Original subtitles

Mr. Adams!

Mr. Adams!

There you are.

Didn't you hear me call you, Mr. Adams?

You could've shouted down something, saved me climbing up four flights.

A man that likes to talk as much as you do, I'd think...

What do you keep coming up here for, Mr. Adams?

Afraid someone's going to steal our bell?

Well, don't worry.

Been here more than 14 years, and ain't been carried off once.

Better get yourself back down to Congress, Mr. Adams.

Getting ready to vote, and they said

they couldn't settle such an important question

without Massachusetts being there.

I can just imagine.

All right, what burning issue are we voting on this time?

On whether or not to grant General Washington's request

that all members of the Rhode Island Militia be required

to wear matching uniforms.

Oh, good God.

I have come to the conclusion

that one useless man is called a disgrace,

that two are called a law firm,

and that three or more become a Congress.

And, by God, I have had this Congress.

For 10 years, King George and his parliament

have gulled, cullied and diddled these colonies with their illegal taxes.

Stamp Acts, Townshend Acts, Sugar Acts, Tea Acts.

And when we dared stand up like men,

they have stopped our trade, seized our ships,

blockaded our ports, burned our towns,

and spilled our blood.

And still this Congress refuses to grant

any of my proposals on independence

even so much as the courtesy of open debate.

Good God, what in the hell are you waiting for?

Sit down, John Sit down, John

Thomas, for God's sake, listen to me.

For God's sake John, sit down

I've had enough of you, sir.

Sit down, John Sit down, John

For God's sake, John, sit down

Someone ought to open up a window

Will you listen to me and forget the window?

It's 90 degrees

Have mercy, John, please

It's hot as hell in Philadelphia

Someone ought to open up a window

I say vote yes

Vote yes

Vote for independency

Someone ought to open up a window

I say vote yes

Sit down, John

Vote for independency

Someone ought to open up a window

No, no, no!

Too many flies, too many flies

But it's hot as hell in Philadelphia

Are you gonna open up a window?

Can't we compromise here?

Vote yes

No, too many flies here

Vote yes

Oh, for God's sake, John, sit down

Good God. Consider yourselves fortunate

that you have John Adams to abuse,

for no sane man would tolerate it.

John, you're a bore

We've heard this before

Now, for God's sake, John, sit down

I say vote yes No!

Vote yes No!

Vote for independency

Someone ought to open up a window

I say vote yes

Sit down, John

Vote for independency

Will someone shut that man up?

Never!

Dear God.

For one solid year they have been sitting here.

A whole year!

Doing nothing!

I do believe you've laid a curse on North America

A curse that we here now rehearse in Philadelphia

A second flood, a simple famine

Plagues of locusts everywhere

Or a cataclysmic earthquake

I'd accept with some despair

But, no, you've sent us Congress

Good God, sir, was that fair?

I say this with humility in Philadelphia

We're your responsibility in Philadelphia

if you don't want to see us hanging from some far off British hill

if you don't want the voice of independency forever stilled

Then God, Sir, get thee to it

For Congress never will

You see, we piddle, twiddle and resolve

Not one damn thing do we solve

Piddle, twiddle and resolve

Nothing's ever solved

In foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy

Philadelphia

Someone ought to open up a window

Oh, shut up.

I now call Congress' attention to the petition of Mr. Melchior Meng,

who claims $20 compensation for his dead mule.

It seems the animal was employed transporting luggage

in the service of Congress.

The question, then, would appear to be one of occasion.

For if the mule expired not while carrying,

but after being unloaded,

then clearly the beast dropped dead on its own time.

Oh, good God.

They may sit here for years and years in Philadelphia

These indecisive grenadiers of Philadelphia

They can't agree on what is right and wrong or what is good or bad

I'm convinced the only purpose this Congress ever had

was to gather here specifically

to drive John Adams mad!

You see, we piddle, twiddle and resolve

Not one damn thing do we solve

Piddle, twiddle and resolve

Nothing's ever solved

In foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy

Philadelphia

John, John

Is that you carrying on, John?

Oh, Abigail, Abigail, I have such a desire to knock heads together.

Then why in heaven's name do you stay there?

Come home to Boston, John. It's only 300 miles.

If you left tonight, you could be here in only eight days.

How can I do that, Abigail?

I'm no further along now than I was when I first came here.

I know, my dearest. I know.

But that's because you make everything so complicated.

It's all quite simple, really.

Just tell the Congress to declare

Independency

Then sign your name get out of there

And hurry home to me

Our children all have dysentery

Little Tom keeps turning blue

Little Abby has the measles

And I'm coming down with flu

They say we may get smallpox

Madam, what else is new?

Abigail, in my last letter, I wrote you

that the king had collected 12,000 German mercenaries

to send against us.

I asked you to organize the ladies

to make saltpeter for gunpowder.

Now, have you done as I asked?

No, John, I have not.

Well, why have you not?

Because you neglected to tell us how saltpeter is made.

By treating sodium nitrate with potassium chloride, of course.

Oh, yes, of course.

Will it be done, then?

John, I'm afraid we have a more urgent problem.

More urgent, madam?

There's one thing every woman's missed in Massachusetts Bay

Don't smirk at me, you egotist

Pay heed to what I say

We've gone from Framingham to Boston

And we cannot find a pin

"Don't you know there's a war on"

Say the tradesmen with a grin

Well, we will not make saltpeter

Until you send us pins

Pins, madam? Saltpeter.

Pins.

Saltpeter.

Pins.

Saltpeter. Pins.

'Peter. Pins.

'Peter. 'Peter. Pins. Pins.

'Peter!

Pins.

Done, madam, done.

Done, John.

Hurry home, John.

As soon as I'm able.

Don't stop writing. It's all I have.

Every day, my dearest friend.

Till then

Till then Till then

I am I am

As I ever was As I ever was

And ever shall be And ever shall be

Yours Yours

Saltpeter

John

Pins

Abigail

For God's sake, John

Sit down

Franklin!

Franklin!

Where in hell are you?

Franklin!

I see you hiding behind that tree.

It won't do you any good.

Damn it, this is no time for playing games.

