All language subtitles for 00001 (1)

I have long feared...

...that my sins would return to visit me.

And the cost is more than I can bear.

Samuel ! A postrider!

An "R."

Good .

What about this one?

-Thank you .
-You're welcome.

Father! Father!

N ine pounds, 11 ounces.
That's perfect. Perfect.

Father, a postrider!

Did you finish planting the field?

More than half.

Those swimming breaks really cut
into the day, don't they?

Told you .

Thomas.

Wait for Father.

Sorry.

That's her. The North Star.

See?

You start from the front two stars
of the Big Dipper.

And then you count up.

You count up fiVe finger-Iengths...

...and it's right there.

And she'II always be Iooking down on us.

And protect us. Forever.

Come. Into bed .

Good night. Good night, Meg .

It helps her to know Mother's there.

Good night.

So, what was in the mail?

Peter Cuppin joined the Continentals.

He's 1 7, a year younger than I .

Well , the assembly's been convened ,
so I've been called to Charles Town .

-We're going to Charles Town?
-We are.

We Ieave in the morning .

-Aunt Charlotte!
-Aunt Charlotte!

Margaret, William, Iook at you .

Missed you .

They're huge.
What haVe you been feeding them?

Well , they're from good stock.
On their mother's side, of course.

Thank you . Come inside.
Wait until you see what I have.

-Presents? Presents for us?
-Move slowly.

You two, keep an eye
on these heathens, will you?

Thomas!

Sorry.

I have this for you, Susan .
It belonged to your mother.

She's still not talking?

No.

It does me good to see you .

Look, there's Gabriel .

-Gabriel !
-Gabriel !

-Burn him !
-Hang King George!

Death to King George!

-Hang them all !
-Hang the Iot of them!

My name is Peter Howard .

I Iost most of my hearing and my Ieft Ieg ...

...fighting for the Crown
in the French and I ndian War.

And how did King George reward me?

He cuts off my other Ieg with his taxes.

Miss Howard , isn't it?

You know who I am, Gabriel Martin .

The Iast time you saw me,
I was 11 and you put ink in my tea.

I believe that was one
of my younger brothers.

Perhaps Samuel or Nathan .

It was you , and it turned
my teeth black for a month .

I ...

--and send a message to King George
he will never forget!

Our first order of business--

And our Iast, if we vote a Ievy!

Order, order!

Mr. Simms, you do not have the floor.

First, an address by Colonel
Harry Burwell of the Continental Army.

Colonel Burwell.

You all know why I'm here.

I'm not an orator.

And I would not try to conVince you
of the worthiness of our cause.

I'm a soldier.

And we are at war.

From Philadelphia, we expect
a declaration of independence.

Eight of the 1 3 colonies
have IeVied money...

...in support of a Continental Army.

I ask that South Carolina be the ninth .

Massachusetts and Virginia
may be at war...

...but South Carolina is not!

Hear, hear.

This is not a war for the independence
of one or two colonies...

...but for the independence of one nation .

And what nation is that?

An American nation!

There is no such nation ,
and to speak of one is treason .

We are citizens of an American nation .

And our rights are being threatened ...

...by a tyrant 3000 miles away.

Would you tell me, please, Mr. Howard ...

...why should I trade one tyrant
3000 miles away...

...for 3000 tyrants one mile away?

An elected Iegislature can trample
a man's rights as easily as a king can .

Captain Martin ...

... I understood you to be a patriot.

If you mean by "patriot," am I angry
about taxation without representation?

Well , yes, I am.

Should the American colonies
govern themselves independently?

I believe they can . And they should .

But if you're asking me
am I willing to go to war with England ...

...then the answer is most definitely no.

This from the same Captain Benjamin
Martin whose fury was so famous...

...during the Wilderness campaign?

I was intemperate in my youth .

Temperance can be a disguise for fear.

Mr. Middleton ,
I fought with Captain Martin...

...under Washington
in the French and I ndian War.

There's not a man in this room ...

...or anywhere for that matter, to whom
I would more willingly trust my Iife.

-Hear, hear.
-Hear, hear!

There are alternatives to war.

We take our case before the king .

-We plead with him.
-We tried .

Well , then we try again , and again ,
if necessary, to avoid a war.

Benjamin . I was at Bunker H ill .

The British advanced three times.

We killed over 700 at point-blank range,
and still they took the ground .

That is the measure of their resolve.

If your principles dictate independence...

...then war is the only way.

It has come to that.

Hear, hear!

I have seven children .

My wife is dead .

Now, who's to care for them if I go to war?

Wars are not fought only
by childless men .

Granted .

But mark my words.

This war will be fought not
on the frontier...

...or on some distant battlefield ...

...but amongst us.

Among our homes.

Our children will Iearn of it
with their own eyes.

And the innocent will die
with the rest of us.

I will not fight.

And because I will not fight,
I will not cast a vote...

...that will send others to fight
in my stead .

And your principles?

I'm a parent.
I haven't got the Iuxury of principles.

We must vote to levy!

Twenty-eight to 1 2! The Ievy passed !

You intend to enlist
without my permission?

Yes, I do.

Father, I thought
you were a man of principle.

When you have a family of your own,
perhaps you'II understand .

When I have a family of my own,
I won't hide behind them .

He's as imprudent
as his father was at his age.

Regrettably so.

I'Il see to it that he serves under me.

Make him a clerk or quartermaster,
something of that sort.

