1 00:00:14,836 --> 00:00:16,969 [man 1] Ready port gun! 2 00:00:17,056 --> 00:00:18,710 [man 2] Ready port gun! 3 00:00:19,580 --> 00:00:20,929 Ready your lines. 4 00:00:21,278 --> 00:00:22,583 Ready your lines! 5 00:00:28,807 --> 00:00:30,461 Sir, will you forgive me? 6 00:00:30,548 --> 00:00:32,245 [man] Have no fear, Mr. Spencer. 7 00:00:32,332 --> 00:00:34,508 God will extend you mercy. 8 00:00:44,083 --> 00:00:46,433 And you, my son. 9 00:00:50,568 --> 00:00:51,917 And you. 10 00:00:53,440 --> 00:00:55,921 -Beat the Call! -[man 2] Beat the Call! 11 00:00:56,313 --> 00:00:59,620 [drum beating "Call to Colors"] 12 00:01:03,624 --> 00:01:04,886 Fire! 13 00:01:05,974 --> 00:01:07,976 [opening theme music playing] 14 00:01:57,722 --> 00:01:59,071 [Sims] It's quite an honor, Colonel-- 15 00:01:59,158 --> 00:02:01,029 lecturing at the Naval Academy. 16 00:02:01,116 --> 00:02:03,031 Be more of an honor if I finish writing the lecture 17 00:02:03,118 --> 00:02:04,859 before it's time to start giving it. 18 00:02:04,946 --> 00:02:07,079 Isn't this a bad week to be doing this? 19 00:02:07,166 --> 00:02:08,907 Six days before my wedding, 20 00:02:08,994 --> 00:02:11,562 I was yelling at some caterer about an ice swan. 21 00:02:11,953 --> 00:02:13,781 -Did it help? -Nothing helped... 22 00:02:14,869 --> 00:02:16,871 until I walked into that church 23 00:02:16,958 --> 00:02:19,265 and I saw Bud waiting for me at that altar. 24 00:02:20,266 --> 00:02:21,963 [Harm] An early wedding present, Mac. 25 00:02:23,138 --> 00:02:24,270 -Lieutenant. -Sir. 26 00:02:24,357 --> 00:02:25,924 Printed from microfilm. 27 00:02:26,011 --> 00:02:28,100 Complete coverage of the Somers affair 28 00:02:28,187 --> 00:02:31,408 in the New York Commercial Advertiser 1842 and 1843. 29 00:02:32,626 --> 00:02:34,149 You know, I could exchange it for a blender. 30 00:02:34,237 --> 00:02:36,500 No, that's very thoughtful of you. 31 00:02:36,587 --> 00:02:39,242 You, of course, know that that's not the real gift. 32 00:02:39,329 --> 00:02:40,939 I know, but you wouldn't happen to have 33 00:02:41,026 --> 00:02:42,201 a lecture in your pocket, would you? 34 00:02:43,202 --> 00:02:46,205 Fascinating case. Wish I could hear what you had to say. 35 00:02:46,292 --> 00:02:48,033 Oh, me, too. 36 00:02:48,120 --> 00:02:51,123 Mmm... the captain's name was Mackenzie? 37 00:02:51,210 --> 00:02:53,821 Alexander Slidell Mackenzie. 38 00:02:53,908 --> 00:02:56,694 Friend of Washington Irving and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-- 39 00:02:56,781 --> 00:02:58,173 an author himself. 40 00:02:58,261 --> 00:02:59,958 Was related by marriage to Commodore Perry. 41 00:03:00,045 --> 00:03:01,612 And to you, ma'am? 42 00:03:01,699 --> 00:03:03,918 No, but the name got me interested. 43 00:03:04,005 --> 00:03:06,965 He had an impeccable reputation as a naval officer. 44 00:03:07,052 --> 00:03:09,881 Well, until his cruise on the USS Somers. 45 00:03:09,968 --> 00:03:11,578 What happened? Shipwreck? 46 00:03:12,057 --> 00:03:14,233 No, worse. 47 00:03:23,808 --> 00:03:25,636 Ready your lines. 48 00:03:28,073 --> 00:03:29,248 [Mackenzie] Beat the call! 49 00:03:29,335 --> 00:03:30,945 Beat the call! 50 00:03:31,032 --> 00:03:35,123 [drum beating "Call to Colors"] 51 00:03:38,344 --> 00:03:39,780 Fire! 52 00:03:40,868 --> 00:03:41,956 Whip! 53 00:03:55,709 --> 00:03:58,321 [knock on door] 54 00:03:58,408 --> 00:03:59,887 Come in. 55 00:04:02,063 --> 00:04:03,761 First Lieutenant Gansevoort 56 00:04:03,848 --> 00:04:05,589 reporting to the Secretary of War. 57 00:04:05,676 --> 00:04:08,287 -At ease, Lieutenant. -Thank you, sir. 58 00:04:08,374 --> 00:04:11,508 You come from the Somers. How is Commander Mackenzie? 59 00:04:11,595 --> 00:04:14,467 Well, sir. We docked in New York on Monday. 60 00:04:14,554 --> 00:04:17,252 You traveled very swiftly to see me. 61 00:04:17,340 --> 00:04:19,124 Why? 62 00:04:19,211 --> 00:04:21,256 Sir, the Commander has sent me to inform you of certain events. 63 00:04:22,780 --> 00:04:28,742 I regret to inform you that our voyage was troubled by... a mutiny. 64 00:04:28,829 --> 00:04:31,049 -Mutiny? -Yes, sir. 65 00:04:31,136 --> 00:04:33,834 And Commander Mackenzie, the ship, are well? 66 00:04:33,921 --> 00:04:37,534 All is well, sir, except for three mutineers who were hanged. 67 00:04:37,621 --> 00:04:38,970 Hanged? Where? 68 00:04:39,057 --> 00:04:40,537 At sea. 69 00:04:40,624 --> 00:04:42,495 It is my sad duty, sir, 70 00:04:42,582 --> 00:04:45,977 to report that one of them... was your son. 71 00:04:46,630 --> 00:04:47,892 Philip? 72 00:04:48,501 --> 00:04:49,850 Sorry, sir. 73 00:04:49,937 --> 00:04:51,461 He led the mutiny. 74 00:04:54,464 --> 00:04:57,467 [Sims] The son of the Secretary of War? 75 00:04:57,554 --> 00:05:00,948 Philip Spencer, bright, but a drinker, a brawler... 76 00:05:01,035 --> 00:05:04,169 He spent three years as a college freshman before being expelled. 