Franklin, I have been looking everywhere for you.

Where in God's name have you been?

Right here, John, being preserved for posterity.

Do you like it?

It stinks.

As ever, the soul of tact.

Well, the man's no Botticelli.

And the subject's no Venus.

Franklin, where were you last night when I needed you?

You should have heard what I suffered in there.

I heard, all right. Along with the rest of Philadelphia.

Lord, your voice is piercing, John.

Well, I wish to heaven my arguments were.

My God, Franklin, when are they going to make up their minds?

With one hand they can raise an army,

dispatch one of their own to lead it,

and cheer the news from Bunker's Hill.

And with the other, they wave the olive branch,

begging the king for a happy and permanent reconciliation.

Fat George has declared us in rebellion.

Why in bloody hell can't they?

John, really? You talk as if independence were the rule.

It's never been done before.

No colony has ever broken from the parent stem in the history of the world.

Damn it, Franklin, you make us sound treasonous.

Do I?

Treason, eh?

Treason is a charge invented by winners

as an excuse for hanging the losers.

I have more to do than stand here,

listening to you quote yourself.

No, that was a new one.

Damn it, Franklin, we're at war.

To defend ourselves, nothing more.

We expressed our displeasure, the English moved against us,

and we in turn have resisted.

Now our fellow congressmen want to effect a reconciliation

before it becomes a war.

Reconciliation, my ass.

The people want independence.

The people have read Mr. Paine's Common Sense.

I doubt very much Congress has.

That's true.

John, why don't you give it up?

Nobody listens to you. You're obnoxious and disliked.

I'm not promoting John Adams. I'm promoting independence.

Evidently, they cannot help connecting the two.

Even your own cousin.

And if Sam Adams can't put up with you, nobody can.

You're getting at something.

How can you tell?

All right, out with it, Franklin.

What new intrigue are you cooking up?

Let someone else in Congress propose.

Never!

Why? Who did you have in mind?

I don't know. I really haven't given it much thought.

You sent for me, Benjamin?

Never.

Hello, Johnny! Richard.

Uh, Johnny and I need some advice.

If it's mine to give, it's yours, you know that.

Thank you, Richard.

As you know, the cause that we support

has come to a complete standstill.

Now why do you suppose that is? Simple.

Johnny here is obnoxious and disliked. That's true.

Now, what's the solution, I wonder?

Get somebody else in Congress to propose.

Oh, Richard, that's brilliant.

Wasn't that brilliant, John? Brilliant.

Yes. Now the question remains, who can it be?

The man that we need must belong to a delegation

publicly committed to support independence.

And at the present time, only Massachusetts,

New Hampshire and Delaware have declared our way.

And Virginia. Don't forget Virginia, Benjy.

Oh, Richard, I haven't. How could I?

But strictly speaking,

while Virginia's views on independence are well known,

your legislature in Williamsburg

has never formally authorized

its delegation here in Congress to support the cause.

Now, if we could think of a Virginian

with enough influence to go down there

and persuade the House of Burgesses...

Damn me if I haven't thought of someone!

Who? Who?

Me.

Oh, why didn't I think of that?

I'll leave tonight.

Why, hell, I'll leave right now, if you like.

I'll just stop off in Stratford long enough to refresh the missus,

and then straight to the matter.

Yes, sir. I really have to compliment you on your judgment, Johnny.

Whoa, boy. Steady.

You've come to the one colony that can get the job done.

Virginia, the land that gave us our glorious Commander in Chief,

George Washington,

will now give the continent its proposal on independence.

And when Virginia proposes, the South is bound to follow.

And where the South goes, the middle colonies go.

Gentlemen, a salute.

To Virginia, the mother of American independence.

Incredible. We're free, and he hasn't even left yet.

What makes you so sure you can do it?

My name is Richard Henry Lee

Virginia is my home

My name is Richard Henry Lee

Virginia is my home

And may my horses turn to glue

If I can't deliver up to you

A resolution on independency

For I am FFV

The first family

In the sovereign colony of Virginia

Yes, the FFV

The oldest family

In the oldest colony in America

And may the British burn my land

If I can't deliver to your hand

A resolution on independency

You see, it's here a Lee, there a Lee

And everywhere a Lee, a Lee

Social... Lee

Political... Lee

Financial... Lee

Natural... Lee

Internal... Lee!

External... Lee!

Fraternal... Lee!

Eternal... Lee!

The FFV The FFV

The first family The first family

In the sovereign colony of Virginia

And may my wife refuse my bed

If I can't deliver as I said

A resolution on independency

Spoken modest-Lee. God help us.

He will, John. He will.

They say that God in heaven is everybody's God

Amen!

I'll admit that God in heaven is everybody's God

But I tell you, John, with pride

God leans a little on the side of the Lees

The Lees of old Virginia

You see, it's here a Lee, there a Lee

And everywhere a Lee, a Lee

Here a Lee, there a Lee

And everywhere a Lee

Look out! There's Arthur Lee, Bobby Lee

General Light-horse Harry Lee

Willie Lee, Jesse Lee

And Richard H That's me!

And may my blood stop running blue

If I can't deliver up to you

The resolution on independency

Yes, sir, my God, it's here a Lee, there a Lee

Come on, boys, join in with me!

Here a Lee, there a Lee Here a Lee, there a Lee

When do you leave?

Immediate-Lee!

Here a Lee, there a Lee Here a Lee, there a Lee

When will you return?

Short-Lee!

Here a Lee, there a Lee Here a Lee, there a Lee

And I'll come back triumphant-Lee!

Here a Lee, there a Lee

Everywhere a Lee, a Lee

Forward

Ho

That was the most revolting display I have ever witnessed.

They're a warm-blooded people, Virginians.

Oh, not him, Franklin. You.

You and your infernal obsession for deviousness.

If you'd come straight out and asked the man,

he'd have been gone a half hour ago.

Yes, and he'd have been doing us a favor.

Cheer up, John. At this very moment,

Sitting straight in the saddle and in full gallop for Virginia.

And our women are serene

Oh, good God.