Good Iuck.

Dear Thomas:
Though many seasons...

...have passed,
it seems like only yesterday...

...when we last saw each other
in Charles Town.

With sadness, l learned
of its recent fall to the British...

...under General Cornwallis.

I received a letter from Aunt Charlotte...

...saying she closed her home
in Charles Town after the city fell...

...and moved to her plantation
on the Santee.

Here in the north, our campaign has
been marked by defeat and privation.

Our losses have been grievous.

My good friend, Peter Cuppin,
fell at Elizabethtown.

No!

His death has been difficult to bear.

We will march south
with General Gates...

...to fight the redcoats under Cornwallis.

Thank you , sir.

Easy, Red . Easy.

Come back!

I envy you...

...your youth and your distance
from this cruel conflict--

--"Of which I am a part.

But I am fortunate to be serving
the cause of Iiberty.

And though I fear death...

...each day in prayer
I reaffirm my willingness...

...to giVe my Iife in its service.

Pray for me.

But above all, pray for the cause.

Your loving brother, Gabriel ."

What are you doing?

Turn around .

Not yet, Thomas.

When?

Seventeen .

That's two years. It's already been two.

-The war could be over by then.
-God willing .

AII right. Seventeen .

AII right.

Put it back, please.

Father?

What happened at Fort Wilderness?

Put it away.

Six-pounders. Lots of them.

How far away?

They're a Iong way off. They're
most Iikely heading the other direction.

Put those in the house.

-They might come this way.
-Must I tell you again?

Let's all stay close in
to the house tonight, all right?

We'll haVe to fight them off.

Won't Father do that?

They'II probably kill us men...

...and do Lord-knows-what
to you women.

Nathan !

SIowly turn .

Father.

Abigale!

Water and bandages, fast.

-Easy.
-The battle. Were you there?

Have you seen any redcoats?

No, not yet.

Abigale, the children, please.

Children , come. U pstairs.

Gates marched us straight
at the redcoats.

Our Iines broke. The British
Green Dragoons cut us to bits.

I was given these dispatches.

As I Ieft,
I saw the Virginia Regulars surrender.

The Dragoons rode into them .

Killed them all .

Over 200 men .

-I have to get these to Hillsborough .
-You can't ride.

I can't stay here! It's not safe for--

Fire!

Fire!

Fire!

Get it to stop there.

Thank you for the care
of His Majesty's soldiers.

Have a detachment take our wounded
to our surgeons at Winnsboro.

Yes, sir.

Fire the house and barns.

Let it be known, if you harbor the enemy,
you will Iose your home.

By standing order of King George...

...all slaves of the American colonies
who fight for the Crown ...

...will be granted their freedom
with our victory.

Sir.

We're not slaves. We work this land .
We're freedmen .

Then you're freedmen
who will have the privilege...

...of fighting in the king's army,
aren't you?

Rebel dispatches, sir.

Who carried this?

Who carried this?!

I did , sir.

I was wounded .
These people gave me care.

They have nothing to do
with the dispatches.

Take this one to Camden. He is a spy.

Hang him, put his body on display.

He's a dispatch rider.
That's a marked case.

Destroy the Iivestock.
Save the horses for the Dragoons.

Colonel , this is a uniformed dispatch rider
carrying a marked case.

He cannot be held as a spy.

Well , we won't hold him .
We're going to hang him .

-Colonel--
-Father.

Oh, I see. He's your son .

Perhaps you should've taught him
something of loyalty.

Colonel , I beg you, please reconsider.

By the rules of war--

Would you Iike a Iesson , sir,
in the rules of war?

Or perhaps your children would .

No Iesson is necessary.

Sir.

What of the rebel wounded?

Kill them .

Father.

-Father, do something !
-Be quiet.

-Gabriel , run !
-Thomas!

Wait!

No!

No!

No! Thomas!

Stupid boy.

Captain.

Thomas!

Come, child .

-Abigale!
-I'm not Ieaving these children!

-Mercy!
-Mercy, sir.

Get ready!

Present! Fire!

Get ready! Present! Fire!

AII of you , stay here.

Nathan , Samuel .

Margaret.

H ide in the fields
with William and Susan .

If we're not back by sunset,
take them to Aunt Charlotte's.

Is that clear?

Boys.

It's a good spot.

Boys, Iisten to me.

I'Il fire first.

Start with the officers
and work your way down .

-Can you tell the difference?
-Yes, Father.

-Yes, Father.
-Good .

Samuel , affer your first shot,
reload for Nathan .

Now...

...if anything should happen to me,
drop your weapons.

Run as quickly as you can .

Get your brother and your sisters...

...and take them to Aunt Charlotte's.
U nderstood?

What did I say about shooting?

Aim small, miss small .

Aim small, miss small .

Boys...

...Samuel ...

...steady.

Lord , make me fast and accurate.

Aim small, miss small .

Aim small, miss small .

Aim small, miss small .

-On the right!
-To the Ieft!

Behind us! Up on the ridge!

Form right!

-To the right!
-To the right!

About face!

Attention!

On the right to the rear!

To the right!

Fire!

-Reload !
-Reload !

Behind you !

Look on the rear!

To the rear!

Sir. We have the private
the Cherokee scouts brought in .

Private?

Private.

Colonel William Tavington,
Green Dragoons.

What happened? Who did this?

H im.

It was mad .

I couldn't tell you who it was.

Calm down . Calm down, man .

