sam." "For the love of God, Sam!" "This is barbarism!" "Barbarism!" "Do you approve of this?" "People are hurt when they fight for what is rightfully theirs!" "Do you approve of brutal and illegal acts to enforce a political principle, Sam?" "Answer me that, can you?" "I am afraid of where this may lead us... if we do not chart our course carefully... together." "This colony does not dictate to Parliament, nor to the King." "if the Crown decides tea is to be taxed, it will be taxed." "Would you have the Empire bankrupted?" "The war we fought to expand our territory, to protect our borders from the Indians and their French allies, it was a costly affair." "I'm not here to debate the necessity of taxes, but the manner in which they are imposed." "Massachusetts must shoulder its share of the burden." "and be treated as second-class citizens?" "Without the rights and liberties of natural-born Englishmen..." "Liberty in this colony has often carried a taint of anarchy." "My offer still stands, John." "The Crown has a high opinion of you." "So do I." "The Crown is misguided, but it is not despotic." "I firmly believe that." "Your cousin does not." "nor his many friends." "They have cause." "it seems my cousin and his friends intend to take the government of this colony into their own hands." "People are in need of strong governance." "Restraint." "Most men are weak and evil and vicious." ""Whereas dangerous insurrections have been fomented in the town of Boston" ""to the utter subversion of his Majesty's government" ""and the utter destruction of the public peace," ""be it enacted that no goods or merchandise" ""whatever be transported to or brought from any other colony" ""or country."" ""Be it enacted for the suppression of riots, tumults," ""all disturbers of the King's peace are to be transported to England for trial."" ""Any British soldier or officer charged with a capital crime" ""will, in like manner, be transported out of the colony" ""to receive a fair hearing."" ""Be it enacted that for better regulating" ""the Government of Massachusetts," ""the present council is to be immediately disbanded."" ""Be it enacted that Royal Army officers" ""are authorized to quarter their troops among the citizenry." ""General Thomas Gage is hereby dispatched" ""with four of our regiments to compel compliance" ""with all these measures."" "Gage's ships will close up the bay and cut us off from the rest of the country." "Boston must suffer martyrdom." "Our principal consolation is that it dies a noble death." "Our people will not stand idly by." "They have weapons and they know how to use them." "Against the British Empire?" "A Congress will be meeting in Philadelphia to determine how to recover our rights and liberties." "I have nominated you to represent Massachusetts." "We're sending five men." "You should be among them." "Does this Congress have any legal authority?" "Since all assemblies have been outlawed, I cannot imagine that it does." "I repeat, does this Congress have any legal authority?" "Tosspots." "Massachusetts is in a state of open rebellion..." "The abuse of customs officers, 342 chests of tea spilled into the harbor by vandals masquerading as indians." "The time for gentleness has passed." "These acts strip us of our rights, Jonathan, our rights..." "The power of self government, the replacement of court officers loyal to the Crown..." "The position that you yourself offered me." " Which you refused." " I would no doubt be ineligible for now as I am not a loyal tory." "The Crown believes that the courts of Massachusetts are hopelessly biased." "They can no longer be trusted to deliver justice." "I see." "Did Captain Preston and his soldiers not receive justice?" "I staked my reputation and the security of my family on a case that will now be tried in England because he is an English officer?" "Are we considered too young, too unprincipled to understand justice?" "the Crown has ruled, John." "The only reasonable course left is obedience." "and you would do well to remember that and act accordingly, old friend." "Good day, old friend." "From our committee of correspondence in Virginia, we hear that the House of burgesses has selected deputies to join the great continental Congress." "We have heard tonight from our own representatives to Congress convening in Philadelphia..." "Mr. John Hancock..." "Mr. Robert treat Paine and Mr. Elbridge Gerry." "I give you now a new delegate from Massachusetts... a man whose prudence and probity are well known to you all..." "Mr. John Adams!" " let it be known..." " Speak up!" "Let it be known that British liberties are not the grants of princes or parliaments... that many of our rights are inherent and essential... agreed on as maxims and established as preliminaries even before parliament existed." "We have a right to them, derived from our maker." "Our forefathers have earned and bought liberty for us at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasures and their blood." "Liberty is not built on the doctrine that a few nobles have a right to inherit the earth." "It stands on this principle:" "that the meanest and lowest of the people are, by the unalterable, indefeasible laws of God and nature, as well entitled to the benefit of the air to breathe, light to see, food to eat and clothes to wear as the nobles or the King." "That is liberty... and liberty will reign in America!" "they have chosen their delegate well, John." "Have they?" "To argue against the Crown, the commons, the lords..." "No, we New England men are not fit for the times," "What have we seen of the world beyond Boston?" "What have we seen?" "I fear we not know what we do," "When men know not what to do, they ought not to do they know not what." "I want you to keep your head and look after your mother and your brother and your sister." "Charles, put those things back!" "Are these britches suitably dignified for a delegate of the great continental Congress of America?" "A delegate's britches are one of his most important tools." "Why is that?" "Because the art of politics is the art of applying the seat of the britches to the seat of the chair." "It's the procession!" "All a gift from the sons of liberty!" "God help us." "My old horse will suit me just fine, Sam." "A plain horse for plain John Adams." "Well, come on, John!" "and if it is a girl, we will name her Elizabeth," " after your mother." " Your favorite waistcoat." " I have not packed it." " It's nothing." "Will you be safe?" "We will go to the farm." "We will be fine." "Won't let anyone steal the place." "Been in your family since Charles II." "Go." "Forgive me, Abigail." "For what, John?" "Goodbye, you little pumpkins." "John, you remember what I said." "To Philadelphia!" "To Congress!" "In." "I would read into the record, for the benefit of those delegates who are unable to remain to close of session, the declarations and resolves of this first Congress." "Resolved..." "That to the recent grievous acts imposed by parliament on Massachusetts, we cannot submit." "But in hopes that our fellow subjects in Great Britain will restore to us happiness and prosperity, rather than support the Massachusetts militia, we have agreed to pursue the following peaceable measures..." "To publish a statement of the aforesaid to the inhabitants of British America." "Who need no reminders." "Two, to enter into a non-importation, non-consumption and non-exportation agreement of British goods." " Which no one will honor." " And three, to prepare a loyal address to his majesty." "Which his majesty will not read." "This Congress stands adjourned." "The business of this Congress being concluded, all delegates..." ""The business of this Congress."" "The business of this Congress has been to achieve nothing." "... the year of our Lord, 1775." "You carry good news back home, Mr. Paine." "Massachusetts has made its cause plain to its sister colonies, and now it will be made plain to Parliament." "I beg to differ, Mr. Dickinson." "Nothing has been made plain." "All this Congress has shown is that every man in it thinks that he is a great man..." "Orator, a critic, a statesman." "And therefore every man must show his oratory, his criticism, his political ability." "If it were moved and seconded that two and three make five, we should spend two whole days debating the matter and only then pass a resolution in the affirmative." "Well, in that event, Mr. Adams, our adjournment comes not a moment too soon." "A toast, gentlemen and ladies." "May Boston's troubles soon be at an end and her people's natural rights as Englishmen be fully restored." "May the sword of the parent never be stained with the blood of her children." "God save the King." "God save the king." "Part II:" "INDEPENDENCE" "There we are." "Go on, get a feel for it." "Put your hands in there." "Deeper." "Deeper." "There." "There, turn it, yeah?" "Now, the best recipe is equal parts salt marsh, upland soil and dung." "Manure is an art, and I consider myself an accomplished artist." "Smell that." "I want to be a farmer too, papa." "Do you now?" "Farming is noble employment, Johnny." "The noblest there is." "And this farm will always be in our family." "But it's to be school and the law for you." "As it was for me." "Mr. Adams!" "Mr. Adams!" "The British!" "The British are marching on concord!" "The British are marching on concord!" " To arms!" " Go inside!" "Charles!" "Inside, Charles!" "Get inside!" "The first sign of trouble, you fly to the woods!" "Stay with me!" "Come on, faster!" "Doctor Warren!" "What is God's name has happened?" "Gage sent a regiment to seize our powder and arms at concord." "Hundreds of our militia turned out." "The British got nothing." " Where are they now?" "Are they close by?" " We are chasing the bastards back to Boston, and we'll keep them there!" "Move!" "Come on, men." "There can be no mistaking Britain's intentions now." "If you had seen them, Abigail." "An army of plain country boys..." "With no experience of professional soldiering." "But their faces shing like the sun through a church window." "We must support them..." "With guns and leadership and faith in what they do." "Say that, John." "Say that to the Congress." "If I have to stand and rail until my voice breaks and my legs collapse beneath me..." "This time Congress will act." "Men..." "Need to think that they have made their own decisions..." "Not had them forced upon them." "I don't have the time to coddle like a young girl courting a beau." "To sit in Philadelphia listening to men talking to hear themselves talk, resolving nothing..." "To subject myself to that yet again, I cannot." "I cannot." "Where are these gentlemen from Massachusetts?" "What have you done with these gentlemen from Massachusetts?" "Have you stolen these gentlemen from Massachusetts?" "There they are!" "All the way from Boston." "Are they not a shame on their country?" "Are they not a disgrace to all civilized beings?" "Has not even the reverend Ebenezer Slither declared them so?" "They have violated the fundamental rule of warfare, which is always to let the British win!" "Did they not pursue the British army with ungentlemanly haste after their cowardly victory at Concord?" "Must you be so extreme, Dr. Franklin?" "I'm an extreme moderate, Mr. Rutledge." "I believe anybody not in favor of moderation and compromise out to be castrated." "And that all this should be sent down to the..." "To the Parliament, for they seem to need..." "How shall I put it?" "Stones." "There." "I think we scared him off." "I am very glad to have you gentlemen with us." "Very glad indeed." "I beg the good gentlemen here." "I beseech you..." "Entreat." "He left out entreat." "I entreat you to remember  that we remain the King'subject, whatever the recent unpleasantness in Massachusetts." "One rash action does not merit a rash response!" "Might must be met with reason, not arms!" "I remind Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Duane that blood has been shed." "Massachusetts' blood." "While we debate, our militia is left without munitions, without arms, without even the slightest encouragement." "Mr. Dickinson of Pennsylvania." "One colony cannot be allowed to take its sister colonies headlong into the maelstrom of war." "Parliament will be eager to call a halt to hostilities, as are we." "They will seek conciliation." "We must offer them an olive branch." "I move this assembly consider a humble and dutiful petion be dispatched to his Majesty, one that includes a plain statement that the colony desires immediate negotiation and accommodation of these unhappy disputes, and that we are willing to enter into measures" " to achieve that reconciliation." " Second!" "Mr. Dickinson?" "The time for negotiation is past." "The actions of the British army at Lexington and Concord speak plainly enough." "If we wish to regain our natural-born rights as Englishmen..." "Then we must fight for them." "I have looked for our rights in the laws of nature and can find them only in the laws of political society." "I have looked for our rights in the constitution of the English government and found them there!" "Our rights have been violated, Mr. Adams, that is beyond dispute." "We must provide a plan to convince Parliament to restore those rights!" "Do we wish to become aliens to the mother country?" "No, gentlemen, we must come to terms with the mother country." "No doubt the same ship which carries forth our list of grievances will bring back their redress." "Mr. Dickinson..." "My wife and young children live on the main road to Boston, fewer than five miles from the full might of the British Empire." "Should they sit and wait for gage and his savages to rob them of their home, their possessions, their very lives?" "No, sir!" "Powder and artillery are the surest and most infallible conciliatory measures we can adopt!" "If you explode the possibility of peace, Mr. Adams, and I tell you now, you will have blood on your hands!" "And I tell you, Mr. Dickinson, that to hold out an olive branch to Britain is a measure of gross imbecility." "If you New England men continue to oppose our measures of reconciliation, you will leave us no choice but to break off from you entirely and carry on the opposition in our own way." "I sit in judgment of no man's religion, Mr. Dickinson..." "But your quaker sensibilities do us a gross disservice, sir." "It is one thing to turn the other cheek, but to lie down in the ground like a snake and crawl toward the seat of power... in abject surrender, well, that is quite another thing, sir." " And I have no stomach for it, sir!" " Mr. Adams!" "No stomach at all!" "We will exhaust all peaceful approaches, Mr. Adams." "And we will do it with or without the approbation of you and your Boston insurrectionists!" "Hear, hear!" "Mr. Dickinson's motion to send an olive branch petion to his majesty has been made and seconded." "We shall proceed to a vote." " New Hampshire?" " New Hampshire votes no." " Massachusetts?" " Massachusetts votes no." " Rhode Island?" " Rhode Island votes no." " New York?" " New York votes yes!" "Hear, hear." " Connecticut?" " Connecticut votes no." "New Jersey?" "New Jersey votes yes." "Hear, hear." "Delaware?" "Delaware votes yes." "Pennsylvania?" "Pennsylvania votes yes." "Virginia?" "Virginia votes yes." " Maryland?" " Maryland votes yes." "South Carolina?" "South Carolina votes yes." " Georgia?" " Georgia votes yes." "The storm did not quite behave as it was meant to behave." "Unlike the British army, it did not travel in a straight line." "As my brother told me at the time..." " Mr. Adams." " Doctor." "Dr. Rush has been telling me that he has bled most of Philadelphia." "He quite swears by the regenerative powers of desanguination." "Thus far, Philadelphia has survived..." "Can I have a private word with you, doctor?" " Certainly, Mr. Adams." " Gentlemen, if you..." "If you'll excuse me." "Mr Rodney" "You seem a little distracted, Mr. Adams." "I had thought that you were with us." "As I am, as I am." "But not enough to come out and say so." "Politics is the art of the possible." "What did you get by opposing the motion?" "It was carried with our without you." "All you did was make enemies aand make yourself feel better, of course." "Do you not believe in saying what you think?" "No, I'm very much against it." "Thinking aloud is a habit responsible for much of mankind's misery." "St. Thomas à Becket might have lived to a ripe old age if he..." "You insulted Mr. Dickinson." "You insulted him in public." "Would you have me insult him in private?" "It's perfectly acceptable to insult someone in private." "Sometimes they might even thank you for it afterwards." "But when you do it in public, they tend to think you are serious." "I feel myself hated in this town." "Go gently." "I beg you." "You are a guest in Philadelphia." "Fish and guests..." "Stink after three days." "You would do well to seek out the gentlemen of Virginia." "Their vote went against me as well." "Virginia must be won, Mr. Adams." "Their wealth, prestige, their size..." "No other colony carries that much weight." "And I think you'll find, despite their recent vote, that they are of your opinion." "And of your opinion, sir." "My opinion is that I have no opinion." "But I'll gladly come with you, to find out what my opinion might be." "Diplomacy is seduction in another guise, Mr. Adams." "One improves with practice." "Mr. Harrison, Mr. Lee." "Gentlemen, good morning to you." "Mr. Lee?" "You are said to be the cicero of Virginia." "Like you, Mr. Adams, we are arming ourselves for our own defense." "Beyond that, the Virginia convention has given us no instructions." "Were it up to myself and Colonel Washington..." "Oh, yes indeed." "Colonel Washington." " Good morning to you, colonel." " Mr. Adams." "Colonel, you are in mourning?" "for Massachusetts, Mr. Adams." "An attack made on one of our sister colonies is an attack made on all of us." "If only all of the Congress were of your sentiment, sir." "I am prepared to raise 1,000 men, subsist them at my own expense and march them myself to the relief of Boston." "We may yet have need of your generosity." "Not generosity, Mr. Adams, duty." "A natural leader." "He's always the tallest man in the room." "He's bound to end up leading something." "When will we escape this dreadful city, doctor?" "Philadelphia is not to your liking, sir?" "I'd rather be in my own country." "Would not you?" "I would, Mr. Jefferson, yes." "Well, excuse me." "ma!" "ma!" "Are those our guns, mama?" "I pray they are." " Would you like some water, sir?" " Thank you, ma'am." "Thank you." "Thank you, ma'am." "We saw flames above the harbor." "Gage's ships laid into us with cannon fire." "They sent their butchers through the smoke up Bunker Hill." "Dear God." "We held them back." "Thank you." "Do I know that face?" "I knew that face." "Children, inside." "General Warren is fallen at Bunker Hill..." "Shot through the head..." "Bayoneted and stripped of his clothes." "I knew him, gentlemen." "He was my physician." "The full measure of British atrocity is too terrible to relate." ""400 patriots dead."" "Not professional soldiers, ordinary citizens of Massachusetts who willingly gave their lives to defend what was rightfully theirs..." "Their liberty." "But they took with them more than 1,000 British soldiers and 100 of their officers." "If this Congress does not support the Massachusetts militia, it could very well dissolve, gentlemen!" "Should that happen..." "Should that happen..." "We will be left defenseless, gentlemen." "Yes. absolutely." "I move that the Congress adopt the Massachusetts militia immediately!" "Mr. Adams." "Second!" "You are asking us to form an army," "Mr. Adams..." "A force acting not for a single colony, but all 13!" "Now there's not a man here present who does not mourn the loss of the brave men of Massachusetts." "But it is at such times that caution must prevail." "It may be weeks before our last petion reaches the King, many weeks more before we may hope for a reply." "While we await answer, we must avoid any escalation of the hostilities between us." "The situation is perilous!" "What is required now is one able man to build and to lead this new continental army." "And who do you propose of the Massachusetts delegates should lead this force?" "Gentlemen, we move too quickly." "We have not yet resolved the question of any continental army, much less who is to lead it." "I have but one gentleman in mind, known to all of us." "Mr. President, I propose as commander in chief, our most honorable and esteemed delegate..." "The good gentleman from Virginia, Colonel George Washington." "Second!" "I commend your selection, sir." "There is no more able soldier in all America." "Colonel Washington would command approbation in all Americans, were he to accept the position that it is now our great honor to offer him." "If the Congress sees fit to honor me with the command," "it will be my humble duty to serve." "By your modesty, you show the wisdom of our choice." "There are two motions on the floor." "Should Congress adopt the Massachusetts militia and should Colonel Washington be appointed as commander in chief of this continental army?" "I think we should move towards a vote." "Congratulations, General Washington." "I am truly sensible of the high honor the Congress has done me." "But I tell you now, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with." "Your men, your continental army, awaits you at Cambridge, sir." "And I shall see you there on my return." " Will General howe attack again?" " Impossible to say." "What is that but an army of occupation?" "And the Congress goes on its knees to the King." "Has the King deigned to reply?" "I understand people like Mr. Dickinson and his friends all too well, John." "Send a woman to the Congress." "She might knock some sense into them." "It is not a question of men and women." "It is a matter politics." "Politics." "Politics?" "And do women not live politics, John Adams?" "When I go to the cupboard and I find no coffee, no sugar, no pins, no meat, am I not living politics?" "This war touches people that your Congress treats with the same contempt" "King George deserves for the people of Boston." "I mean women, yes, and slaves too, for that matter." "Though I am sure you wish I would not mention that subject, as it might upset your southern friends." " You're harsh, madam." " I am cold." "And frightened." "I am afraid this war will never end or begin." "I am frightened too, Abigail." "And however much I talk and talk," "I will never carry the Congress." "It seems that I must come down to Philadelphia and box the ears of Mr. Dickinson and his cronies." "I must pray for guidance in all our endeavors, wherever they may lead us." "And where will they lead us, John?" "I sometimes think we may be heading to a complete and irrevocable independence." "The enemy are quite