Full-bosomed

Full-bosomed, Benjy Everyone a queen

Why they are Lees, damn it Lees of old Virginia!

Yes, sir, by God, it's here a Lee, there a Lee!

C'mon, John, step lively

Here a Lee, there a Lee Here a Lee, there a Lee

Everywhere a Lee, a Lee Everywhere a Lee, a Lee

Here a Lee, there a Lee Here a Lee, there a Lee

Everywhere a Lee, a Lee! Everywhere a Lee, a Lee!

Forward, ho

Uh, excuse me.

Yes?

I'm Dr. Lyman Hall, the new delegate from Georgia.

I'm Andrew McNair, congressional custodian.

If you'll be wanting anything at all, just holler out "McNair"

as all the others do and there won't be too long to wait.

Where does the Georgia delegation belong?

Oh, they mill about over there in that corner, near the two Carolinas.

It's after 10:00.

I was told Congress convenes at 10:00.

Well, they'll be wandering in any time now, sir,

with Old Grape and Guts

leading the pack. Old who?

McNair!

Grape and Guts.

'Nair!

Fetch me a rum.

Mr. Hopkins, you'll be pleased to meet Dr. Lyman Hall.

I don't need a doctor, damn it.

New delegate from Georgia.

Well, why didn't you say so?

I'm Stephen Hopkins, old delegate from Rhode Island.

McNair, fetch two rums.

Oh, I fear it's a little early in the day.

Nonsense.

It's a medicinal fact that rum gets a man's heart started

in the morning.

I'm surprised you didn't know that.

Speaking as the oldest man in the Congress, I can tell you...

Uh-uh. Ben Franklin is older by almost a year.

Rum!

Tell me, Doctor.

Where does Georgia stand on the question of independence?

With South Carolina, of course.

Neddy, good morning.

Neddy, come over here and shake the hand of Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia.

Dr. Hall, this here is Edward Rutledge from...

Whichever Carolina he says he's from.

God knows I can't keep them straight.

It's a pleasure, Dr. Hall.

Your servant, Mr. Rutledge.

You've met the long and the short of it now, Doctor.

Neddy here is just a lad. He's the youngest of us.

Except for Ben Franklin.

McNair!

Your rum!

Well, where did you go for it, man? Jamaica?

Well, now, come along, Dr. Hall.

I know you must be anxious to meet your colleagues from the South.

Doctor, may I present to you Joseph Hewes.

This is Dr. Lyman Hall, the new delegate from Georgia.

An honor and a pleasure, gentlemen.

Uh, where do you stand on independence, Dr. Hall?

I'm here without instructions, Mr. Hewes,

able to vote my own personal convictions.

And they are?

Personal.

Now, Dr. Hall,

the Deep South speaks with one voice.

It's traditional.

Even more, it is historical.

Enter Delaware.

Speak plain, Rutledge.

You know I can't follow a word of your damn French.

It's Latin, Colonel McKean,

a tribute to the eternal peace and harmony of the Delaware delegation.

What are you saying, man? You know perfectly well

that neither Rodney nor I can stand the sight of this louse.

Now, Thomas...

Gentlemen, please.

This is Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia.

Caesar Rodney.

An honor, sir. Sir.

George Read and Colonel Thomas McKean.

Dr. Hall... Your servant.

I wonder if I might speak to you for a moment in private.

By all means.

McNair!

I'm coming! I'm coming!

Help me. I'm stuck.

Tell me, sir,

would you be a doctor of medicine or theology?

Both, Mr. Rodney. Which one can be of service?

By all means, the physician first.

Then we shall see about the other.

I shall call at your convenience, sir.

I trust, Caesar, when you're through

converting the poor fellow to independency

that you'll give the opposition a fair crack at him.

You're too late, John.

Once I get them, they're got.

Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia, Mr. John Dickinson of Pennsylvania.

An honor, sir. Your servant, sir.

Tell me, Doctor.

Where do you stand on the question of...

Independence?

Treason.

I've no stomach for it.

Ah! Then be careful not to dine with John Adams.

Between the fish and the souffle,

you'll find yourself hanging from an English rope.

Your servant, sir.

Oh, Judge Wilson, forgive me, but how can anyone see you

if you insist on standing in Mr. Dickinson's shadow?

James Wilson, also of Pennsylvania.

Sir.

An honor, sir.

Good morning. Good morning.

Good morning, ladies. Good morning.

Steady, steady.

Make gangway, sir. Make gangway!

Good morning, Mr. Wilson. Good morning.

Watch where you're going, damn it. Over there.

McNair, get me out of this thing.

Watch out for my foot.

Good morning, all.

- Morning, Ben. - Morning, Ben.

Here you are. Two coppers apiece.

Now, straight back to jail with you.

Good morning, Stephen. All right, Benjamin.

Dear God.

What are you staring at?

Haven't you ever seen a great man before?

Good Lord, sir. Do you have the honor to be Dr. Franklin?

Yes, I have that honor.

Unfortunately, the gout accompanies the honor.

Been living too high again, eh, pappy?

Oh, Stephen, I only wish King George felt like my big toe all over.

McNair! Fetch a pillow and two more rums.

Well, Franklin, where's that idiot Lee?

Is he back yet? I don't see him.

Softly, John. Your voice is hurting my foot.

One more day, Franklin. That's how long

I'll remain silent, not a minute longer.

That strutting popinjay was so damn sure of himself.

He's had time to bring back a dozen proposals by now.

Tell me, James.

How do you explain the strange, monumental quietude

that Congress has been treated to these past 30 days?

Has the ill wind of independence finally blown itself out?

Well, if you ask me...

For myself, I must confess that a month free from New England noise

is more therapeutic than a month in the country.

Don't you agree, James?

Well, I feel...

Mr. Adams, pray look for your voice, sir.

It cannot be far, and God knows we need

the entertainment in Congress.

Congratulations, John.

You just made your greatest contribution to independence.

You kept your flap shut.

One more day, Franklin.

Then I shall do the proposing.

Gentlemen, the usual morning festivities concluded,

I will now call Congress to order.

Mr. Thomson.

The Second Continental Congress meeting

in the city of Philadelphia is now in session.