77 00:05:04,256 --> 00:05:06,911 His father got him appointed a midshipman just to straighten him out. 78 00:05:06,998 --> 00:05:08,695 [door opens] 79 00:05:08,782 --> 00:05:13,004 Sit. I'm looking for Albritton's Law of the Sea. 80 00:05:13,091 --> 00:05:17,138 Sir, that should be in your office or... right here, sir. 81 00:05:17,225 --> 00:05:20,664 Philip Spencer had been obsessed with pirates since he was a teenager. 82 00:05:20,751 --> 00:05:23,144 His plan, apparently, was to take over the Somers 83 00:05:23,231 --> 00:05:25,843 -and turn it into a pirate ship. -What did he do? 84 00:05:25,930 --> 00:05:29,107 Storm the decks, pistols blazing, swords drawn? 85 00:05:29,194 --> 00:05:31,414 Actually, the mutiny never happened. 86 00:05:31,501 --> 00:05:34,112 The captain must have had good reason to think that it would. 87 00:05:34,199 --> 00:05:37,811 Well, that question was raised by, among others, the Secretary of War. 88 00:05:37,898 --> 00:05:39,857 The Navy convened a court of inquiry. 89 00:05:40,858 --> 00:05:42,990 [Mackenzie] I think you gentlemen for this opportunity 90 00:05:43,077 --> 00:05:44,992 to explain what befell my ship. 91 00:05:45,079 --> 00:05:47,386 Since we embarked New York, 13th September, 92 00:05:47,473 --> 00:05:51,825 last on a training mission for young sailors and officers. 93 00:05:51,912 --> 00:05:54,654 The officers, as a group, I was pleased to receive, 94 00:05:55,307 --> 00:05:57,091 except Midshipman Spencer. 95 00:05:57,178 --> 00:05:59,877 You began the voyage displeased with him, Commander? 96 00:05:59,964 --> 00:06:01,531 I'd heard reports, sir, 97 00:06:01,618 --> 00:06:04,142 of libertine behavior and casual disrespect. 98 00:06:04,229 --> 00:06:05,622 On a previous ship? 99 00:06:05,709 --> 00:06:08,276 Yes. But on the Somers, 100 00:06:08,363 --> 00:06:10,931 I soon saw the character of the man for myself. 101 00:06:12,933 --> 00:06:13,978 [men laughing] 102 00:06:14,065 --> 00:06:15,849 And then she says to me, 103 00:06:15,936 --> 00:06:18,591 "Spencer, where would you bury your chest?" 104 00:06:18,678 --> 00:06:20,550 [laughing] 105 00:06:21,289 --> 00:06:22,465 Mr. Spencer... 106 00:06:23,378 --> 00:06:24,597 report. 107 00:06:29,907 --> 00:06:31,256 Sir? 108 00:06:31,343 --> 00:06:32,387 A Naval officer does not report 109 00:06:32,475 --> 00:06:35,608 to his captain holding a cigar. 110 00:06:36,783 --> 00:06:38,524 Well, it's a fine cigar, sir. 111 00:06:39,394 --> 00:06:42,354 If you refuse to honor your officer's uniform 112 00:06:42,441 --> 00:06:43,964 and properly supervise your men, 113 00:06:45,226 --> 00:06:47,272 I will strip you of it. 114 00:06:47,359 --> 00:06:48,882 And you will clean the deck 115 00:06:49,927 --> 00:06:51,972 and they will smoke cigars. 116 00:07:03,810 --> 00:07:05,203 Dismissed. 117 00:07:05,943 --> 00:07:07,466 Aye, aye, sir. 118 00:07:11,992 --> 00:07:14,255 Back to work, or I'll flog you myself. 119 00:07:14,342 --> 00:07:15,605 Get back to work. 120 00:07:19,609 --> 00:07:21,567 You hear the captain, Wales? 121 00:07:21,654 --> 00:07:24,527 He requests I attend better to my duties. 122 00:07:25,440 --> 00:07:26,920 Then perhaps you should. 123 00:07:28,095 --> 00:07:30,533 I'd like to catch him on the roundhouse one night-- 124 00:07:30,620 --> 00:07:31,795 plunge him overboard. 125 00:07:31,882 --> 00:07:33,187 Perhaps I shall do that. 126 00:07:39,193 --> 00:07:40,717 Damned if I don't. 127 00:07:42,153 --> 00:07:43,850 Improper and punishable 128 00:07:44,416 --> 00:07:47,637 but he is not the first young officer to denounce his captain. 129 00:07:47,724 --> 00:07:51,684 A few days later, he approached my master-at-arms. 130 00:07:52,424 --> 00:07:54,731 -A fine day, sir. -As you were, sergeant. 131 00:07:54,818 --> 00:07:56,167 Aye, sir. 132 00:07:56,254 --> 00:07:58,299 And a fine a ship with which to enjoy it. 133 00:07:58,386 --> 00:08:00,606 -Nothing in the fleet can catch her. -I suppose not, sir. 134 00:08:00,693 --> 00:08:02,956 But has the Navy a need to catch her own ships? 135 00:08:03,043 --> 00:08:04,610 [chuckles] 136 00:08:04,697 --> 00:08:06,699 I could take her with six men. 137 00:08:08,440 --> 00:08:10,573 You couldn't with three times six. 138 00:08:11,574 --> 00:08:13,184 Six men, sergeant... 139 00:08:13,271 --> 00:08:15,447 providing their leader knows 140 00:08:15,534 --> 00:08:18,015 the lay of the ship as I do. 141 00:08:19,059 --> 00:08:21,366 We would seize the Captain and the officers 142 00:08:21,453 --> 00:08:23,150 and take the arms chest. 143 00:08:23,237 --> 00:08:24,891 And when the rest of the crew see my men in arms, 144 00:08:24,978 --> 00:08:26,589 they will all come over. 145 00:08:28,025 --> 00:08:30,070 The officers have swords, sir. 146 00:08:30,723 --> 00:08:32,638 And your six would have... 147 00:08:32,725 --> 00:08:34,858 We would run them through with their own swords 148 00:08:34,945 --> 00:08:36,642 and heave their bodies into the sea. 149 00:08:37,774 --> 00:08:40,733 Things came to a head a few nights later. 