Original subtitles

Four generations of one family.

Their lives and causes reveal 150 years of American history.

March 1861.

Charles Francis Adams of Boston, Massachusetts, son and grandson of

of the United States, is serving a second term in Congress.

A Congress which, like the nation itself, is on the brink of dissolution.

Morning, Mr. Adams.

The newly elected president, Abraham Lincoln, offers an olive branch to the

rebellious southern states, but makes it clear he will not acquiesce in their

secession.

What a strange...

place to discover one's fate.

It was an enormous parade. Two companies, at least. I saw them lined up

common late in the afternoon.

The uniforms are absolutely dashing. I may have to wear one of those dashing

uniforms myself.

Don't be ridiculous, Henry.

Mother, if there's a war... I do not wish to hear any more talk about war and

uniforms at the breakfast table.

Good morning.

Good morning, Father.

Where's Charles?

He had to leave early. He had a business appointment. Too bad. I was hoping that

all of you would be here.

There's something concerning all of us in this morning's newspaper.

Yes, a telegraphic dispatch announcing that I was nominated yesterday by the

president as...

As minister to Great Britain.

Oh, congratulations, Father.

It seems that I'm the third in my family in lineal descent upon whom this great

honor has been conferred. The dispatch notes that it's unprecedented in

annals.

I think it is a disaster.

Oh, Mother.

Going to London, perhaps for years, the family separated away from friends, it's

unbearable. Oh, there are personal problems, yes.

Would we all be separated, Father? Not necessarily. No, you could all come with

us. Or at least make long visits. I could go to school there, I suppose.

Though I hear they're very strict.

Won't do you any harm, Mary.

Mary?

If you're finished with your breakfast, I would like to talk with your father.

I'm

sorry.

by surprise.

Well, I, too, am rather amazed.

After my last talk with Mr.

Seward, I thought London out of the question, but now that it's happened,

rather flattering.

There is, I'm sure you realize, an element of exile in this appointment.

I don't think so, Abby.

I know that Congress is an effective base for initiating useful legislation,

and... London is a long way from Washington.

Exactly.

You've had so much recognition the past few years.

And the family's together.

Everything's against accepting this appointment.

Except that I have been nominated by the president.

You won't refuse it, then?

Well, I've always contented myself with submission to a higher law than my own

will.

Mr. Lincoln has selected me as his minister in London.

We shall therefore go to London.

Good day, Mr. President.

You know Mr. Adams.

How are you, Mr. Adams? Very well, sir.

I should like to express my gratitude upon my appointment as Minister to Great

Britain and my appreciation for your faith in me. That's very kind of you,

Adams, but you're not my choice. You're Secretary of State Seward's man.

I hope I shall be able to carry out your instructions in the highest traditions

of the... I'm sure you will.

And, Seward, I've also settled the Chicago post office appointment.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Well, if there's nothing further... No, Mr. President.

Good day, then.

Good day, Mr. President.

Good day, Mr. President.

Well, that was short and to the point.

Yes. I was hoping for something more.

For some specific instructions.

It was quite casual, wasn't it? Almost indifferent.

The man who sits in that office hasn't much time for conversation.

I know a little about that office and the men who sit there.

Yes, you know the complexities of the problem, then.

I also know that unless the right decisions are made, and made promptly,

shall soon find ourselves engaged in a civil war.

Quite right. And should that come about, it'll be your responsibility to make

sure that the British Empire remains at the very least neutral.

That might be very difficult.

That's why you've been chosen for this post.

I suppose it's petty of me, but those are the words I had hoped to have heard

from the President.

Well, I shall do my best to meet your expectations. But should I fail, I shall

expect an immediate recall.

You won't fail, Mr. Adams.

Are

you

going to sit all day with your nose in that book?

My father's asked me to read this.

Call his history of England.

You could take a turn around the deck with me. Perhaps later. I have some

material to go over.

Well, aren't we important? Father appointed us as private secretary.

Oh, good morning, Mary.

Good morning, Father.

Your mother's been looking for you. She and Brooks are watching a school of

dolphins sporting off the port bow.

Oh, very well.

I'll leave the gentleman to more important business.

How do you like Macaulay? Dry, but reliable.

That's very well put.

I've been going over some confidential reports concerning the prime minister

his foreign secretary.

Palmerston offers rather barren ground.

He's been antagonistic towards the United States all through his public

What about Lord John Russell?

Well, we really don't know too much about him.