7 June, 1776, the 380th meeting.

Sweet Jesus!

The Honorable John Hancock of Massachusetts Bay, president.

Thank you, Mr. Thomson. Mr. McNair.

The stores of rum and other drinking spirits are hereby closed

to the colony of Rhode Island for a period of three days.

Yes, sir.

Johnny, you can't do that.

Sit down, Mr. Hopkins. You've abused the privilege.

The chair would like to take this opportunity

to welcome Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia to this Congress,

and hopes he will make the best of it.

My God, it's hot.

The secretary will read the roll.

All members present with the following exceptions.

"Mr. Paine, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Samuel Adams of Massachusetts,

"Mr. Morton of Pennsylvania,

"Mr. Wythe and Mr. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia."

And the entire delegation of New Jersey.

I'm concerned over the continual absence

of one-thirteenth of this Congress. Where is New Jersey?

Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania.

Thank you very much.

Dr. Franklin, have you heard anything? Your son resides there.

Son, sir? What son?

The royal governor of New Jersey, sir.

As that title might suggest, sir,

we are not in touch at the present time.

Yes. Well...

Now for the weather report,

Mr. Jefferson of Virginia.

Mr. Jefferson!

Present, sir.

May we hear about the weather?

As if it weren't speaking for itself.

Eighty-seven degrees of temperature,

thirty-point-aught-six inches of mercury.

Wind...

From the southwest for the rest of the day.

And tonight...

Tonight I'm leaving for home.

On business?

Family business.

Give her a flourish for me, young feller.

Whoa!

"From the Commander, army of the United Colonies to New York,

"dispatch number 1, 137."

Ah, sweet Jesus!

"To the Honorable Congress, John Hancock, president.

"Dear sir, it is with grave apprehension that I have learned this day

"of the sailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia,

"of a considerable force of British troops

"in the company of foreign mercenaries

"and under the command of General Sir William Howe."

"There can be no doubt that their destination is New York,

"for to take and hold this city and the Hudson Valley beyond

"would serve to separate New England from the rest of the colonies,

"permitting both sections to be crushed in turn.

"Sadly, I see no way of stopping them at the present time,

"as my army is absolutely falling apart.

"My military chest is totally exhausted.

"My commissary general has strained his credit to the last.

"My quartermaster has no food, no arms, no ammunition,

"and my troops are in a state of near mutiny.

"I pray God some relief arrives

"before the armada, but fear it will not.

"Your obedient,

"G. Washington."

Mr. President!

Colonel McKean.

Surely we have managed to promote

the gloomiest man on this continent to the head of our troops.

Those dispatches are the most depressing accumulation

of disaster, doom and despair in the entire annals of military history.

Colonel McKean, please!

What?

It's too hot.

Well, I suppose so.

General Washington will continue wording his dispatches as he sees fit.

And I'm sure we all pray

he finds happier thoughts to convey in the near future.

Mr. Thomson, are there any resolutions?

Dr. Josiah Bartlett of New Hampshire.

"Resolved, that for the duration of the present hostilities,

"the Congress discourage every type of extravagance and dissipation,

"elaborate funerals and other expensive diversions,

"especially all horse racing, gambling,

"and other forms of sinful activity, which..."

Fire wagon!

Where's the fire? Can anybody tell?

Looks like the Pemberton House.

It couldn't be. It's brand new.

It might be the city tavern.

Bite your tongue, man.

Whoo-hoo!

Benjy, I'm back!

I'm back, Johnny!

Richard, lad, welcome back.

Lee, is it done?

First things first. Tom!

Tom! Tom, your little bride wants to know, "When's he coming home?"

I leave tonight.

Never mind that, man. Is it done?

Done? Why, certain-Lee.

Mr. President, I have returned from Virginia with the following resolution,

"Resolved, that these united colonies are, and of a right ought to be,

"free and independent states,

"that they are absolved from allegiance to the British Crown,

"and that all political connection between them

"and the state of Great Britain is,

"and ought to be, totally dissolved."

Hear, hear!

Mr. President, I second the proposal.

The resolution has been proposed and seconded.

The chair will now entertain debate.

Mr. Dickinson. Mr. President.

Pennsylvania moves, as always,

that the question of independence be postponed indefinitely.

I second the motion.

Judge Wilson,

in your eagerness to be loved, you seem to have forgotten

that Pennsylvania cannot second its own motion.

Delaware seconds.

You would, you lousy wart.

The motion to postpone has been moved and seconded.

Mr. Thomson.

On the motion to postpone indefinitely

the resolution on independency or proceed with the debate,

all those in favor of debate say "yea,"

all those for postponement say "nay."

New Hampshire?

New Hampshire favors debate, and says yea.

New Hampshire says yea. Massachusetts?

Massachusetts, having borne the brunt of the King's tyranny...

Yes, I said tyranny!

Massachusetts now, and for all time, says yea.

Massachusetts says yea.

Rhode Island?

Mr. Hopkins?

Where's Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is out visiting the necessary.

After what Rhode Island's consumed, I can't say I'm surprised.

We'll come back to him, Mr. Thomson.

Rhode Island passes.

Connecticut?

While Connecticut has, till now,

been against this proposal,

our legislature has instructed me that in the event

it is introduced by any colony outside of New England,

we could not any longer withhold our support. Connecticut says yea.

Hear! Hear!

Connecticut says yea. New York?

New York abstains courteously.

New York abstains.

Courteously.

New Jersey?

Absent, Mr. Secretary.

New Jersey's absent. Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania, for the 24th time, says nay.

Pennsylvania says nay. Delaware?

Delaware, as ever for independence, says yea.

Delaware says yea. Maryland?

Maryland would welcome independence if it were given,

but is highly skeptical that it can be taken.

Maryland says nay.

Maryland says nay. Virginia?

Virginia, the first colony, says yea!

Virginia says yea. North Carolina?

North Carolina respectfully yields to South Carolina.

South Carolina?

Mr. President,

although we of South Carolina have never seriously considered

the question of independence,

when a gentleman proposes it, attention must be paid.

However, we in the Deep South,

unlike our friends in New England,

have no cause for impatience at the present time.