Twenty of H is Majesty's soldiers
are dead .

And I need to know how.

-He said there was--
-Were you there?

Then Iet him speak.

Take your time and tell me.
How many were there?

Were they militia? Were they Regulars?

I don't really remember how many.

Maybe one.

One man . Really?

He was in the flank.

AII around us.

Amongst us.

I could barely see him .
He was there, then he was gone.

What, he just vanished?

-Sounds more Iike a ghost than a man .
-Yes.

A ghost.

He was Iike a ghost.

Enough .

Bordon? Take a patrol .

Capture this ghost
before word of his exploits spread .

-Who's this?
-Sir, this is Captain Wilkins.

He was with the Loyalist Colonial Militia.
He might be of use.

Another colonial .

Captain Wilkins,
where do your Ioyalties Iie?

To king and country.

Why should I trust a man
who'd betray his neighbors?

Those neighbors of mine
who stand against England ...

...deserve to die a traitor's death .

We'll see.

Mr. Martin .

Miss Charlotte! Miss Charlotte!

You're safe now. Try to sleep.

Good night.

Good night.

Father?

Yes.

I killed those men .

You did what I told you to do.

You did what you had to.
There was no wrong in it.

I'm glad I killed them.

I'm glad .

Get some rest.

Samuel .

You've done nothing
for which you should be ashamed .

I've done nothing .

And for that, I am ashamed .

Gates and the Continental Army
are at Hillsborough.

I'm joining up with them.

Gabriel .

No, no. Your place is here now.

I'm going back. I'm a soldier, it's my duty.

Your duty is to your family.

Don't you walk away from me, boy!

-I'Il find you when it's over.
-No, I forbid you to go!

-I'm not a child !
-You're my child !

Goodbye, Father.

Gabriel .

Thomas is dead .

How many more have to die
before you'II heed my word?

I'm Iosing my family.

When will you be back, Father?

I don't know.

Tomorrow?

No, not tomorrow.

You say your prayers.

I will .

Nathan , take care of your brothers
and sisters and your Aunt Charlotte.

I'm depending on you .

As I am on you , Samuel .

AII right.

Susan ...

...goodbye.

Thank you .

Halt!

Make ready!

Take aim!

Fire!

I'm not going back.

No, I didn't expect you would .

That Gates is a damn fool .

He spent too many years
in the British army.

Going muzzle-to-muzzle with redcoats
in open field . It's madness.

Halt!

Make ready!

Present!

Fire!

This battle was over before it began .

Retreat!

Retreat!

These rustics are so inept.

Nearly takes the honor out of victory.

Nearly.

-Hold him firm.
-Ready.

Hold him down .

Cut his breeches. Give me the bone saw.

-Where's your commanding officer?
-That tent there.

It's a Iost cause.

Benjamin Martin .

I'm in no mood for a Iecture.

Where's your General Gates now?

The Iast anyone saw,
riding hard northeast...

...his staff 1 00 yards behind ,
trying to catch up.

So who's in command?

I am.

I think.

What are my orders?

We're a breath away
from Iosing this war, Benjamin .

I n the north, Washington is reeling
from Morristown .

He's running and hiding
from 1 2,000 redcoats.

I n the south,
Cornwallis has broken our back.

Captured over 5000 of our troops
when he took Charles Town .

And he destroyed the only army
between him and New York.

Nothing will stop him from heading north
to finish off Washington .

U nless we can keep Cornwallis
in the south till the French arrive.

They've promised a fleet
and 1 0,000 troops.

When?

Six months at the earliest.

You actually trust the French
to keep their word?

Benjamin Martin . Major Jean Villeneuve.

French Seventh Light Foot.
Here to help train the militia.

The hero of Fort Wilderness.
Your reputation precedes you .

You really expect to hold Cornwallis here
using just militia?

Not me. You .

They're not soldiers, they're farmers.

They'd be better off Ietting
the British march through.

They'd be better off,
but the cause wouldn't.

How many men does Cornwallis have?

Eight thousand infantry.

Around 600 caValry.

I'm giVing you a field commission
as a colonel .

Might I request that you transfer
my son under my command?

-Sir, no, I--
-No.

It's done.

Thank you .

Colonel , I've been a soldier for two years.

As a scout, horseman ,
marksman , scavenger.

-Is that so?
-I'd be of better service with Regulars.

Where'd you Iearn all that riding ,
shooting, scavenging?

My father taught me.

Teach you any humility?

He tried . It didn't take.

He also taught you every trail
between here and Charles Town...

...which is why he transferred you .

We'll put the word out.
Start on the south side of--

We'll cover more ground if we split up.

Very well , corporal . You take Harrisville,
Pembroke, Wakefield .

I'Il start on the north side.
Meet at the mission in BIack Swamp.

Yes, sir.

Corporal .

Be careful .

Yes, sir.

You have children?

The French .

It skirts the mountain and then ...

...extends down towards
the headwater here...

...and right across to the far bank
of the Ohio River.

It's 1 00,000 acres.

It's an imposing Iand grant, my Iord .

You will be a country unto yourself.

H is Majesty is most generous.

Though your service in this war
more than warrants such a giff.

Yes, this is how
H is Majesty rewards those...

...who fight for him as gentlemen.

I dare to presume
my own meager contributions...

...will be rewarded one day.

You may presume too much.

H is Majesty, like history, judges us
not only by the outcome of the war...

...but the manner in which it was fought.

