Original subtitles

Four generations of one family. Their lives and causes reveal 150

years of American history.

1809. The Atlantic separates the fledgling United States from her former

Great Britain and her former ally France.

Britain, under the aging and now demented George III, is locked in a

with France for the mastery of Europe.

In that encounter, both nations preempt the high seas.

A former soldier, general, consul, and now emperor, Napoleon, battles England

with a spectacular cunning.

Ships of neutral nations, the United States chief among them, are seized and

searched.

John Quincy Adams, son of the second president, experiences that indignity

firsthand.

It's another British man of warfare.

She's training her guns on us.

We are in contended waters. The British have boarded us merely, I'm sure, to

verify our nationality.

Yes, come in.

Thank you, Mr. Adams.

Captain Bickford's come once, and will you attend him in his cabin? Thank you,

Mr. Hinch, and I was about to do so.

Thomas, see to it that the ladies are not disturbed.

Right, sir.

Your permission, Captain.

Come in, sir.

Mr. Adams.

Captain Bickford informs me I've the privilege of meeting an eminent

Be seated.

I'm Lieutenant Mount Garrett with a boarding party from HMS Stately.

You may have noticed her standing off your starboard quarter with 21 guns.

Your passport, if you please. Mr. Adams, Captain.

John Quincy Adams, Minister, plenipotentiary from the United States

to the court of Russia.

Travelling with his lady, infant son... He's ordered me to turn the ship about

and he's threatened to seize her if I do not.

And he proposes to take one of my sailors, to impress him in his navy.

what authority?

This, and the instructions of my captain, the directions of the

the mandate of His Majesty's orders in council.

Unless some tragedy has befallen us since we've put to sea, my country

living under His Majesty's rule 33 years ago.

England is at war with France, sir.

France has an alliance with Russia. Any ship bound for Russia is presumed to be

friendly to Bonaparte and therefore England's enemy.

Yes, yes. Tell me, Lieutenant.

Do the instructions of your Admiralty supersede the acts of your Parliament?

Of course not. Why?

In the rule of Queen Anne, by the Act of 1708, your country, along with all

civilized ones, subscribed to a rule of international usage.

The agreement states, and I quote, all ministries, embassies, and consulates

protected from intrusion by diplomatic immunity.

A ship in the middle of the Baltic is hardly a ministry.

This ship, Lieutenant, and you might refer to her papers, was fitted out for

express purpose of carrying my ministry to St. Petersburg until she docks there.

And as long as I am aboard, and so long as she flies the flag of my country,

this ship is an American ministry.

And any intrusion or hindrance upon her is, by your own law, a punishable crime.

At sea, I believe that is called piracy.

That's ridiculous.

Is it?

Well, perhaps your epaulet gives you the authority to declare your country at

war. Your captain might not be grateful to you for committing an act for which

he would have to answer.

Confound it! I'm a military man and not a sea lawyer!

Perhaps if you return to your ship and discuss this dilemma with your captain,

he might be grateful to you for your concern for his career.

If not your own.

I'm returning merely for consultation.

I hope that it's clear.

This ship is still arrested until my captain decides otherwise. Yes, of

And when he does, just to save you the trouble of boarding us again,

May I suggest that you simply dip your colors as a signal for us to proceed?

our colors? That would be a salute.

You have my leave, Lieutenant.

St. Petersburg.

Tsar Alexander I and his minister, Ramyantsev, grapple with the problems of

being allied to Napoleon.

Another communique from the Emperor of Europe.

Being Napoleon's ally is almost as difficult as being his enemy.

He requests, Your Majesty, that we bar all of our ports to

whatever shipping he has not licensed.

Well, temporarily, of course, it would stop certain of our trade. There's no

question about that.

But in the end, it would be most damaging to the English.

In the end, yes, but in the meantime, England is merely annoyed.

With her great navy, she can stop any ship at sea, take all the cargo she

and pay no duty.

But once Napoleon defeats England on land and breaks up her navy, in my

a third power will rise to challenge her on the seas, one with no continental

ambitions and an enterprising merchant navy.

The United States.

Yes.

If...

If, of course, she survives.

There's more than a small question that she will.

The government controls only a small portion of a great continent.

The native Indians are a constant problem. The Spanish and the English

control much of the unpopulated land.

