All language subtitles for CD1776.1972.Directors.Cut.1080p.BluRay.X264-Japhson.ENG

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.