-My Iord?
-We serve the Crown...

...and we must conduct
ourselves accordingly.

Surrendering troops will be given quarter.

These brutal tactics must stop!

Is it not enough
that I have never Iost a battle?

You serve me...

...and the manner
in which you serve me reflects upon me!

I would've thought that a gentleman
from a family as esteemed as yours...

...would understand that.

My Iate father squandered
any esteem in which we were held ...

...along with my inheritance.

I advance myself only through victory.

You advance yourself
only through my good graces.

These colonials are our brethren .

And when this conflict is over,
we will reestablish commerce with them .

Do you understand , colonel?

Perfectly, my Iord .

Reverend , with your permission,
I'd Iike to make an announcement.

Young man, this is a house of God .

I understand that, Reverend . I apologize.

The South Carolina militia
is being called up.

I'm here to enlist every man willing .

Son...

...we are here to pray...

...for the souls
of those men hanging outside.

Yes, pray for them.

But honor them
by taking up arms with us.

And bring more suffering to this town?

If King George can hang those men,
our friends, he can hang any one of us.

Dan Scott...

...barely a week ago you railed
for two hours about independence.

-Anne?
-Mr. Hardwick...

...how many times have I heard you
speak of freedom at my father's table?

Half the men in this church,
including you , Father...

...and you , Reverend ...

...are as ardent patriots as I .

Will you now, when you are
needed most, stop at only words?

Is that the sort of men you are?

I ask only that you act upon the beliefs...

...of which you have so strongly spoken ...

...and in which you so strongly believe.

Who's with us?

Promise me, don't do...

Mr. Howard?

Sir, may I have permission
to write to Anne?

-May I have permission to write Anne?
-Yes.

You have permission ...

...to write me.

-Oh, write her.
-Yes, sir.

Very well .

Thank you , sir.

Reverend?

A shepherd must tend his flock.

And , at times, fight off the wolves.

Are you sure this is the right place
to recruit for a militia?

God saVe King George!

I think we came to the right place.

-Any bounty?
-No scalp money this time, Rollins.

But you can keep
or sell me the muskets and gear...

...of any redcoat you kill .

They hanged my brother
down in Acworth .

Every damned one of them redcoats
deserves to die.

-Sign up.
-With all my ailments...

... I wouldn't make it
through the first skirmish . No, sir.

But you can haVe my Negro.
He'Il fight in my stead .

Occam ! Get over here.

Ain't overly smart. He's strong as a bull .

Can you write?

No, no, no, sir.

-Well , then make your mark.
-Why?

I just signed him over to you .

If you're willing, make your mark.

That'II do.

I wanna kill me some redcoats.

I believe you would .

How old are you , son?

Not quite old enough .
But his time will come.

John Billings. I was hoping you'd turn up.

There's a story going around
about 20 redcoats...

...got killed by a ghost
or some damn thing .

Carried a Cherokee tomahawk.

Aren't you a Iittle old
to be believing in ghost stories?

Look at the Iittle gentleman .

-Where are your mothers?
-Doesn't even shave!

-How many did you get?
-Twelve.

Good .

These men , they're not the sort we need .

They're exactly the sort we need .

They've fought this kind of war before.

What about me? Am I one of that sort?

Hell , no. You're the sort
that giVes that sort a bad name.

I want accuracy and precision.

Make ready!

Take aim!

Fire!

Dear Anne:
Our force continues to grow.

As long as we continue to fight,
others will come to fight beside us.

I long to see you and speak to you.

L'm hopeful
that our duties will bring me near you.

Until then, l am and will remain
most affectionately yours.

Gabriel.

-Come!
-Retreat!

Through the woods!

We surrender!

-No!
-God , stop!

For the Iove of God, we--

These men were about to surrender!

Perhaps.

-We will never know.
-This is murder!

Hell , Reverend, they're redcoats.
They've earned it.

-We're better than that.
-What do you know about war?

I know the difference
between fighting--

Go back to church !

Quiet!

He's right.

Full quarter will be given to British
wounded and any who surrender.

They gave no quarter
when they fired on a ship...

...carrying my wife and daughters.

I watched from 200 yards off
as they were burned alive.

-AII my sympathy, but my order stands.
-Damn your sympathy.

Who are you to giVe such an order?

I know what you did to my countrymen
at Fort Wilderness.

We're militia. This is not Regular Army.

Every man here is free
to come and go as he pleases.

But while you're here...

...you will obey my command ,
or I will have you shot.

-Damn dog .
-Shoot the damn things.

Stay that pistol .

They won't Iet you near the wagon.

-Rum, Madeira.
-No wonder they were guarding it.

Officers' uniforms.

What you think all this is worth?

It's the personal correspondence
of Lord Cornwallis.

This is his journal .

I say we drink the wine, eat the dogs...

...and use the papers
for musket wadding .

Eat the dogs?

-Yeah .
-Dog is a fine meal .

Good heavens.

I have some maps here for you , sir.

Put them down oVer there. Thank you .

Here. A proper musket for you .

I don't know about you, but I don't Iike
the idea of giving muskets to slaves.

Your sense of freedom is
as pale as your skin .

Don't Iisten to them .

If we win this war,
a Iot of things will change.

What will change?

They call this the New World .
It's not. It's the same as the old .

But we'II have a chance
to build a new world .

A world where all men
are created equal under God .

Equal .

Sounds good .

I've just been in the mind of a genius.