If at some future date it becomes the wish of all our sister colonies,

to effect a separation, we will not stand in the way.

But for the time being,

South Carolina will wait and watch.

The vote is nay.

North Carolina...

Says nay. Yes, Mr. Hewes. I know.

Georgia.

Mr. President, Georgia seems to be split

right down the middle on this issue.

The people are against it, and I'm for it.

However, I'm afraid I'm not quite certain

whether representing the people means

relying on their judgment or on my own.

In all fairness, until I can figure that out,

I'd better lean a little on their side.

Georgia says nay.

Rhode Island?

Second call, Rhode Island!

Rhode Island!

I'm coming! I'm coming!

Hold your damn horses.

We're waiting on you, Mr. Hopkins.

Well, it won't kill you.

You'd think the Congress would have its own privy.

All right, where does she stand?

Five for debate, five for postponement,

one abstention and one absence.

So it's up to me, huh?

Well, I'll tell you.

In all my years, I never seen, heard nor smelled an issue

that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about.

Hell, yes! I'm for debating anything. Rhode Island says yea.

McNair, get Mr. Hopkins a rum. McNAIR: But you said...

Get him the whole damn barrel if he wants.

The chair now declares this Congress a committee of the whole

for the purpose of debating Virginia's resolution on independence.

Mr. Dickinson.

Well, now, you've got your way at last, Mr. Adams.

The matter may now be discussed.

I confess I'm almost relieved.

There's a question I've been fairly itching to ask you.

Why?

Why what, Mr. Dickinson?

Well, why independence, Mr. Adams?

Well, for the obvious reason that our continued association

with Great Britain has grown intolerable.

Well, to whom, Mr. Adams? To you?

Well, then I suggest you sever your ties immediately.

But please be kind enough to leave the rest of us where we are.

For myself, I have no objection at all

to being part of the greatest empire on Earth,

to enjoying its protection and sharing its benefits.

Benefits?

What benefits?

Crippling taxes? Cruel repressions?

Abolished rights?

Is that all England means to you, sir?

Is that all the pride and affection you can muster

for the nation that bore you?

For the noblest, most civilized nation on the face of this planet?

Well, would you have us forsake Hastings and Magna Carta,

Strongbow and Lionheart, Drake and Marlborough,

Tudors, Stuarts and Plantagenets?

For what, sir?

Well, tell me. For what?

For you?

Some men are patriots, like General Washington,

and some are anarchists, like Mr. Paine.

Some even are internationalists, like Dr. Franklin.

But you, sir...

You are merely an agitator,

disturbing the peace,

creating disorder, endangering the public welfare.

And for what?

Your petty little personal complaints.

Your taxes are too high.

Well, sir, so are mine.

Come, come, Mr. Adams.

If you have grievances, and I'm sure you have,

our present system must provide

a gentler means of redressing them

short of revolution.

Yes, that's what he wants.

Nothing less will satisfy him.

Violence, rebellion, treason.

Now, Mr. Adams,

are these the acts of Englishmen?

Not Englishmen, Dickinson. Americans.

No, sir. Englishmen!

Please, Mr. Dickinson, must you start banging?

How is a man to sleep?

Forgive me, Dr. Franklin, but must you start speaking?

How is a man to stay awake?

We'll promise to be quiet, sir.

I'm sure everyone prefers that you remain asleep.

If I'm to hear myself called an Englishman, sir,

I assure you I prefer I'd remained asleep.

Oh, now, what's so terrible about being called an Englishman?

The English don't seem to mind.

Nor would I, were I given the full rights of an Englishman.

But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull.

He's thankful for the honor,

but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his.

When did you first notice they were missing, sir?

Fortunately, the people of these colonies

maintain a higher regard for their mother country.

Higher, certainly, than she feels for them.

Never was such a valuable possession

so stupidly and so recklessly managed

than this entire continent by the British Crown.

Our industry discouraged, our resources pillaged.

Worst of all, our very character stifled.

We've spawned a new race here, Mr. Dickinson.

Rougher, simpler,

more violent, more enterprising,

less refined.

We're a new nationality.

We require a new nation.

Well,

that may be your opinion, Dr. Franklin,

but, as I said, the people feel quite differently.

Now, what do you know about the people, Dickinson?

You don't speak for the people. You represent only yourself.

And that precious status quot

you keep imploring the people to preserve for their own good

is nothing more than the eternal preservation of your own property.

Mr. Adams, you have an annoying talent

for making such delightful words

as "property" sound quite distasteful.

In heaven's name, what's wrong with property?

Perhaps you've forgotten that many of us first came to these shores

in order to secure rights to property,

and that we hold these rights no less dear than the rights you speak of.

Yes. So safe, so fat,

so comfortable in Pennsylvania.

And what is this independence of yours

except the private grievance of Massachusetts?

Why is it always Boston that breaks the King's peace?

My dear Congress, you must not adopt this evil measure.

It is the work of the devil.

Leave it where it belongs.

In New England.

Brother Dickinson, New England has been

fighting the devil for more than 100 years.

And as of now, Brother Sherman,

the devil has been winning hands down.

Why, at this very moment, he's sitting right here in this Congress.

Don't let him deceive you. This proposal is entirely his doing.

It may bear Virginia's name,

but it reeks of Adams, Adams and more Adams.

Look at him. Ready to lead this continent

down the fiery path of total destruction.

Oh, good God! Why can't you acknowledge what already exists?

It has been more than a year since Concord and Lexington.

Damn it, man, we're at war, right now!

You may be at war. You, Boston and John Adams.

But you will never speak for Pennsylvania.

Nor for Delaware.

Mr. Read, you represent only one-third of Delaware.

The sensible third, Mr. Rodney.

Sit down, you scurvy dog, or I'll knock you down.

Sit down, all three of you!

McNair, do something about that damn dog!

And here, fetch me a rum.

Get that dog first! Rum, rum!

I only got two hands.

Christ, it's hot!

Please do go on, gentlemen.

You're making the only breeze in Philadelphia.

Mr. Adams,

perhaps you could clear up something for me?