This morning I received an appeal from Adams, the American minister, about

American ships.

which we have, at Napoleon's request, detained in Archangel Riga and other of

our ports.

Yes, Adams does press us on those ships. I like that man, Adams.

He's somewhat severe, but highly principled.

From an illustrious family, too, for a wilderness country.

My dear Louisa.

Oh, you're not ready yet.

We shall be late for Romanoff's reception.

I completely forgot about the time.

Dispatches arrived from Washington six weeks after they were written.

I wonder what's happening at home.

What? I wonder what George and John are doing right this minute.

I hope our letters arrive before their birthdays.

Our sons.

have a good many more birthdays, and we will share in quite a few of those.

I will leave you to finish your own wardrobe. The carriage is undoubtedly

waiting. John, go to the room Yancis without me.

Oh, I'm feeling perfectly well, but you can say I'm not.

That would not be the truth.

Well, just explain my condition.

Has someone offended you?

Not someone, John.

What?

That dress is seen and been seen at three

court balls, four embassy dinners, and... Louisa, the country pays us what

can afford.

I will await you downstairs.

But, John, this reception will merely be another conference between you and

Rumyantsev.

I would gladly put on the dress and go if you would spend the evening there

me.

We could dance, John.

Dance?

The Polonaise.

Oh, yes, the Polonaise.

I should certainly do that very well, shouldn't I? But it's a duty, John.

Some Russians might consider it an insult if you didn't show a proper

appreciation of their culture and their customs.

Please, John.

One Polonaise.

And no talk of ships or wars.

We will spend the evening together.

I will await you downstairs and tell the carriage you'll be ready.

My trap, Olga!

Isn't it time we ventured onto the dance floor?

My dear Madame Adams.

Now, if it were in my power, you would grace each of the conferences I seem

always to be having with your husband.

I'm afraid you'd find me extremely slow -witted at politics. Most of the men I

have to deal with are, too.

Excepting, of course, Mr.

Adams. I've come to understand him quite well, you know. Well, he's going to

surprise you tonight.

Oh, really?

Still, I'm quite sure of what he is thinking at this moment.

Of the United States ship that was impounded three days ago.

Actually,

sir, I was thinking not only of the one, but of the 22 others that are unable to

unload their cargo.

Yes, deplorable.

And... Desire himself expressly used that word.

Well, if he feels so strongly about it, perhaps we can expect some action.

Mrs. Adams, what a pleasant surprise. Good evening.

I didn't see you at the reception last night.

No?

Oh, General, good afternoon.

Madame Adams.

I see you below.

If I had been fortunate enough to have been born, Monsieur Adams, I should

permit you to be absent from my side.

Come. There is one thing I must show you. Thank you. A painting has just

from Paris.

A collection.

The painting is a religious one. I understand that many of your countrymen

women, of course, are Puritan.

Oh, yes, that's true.

Especially in Massachusetts.

That is where you were raised?

No, I plead guilty to having grown up in Europe. My schooling was in Paris.

Madame, that explains it.

Your child.

That certain look in your eye. The look in my eye, General?

It can only come from searching for my husband on occasions like this.

But there are bales of cotton on those ships.

Whoa. You need them. I'm willing to obey the laws of Russia, but not the edicts

of Napoleon.

Now, there must be a way. My dear Adams, be reasonable.

It was merely a fury at the French.

The excellence is not from Bordeaux.

Of course, the tone of the English court has quite ruined me.

When I married Count Rostov, I didn't realize I was placing myself in virtual

exile.

As far as your eyes, Mrs. Adams, all they seem quite fashionable.

Madame Oblensky, do you know Mrs. Adams?

Mr. Adams is a representative of the United States. My husband is minister to

the court, Countess.

Such a serious man.

Count Rostov describes him as a bulldog among Spaniards.

My husband is a fighter, Countess.

Will you excuse me?

That dress.

I've seen it so often I almost beat it along to my own wardrobe.

But my dear... We must support Napoleon's continental system. It's an

accommodation. Yes, but one that will no longer be binding when...

If... I am sorry. If Russia decides to withdraw from that arrangement.

A supposition merely based on rumors.

That supposition proved to be true.

In the maze of European politics, allies changed as rapidly as partners on the

dance floor.

Soon the French ambassador had revealing words for the American minister.