150 00:08:41,952 --> 00:08:45,259 [Irish music playing] 151 00:08:51,962 --> 00:08:54,355 [Spencer] Do you fear death, Wales? 152 00:08:56,009 --> 00:08:58,403 Are you afraid to kill a man? 153 00:08:58,490 --> 00:09:00,579 I don't know, Mr. Spencer. 154 00:09:00,666 --> 00:09:02,842 Is there someone I must kill? 155 00:09:02,929 --> 00:09:04,409 Can you keep a secret? 156 00:09:04,496 --> 00:09:05,845 I can. 157 00:09:06,411 --> 00:09:08,152 I'm planning on taking the ship. 158 00:09:08,805 --> 00:09:10,894 [chuckles] 159 00:09:11,982 --> 00:09:13,592 You cannot be serious? 160 00:09:15,159 --> 00:09:17,030 Good God. 161 00:09:17,117 --> 00:09:18,815 I have 20 men with me. 162 00:09:20,033 --> 00:09:22,819 Their names are on a piece of paper, in secret writing. 163 00:09:22,906 --> 00:09:25,517 Two of them are going to stage a fight on fo'c'sle. 164 00:09:25,604 --> 00:09:28,607 When the officer on the deck comes to settle the matter, 165 00:09:28,694 --> 00:09:31,523 -he will be thrown overboard. -And the other officers? 166 00:09:31,610 --> 00:09:33,177 We will surprise them in their wardroom. 167 00:09:33,264 --> 00:09:35,701 Kill them all there. Call the crew on the deck, 168 00:09:35,788 --> 00:09:37,094 select the ones that we want 169 00:09:37,181 --> 00:09:38,486 and toss the rest over the side. 170 00:09:38,573 --> 00:09:40,575 -Why? -Why? 171 00:09:40,663 --> 00:09:43,927 Why, then we commence cruising for prize vessels. 172 00:09:44,014 --> 00:09:46,538 [chuckles] As pirates? 173 00:09:46,625 --> 00:09:49,976 Yes. Can you imagine a better life, Wales? 174 00:09:50,063 --> 00:09:52,239 Treasure... freedom... 175 00:09:52,326 --> 00:09:55,416 and some of the ships we take will have women. 176 00:09:57,157 --> 00:09:58,811 Will you join us? 177 00:10:00,552 --> 00:10:01,814 It's... 178 00:10:03,076 --> 00:10:04,774 intriguing. 179 00:10:06,079 --> 00:10:08,821 Wales, it would be a waste to throw you overboard. 180 00:10:10,083 --> 00:10:12,042 I want you as my third officer. 181 00:10:15,959 --> 00:10:17,830 We'll talk again. 182 00:10:20,180 --> 00:10:23,793 If you lisp a syllable about this to anyone, 183 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:26,839 20 men stand ready to put a knife in you, all right? 184 00:10:30,016 --> 00:10:33,150 Nevertheless, Mr. Wales found the courage to report the conversation. 185 00:10:34,020 --> 00:10:36,327 I had Mr. Spencer placed under arrest 186 00:10:36,414 --> 00:10:37,937 and his quarters searched. 187 00:10:38,633 --> 00:10:41,811 Lieutenant Gansevoort found this in his shaving kit. 188 00:10:41,898 --> 00:10:44,117 Written in Greek letters, but easy to decipher 189 00:10:44,204 --> 00:10:47,686 a list of accomplices-- two of whom I also arrested. 190 00:10:47,773 --> 00:10:50,210 Commander, your intentions at the time 191 00:10:50,297 --> 00:10:52,604 were to bring these men home for court martial 192 00:10:52,691 --> 00:10:54,432 as prescribed by the Articles of War? 193 00:10:54,519 --> 00:10:57,696 Yes, sir, but I did not have that luxury. 194 00:10:57,783 --> 00:10:59,480 It seems to me, Commander, 195 00:10:59,567 --> 00:11:01,831 that it is they who were denied a benefit. 196 00:11:01,918 --> 00:11:03,746 Then you, sir, need to understand the situation. 197 00:11:03,833 --> 00:11:05,617 The Somers is swift, but small. 198 00:11:05,704 --> 00:11:07,706 There is no place to hold men under arrest 199 00:11:07,793 --> 00:11:09,708 other than on the deck with the rest of the crew-- 200 00:11:11,536 --> 00:11:13,668 some of whom may be their accomplices. 201 00:11:14,408 --> 00:11:16,193 Some of the accomplices we knew, 202 00:11:16,280 --> 00:11:17,803 others we did not. 203 00:11:18,804 --> 00:11:23,853 Overall, the crew became sullen, disobedient. 204 00:11:23,940 --> 00:11:27,857 Whispered conversations broke up when officers approached. 205 00:11:27,944 --> 00:11:30,076 My officers stood double watches. 206 00:11:30,163 --> 00:11:31,817 They grew exhausted... 207 00:11:31,904 --> 00:11:33,688 and they were vulnerable, sir. 208 00:11:34,951 --> 00:11:39,782 And the men under arrest, they remained confident and insolent. 209 00:11:41,218 --> 00:11:42,741 What other explanation 210 00:11:42,828 --> 00:11:45,483 than they were expecting to be rescued? 211 00:11:48,573 --> 00:11:51,271 I referred the matter to a council of my officers 212 00:11:51,358 --> 00:11:53,839 who met independently of me 213 00:11:53,926 --> 00:11:56,015 and concluded we had no other alternative 214 00:11:56,102 --> 00:11:57,800 than to rig the gallows. 215 00:11:59,758 --> 00:12:02,021 That was the most terrible decision of my life. 216 00:12:03,457 --> 00:12:05,546 But I would do it again, sir, 217 00:12:06,373 --> 00:12:08,158 for the sake of my duty to my ship... 218 00:12:09,420 --> 00:12:10,725 to my country... 