He'll be loyal to his prime minister, of course.

But he's always expressed an aversion towards slavery.

And he's fought on the right side of many unpopular causes.

Sounds promising.

Yes, this report also notes that he's a rather cold, aloof individual.

Men in public life often get that reputation undeservedly.

Go. Let's take a turn around the deck. You've plenty of time for Macaulay.

Racing, isn't it?

This is Mrs. Adams.

Welcome to the British Isles, Mrs. Adams.

Right this way. I have a carriage waiting.

Oh, Kevin. Oh, Martin.

of neutrality, granting belligerent rights to the Confederacy.

That's incredible!

Well, it's a dangerous sign, but at least it's not a recognition of the

independence of the Confederacy. It's a very small step short of that.

And the South will now be convinced that that recognition will come now as a

matter of course.

I'm sorry to greet you with bad news, sir. Well, bad beginnings often make for

good endings, Mr. Moran.

analysis of all the press reports and official publications and it seems to me

that the proclamation of neutrality is based principally on two things one that

jefferson davis is president of the confederacy has announced his intention

issue letters of mark for privateering and two lincoln then proclaimed the

blockade of southern ports now these two actions have put england and the

government here in a dilemma If she treats Confederate privateers as

They are pirates. If she treats them as pirates, she would be taking an active

part in the struggle. But the point is that the South is not a maritime state.

So far, not one privateer has appeared on the ocean. But still, we receive this

proclamation of neutrality. Do you think, then, that England is acting from

deep -seated disposition toward the Confederacy? Or a deep -seated

toward the Union? I don't know.

I've been given two general instructions.

English offers of mediation or compromise are not to be entertained.

And any recognition of the independence of the Confederacy is to be regarded as

an unfriendly act aimed at destroying our nation. I must see Lord John Russell

immediately. Well, his brother's been taken ill, but it will be arranged as

as possible after your presentation to the Queen.

Aren't you ready yet, Charles?

Not quite.

This is the largest I can find.

I'm coming out now.

You have a very nice leg.

Stop that, Mary.

Sorry, Mother. I agree with Mother about the leg.

Sir.

Oh, good Lord.

Did my predecessors dress up like this to be presented to the Queen?

No, sir. Both Mr. Dallas and Mr. Buchanan wore plain black suits.

That was the order of the previous Secretary of State.

And Mr.

Seward, in his benevolence, has left the question of attire up to me.

May I point out, Mr. Adams, that the plain black suit worn by Mr. Dallas and

Buchanan was quite similar to Butler's attire, which caused some resentment in

court circles, including the Queen, as showing a lack of respect.

And dressing up in this monkey outfit is respectful?

Yes, sir. And traditional?

Yes, sir.

Well, I personally dislike...

Gaudy dress and ostentatious display.

But for the sake of my country, I shall appear before the queen dressed thusly.

There's something amusing, Mary.

No, Father.

Nice leg, Mr. Adams.

Thank you, Mrs.

Adams.

Stop that, Mary.

Mr. Adams.

I have great pleasure, sir. Thank you, sir.

And for me also. I bring the compliments of President Lincoln and Secretary

Seward and my own desire to maintain the best of relationships between our two

countries. I'll be assured of my very deep commitment to mutual amity and

and hope that we may be able to further an understanding climate for the benefit

of our two great nations.

Please be seated. Thank you, sir.

I'm sorry our first meeting has been so long too late.

I was informed that this was due to the illness of your brother.

I do hope that his health has improved.

It has.

I thank you for your concern.

Are you established quite comfortably in London?

We're in the process. I have the good fortune to be accompanied by my wife and

three of our children.

Should there be anything you need, please do be the same as recorded on me.

Thank you, sir.

Lord John, upon landing in Liverpool, I was dismayed by the news of the Queen's

proclamation of neutrality concerning my country's relationship with the

Confederacy. Well, it was an action dictated by the circumstances.

Well, I must register my country's objection to that action.

Your country's granting of belligerent rights to the Confederacy appears to be

precipitous. Well, it was the result of my country's profound desire to maintain

a neutral stand.

There is the fear that it is the forerunner of formal recognition of the

independence of the Confederacy by your country. That fear is quite unfounded,

sir. Oh, well, then you can assure me that your country has no intention of

recognizing the Confederacy. You speak of a formal recognition?

I do.

Well, at the moment, Her Majesty's government has no intention of a formal

recognition. So, I may take this as a promise that there will be no act of

recognition in the future.