My dear good friend, I shall be utterly frank with you.

Napoleon is dismayed that the Russians have withdrawn from our continental

system. You, of course, must be gratified. Nearly all your impounded

released. The French consuls have been urged to be most liberal in granting

trading licenses to your merchant marine.

The ships then leave our ports and are immediately captured by French

who claim that your consul's signatures are forgeries and that the ships are

British and masquerade.

How are we to know?

The stars and stripes are a popular disguise at sea.

Britons and Americans are similar in appearance and speech. If a seaman

on the bones of George Washington, that he is one of your countrymen.

What can we do?

How do we distinguish between the British and his cousin?

Now, if your country and France were, shall we say, firmer, more committed at

heart... My dear General, that responsibility is my government, not

Oh, I took the liberty of having these prepared for

your convenience.

The registry of all American ships now bears a secret mark that should enable

your countrymen to determine which ships are British and which are ours.

A list of prominent merchants in most American seaports. Any captain

to be from those ports would, of course, be familiar with their names.

And a glossary of common nautical terms, including some profanity. But the

difference is noted in British pronunciation and American.

to enable you to distinguish between one Anglo -Saxon and another.

I couldn't sleep.

Come, keep me coming.

It's not your condition.

A baby? Oh, it's too soon for discomfort, Joan.

This baby will be a girl. I know it.

A healthy, happy, beautiful child.

Her brothers will adore her.

I was happy when I first born with a son, but the truth is I'm more

with girls, I think.

Yes, well, with six sisters you should be.

If only we could all be together when the baby's born.

John, the letter from Mr.

Madison.

The president is a prolific correspondent.

Which letter? You know, John, the one your mother caused him to write.

Only Abigail Adams could have gotten the president to authorize her return home.

Well, that was my fault. I've complained too much in my letters to my mother

about the expense of living here.

Your complaints were justified.

6 ,000 rubles a year.

There. You're just adequate.

What's Spartan? An unfashionable neighborhood.

Too small for us to entertain.

Well, with the constant parade of bowls and parties, no one seems to miss our

hospitality. We couldn't entertain if we wanted to, if it were necessary.

John, I know you're handling our country's interests well, but how

long must this go on?

This is an outpost of government, not a home.

Our home is in Massachusetts.

And it awaits us.

When?

When will we see it again?

When my duties here are finished.

Despite my mother's well -intentioned intercession and despite President

Madison's kind permission for us to return, it is up to me.

And we cannot leave at this time.

It is vital that we effect a commercial treaty with Russia.

We must have a powerful ally to help us keep the seas open. When will that

treaty be effected? How old will this child be when her brothers see her for

first time?

The boys are safe, Louisa.

They've been well taken care of by my mother.

You say they're safe.

It takes three months.

For a letter to get through the blockade.

Who knows what may have befallen them since the last letter was posted. I

You don't.

I have two children here.

One asleep upstairs.

One here, under my heart.

I have two others.

Continents away.

Two sons who should set the example for Charles Francis to follow.

When will he get to know them?

When will I? When will you?

The

whole

continent of North America appears, Father, to be destined by divine

To be peopled by one nation.

Peace.

Peace for the next few years is essential to the plan.

In Washington, some voices speak of peace while calling for war.

Some rage against France, others England.

No man in America desires peace more than I.

But I prefer the troubled ocean of war when demanded by the honor,

the independence of our country.

If we are forced between France and Britain to select our enemy, I am for

with Britain.

Mr. Monroe.

You have just been made Secretary of 18 not very United States.

Henry Clay and his Western friends are determined we battle Britain.

If we declare war on anyone, Massachusetts wants it to be France, and

is the faction that demands war on both France and England. And the ban for

peace, but so strongly for it that they will fight anyone who's against it.

The Constitution glues us together.

But for how long?

For that very reason.

I think it is important that you see this latest dispatch from Mr. Adams in

Petersburg.

The rumor there is that the French and English are at a standstill.

Napoleon needs a triumph.

He's turning his eyes to a fresh conquest.

Russia.

His ally.

So is heaven, if we are to believe the emperor's boasting.

Mr. Adams thinks that within five years, Europe will be practically bankrupt.

And we, for the first time, will be in a position of power.

But we must use those years to implement our strength, not to dissipate it on a

battlefield.