219 00:12:12,553 --> 00:12:14,512 and to my God. 220 00:12:18,037 --> 00:12:20,997 Commander Mackenzie, we have heard your evidence 221 00:12:21,084 --> 00:12:23,216 and that of your crew and we have concluded 222 00:12:23,303 --> 00:12:26,698 that owing to difficult conditions aboard the USS Somers 223 00:12:26,785 --> 00:12:28,439 and the demonstrated malefactions 224 00:12:28,526 --> 00:12:30,136 of the mutineers aboard her, 225 00:12:30,223 --> 00:12:33,836 your actions were justified in every respect. 226 00:12:34,967 --> 00:12:36,490 We stand adjourned. 227 00:12:36,969 --> 00:12:38,231 [pounds gavel] 228 00:12:41,060 --> 00:12:43,541 I told you, darling, there was nothing to fear. 229 00:12:43,976 --> 00:12:45,543 I had faith in you, Alexander. 230 00:12:45,630 --> 00:12:46,936 I did not know if they would. 231 00:12:47,023 --> 00:12:48,720 Congratulations, sir. 232 00:12:48,807 --> 00:12:50,461 It's been a pleasure serving under you. 233 00:12:50,548 --> 00:12:51,636 Congratulations, sir. 234 00:12:51,723 --> 00:12:53,029 Thank you. 235 00:12:54,769 --> 00:12:56,859 My dear, let's go home. 236 00:13:03,735 --> 00:13:06,694 Forgive me, Commander, if I don't offer my congratulations. 237 00:13:07,521 --> 00:13:09,175 Mr. Secretary, I am sorry. 238 00:13:09,262 --> 00:13:11,482 Things had to turn out as they did. 239 00:13:11,569 --> 00:13:13,658 "Had to," Commander? You had no options? 240 00:13:13,745 --> 00:13:15,573 The court just found that he did not. 241 00:13:15,660 --> 00:13:17,314 With all due respect, ma'am, 242 00:13:17,401 --> 00:13:19,533 your husband's reputation is still at stake. 243 00:13:20,404 --> 00:13:22,667 Sir, I would gladly defend my reputation 244 00:13:22,754 --> 00:13:24,495 in any venue you propose. 245 00:13:24,582 --> 00:13:28,325 Excellent. I propose a court martial. 246 00:13:30,196 --> 00:13:32,459 Allow me to introduce Commander Norris 247 00:13:32,546 --> 00:13:34,113 who will serve as trial council. 248 00:13:34,200 --> 00:13:35,636 Commander. Ma'am. 249 00:13:36,202 --> 00:13:39,640 You would prosecute me, Commander, on what charge? 250 00:13:40,163 --> 00:13:42,513 Among others, three counts of murder, sir. 251 00:13:53,654 --> 00:13:57,049 The Naval Academy exists today, you are at Annapolis today 252 00:13:57,136 --> 00:13:59,443 because of what happened on a training mission 253 00:13:59,530 --> 00:14:02,141 of the USS Somers 159 years ago, where the need 254 00:14:02,228 --> 00:14:05,144 for some better method of training 255 00:14:05,231 --> 00:14:09,540 Naval officers was tragically demonstrated. 256 00:14:09,627 --> 00:14:12,108 [chuckles] That's an understatement. 257 00:14:13,587 --> 00:14:15,372 But it's a key point, Mic. 258 00:14:15,459 --> 00:14:17,156 There's so many key points. 259 00:14:18,941 --> 00:14:21,682 I was hoping this would be a relaxing break from planning the wedding. 260 00:14:21,769 --> 00:14:24,207 No worries. It's all under control. 261 00:14:24,294 --> 00:14:26,774 Is it? The caterer called me today about our check. 262 00:14:26,861 --> 00:14:28,689 You delivered it by 5:00, right? 263 00:14:28,776 --> 00:14:30,430 -Right. -Okay, and you faxed 264 00:14:30,517 --> 00:14:31,866 the new song list to the band? 265 00:14:31,954 --> 00:14:33,912 Yeah. More Motown. 266 00:14:33,999 --> 00:14:36,480 And did you call the airline about Chloe flying alone? 267 00:14:36,567 --> 00:14:39,744 -I'll call them tomorrow. -Tomorrow? 268 00:14:39,831 --> 00:14:42,747 Tomorrow. Am I on trial here? 269 00:14:43,313 --> 00:14:46,316 First charge, conduct unbecoming an officer. 270 00:14:46,403 --> 00:14:48,231 Second charge, oppression. 271 00:14:48,318 --> 00:14:51,364 Third charge, unnecessary cruelty. 272 00:14:51,451 --> 00:14:53,888 Fourth charge, illegal punishment. 273 00:14:53,976 --> 00:14:56,848 Fifth charge, murder on board a United States Vessel 274 00:14:56,935 --> 00:14:58,458 on the high seas. 275 00:14:59,546 --> 00:15:02,593 -[judge] How does the defendant plead? -Not guilty. 276 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:05,248 Will the court admit into evidence the record compiled 277 00:15:05,335 --> 00:15:07,554 -by the court of inquiry-- -No objections. 278 00:15:08,251 --> 00:15:10,644 ...whose verdict exonerated my client? 279 00:15:10,731 --> 00:15:13,734 The court may have exonerated him but the record does not. 280 00:15:13,821 --> 00:15:15,998 Commander, shall we proceed to witnesses 281 00:15:16,085 --> 00:15:18,043 and save the argument for later. 282 00:15:18,130 --> 00:15:21,960 Yes, sir. I call Sergeant Michael Garty to the stand. 283 00:15:30,229 --> 00:15:33,580 Sergeant, do you swear that the evidence you give in this case 284 00:15:33,667 --> 00:15:35,365 shall be the truth, the whole truth 285 00:15:35,452 --> 00:15:37,454 and nothing but the truth, so help you God? 286 00:15:37,541 --> 00:15:39,021 -Yes, sir. -Be seated. 