In the future?

Well, conditions, of course, may change.

Attitudes here alter.

So, you are not prepared to make that promise?

No, sir.

Any formal recognition of the rebels would be highly displeasing to my

Well, I quite understand, but I'm sorry, Mr. Adams.

It would be misleading on my part to commit my country to any future course

action.

I am disappointed.

It would be misleading on my part to say otherwise.

Well, I thank you for your directness.

And now, if there is anything that I can do to make your stay here more

comfortable, please don't hesitate to call on me.

Thank you, sir.

And although the interview was conducted on the most friendly terms, the

substance, as I've indicated, leaves a cloud over the question of future

neutrality. Do you have all that?

Yes, sir. How does it sound if you were Seward reading it?

That you had a friendly meeting.

And that there's an ambivalent attitude on the part of the British government

toward our country.

Yes.

Not too harsh?

No, sir.

I feel myself swimming in muddy waters. Do you understand how important this

issue of British neutrality really is, Henry? It goes to the very survival of

the Union, sir. Exactly.

If the British recognize the rebels, then the French will, and perhaps...

Even other countries. And the South will be able to get materiel and financial

aid and armaments.

War will drag on. The fissure deepen.

The Union eventually dissolve.

I look at Russell, and I realize that he and Palmerston and the British just

might destroy our country.

And it both angers and frightens me.

I must do all I can.

I must be strong, but not overbearing.

Must be subtle, but not devious.

Proud, but not vain.

I hope I'm up to it.

Is there anything else for my attention this morning?

A letter from Charles. Oh, good. Read it, will you?

My dear father.

A great change has come over my feelings about this war business.

And I now feel not only a strong inclination to go off, but a conviction

from many points of view I ought to do it.

I am 26 years old and of course have a right to do as I choose.

But I acknowledge, as I have done all along, that great regard is due in this

matter to you and your feelings.

And I shall not go without your consent.

But I think you ought to give that consent if under circumstances I ask for

You will say there is small glory in a civil war, and this is generally true.

But in the civil war in England, or in the revolution here, what should we now

think of a man who, in the hour of greatest danger, sat at home reading the

papers?

For years our family has talked of slavery in the South, and has been most

prominent in the contest of words.

And now it has come to blows, does it become us to stand aloof from the

conflict?

It is not as if I were your only son, though many such have gone.

But your family is large and it seems almost disgraceful that in after years

should have to say that of them all, not one this day stood in arms for that

government with which our family history is so closely connected.

I earnestly hope for our own credit and that of our name that you will make no

objection to my taking a commission and going forth to sustain the government.

Would you like to frame a reply?

Not at the moment.

Will you give consent?

What will I gain?

Nothing. The experience of leading a company in battle, there's no future

in that.

Then you'll discourage Charles.

I shall do nothing.

No.

I'll neither encourage nor discourage him.

Charles will make up his own mind.

And I shall accept it.

That was an extremely good dinner, Lord Darby. So glad you enjoyed it.

Well, Mr. Adams, are you quite satisfied with the house that you've taken?

Oh, Mrs. Adams is satisfied, Mr. Mills.

That has always quite satisfied me. That's very wise.

A woman unhappy with her house is like a bird unhappy with its nest.

It either leaves or refuses to lay more eggs.

Well, I'm not looking forward to any more eggs or chicks at my age.

I'm sure in these troubled times.

You have a son in the army, I understand.

I have two, sir. One already serving, and the other about to take a commission

in the cavalry. Well, that must be a great worry.

It is indeed.

A terrible war, terrible.

Everyone in England prays it will be over soon.

But not everyone prays that the Union will survive.

Oh, most of us are in great sympathy with your crusade against slavery.

But, Mr. Adams, we're often confounded.

by your northern leader's assertion that the main objective of the war is

reunion, not abolition?

Well, there can be no abolition without reunion, sir. Ah. Is abolition the main

issue of the war?

Abolition is the catalyst, Mr. Lewis.

The issue is the preservation of the Union.

As some people here ask, why not allow the South to proceed?

Why hold a whole section of the country...

By force.

Secession is another name for rebellion, sir.

Oh, but my dear Mr. Adams, isn't your entire country the result of a

rebellion?

Against a government in which we were not permitted to participate.

Ah. But the states which formed the Confederacy participated on an equal

with all other states of the United States.

Are you quite certain that the Union can be maintained by force?