Of course, all this is speculation on Mr. Adams' part.

I have every confidence in Mr. Adams.

It's a pity that I must bring him home.

It is an honor.

We're living in Washington.

The house will have to be large, of course, with a garden for the boys.

Charles Francis barely remembers our country.

What are you thinking, John?

Just that if one is to be put on a shelf, it is indeed a very high shelf.

The Supreme Court?

A shelf?

You've decided not to accept the appointment, haven't you?

Why?

Because of me?

Louisa.

You are second month's with child.

Even with the safest passage, you would be delivered at sea.

In these times, we'd be forced to take any ship that we found, no matter how

cramped and dirty. What if there's fever aboard?

God will protect me.

Suppose we're taken to the blockade. There will be no midwife in a British

cruiser. Ships do get through the blockade. You cannot risk it.

Then you go without me.

I'll join you after the baby's born.

be no husband to you if i did that right president madison tonight louise asked

that he hold the appointment he'll do that you're determined not to

go

Louisa Catherine, I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of

the Holy Ghost.

We will receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock and to

her with the sign of the cross that thereafter she may dwell in the house of

the Lord.

That's the truth.

Does the treachery of the French astonish you, Mr. Adams?

Yes.

Napoleon has just invaded Poland. Our main forces have been driven back to

Smolensk. And you have made peace with England.

We need England now.

So, you have allied yourself with a country that has shown such hatred for

The desire is determined to withstand any English pressures against you.

He characterizes his attachment to America as obstinate.

My country will be as gratified as I am to hear that.

It is our earnest hope that you can escape the horror of this.

before she fell asleep.

Her fever seems to have lessened.

She smiled at me, John, before she fell asleep.

Congress has declared us at war with England by majority vote of four.

War? There are few details in that paper.

There was no dispatch from the government? It's intercepted, probably.

That's dated June 22nd. The country's been at war for two months and I did not

know it.

John, what if there's an invasion from Canada, the voice?

England is not likely to lay waste to New England.

Just too many friends there.

War? You said over the months what a tragedy this would be.

It means we must fight for our freedom once again.

And if we lose, there will be no United States of America as we know it.

And that must not happen.

Any sacrifice we're called upon to make, we must accept willingly.

And may God help us.

Mrs. Adams!

I weep for both of us.

I weep, Louisa.

In my way, I weep.

Moscow has not fallen.

You drink more.

This moment calls for vodka.

Those evenings so delightful with the exquisite French wines are now over.

Now even their wine would taste bitter.

So my dear old friend...

You can understand my depression.

I share it.

My country's fortunes are no better than yours.

And the irony of our situation is that according to the papers in June, England

revoked the orders that allowed them to seize our ships at sea. The very orders

that caused us to declare war in the first place.

So we are knee -deep into a war that need never have occurred.

Maybe there is a way to stop it now.

Russia and England are now allies.

Perhaps London could be approached about negotiated peace.

By whom?

Char Alexander.

His Imperial Majesty is willing to offer himself as a personal mediator.

If both of your governments agree, he could open negotiations immediately.

can't do anything for me.

All winter, I waited for the summer.

Now flowers are growing on her grave.

I was there this morning. Louise, there is some hope, hope for the war's end at

least.

Mr. Gallatin, Mr. Bayer, I'd be arriving in St. Petersburg soon to begin the

negotiations.

I have not become, John, the wife you expected me to be.

Louisa, you are the wife I want.

The first two weeks in St. Petersburg, I enjoyed this view.

Now it seems just like our prospect, Mr. Gallatin.

Flat.

Uneventful. You Americans expect too much, much too soon.

You are an American too, Mr. Gallatin.

I'm an American by choice, a European by birth.

Europe bred me a defeatist. America has made me an optimist. Who knows, in a few

moments he may return with confirmation that the Tsar has already begun

negotiations. Behind our backs.

Ah, the Russians are curious people.

They have an almost oriental need for mystery and intrigue.

The same story.

There are technicalities.

Complications. The Tsar is in the field.

Perhaps next week.

Though many explanations must conceal one essential fact. What is it?

What in heaven's name are we to do? Wait.

That seems to be our only present occupation.

England has refused Russia as a mediator.

But she has agreed to deal directly with us.

However... The negotiations must take place on a site congenial to her cause.