287 00:15:42,111 --> 00:15:44,983 Sergeant, the record of the Board of Inquiry 288 00:15:45,070 --> 00:15:47,072 includes an account of a conversation you had 289 00:15:47,159 --> 00:15:49,901 with Midshipman Spencer during which he said 290 00:15:49,988 --> 00:15:54,123 he could take the USS Somers with six men? 291 00:15:54,210 --> 00:15:55,820 That's right, sir. That's what he said. 292 00:15:57,126 --> 00:16:01,608 Sergeant, were you acquainted with Midshipman Spencer before that conversation? 293 00:16:03,088 --> 00:16:05,308 -We all knew him, sir. -By "we" you mean 294 00:16:05,395 --> 00:16:07,484 the common sailors on board the ship? 295 00:16:07,571 --> 00:16:11,618 Yes, sir. Mr. Spencer was quite popular with the men. 296 00:16:11,705 --> 00:16:14,012 Because he was... he was brave? 297 00:16:14,969 --> 00:16:18,364 Because he was strong, an accomplished seaman? 298 00:16:18,451 --> 00:16:21,324 Actually, sir, he gave away a lot of cigars 299 00:16:21,411 --> 00:16:22,673 and shared his rum. 300 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:24,240 [laughter] 301 00:16:25,980 --> 00:16:28,026 [Norris] Even though Commander Mackenzie 302 00:16:28,113 --> 00:16:30,811 had forbidden tobacco and alcohol to the men? 303 00:16:30,898 --> 00:16:32,378 That's right, sir. 304 00:16:32,465 --> 00:16:34,119 [Norris] Sergeant, was Midshipman Spencer 305 00:16:34,206 --> 00:16:36,687 a natural leader? 306 00:16:36,774 --> 00:16:38,645 One men would follow into action? 307 00:16:38,732 --> 00:16:41,909 Well, they'd follow him into a tavern if he was buying. 308 00:16:42,997 --> 00:16:46,349 Sergeant, Commander Mackenzie's account of your conversation with Mr. Spencer 309 00:16:46,436 --> 00:16:49,047 did not take us to the end of it. 310 00:16:49,134 --> 00:16:51,354 Would you favor us with your own recollection of it? 311 00:16:51,441 --> 00:16:52,790 Yes, sir. 312 00:16:52,877 --> 00:16:54,705 He approached me by the rail. 313 00:16:54,792 --> 00:16:58,143 He told me, like the Captain said, 314 00:16:58,230 --> 00:17:00,624 that he could take the ship with six men. 315 00:17:00,711 --> 00:17:02,930 [Spencer] Six men, sergeant, providing their leader 316 00:17:03,017 --> 00:17:05,019 knew the lay of the ship as I do. 317 00:17:05,107 --> 00:17:08,588 [chuckles] Oh, I hardly think so, sir. 318 00:17:08,675 --> 00:17:10,460 Be sure of it. 319 00:17:10,547 --> 00:17:12,940 And, sir, you may be sure that when the crew turns up, 320 00:17:13,027 --> 00:17:16,248 they will toss you and your six overboard-- 321 00:17:16,335 --> 00:17:18,816 or we would be a very poor crew. 322 00:17:19,991 --> 00:17:21,775 But once we have the arms... 323 00:17:21,862 --> 00:17:23,951 But how would you get the arms, sir? 324 00:17:24,038 --> 00:17:25,475 I have the key to the chest. 325 00:17:26,389 --> 00:17:28,086 If you joined us, sergeant... 326 00:17:28,173 --> 00:17:29,827 [laughing] 327 00:17:31,045 --> 00:17:32,569 Excuse me, sir. 328 00:17:33,483 --> 00:17:35,093 [laughing] 329 00:17:38,183 --> 00:17:41,317 -And you laughed? -I couldn't help myself, sir. 330 00:17:41,926 --> 00:17:43,971 It seemed so ridiculous. 331 00:17:44,058 --> 00:17:45,538 Thank you, sergeant. 332 00:17:46,496 --> 00:17:49,934 Sergeant Garty, have you ever heard of the HMS Bounty? 333 00:17:50,021 --> 00:17:51,327 Of course, sir. 334 00:17:51,414 --> 00:17:52,980 There was a mutiny on that ship. 335 00:17:53,067 --> 00:17:55,026 And the mutiny aboard the HMS Hermione? 336 00:17:55,113 --> 00:17:56,723 Every sailor knows of it, sir. 337 00:17:56,810 --> 00:17:58,856 The captain of the Hermione was slaughtered, 338 00:17:58,943 --> 00:18:01,554 -along with eight of his officers. -Yes, sir. 339 00:18:01,641 --> 00:18:04,035 Do you think any of the mutineers might have mentioned their plans 340 00:18:04,122 --> 00:18:06,646 to fellow crew members before they began killing people? 341 00:18:06,733 --> 00:18:09,606 I don't know, sir. I wasn't there. 342 00:18:09,693 --> 00:18:13,000 No. You were only aboard the Somers, 343 00:18:13,087 --> 00:18:16,003 listening to Midshipman Spencer make dire threats 344 00:18:16,090 --> 00:18:17,570 and laughing. 345 00:18:17,657 --> 00:18:19,181 How ridiculous might his words 346 00:18:19,268 --> 00:18:20,573 have seemed to you, sergeant, 347 00:18:20,660 --> 00:18:22,445 after the captain was run through 348 00:18:22,532 --> 00:18:23,968 with his own sword 349 00:18:24,055 --> 00:18:26,013 and his body heaved into the sea? 350 00:18:29,103 --> 00:18:32,019 Mr. Wales, you occupied the position of Purser's Steward? 351 00:18:32,106 --> 00:18:33,847 [Wales] That's right, sir. 352 00:18:33,934 --> 00:18:36,198 As such, what were your duties aboard the Somers? 353 00:18:36,285 --> 00:18:39,462 Bookkeeping, mostly, sir. Handling the ship's accounts. 354 00:18:39,549 --> 00:18:41,812 Logging purchases from the ship's stores. 