Cornwallis knows more about warfare...

...than we could Iearn
in a dozen Iifetimes.

That's cheerful news.

H is victories at Camden
and Charles Town were perfect. Perfect.

And he knows it, what's more.

Perhaps that's his weakness.

Sir?

Pride.

Pride's a weakness.

Personally, I would prefer stupidity.

Pride will do.

Finished , my Iord .

I've taken it in at the back...

...added wider epaulets
and Iooped gold braiding .

-It's a horse blanket.
-I don't know, my Iord .

It's really quite nice.

-Very nice, my Iord .
-Very well . It's a nice horse blanket.

Colonel Tavington, why, after six weeks...

...am I still attending a ball
in South Carolina...

...when I should be attending balls
in North Carolina?

First, the theft of my baggage...

...including my memoirs,
on which I spent countless hours.

Then half the bridges and ferries...

...between here
and Charles Town burned .

If you can't protect
our supply Iines against militia...

...how do you intend doing so
against the Regulars or the French?

They won't fight Iike Regulars.
We can't find them.

Colonel , they're militia.

They're farmers with pitchforks!

They're rather more than that,
I'm afraid, my Iord .

Made so by their commander, this ghost.

Oh, ghost, ghost, ghost.

You created this ghost, colonel .

-My Iord?
-Your brutality swelled his ranks.

Without them,
this ghost would've disappeared ...

-...and I'd be in North Carolina by now.
-I n my defense, my Iord--

Oh, enough, enough .

A fine soldier you are,
bested by a bedtime story.

-Give me the horse blanket.
-My Iord .

O'Hara, our supply ship appears
to haVe arrived .

Yes, my lord , it has.

Then why am I still wearing this rag?

Your replacement wardrobe
is aboard ship, but...

...Colonel Tavington thought it best
to secure our arms and munitions first.

They are being unloaded now.

You look good in that color.

It stinks.

Well , it's had a dead man in it.

The beasts took your dogs as well?

Yes. Yes.

Fine animals. A gift from H is Majesty.

Dead now, for all I know.

Is there no decency?

Oh, fireworks. Lovely!

Mr. Howard .

I've come to call on Anne.

I've come to call on Anne!

Well , of course you call yourself a man .

Father, stop it. You heard him .

Well ...

...call on her.

I'm nearly finished .

You needn't worry, Father.

Yeah , I know.

Bundling bags are a wonderful tradition .
I don't mind in the Ieast.

Be still .

Tea?

PIease.

There.

Okay.

Come, dear.

It's Very good .

I'm pleased that you Iike it.

Peter.

Don't worry.
I sew better than my mother did .

I hope so.

If you're just gonna stand there,
why don't you read it for us?

I can't read .

I can .

It says, "Take notice.

By order of General Washington
and the Continental Congress...

...all bound slaves
who give minimum one-year service...

...in the Continental Army...

...will be granted freedom ...

...and be paid a bounty of 5 shillings
for each month of service."

Did you hear that?

First they'II free them,
then they'II pay them.

Only another six months.

What the hell you gonna do
with freedom?

I made this for you .

Martha.

Look affer your mother.

You know, Peter...

... I can't pay you for this.

Benjamin , you pay me what you can ,
when you can .

I'm obliged .

Gabriel sure reminds me a Iot of you .

No, no, no, he's more Iike his mother.

Corporal .

Take your time. Dogs.

Sir.

This road is closed .

These wagons now belong
to the Continental Army.

Ready arms!

By twos!

There's no need for your men to die.
Leave the wagons and go.

This is the king's highway.

And I advise you and your men
to make way.

Present!

Charge!

Fire!

Retreat!

-Fire!
-Fire!

Save yourselves!

Fire!

Help!

Retreat!

Present! Fire!

Ambush ! Ambush!

We surrender!

I have the count.

Twenty-two are dead .

-Eighteen wounded and 20 are missing .
-I'm through .

He won't be the Iast to Ieave.

Trust me.
Soon my countrymen will arriVe.

-The French army is--
-To hell with you .

-And to hell with the French army.
-We don't need them.

We got Benjamin Martin .
We know what he done to the French .

Father.

Wherever you go, men buy you drinks...

...because of what happened
at Fort Wilderness.

Strangers know more
about you than I do.

Tell me what happened .

Your mother asked me that question
around about the time you were born .

I was drunk and foolish enough
to answer it.

The French and the Cherokee
had raided along the BIue Ridge.

The English settlers had sought refuge
at Fort Charles.

By the time we got there,
the fort was abandoned .

They'd Ieft about a week before.

But what we found was...

Go on .

They'd killed all the settlers, the men .

With the women and ...

...some of the children, they had ...

We buried them all ,
what was Ieft of them .

We caught up with them
at Fort Wilderness.

We took our time.

We cut them apart. SIowly.

Piece by piece.

I can see their faces.

I can still hear their screams.

AII but two. We Iet them Iive.

We placed the heads on a pallet...

...sent them back with the two
that Iived to Fort Ambercon.

The eyes, tongues, fingers...

...we put in baskets.

Sent them down the Ashuelot
to the Cherokee.

Soon affer, the Cherokee broke
their treaty with the French.

That's how we justified it.

We were...

...heroes.

And men bought you drinks.

And not a day goes by where I don't
ask God's forgiVeness for what I did .

Thomas was my brother,
as well as your son .

You may not belieVe this, but I want
satisfaction as much as you do.