entrenched." "To take Boston may mean its utter destruction." "I could call on only 5 000 troops who are fit to fight." "I thought you had at least 20 000 men under your command?" "A great many have gone home since their enlistments expired," "New England men a good lot of them." "I cannot conceal our condition from the British indefinitely." "We have been decimated by the bloody pox." "It is sheer providence they haven't discovered our predicament." "Upon my return to Philadelphia," "I will make this situation known and the Congress will find whatever you require, sir." "Nothing has yet come from all their promises of powder, muskets supplies, Mr. Adams." " Mr. Adams." " I will persuade them, sir." "And I will also argue to the Congress that an alliance with France and Spain is essential." "But above all," "I intend to present them with a Declaration of Independency." "You've already spoken of this?" "Oh no no one speaks of it." "At least not publicly." "But it is the only sure guarantee of our liberty." "Independence will mean war" "from one end of the colonies to the other." "I have no illusions about that." "But first, let us free Boston." "The rest will follow." "So many have been carried away by the bloody pox." "We cannot risk infection in this house." "How you will manage this winter with the blockade, I don't know." "We will manage." "Somehow we will manage." "I should go before the weather worsens." "I would gladly take a walk in our garden with you" " when the spring comes." " No more, John!" "No more." "I hate the Congress!" "General Washington still awaits our reply to the problem of re-enlistments." " The king's seal." " Now he respectfully suggests that a salary be granted our soldiers commensurate with their sacrifice." "But he has no money on hand to pay them." "Tents, soap, shoes and blankets are also greatly wanting." "The army recently took shipment of 50 crates of rifles, all without the flints required to shoot them." "A proclamation by King George III." ""many of our subjects, misled by a desperate conspiracy" "of dangerous and ill-designing men," "have forgotten the allegiance which they owe to the power that has protected and supported them, and have declared rebellion" "and traitorously levied war against us." "It is the better part of wisdom to put a speedy end to such disorders." "We have thought fit to issue our royal proclamation that all our royal officers, both civil and military, are obliged to suppress such rebellion and bring the traitors to justice." "When the unhappy and deluded multitude against whom this force shall be directed shall become sensible of their error," "I shall be ready to receive the misled with tenderness and mercy." "for those who persist in their treason..." "For those who persist in their treason, the punishment shall be death by hanging." "given in parliament this 26th day of october in the year..."" "1775."" "God save the King." "God damn the King!" "God bless the King." "Who else could have brought such a spirit of unity to this Congress?" "We will now all hang together." "Or, most assuredly, we will all hang separately." "The question is no longer whether there shall be independence, but when." "If we force a decision too soon, we may reap disaster." "Independence without unanimity means nothing." " I'm in complete agreement, doctor." " I will leave immediately." "The Virginia Convention must free us to act." "All 13 clocks must strike at the same second." "Charles, Charles!" "Charles, come back!" "Children, step away from the door." "Charles!" "Charles, go inside!" "Go inside!" "Go!" "Mr. Knox." "Mr. Knox!" " Mr. Knox!" " Mrs. Adams?" "You sold books to my husband, now look at you." " What are you doing?" " British guns captured at Fort Ticonderoga." "General Washington may have some use for them." " How on earth did you manage?" " Rowed them across lake George and hauled them over the berkshires." "We call that one Liberty." "And that big one there stuck in the mire, we call it Independence!" "When *how* we saw the guns from Ticonderoga ringing the city he shouted, "good God, these fellows have done more work in one day than I made my army do in three months."" "General Washington's surprise sent them scurrying like rats." "Mr. Lee, now is the time." "And with your good news I can depend upon Virginia to lead the way." "The honor is mine, sir." "We are about to take a leap in the dark, Mr. Jefferson." "I would gladly lend my hand to sink the whole island of Great Britain in the ocean." "Now, I have not heard you say three words together in the last Congress." "with such passion, I regret that you haven't made your mind more plainly known." "I have no gift for oratory." "President recognizes Mr. Lee of Virginia." " Order, gentlemen!" " Resolved..." "That these united colonies are and of a right ought to be free and independent states;" "They are absolved of all allegiance to the British crown;" "and that all political connection between them and the country of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved." "No!" "Second!" "Second from Mr. Adams." "Am I to understand that Virginia has freed their delegates to propose this measure?" "They have, sir. the liberation of Boston has quite convinced them." "The British may have abandoned Boston, Mr. Lee, but that is not an end to the business!" "General Howe is said to be awaiting reinforcements!" "Thousands of godless hessian mercenaries among them." "First they will attack New York, then this very city!" "Two warships have been sighted sailing up the Delaware, gentlemen." "What possible object can they have if not to take this Congress and every man in it by force?" "Our river defenses..." "Our river defenses will hold them, sir!" "How shall we fight them?" "With what navy shall we turn them back?" "England is poised to strike a fatal blow!" "I must ask again, why such haste?" "Why should we pull down the old house" " before we are prepared to..." " Because..." "Enough!" "Because, Mr. Duane, the middle way that some in this chamber have been seeking is no way at all." "Gentlemen, please hear me out, gentlemen!" "If we finally fail in this great and glorious contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping for the middle way!" "Gentlemen, Dr. Franklin knows England better than any man here." "Can we not yet hope to see a clearer sky?" "Well, if my long residence in London as this colony's agent to the Court has taught me anything, Mr. Dickinson, it has taught me this:" "that given the choice between doing what is right and doing what is not right, his majesty's government will take the later course every time." "Well said, well said." "Dr. Franklin has the floor." "The King refuses our petitions." "He has branded us rebels." "The question is not whether by a..." "by a declaration of independence that we should make ourselves something we are not, but whether we should declare as fact something which already exists." " No!" " Only the voice..." "Only the voice of the people can proclaim independence." "No no, Mr. Dickinson!" "The people wait for us to lead the way." "and we must lose no time in leading them, sir." "No time at all." "And just whom do you think will join us in this folly?" " France, for one!" " France!" "Gentlemen!" "England is our common enemy, sir." "Mr. Adams would make us French subjects!" "Partners, Mr. Duane, not subjects." "General Washington's army needs arms and men!" "King Louis cannot be expected to acknowledge us until we have acknowledged ourselves and taken our rightful place as a sovereign power." "Mr. Adams..." " Mr. Franklin has the floor." " Mr. Adams is right." "Let us send an envoy to King Louis while our affairs wear a hopeful aspect." "What if no alliance comes?" "What then, sir?" "Then so be it." ""So be it"?" "We will not vote for independence, Mr. Adams." "Not now, not ever!" "Mr. Duane well knows that reconciliation would be as agreeable to my inclinations," "and as advantageous to my interests as to any man's!" "but, I see no prospect for it, no probability, no possibility!" "And I cannot abide the hypocritical heart that pretends to expect peace when in truth it does not." "This Congress has no more right to pass such a resolution than parliament has!" " We must beware of overreaching!" " Aye!" "When demosthenes..." "When Demosthenes traveled as ambassador through Greece he did not go, Mr. President, ... through time!" "If you plan on taking us to creation itself," "I should like send word to my landlady, she should not waste any eggs for my breakfast." "He did not go, Mr. President, to propose a non-importation" " or non-consumption agreement." " I beg your pardon, sir." "pray forgive me for not recognizing the worthy Demosthenes." "I mistook you for a Massachusetts man." "Do you know the conduct of some states from the beginning of this affair has given me reason to suspect that it is their settled policy to keep to the rear of our confederacy come what may," "so as not to harm their future prospects?" " Mr. Adams..." " No, there are persons in Philadelphia to whom a ship is dearer than a city, and a few barrels of flour dearer than 1000 lives." "Other men's lives." "That is an outrageous slander!" "Gentlemen, we cannot debate this endlessly." "I call for a vote on Mr. Lee's resolution for independence." " New Hampshire?" " New Hampshire votes yes." " Connecticut?" " Connecticut votes yes." " New Jersey?" " New Jersey votes no." " Georgia?" " Georgia votes yes." " Virginia?" "Virginia votes yes." " New York?" " New York votes no!" " North Carolina?" " North Carolina votes yes." " One moment, please." "South Carolina, on behalf of its sister colonies..." "States!" "requests a postponement to seek new instructions." "20 days should be sufficient." "This is good." "Any objections?" "No, none, sir." "No." "Congress shall reconvene on july 1st to consider Mr. Lee's resolution." "Mr. President, perhaps a committee should be formed to present a statement to the people should the vote tend toward independence." "Mr. Dickinson?" "Form your committee, Mr. Adams." "present!" "The thought of what awaits us in New York robs me of my sleep." "Are you so certain of defeat?" "To give battle to the British army, their ranks swollen with the 17,000 hessians," "I know not how our men will stand the test." "General Howe elected to depart Boston in peace rather than lay waste to the city." "New York may not be so fortunate." "That such evil should befall a people..." "Could it be punishment for the sin of slavery?" "I cannot say." "We grow gloomy, Mrs. Adams." "Forgive me." "I had hoped this visit would be a respite from what weighs upon me." "Is there some service I may do for you?" "For your family?" "There is one thing that I would ask." "My correspondence with my husband is more important than I can say." "It has become so difficult to get letters through, and... fear of interception has limited" "what we may say to each other." "If I could impose upon you to carry my letters..." "My own courier will take them safely to Philadelphia along with my dispatches." "Thank you." "Your advice is greatly valued by Mr. Adams." "The more quickly he receives it, the more quickly we may all be beneficiaries of your counsel." "I fear I cannot oblige you, sir, because..." "If we are to achieve our longed-for separation from England, we must be ready in the state legislatures with new codes of law and governance. and to that end all my time away from the assembly is taken up with urgent correspondence on a new constitution for Virginia." "We are of the same mind there." "Massachusetts, too, must have its constitution." "But I would have one founded on principles which could one day inform the confederacy of all the states." "but we must first achieve this long-hoped-for separation, and to that end we must have a declaration of principles." "Should you not write this thing yourself?" "No no." "I do not have time." "I head the board of war and ordinance as well as serving on 22 other committees." "and the outcome of this great question is far from certain, so my energies must be spent **ing the debate on the floor." " And why me?" " Reasons enough, sir." "What can possibly be your reason?" "First, you area virginian, and a virginian should be at the head of this business as it's the most powerful state." "And second," "I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular." "And you are very much otherwise." "Third, and perhaps most important," "I have read your summary view of the rights of British America and I have a great opinion of the elegance of your pen," "and none at all of my own." "You're too modest, sir." "You're the first to find me so, sir." "I am not by nature a humble man, but circumstances sometimes require a change of habits." " I see that you're quite decided." " That I am, Mr. Jefferson." "Quite." "Have you consulted with your husband?" "Mr. Adams is not here and the pox is rampant." "Inoculation is not without risk." "The distemper manifests itself differently in each person." "You and your children may experience some fever and inflammation, perhaps a form of the disease itself." "I am aware of the risks." "Some cases have even resulted in death." "This is something altogether unexpected." "not only a declaration of our independence, but... of the rights of all men." "No this is well said, sir." "Very well said." ""The christi King of Great Britain" ""has waged cruel war against human nature itself" ""in the persons of a distant people who never offended him," ""captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere."" "Yes, you lay the evils of slavery at the..." "The feet of the King, but you say nothing of slavery itself, sir." "Now surely, if the trade is outlawed but ownership is not, then those unfortunate negroes still in servitude will become a more lucrative commodity." "That's not what I intended, Dr. Franklin." "Slavery is an abomination and must be loudly proclaimed as such, but I own that neither I nor any man has any immediate solution to the problem." "It... is no matter." "The issue before us is independence and not emancipation." " Dr. Franklin, this document is..." " is something..." "Something our friends in the Congress will debate." "But I will be very surprised if they will countenance an attack on slavery." ""We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable," ""that all men are created equal..."" "Et cetera." ""sacred and undeniable."" "Smacks of the pulpit." "Does it?" "These truths are self-evident are they not?" "Perhaps." "Self-evident then." "Self-evident?" " Self-evident." " Self-evident." "Do not mistake me, sir." "I share your sentiment." "Every single word was precisely chosen." "I assure you of that, Dr. Franklin." "Yes, but yours will not be the only hand in this document." "It cannot be." "They will try to mangle it, and they may succeed." "There may be expressions which I would not have inserted if I had drawn it up, but I will defend every word of it." "It's what I believe." "This is a..." "A marvelous invention, Mr. Jefferson." "Yes, I went through a number of variations." "This is by far the most successful." "The simplest is always the best." "It's two seats and the top one swivels on rollers made from the window sash pulleys." "Most ingenious." "Stay inside." "One more time, lad." "Just a small cut." "Done." "Who's first?" "So it's you?" "What is your name?" " Charles." " Charles." "Roll up your sleeve." "That's it." "Here we go." "Just a small cut." "Almost done." "There you are, lad." " It'll hurt a little bit." " I want papa." "Pa's not here." "We must depend upon ourselves." "One more, one more." "Almost done." "There lies our battle." "The others may yet come around, but Pennsylvania and New York are too self-interested, too tory." "Mr. Dickinson is too unbending." "And too effective." "Most effective, Mr. Adams, most effective." "And rutledge." "Good luck to you, sir." "Congress will take into consideration the resolution concerning independence." "Mr. Dickinson?" "Gentlemen." "The consequences involved in the motion now lying before us are of such magnitude that I tremble at the oppressive honor of sharing in its determination." "My conduct this day, I expect," "will give the finishing blow to my once great and now much-diminished popularity." "Yet I had rather forfeit popularity forever" "than vote away the blood and happiness of my countrymen." "Independence will not strengthen us by one man!" "Nor by the least supply." "But it may expose our soldiers to additional cruelties and outrages." "The full fury of British rifle will be unleashed." "Indians will be loosest on the frontier." "Negros will rise up to slaughter us." "New York may well be destroyed." "By their own admission, the advocates of separation say foreign assistance will be necessary." "At what cost?" "Let us imagine a war without victors." "And the guns all silent." "Many would have bled and sacrificed only to have exchanged the light yoke of GB for the heavy dominion of an alien power." "Some have argued that America will become one great commonwealth." "But what is to keep 13 unwieldy colonies from splitting asunder?" "I have a strong impression in my mind that this will take place." "Oh, gentlemen." "To escape the protection of GB by declaring independance unprepared as we are" "would be to brave the storm in a skiff made of paper." "As I recognize is Mr Adams, Massachussetts." "Objects of the most stupendous magnitude." "Measures which will affect the lives of millions, born and unborn" "are now before us." "We must expect a great expense of blood to obtain them" "but we must always remember that a free constitution of civil government" "cannot be purchased a too dear a rate as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem, of greater importance to mankind." "My worthy colleague from Pennsylvania has spoken with great ingenuity and eloquence." "He's given you a grim prognostication of our national future, but where he foresees apocalypse" "I see hope." "I see a new nation ready to take its place in the world." "Not an empire, but a republic." "And a republic of laws, not men." "Gentlemen, we are in the very midst of revolution." "The most complete unexpected and remarkable of any in the history of the world." "How few of the human race have ever had an opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves, and their children." "I am not without apprehensions, gentlemen." "But the end that we have in sight is more than worth all the means." "My belief says that the hour has come." "My judgement approves this measure and my whole heart is in it." "All that I have, all that I am and all that I hope in this life," "I am now ready to stake upon it." "While I'll live, let me have a country." "A free... country." "Idle misspend of time." "Waste of breathe." "I said nothing but what have been repeated and hackneyed in that room before." "Hundred times past these 6 months." "On the contrary, Mr Adams." "You seemed quite carried out of yourself." "Majority is ours, cousin." "9 to 4 in favor." "It must be unanimous." " Where the devil is our friend Rodney?" " Gone back to Wilmington." "Trouble with the Tories, there." "We will never win Delaware without him." "Mr Rodney must be found and fetched back here, Mr McCain." "Leave it to me." "Mr Adams." "A word with you, if I may?" "Private word." "South Carolina would be willing to consider casting her vote with the majority." "You surprise me, sir." "We know which way the wind blows, Mr Adams." "South Carolina has never been opposed to the principle of separation from Britain." " Only the haste to achieve it." " The times call for action, sir." "We southerners are accustomed to more courtly form." "You have something to ask in return." "Only your assurance that there will be no dissent from the other colonies." "Forgive me..." "States." "You have it, sir." "Gentlemen can always reach agreement." "Admiral Howe has anchored a 150 ships in view of Manhattan Island." "You ask me to consent to our own destruction." "Thirteen stand a greater chance than one." "We do not ask you to join us." "Only that you do not obstruct us." "NY would be willing to consider such an arrangement." "If you can deliver Pennsylvania." "Consider this, Mr Dickinson, that 2 of Pennsylvania's own delegates, myself being one of them, rose up today in opposition to you." "I will not compromise my beliefs." "A man of your reputation and honesty." "He should never compromise his beliefs, sir." "I thank you for that, Mr Adams." "Understand me, sir." "Likely you're right, and we shall be driven to independance." "But now, it's not the time for some dangerous and irrevocable action." "I cannot lend my voice to hasten our ruin." "Perhaps if you're to find yourself, somehow, indisposed tomorrow?" "Be still." "My brave girl." "Come no further." "Mabby, have a lion." "Thank you, Charles." "Bed!" "Bed!" "Cool?" "Look!" "What Charles gave you." "*This panel* now comes to a vote." "From a resolution proposed by Mr Lee." "These colonies are and of right ought to be free and independant states." "And that all political connection between them and the country of GB is and of the right ought to be" "totally dissolved." "New Hampshire?" "New Hampshire votes yes." "Rhode Island?" "Rhode Island votes yes." "Massachusetts?" "Massachusetts votes yes." "New York?" "New York has yet to receive new instructions from its constituent assembly." "We, therefore, respectfully abstain." "Connecticut?" "Connecticut votes yes." "New Jersey?" "New Jersey votes yes." "Pennsylvania?" "Pennsylvania votes yes." "Delaware?" "Delaware votes yes." "Virginia?" "Virginia votes yes." "Maryland?" "Maryland votes yes." "North Carolina?" "North Carolina votes yes." "South Carolina?" "South Carolina votes yes." "Georgia?" "Georgia votes yes." "Vote stands." "12 for independence." "None against." "One abstention." "Resolution carries." "When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the polical bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth to the separate and equal station to" "to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them" "A decent respect of the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation" "We hold these truths to be self-evident." "that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their creator with certain un... what's that word there?" "unalienable." "with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is in the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government." "The history of the present king of GB is a history of repeated injuries, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states." "In every stage of this oppression, we have petitionned for redress in the most humble terms." "Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury, a prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of the free