England finds Russia unacceptable.

Well, of course, England would.

We're in St. Petersburg.

She suggests Sweden or London.

I came to negotiate a treaty, not a meeting place. Time -consuming delays

calculated to give them advantage.

She hasn't even selected her peace commissioners, although we have sent two

of our own.

Clearly, England intends to win the war by avoiding the peace.

The dilly -dally.

Common diplomatic dads were cruel, cynical... and deadly to

the men on the battlefield.

We must do the unexpected now.

What?

Viad and I will leave here.

Try to make contact with the English on our own.

We must do it now before we have nothing to use in the negotiations.

Who's Papa going to be with again?

Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Bayard.

35.

Sentiment, Louisa.

Sentiment.

George Francis.

While I'm gone, you must do nothing of which your mother would be ashamed to

write. Be attentive in your studies and faithful in your devotions.

Take care of your mother.

I must.

With double my strength, John, as you have yours.

I know what I face, you do not.

The chariot is ready, sir.

Charles Francis.

Almighty and merciful God, into thy loving care and watchful keeping I

my family.

both here and in our own country, and pray for a felicitous reunion in

this world or the next. Thy will be done.

Amen. Amen.

Amen.

Good morning, Mr. Adams.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Leigh.

Gentlemen, we are finally able to begin a discussion of the issues that

confront us before tomorrow's first meeting with the British Commission. I

you all have been enjoying the attractions of the city of Ghent.

Well, hopefully we will spend less time than we did in St. Petersburg.

Six weeks already, Mr. Gallatin. The English move slowly.

Except... on the battlefield.

I am sure Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Bayard are as pleased as I am with the

president's choice of two such exemplary representatives of our country's

interests as Mr. Clay and Mr. Russell.

Gentlemen, as you know, we begin this bargaining from an unfortunate position.

That is, the war goes on. Now, it seems imperative to me that this commission,

when with the British at least, present a united front.

Even when we are, in fact, not united, Mr. Adams?

We will agree on basic principles, I am sure.

Are you, indeed?

There are several points upon which we are prepared to conclude the peace. One

is, obviously, that the British cease the impressment of American semen.

Now, in matters in which we must yield... Yield?

Let us be firm that we give nothing away that our country had before this war

began. That word yield bothers me. It has fewer syllables than surrender, but

has the same sound to my ear. We are in no position to present ultimatum, Mr.

Clay. Let us be sure we do not receive them either. Yes, that is all of our

What of our Western claims, Mr. Adams? They are my concern.

We will retain the legal right to the region around the Columbia River. We

give up nothing south of the boundary established by the Treaty of 1783.

You speak of what we will not give up.

What will we demand from them?

Mr. Monroe has given us one demand at least.

Useless or not.

It's a major one which should please you, Mr. Clay. I've read your speech is

favorable to it. We are instructed to make every effort to force the British

cede all of Canada.

To the United States. And that will be as easy as leveling my native Alps. Sir,

what of the British commissioners? Has anyone taken measure of them?

The British have sent their ableist diplomats to the Congress of Vienna to

settle the Napoleonic Wars. To resolve what the Crown obviously considers a

important problem, we have the gift of less important men.

Lord Gambier, head of their delegation, is an admiralty official of middling

rank.

Henry Goldberg, the diplomat whose only credential seemed to be that he was not

important enough to take to Vienna.

And Dr.

William Adams.

No relation, gentlemen, rest assured.

Is there technical advice on matters of law?

We wish to welcome the representatives of the United States.

It is His Majesty's and our most serious wish that these meetings prove

fruitful. and end the current unpleasantness between countries so

ancestry, language, and history.

Mr. Goodman.

After due review, His Majesty's government is prepared to deliberate the

following points in dispute.

Item, impressment.

Our official attitude is that this is purely an internal domestic concern, but

to prove our willingness to cooperate...

we will consider placing it on the agenda at some unspecified appropriate

Item, a revision of the boundaries between Canada and the United States.

Item, to revoke the 1783 agreement permitting American fishing rights in

Canadian waters.

Item, that the Indian allies of our country, for whom we feel an inordinate

responsibility, be granted sufficient land in the western territories for the

establishment of an independent Indian nation.

Lord Gambier, having heard and noted England's suggestions for the agenda,

may I respectfully request an adjournment for 24 hours?

