"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" "Ify 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 conde 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 presidejohn 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 )"