people." "We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America solemnly publish and declare that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states that they're absolved from all allegiance to the British crown." "And for the support of this declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives our fortunes and our sacred honor." "Bless you." "God save our American states." "God save our American states." "My dearest friend, the break is made." "Now our work begins." "You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I'm not." "It is the will of Heaven that Britain and America should be scinded forever." "It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting and distresses yet more dreadful." "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this declaration and support and defend these states." "Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the raise of ravishing light and glory." "I can see that posterity will triumph... in that day's transaction." "I expect we shall have over 40 bushels of meal when the corn is ground." "You are like to outshine all farmers." "I thought I had lost you..." "When the news came that the British had taken Philadelphia." "You realize, John, it's been 14 years since we were married." "14 years." "Not more than half of that time have we had the joy of living together." "But you are here now." "And you are safe." "( Theme music playing )" "Abigail." "You are not staying." "Where is the Congress to meet?" "In York, to the west of the city." "But it is not to the Congress that I must go." "This war will not be won" "Without French money and French ships." "That... is Dr. Franklin's affair." "He is the commissioner to France." "There are some concerns." " About Dr. Franklin's aide." " No." " Congress is asking" " No, John." "I told them that I would not go." "No." "No." "It was my intention to return to the bar." "That I cannot support my family, my children" "You cannot ask this of me." " But they would not accept my request." " You cannot." "I am needed in Paris." "You are needed here, John." "Your children..." "Require your example." "I need you here." "Are you to add more years" "To those we have already spent apart?" "How can you give me back that time?" "How can you compensate to me" "All of those years I cannot get back?" "Do not rob me" "Of my happiness." "That is not my wish." "Abigail..." "You must know that." "Can you tell me how long, John?" "How long this time?" "Tell me that." "I cannot." "There is a cost to love, John." "Absence..." "And distance." "When do you leave?" "I'm not going to leave." "Let another have the honor." " There is no other, John." " No." "If I were a man, I would be in the field of action." "There all honor lies." "When you go, you will take Johnny with you." "That is 3,000 miles, Abigail..." "In winter." "I am sensible to the dangers, John." "You need not remind me." "We could be taken by the British." "That is madness." "My thousand fears notwithstanding, he shall go." "How many times have I heard you complain" "About the narrowness of New England men?" "Would you deny him the opportunity you never had?" "Nabby." "Nabby." "Are you leaving now?" "We are." "But I will take with me..." "A picture of a remarkable young lady." "And what must you always remember to do?" "Be good and do good." "Yeah." "Nabby, my girl." "Easy now." "Steady." "Nabby." "Darling, come come." "Don't be silly." "Nabby." "Charles?" "You said you would stay this time." "I go because I love you." "But why does Johnny get to go and not us?" "One day perhaps." "Now come now, you don't wanto send your father away without a kiss, do you?" "Charles." "Charles." "Tommy, come." "There we are." "Abigail:" "listen to your father on all things." "Write to me." "Be an honor to your country," "A blessing to your family..." "And remember you are accountable to your maker" "For all your words and actions." "I'll remember." "I love you." "You come back to me, John." " Abigail-- - Godspeed." "Godspeed." "Here we are." " ( Thunder rumbling ) - ( Men shouting )" "( John Quincy speaking French )" "( John retching )" "Say it with me, papa." "( Both speaking French )" "Oh, God." "Dear God in heaven." "That mast can be repaired, yes?" "We will try to jury-rig the foremast, sir." "( Man shouting ) Sail to starboard!" " Sail to starboard!" " Man #2: where away?" "Man: three points to starboard!" "Man #3: turn to starboard!" "Three points to starboard!" "Captain: it's British." "Has it seen us?" "There's men in the rigging." "Man #4: bosun and master gunner on deck!" "Men: aye aye, sir!" "Captain: we cannot outrun her." "With your permission..." "We'll engage them, sir." "Granted." " First officer standby for action." " John, go below." " Go below!" " ( Men shouting )" " Bosun!" " Yes, sir!" " Standby to make sail!" " Aye aye, sir!" " Chief gunner!" " Yes, sir!" "Prepare to fire as you bear!" "Aye aye, sir!" "Come on, you heard the man!" "Make way, lads!" "May way for the guns!" "Now, sir, if you will oblige me by returning to your quarters." "Neither you nor any man will prevent me from doing my duty." "Mr. Adams, I am commanded by the Congress" "To carry you safely to Europe," "And I'll goddamn well do it!" "Now get below." " Man #4: helmsman!" " Helmsman: aye!" "Steer nor-nor'east!" "( Men shouting )" "( Gun fires )" "You stay here, Johnny." "Yes?" "Make way!" "Make way down there!" "Faster there!" "Man #5: steady!" "Man #4: master gunner fire upon my command!" "Aye, sir!" "Prepare to fire, lads!" "She bears a cable!" "( Men shouting )" "Gunners make ready!" "Man #6: shoot one!" " ( Screams )" " Balls away!" " Reloading!" " Man #6: shoot two!" " Man: oh God!" " Man #6: shoot three!" " Man #6: shoot four!" " ( Screaming )" "Man #6: stay at your guns, men!" "Swap out gun number four!" " ( Screaming )" " On my command!" "Shoot five!" " ( Cannons firing )" " Shoot six!" "Reload!" "John: doctor!" "Doctor!" " I have lieutenant barron here." " Clear them the way." " Quickly!" " ( Grunting )" "Scissors." "Scissors!" "Give him some rum." "Rum." "Now come here." "Drink as much of this as you want." " Tourniquet" " Now!" " Man: yes, sir." "Drink as much as you can." "This" " This..." "in the mouth." " What?" " Mouth, in it." "In the mouth." "Bite down on it." "( Blood splashes )" " Hold him down." "Hold him down." " Yes, sir." " Steady." "Stay." " ( Screaming )" " Hold him." " No!" "Hold him down, sir." "Do you have him, sir?" " Hold him!" " Man #2: no!" " Be patient." " Come on!" " All right." " Man: quickly!" "Here we are." "I am here with you, sir." "It is nearly all over." " Hold on." " Doctor: he is losing too much blood." "Take his pulse." " I can't tell." " His pulse!" "Check!" "Does he have a pulse?" "Don't leave me, sir." "Don't leave me, sir." "Doctor: no?" " Man #2: fire!" " ( Cannons firing )" " ( Men cheering )" " Man: she's struck her colors!" "Mr. Adams, the ship is ours." "When will we know?" "I cannot say." "Must not let your mind wander to fear." "It is hard not to." "Put your faith in God," "And trust in his providence." "I did not think I would miss John Quincy." "No." "Do you think he will like Paris?" "I am sure he will." "Why do boys have all the pleasure?" "Because we let them." "When they come home, we will be very strict with them." "When they come home, my darling," "We will be so happy to see them," "We will be far too accommodating." "Charles, put some water on my hand." "Here, John." "This is rather strange." "Hello!" "Hello, Dr. Franklin?" "Woman: bonjour." "Monsieur!" "( Man speaking French )" " Mr. Adams, welcome." " Ah." "Dr. Franklin." "You'll forgive me if I don't rise." "I trust your crossing was uneventful." "This is my secretary, Mr. Bancroft." "Mr. Adams." "This is monsieur houdon, the celebrated sculptor." "Bonjour." "Oh, my son," "John Quincy." "Well well." "A fine boy." "Thank you, sir." "I shall rely upon your judgment as to a proper school for him." "Why, all of Paris is a school, master Adams." "A young man need only to avail himself of the lessons." "Excuse me, could you keep the pose, Dr. Franklin?" "A moment, monsieur. ( Speaking French )" "Have you ever been sculpted, Mr. Adams?" "No, sir, no." "No, I've never been one for sitting still." "Well, you may sit still presently." "General Johnny burgoyne has done" "All the negotiations necessary" "When he blundered into saratoga with his 7,000 redcoats." "The treaty with France is, as Parisians say," "A fait accompli." "A treaty?" "( Stammers )" "Why was I not told of this?" "Doctor, I have not braved the atlantic" "In the middle of winter and been pursued by the British" "News travels slowly over the ocean." "Well, I-- A treaty." "A treaty." "What kind of a treaty, sir?" "What are the details?" "Well, they have declared themselves our ally" "And pledged to stand in our defense." "Yes, how much provision is made for naval support?" "( Stammers )" "And what of our joint venture" "No doubt you require a bath," "Mr. Adams." "French set great store by hygiene when it comes to other nations." "Yes." "Our mission here requires expedition, doctor." "No, here in France" "You must practice the art of accomplishing much" "While appearing to accomplish little." "( Chuckles )" "Well, I intend to secure an audience" "With King Louis at the earliest opportunity." "He and I clearly have much to discuss." "You do n demand an audience at versailles, Mr. Adams." "One is invited." "Excuse me." "Please, Dr. Franklin," "Could you keep your chin up?" "( Speaks French )" " Good." " Bancroft:" "Mr. Adams," "The maitre d' is inside." "He will show you to your rooms." "Mardi, mardi." "Lutuesday.Day." "( Speaking French )" "Rarely has a man endured so much" "To so little point." "But it is a good thing, is it not, father?" "The treaty?" "Yes yes, of course." "Yes." "It's a fine thing." "Ah." "Well well." "My congratulations, Mr. Adams." "You must give me the name of your tailor." "You'll be quite the toast of the beaumont." "Well, you appear to have been tailored by a taxidermist, doctor." "The French are determined to see all Americans as rustic," "So I dress the part." "We are all actors here, Mr. Adams," "And so far my performance has been well-received." "I see." "Well, shall we go?" "Indeed we should." "We must not keep" "Madame Helvetius waiting." "Good day, master Adams." "Doctor." "Terence is a difficult poet," "But there's no better model for good taste," "Good morals and good latin." "That's a good boy." "( Chatting in French )" "You are a very good man, John Adams, a very moral man," "But you are not a man for Paris." "Paris requires a certain amount" "Of indecency in thought and action." "How good is your French?" "( Stammers )" "( Speaks French )" "( Chuckles ) That is easily remedied." "You must attend the theatre" "Or take a mistress." "Oh, Dr. Franklin, good heavens." "Well, do not underestimate the educational possibilities" "Of the boudoir, Mr. Adams." "Oh, to be 70 again." "( Chuckles )" "Alas, franklin." "You're always late." "( Speaking French )" "The least interesting kind of affairs." "May I present my colleague," "Mr. Adams?" "Madame Helvetius, la comtesse" "Ligniville d'autricourt." "Very good." "Madame." "The famous sam Adams?" "Sam Adams?" "No." "John Adams, his cousin." "( Whispers ) John Adams." "( Giggling )" "( Chatting in French )" "Franklin: it seems my face is as well-known in France" "As that of the man in the moon." "I want to know, Adams... ( Speaking French )" "Madame Helvetius observes" "That by your name" " Adam" "You are descended from the first couple in paradise." "Ah." "Yes, I see." "Very good, yes." " ( Chuckles )" " No?" "Yes, madame." "Well, yes." "My family resembles the first couple" "Both in name and frailty," "So much that I have no doubt" "That we are descended from that in paradise." "( Speaking French )" "Chevalier de la luzerne" "Is to be France's first ambassador" " In the United States." " Oh, excellent." "Well, I trust that you will press his majesty" "For a greater commitment on our behalf." "The immediate support of the French navy is required." "A promise of ships is all very well and good, but" "( Speaking French )" "( All laughing )" "Even in America we like to keep our pleasures" "Unsullied by business." "Helvetius: tell me please," "How did adam and eve discover the art of love?" "Well, I suppose it was simply by instinct, no?" "Whenever a man and woman would approach within..." "Striking distance" "Of each other," "I suppose that they would simply fly together, no?" "Like two objects in one of Dr. Franklin's electric experiments, yes?" "( All laughing )" "I know not how it was," "But I know it must have been a very happy shock." "Boom!" "Luzerne: madame Helvetius wishes to inquire" "If you have had occasion to attend the opera" "And les danseurs." "No no no." "I regret to say I have no ear" "For la musique." "No, I'm afraid my occupation allows me" "Little time for the finer arts." "( All chuckling )" "No, I must study politics and war," "You see, so that my sons will have the liberty" "To study mathematics and philosophy." "My sons must study navigation, commerce and agriculture," "So that their children..." "Will have the right" "To study painting, poetry" " And music." " ( Luzerne speaking French )" "( People laughing )" "Bravo, Mr. Adams." "Bravo, Mr. Adams." "( Helvetius singing )" "( Man speaking French )" "Mr. Adams, give a flag to everybody who gives money." " They pay for the flags?" " They pay for the flags." "Oh, that is absurd." "Doctor!" "All right, where's my hat?" "Here it is." "( All singing in English )" "( Grunts )" "( Speaking French )" "Mr. Adams, give one there." " No, but he did not pay." " All right." "Thank you." "Merci merci." "Merci merci." " Yes." " Take his money." "Bless you, monsieur. ( Speaking French )" "Bravo!" " ( Laughing )" " Bravo." "( Woman giggles )" "( Crickets chirping )" "( Speaking French )" "( Chatting )" "Man:" "Dr. Franklin and monsieur Adams." " ( Knocks on door ) - ( Door opens )" "( Man #2 speaking French )" "Monsieur Adams, Dr. Franklin." "( Man #3 speaking French )" "Dr. Franklin." "( All giggling )" "You don't speak French?" "( Man #4 speaks French )" " ( Whispers ) Put your hat on." " What?" "Put your hat on." "I hope you shall remain long enough in France" "To perfect your French, Mr. Adams." "Yes, well, if I were here as a private citizen," "Monsieur le comte, nothing would please me more." "France is the very region for happiness," "If human nature could be made happy" "By anything that pleases the senses." "I trust that you will find our alliance equally agreeable." "The treaty of amity ane is both liberal and generous," "But I feel duty-bound" "To press for greater commitment of French naval power." "Admiral d'estaing is now sailing toward your New England." "I am aware of admiral d'estaing's expedition," "And I deem it... insufficient." "Insufficient?" "12 ships of the line, and five frigates?" "This will hardly dislodge the British fleet from our shores." "Nothing will bring this war to a speedier conclusion" "Than naval superiority." "And America needs more ships." "General Washington is of the same opinion." "Mr. Adams is of course aware that France is at war with England." "Our navy is needed to defend our own shores." "And his majesty has been more than generous." "Our independence cannot be achieved" "If we are to be nothing more than a pawn" "In France's never-ending game with our common enemy." "Now I respectfully ask that his majesty be informed of my opinion." "( Speaking French )" "( Sighs )" "Is it your purpose to destroy everythint we've accomplished?" "To engineer the recall of the fleet under admiral d'estaing?" "Or is this some new kind of diplomatic initiative?" "The direct insult followed by the petulant whine?" "What are you thinking of?" "A good diplomat, Mr. Adams," "Observes much, acts little" "And speaks softly." "The compte de vergennes means to keep his hand beneath our chin" "To prevent us from drowning," "But not to keep our heads above the water." "Have you learned nothing, Mr. Adams?" "If you continue to exasperate and antagonize these people" "As I did in Philadelphia and we declared independence, you recall." "In Philadelphia we negotiated independence." "Well, you may be as patient and accommodating as you like, doctor," "But for myself," "I will not voluntarily put on the chains of France" "While I am struggling to throw off those of great Britain!" "( Classical instrumental music playing )" "When do you sail to rhode island, admiral d'estaing?" "We leave Boston tomorrow." "We hope to engage the British fleet at newport," "Where your army awaits us." "A victory will do much to rally our people." "For France as well, monsieur." "I have discovered, madame, that your husband has deceived us." "I was told that his zeal for our alliance" "Was born out of his eagerness" "To defeat the British." "But now I see..." "It is his desire to be reunited with you that drives him so." "Another Adams falls victim to the French." "They have been most hospitable." "I scarcely think that one can form a lasting impression" "Of a people based on one evening's entertainment." "I cannot tell you how much I respect your husband, Mrs. Adams." "There is no one who has given as much to our cause as he." "I confess" "I am less roman than Mr. Adams." "While he would sacrifice all for the good of our country," "I cannot but miss him." "You must feel his absence greatly." "My sons are of an age" "Where they need a father's guidance." "Dr. Rush, I am most eager" "For the any news of my husband." "The chevalier de la luzerne is in Philadelphia," "And he spoke of Mr. Adams's reception at the French court." "His letters are full of refinement and taste of the society," "Though not insensible of its debaucheries." "I did not mean to suggest" "Mr. Adams's character is beyond reproach." "You do not need to reassure me" "Of my husband's character, Dr. Rush." "I apologize, Mrs. Adams, if" "You are surgeon general" "Of the army, are you not?" "Yes, and I have found the condition" "Of our military hoitals to be utterly deplorable." "Their administration is a crime," "And Congress will not attend the problem." "I have brought the subject to them repeatedly," "But they refuse to act." "3,000 men..." "Rendered unfit for duty at Valley Forge." "All because Congress allowed our supply lines to wither." "( Sighs )" "From your sister?" "Yes, she asks about you." "Tell her I'm well." "Say otherwise, we'll only worry her." "She asks why you do not write to mother more often." "And what should I write?" "That I'm unable to accomplish anything here?" "Does she want a catalogue of my frustration and failure?" "My idiotic wrangling with Dr. Franklin?" "( Sighs )" "( Footsteps approach )" "From Philadelphia, sir." "Mr. Adams?" "Mr. Adams!" "Mr. Adams." "Dr. Franklin is... not to be disturbed." "He is, uh" " He's conducting an experiment" "Of a very delicate nature." "Mr. Adams!" "Mr. Adams!" "Please, no!" "Mr. Adams, this is most irregular." "Mr. Bancroft!" "Well, Mr. Adams?" "The, uh..." "The Congress has..." "The Congress have named you" "The sole minister plenipotentiary" "To the court of King Louis, sir." " Franklin: indeed." " Huh." "Well." "Thank you, Mr. Adams." "Is there anything else?" "I have been left kicking and sprawling in the mire," "Neither at liberty to serve my country" "Nor at liberty to go home." "If I have committed some crime" "That deserved to hang me in a gibbet in the face of all Europe," "I think I ought to have been told what it was." "Quite right, sir." "You know, it is universally believed" "That Dr. Franklin has accomplished our revolution entirely by himself" "With a simple wave of his electric wand." "( Speaks French )" "Whatever merits he may have as a philosopher," "As a legislator he has done very little, sir." "Very little indeed." "Au revoir, Mr. Adams." "Mama." "You should be in bed." "So should you." "That is not for you to say." " Mama." " Bed." "Mama, please." "Come up with me." "That can wait." "( Sniffles ) I cannot." "I cannot wait." "There will be something tomorrow..." "From papa." "It is of no matter." "You do not mean that." "Do not presume to tell me what I mean!" "His letters grow more and more infrequent." "The one letter I did receive" "Gave me no assurance of his affection." "You know father's afraid his letters will be intercepted." "What if they are?" "What do I care for British ridicule?" "How can he not know what his silence costs me?" "Have I fallen so far from his heart and his thoughts" "That he cannot find the time to write?" "To assure me that we have not been forgotten?" "He has not forgotten us." "If ever there was a natural alliance," "Surely it is between the republics of the netherlands" "And the United States." "The Dutch first gave asylum to the pilgrims." "New York and New York were first settled by your countrymen." "Man: may I remind you" "That the netherlands were a republic" "Long before America was even an idea?" "Indeed, indeed, sir." "If I may," "America and Holland are so close" "In history, in religion, in government," "That every Dutchman instructed in the subject" "Must pronounce the American revolution just and necessary," "Or pass censure on the greatest actions of his immortal ancestors." "How much money do you seek, Mr. Adams?" "An initial loan of $10 million." "( Speaking Dutch )" "You have approval of your Congress to ask this sum?" "The Congress will, of course, approve my mission, sir." "An American victory in this war" "Would naturally be of great benefit." "Yeah, naturally." "Man: but with admiral d'estaing's defeat at newport," "The loss of Charleston" "And general arnold's treachery at west point" "It was most unfortunate, sir, yes." "( Speaks Dutch )" "Man #2: there are rumors" "That America will settle for a negotiated peace." "No, sir." "No." "The only acceptable outcome is complete and irrevocable independence." "( Coughing )" "Are you ill, Mr. Adams?" "No, I find the climate here is somewhat insalubrious." "Man #2:" "I regret to say that American credit" "Is not-- Forgive me" "Well established." "Yes, but you will establish it, gentlemen." "Man #2: we are in the business of lending money," "But only to those capable" "Of paying us back, Mr. Adams." "I understand, sir." "( Speaking Dutch )" "( Mutters )" ""..." "Matter that has come to my attention." "Mr. Adams has given extreme offense to the French court." "Having nothing else with which to employ himself..."" "( Harrumphs )" ""..." "He seems to have endeavored to supply" "What he may suppose my negotiations defective in." "He thinks that America has been too free" "In expressions of gratitude to France," "And that she is more obliged to us than we to her." "Mr. Adams's character and turn of mind are inappropriate" "To proper diplomacy."" "( Laughs )" ""And sometimes and in some things" "He is quite out of his senses." "Your humble servant," "Benjamin franklin."" "His