There may be temporary setbacks, but the Union will prevail.

Even at the sacrifice of the fight against slavery?

The fight against slavery will continue, sir. It will not be sacrificed.

Well, I'm sure that must please our Foreign Secretary.

Quite an anti -slavery champion, our Jack Russell.

Please.

Earl Russell now.

Yes, it must be strange for him to be elevated to the House of Lords.

Why strange, sir?

Well, the man's a lifelong reformer and advocate of liberty.

And suddenly he finds himself secure against the vagaries of the electorate.

He doesn't have to go to the people anymore.

Well, I don't know Lord Russell very well, but I have the feeling that he's

a man who shifts with the winds of public opinion.

Oh, I'm sure you're right, Mr. Adams.

You do know that there is a large section of this country that actively

sympathizes with the Confederacy.

Oh, I do know that, sir.

And I'm always interested in the reasons for it.

Well,

a great many aristocrats here feel an affinity for your aristocracy of the

South.

And then, of course, there are business people.

who see an advantage in dealing directly with an agricultural confederacy

without interference from the north.

And there are others who look upon this struggle as one of independence from

oppression.

I appreciate the frankness of this discussion, gentlemen.

And I realize that you are expressing various aspects of British public

not necessarily your own.

So I shall be equally frank with you.

The Union will be preserved.

The issue of reunion is not open to compromise.

Those who offer a compromise or who take any action to strengthen the

Confederacy do great damage to the Union.

I can only hope that both friends and enemies of the United States understand

this.

Things are going quite well for you here, aren't they, Mr. Adams?

So far.

But as you know, sir, I rent my house in London only by the month.

There you are, Katie.

The newspaper, sir.

And? Very bad.

Bull Run was not merely a defeat, it was a rout.

Good Lord. I was hoping that the preliminary reports were wrong. That the

of the tragedy was being exaggerated. What happened?

The blame is put in various places, but... Poor training, poor leadership,

tactics, poor materiel, poor soldiers.

Plain fact of the matter is that a large northern army has been put to rout by a

small southern army.

That's what the English press is saying, that's what the English people are

reading, and that's what the English government will be discussing.

Is there anything else, sir?

No, thank you, Mr. Moran.

Papa's ass.

Yes, but he's quite right.

There'll be a shock reaction in British opinion because of Bull Run.

Even if one battle doesn't make a war, people love winners.

Father, I've been writing a letter to Charles.

Oh, good.

I'd like you to hear one paragraph.

Perhaps later, Henry.

Yes, Father.

Read it.

My dear Charles, we've received the news of our defeated bull run.

I wish you on receipt of this to go to someone in authority and get a

for me, if you can.

No matter what, second, third lieutenant, or ensign, if you can do no

If you decide ultimately to go in as a captain, I could serve under you.

At any rate, I wish to have a commission.

Henry.

Yes, Father.

You've read enough.

I wanted you to know before I sent this letter.

Thank you.

I've drafted several paragraphs.

relating to the blockade aspects of the Declaration of Paris, would you be so

good as to copy them out for me?

Joining to them, any comments that you may have?

My comments, sir?

Of course. Does that surprise you?

I'm very flattered, sir.

That was not the intention of my request.

Mr. Adams.

Mr. Allison is here. Oh, good joy, man. Should I go?

No, this is Archibald Allison, the historian. I've admired his work for 30

years. He sent me a note requesting an interview.

Your Excellency, may I present Mr. Allison?

Mr. Allison.

This is my son, Henry.

How do you do? How do you do?

Well, Mr. Adams, very decent of you to see me. Not at all, sir. I've read so

much of what you've written. Of course.

I won't waste your time, Mr. Adams.

I have the solutions for all the problems now besetting your country.

You have?

It's laughably simple.

First, the United States must inaugurate a monarchy.

You are Archibald Allison.

No, sir. I'm Alexander Allison.

I misread your signature.

Never mind, sir. No harm done. As I was saying, the United States must

inaugurate a monarchy.

Establish a national church and abolish all the states. These three things

accomplished immediately will save your country from destruction.

May I ask, who are you?

I am a writer on religion, currency reform, and politics.

Now, if you'll be good enough to convey my solutions to Mr. Lincoln. I

appreciate your concern, sir, but your suggestions violate the Constitution of

the United States.

Your constitution brings you nothing but trouble. We English don't have a

written constitution, and we get along very well without one.

Take a leaf from our book, sir.