But not at the expense of our cause.

There will be a time for revenge.

But until then , stay the course.

Your mother said that
when I'd get drunk or Iose my temper.

She'd say it to me
when I picked on Thomas.

I miss him .

The British got 1 8 of our men
at Fort Carolina.

They'II be hung one at a time
until they give up the rest of us.

Reverend ...

...can you write a Ietter for me?

-To my wife and boy.
-Yes, of course I will .

But first Iet us pray.

My lord...

...there is a rider at the gates.

A civilian carrying a white flag .

I am occupied .

He has a pair of dogs with him.

Great Danes.

And dear Lord...

...protect us in this, our hour of need .

This we ask in the name
of the Father, the Son ...

And the Holy Ghost.

Wait here.

General Lord Cornwallis
will be with you shortly.

Jupiter, Mars. Come, boys. Come.

Come.

My good boys. My brave boys.
You seem to be well-fed .

I thank you for that.

I'm afraid I don't know your name.

I'm a colonel with the Continental Army.
My rank should be sufficient for now.

As you wish .

PIease be seated .

Thank you .

Would you , as the initiating officer,
care to begin?

I will , unless you'd Iike
to claim aggrieved status.

Yes, I would Iike
to claim aggrieved status.

Very well , sir. Proceed .

You have in your possession ...

...certain belongings of mine,
including clothing ...

...furniture, personal effects
of a non-military nature...

...which I'd like returned to me.

I ndeed . I will do so as soon as possible.

Thank you .

Now we come to the matter
of the specific targeting ...

...of officers during engagements.

You must know that in civilized warfare,
officers in the field ...

...must not be accorded
inappropriate Ievels of hostile attention .

To your mind , what are appropriate Ievels
of hostile attention?

I magine the utter chaos
that would follow...

...from Ieaderless armies
having at each other.

There must be gentlemen
in command to lead ...

...and , where necessary,
restrain their men .

Restrain them from, say, targeting
civilians. Women , children and such .

That's a separate issue.

No, no, no. I consider them Iinked .

And as Iong
as your soldiers attack civilians...

... I will order the shooting of officers
at every engagement.

And my men are excellent marksmen .

Very well .

-Now, Iet us move on to--
-Prisoner exchange.

Sir?

You have 1 8 of my men .
I want them back.

My Iord ...

I do have 1 8 criminals
under sentence of death...

...but I hold no prisoners of war.

If that's your position,
1 8 of your officers will have to die.

N ineteen , if you hang me with my men .

My officers?

Sir.

Top of the ridge, to your Ieft.
Just below the tree Iine.

-Their names and ranks?
-They refused to give their names.

There are nine Iieutenants,
five captains, three majors...

...and one fat colonel who called me...

...a cheeky fellow.

This is not the conduct of a gentleman.

If the conduct of your officers is
the measure of a gentleman...

... I'II take that as a compliment.

Get my men .

-Arrange the exchange.
-My Iord .

Thank you , sir.

General quarters!

Open the gates.

Release the prisoners!

-General , what is this?
-Prisoner exchange.

He has 1 8 of our officers.

Who is he? I recognize him .

He's the commander of the militia.

Your ghost. Stay that sword , colonel !

He rode in under a white flag
for formal parley.

This is madness.

If you harm him,
you condemn our officers.

With respect, sir, he's killed
as many officers in the Iast two months.

He has shown no aggression here.
Hence he cannot be touched .

Has he not?

You !

So you're the ghost, are you?
I remember you !

On that farm! That stupid Iittle boy!

Did he die?

You know...

...it's an ugly business, doing one's duty.

But just occasionally...

...it's a real pleasure.

Before this war is over,
I'm going to kill you .

Why wait?

Soon .

Move out!

But I still think
it's imperative to push north--

One of our captured officers, my lord .

My reputation suffers
because of your incompetence!

That man insults me!

Quite impressiVe for a farmer
with a pitchfork, wouldn't you say?

I want you to find that man .

I want you to capture him.

The man has the Ioyalty of the people.

They protect him . Protect his family.

Protect the families of his men .

I can capture him for you .

But to do so requires the use
of tactics that are somewhat...

What was the word Your Lordship used?

"Brutal," I think.

Go on .

I am prepared to do what is necessary.

I alone will assume the full mantle
of responsibility for my actions...

...free of the chain of command ...

...rendering you blameless.

However...

...if I do this...

...you and I both know that I can
never return to England with honor.

What, I wonder, is to become of me?

When this war is over
here in the Colonies...

...the new aristocracy...

...will be landowners.

Tell me about Ohio.

Make way.

As you were.

Wilkins. A plantation seven miles
from Wakefield , on the Santee...

...east of BIack Swamp.
Who Iived there?

-Benjamin Martin .
-He's the ghost.

What do you know about him?

Hell , everything .
I could tell you the size of his boot.

Does he have family?
Where would he hide his children?

H is wife's sister has a plantation .

It's not far.

Aunt Charlotte. Aunt Charlotte.
Wake up, someone's coming .

Get the boys.

Margaret, come quickly.

-Let's go.
-Boys, come.

Go.

Stay close.

This way.

Follow me.

We'll go downstairs to the kitchen .

Margaret, quick. Get down there. Fast.

Samuel , get down there fast.

Nothing, sir!

Beneath the sill . There.

There's no one in the house.

They can't be far.

-Search the outbuildings and the woods.
-Yes, sir.