letter was read to the Congress" "In the presence of the chevalier de la luzerne." "There are many in Boston" "Who say Dr. Franklin has greatly wronged you." "Let the artful old knave have his cursed French." "I am left with Holland..." "For all the good that will do us." "You have had no success?" "Do you mean, have I failed here as well?" "We have reason to be optimistic." "Thousands of men under rochambeau joined General Washington." "Admiral de grasse is said to be sailing with a large fleet." "Well, at long last." "Dr. Franklin's efforts have been amply rewarded." "Yes, I have no doubt Dr. Franklin himself will be." "If this war is won, he will have secured his place in our history" "And be celebrated for his statesmanship." "Are you unwell, Mr. Adams?" "I had hoped to seek your advice" "Before taking up my appointment in St. Petersburg." "How may I help you?" "The language of queen Catherine's court is French," "And I have none of it." "I was hoping to engage a secretary to assist me." "Come come come come come." "Russia, here." "Very good." "Will it be very cold there, father?" "Good heavens, no." "Not for a Massachusetts man." "You must not let the idea of going to Russia frighten you." "You're 14 years old, Johnny." "Already a man," "And never one for childish pursuits." " Yes?" " Mmm." "And I have confidence that you will make both of us very proud." "I would rather stay here with you, father." "Son, I would rather that you stay here as well." "But it is time that you put your accomplishments to use" "In the service of your country." "And you must not mind being sad." "I would think less of you if you were not." "There are times..." "When we must act against our inclinations." "And at those times," "We may pain those that we love." "I left your mother," "Who I love more than anything in the world," "In order to shake Europe by the scruff of the neck." "That" " That was my choice." "That was my duty." "You see?" "And whatever one may say of me," "I always press forward" "With any challenge that has ever been given to me." "I know, father." "I know you've tried." "I'm sorry." "I will do my duty." "Now now." "You mind Mr. Dana, yeah?" " Yes, sir." " There you go." "Good journey to you, gentlemen." "( Coughing )" "Congress has learned from the French minister" "That I have presented my credentials to the Dutch government" "Without their permission." "( Chuckles )" "They are" " They are astonished" "They are astonished at my ridiculous display" "Stay still, herr Adams." "That I should have the audacity" "To present myself to the Dutch government" "Before they are in any way prepared to receive me." "( Mutters ) You bastards." "Hold still, sir." "( Speaking Dutch )" "I'm ridiculous, am I?" " ( Grunts ) - ( Fly buzzing )" "Ridiculous." " The charge of vanity" " Adams-- " "The charge of vanity is the last refuge" "Of little wits and of mercenary quacks!" "I tell you" " I am speaking, sir!" "I have long learned" "That a man may give offense..." "And he may still succeed." "Oh!" "( Speaking Dutch )" "Herr Adams?" "Herr Adams?" "Glorious news!" "Look, mama." "Glorious intelligence." ""Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor" "Captain lovatt, of the schooner adventure," "From York river in Chesapeake Bay," "Which he left the 20th instant," "And brought us the glorious news" "Of the surrender of Lord Cornwall" "And brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis;" "and his army prisoners of war to the allied army under the command of our illustrious general;" "and the French fleet under the command of his excellency, the Count de Grasse."" "Is the war over?" "Not while there is a single British soldier remaining in America," "But they cannot hold on for long," "Not after this." "God be praised." "And General Washington." "Papa will be back?" "Yes, Charles." "Papa will be back." ""Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor" "Captain lovatt, of the schooner adventure" "From York river in chesapeake bay," "Which he left the 20th instant," "And brought us the glorious news of the surrender" "Of Lord Cornwallis," " And his army prisoners of war." - ( Labored breathing )" "( Speaking Dutch )" "( Boy speaking Dutch )" "Man: herr Adams." " Herr Adams?" " ( Gavel pounds )" " Man #2: herr Adams?" " ( Speaking Dutch )" "Abigail." "Abigail." "Abigail." "Man: herr Adams?" "Herr Adams?" "Abigail." "Mr. Adams." " Mr. Adams." " Yes!" " Man:" "Mr. Adams, sir." " Yes! Momentous news, Mr. Adams." "The British are defeated." "Look." "Now, sir" "Now, sir, all will be fine." "All will be fine, sir." "Come." "Come now." "You have struck a great blow" "For the American cause, Mr. Adams." "You have turned us all on our heads." "General Washington, at Yorktown did the substance of the work." "Only the form belongs to me." "Our directors have agreed" "To an initial loan of 5 million Dutch guilders" "2 million of your American dollars" "At a special rate" "Of 5% interest." "You may consider American credit" "Fully established." "Well, I" "Well, I thank you, gentlemen." "I thank you very very much indeed." "We are very sorry to hear" "That you will leave us so soon." "Oh yes, well, I am needed in Paris again." "The British have sued for peace," "And I intend to see that we have a treaty" "That recognizes our independence, nothing less." "You are a most stubborn man, Mr. Adams." "Ah, well, thanks be to God he gave me stubbornness," "Especially when I know that I am right." "John: "my dearest friend," "The peace treaty is done" "But the Congress have instructed me to remain in Paris" "To secure commerce with other nations." "I cannot justify going home," "But what should I do for want of my Abigail?" "There is only one remedy:" "Come, my dearest friend." "Make all arrangements you must" "For the care and education of our children." "They are old enough now." "Come, my friend."" "Madame." "Auteuil?" "Auteuil, madame, oui." "Adams?" "Monsieur Adams a auteuil." "Oui, madame." "Bienvenu." "Madame." "Mrs. Adams." "Mr. Adams." "Come." "I've taken the liberty of making this room into my office." "This is not in use." "I came here" "With many harsh words for you, John." "I know you have complained," "And it is very well-deserved." "Not because you were absent from my thoughts," "But..." "Because you were too much in them." "To write of my disgrace," "To burden you with my trials here," "Knowing of all of those you had to face" "At home" "Alone..." "It sorrows me more than I can say" "To think that I may have added to them." "Can you forgive me, Abigail?" "Did you think that I would think less of you" "If you spoke of your misadventures here?" "No man wants to appear a fool before his wife." "And now that you are triumphant," "Can you open your heart to me again?" "And now my heart was are triunever closed to you." "Without you to steady me," "Without you" "I..." "I dismiss my God, I grow weak" "And vain." "Then we shall have to relieve you of such bad habits." "You must stay with me always..." "To prevent my ruination." "Jefferson:" "I understood my role" "Was to negotiate free-trade agreements" "With anyone that would listen." "But nobody seems to have the slightest interest" "In either me or my whale oil." "Well, there is a lack" "Of confidence in us, Thomas" "In the whale oil, perhaps" "But in the country as a whole." "Do they think that we will tire of independence?" "That our nation is..." "Ephemeral?" "My experience here has shown" "That American affairs are of very little consequence" "To anyone in Europe." "And as long as they are dealing with 13 separate states," "They can afford to procrastinate." "Ah!" "Thomas, allow me to present my wife." "Mrs. Adams is already well known to me." "Your wisdom and your passion for your country" "Is said to inform your husband's every decision." "You do me more credit than I deserve, sir." "Come." "Tell me, Mr. Jefferson," "Are you situated in an equally grand manner?" "Oh, certainly." "It's a measure of our immense significance in the French court," "Where the question is not how well qualified are we" "For office, but how many domestics do we retain." "The British ambassador has 50." "The spanish ambassador has 75." "We consider ourselves quite impoverished." "We have to make do with fewer than 20." "I'm sorry, my dear." "Perhaps if we had more servants," "You would be more successful in your negotiations." "A diplomatic magician." "At present I see scarcely any opportunity" "Of doing anything for the American public" "Worth the expense of maintaining us here." "Mr. Adams, did you invite your wife across the atlantic" "In order to complain about our business affairs?" "Uh, yes, of course I did." "I am most used to Mr. Adams' complaints, Mr. Jefferson," "On either side of the atlantic." "I'm sure you are, but I for one am" "Much more interested in hearing about" "Your first impressions of France." "Well, I have been in France for such a short time." "It would be unfair to pass sentence" "Or form judgment." "Which implies that you've already done both." "Well, if I had, Mr. Jefferson," "I would only offer them after my further experience" "Had shown my wisdom or the error of my ways." "An admirable caution." "Yes, and highly uncharacteristic, I assure you." "I am sorry I will not have the opportunity to meet your children." "As am I, Mr. Jefferson." "Johnny has returned and he's very well along at harvard." "So, uh..." "It would not do to distract him." "Let me take this opportunity, Mr. Jefferson, to" "Give you my deepest condolences." "You must know that you are welcome here at any time." "I hope you will use this as your second home." "You are most gracious." "Thank you." "If ever there was a city designed to distract us from our troubles," "It would be Paris." "Good heavens." "I fear I make an awkward sight." "Oh, no." "Without doubt," "You are the fairest creature in christendom." "It would mortify my soul if I should be thought to disgrace you." "My dear, you are like to dazzle them all." "I confess I was ashamed to be seen looking at them." "I am not accustomed to seeing such intimacy on display." "Well, you seemed quite transported." " I was." " Yeah." "I am embarrassed to admit it." "I am resolved to renounce embarrassment" "In favor of enjoyment" "And a certain elevation of the spirits" "Which is occasioned by witnessing the human body" "Liberated from its earthly shackles." "Paris is unique." "Yes, and best enjoyed in the company of women." "Women would add interest to many things, Mr. Jefferson," "If men would allow it." "Well, that has been my experience, s." "Adams." "I cannot imagine monticello without martha." "I cannot imagine" "Losing a child and your wife in one year." "Perhaps the art of life is the art of avoiding pain." "He is the best pilot who steers clear" "Of the rocks and shoals." "For all of Mr. Jefferson's sadness," "There is a great charm about him." "You find him a captivating man, hmm?" "He is exceptional." "And am I not exceptional in any way?" "Certainly," "Unless you are given to one of your moods." "I'm simply reading a book, madam." "Pauline, merci." "Madame." "All this fuss is really quite silly." "I'm perfectly capable of brushing out my own hair." "Protest if you will, my dear." "The question is whether it is possible for a lady," "Or even a charming and exceptional man," "Once they have become accustomed to the manners of Europe," "Not to have their little heads turned by them." "Well, if I am to have a litany of all my faults," "Then perhaps we should just have it out" "And be done with it." "John." "John." "Petulant John." "Exceptional John." " Sleepy John?" " Mmm." "I would not change a single thing about you." "Good thing for you!" "Man:" "le Dr. Franklin, messieurs," "Et la comtesse ligniville d'autricourt." "I have something very important to deliver." "When I can find it I will know where it is." "Excellent, excellent." "Madame." "My stones!" "Ahem." "Oh, pardon me, Mrs. Adams." "It is Mrs. Adams, is it not?" "It is of course, doctor, yes." "Oh, an honor." "Madam, I shall rise" "To apologize for not getting up." "Dr. Franklin." "May I present the comtesse ligniville d'autricourt," "Madame Helvetius?" " Madame." " Madame." "Franklin asks me to marry him many times." "Has he indeed?" "An inconvenience to Mrs. Franklin, surely." "It is quite tiresome." "I tell him we are too old for romance." "Found it!" "From Philadelphia." "Merci." "The Congress has seen fit to appoint me minister" "To the court of St. James." "I am expected to appear in london" "No later than King George's birthday." "Bravo!" "Ambassador Adams, may you be the first of many." "Mrs. Ambassador." "We have had our disagreements." "But you have always been an honest collaborator." "I can think of no better choice" "To represent the United States" "In great Britain than yourself." "The English love an insult." "It's their only test of a man's sincerity." "Ah." "Ahh! My own days abroad are at a close," "But Mr. Jefferson will replace me" "Here quite well, I'm sure." "I merely succeed you, Dr. Franklin." "No one can replace you." "Well, I fear none of us will taste the bread of idleness." "There is talk of a convention in Philadelphia." "They are to discuss" "A binding constitution." "I hope to attend, if only to have an effect" "On the style of its prose." "I expect that any constitutional document" "That emerges from a" "Will be as compromised as our declaration of independency." "I am increasingly persuaded" "That the earth belongs exclusively to the living" "And that one generation has no more right" "To bind another to its laws and judgments" "Than one independent nation has the right to command another." "But surely the Constitution," "As it did with the ones we wrote for our own states," "Is meant to establish the stability" "And the long-term legality" "Essential to the continuation of a civilized society." "Yes, possibly." "But I fear it could prove a breach" "In the integrity of our revolutionary ideals" "Through which will pour the forces of reaction." "Doctor, Mr. Jefferson's pet topic" "Is not the artful arrangement of political power," "But the cordoning off of a space" "In which no power exists at all." "You, sir, you are a walking contradiction." " We're all contradictions, Mr. Adams." " Indeed yes." "And what is government ultimately" "But the putting into effect of the lessons" "Which we have learned in dealing with" "The contradictions in our own characters?" "You have a disconcerting lack of faith" "In your fellow man, Mr. A," "And in yourself, if I may say." "Yes, and you display a dangerous excess" "Of faith in your fellow man, Mr. Jefferson." "Well, I'm sure we'll all disagree a great deal." "Our country is founded on the right to disagree." "Still, we must prevail," "If only to prove Mr. Dickinson wrong" "That we will not tear ourselves asunder" "After the defeat of our common enemy." "We've come too far to be undone by petty rivalries." "Franklin: hmm." "It is no small thing" "To build a new world, gentlemen." "We have our republic." "We must endeavor to keep it if we can." "It will never fly." "It has flown, John, many times." "No, it's pulled up and down, up and down on a rope." "Let's see what happens when the rope is released." "Your husband's admirable caution" "Sometimes blinds him" "To unanticipated possibilities, Mrs. Adams." "This is one of them." "Yes yes, the possibility that it will never fly." "I should be very sad, John," "If your experience of Paris has left you so unchanged." "I'm consoled only by the thought that one never really knows" "How much one has been touched by a place until one has left it." "Well, I shall certainly miss your company, Thomas." "And I shall miss yours, Mrs. Adams." "London is not so very far away, Mr. Jefferson," "In the unlikely event you tire of Paris." "I believe it shall tire of me first." "Well, I stand corrected." "So our umbilical cord to mother earth" "Has been severed for the first time in history." "Mankind floats upon a limitless plane of air." "Hmm." "Hot air." "Lord carmarthen, the foreign minister," "Will make the official introduction to his majesty." "And upon being ushered into the royal presence chamber," "You will make three reverences," "Like so:" "One on entering..." "A second halfway to his majesty..." "And a third as you come before the royal presence." "Well, if you would, Mr. Adams." "Please." "Well, uh..." "One." "Lower, sir." "Two." "Truly lower, Mr. Adams." "An improper reverence has been the undoing" "Of many a foreign ambassador." "Avert your eyes, sir," "Until you come before the royal presence." "Yes." "May I also suggest that perhaps a change of attire" "Would not be unwarranted, sir?" "What would you suggest, sir?" "Possibly something a little more English." "Mr. John Adams." "The United States of America" "The United States of America" "Have appointed me minister plenipotentiary" "To your majesty." "I think myself more fortunate" "Than all of my fellow citizens" "In having the" "The distinguishing honor" "To be the first to stand in your majesty's presence" "In a diplomatic character." "I shall esteem myself" "The happiest of men" "If I can be instrumental in restoring" "The confidence and affection..." "Or in better words, the good old nature" "And the good old humor" "Between peoples who," "Though separated by an ocean" "And under different governments," "Have the same language, the same religion..." "And kindred blood." "I beg your majesty's permission to add" "That though I had been before" "Entrusted by my country..." "It was never in my whole life" "In a manner more agreeable to myself." "The circumstances of this audience are so extraordinary." "The language you have now held" "Is so extremely proper" "And the feelings you have" "Discovered" "So justly adapted to the occasion," "That I not only receive with pleasure" "The assurance of the friendly disposition" "Of the United States..." "But that I am very glad" "That the choice has fallen on you" "To be their minister." "I will be very frank with you." "I was the last to consent to separation." "But the separation having been made" "And having become inevitable," "I have always said as I say now," "That I would be the first to meet the friendship" "Of the United States" "As an independent power." "Thank you, your majesty." "There is an opinion among some people, Mr. Adams," "That you are not the most attached of all your countrymen" "To the manners of France." "Yes, well, I avow to your majesty" "That I have no attachment" "To any country but my own." "An honest man will never have any other." "King George:" "I pray, Mr. Adams," "That the United States does not suffer unduly" "From its want of a monarchy." "Yes, we will strive to answer those prayers," "Your majesty." "Ah, "an ambassador from America." "Good heavens, what a sound."" "Why, they call me a vain imposter" "And a pharisee of liberty." "Idiotic phrase." ""The morning post and daily advertiser."" "Ah, they very helpfully inform their readers..." "That I was "so pitifully embarrassed" "As to be very nearly tongue-tied."" "You must pay them no mind, sir." "They accuse me of vanity." "They always accuse me of vanity." "There are many different kinds" "Of vanity in this world." "But there is also the vanity that comes" "From years spent in the service" "Of other men." "And of that I am most certainly guilty." "Guilty as charged." "To deny that would be sheer hypocrisy." "Here is someone calling for me" "To be hanged!" "Colonel Smith, remove these papers at once." "God, what a country!" "Charming!" "I am sorry, John." "Are you unwell?" "Do you remember the old vassall-Borland estate" "Near our farm?" "Uh, yeah." "Rather a grand place, I recall." "It has become available." "House, farm buildings-- 80 acres for £600." "What has brought this on?" "My body is in one place, my soul is in another." "Besides, I am worried about the children." "They are adults now, John." "They have been without us for too long." " And I'm tired of this weary place." " Mm-hmm." "There is no pleasure mixing company where no one cares for you." "You care for no one." "I too feel adrift." "I missed the constitutional convention." "They are to elect a new federal government," "And here am I, 3,000 miles away." "I will write to the Congress and demand" "My immediate recall." "I hold this post to be so inconsistent with my honor and dignity" "I can no longer endure it." "I'm finished with pomp and ceremony" "And bowing and scraping and wigs" "And all other affectations." "I'm finished with it." "Will they grant it?" "I hope so." "Make ready!" "Present!" "Fire!" "Father?" "Charles!" "Good heavens, you-- You look fine, sir." "I trust you had a peaceful journey, sir." "John: oh, yes yes." " Father, this is Thomas." " Of course." "Thomas." "My boy, my goodness." "Well, you've grown into a man, yeah?" " It's been a long time, father." " Yes indeed." "Yes indeed." " Welcome home." " John Quincy!" " Father." " Good!" "Yeah!" "Abigail: my boys." "My boys." "Welcome home, father." "Abigail:" "I feared that you my boys." "Would not know me." "Nonsense." "On the contrary." "No, I am amazed." "Mother." "Colonel William Smith, who has been my private secretary," "My sons, my daughter Nabby." "Colonel Smith." "Abigail, shall we?" "Come." "Nabby." "Charles, Thomas, follow in the next carriage, yes?" "Boy:" "God bless Mr. Adams." "Thank you!" "Thank you." "It is too early for you to speak of retirement." "I have been rollin like a stone for 30 years," "Never three years in the same place." "No, sir." "I intend to lay fast to my farm," "Here to live, here to die," "Here to lay my bones." "Time has already taken too many of '76." "The new government has my best wishes" "And most fervent prayers for its success." "The Constitution was not ratified without some difficulty." "We need men who will unite us." "Our first election is imminent." "Speculation on your future" "Has been overflowing." "Your name has been mentioned for governor," "Senator, chief justice of the supreme court," "Vice president," "Even president of these states united." "Surely Washington, is the logical choice." "You would not object if I were to put your name forward?" "You were not meant to sit" "In the shade of life..." "Neither one of you." "If that is what you wish" "It must at least be vice president." "Anything less would be beneath you." "John: to Peacefield," "In honor of our lasting peace with great Britain." "All: peefield." "I could hardly ask your mother to return" "To the wren's house of your childhood." "Of course not, not after the palaces of Europe!" "I have heard disturbing reports" "Of your behavior at harvard, Charles" "Drunkenness and disorderly conduct." "It was only a lark, father," "A momentary effusion of too much good cheer." "I daresay I am neither the first person nor the last" "To appear naked in harvard yard." "Well, I daresay..." "Do not let your companions" "Or your