You won't survive without a strong monarchy and a strong national church.

And after all, what good are states anyway?

Trivialities. Routine paperwork.

Mistaken identities, fustian and nonsense. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.

How do you manage to keep your temper?

It's my duty to be a good temper.

Twenty times a day I almost stand up and shout, ouch, ouch, you ridiculous ass.

I should like to see that.

Well, you won't.

I will not be goaded into anger by the arrogant and patronizing attitude taken

by so many of the English towards our countryman Cabby.

What do they have to be arrogant about? Look around you.

What do we see on our daily excursions? It's a city of great beauty, Father.

Parts of it, yes.

But the shops, good Lord, have you ever seen such garish, tasteless examples of

extravagance?

And right here on this very street, they say that Americans are lawless, that

our cities are full of criminality. We have no scenes to rival this.

Right in the open.

And no attempt to put a stop to it.

Do I sound like a Puritan, Henry?

Where to, sir?

Number five, Upper Portland Place, please. Thank you.

Walk on.

Perhaps we should get out of London for a time. Go out and see the countryside,

all of us.

By the way, Father, I've decided not to seek a military commission for myself.

Oh?

Well, there's a great deal of work to be done here.

I feel I have a duty to stay.

Duty?

An exacting mistress, Henry.

There are satisfactions, sir.

Mr.

Adams, very good of you to come so quickly.

At your service, sir.

A most alarming incident has taken place.

I shall read to you the report that has come to my hand.

On the 8th day of November, the British mail pack at Trent, while sailing in the

Bahama Channel, was intercepted by the United States sloop of war, San Jacinto,

commanded by a Captain Wilkes.

The Trent was fired upon and boarded.

Two men, Mason and Sladell, were removed to the San Jacinto.

I beg your pardon?

I believe that's San Jacinto, sir.

Spanish. Oh, I'm obliged to you.

Mason and Slider were removed to the San Jacinto and taken back to Boston

Harbor. They're now imprisoned at Fort Warren.

May I ask, does this report confirm your own information?

I have very little to add, Lord Russell.

I was in the country when Mr. Moran sent me a dispatch with the facts.

Similar to those that you've stated, I'm endeavoring to obtain further details.

And a British ship has been boarded by an American slope of war. Two men have

been removed.

The two men, Mason and Slidell, are special commissioners of the

appointed by Jefferson Davis.

I also understand that your Congress has awarded this pirate Wilkes a gold

medal. There are legal precedents for Wilkes' action.

even in recent British maritime activities.

Legalities aside, Mr. Adams, do you realize how the British public will

this incident?

I think there will be a great furor.

I think there will be considerable anger directed at my government.

May I have your explanation of this matter?

At the moment, I'm unable to discuss it. Why not?

As I said, sir, I have only the bare facts.

Was the interception of the Trent planned by your government?

No plan to that effect was made known to me, sir.

Was Wilkes' action authorized by your government?

Not to my knowledge.

Would you be so good as to make inquiries as to both of those questions?

Of course.

Her Majesty's government will require the restoration of Mason and Sladell to

British jurisdiction.

It will demand an official apology.

I can only say, sir, that my government will act... in an appropriate and

honorable manner.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Adams?

Yes, sir. Are you recently at Mountain Mills Country Place?

It was there that I received the dispatch concerning the trench.

You toured the ruins there?

Yes.

Remarkably tedious and undistinguished, aren't they?

Had I known you were going, I should have made an effort to warn you.

In future, I should consider you my authority on local ruins.

Good day, Lord Russell.

Good day, Mr. Adams.

Now, Katie, I want

all Miss Mary's things placed in that large box.

Yes, ma 'am. And Ellen, that box is to be reserved for Mr. Henry's shirts and

work.

I ask, what you are doing?

Packing, sir.

I can see that.

Where are you going?

Home. To Boston, sir.

You may go.

Both of you.

Thank you.

Well?

You said last night at table that if Stuart kept you in the dark any longer

concerning the Trent affair, you might as well be at home.

I was speaking in metaphor.

Well, I shall pack in metaphor.

Sir, you are the American minister.

Yet you know as much about Seward and Lincoln's plans in the Trent matter as

Katie and Ellen.

You do not deserve this humiliation.

I sit idly by day after day.

My hands are tied.

But I noted in my last dispatch to Seward...

That I have been placed in an extremely awkward position.

And therefore, the boxes.

I should like nothing better.