Prepare to fire the house.

Go.

This one's head of the house slaves, sir.

Where are they hiding?

Keep Iooking ! They're here somewhere!

-Gabriel .
-Where's Father?

Torch the house!

To horse!

Come on . It's all right.

Susan , come here.

Charlotte.

They won't stop Iooking for us.

You'II be safe where we're taking you .

Father said it was a perfect place to hide.

How is he?

I don't know. I'm his son .

Where is Father?

Speaking for months now.

Speaking for months.

Why did he go?

Well , he didn't want those mean men
to find you, so he Ied them away.

He'Il come and see you
as soon as he can .

I don't care. I hate him.

Susan , you don't hate him.

I hate him,
and I hope he never comes back.

It's the children .

Abigale!

You're alive!

She spoke. Susan talked to you?

I n full sentences.

As if she'd been speaking all along .

Damn, I wasn't there for it.

What did she say?

She said ...

...that she loves you and misses you ...

...but understands
why you can't be there with her.

My Lord , she said that.

Well , isn't that something?

Tavington has a Iist of our men .
He's burning our homes...

...killing whomever resists.

Where?

Seven homes along the Santee so far.

John .

John . John, this is not a time
for vengeance.

This is a time for mourning .

John .

No!

Attend to your families.

One week furlough for all men .

Any man who does not return will not be
thought a coward or uncommitted .

Father!

Father!

-Papa!
-Father!

-Meg!
-Father!

Gabriel !

They're huge.
What haVe you been feeding them?

They're from good stock
on their father's side.

Thank you .

Susan?

I see it. There it is. Look. Look, Father.

I got it! I got it!

You got it.

I got it!

-Careful .
-I caught it.

-Samuel , all the fish are over here.
-Let's get them.

Father, what changed you?

Are you sure I have?

Yes. You changed .

That's simple. It was your mother.

A woman can have
a strange effect on a man .

Yep.

There were times...

... I had trouble breathing
around your mother.

I know the feeling .

You once said ...

...when I had a family of my own ,
that I'd understand .

You were right.

You're trying to tell me something .

-Apple?
-Thank you .

Congratulations.

Anne Patricia Howard...

...will you have this man
to be your husband ...

...to Iive in the coVenant of marriage?

Will you Iove, comfort and honor him ...

...for so Iong as you both shall live?

I will .

Gabriel Edward Martin , will you have
this woman to be your wife...

...to Iive together
in the covenant of marriage?

Will you Iove, comfort and honor her
for so Iong as you both shall Iive?

I will .

Then by the power vested in me
by our mutual faith ...

...in the Lord , our God ...

... I now pronounce you man and wife.

I'm sorry
we didn't give you more warning.

It's fine.

I have something for you .

It belonged to Gabriel's mother.

It's beautiful .

AIIow me.

It's the North Star.

That's the only star in the sky
that never moves.

It's constant, unwavering .

A guide.

I'd be honored .

May I?

-If you must.
-I must.

May I sit with you?

It's a free country.

Or at Ieast, it will be.

I'm not my sister.

I know that.

Do you?

Yes, I do.

Very well , then .

Well?

Well what?

I'Il see you in Pembroke soon .

Not soon enough .

Nathan , I'm counting on you
to make sure--

-I know.
-What?

Say my prayers, take care of everyone.

Couldn't have said it better.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Susan .

Goodbye?

Just one word , that's all I want.

No?

AII right.

Papa!

Papa, don't go! I'II say anything .

PIease, Papa.

I'Il say anything you want.

Tell me what you want me to say.
I'Il say anything you want me to say.

-I promise, Papa. PIease don't go.
-Susan . Susan.

I promise.

I'Il come back.

I'Il come back. You believe me?

You know, you make me very happy.

Just the three of us?

John Raskin did come by earlier.

He Iooked around, then he leff.

He would've made four.

Four would have been better.

I got another two months to go
before I get to 1 2 months.

Colonel .

Reverend .

Trust the French .

Yes, trust the French .

Where else do I get the opportunity
to kill a few redcoats?

Perhaps a few wounded ones
when you are not Iooking .

Everyone must gather at the church .

Mr. Wilkins?

Colonel Tavington wishes
to address the whole village.

This town has given aid
to Benjamin Martin and his rebels.

I wish to know his whereabouts.

So...

...anyone who comes forward ...

...may be forgiven their treason.

Very well .

-You had your chance.
-Wait!

-This man gives them supplies.
-Quiet!

-He brings them to BIack Swamp.
-Liar!

I n the marsh, by the old Spanish mission .

This man here?

-Yes, sir.
-The BIack Swamp, you say?

By the old Spanish mission .

Thank you very much .

Shut the doors.

But you said we'd be forgiven .

And indeed you may!

But that's between you and God .

Be strong .

-Ready to fire the town on your orders.
-The town?

Burn the church.

There's no honor in this.

Didn't you say all those
who stand against England ...

...deserve to die a traitor's death?

Burn the church, captain.

-Give me the torch.
-Sir.

Help!

Remain calm .

The honor is found in the end ,
not the means.

This will be forgotten .

Bordon .

Anne!

Mrs. Howard?

Where is everybody?

They're not-- They're not here.

Gabriel's gone.

To arms! To arms!

Father.

-Father.
-Quiet.

Just don't talk. Don't talk.

Father.

-I'm sorry.
-Be quiet.