amusements get the better of you, sir." "A scholar is always made alone" "And sober." "Studies can be pursued to good purpose" "Only by yourself." "Your example is always before me, father." "Following your graduations," "I will see to it" "That you are placed as apprentices to the most prominent lawyers." "Thank you, father." "Johnny, how goes" "Your clerkship with lawyer parsons?" "It's a far cry from the excitement of St. Petersburg." "I'm sure." "And your courtship of mary frazier, is that not exciting?" "How long have you..." "Pursued this courtship?" "I have known mary for a year now." "A year?" "John Quincy: she is a lovely girl." "She is intelligent" "And well-spoken." "I find her to be delightful company." "Nothing so like perfection in human shape" "Has been seen since the world began." "May I inquire as to the age of the young lady?" "She is 15, mother." "I will speak frankly with you, John." "You're too young, you're too unestablished" "To form any sort of romantic attachment whatsoever." "To excel in the field of the law," "Let alone become a man of position and prominence," "You must work more hours than exist in the day" "And more days than exist in the week." " I am well aware of the commit" " You are not!" "Now, I indulge you more than your brothers," "And there's a reason for that." "Because you have a strong mind" "And you have the temperament to succeed" "At whatever you set that mind to do." "You've traveled the world, man." "You could achieve distinction." "But you have only to apply yourself." "Now I am willing to s you up" "In your own practice as of tomorrow" "With an annual stipend of £100." "But you must cut off this romantic attachment immediately." "I will need some time to consider your offer." "No!" "You will decide now." "Very well, as you wish." "Good boy." "Excellent." "You're smiling, miss Adams." "Do I not have reason to be happy, Colonel Smith?" "Our family is so rarely together." "Your brothers seem to be men of good spirit," "Charles especially." "My brother Charles can be rather incorrigible." "He can be as headstrong as father." "Mr. Adams has the vitality of a much younger man." "Some days it's all I can do to keep up with him." "Father says you commanded a regiment of our army." "Yes, I had the honor to serve under general Washington," "At long island." "Perhaps you will allow me to divert you" "With stories from the campaign," "If you would not find them too dull." "That depends on the telling, does it not, Colonel Smith? Abigail." "Here's a fine culmination to all my years of service" "Fewer than half the votes of the electoral college." "General Washington, is unanimously acclaimed" "President with 69 votes," "Whereas I apparently am scorned by all but 34 of the electors." "John, there are two, four, six, eight, 10 other names here." "You have more votes than all of them put together." " And John jay comes in third with nine." " Nonetheless, I consider" "I consider such a showing a stain upon my character." " John!" " I will not and I cannot accept it." "John..." "You are vice president now." "Vice president." "I am vice president now, hmm?" "Mr. Vice President." " Mrs. Vice President." " Vice President Adams." "Mr. Vice President!" "Unaccustomed to refuse any public service," "However dangerous to my reputation" "Or disproportionate to my talents..." "It would have been inconsistent" "To have adopted a different maxim of conduct" "At this time." "And yet-- And yet," "I feel a great difficulty" "As to how to act." "I am vice president, yes." "And in this I am nothing." "But I may be everything." "Ah." "Well, general, uh..." "Uh, you are-- You are here." "I am, Mr. Adams." "Um..." "Yes." "Um," "Yes, we, uh, we are" "Ready to administer the oath of office, sir." "I am at your service." "Boy: thank you, sir." "General, if you will please" "Place your left hand on the bible" "And raise your right hand." "Repeat after me." "I, George Washington, do solemnly swear..." "I, George Washington, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute" "The office of President of the United States that I will faithfully execute" "The office of President" "Of the United States and will, to the best of my ability and will, to the best of my ability preserve protect, and defend preserve protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States!" "...the Constitution of the United States..." "So help me, God." "It is done." "God bless George Washington," "President of the United States! A fine day." "A fine day." "Mere president will not do." "There are presidents of fire companies" "And cricket clubs." "And the titles this newof federal officent must ensure that respect." "How long does Mr. Adams intend to waste this assembly's time" "On matters of no import?" "No import?" "No imp" "There is nothing of greater importance, Mr. Macclay." "The office of president" "Must have no equal in the world." "Neither dignity nor authority" "Can be supported in human minds" "Without the weight" "Of splendor and majesty, sir." "Does the vice president have a title in mind?" "I do indeed, sir." "I have several." "His highness the president." "Or his esteemed majesty the president." "Or his excellency" "The supreme commander in chief." "Or something of the sort." "Ahem!" "Perhaps Mr. Adams has not had occasion" "To peruse our Constitution." "It explicitly states," ""No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States."" "These are not titles of heredity that I am proposing..." "But titles conferred for merit" "And titles that will only accompany" "Positions of high federal responsibility." "Indeed." "Federal." "Man: ridiculous." "The motion before us is that the president" "Be addressed as his highness" "The president of the United States of America" "And protector of the rights of the same." "Those in favor?" "Aye." " Those opposed?" " No!" " No!" " No!" "His rotundity" "The vice president and duke of braintree." " ( Laughing )" " I'd second that, indeed." "His rotundity." "The duke of braintree." "You should have consulted the president first." "All this talk of titles." "What is the job of the vice president" "If not to advise the president?" "When the president requires your advice, John," "He will most surely ask for it." "Patience." "I was merely trying to impress upon the Senate" "The importance of cloaking the presidency" "In the mantel of authority." "Now I have seen what the future holds, Abigail." "Men and manners, principles, opinions" "They've altered very much in this country." "Authority is our only protection" "Against discord, civil war and sedition." "Now the office of the president, no doubt," "Is sufficient to establish such authority." "But we must not be surprised" "If we ever find we need a monarch" " To keep us from coming asunder!" " You would do well" "To keep your thoughts to yourself, John." "People will say that your mind" "Has been tainted by foreign courts." "They are already saying such things in Boston." "A man cannot go to Europe" "Without being tainted," "As you well know." "As I was sent there on the people's business," "If some taint has stuck to me," "Perhaps the people ought to pay me for the damages." "Where are you going?" "We'll finish this conversation when you regain your senses." "I, uh..." "I was not aware that I had lost them." "Well, you have." "Hold a moment, hold." "I shall endeavor to be more patient..." "And I will look to you" "To correct me if I do not." "I am sorry that I was not here earlier, John." "But I cannot be with you always." "We cannot get by on your salary." "$5,000 a years" "Is hardly worthy of such an office." "The farm brings us an income and someone must tend to it." "Then we will find a tenant." "There are none to be had." "Then leave the place" "To the birds of the air and the beasts of the field." "I need my ballast." "You need to mind your tongue." "Nothing more." "Not that you will listen to me." "Stay" "And you shall see me reformed." "I will stay with you" "Until Congress adjourns." "You must find Philadelphia much changed, Mr. Jefferson." "More changed than I could have imagined, Mr. Hamilton." "Not the city itself." "All cities swallow everything in their way." "That's no surprise to me." "That's why I abhor them." "But ve been, as you know, in revolutionary France," "Where the streets are filled" "With the songs of liberty and brotherhood" "And the overthrow of our ancient tyrannies of Europe." "And to return from there to this," "Our cradle of revolution and find the dinner table chatter" "Is all of money and banks" "And authority is an unwelcome surprise." "Unwelcome perhaps, but necessary." "I must admit, Mr. Hamilton," "I am a little uncertain" "As to the purpose of the treasury department." "No doubt its function will reveal itself to me in good time." "The future prosperity of this nation" "Rests chiey in trade." "Trade depends, among other things," "On the willingness of other nations to lend us money." "And how would you propose to establish international credit?" "Our first step would be to incur a national debt." "The greater the debt, the greater the credit." "And to that end I have recommended to the president" "That Congress adopt all the debts" "Incurred by the individual states during the war" "Through a national bank." "The idea being" "That if the states owe Congress money," "Then other nations will feel more inclined to lend it to us." "If the states are indebted to a central authority," "It increases the power of the central government." "There you have it exactly." "The greater the government's responsibility," "The greater its authority." "The moneyed interest in this country" "Is all in the north," "So the wealth and power would inevitably be concentrated there" "In a federal government..." "To the expense of the south." "If that is the case," "It is unavoidable if the union" "Is to be preserved." "I fear our revolution will have been in vain" "If a virginia farmer is to be held in hock" "To a New York stockjobber" "Who in turn is in hock to a london banker." "The opportunities for avarice" "And corruption would" "Certainly prove irresistible." "There you have it." "As I have heard said," ""If men were angels then no government would be necessary."" "Sadly that is very well said." "But there can be no question," "Our nation cannot bind together" "Without powerful central government." "But we must also accommodate" "The needs of our constituent states," "Both north and south." "The power of one must check and balance the other." "And to that end we must dedicate" "All of our energies, and our care." "Washington:" "I would like to" "Welcome Mr. Jefferson home." "Mr. Secretary of state." "Hear, hear." "Mr. President, gentlemen." "There are Cabinet members that I would like to discuss." "If you would excuse us, Mr. Adams." "Please convey my regards to your wife." "Gentlemen." "John." "Mr. President." "Mr. President and nothing more." "Macclay: the president must not be allowed" "To remove Cabinet officers on whatever whim." " Hear, hear." " The Senate must advise and consent" "To their removal the same as to their appointment." "Pinckney:" "Mr. Macclay's bill is an affront" "To the authority of the executive branch." " Hear, hear." " It seeks nothing less" "Than to indenture the president to this body's will." " Hear, hear!" " John:" "Mr. Pinckney," "The British parliamentary model may benstructive here." "The Senate would no doubt benefit from the vice president's" "Learning and erudition on the subject," "But I respectfully remind him" "That barring a tie in voting, he has no say in the matter." "I am in no need of reminders, Mr. Macclay." "I concur with Mr. Macclay's opinion." "The president must not have unlimited authority in Cabinet matters." "Men: hear, hear." "The role of vice president" "Is the most insignificant office ever devised" "By the mind of man." "No, I assure you it is punishment" "To hear other men talk five hours a day" "And not be at liberty to talk myself." "Me of all people." "A torture for you, to be sure." "Most of those I hear, they're too young." "They're too inexperienced." "They're too fractious." "I was of a mind to refuse the vice presidency entirely, you know." "And half the electoral college were determined to oblige me." "There are rumors." "What rumors?" "Some say intrigue was used." "To what possible purpose?" "Many were urged to withhold their votes for you." "It was deemed an essential point of caution" "To see that your showing not embarrass General Washington." "That he be elected unanimously." "Who is the author of this dirty scheme?" "No one can say for certain." "Good God." "To be used in such a despicable manner." "I am sorry to be the one" "No no, Dr. Rush." "I thank you for your frankness." "And thus we set an example for the world." "Tales of dirty and duplicitous intrigues in our first election." "I hear that we are called Federalists now" "Because we believe in strong central government." "And our opponents" "Now style themselves republicans" "Because they believe in the sovereignty of the people." "Ha!" "I dread a division of our republic" "Into parties, doctor." "Yet that is what I see is happening." "It is in a state of almost permanent revolution, monticello." "No sooner have I completed it" "Than I wish to tear it down and start again." "I want to build a new portico." "Triangular pediment" "On four great pillars." " Is it not magnificent, John?" " Yes." "Very nice." "But it is not to be as yet." "When duty calls..." "We feared for your safety in Paris, Thomas." "The papers are still full of the most alarming reports." "Yes, a bastille commander's head" "Carried through the streets on a pike." "One officer hanged from a lamppost," "Another one cut to pieces, his heart torn from his body" "And brandished out the window of the hotel de ville." "You cannot expect a people so long oppressed" "To be transported from despotism" "To liberty on a feather bed." "I believe the violence will end soon enough," "As it has here." "But should everything be pulled down," "What shall be put in its place?" "Given the entrenched divisions within French society" "Which you witnessed," "I believe the most we can achieve" "Is a monarchy limited in its power to act" "By a parliament on the British model." "That is what I told the marquis de lafayette." "Do you mean to say that you involved yourself" "In revolutionary activities" "As our acting ambassador?" "Lafayette sought my advice" "On the drafting of a declaration of the rights of man" "And I was happy to oblige, yes." "I was in the assembly nationale when it was proclaimed." "In fact, you could say the constitution of France" "Was conceived in my parlor." "These are dangerous grounds, Thomas." "The French court was well aware of my involvement." "They thought that I would be a moderating influence" "On the more hot-headed members of the assembly." "They seek only to emulate our experience, John." "We must support them." "I am not as sanguine as you" "About the prospects in France." "Should King Louis and his advisors" "Not deliver these promised reforms," "Well then this violence will only escalate." "The king himself could become a victim of it" "And England and spain will rightfully fear" "The spread of revolution across Europe." "They will be forced to declare war" "To protect their monarchies." "Our treaty with France will draw us" "Into a conflict that we can ill afford." "France is in the throes of a violent birth." "We should rejoice." "We should rejoice, John." "And is that the advice you are giving the president?" "We should rejoice?" "When the president seeks my counsel," "I give him what advice I can." "It's not always welcomed by the Cabinet." "I would know nothing about that." " No." " No." "I trust you will find President Washington" "Is as independent-minded as ever." "He has too much power, as I feared," "And the Congress has too little." "He is a monarch in all but name." "Chief magistrate, once in power, rarely leaves it willingly." "I am no believer in monarchy as such," "As you well know." "But I have seen the result of too many mobs" "To entrust them with the government, sir." "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time" "With the blood of patriots and tyrants." "It is a natural manure." "You must be careful, John." "I find him much changed." "John: add the usual salutation." ""Your humble servant-- Et cetera, et cetera."" "Yes, sir." "Thank you, Colonel Smith." "That's all for now." "Perhaps I may indulge your patience" "With a personal request, sir?" "A matter I've been meaning" "To broach with you for some time now." "An increase in your meager salary" "Is quite out of the question, colonel." "I'm sorry." "It's not that, sir." "Though I am without fame or fortune," "Such as I am," "I aspire to your daughter's love." "I beg your pardon." "My dau" "What was that about my daughter?" "You mean to say" "You vetoed Colonel Smith's proposal?" "I did." "Nabby is a child." "Your child, had you not noticed, is a young woman" "Of great sensibility." "Far too much sensibility, I think." "Her mother had too much sensibility at her age to be very prudent." " Far too much." " And it won her a heart" "Of as much sensibility as hers." "Nabby is content with the match." "We should be as well." "Hamilton:" "Mr. Jefferson stands at the head of a faction," "In my judgment, subversive to the principles of good government" "And dangerous to the peace, union and happiness of this country." "Jefferson: any such faction if it exists, Mr. Hamilton," "Is grossly underrepresented in this Cabinet" "Which persists in its determination" "To replace colonial subjugation" "By great Britain" "With equally pernicious financial subjugation" "Washington: enough, Mr. Jefferson." "Enough." "You will hereafter show more charity" "For each other's opinions and" " Mr. Jefferson!" "I will not have this government undermined" "By party politics and acts!" "John." "Thomas." "Mr. Hamilton." "Well, I am very sorry" "To intrude upon your affairs." "I only came to say that I am leaving for Peacefield in the morning," "What with the yellow fever season approaching" "And my daughter is to be married." "I believe that you know the groom" " Colonel William Smith." "Colonel Smith was under my command at long island." "He served with great distinction." "I congratulate you" "On such a fitting match for your daughter." "Thank you, sir." "Yes, well, good day." " Mr. Adams." " Yes?" "Will you not join me at table?" "I have need of more..." "Reasonable company." "This uprising in France" "Places us in a difficult position." "We cannot trade with Britain" "And support her enemy at the same time." "Surely this is a matter" "On which the secretary of state and the secretary of the treasury" "Should offer counsel." "Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Hamilton" "Can agree on nothing." "I fear that we will be" "Drawn into the perpetual European conflict." "I would advise neutrality, sir." "Avoid any hostilities or any show of support." "America must be beholden to no one." "Neither England nor France." "It is sheer folly for us to expect" "Disinterested relations with France or England" "Or any other country." "The gangrene of faction" "Must not be allowed to rot this government." "You are the balance" "That holds both sides together." "Without you, there would be dissolution." "On that, Mr. Hamilton" "And Mr. Jefferson do agree." "You are indispensable, sir." "But for how much longer, Mr. Adams?" "Is something the matter, sir?" "Blasted teeth." "Terrible nuisance, yes." "Sir, madam, a great honor you have conferred" "Upon the bridegroom and the bride." "By being present at this solemnity" "Does very conveniently supersede" "Any further inquiry after your consent." "And the part I am desired to take in this wedding" "Renders the way of my giving consent very compendious." "There is no manner or room left for the previous question," ""Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"" "Give me your hand for a moment" "Into the bridegroom's forever." "Now joined in matrimony," "Let us say the lord's prayer." "You will be pleased to hear, father," "That some interesting investment prospects" "Have presented themselves for me in london." "You're leaving?" "So soon after the wedding?" "I frown on speculation." "It is nothing more than rolling in luxury" "On the property of others." "You should settle on a profession, Colonel Smith," "As my sons have." "Naturally I would postpone any trip" "If I could be of some service to the government." "Perhaps you could put a word in with General Washington." "And how on earth would justify that?" "My sister and I are now family." "I have no say in the matter." "And even if I did," "I could not allow my authority" "To become subservient to my private views, sir." "William was only saying" "I know what he was saying," "Nabby, and he has my answer." "And when will you give me your answer, miss Smith?" "What is the question, Mr. Adams?" "Hamilton:" "I urge you to return to Philadelphia." "Should General Washington decide to stand for a second term" "And I have no doubt he will." "" "It is absolutely essential" "That you retain the vice presidency." "If however he should not stand," "You will be our party's choice." "Well..." "But I cannot imagine my presence is necessary for the elections." "We must gird ourselves against disruption" "In this election." "You're a who appreciates balance" "And balance is what we need." "But I fear I have little influence." "The secretary of state suffers" "From a womanish attachment to France." "There are those who say that Mr. Jefferson" "Is more Frenchman than American." "That is an unfair attack on an old and dear friend." "I beg your pardon if I have misspoken." "Thomas is of a mos unbiased." "No matter how indifferent you may be" "To the outcome of the election, Mr. Adams," "I hope you are not so to the cause of good government." "Our republican adversaries have been emboldened" "By the arrival of a French envoy" "Who is stirring up anti-British sentiment." "This is the end of monarchy." " ( Cheering )" " Man: death to all tyrants." "The end of tyranny!" "Boy: vive la France!" "King Louis idead!" "Long live the French and American republics." "Yeah!" "Washington: now that war has been declared" "Between your country and great Britain," "We must remain neutral," "Ambassador Genet." "The United States is a new" "And independent nation." "It is in our best national interest" "To keep ourselves apart from affairs" "To which we have no attachment." "Surely the cause of France is the cause of America." "Of the world." "A threat to France" "Is a threat to America." "And we have a treaty, Mr. President," "A treaty made when you were at war with England." "I remind the ambassador that our treaty with France" "Was made with King Louis." "The king's murder renders that compact" "No longer binding." "Thousands of your people" "Have