But we shall stay.

We shall stay until I am officially recalled.

Or until the British government requests my absence.

Many nights I... I dream of Boston.

Of the Charles.

Of Charles, did you say?

Of thee, Charles, the river.

Yes, and of our sons, too.

I dream of home.

I'm not suited for exile.

Nor I, Abby.

Nor I.

Who's this one?

Uh, the Doge Leonardo Loredano by Bellini.

Sour -looking old devil, isn't he?

Don't you see the energy there, the strength?

I favor something prettier.

Bellini usually paints those outdoor scenes, lovely skies. That's why this

portrait is so remarkable.

Henry, just because you've read the catalog... Father, you hate these weekly

visits, don't you? Not at all. I consider them a necessary part of our

education.

He was elected Doge at age 65 and ruled Venice for 20 years.

I suppose there's a lesson in that for me.

Oh, that's more interesting. A king on a horse.

It's old King George III.

My grandfather tweaked his nose, and he never left the ground.

I have a message from Lord Russell.

The Foreign Secretary begs your attendance in Whitehall at your earliest

possible convenience.

Very well. Thank you. Thank you.

It seems that I am called by affairs of state. None too soon. Shall I accompany

you? Oh, no.

Since you actually enjoy all this, it would be a pity to tear you away.

I'm sending a dispatch today to Lord Lyons in Washington, indicating my

government's acceptance of...

Your government's assurances that Captain Wilkes' assault on the Trent was

without official instructions or foreknowledge.

As you know, the prisoners have both been released, which substantially

with our demands.

Her Majesty's government now feels that the unfortunate incident of the Trent is

closed.

I am most gratified, sir.

I, too, consider the incident unfortunate.

I've been most anxious that the Trent affair should not affect the relations

between our two governments.

And you have done your best to ease the friction. I know that.

Only your efforts to maintain a calm atmosphere are appreciated.

I only wish I'd been able to be more instrumental in the negotiations.

Well, we are both the servants of our governments, Mr. Adams.

Yes. And I think we both share a...

dedication to peace.

Without question, sir.

Well, I can only hope that nothing arises in the future to disturb the

relations between our two governments.

I shall work unceasingly to that end, sir.

A glass of material, Mr. Adams?

With pleasure, Lord Russell.

Oh, there has been a...

Talk of a desire on your part to leave your post here.

I plan to remain as long as I can be of use.

Good.

Then I look forward to your company for many years.

To peace.

To peace.

In the woods near Falmouth, Virginia.

My dear father, I'm writing from here to show you I don't forget you while we're

at the front.

Early Thursday morning, cold and clear, the brigade got into line and began to

advance to the front.

While we were at the stable, a heavy cannonade opened, and it was clear that

work was before someone.

It was at first very cold, and our fingers and feet felt it sharply.

But as the sun rose, this passed away, and the weather moderated.

Presently we came to a large field about a mile and a half from the point of

cannonading, and there the brigade drew up, dismounted, and began to wait.

On our left, on a rising round, was an infantry line of battle.

Beyond and above them was a cloud of smoke, and this was all I saw of

fighting.

What are you eating today? Stew, sir. Oh,

thank you.

My dear son.

Here, public matters remain in a profound state of repose, and will

continue so for another month.

The great body of the aristocracy and the wealthy commercial classes are

to see the United States go to pieces.

On the other hand, the middle and lower classes sympathize with us.

All equally see in the convulsions in America an era in the history of the

out of which must come, in the end, a general recognition of the right of

mankind to the produce of their labor and the pursuit of happiness.

The house in Ealing, in which I spent some of my boyhood, is for sale.

We plan a visit shortly.

Buck!

Buck, you're passing it! Buck!

That's it! I'm sure of it. You said that three miles back at that rectory.

Well, this is the house. I'm positive. I can recognize the slope of the eaves.

I think you're lost.

Father. Don't criticize your father, Mary.

This is the fourth house we stopped at. But he hasn't been in Ealing for 45

years. 45 years? I don't think I'd recognize a house in Boston after 10.

Why doesn't he admit he's lost?

Men are never lost, Mary.

Disoriented, perhaps, but never lost.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

About a mile farther along, on the right.

I always know where I am.

Walk on.

Walk on.

All right, everyone.

This is it.

This is the house.

And we have permission to look about.

I'm going to keep this.

Yes. Yes, exactly as I remember it.

Forty -five years.

But quite the same.