Did I hear you correctly, Mr. Adams? You did, sir.

At the end of that time, we will have our thoughts assembled for the

deliberations. It will take you 24 hours to assemble your thoughts. It will,

sir.

Well, if you truly deem it necessary, the meeting's done.

Another war!

That's the answer.

Declare war on those supercilious asses all over again.

We're not even holding our own in this one.

They have always wanted the Ohio River to be the Canadian boundary.

What of the hundred thousand souls that live in that territory now?

Another 100 ,000 Canadians, that's all.

No!

And an Indian nation.

That means a British flag flying right in the middle of our continent. What

about the right to fish in the Canadian waters? If we lost those rights, New

England would secede from the Union. And good riddance to them. Gentlemen,

gentlemen.

We have been given begrudgingly 24 hours to work out our reply.

Your anger will not reduce the severity of the English demands.

No. Gambier's items were designed to produce this very effect.

He needs the six weeks it would take us to receive instructions from Washington

City.

He won't succeed.

No, sir, he will not.

If the British succeed in delaying these negotiations, we may have precious

little left to negotiate.

And we must work out our answer tonight.

We must keep this conference in session.

We are frankly astonished that the subject of an Indian territory or

you prefer, is even on the agenda of this commission.

Our government has complete sovereignty over the natives and the territory they

occupy, and that is as it must be.

Lord, Castle Ray's formula for these negotiations gave no indication that

subject was even to be discussed.

Now, there would be no value in going on with it.

It is not unusual under conditions such as these to...

pursue our conversations and reach a tentative solution.

Your commission would then sign a provisional article of agreement,

course, to the ratification of your government.

Our stand on that is equally firm.

But the Native American tribes are a matter of great concern to His Majesty.

Were they when we were His Majesty's colony?

His Majesty's benevolence to the Aborigines is well known.

Mr. Adams, are you willing to go along with us and work toward a provisional

article?

I am not, Your Lordship.

We can sign nothing concerning subjects we are not even authorized to discuss.

Perhaps you'd like another adjournment to discuss this with your colleagues?

No, sir. That would be useless.

We are united on this subject.

Leave us no choice but to adjourn these discussions until we can consult with

His Majesty's government in London.

His Majesty's Foreign Minister, Lord Castlereagh, visited Ghent during the

-week adjournment, and he advises us that you must be willing to discuss the

Indian question and to sign a provisional article at the conclusion of

subject. We will not... Consider an Indian nation west of the Great Lakes.

This is insufferable.

Lord Gambier, having heard this much of Lord Catheray's demands, may I suggest

the advisability of putting the remainder into writing?

For our study and deliberation, we will also answer in writing. This will avoid

the possibility of any misinterpretation on either side.

Perhaps considered reflection will lead to more productive future meetings.

Is this agreeable to your logic?

If it encourages the commission to sober consideration, so

be it.

Their answer is not to concede, but to attack.

Your government's steady encroachment on the Indian lands, your efforts to

obtain Canada by force. That charge is true, Mr. Adams.

It may be true, but we did not succeed.

They're bluffing, that's all.

There should be no mention of the territory in the treaties and no mention

the Indians either. If we stand firm on that issue, it will mean the ending of

this conference.

Are we willing to go that far because of the Indian question?

Yes.

Everyone in our country would be behind us.

The possibility of an Indian nation would inflame our armies and they'd

like madmen.

I must vote against ending this conference.

The country was founded at such a terrible cost.

You cannot desert her now.

I am not deserting my country.

But I am not serving it here either.

I shall write the eminent Lord Gambier tonight.

I shall request a passport from the British Navy to allow me to return home.

Look on our reply, gentlemen.

I do not doubt that our colleague will return.

This communicating by letter is inhuman.

There is no flexibility in pen and ink. Unless it comes from our ministry in

London. This just arrived from Lord Castlery.

We're ordered not to let the negotiations end.

The ministry fears.

That would fire American patriotism to fight on and eventually weaken us at the

Congress of Vienna.

If the Americans truly knew the military situation, they'd be on their knees

before us.

As we speak, our army should be advancing on their capital.

I know what I would do with it.

Six weeks ago.

There will be no American fishing rights to Canadian waters.

Phrase it even more strongly if you can, Newman.

Mr. Clay, the fishing rights are essential to the economy. Essential to

beloved New England.