After we have achieved independence,

who do you propose would govern in South Carolina?

The people, of course.

Which people, sir? The people of South Carolina

or the people of Massachusetts?

Why don't you admit it, Neddy?

You're against independence now and you always will be.

Aye.

Gentlemen, you refuse to understand us.

We desire independence. Yes.

For South Carolina. That is our country.

And as such, we don't wish to belong to anyone.

Not to England and not to you.

We intend to have one nation, Rutledge.

A nation of sovereign states, Mr. Adams.

United for our mutual protection,

but separate for our individual pursuits.

Now, that is what we have understood it to be,

and that is what we will support.

As soon as everyone supports it.

Well, there you are, Mr. Adams.

You must see that we need time.

Time to make certain who we are

and where we stand in regard to one another.

For if we do not determine the nature of the beast before we set it free,

it will end by consuming us all.

For once in your life, Wilson,

take a chance.

I say the time is now.

It may never come again.

Your clock is fast, Mr. Adams.

I say we're not yet ripe for independence.

Not ripe? Hell, we're rotting for want of it.

Gentlemen, please, what in God's name is the infernal hurry?

Why must this question be settled now?

What's wrong with now, Mr. Chase?

General Washington is in the field.

If he's defeated, as it now appears,

we'll be inviting the hangman.

But if, by some miracle, he should actually win,

we can then declare anything we damn please.

The sentiments of North Carolina precisely.

Has it ever occurred to either of you

that an army needs something to fight for in order to win?

A purpose? A goal? A flag of its own?

Mr. Adams,

how can a nation of only 2 million souls

stand up to an empire of 10 million?

Think of it. 10 million.

How do we compensate for that shortage?

It's simple, Mr. Chase. Increase and multiply.

How's that?

We will more than compensate with spirit.

I tell you, there is a spirit out there among the people

that is sadly lacking in this Congress.

Yes, of course. Now it's spirit.

Well, why didn't I think of that?

No army, no navy, no arms, no ammunition,

no treasury, no friends,

but, bless our soul, spirit.

Mr. Lee, Mr. Hopkins,

Mr. Rodney, Colonel McKean,

Dr. Franklin.

Why have you joined this incendiary little man,

this Boston radical,

this agitator,

this demagogue,

this madman?

Are you calling me a madman, you...

You fribble!

You and your Pennsylvania proprietors,

oh, you cool, considerate men,

you hang to the rear on every issue,

so that if we should go under, you'll still remain afloat.

Are you calling me a coward?

Yes. Coward!

Madman!

Landlord!

Lawyer!

Stop it! Stop it!

This is the Congress. Stop it, I say!

The enemy's out there.

No, Mr. Rodney, the enemy is here.

No. I say he's out there.

England.

England closing in, cutting off our air.

There's no time!

No air.

Dr. Hall.

Colonel McKean.

Aye. It's the cancer.

But he should go home.

A man should die in his own bed.

John. John Adams.

I'm here, Caesar.

I leave you

a divided Delaware.

Forgive me.

I'll take you home, Caesar.

I'll be back within the week.

Mr. President, South Carolina calls the question.

What's that, Mr. Rutledge?

I said, Mr. President,

South Carolina desires to end the debate

and calls the question of independence.

Delaware seconds.

Thank you.

Gentlemen, please!

The question has been called and seconded.

The secretary will record the vote.

Franklin, do something. Think.

I'm thinking, but nothing's coming.

All those in favor of the resolution on independence

as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by saying...

Mr. Secretary.

Will you please read the resolution again?

What?

I've forgotten it.

Now, Benjamin...

"Resolved, that these united colonies are,

"and of a right ought to be, free and independent..."

Excuse me. Is this the Continental Congress?

Yes, I can see that it must be.

It's all right. We found it.

We've been looking for you everywhere, you see.

Someone told us that you might be at Carpenters' Hall

and someone else suggested Library Hall, and...

So, finally, we asked a constable...

Excuse me, sir,

but, if you don't mind, the Congress is about to decide

the question of American independence.

Oh, how splendid. That means we're not too late.

These gentlemen are Mr. Francis Hopkinson,

Mr. Richard Stockton, and I'm the Reverend John Witherspoon.

We're the new delegates from New Jersey.

New Jersey?

Dr. Franklin,

I regret that I must be the bearer of unhappy tidings, sir,

but your son, the royal governor of New Jersey,

has been taken prisoner

and has been moved under guard to the colony of Connecticut for safekeeping.

Is he unharmed, sir?

When last I heard, he was. Yes, sir.

Well, then why the long face?

I hear Connecticut is an excellent location.

Tell me. Why did they arrest the little bastard?

Our, uh...

New Jersey legislature has recalled the old delegation to this Congress

and has sent a new one.

Quickly, man, where do you stand on independence?

Well, haven't I made that clear? No.

Well, I suppose I haven't.

But that's the reason for the change.

See, we've been instructed to vote for independence.

Mr. President!

Massachusetts is now ready for the vote on independence,

and reminds the chair of its privilege

to decide all votes that are deadlocked.

I won't forget, Mr. Adams.

The chair takes this opportunity

to welcome the New Jersey delegation

and appoints the Reverend Witherspoon congressional chaplain

if he will accept the post.

With much pleasure, sir.

Very well. Mr. Thomson,

you may now proceed with the vote on independence.

All in favor of the resolution on independence

as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by saying...

Mr. President.

Pennsylvania moves that any vote in favor of independence

must be unanimous.

What?

I second the motion.

Judge Wilson!

Oh, my God.

Delaware seconds, Mr. President.

No vote has ever had to be unanimous, Dickinson, and you know it.

Yes, but this one must be.

On what grounds?

That no colony be torn from its mother country without its own consent.

Hear! Hear!

But it will never be unanimous, damn it.

If you say so, Mr. Adams.

It has been moved and seconded that the vote on independence

must be unanimous in order to carry.

All those in favor, signify by saying yea.

Yea!

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Six colonies say yea. Against?

Nay!

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Six colonies say nay.

Mr. Secretary, New York abstains courteously.

Mr. Morris, why does New York constantly abstain?