But oh, how sadly neglected.

You may go in if you like.

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

How long has it been empty?

For many years, madam.

Almost the same.

Almost, but smaller, it seems to me.

My father's study.

Oh, I can almost see him here.

Well, go on, look around, explore. That's why we're here.

Henry, let's look for the children's rooms. Perhaps we'll find one of

old toys. When will you grow up, Mary?

Never, I hope.

It's a pleasant place.

Oh, how I'd love to come home here from school on holiday.

It was like a charming garden of Eden compared to the gloom of Dr. Nicholas's

establishment. I can remember nothing quite so funny.

Has there been so much gloom and darkness, Mr. Adams?

My life has not been unhappy, Mrs. Adams.

Oh, I would have preferred a more positive appraisal.

I'm sorry, but when I look about this room, about this house, I realize that

the persons in that little family are gone now.

Father, mother, George, John.

Only I survive. I and the two servants.

You have your own family now.

And they please me greatly.

Forty -five years, life has rolled away since I was here.

The future seemed illimitable then.

And now? And now you are Minister of the United States.

I don't complain.

Sometimes I wish you did.

I shall try to be your obedient servant, madam.

Shall we inspect the other rooms?

Of course.

I'm glad we came.

You really love this place.

I love who I was here.

Perhaps that's the same thing.

So, those are the Laird Rams.

Impressive.

Completely ironclad.

Correct, Moran?

Ironclad. Practically invulnerable and almost completed.

There's no question that they're destined for delivery to the

an open secret. The Laird shipyard people privately boast about it.

It's not official, of course, but no one but the South could have ordered them.

When are they to be launched?

Soon. The middle of August.

Surely the British government won't allow them to leave.

They won't risk an incident with the North at this point over two gunboats,

they, Father?

I should hope not.

But one mustn't make any assumptions about Her Majesty's ministers.

Lord Russell and the Foreign Office are subject to strong and...

Various pressures.

I think the time has come for me to make myself quite clear concerning the Laird

Rams.

The Laird Rams.

Yes. Yes, I was aware of their construction.

Two powerful... Ironclads.

Mr. Laird himself made a speech in the House recently defending his right to

build or outfit vessels for any government or individual.

My government does not accept that principle.

Well, the speech was, as I remember, loudly cheered. I hope you were not

influenced by emotional reactions in Parliament.

I try not to be, but my government, as yours, serves at the will of the people.

Lord Russell, delivery of the Laird Rams to the Confederacy could have the most

profound influence on the future conduct of the war.

Certainly the South would be encouraged.

Southern leaders would be led to expect...

New gunboats from English shipyards and more goods from English factories.

But the war is practically over, sir.

Your General Grant has one at Vicksburg. Lee has been checked at Gettysburg.

Aren't you making rather too much of these gunboats? I should like to call to

your attention the case of the gunboat Alabama.

Yes, I remember the case of the Alabama.

While the Alabama was under construction, I warned the collector of

Liverpool that she was bound for Confederacy. I know the history of the

I went even further.

and obtained an opinion from Mr. Collier, the judge advocate of the

the American government would have serious grounds for complaint should the

Alabama be permitted to depart.

Perhaps you don't remember, Mr. Adams, but I did try to detain the Alabama at

Liverpool. You were too late, sir.

To my regret.

As a Confederate gunboat, the Alabama has destroyed many, many northern ships,

and lives have been lost. So I have been told.

The Laird Rams must not be a repetition of the Alabama.

The United States would be forced to take action if that occurred.

Action?

What kind of action?

We'd be left no alternative but self -protection.

We'd be led to using privateers to follow enemy ships, even into British

and destroying them. That would be unthinkable.

I so hope, sir.

In short, then, what is your position?

My government has evidence that the Laird Rams are to be devoted to the

of carrying on war against the United States.

Their departure from Liverpool would bring about the most serious

Therefore, we ask that Her Majesty's government assure the government of the

United States that the Laird Rams will be prevented from leaving Liverpool.

I will take your request under advisement.

That is your answer?

My full answer will be forthcoming.

Good day, Lord Russell.

We are daily expecting a movement of some kind, though what we are at a loss

imagine.

I look for it with mixed emotions.

Our situation is that of a man fighting for his life with one hand tied behind

his back.

This condition of affairs bears more heavily on the cavalry than on any other

arm of the service.

We are fairly used up, knocked off our legs.