called themselves our brother." "Since I landed in America," "I have found many willing to fight." "You will refrain, ambassador Genet," "From any further efforts to recruit our citizens" "To belligerent actions." "I will not allow you" "To outfit privateers to join in your war" "Against England" "It is not for you to tell me this." "Tread carefully, sir." "The people will command me as they command you." "Ambassador Genet" "You will hear from me again, sir," "And then I will speak to you with a million voices" "And you will obey." "The famous French diplomacy." "Mr. Jefferson." "Ambassador Genet has taken leave of his senses." "Surely you see now" "That you must compromise, Thomas." "We cannot side with either France" "Or England in this war." "The president has determined" "On a course of strict impartiality." "A wise course and I concur with it." "Impartiality is always partial, John." "It will favor the British" "As Mr. Hamilton intends it should." "General Washington judges more independently" "Than any man I ever saw." "I do wonder, John," "If you can be as blind" "To Mr. Hamilton's scheming as you seem." "I am no man's puppet, Thomas." "Mr. Hamilton would have us British in our economy," "British in our forms of government." "British, John," "In all but name." "He believes that man can be governed" "Only by force and self-interest." "The first is unavailable to him at present," "So he appeals to our baser instincts" "Fear and greed." "Our Constitution" "Provides a strong executive" "To counter just such legislative corruption" "As you imagine, Thomas." "Our Constitution has many good articles" "And some bad ones." "I do not know yet which predominate." "Without this government," "Our republic would have collapsed into anarchy long ago." "With this government," "I am not certain that we are a republic." "At any rate, I have offered the president my resignation." "I cannot descend daily into the arena" "To suffer martyrdom on every conflict." "We have been" "The best of partners." "Let us descend together." "Let us fight together." "My departure will be a great relief to me" "And no great loss to the public." "It will be a great loss to me, Thomas." "Well..." "To the revolution." " Whose?" " They are one and the same, John." "Are they not?" "You wish to speak with me, Mr. President?" "You've heard of Mr. Jefferson's withdrawal?" "He made his thoughts known to me, yes, sir." "I could not persuade him to stay." "He wishes to completely withdraw from public life" "And return to his books and his crops." "Hamilton: it's interesting though, is it not," "How political plants grow in the shade of retirement?" "This war between France and England" "Threatens to tear us asunder." "We are poised on the edge of a precipice, Mr. Adams." "We must not allow ourselves to be pushed over the brink." "We are agreed entirely, sir." "Ambassador Genet's visit" "Has stirred a hornet's nest." "The British government now consider us a belligerent nation" "For the very fact of having received him." "I intend to appoint" "Chief justice jay" "As special envoy to london." "Peace between our two countries must be maintained." "Mr. Jay and I served in the peace negotiations in Paris." "He is a most honorable man, yes." "America has a great need in this crisis" "For experienced diplomats in foreign stations." "Diplomats with your clearness of mind." "Sir..." "After so long in exile abroad..." "Fear not, Mr. Adams." "It is about your son" "I wish to speak." "Your writings in defense of the administration" "Have come under the president's eye." "I was unaware that my provincial scribblings" "Were read in Philadelphia." "Well, I may have" "Shown one or two of them" "Privately to General Washington," " As any proud father would." " Naturally." "The president has named you" "Our minister to the netherlands." "The revolution in France has spilled over into Holland." "The hague is a listening post by which you can keep the government informed." "Presiding over your certain confirmation" "Will be my proudest moment as vice president." "Now England and France will drag all of Europe" "Into this feud before it is over." "We must avoid any action that threatens our neutrality." "You must make yourself master of all of our disputes with them." "Spain as well." "Do not be drawn in by the French" "And keep well clear of the English ambassador" "And all the anglo-maniacs." "I rather wish the appointment had not been made at all." "Am I to understand that you intend to" "Refuse this appointment?" "Do not worry, father." "I know my duty as an Adams." "But I am sorry you did not see fit" "To consult me on the decision." "Congress will of course assign a secretary to assist you." "I would prefer that Thomas accompany me." "The boy is apprentice to one of the finest attorneys in Philadelphia." "He needs to complete his studies." "Thomas has no liking for the law." "Oh, well he has said nothing to me." "Have you asked him, father?" "While I'm away I must have some comfort," "Knowing that I will be secure upon my return." "I share father's distrust of banks" "But not his distaste for speculation." "In New York, you are in the midst of opportunity." "Colonel Smith says that there is money for the taking in property" "And he has furnished me with certain introductions." "Well..." "There's $2,000 here." "Invest it wisely." "You are as good as in profit already." "Nabby: here they come." "Give e big kiss to uncle John when he goes." "This tender-hearted fool" "Has given his family" "Many anxious hours." "I'm very happy with him." "Public business must be done by somebody." "If wise men decline it, others will do it." "So you've always taught us, father." " Sir." " Sir." "Goodbye, mother." "You have more prudence at 27 than your father at 58." "All of my hopes are in you." "Both for our family and for our country." "Do not disappoint me." "Thomas." "Come on." "God keep them safe." "I am sorry to cut my visit so short, Charles," "But I am needed in Philadelphia." "Mr. Jay has returned from london" "And the news he brings has not been well received." " There is a treaty with England then?" " Yes." "And he will be pilloried for it." "Your practice prospers, I trust?" "I have clients." "See that you keep them." "Sally seems a steady girl." "I feared that y would not give us your blessing." "An aspiring lawyer should never marry early." "Advice you yourself ignored." "You are happy for me, father?" "You are my son." "I wonder, father," "Just how many anxious hours did you waste on my behalf?" "Was it before or after you and mother" "Abandoned me and Thomas to the care of tutors?" "Are you quite out of your senses, man?" "All those years you were in Europe" "You were nothing more than a name at the end of a letter." "A very infrequent letter." "Letters full of advice but never affection." "Good God, you are a frivolous boy, Charles." "You know absolutely nothing of honor." "Your disgraceful behavior at harvard should have been proof enough" "Of your disregard for duty." "Duty, father?" "Was that it or was it reputation?" "My entire life has been one of devotion to my country, sir." "Your country." "You always speak of your country." "What about us, your family?" "Do we not merit any of your precious devotion?" "We will never speak of these matters again." "Do we have your blessing, father?" "Gentlemen!" "Gentlemen!" "Gentlemen!" "The vote to ratify" "The treaty negotiated by Mr. Jay with great Britain" "Still stands at 15 in favor, 15 against." "The jay treaty is no more than a capitulation to Britain." "They treat us as though we were still a colony." "Peace, sir, is not capitulation." " Mr. Pinckney stand down." " And the treaty ensures peace." " Stand down, sir." " If the people of the United States" "Had been consulted, no treaty whatever would have been formed," "Especially at the expense of the French republic." "Great Britain is not to be contended with?" "Did we not fight a bloody and costly revolution" "To rid ourselves of British contagion?" " John: gentlemen!" " Do you want to fight another one?" "Mr. Pinckney you will cease!" "Good heavens." "The vote still stands" "At 15 in favor, 15 against." "And as the Senate cannot come to a resolution," "The final vote, the deciding vote," "Falls to this chair." "Falls to his rotundity." "The president's wishes are clear." "I vote for ratification." "Mr. Macclay." "Mr. Adams casts his vote with the president" "Only because he looks up to the same goal." "I am forced to look up to it" "And bound by duty to do so, sir," "As there is only one breath of one mortal" "Between me and it." "( Crowd chanting ) No treaty with England!" "No treaty with England!" "No treaty!" "No jay treaty!" "The hell hounds are in full cry." "They say I have sold this country" "To England." "That I have sided with a mad English king over the French republic." "Slanders and libels," "Mobs, seditions," "And then the hissing snakes, the burning torches" "And haggard horrors of civil war." "My desk overflows" "With memorialsand p." "With addresses, resolutions, remonstrances" "From every corner of the country," "All urging me to refuse my signature." "Declaring I'm a traitor because I've sided" "With a mad English king" "Over the French republic." "Chief justice jay informs me" "That he could steer a course from one end of the country" "To the other by the light of his own burning effigies." "I do not approve" "Of everything in that treaty," "But at least it keeps us out of their blasted war." "I know what it is to be unpopular," "Mr. Adams." "I am weary of the task." "Most weary." "To relinquish the presidency after two terms" "When he could've served for the rest of his life..." "George Washington is an extraordinary man." "I am heir apparent, you know." "Whoever follows General Washington" "Inherits a devilish load." "I'm not afraid of that." "I'm not." "Will Thomas oppose you?" "Yes." "Thomas thinks that in his retirement" "He will get the reputation of a humble man" "Without ambition or vanity." "He may even have deceived himself into that belief,m2" "But now that the prospect" "Is open to him," "The world will find that he is as ambitious" "As any man." "These are now to be found" "In every state." "Dr. Rush:" "Thomas Jefferson is a firm republican" "Where as you are..." "It's the same old charge" "Monarchist." "We may expect the south and west" "To be firmly in Mr. Jefferson's camp." "New England will stay true" "But there is uncertainty" "In New York, Pennsylvania" "And South Carolina." "It's always those three" "New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina." "They're rather fickle, those three." "That is not the worst of it." "Hmm?" "The electors are being encouraged to show support for" "Another candidate" "Thomas Pinckney of South Carolina." "Thomas Pinckney?" "Oh." "There can be no comparison in experience" "Or sacrifice to the government between me and him." "Whether I shall have anything more to do with the government" "Besides praying for it, I do not know." "Pinckney." "Mr. Hamilton has been" "Rather outspoken in his praise of Mr. Pinckney." "It is said he fears that you will be unable to better Mr. Jefferson." "That what matters is not your own election," "But that Mr. Jefferson be" "Defeated at all costs." "So it was Hamilton..." "Who intrigued against me in the first election." "So it appears." "I have no stomach for cards." "No." "I have just been handed" "The final tabulations of the electoral college..." "Which I will now read to you." "For Aaron Burr-- 30 votes." "For Thomas Pinckney" "59 votes." "For Thomas Jefferson-- 68 votes." "For John Adams" "71 votes." "H ( light applause )" "Mr. President." "I, John Adams, solemnly swear" "That I will faithfully execute the office" "Of president of the United States..." "And will, to the best of my ability," "Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" "Of the United States." "So help me God." "Mr. President." "Mr. Vice President." "Gentlemen of the Congress." "Employed in the service" "Of my country abroad," "I first saw the Constitution" "Of the United States in a foreign country" "I read it with great satisfaction" "As a result of good heads" "Prompted by good hearts." "As an experiment better suited to the genius," "Character and situation of this country" "Than any which had ever been suggested or proposed." "What other form of government, indeed..." "Can so well deserve" "Our esteem and love?" "A government in which the executive," "As well as all the other branches of the legislature," "Are exercised by citizens" "Selected at regular periods by their neighbors" "To make and execute laws" "For the general good." "Is authority," "When it springs" "From accidents and institutions" "Established in remote antiquity," "More amiable or respectable" "Than when it springs fresh from the hearts and judgments" "Of an honest and enlightened people?" "For eight years" "We have been under the administration of a citizen" "Who, through a long course of great actions..." "Regulated by prudence," "Justice, temperance and fortitude," "Merited the full gratitude" "Of all his fellow citizens." "May the name of Washington be a rampart" "And the knowledge that he lives a bulwark" "Against all open or secret enemies" "Of his country's peace." "With this great example before me..." "And with the faith and honor of the American people..." "Upon which I have so often" "Hazarded my all" "And never been deceived," "I make you the following solemn promises" "To do justice at all times" "And to all nations;" "To maintain peace," "Brotherhood and benevolence with all the world;" "And to lay myself under the most solemn obligations" "To uphold the Constitution of the United States" "To the utmost of my power." " Mr. President." " Mr. Vice President," "I thank you very much, sir." "Titles have cost me troubles enough." "Let's just make it plain John as it was in Paris, yes?" "Mr. President." "Mr. President." "Thank you, sir." "Thank you." "I am fairly out" "And you are fairly in." "See which of us will be the happiest." "The staff had quite the jubilee" "When the general took his leave, sir." "The crockery, the furniture," "Curtains and carpets all gone." "Even the bed linens, sir." "The lot of it." "They took all of it." "Sorry, sir," "Ma'am." "Deplorable." "I hate speeches." "I hate to talk to 1,000 people" "To whom I have nothing to say." "And yet, all that you can do..." "And have done." "Oh, the decays of nature." "Painful for an old man to acknowledge them." "Then you must count other blessings." "Two sons" "Embarked on a diplomatic career," "Another at the bar." "A daughter" "Who has given you a beautiful grandchild." "And a most patient wife." "Promise not to expose these croakings and groanings." "Really, John." "Such shenanigans" "From a man of 60." "And the president at that." "( Glass clattering )" "Up, John." "John." "Yes?" "Up." "John: the French have captured over 300 of our trading vessels." "The captain of the Cincinnatus" "Was subjected to torture." "The details are barbaric." "There has been a gross misunderstanding" "With France that I must reconcile." "You made a devil's pact with the British, their sworn enemy." "And ours, I'd thought." "It may be difficult, Thomas, if not impossible, for me to maintain neutrality." "But to be drawn into war with either France or England when our own confederation is still so fragile would be suicidal." "It could bankrupt the nation, divide the people even further, lead God knows where." "Now I am of a mind to send an envoy extraordinary to strengthen our hand in dealing with the French government." "And I can think of no one more qualified to engage with foreign minister Talleyrand than yourself." "And nothing would give me greater pleasure than to rekindle our partnership." "Some may say you seek to remove a rival for public office." "Well, let them prattle." "As a known friend of France, your presence would reflect our seriousness of purpose." "No one can object to that." "I cannot accept this commission." "Do you tell me this as my vice president" "Or as the head of your party?" "That you and I differ on our assessment of the best form of government" "For these states united is well-known to us both." "Yes, but we have only differed as friends should do, respecting the purity of each other's motives." "Oh, surely you and I, Thomas, can rise above the din of politics." "Nowhere is the din of politics greater than in your own Cabinet which you have inherited from Washington without making a single change." "( Whispers ) They are Hamilton's men." "They are determined upon a course of war with France." "Well, I am equally determined" "To prevent such a course..." "If you would stand by me." "Will you not help me in this?" "The threat to our revolution" "Does not come from Paris," "It comes from within." "Put your own house in order." "You once told me..." "That I would always have your friendship." " You have it now." " Yes, but not your support!" "Not your support." "Well, I will not trouble you again." "Good day to you, Thomas." "And you, John." "( Theme music playing )" " ( Chatting ) - ( Carriages rattling )" "McHenry: the French have made their intentions plain." "The yarmouth out of baltimore was fired upon," "Its cargo impounded as British." "American seamen were wounded." "War is inevitable, sir." "No, war is never inevitable." "It must be the course of last resort." "How great would be the guilt of an unnecessary war?" "I intend to steer an impartial course..." "As General Washington wished." "We cannot rely on Mr. Marshall" "Finding any success on his mission to Paris." "That is very possible, Mr. Wolcott." "That's very possible." "So while we are attempti to adjust our differences" "Through amicable means," "We can take measures for our defense." "Such measures will cloak our envoy in strength" "And give weight to our dipmatic mission" "And, uh..." "I think command the appropriate respect." "Nothing will command respect better than a provisional army." "The state militias are insufficient protection." "I think it's rather too soon" "To be speaking of armies, Mr. McHenry." "Rather, we should concentrate on our navy." "I refer to arming our merchant ships for defense," "Bolstering our harbors for defense," "Building frigates." " If I may, sir" " Yes." "Mr. Hamilton regards an army as most essential." "Yes, well, I remind you that Mr. Hamilton" "Is no longer an officer" "In this government." "And I have no need of outside counsel." "With respect, Mr. President, you spent most of the war abroad." "Mr. McHenry and I had the privilege to serve" "With Mr. Hamilton in the army" "And in the previous Cabinet-- In your present positions in the interest of..." "National unity." "So this Cabinet would oblige me by respecting my wishes..." "As it did with General Washington." "You have labored over the same page" "For the last half-hour." "Is that so?" "I was not aware." "My thoughts are so clear to me." "Each one takes perfect shape" "Within my mind." "But when I speak, when I..." "Offer them to others..." "They seem to lose all definition." "It is not your words that are at fault, John." "It is the bias of those to whom you speak" "That distorts what you would say." "A bias." "We cannot survive a war, this country" "No no" "Neither with England nor France." "You see, that fact should be paramount," "But it takes last place," "Outweighed by these factional concerns..." "And by the ambitions of men" "( Crying ) who ought to be united with me in this cause." "Thomas." "I am bereft of counsel when I am most in need of it." "You are hardly bereft of counsel." "Hold firm to the course that you have set." "And if war comes, John..." "We must be prepared." "You must be prepared." "Bereft of counsel." "( Kissing )" "May I be among the first to offer you my support" "In this difficult time for our country?" "Should it come to war with France," "I would be honored to serve on the army's general staff." "The army, hmm?" "Well, should such a necessity arise" "Excuse me" "The Senate will vote on those matters." "I will not influence their decision one way or the other, colonel." "I ask you only to vouchsafe my character, sir." "That I can no longer do." " I beg your pardon?" " That I can no longer do." "Fetch me my folio, colonel." "Certainly, sir." "No doubt you are a fine soldier" "And were an able secretary to me, sir," "But you have bankrupted yourself" "In the pursuit of easy riches." "You reputation is much damaged." "I own that I have made some... poor investments, but I am hardly alone in that misfortune." "If you had applied yourself to steady employment in a respectable occupation" "Perhaps if you had shown some regard for my advancement," "Such employment might have been more easily found." "God." "You have the temerity to blame me?" "A word from you would have done me much good." "I will not and cannot countenance your ceaseless efforts" "To trade on our family name!" "You have had no hesitation in finding preferment for your own sons... whether they have merited the effort or not." "I have nothing more to say to you, sir." "Good day." "( Door slams )" "( Women giggle )" "I'm afraid I must beg your indulgence longer than I expected, Mrs. Adams." "I would consider it a great favor if my wife and children could remain at Peacefield." "I care not for my own comfort, but it would pain me greatly to see them suffer because of my failures." "Of course." "The moment I am able..." "I shall take their care upon myself." "William, I" " I do not understand." "I must leave you." "Leave us?" "Why?" "My... disappointments have blackened my name," "As your father has made all too clear." "If I am to begin again, it must be somewhere where I am less known." "Where will you go?" "I have some prospects in the west." "The west?" "William, surely there must be something" "I have no choice, Nabby." " William, please." " I have no choice." " If you will excuse me." " Please stay, Mrs. Adams." "I know your husband is not alone in his opinion of me." "There is much to do." "Please excuse me." "Good God, to treat you with such contempt, Mr. Marshall." "To debase you, our envoy," "In such a vile manner." "Do the French not understand the consequences of their actions?" "Talleyrand all but refused to see us." "That bastard." "His agents are well aware you do not want war, that you intend to preserve the peace at all costs." "Well, their perfidy makes that course all but impossible." "Reason enough, then, not to release the dispatches." "Yes, but if I do not release the dispatches," "Then Mr. Jefferson and his party will allege that I am withholding intelligence favorable to the French government and that will inflame things further." "Yet both seek peace with France." "The vice president would find we agree on most matters if he could be convinced that I mean what I say!" "So far, I have failed in that task." "In this instance, you