Why doesn't New York simply stay in New York?

Very well. The vote is tied.

The principles of independence

have no greater advocate in Congress

than its president.

That is why I must join those who vote for unanimity.

Good God, John! What are you doing? You've sunk us.

Now, hear me out.

Don't you see that any colony who opposes independence

will be forced to fight on the side of England?

That we'll be setting brother against brother,

that our new nation will carry as its emblem the mark of Cain.

I can see no other way.

Either we all walk together, or together we must stay where we are.

The man's from Massachusetts.

Very well. Proceed, Mr. Thomson.

A unanimous vote being necessary to carry,

if any be opposed to the resolution on independence

as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by...

Mr. President.

Oh, for heaven's sake, let me get through it once.

Mr. President.

I move for a postponement.

Postponement?

I wish you the same luck I had with it.

Mr. Adams is right. We need a postponement.

On what grounds?

Mr. President, how can this Congress vote on independence

without a written declaration of some sort defining it?

What sort of declaration?

Ah, well, you know, listing the reasons for the separation,

our purposes, goals, so forth, so on.

Ditto, Ditto.

Ditto, ditto, et cetera, et cetera.

We know those, don't we?

Oh, yes, good God, we know them,

but what about the rest of the world?

Certainly we require the assistance

of a powerful nation such as France or Spain.

And such a written declaration

would be consistent with European delicacy.

Come now, Mr. Adams. You'll have to do better than that.

Answer straight. What would be its purpose?

Yes. Well...

To place before mankind the common sense of the subject

in terms so plain and firm

as to command their assent.

Mr. Jefferson, are you seriously suggesting

that we publish a paper declaring to all the world

that an illegal rebellion is, in reality, a legal one?

Mr. Dickinson, I'm surprised at you.

You should know that rebellion is always legal in the first person,

such as "our rebellion."

It's only in the third person,

"their rebellion," that it is illegal.

Mr. President, I second the motion

to postpone the vote on independence

for a period of time sufficient for the writing of a declaration.

It has been moved and seconded. Mr. Thomson.

All those in favor of the motion to postpone, signify by saying yea.

Yea!

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Six colonies say yea. Against?

Nay!

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Six colonies say nay.

Mr. Secretary, New York abstains courteously.

Mr. Morris, what in hell goes on in New York?

I'm sorry, Mr. President, but the simple fact is that

our legislature has never sent us explicit instructions on anything.

Never?

That's impossible.

Mr. President, have you ever been present

at a meeting of the New York legislature?

They speak very fast and very loud,

and nobody listens to anybody else

with the result that nothing ever gets done.

I beg the Congress' pardon.

My sympathies, Mr. Morris.

The vote again being tied, the chair decides in favor of postponement.

So ruled.

A committee will now be formed to manage the declaration.

Said document to be written, debated, approved by the beginning of July,

some three weeks hence.

At which time, Virginia's resolution

on independence will finally be voted.

Is that clear?

Very well. Will the following gentlemen

serve on the Declaration Committee,

Dr. Franklin? Gladly.

Mr. John Adams? Yes.

Mr. Sherman?

Mr. Livingston? Right.

And, of course, Mr. Lee.

Oh, excuse me, but I must be returning

to the sovereign colony of Virginia

as I have been asked to serve as governor.

And therefore I must decline respectful-Lee.

Very well, Mr. Lee, you're excused then.

I suppose we could leave it a four-man committee.

Just a moment. This business needs a Virginian.

Therefore I propose a replacement.

Mr. Thomas Jefferson. No. Mr. Adams...

Very well, Mr. Adams. Mr. Jefferson will serve.

I'm going home, too, to my wife.

Move to adjourn!

Wait. I second.

Mr. Hancock, I haven't seen her for six months.

Moved and seconded. Any objections?

I have objections. I have lots of objections.

So ruled! Congress stands adjourned!

John, I need to see my wife.

It's all right. Come along, come along.

No. I'm going home tonight.

Of course you are. Of course.

McNair, some rum up to my office.

Oh, don't worry, Tom.

Let me handle it.

I'll get Adams to write it.

I don't know. He had a funny look on his face.

He always does.

All right, gentlemen,

let's get on with it.

Which of us will write our Declaration of Independence?

Mr. Adams, I say you should write it

To your legal mind and brilliance we defer

Is that so? Well, if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

I'm obnoxious and disliked You know that, sir

Yes, I know

But I say you should write it, Franklin, yes you

Hell no!

Yes, you, Dr. Franklin, you

But... You!

But...

Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams

The things I write are only light extemporanea

I won't put politics on paper, it's a mania

So I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

Refuse to use the pen

Mr. Sherman, I say you should write it

You are never controversial as it were

That is true

Whereas if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

I'm obnoxious and disliked You know that, sir

Yes, I do

So I say you should write it, Roger, yes, you

Good heavens, no

Yes, you, Roger Sherman

You! But...

Mr. Adams, but, Mr. Adams

I cannot write with any style or proper etiquette

I don't know a participle from a predicate

I am just a simple cobbler from Connecticut

Connecticut

A simple cobbler, he

Ah.

Mr. Livingston, maybe you should write it

You have many friends and you're a diplomat

Oh, that word

Whereas if I'm the one to do it

They'll run their quill pens through it

He's obnoxious and disliked Did you know that?

I hadn't heard

So I say you should write it, Robert, yes, you

Not me, Johnny

Yes, you, Robert Livingston

You! But...

Mr. Adams, dear Mr. Adams

I've been presented with a new son by the noble stork

So I am going home to celebrate and pop the cork

With all the Livingstons together back in old New York

New York

Livingston's going to pop a cork

Mr. Adams

Leave me alone

Mr. Jefferson... Mr. Adams, I beg of you.

I've not seen my wife these past six months.

"And we solemnly declare that we will preserve our liberties,

"being with one mind resolved to die free men rather than to live slaves."

Thomas Jefferson, "On the Necessity of Taking Up Arms," 1775.

Magnificent.

You write 10 times better than any man in Congress,

including me.

For a man of only 33 years,

you possess a happy talent for composition

and a remarkable felicity of expression.