Six months ago, I commanded two companies and had 110 men in the field.

command three companies and have about 40 effective men.

Not 20 of whom would be left at the end of four days of hard service.

And the horses.

Such a collection of crow's bait the eye of man never saw.

He concludes with love and regards for the whole family.

Especially for his dear father.

What a wonderful time he's having. How can you say that? All that hardship and

danger. Young men call it adventure.

Young men are very foolish, then.

I'll answer this letter tomorrow so as to catch the next mail packet. Fine.

It's a lovely day for a walk.

Perhaps this afternoon.

You'll have to excuse me, Abby.

I'm awaiting a communication from the Foreign Secretary.

For just an hour.

Not today.

Very well, if you'll excuse me.

You must have more care for your mother's feelings.

All I said was that I envy Charles' military career.

Exactly. Well, I do.

Just don't do it in front of your mother.

Come in.

The notice arrived from the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Adams. Read it.

Colonel Russell to Mr. Adams. Sir, relative to the ironclad vessels in

construction at Messer's Laird's yards at Birkenhead, I have now the honor to

communicate to you the results of the inquiries which have been instituted.

Her Majesty's government is advised that there is insufficient evidence to show

that the building and fitting out of these vessels is illegal under the

Enlistment Act.

Under these circumstances, Her Majesty's government is advised that it cannot

interfere in any way with these vessels.

I have the honor to be with the highest consideration... That

appears quite final.

It appears so.

So, the ironclad sail from Liverpool and Britain won't lift a finger.

I wonder how Mr. Seward will react.

We haven't time to wait on Seward.

Henry, what's your opinion?

I think the gauntlet's been thrown down. And you would pick it up? With

pleasure. Mr. Moran. It's a dangerous situation.

Yes.

Our country's honor is at stake.

And it must be maintained. In the proper spirit. No delays, no fear, no

equivocation. I will not be ruled by unworthy emotions.

I agree.

If Britain does not treat us with the proper respect, we'll teach them a

We shall send a note to Lord Russell immediately. Henry.

Take down these thoughts, will you?

I shall inform Lord Russell that with the sailing of the Laird Rams,

Britain can no longer claim neutral status.

With the sailing of the Rams, Britain takes on the role of a participating

belligerent.

With the sailing of the Rams...

Conclude the note with the following

phrase.

It would be superfluous in me to inform your lordship that this is war.

Writing to Charles?

Yes.

I've changed my mind about that walk.

It is a beautiful day.

And the note from Russell did arrive and has been answered.

Then your mind is clear.

Quite clear.

I think you may order the boxes down from the attic tomorrow, Abby.

We're going home.

It would appear so.

Well, come. Let's not waste the day.

Your Excellency.

Mr. Adams, come in.

A glass of material, perhaps?

No, thank you, Lord Russell.

Well, I hesitate to presume on your time, but perhaps you'd like to hear the

note that I'm preparing concerning the lad Rams.

Yes, I would, sir.

Well, it begins thus.

Lord Russell presents his compliments to Mr. Adams.

and has the honour to inform him that instructions have been issued which will

prevent the departure of the two iron -clad vessels from Liverpool.

Prevent the departure?

Yes. The Laird Rams have been detained.

And I go on here to cite the legal reasons for this detention, most of them

quite imperfect, and which will, I am sure, expose me to both legal and

political embarrassment.

But the Laird Rams will not say you.

will not sail.

I rather wanted you to hear those words from my lips.

Notes are so impersonal.

I feel great relief, sir.

I won't dare venture to claim that I had any part in this decision.

I shall ascribe the credit to the Supreme Being.

Yes, that's always safe.

Perhaps we should have that glass now?

A very good idea.

Thank you.

To what shall we drink, Mr. Adams?

To... To harmony between... Two great nations.

And to a safe harbor for two men who have spent many hours sailing a

course close to the wind.

Katie, be careful of that shawl. It's been in the family two generations.

Sorry, madam.

Ellen, fold the silks loosely.

What are you doing?

Packing. Why?

You said yesterday, take down the boxes.

We're not going home There's been a change in the weather The weather? The

diplomatic weather We stay in London For how long?

For as long as my country needs me What about your family? What about us?

Five long years were to pass before Abigail and Charles Francis returned

Tens of thousands of young men had died for the truth as they saw it.

A reunited states was to rise from the destruction of that war.

New ideas and ideals and institutions were to come from the devastation.

As before, sons of an Adams were to take part in shaping them.