355 00:18:41,899 --> 00:18:44,902 Like cigars and rum Mr. Spencer gave to the crew? 356 00:18:44,989 --> 00:18:46,120 Yes, sir. 357 00:18:46,208 --> 00:18:48,210 When Mr. Spencer approached you 358 00:18:48,297 --> 00:18:50,516 about being part of his mutiny, 359 00:18:50,603 --> 00:18:52,605 how long had you been at sea? 360 00:18:52,692 --> 00:18:54,912 The Somers cruise was my second, sir. 361 00:18:54,999 --> 00:18:57,393 I'd been under sail a total of six months. 362 00:18:58,045 --> 00:19:01,353 Mr. Wales, do you know how to navigate? 363 00:19:01,440 --> 00:19:04,443 -No, sir. -Organize a watch list? 364 00:19:04,530 --> 00:19:07,446 -No, sir. -But you do know how to keep accounts? 365 00:19:07,533 --> 00:19:09,753 -Yes, sir. -What was your reaction 366 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:13,844 when Mr. Spencer approached you about being part of his mutiny? 367 00:19:13,931 --> 00:19:15,498 Fear, sir. 368 00:19:15,585 --> 00:19:17,108 And I'm not afraid to admit it. 369 00:19:17,195 --> 00:19:22,026 -Fear? Not confusion? -Sir? 370 00:19:22,113 --> 00:19:24,289 Why would Mr. Spencer recruit a bookkeeper 371 00:19:24,376 --> 00:19:27,161 to be third in command of a pirate ship? 372 00:19:27,249 --> 00:19:30,164 Did he intend to capture the other vessels 373 00:19:30,252 --> 00:19:33,037 by subtracting their guns from them? 374 00:19:33,124 --> 00:19:36,780 -[laughter] -I-I admit, sir, I wondered myself. 375 00:19:36,867 --> 00:19:38,825 As well you might have. 376 00:19:38,912 --> 00:19:40,436 Your witness. 377 00:19:40,523 --> 00:19:42,699 But then I remembered-- 378 00:19:42,786 --> 00:19:45,832 Oh... Oh, am I finished? 379 00:19:45,919 --> 00:19:49,793 No, Mr. Wales, please, continue. 380 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:53,362 Then I remember that when Mr. Spencer spoke to me, 381 00:19:53,449 --> 00:19:55,146 Sergeant Garty was ill. 382 00:19:55,233 --> 00:19:57,322 I was the acting master-at-arms. 383 00:19:57,409 --> 00:20:00,064 So you had the key to the arms chest? 384 00:20:00,151 --> 00:20:01,500 That's right, sir. 385 00:20:01,587 --> 00:20:04,634 So, things are clear after all. 386 00:20:04,721 --> 00:20:06,549 Thank you, Mr. Wales. 387 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:10,770 Ma'am. 388 00:20:10,857 --> 00:20:13,730 You're making much work of this. 389 00:20:13,817 --> 00:20:16,036 I did not seek the job, ma'am. 390 00:20:16,123 --> 00:20:18,952 -The job sought me. -The "job"? 391 00:20:19,039 --> 00:20:21,738 You're trying to destroy my husband. You should be honoring him. 392 00:20:21,825 --> 00:20:24,088 -Everyone should. -And someone needs to speak 393 00:20:24,175 --> 00:20:25,481 for the men who died. 394 00:20:25,568 --> 00:20:26,873 Mutineers. 395 00:20:27,570 --> 00:20:29,615 Have you ever captained a ship, Commander? 396 00:20:30,355 --> 00:20:32,575 -No. -Commanded men under arms? 397 00:20:32,662 --> 00:20:34,577 -No. -Been to sea? 398 00:20:35,012 --> 00:20:36,753 For a while. 399 00:20:36,840 --> 00:20:39,321 Commander Mackenzie went to sea at the age of 11. 400 00:20:39,408 --> 00:20:42,062 He's commanded men and ships in peace and war 401 00:20:42,149 --> 00:20:43,716 and you question his actions 402 00:20:43,803 --> 00:20:45,979 from the safety of a courtroom? 403 00:20:46,719 --> 00:20:49,679 How do you think you can begin to understand? 404 00:20:54,336 --> 00:20:56,207 [man] I killed them, sir. 405 00:20:56,294 --> 00:20:57,426 Begging your pardon, sir. 406 00:20:57,513 --> 00:20:59,166 [Norris] You killed whom? 407 00:20:59,253 --> 00:21:01,125 Mr. Spencer and the others. 408 00:21:01,212 --> 00:21:02,605 I was on the lines. 409 00:21:03,127 --> 00:21:05,695 [drums beating] 410 00:21:09,960 --> 00:21:11,091 [Mackenzie] Fire! 411 00:21:12,789 --> 00:21:13,877 Whip! 412 00:21:21,058 --> 00:21:22,233 [Norris] You were compelled. 413 00:21:23,277 --> 00:21:25,236 I hope God sees it that way, sir. 414 00:21:26,019 --> 00:21:28,195 How goes it with the Captain? Will you hang him? 415 00:21:28,282 --> 00:21:30,241 That will be up to the panel. 416 00:21:30,328 --> 00:21:33,853 -Do you know about the flogging, sir? -I've seen the log. 417 00:21:33,940 --> 00:21:37,335 At least one or two men every day, sir. Twelve lashes at a time. 418 00:21:37,422 --> 00:21:40,207 For skulking, being dirty, spilling tea on the deck. 419 00:21:40,294 --> 00:21:41,644 Tell them. Tell the judges. 420 00:21:41,731 --> 00:21:43,167 It may do no good. 421 00:21:44,168 --> 00:21:45,648 Then show them, sir. 422 00:21:48,694 --> 00:21:51,958 For washing clothes without permission. 423 00:21:52,045 --> 00:21:54,308 Son, if I showed this to the court, 424 00:21:54,396 --> 00:21:57,573 it may make them believe the crew was prepared to mutiny. 425 00:21:58,443 --> 00:22:00,402 I never heard talk of no mutiny, sir. 426 00:22:00,489 --> 00:22:02,534 Not from Mr. Spencer, not from anybody. 