Now, then, sir. Will you be a patriot

or a lover?

A lover.

No.

But I burn, Mr. A.

So do I, Mr. J.

You? You do?

John. Who'd have thought it?

Mr. Jefferson

Dear Mr. Jefferson

I'm only 41, I still have my virility

And I can romp through Cupid's grove with great agility

But life is more than sexual combustibility

Jefferson, stop right there.

'Bustability

Combustibili...

Quiet!

Now, you'll write it, Mr. J.

Who will make me, Mr. A.?

I.

You?

Yes.

How?

By physical force, if necessary.

It's your duty, damn it. Your duty!

Mr. Adams

Damn you, Mr. Adams

You're obnoxious and disliked

That cannot be denied

Once again you stand between me and my lovely bride

Lovely bride

Oh, Mr. Adams, you are driving me to homicide

Jefferson, stop right there!

Homicide

Homicide

Quiet!

The decision is yours, Mr. Jefferson.

Do as you like with it.

We may see murder yet

Damn the man.

God damn the man.

Sorry.

Pardon me, sir. Step aside. Step aside.

How are you? Franklin.

Jefferson!

What is that racket?

Latest thing from Europe, John. It's called music.

I came here hoping to hear a pen scratching, not a bow.

Jefferson! I know you're in there!

Ah! Jefferson, are you finished?

Well, is it written yet?

Well, you've had a whole week, man.

Is it done?

Can I see it?

"There comes a time in the lives of men when it becomes necessary

"to advance from that subordination

"in which they have hitherto..."

This is terrible.

Where's the rest of it?

Do you mean to say that it is not yet finished?

No, sir.

I mean to say that it's not yet begun.

Good God!

A whole week.

The entire Earth was created in a week.

Someday you must tell me how you did it.

Disgusting.

Look at him, Franklin.

Virginia's most famous lover.

Virginia abstains.

Well, cheer up, Jefferson.

Get out of the dumps. It'll come out all right, I assure you.

Now, get back to work.

Franklin, tell him to get back to work.

I think he's asleep.

Wake up, Franklin!

Hello! And whose little girl are you?

John, who is she?

His wife.

I hope.

What makes you think so?

Because I sent for her.

You what?

Well, it simply occurred to me that

the sooner his problem was solved,

the sooner our problem is solved.

That's good thinking, John. Good thinking.

Madam, may I present myself? John Adams.

Adams.

John Adams.

Oh, and Dr. Franklin.

The inventor of the stove.

Jefferson, kindly present me to your wife.

She is your wife, isn't she?

Well, of course she is. Look at the way they fit.

Come along, John, come along.

Franklin, where are you going?

Come along, John.

Come along where? There's work to be done.

Obviously.

Good God. You don't mean to say that...

I mean, they're not going to...

In the middle of the afternoon?

Not everybody's from Boston, John.

Incredible.

Well, goodbye, John. Uh... Uh...

Franklin?

Have you eaten? Not yet, but...

I understand the turkey's fresh at Bunch of Grapes.

Well, the fact is I have a rendezvous, John.

I'd ask you along, but talking makes her nervous.

Yes, of course.

Incredible.

Abigail?

I'm very lonely, Abigail.

Are you, John?

As long as you were sending for wives,

why didn't you send for your own?

Oh, now, don't be unreasonable, Abigail.

Now I'm unreasonable.

You must add that to your list.

List?

The catalog of my faults you included in your last letter.

Oh, they were fondly intended, madam.

That I play at cards badly?

A compliment.

That my posture is crooked?

An endearment.

That I read, write and think too much?

An irony.

That I'm pigeon-toed?

Well, now there you have me, Abby.

I'm afraid you are pigeon-toed.

Please. Come to Philadelphia. Please come.

Oh, thank you, John.

I do want to, but you know now it's not possible.

The children have the measles.

So you wrote.

Tom and little Abby.

Only now it's Quincy and Charles.

And it appears the farm here in Braintree is failing, John.

The chickens and the geese have all died.

The apples never survived the late frost.

How do you suppose she managed to get away?

Well, the winters are softer in Virginia.

And their women, John?

Fit for Virginians, madam,

but pale, puny things beside New England girls.

John.

I thank you for that.

Abigail, how goes it with you?

Not well, John. Not at all well.

I live like a nun in a cloister

Solitary, celibate I hate it

And you, John? Ugh!

I live like a monk in an abbey

Ditto, ditto I hate it

Write to me with sentimental effusion

Let me revel in romantic illusion

Do you still smell of vanilla and spring air?

And is my favorite lover's pillow

Still firm and fair?

What was there, John

Still is there, John

Come soon as you can to my cloister

I've forgotten the feel of your hand

Soon, madam, we shall walk in Cupid's grove together

And we'll fondly survey And we'll fondly survey

That promised land That promised land

Till then, till then Till then, till then

I am as I ever was I am as I ever was

And ever shall be And ever shall be

Yours Yours

Saltpeter

John

John?

John! Hmm?

What?

What are you doing down here?

I thought you'd be up there, cracking the whip.

Oh, well, the shutters are still closed.

My word! So they are.

Well, as the French say...

Oh, please, Franklin!

Spare me your bawdy mind first thing in the morning.

Dare we call?

A congressman dares anything.

Go ahead. Me?

Your voice is more piercing.

Oh, John, look at her. Just look at her.

I am.

She's even more magnificent than I remember.

Of course, we didn't see much of her front last night.

Good morrow, madam.

Good morrow.

Is it the habit in Philadelphia for strangers

to shout at ladies from the street?

Not really, but...

And for men of your age it is not only unseemly, it is unsightly.

Uh, excuse me, madam, but we met last evening.

I spoke to no one last evening.

Indeed, you did not.

Nonetheless, we did present ourselves.

This is Mr. John Adams. I'm Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

The inventor of the stove.

Please! I know your names very well, but...

Well, you said you presented yourselves last night?

It's of no matter. Your thoughts were well-taken elsewhere.

Oh.

My husband is not yet up.

Well, then shall we start over again? Won't you join us?

Yes, of course.

Well, no wonder the man couldn't write.