share cause." " ( Groans )" " Should you seek his support... you may find him more sympathetic." "( Chuckles )" ""Through his agents, monsieur Talleyrand indicated that for negotiations to proceed a sum of money was first required for the pockets of the French" "for the pockets of the French government and its ministers;" "That the price would be" "$250,000 for himself."" "Yes, a "sweetener,"" "Monsieur Talleyrand calls that." "And, uh, a loan of $10 million to demonstrate our good faith." "If monsieur Talleyrand has been indiscreet," "It would be wrong to ascribe blame to the entire French government." "( Laughing )" "Monsieur Talleyrand is the French government." "I cannot account for such effrontery..." "Unless our envoys had some part in this... mistake?" "Mr. Marshall vouches for the account, and I know him to be a man of his word." "I am left no ground on which to expect our diplomatic mission to be accomplished in terms compatible with either the safety" "Or the honor of this nation." "So we must shield ourselves behind a wall of strength." "Congress is prepared to grant my request to arm our merchant vessels and to fortify our harbors." "And?" "Well, that's not all, is it..." "Mr. President?" "No, should the need arise, we must be prepared to defend our borders with an army, yes." "And to that end, I can think of no man better" "To lend the notion gravity than General Washington." "General Washington?" "Well, he will exercise great caution in deploying it." "He will be a commander in name only." "You must know that." "You cannot expect him to take the field at his age." "I know nothing of the sort, Mr. Jefferson, no." "General Washington will defer to Mr. Hamilton as he always has." "The result will be a provocation of the most immense order, both here and abroad." "And what precisely is monsieur Talleyrand's unbridled contempt but a provocation?" "!" "War has been this administration's policy" "From the beginning." "To try to pretend otherwise is disingenuous in the extreme." "If there is to be a war," "Mr. Vice President," "It will be France's doing" "And not mine." "Mr. President." ""Exult each patriot heart" "This night is shown" "A piece," "Which we may fairly call our own..." "Our author pictures not from foreign climes" "The fashions, or follies" "Of the times;" "Why should our thoughts" "To distant countries roam," "When each refinement" "May be found at home?"" "Three cheers for our president!" "May he, like samson," "Slay thousands of Frenchmen" "With the jawbone of Jefferson!" " ( Gasps ) - ( Crowd muttering )" " Huzzah!" "Huzzah!" " ( Crowd cheering, applauding )" "( Singing patriotic song )" "( Whispering ) All of Philadelphia is at your feet." "All of America, it seems." "( Whispering ) They sing less in praise of me" "Than they do in outrage at the mendacity" "Of the French, doctor." "Come now." "No no, they will turn again at a moment's notice," "I have no doubt." "A mob is no less a mob because they are with you." "( Singing )" "( Audience singing )" "( Crowd applauding )" ""The president is hereby empowered" "To designate as alien enemies" "Any citizens or subjects of hostile nations..."" "( Laughs )" ""..." "Residing in the united states whose presence" "He regards as dangerous," "And make regulations" "For their apprehension," "Restraint or removal."" "Both the House and the Senate believe" "The country's security requires it, sir." "There are over 25,000 Frenchmen" "In Philadelphia alone, Mr. President" "Refugees from the slave uprisings in the caribbean." "We must assume their sympathies remain with France" "Rather than America." "If war does come, we cannot afford" "To harbor potential spies in our midst." ""It shall be a crime to utter or publish" "Writings against the government of the United States" "With intent to defame" "Or bring it into contempt or disrepute."" "The majority of the Congress concur with this opinion as well?" "Overwhelmingly, sir." "Scandalous and malicious writing excites hatred" "Against our administration" "And may even foment insurrection." "These two bills are essential in rooting out our enemies," "Both external and internal." "But aren't we concerned, gentlemen," "That with such acts" "We will only further" "Embolden these dissenters?" "The people of this country are clamoring for war, sir," "And we must answer them." "No self-respecting nation should ever be asked to submit" "To the injury, the outrage and the insult" "That the French have heaped upon us and you." "You must sign them, sir." "I" " I am well aware of the insult" "Delivered to us by the French, Mr. Wolcott." "We" " We must be prepared for war..." "But I am duty-bound to try for peace." ""The reign of Mr. Adams" "Has hitherto been one continued tempest" "Of malignant passions." "As president, he has never opened his lips" "Without threatening or scolding." "He is a repulsive pedant," "A gross hypocrite," "One of the most egregious fools upon the continent," "A hideous," "Hermaphroditical character" "Which has neither the force and firmness of a man," "Nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman."" "It is beneath the president of the United States..." "To take any notice of insinuations." "In any other country," "Such filth would have been silenced long ago." "Mr. Hamilton takes equal pains" "To ensure that the Federalist papers" "Are filled with scurrilous attacks" "On Thomas Jefferson and his party." "Think of all the vile falsehoods" "Written about you" " Continue to be written about you." "You may have patiently borne all the slanders," "But I have not." ""Before it is too late to retrieve" " Our deranged affairs..."" " For goodness sake." ""..." "The people must demand" "The immediate resignation of old" "Querulous, bald, blind," "Crippled, toothless Adams."" "I'm not crippled." "I find no amusement in this." " Waste of paper and ink." " Waste of time reading it." "Abigail, put it down." "They would not say such a thing about Washington." "They would not call george Washington hermaphroditical." "They could call him toothless, though." "( Both laughing )" "By these measures, some within your party" "Hope to silence the opposition." "I assure you they will give it body and solidarity." "Well, I am a party of one, Thomas," "As you well know." "Why blacken your fragile reputation" "By an assault on the freedoms for which we both fought?" "Do you intend to ship out" "The entire French population of the United States" "Along with any other luckless soul" "Who happens to voice a contrary opinion?" "Well, if that contrary opinion" "Threatens to divide the nation at a time" "When we must stand united, then yes, I will do just that." "I am interested with the nation's safety, Thomas." "Now these war measures will protect us" " From insurrection and subversion." " There is no war." "And that is the principle behind these measures" "The prevention of war." "You cannot protect the nation" "By attacking the right of every man to speak freely without fear." "You're trampling on the Constitution." "The states will have no alternative" "But to resist these measures..." "Which are an assault on the liberty of their people." "Yes, but the people's representatives demanded these acts." "Would you have me deaf to the voice of the people?" "You are the president of the Senate, Thomas." "Surely, you will respect the wishes of the majority..." "As I did." "I cannot preside over a reign of witches." "I shall remove myself to monticello." "That is your privilege." "I am determined to control events," "Not be controlled by them." "Sign them, John." "For once in your life, the people are with you." "Bed, John." "You do understand, Mr. Hamilton," "That as president, I have the authority" "To decide on junior officers." "Without question, sir." "But general shington..." "Will only accept his charge" "On the condition that I serve as his second in command." "Naturally, you may decline" "To accept the arrangement." "Of course not, Mr. Hamilton." "Of course not." "It is somewhat irregular," "But..." "I would never countermand his wishes, sir." "If I may, sir." "A company will be subdivided into two platoons," "A platoon into two sections," "A section into two squads." "A squad will consist of four files of three, or two files of" "Perhaps later, Mr. Hamilton." "We are removing ourselves to Peacefield" "To avoid the yellow fever before it strikes." "You might want to leave the city yourself, sir." "For General Washington, I suggest this:" "A blue coat without lapels," "Yellow buttons and double-bullion tag with fringe," "Each with three stars." "Obviously, collar cuffs," "And pocket flaps will be double-embroidered" "As will the buttonholes." "Yes, but of course it is a matter" "Of how the army is to be used, Mr. Hamilton," "Is it not?" "To what end, you see." "Its presence will be..." "Provocative," "Whatever the color of the uniforms." "If we're forced to rely on incompetent state militias" "For our defense," "We may as well start learning French now," "Mr. President. ( Chuckles )" "A national army binds the country" "Much as a national bank does." "Now, a training manual..." "Is essential." "Here we have an illustration" "For the command "head right."" "At the word "right," the soldier" "Turns his head to the right briskly" "But without violence," "Bringing his left eye in line" "With the buttons of his waistcoat" "And his right eye looking along the breasts" "Of the soldiers to his right." "( Insects buzzing )" "Whoa, boy." "Whoa." "John Quincy is absolutely certain of this?" "The French are willing to talk peace?" "Talleyrand let it be known through our Dutch embassy" "That another envoy would be respectfully received." "The situation in France has changed." "General Bonaparte has proclaimed himself" "Sovereign ruler and declared the revolution over." "From monarchy to anarchy and back to monarchy." "So much for the overthrow" "Of the ancient tyrann." "Bonaparte will have little time for America." "He must consolidate his power in France," "Pursue the war with Britain." "This is the very news" " That I have been waiting for." " ( Laughs )" "Delivered to me by my own son" "From my own son." "Well done." "Well done, sir." "Let Mr. Jefferson call you a warmonger now." "Ah." "Ah." "( Laughs )" "( Scrubbing )" "Has there been any news from Colonel Smith?" "Not of late." " Nabby, it is not good for the children..." " Yes, mother?" "...to be without their father for so long." "I am resigned to the absences of my husband..." "As you once were." "Nabby, there is nothing I can do" "To alter what has passed." "Should there be something I could do to correct" "He shall return as soon as he is able, mother." "I have no reason to doubt his promise to me," "Nor the affection he feels for me and the children." "As for the rest of it, I am managing." " You need not worry." " But I do." "How can I not?" "At the end of the summer, we return to Philadelphia." "Perhaps you and the children could return with us." "We are fine here." "We remove ourselves to the new capital a few months later." "Perhaps then?" "For the president's daughter to be living" "In Washington city without her husband?" "I'd never do that," "Not to father." "It is best we remain where we are." "( People chatting )" "Current hostilities in Europe" "Demand a firm American response, sir." "When the scourge of yellow fever" "Is removed from Philadelphia" "And the government may resume its work," "I will leave trenton and return to the capital." "I intend to deliver a response, Mr. Hamilton." "Rest assured of that." "Should victory fall to Britain," "As it most surely must," "Then the Bourbons are likely to regain the throne of France." "Any dealings with a current illegitimate government there" "Could well redound to our detriment..." "Leading us back into a war with Britain" "We can ill-afford to wage." "What if the French..." "Not the British, emerge victorious, Mr. Hamilton?" "The pretender Bonaparte" "Is within a hairsbreadth of victory over most of Europe." "In that regrettable instance," "We must be prepared to take possession" "Of valuable, strategic territory" "Before France can lay her hands on it." "Must be ours." "You would seize" " Spanish florida and Louisiana?" " And not only those, sir." "If universal empire is to be the pursuit of France," "What can tend to defeat their purpose better" "Than to detach south America from spain?" "It is the only channel through which the riches of Mexico and Peru convey to France." "Let us not forget there are those in our own country, sir," "Who would prefer secession to our continued union." "If they should be so bold as to act" "On their threats, in the event, say," "Of a French victory," "We must be prepared to bring the renegades" "Back into the fold by force if necessary." "Never in my life" "Have I heard a man speak more like a fool." "Sir?" "Your actions, Mr. Hamilton," "Would precipitate" "The very thing that you pretend to protect against" "The dissolution of this nation." "May inform you as well, sir, that I am in possession" "Of intelligence which confirms" "That we are as likely to find a French army" "On these shores as we are on the moon!" "You dream of empire, Mr. Hamilton." " You question my loyalties?" " Oh no, Mr. Hamilton," "I question your sanity." "Now either you are stark raving mad or I am!" "Good day, sir." "You would do well to remember, sir," "How you became president" "By three votes." "Good day, general." "( Door slams )" "Why did you not first consult with us" "Before requesting Congress disband the army?" "Well, your advice was not required, gentlemen." "I do not intend to enter the new capital" "With an occupying force following behind me." "You would not have dared to do this" "If General Washington were still alive." "General Washington was the rightful leader of this army," "So I think that you will both agree" "That he is... irreplaceable." "Why on earth would you disband the army when we are preparing for war?" "Why on earth do we need an army" "When we are preparing for peace?" "You must abandon this folly of a renewed peace commission" "You may think it folly, Mr. Pickering." "I do not." "Should the current crisis be allowed to persist a few months longer..." "Our party could be assured of a favorable outcome" "In the upcoming election." "Your re-election would be absolutely certain." "Do not speak to me of politics, man." "The people are animated, sir." "Remove the French threat and they're likely to desert us." "Government by fear is no government at all, Mr. McHenry." " Your intransigence" " My intransigence?" "Your stubbornness will be our ruin." "You would surrender our party's interests" "To those of Mr. Jefferson and his so-called republicans." "And you, sirs, are subservient to Hamilton..." "Who ruled General Washington" "And would rule me if he could." " I protest" " Mr. Jefferson, whom you despise," "In an infinitely better man." "I would rather be vice president under him" "Or resident minister to the barbary pirates" "Than be indebted to a creature" "Such as Hamilton for my present post!" "Now your" " Your immediate resignations will be accepted, gentlemen." "I do not feel it my duty to resign." "Oh. ( Laughs )" "Excellent." "Excellent." "Then you leave me with the far more satisfying remedy" "Of removing you from office." "Both of you." "Charles is a sick man" "And he will not help himself." " ( Baby crying )" " I didn't want to leave him" " Please believe that" "But it wasn't the place for us." "Not anymore." "You only did what was necessary for your children, Sally." "There is no shame in that." "When he drinks, he..." "Forgets himself." "He does things." "( Baby crying )" "The money worries him so." " The money?" " Yes, the money that John Quincy gave him" "$2,000." "That Charles was to invest for him." "It's gone," "Every last cent." "Shh." "See, he was cheated by speculators." "Does John Quincy know?" "No." "He cannot bring himself to tell him." "He has tried." "He's tried to write..." "To explain, but" "But he cannot bring himself to do it." "He will be so angry when he finds out" "That I have come here, but..." "I didn't know what else to do." "( Trickling )" "( Spits )" "I beg your pardon, sir." "Uh, kindly direct me to the home" "Of Charles Adams." "( Knocks )" "( Fly buzzing )" "Ah!" "Oh!" "Absalom." "Oh, King David's son" "At least showed some enterprise." "He had the dignity to die in battle!" "But my son" "My son is a mere rake" "A buck" " Blood and beast!" "Go on, father, rage." "Your mother..." "Is beside herself with grief." "To see all of her finest aspirations..." "Squandered on a miserable drunkard!" "And worse, a cheat!" "That's it, father." "Curse me." "You've made my whole life a curse." "I renounce you." "Father." "Have mercy, father!" "( Crying )" "( Sobbing )" "Lv he has been a graceless child..." "But I cannot forsake him." "His wife and children deserve our attention." "We must do all we can for their welfare." "They will stay here in Philadelphia" "Until we leave for the new capital." "And then I will make arrangements to remove them" "To Peacefield upon our departure." "I cannot help to wonder what part we played in all this." "He had every advantage, Abigail." "More than others." "It is useless to speculate" "On what might have been, Abigail." "And..." "I will not find fault" "In my behavior to excuse his." "Providence has inflicted this disgrace upon us." "So we must bear it." "( Saw grinding )" "Man: come on, move it!" "Pull!" "There it is." "Whoa." "Mr. President." "Thank you, sir." "Man #2:" "Mrs. Adams." "The negroes will see to your trunks." "Here, you boy." "Get these up the stair." "And you and you!" "Come on, get to it." "Mr. President, Mrs. Adams." "( All coughing )" "The fires help the plaster dry more quickly, Mrs. Adams." "( Chuckles, ughs )" "It will soon be ready, sir." "Half-fed slaves" "Building our nation's capital." "What possible good can come from such a place?" "( Clanking echoes )" "Is the old man welcoming us" "Or showing us the way out?" ""A letter from alexander Hamilton..." "Concerning the public conduct and character" "Of John Adams, esquire," "President of the United States."" "Well well." ""His disgusting egotism..." "His bitter animosity, his ungovernable temper" "The unfortunate foibles of a vanity without bounds," "And a jealousy capable of discoloring every object." "His presidency has been" "A heterogeneous compound" "Of right and wrong," "Of wisdom and error."" "This pamphlet will do you much damage" "Should it finds its way into the hands" "Of the electors as Mr. Hamilton intends." "It could well determine the course of the election." "Yes, well, I made his little army disappear, didn't I?" "And now he seeks to do the same to me, Mr. Secretary." "Is there still no word from Paris, Mr. Marshall?" "None as yet." "I'm heartily sorry, sir." "The ancients..." "Thought a great book a great evil." "( Chuckles )" "Mr. Hamilton will find his little book" "An evil great enough for him, for it will ensure" "The election of the man that he dreads," "Or pretends to dread, far more than me." "You are resigned, then?" "My decisions were my own" " Not other men's" "And certainly not Hamilton's." "I have always been prepared to stand by the consequences." "I desire no other inscription" "Over my gravestone than..." ""Here lies John Adams," "Who took upon himself the responsibility" "For peace with France..." "In the year 1800."" "Oh, I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings" "On this house and all who shall hereafter inhabit it." "Hmm." "May none but honest and wise men" "Ever rule under this roof." "Thank God you've come." "Of course." "Is he awake?" "Nabby: mother..." "His mind is much deranged." "( Grunting )" "( Coughs )" "Charles." "Charles." "Mother." "I'm here." "I'm here." "Is... father..." "With you?" "No." "The election presses upon him." "The election, yes." "( Panting ) the-  ( Grunts ) we will have not have" " Charles!" "Charles!" "( Whispering ) Charles..." "Listen to me." "You have a wife and you have children" "Who are in great need of you." "( Charles sobbing )" "I am in great need of you." "So you look deep within yourself," "You turn to God and you return to us." "Do you hear me?" "( Crying ) Yes." "Do you hear me?" "You return to us." " You must." " Oh, please forgive me, mother." "Please... forgive me." "Oh, Charles." "Shh." "I'm right here." " Marshall:" "Mr. President!" " ( Door slams )" "Mr. President!" "News, sir!" "A treaty was signed on october the third" "At mortefontaine." "A copy is expected for ratification within the month." "Thanks be to God." "Bonaparte has declared the differences" "Between France and the United States" "To be little more than a family quarrel." "( Laughing )" "You are vindicated, although I fear it comes too late." "The electors have submitted their ballots." "But we have a peace." "We have an honorable peace..." "For all that it has cost me." "( Child crying )" "I will be with your father" "Until the election results are known, then the two of us" "Will return here together." "Write me of any change of his condition." "Of course." "And you must be strong," "Now more than ever." "( Abigail coos )" "Do you want to say goodbye to your grandmother and wave to the carriage?" "I will pray every day for his recovery." "( Door closes )" " Please clear the room." " Aye, sir." " Come on!" " Yes, sir, boss." " Man: yes." " Man #2: yes, sir." "Mr. President, the votes have been tallied." "You received 65 votes, sir." "Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr" "Are both tied at 73." "( John sighs )" "A tie between two republicans." "( Chuckles )" "Only New England has been true." "A good showing, sir." "( Laughs )" "Had we gone to war with France," "Matters might have been very different." "To return to office with blood on my hands, Mr. Marshall," "Would have been no victory at all." "The choice of a president now falls on the House of Representatives." "Some Federalists are eager" "To prolong the stalemate." "To what possible end?" "Should your successor not be chosen" "Before the scheduled inauguration," "The laurels will fall to the president pro tem" "Of the Senate." "As he is a Federalist," "Our party will maintain control." "Yet, whatever the outcome, I will no longer be occupying this office." "There is one pressing matter" "I need to attend to." "I'm recalling my son John Quincy" "From his honorable exile abroad." "You will see to the formalities." "With pleasure, sir." "Our family's been apart for too long." "( Quill scratching )" "He's dead, John." "Our son is dead." "Poor poor unhappy man." "Let silence reign over his tomb..." "Forever." "He was no man's enemy." "He was..." "The delight of my eye..." "And the darling of my heart." "I will not forgive him." "( Sniffles )" "( Door closes )" "( Hammers pounding )" "I#" "( Fire crackling )" "Mr. President." "Mr. President." "You honor me