427 00:22:03,361 --> 00:22:05,798 And if you did, would you have joined them? 428 00:22:07,539 --> 00:22:10,847 Those men didn't deserve to die, sir. 429 00:22:11,500 --> 00:22:12,762 Do something. 430 00:22:13,458 --> 00:22:14,764 Please, sir. 431 00:22:30,823 --> 00:22:32,825 Ma'am, your schedule. 432 00:22:32,912 --> 00:22:35,045 They're expecting you at the Naval Academy tomorrow night 433 00:22:35,132 --> 00:22:38,135 to speak about the Somers mutiny the next morning at 0900. 434 00:22:38,222 --> 00:22:39,876 46 hours and 11 minutes. 435 00:22:39,963 --> 00:22:41,617 How do you do that, ma'am? 436 00:22:41,704 --> 00:22:43,706 -Thank you, Gunny. -Excuse me, Colonel? 437 00:22:43,793 --> 00:22:45,403 About your transportation to Annapolis, ma'am. 438 00:22:45,490 --> 00:22:47,405 Do you need the duty driver? 439 00:22:47,492 --> 00:22:49,581 -I'll take my own vehicle. -Do you need the travel claim 440 00:22:49,668 --> 00:22:51,453 -for mileage reimbursement? -No. Yes, but not now. 441 00:22:55,892 --> 00:22:57,328 So... 442 00:22:57,415 --> 00:22:59,156 Innocent or guilty? 443 00:22:59,243 --> 00:23:01,419 -Who? -Your great-grandfather, 444 00:23:01,506 --> 00:23:02,812 the captain of the Somers. 445 00:23:02,899 --> 00:23:04,683 He's not my great-grandfather. 446 00:23:04,770 --> 00:23:06,468 Are you sure? 447 00:23:06,555 --> 00:23:08,382 You know, I still have a lot of work left to do. 448 00:23:08,470 --> 00:23:10,123 Is there anything else you want? 449 00:23:10,210 --> 00:23:13,562 Yeah. You're headed down the home stretch 450 00:23:13,649 --> 00:23:15,825 and I just wondered if everything was okay. 451 00:23:15,912 --> 00:23:17,740 With... the lecture? 452 00:23:17,827 --> 00:23:20,046 Come on, Mac. At your engagement party. 453 00:23:20,133 --> 00:23:23,876 You know, with us. I overstepped the boundaries of a well-wisher. 454 00:23:24,616 --> 00:23:27,184 I overstepped the bounds of a bride. 455 00:23:27,271 --> 00:23:28,620 So we're okay? 456 00:23:29,229 --> 00:23:30,492 I think so. 457 00:23:31,101 --> 00:23:32,406 You okay? 458 00:23:33,364 --> 00:23:36,410 I... I just need to finish this lecture. 459 00:23:38,717 --> 00:23:40,284 [Norris] You're familiar with 460 00:23:40,371 --> 00:23:43,679 -Naval regulations? -[Gansevoort] I am, sir. 461 00:23:43,766 --> 00:23:46,725 Including regulations for the Navy Marine Corps 462 00:23:46,812 --> 00:23:50,599 published in February 1841? 463 00:23:50,686 --> 00:23:52,252 I am, sir. 464 00:23:52,339 --> 00:23:54,037 [Norris] Do those regulations provide 465 00:23:54,124 --> 00:23:56,648 that persons accused of crimes have the right 466 00:23:56,735 --> 00:23:59,390 to appear before the tribunal judging them 467 00:23:59,477 --> 00:24:02,132 to confront witnesses against them 468 00:24:02,219 --> 00:24:04,743 and to make a case in their own defense? 469 00:24:04,830 --> 00:24:06,179 I believe they do, sir. 470 00:24:06,876 --> 00:24:09,705 And were these rights extended 471 00:24:09,792 --> 00:24:11,576 to Midshipman Philip Spencer 472 00:24:11,663 --> 00:24:14,144 and the two men hanged with him aboard the USS Somers? 473 00:24:14,231 --> 00:24:17,669 We did the best we could, sir, under the circumstances. 474 00:24:17,756 --> 00:24:19,366 The best you could? 475 00:24:19,453 --> 00:24:22,587 That must mean the council of officers 476 00:24:22,674 --> 00:24:25,198 -convened by Commander Mackenzie? -Yes, sir. 477 00:24:25,285 --> 00:24:27,679 We met and carefully considered their case. 478 00:24:28,506 --> 00:24:31,640 Without the accused men being present. 479 00:24:32,292 --> 00:24:35,165 Without the accused men even knowing 480 00:24:35,252 --> 00:24:36,993 they were being judged. 481 00:24:37,080 --> 00:24:39,735 They were not present during our deliberations, sir, 482 00:24:39,822 --> 00:24:43,173 but I did conduct an interview with Mr. Spencer after his arrest. 483 00:24:43,260 --> 00:24:45,218 [Norris] While he was confined 484 00:24:45,741 --> 00:24:48,091 in irons... 485 00:24:48,178 --> 00:24:49,658 on the deck? 486 00:24:49,745 --> 00:24:51,529 Yes, sir. 487 00:24:51,616 --> 00:24:53,879 And what he had to say was very incriminating. 488 00:24:55,315 --> 00:24:56,926 I cannot help it, sir. 489 00:24:57,013 --> 00:24:59,755 -Help what? -Plotting mutinies. 490 00:25:00,756 --> 00:25:04,542 -You've done this before? -Yes, sir. 491 00:25:04,629 --> 00:25:07,632 On the John Adams, on the Potomac. [chuckles] 492 00:25:07,719 --> 00:25:10,548 To turn them into pirate ships also? 493 00:25:10,635 --> 00:25:14,683 I have had not a great success on land, sir. 494 00:25:14,770 --> 00:25:17,294 I imagine a larger way to live-- 495 00:25:17,381 --> 00:25:19,775 on the sea, my own master. 496 00:25:21,820 --> 00:25:24,083 It is a fantasy, Mr. Spencer, 497 00:25:24,780 --> 00:25:26,564 and a dangerous one. 498 00:25:27,217 --> 00:25:31,090 I cannot stop. I have tried, but I cannot. 