-I'Il take care of you . You'll be all right.
-Father.

I'm sorry about Thomas.

Oh, son , that wasn't your fault.

That was mine.

Hold on. You're gonna be all right.

Don't go. Gabriel , don't--

Oh, God help me. God help me.

Where is he?

I'Il help you bury him.

I'Il bury him.

My wife in Alexandria is with child .

My first.

I fight for that child .

Benjamin , nothing will replace your sons.

But if you come with us,
you can justify their sacrifice.

Why?

Why do men feel they can justify death?

Is it arrogance or. . .?

I have Iong feared ...

...that my sins would return to visit me.

And the cost is more than I can bear.

Benjamin , we have a chance.

Greene and Dan Morgan
are down from Virginia.

If we win this next battle,
victory in the war is within our grasp.

Go, then .

Seek your victory.

-I'm small issue to it.
-You're wrong, Benjamin .

You matter to your men ...

...and to others as well .

Your victories...

...and your losses...

...are shared by more than you know.

Stay with us.

Stay the course.

I have run my course.

You men will be Ieaving with us.

Yes. Prepare the baggage.

Jean .

Tomorrow's battle can alter
the course of the war.

General Greene,
what exactly is the task before us?

Gentlemen , Cornwallis has us cornered .

Not only does he outnumber us,
but nearly half of our force is militia.

U nreliable, at best.

Excuse me, sir.

I believe you underestimate our militia.

AII of you do.

We've seen
our militia lines break time and again .

Kips Bay, Princeton.

But the British have seen that too.

Cornwallis's own Ietters bear out
that he has no respect for the militia.

What are you suggesting , Ben?

I'm suggesting we use that.

So I know you men
have sacrificed a Iot so far.

But all I'm asking is that you ...

...Iet the front Iine of militia
fire two shots tomorrow.

A Iot can happen in the time
it takes to fire two shots.

Especially against British Regulars.

I ndeed .

That's why I'm not asking you
to fire three.

If I die, I will die well-dressed .

Fire!

Fire!

-Battalion !
-Company, halt!

Harry...

...will you give this to my children?

Thank you .

It's October now.

I know.

It's more than 1 2 months.

You're a free man .

I'm here now on my own accord .

I'm honored to haVe you with us.

Honored .

Shoulder arms!

-Forward . . .
-Company!

...march!

How old were your daughters?

Violette was 1 2 and Pauline 1 0.

They had green eyes.

I'm sure they were Iovely.

Yes, they were.

-Battalion ! March!
-Company!

Fire!

U nless I'm dreaming ...

... I believe I see militia forming
at their center.

Battalion , halt!

Dress ranks!

Make ready!

Battalion !

Halt!

Take aim!

-Fire!
-Fire!

Take aim!

Fire!

Fire!

Hold the Iine!

Hold the Iine!

-Prepare to charge!
-Sir, we haven't been giVen that order.

Charge!

Charge!

Tavington .

Damn him! Damn that man !

Make ready!

Take aim!

Fire!

Take aim!

Fire!

Retreat!

Bayonet charge. We'll see
who takes the glory from this field .

Charge!

Congratulations, my Iord .

-I nfantry reserve into the center.
-But you've taken the field .

Now we'II take their spirits.

Send the battalion over that hill
and crush them.

It ends today.

Hold the charge!

Fire!

Hold the charge!

Fire!

Fire!

Take aim!

Fire!

Charge!

Charge bayonets!

Halt!

Hold ! Dress your ranks!

Fire!

Charge!

-Retreat!
-Retreat!

Colonel !

The Iine is faltering!

Retreat! Retreat!

Wait!

No retreat!

Hold the Iine!

Hold the Iine!

Hold ! Hold !

Hold , hold !

Push forward , men!

Yeah !

Charge!

Artillery, concentrate on the center.

My Iord , if we reform and wheel right,
we may be able to turn their flank.

You dream, general .

Kill me before the war is over, will you?

It appears you are not...

...the better man .

You're right.

My sons were better men .

Sound the retreat.

Sound ...

...retreat.

Dear Charlotte:

The war has turned.

General Cornwallis took flight
with his army and moved north.

We continued to engage the British,
and in the following months...

...Cornwallis entrenched himself
at Yorktown, Virginia.

Washington escaped from the north...

...and surrounded Cornwallis,
who could not retreat to the seas.

It was blocked off
by our long-lost friends...

...who had finally arrived.

Vive la France.

Vive la liberté.

My Iord , I beseech you .

You must order the surrender.

How could it come to this?
An army of rabble.

Peasants.

Everything will change.

Everything has changed .

Though he eventually surrendered...

...Cornwallis himself hid in shame...

...appointing his subordinate
to relinquish his sword.

With the war ending
and our militia disbanding...

...l take measure of what we have lost...

...and what we have won.

My hope and prayer is that
the sacrifices borne by so many...

...will spawn and fulfill the promise
of our new nation.

Tell the children, and especially Susan,
that l will keep my promise...

...as l will be returning to you all soon.

Where will you go now?

Home. Start over.

Your wife's expecting a child , isn't she?

She gave birth to a son three weeks ago.

What'd you name him?

We named him Gabriel.

Thank you , Harry.

Gabriel is a good name for a farmer.

It is. It is.

-Jean .
-Ben.

Gabriel said if we won the war...

...we could build a whole new world .

Just figured we'd get started right here...

...with your home.

Sounds good .

Thank you .

Ma'am .