prematurely, sir." "The House is... still in deadlock." "After 32 ballots." " 33." " Ah." "Well, God grant they may soon reach a decision." "A word from you would..." "End the uncertainty." "That is for the Congress to decide." "I have no business in that matter." "If the Federalist conspirators" "Are allowed to defeat this election..." "There will be resistance by force," "And the consequences could be incalculable." "The outcome of this election is within your power." "You would do well" "To quiet your revolutionary notions, Thomas." "You have only to say" "That you will not turn out the government's officers..." "Will maintain the navy, that you will honor the national debt" "All of which the Federalists hold dear" "And the government will instantly be in your hands." "I will not enter office but in perfect freedom" "To follow the dictates of my own judgment." "Well then, in that case, events must take" "Their own course." "( Paper crinkling )" "Ah." "Mr. Marshall." "Welcome." "Would" " Would you care for a drink?" "Uh, no thank you, sir." "Ah." "Mr. Bayard of delaware relented" "On the 36th ballot." "He was induced to do so by assurances" "From Mr. Jefferson's agents" "That the generous concessions you suggested" "Would be respectfully considered." "Well well, respectfully considered." "We shall see about that, hmm?" "Mr. Jefferson is fortunate that I have left him a country at all" "Over which to preside." "Whatever accusations may be hurled at me..." "That I led us into a ruinous war with France" "Will not be among them." "And I have you to thank for your service at that end." "Thank you, sir." "( Sighs ) I feel my shoulders relieved of the burden of office." "I will be plain farmer John of Peacefield." "That's a good exchange." "The virtues and honor of office..." "For simple manure." "Oh, dear." "No no no, not that one." "Good heavens." "Oh." "I didn't mean to burn that one." "Until the inauguration then, sir." "Oh, I" " I will not be attending." "You will forgive me if I do not wish to glory" "In Mr. Jefferson's coronation." "You will be missed, sir." "I very much doubt that, Mr. Marshall." "( Sighs )" "( Man yelling melodically )" "If you don't mind, sir." "Thank you." "( Grunting )" "Thank you." "( Grunting )" "Very good." "Thank you, sir." " Pardon." " Man: sit here, sir." "( Man chatting )" "Stop gawking." "I'm plain John Adams," "Just an ordinary citizen," "Same as urselves." "( Theme music playing )" "( Theme music playing )" "John: good of you to come." "Our reunion has been long overdue." "Yes, indeed." "Yes, indeed." "It's been too damn long." "Thank you for saying it." "Of course." "Abigail, Benjamin has arrived." " Thank you, sir, for coming." " Mrs. Adams." "Nabby, Dr. Rush has come to see you." "Mrs. Smith." "Please." "We will be downstairs if you need us." "Your father has told me" "Of a certain complaint." "Would you describe it for me?" "I feel a hardness in my right breast." "Does it cause you discomfort?" "There isreat pain sometimes." "Would you allow me" "To examine you?" "Of course." " Would you excuse me for a moment?" " Yes." "Ah." "Where is Mrs. Adams?" "Abigail?" " No no, caroline." " Please, sit." " Come away." "Come along." " Uncle Thomas, let me see." "Sally: help me to set the table." "Your daughter suffers" "From a cancer of the breast." "Merciful God." "The entire breast must be removed." "( Sighs )" "Now from her account of the moving state of the tumor," "It is now in a proper situation for the operation." "Oh, good heavens." "Is there no other remedy?" "I know of none but the knife." "Now, my friends," "Let there be no delay." "Here..." "Drink this." "Good." "Now lie down." "No, this way." "Mr. Harris." "Sally." "Yes." "I want you" "To take the children for a walk." " Of course." " Yes, madam." "Susanna." " Sally:" "Abigail..." " William, come along." "We're going for a walk." "Come, my sweet." "Where is she going?" "That's it." "Are you ready, my brave girl?" "Bite." " ( Flesh slicing ) - ( Muffled cry )" "!" "C for God's sake, John, sit down." "( Loud thudding )" "( Footsteps approaching )" "I have never seen a patient" "With so much fortitude." "She's resting comfortably." " Be strong, my friends." " She is out of danger?" "If it has not spread," "The cancer will likely not return" " To trouble her." " Can you be certain?" "In the matter of disease, no." "You must look to providence" "And put your trust in God." "Caroline, eat more carrots, please." "Sally: susanna." " Susanna: good?" " Thank you." "Thomas: would you like to see what's in the newspaper today?" "Let's see, shall we?" "Listen to this about our esteemed President Mr. Jefferson:" ""Of all the damsels on the green" "On mountain... ¶ or in valley ¶" "¶ a lass so luscious ne'er was seen ¶" "¶ as monticellian Sally. ¶ ( chuckling )" ""Yankee doodle, who's the noodle?" "What wife were half so handy?" "To breed a flock" "Of slaves for stock a blackamoor's a dandy."" "That's quite enough, Thomas." "I cannot believe it, not Mr. Jefferson." "Thomas: if Mr. Jefferson had not been involved" "With his slave Sally Hemings," "Then why would he have paid $50 to try and silence Mr. Callender?" ""Mr. Callender reveals further" "That while vice president," "Mr. Jefferson encouraged and secretly subsidized" "The publication of certain articles..." "With the express intention" "Of casting doubt on the credibility" "Of his own president" "The estimable Mr. Adams."" "Abigail, may I see that paper?" "While I am bold as to say that I taught Mr. Jefferson" "Everything that has been good and solid" "In his political conduct." "As for the rest" "Callender and Sally Hemings will be remembered" "As long as Mr. Jefferson." "A stain on all of them." "No no, you are wrong, sir." "There you are wrong." "Mr. Jefferson's character in history" "Can be easily foreseen." "Oh, yes." "His administration will be quoted by philosophers" "As a model of profound wisdom." "Mine will be condemned to everlasting infamy." "They will write" "Of the Alien and the Sedition Act and of nothing else." " ( Rock thuds ) - ( Screams )" " Father!" " God!" " Oh christ!" " Mother!" "( Groans )" "Abigail?" "Now just what do you think you are doing?" "( Groaning ) Oh hell." "Abigail:" "let that be a lesson to you." "I feel like a prisoner out here." "Yeah." "And there's a letter from John Quincy." "Is that all?" "I should think you would be happy" "To receive a letter from your son with news from Washington city." " ( Men shouting ) - ( Cows mooing )" "Do not think that I do not know what this means." "In some circles, I am openly despised" "And in others, I am irrelevant." "John, I do not think" "That anyone thinks about us one way or t'other." "I can no longer bear this ennui, Abigail." "I thought you would find great relief..." "In having to fill your own days." "Why don't you pick up your pen" "And correct people's misimpressions?" "( Chuckles ) Hopeless." "No no, the essence of our revolution" "Will be that Dr. Franklin smote the earth" "With his electrical rod" "And out sprang Washington and Jefferson," "That they together" "Conducted all the policy negotiation," "Legislation and war." "Mr. Jefferson did you great harm, John." "I remember the place in my heart where Thomas once sat." "That place is now empty." "At least he is not the revolutionary we forget." "Now he's expanding our territories" "By brokering a deal with napoleon, huh?" "I do not need to justify myself on paper." "Besides, posterity will judge" "As she sees fit." "What about these, father?" "What?" "No no no." "Newspapers," ""The Aurora," april 1798." "Nasty piece of work." "It is in here somewhere, Thomas!" "This entire enterprise is a bondage" "To old age." "( Groans )" "Some of my posterity may wish" "To see proof of the odious abuse" "Of my character in newspapers, pamphlets" "And letters for the past 30 years." ""The Aurora," april '98!" "Keep searching." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "We shall send for Dr. Rush." "There is no need." "No need?" "Nabby!" "Mother, there is nothing he can do." "He has cured you once." "He can cure you again." "I am beyond Dr. Rush's art now, mother." "It is worse than before." "I can feel it." "You must grant me something." "Anything." "When I am gone," "You must not bear my husband ill." "Promise me." " ( Crying ) - ( Kisses )" "Do not cry for me." "( Crying )" "Our children will want for nothing." "At the very least I owe her memory that." "She never lost her faith in you." "No." "I'm sorry she could not live to see my success." "Our luck it seemed had changed at last." "I am sorry too, colonel." "An admirable likeness..." "John: whose only purpose now is to remind me" "Of my current state of decrepitude." "When were they painted?" "Thomas: when father was president." "They'd been sitting in Mr. Stuart's studio" "All this time." "The White House should have them." "Thomas:" "Mr. Stuart offered to deliverhem." "He was told neither president madison" "Nor anyone else living in the White House" "Has any interest in them at all." "We shall have them here" "To remind us of all we have accomplished." " Well?" " Allow me to finish." "I have no illusions" "That any sketches I leave behind will be received" "By the public with any favor" "Or read by them with any interest, you know?" "John." "What possible use could anyone have" "For a seven-volume account of so many impulsive," "Tactless," "Ill-considered things." "Rubbish!" "If I had it to do all over again," "I would be a farming, shoemaking deacon" "Like my father." "Yeah, although I fear I never would have won you." ", I can't imagine you a farming," "Shoemaking deacon's wife." "Old age is dark" "And unlovely, Sally." "Still, you have much to be happy about." "True." "In a week, you and Mr. Adams celebrate another anniversary." "Yes." "54 years, is it not?" "54 years." "There were times" "As a young woman when I despaired" "Ever having Mr. Adams beside me." "Now..." "We have been together longer than we were ever apart." "Sally, that was thoughtless." "I am sorry." "I did not mean to go on so." "My own sadness" "Has not diminished the joy I take" "In what you and Mr. Adams have shared." "You are a lovely" "And generous girl, Sally," "And our lives are much richer by having you with us." "Sometimes I fear I'm..." "An unwelcome reminder of" "Of Mr. Adams's disappointment in Charles." "Mr. Adams loves you as I do." "And we'll wish you here always." "Mrs. Adams?" "Mrs. Adams." "Mrs. Adams!" "Thomas!" "Mr. Adams!" "Come quickly!" "Mrs. Adams, wake up." "Mr. Adams." " What are you talking" " What's the matter with her?" " She won't wake." "Nonsense." "Here." "There we go." "( Sally gasps )" "Abigail!" "Abigail!" "Oh, Jesus, God!" "( Mutters ) Come here." "Help me, Sally." "Sally: come on." "There we go." "Inside." " Come." " Can you walk?" "( Moaning )" "( Mumbling )" "Abigail." "There we are." "Now there you are." "There we go." "There you are." "You'll see it." "Hydrangea." "Do you see it?" "I brought you that." " Oh, yes." " Yeah, it's everywhere now." "Oh, John." "They've bloomed." "Yeah, you see?" "I knew that you would come back to me." " John, John." " I told that doctor" "That you would see me." " I can feel it." " No." "Never, no." "And I am amazed" "I am the first to depart." "I am not gonna let you go." "I will not let you go." "We have no choice in the matter, John." "Oh, John." "But I will be there" "For you as they" "As they" " As they are now..." " For me. ( Labored breathing )" " No, you will wait for me." "You will wait for me." "Abigail." "Abigail." "Don't go away from me, my friend." "Don't go away from me." "Abigail, my friend." "Thomas?" "Thomas." "I wish I could lie down with her and die too." "I cannot conceive" "That God would create such a creature as her" "To simply live and die on the earth." "The longer I live..." "The more I read," "The more patiently I think," "The more..." "Anxiously I inquire," "The less I seem to know." "( Groans )" "( Footsteps approaching )" "Is there anyone else you wish me to notify?" "There are so few left alive" "Who know either of us." "What about Mr. Jefferson?" "Surely, he will wish to share your sorrow." "If I should receive a letter from him..." "I would not fail to answer it." "Perhaps if you were to write yourself..." "The man did me and my reputation great insult." "He honored and salaried" "Every villain he could find who was my enemy." "Well..." "That is why it is you" "Who must show the magnanimity" "Of great minds." "I always considered you and him..." "The north and the south poles of our revolution." "Some talked, some wrote and some fought to promote" "And establish it, but..." "You and Mr. Jefferson..." "Thought for us all." "John's voice: "my dear friend," "One trouble never comes alone." "And at our ages," "We may expect more and more of them" "Every day in groups," "And every day less fortitude to bear them." "In the years since our parting," "I have lost my daughter." "Now..." "My dear wife of 54 years" "Has been taken away from me." "And she goes to a country where there will be no war," "Nor envy, nor jealousy," "Nor rivalry or party." "I am, sir," "Your afflicted friend:" "John Adams."" "Jefferson's voice:" ""monticello, april the sixth, 1819." "My dear friend," "Tried myself in the school of human affliction," "I know well and feel what you have lost," "What you have suffered, are suffering" "And have yet to endure." "These same trials have taught me" "That for ills so immeasurable," "Time and silence are the only medicines." "It is of some comfort to us both" "That the term is not very distant" "At which we are to deposit our sorrows" "And suffering bodies," "And to ascend to an ecstatic meeting" "With the friends we have loved and lost..." "And whom we shall still love" "And never lose again." "God support you under your heavy affliction." "Your friend, Thomas Jefferson."" "John's voice: "you and I have passed our lives in serious times" "And we have suffered ourselves" "To be the passive subjects of public discussion," "And reaped animosity and bitterness." "I am fixed in my opinions" "And too old to change them," "But you and I ought not to die" "Before we have explained ourselves to each other."" "Jefferson's voice: "as long as there is government," "There will be differences of opinion." "Everyone takes a side" "In favor of the many or the few." "Nothing new coul added by you or me" "To what has been said by others" "And will be said in every age."" "John's voice: "whether you or I were right," "Posterity must judge." "Yet, I ask of you," "Who shall write the history of our revolution?" "Who can write it?"" "Jefferson's voice: "you ask who shall write the history" "Of our revolution." "Nobody," "Except merely its external facts." "I prefer to look back on those days" "When Massachusetts and virginia" "Lived and acted in perfect harmony."" ""Monticello," "February 20th, 1825." "Jefferson's voice: "my dear friend," "I sincerely congratulate you on the high gratification" "Which the issue of the late election..."" "John Quincy: "...must have afforded you." "It must excite ineffable feelings" "In the breast of a father" "To have lived to see a son..."" "Continue." "My dear, would you mind?" "Louisa: "it must excite ineffable feelings" "In the breast of a father" "To have lived to see a son," "To whose education and happiness his life has been devoted," "So eminently distinguished" "By the voice of his country."" "John: yes indeed." "Yes indeed." "Although, no man who ever held the office of president" "Would congratulate a friend, to say nothing of his son," "On obtaining it." ""Nights of rest to you and days of tranquility" "Are the wishes I tender you with my affectionate respects." "Thomas Jefferson."" "Well well well well." "None of the letters I have received from my friend in monticello..." "Have ever meant as much to me as that one." "Mr. Jefferson knows my heart" "As well as any man living." "He writes the truth, you know." "That boy over there has made me" "The proudest father in America." "To President John Quincy Adams," "The sixth president of these United States," "And to President John Adams" "On his 90th birthday." "May we all hope to achieve such longevity." "Hear, hear." "Hear, hear." " You do not drink, Mr. Adams." " I do not care to be reminded" "That I am an old dotard." "Well, neither do we, sir." "( Grunts )" "Congress has grown indolent and palsied" "Before their constituents" "So I intend to take a strong lead." " Father?" " Hmm?" "Are you listening?" "Ah." "Yeah." "Go on." "In my state of the union address," "I intend to propose a strengthening" "Of the federal government." "We need to raise taxes." "This country's in dire need of some decent roads," "Canals..." " A national university, - ( Grunting )" " A department of the interior, - ( Laughs )" "A national currency." "They will call you a monarchist" ""King Adams ii."" "You move too fast." "There is no time to waste." "Ah." "You should look to your wife" "For the guidance that you seek, not me." "Your mother was always my most faithful advisor..." "And the wisest." "Trumbull:" "Congress have commissioned me" "To commemorate the 50th anniversary" "Of the birth of our proud republic." "My humble rendition" "Of this momentous scene" "For what could have been more momentous" "In the history of our young nation" "Than the signing of the "declaration of independence"" "Will hang in the rotunda of the capitol." "I offer to you now for your delectation" "And, may I dare to hope," "Your approval." "( Sighs )" "All dead." "Sir?" "All dead..." "The whole lot of them," "Except for me and Jefferson." "Yes, sir." "Does the painting do you justice?" "Mmm. ( Clears throat )" "A shin piece." " Trumbull:" "I beg your pardon?" " A shin piece, sir." "It's all" " All legs and ankles." "( Chuckles )" "You know, I-- I am informed" "That one of the greatest talents of a painter" "Is the capability to comprehend a large space." "Herr Rubens, whose canvases" "I always paused to admire" "When I was staying in Holland, was a master of this." "You, Mr. Trumbull," "Are no Rubens." "Well, I do not claim to be a Rubens, sir." "I would, however, remind you that" "Herr Rubens never painted" "Such a uniquely American subject." "As to the painting's singularity" "I can offer no opinion." "But I will say this" "It is very bad history." "The likenesses have been very carefully researched" "No scene such as you depict here" "Ever took place." "There was not one moment or one day" "When all the delegates from the Congress gathered" "To record their signatures." "This is a matter of detail." "May I remind you, sir," "That we were already at war?" "Now, contrary to your tranquil scene," "Your subjects were scurrying" "In and out of Philadelphia all summer long," "Affixing their names to Mr. Jefferson's..." "Hallowed parchment whenever they happened to be in town." "You would not deny the artist a certain..." "license?" "Do not let our posterity" "Be deluded with fictions" "Under the guise of poetical" "Or graphical license." "It is a very common observation" "In Europe, Mr. Trumbull," "That nothing is so false" "As modern history." "Well, I would hasten to add" "That nothing is so false as modern European history" "Except modern American history." "In plain English, sir," "I consider the true history of the American revolution..." "As lost..." "Forever." "I have some scruples of conscience about..." "Whether I ought to be preserved," "Or whether it would be charity of me to stumble." "Still" "Still, I am not weary of life." "Strangely," "I have hope." "You take away hope and what remains?" "What pleasures?" "Do you follow me, Thomas?" "Hmm?" "It's getting late, father." "Is it?" "Let's go inside." "Come here, come here." "I have seen a queen of France" "With 18 million livres of diamonds on her person." "But I declare" "That all the charms of her face and figure" "Added to all the glitter of her jewels" "Did not impress me as much" "As that little shrub..." "Right there." "My mother always said" "That I never delighted enough" "In the mundane." "But now I find if I look at even the smallest thing..." "My imagination begins to roam the milky way." "Rejoice evermore." " What's that, father?" " Rejoice evermore." "Well, it's a phrase from saint paul, you fool." "Rejoice evermore." "Rejoice evermore!" "( Chuckles )" "Oh, I wish that had always been in my heart and on my tongue." "Oh." "You know, I am filled" "With an irresistible impulse" "To fall on my knees in adoration right here." " Stop it." " ( Laughing, muttering ) Oh, if only my knees would bend like they used to." "( Sighing, laughing )" "Father?" " Father?" " ( Grunts )" "Come, it's time for bed, father." " What?" " Let's get you to bed." "Sally!" "Sally!" " Come." " I can't." "Yes." "Come on, father." "Come on." "Come, father." "John:" "I can't." "I need to write a letter" "( Groaning )" " Are you comfortable?" " ( Grunts )" " Thomas?" " Yes?" "( Panting )" "Tomorrow is the fourth, yeah?" "Yes." "It is, father." "It was 50 years ago that our nation was born." "I must write a letter to Jefferson." "Father, no." "Tomorrow" " Write to him tomorrow." " ( Panting, grunting )" " You can do it tomorrow." "Good." "( Wheezing, moaning )" "No." "( Thunder rumbling )" "( Muttering )" "No, father-- No, father." "It's july the fourth." "It was 50 years ago today" "Our nation was born." "( Crickets buzzing )" "It's the fourth." "Yes, sir." "Oh." "Fetch the others." "Sally." "( Thunder rumbling )" "( Rain pattering )" "( Mumbling ) Is that cannon fire?" "Father, it's only thunder." "It's just thunder." "( Mumbling ) Isn't that right, John?" "Johnny?" "Help me, child." "Help me, child." "Help me, child." "Abigail." "Abigail." "It is no matter." "You're mine." "It's time." "( Crickets chirping )" "( Sniffles )" " ( Crying ) - ( Fly buzzing )" "( Thunder rumbling )" "( Wheezing )" "Thomas Jefferson." "( Crying )" "Thomas Jefferson..." "Survives." "John's voice: "my dearest friend," "Whether I stand high or low" "In the estimation of the world," "My conscience is clear." "I thank God I have you" "For a partner in all the joys and sorrows," "All the prosperity and adversity of my life..." "To take a part with me in the struggle."" "Abigail's voice: "should I draw you the picture of my heart," "You would know with what undescribable pleasure" "I have seen so many scores of years" "Roll over our heads..." "With an affection heightened and improved by time." "Nor have the dreary years of absence" "In the smallest degree d" "The image of the dear, untitled man to whom I gave my heart." "You could not be," "Nor did I wish to see you," "An inactive spectator."" "John's voice: "no, posterity," "You will never know how much it cost us" "To preserve your freedom." "I hope that you will make a good use of it." "If you do not," "I shall repent in heaven" "That I ever took half the pains..." "To preserve it."" "( Theme music playing )"