It is the British demand for navigational rights to the Mississippi

should be discussing.

Give up access to the Mississippi and the navigation rights?

These colonials are trying to push us off the continent.

We must bend somewhere.

Despite, Mr. Clay, cannot we trade the navigation rights on the Mississippi for

the fishing privileges?

Let the British sail to New Orleans after they have paid the proper customs.

No, no, no, Dr.

Adams. No custom tax.

I refuse to consider it. Here, you write, write.

We no longer consider any settlement based on status before the war began.

Any settlement must instead be based on what we possess now.

My hope is always, Louisa, that the dilly -dally that

we dance at Ghent will be concluded soon.

And when it is, I will at last be able to ask you and Charles to leave St.

Petersburg and meet me in Paris.

Do you need assistance?

Pray don't trouble yourself, sir.

This is not the first time I've come to bed with the help of the banister.

No, sir, nor the first time you have come to bed at the same hour at which I

have arisen.

I've disturbed your morning labors.

My apologies, sir. That is not what is important, Mr. Clay. What is important

that we remain vigilant and sharp -eyed for this enterprise we are attempting to

conclude.

You fear I shall not have my wits about me.

A few hours sleep, and I'll be as sharp as a Yankee.

I do not doubt that, Mr. Clay.

I hope you will forgive my concern.

I'm obliged for it, sir.

Good night, Mr. Adams.

Good morning, Mr. Clay.

We've heard from Monroe.

Fort McHenry is held and the British have retired from Baltimore.

McDonagh has won for us on Champlain. And the invasion of New York was turned

back at Plattsburgh.

Wait till Lord Gambier hears that.

There's more.

The attack on Lake Erie has been thoroughly repulsed.

You said only the hand of heaven would help us.

Yes, the British may have played their delaying game too long.

I wouldn't bet on that too heavily, sir.

The British have petitioned their beloved Duke of Wellington to take

their army in our country.

Should he consent to accept the post, we confidently expect his sword to carve

enough meat off the Yankee turkey so that there will be nothing but bones

brought to the table at Ghent.

It is with deep regret that I inform you.

The Duke of Wellington has refused to assume command of our forces in the

States.

In his gracious words, in my opinion, there can be no satisfactory military

conclusion to the American campaign.

My best and earnest advice is to settle this on the basis of...

Status quo before the war began.

Christmas Eve, 1814.

The Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812, is signed.

It resolves no real issues, settles none of the disputed points.

But in winning little, the United States gains much.

The treaty signifies that this country is not merely a cluster of former

rebellious colonies calling themselves states, but a sovereign nation.

31 years after John Adams signed the Treaty of Paris, his son signs the

of Ghent.

Paris.

During the 100 days between Napoleon's return from Elba and his final defeat at

Waterloo, John Quincy and Louisa Catherine are reunited.

Papa!

Charles.

Let me see you.

I can't believe how you've grown.

Bonjour, John.

carriage out with a shovel.

What, on the trip? It was so cold our food was frozen.

Like Mrs. Madison's ice cream.

And tell me about the coachman stealing the silver and all our money and running

away and you being sick in Strasburg. Now that was nothing. I swear it, John,

just exhaustion.

Those six weeks traveling made St. Petersburg a very pleasant memory.

John, one of the boys.

You've heard from Massachusetts, haven't you?

Yes, and, uh...

And they are well.

Well, let me read their letters.

In a moment.

Entree. I have asked the concierge to serve dinner as soon as you arrived.

Will it be hot?

It will be, just as you want it.

I've even remembered all of your favorite vittles.

And there is wine. Oh.

That same wine we had so often at Nonsense.

John, where are our son's letters?

A toast.

Let me read the letters, John.

To our life, as it begins again.

To the court of St. James.

A toast to them, after all the pain they've caused us.

We must forget that pain now. It would not be proper for... the next minister

Great Britain.

Great Britain? We're going to live there, too?

Yes.

And you will like it much better than Russia, there the boys speak English.

I've only just been told privately.

I've written my mother and instructed her to put the boys on the first ship to

Europe.

Oh, John.

And so, after so very much, we will all be

together again.

In my way, Louisa.

I am weeping, too.

Great.

Well, Lord, for what we are about to receive, we humbly thank you.

Amen.