499 00:25:32,439 --> 00:25:34,050 It's a mania with me. 500 00:25:34,137 --> 00:25:36,052 John Adams and the Potomac-- 501 00:25:36,139 --> 00:25:38,707 they were the other ships Mr. Spencer had served on. 502 00:25:38,794 --> 00:25:42,711 Yes, sir, and he plotted mutinies on both by his own admission. 503 00:25:42,798 --> 00:25:44,495 Lieutenant, was there ever a mutiny 504 00:25:44,582 --> 00:25:46,410 on the John Adams or the Potomac? 505 00:25:47,629 --> 00:25:49,631 -No, sir. -And for that matter, 506 00:25:49,718 --> 00:25:51,545 there wasn't even a mutiny on the Somers, was there? 507 00:25:51,633 --> 00:25:53,765 Because we prevented it, sir. 508 00:25:54,157 --> 00:25:56,420 Oh, yes... your evidence. 509 00:25:57,116 --> 00:26:02,731 The list in Greek characters of Mr. Spencer's accomplices. 510 00:26:03,340 --> 00:26:06,648 Three columns... first, "certain," second, "doubtful" 511 00:26:06,735 --> 00:26:09,738 third, "to be kept with us, willing or not." 512 00:26:09,825 --> 00:26:13,350 Would you read the list of the "certain" accomplices, please? 513 00:26:14,656 --> 00:26:16,919 Mr. Spencer himself. 514 00:26:17,006 --> 00:26:18,703 I would hope so. 515 00:26:18,790 --> 00:26:21,314 Elisha Small, the quartermaster. 516 00:26:21,401 --> 00:26:24,187 Who was arrested and hanged with Spencer. 517 00:26:24,274 --> 00:26:25,754 Daniel McKinley. 518 00:26:25,841 --> 00:26:27,930 Arrested later and is awaiting trial. 519 00:26:28,974 --> 00:26:30,715 Purser's Steward Wales. 520 00:26:30,802 --> 00:26:33,675 Wales was the man who turned Spencer in. 521 00:26:34,371 --> 00:26:35,851 Spencer thought he could trust him, sir. 522 00:26:35,938 --> 00:26:38,723 Very well. Continue with the "certain" list. 523 00:26:39,419 --> 00:26:40,856 That is all. 524 00:26:40,943 --> 00:26:43,467 So, he had three certain accomplices 525 00:26:43,554 --> 00:26:46,992 among a crew of 120, and one of the three 526 00:26:47,079 --> 00:26:49,212 was the man who betrayed the plot. 527 00:26:49,299 --> 00:26:51,431 We were in a dangerous situation, sir. 528 00:26:51,518 --> 00:26:54,043 [Norris] Commander Mackenzie apparently felt that way. 529 00:26:54,130 --> 00:26:57,873 Didn't he instruct you to make sure that the council of officers 530 00:26:57,960 --> 00:26:59,788 would recommend hanging the three men arrested? 531 00:26:59,875 --> 00:27:01,615 He only instructed me to make sure 532 00:27:01,703 --> 00:27:03,835 that all the evidence was considered. 533 00:27:03,922 --> 00:27:07,752 He was the captain. It was his option to run things as he saw fit. 534 00:27:07,839 --> 00:27:11,495 -Including your testimony here, Lieutenant? -No, sir. 535 00:27:11,582 --> 00:27:13,453 Well, hasn't the captain recommended your promotion? 536 00:27:13,540 --> 00:27:15,586 I object. The question is not relevant, 537 00:27:15,673 --> 00:27:17,109 whether it's true or not. 538 00:27:17,196 --> 00:27:18,894 It's relevant if Commander Mackenzie 539 00:27:18,981 --> 00:27:22,027 has influence over his officers to do his bidding for him. 540 00:27:22,114 --> 00:27:24,116 Your Honor, this is outrageous. 541 00:27:24,203 --> 00:27:27,293 It is allowed. The witness may deny it. 542 00:27:27,380 --> 00:27:30,296 The captain did honor me 543 00:27:30,383 --> 00:27:32,603 by commending me to the Navy Department, 544 00:27:32,690 --> 00:27:34,257 but for merit, sir. 545 00:27:34,910 --> 00:27:38,478 Apparently the USS Somers was a veritable wonderland 546 00:27:38,565 --> 00:27:40,829 of excellent sailing. 547 00:27:40,916 --> 00:27:43,788 Commander Mackenzie has recommended promotions 548 00:27:43,875 --> 00:27:47,270 for every officer on the ship-- 549 00:27:47,357 --> 00:27:48,924 except the ones he hanged. 550 00:28:01,414 --> 00:28:04,287 He was supposed to be one of our finest officers. 551 00:28:04,374 --> 00:28:07,464 I actually wanted my son to go to sea under him. 552 00:28:07,551 --> 00:28:10,206 You could not have foreseen what happened, sir. 553 00:28:10,293 --> 00:28:12,948 Well, I knew my son wasn't perfect, Commander. 554 00:28:13,035 --> 00:28:15,080 I even heard him speak of becoming a pirate 555 00:28:15,167 --> 00:28:17,648 but I wasn't a big enough fool to believe him. 556 00:28:17,735 --> 00:28:20,172 It seems others believed him as well. 557 00:28:20,259 --> 00:28:22,261 A ship commanded by a Muhammadan 558 00:28:22,348 --> 00:28:24,046 will become a nest of Muhammadans. 559 00:28:24,133 --> 00:28:26,091 A captain has influence over the minds of his men. 560 00:28:26,178 --> 00:28:28,050 Apparently, Commander Mackenzie did not have 561 00:28:28,137 --> 00:28:30,182 much influence over your son, sir. 562 00:28:30,269 --> 00:28:32,271 That would have been a strong point in Philip's favor... 563 00:28:32,358 --> 00:28:33,795 if it hadn't killed him. 564 00:28:38,800 --> 00:28:40,845 [Norris] Your Honor, I call Mrs. Alexander Mackenzie 565 00:28:40,932 --> 00:28:43,108 -to the stand. -The defendant's wife? 566 00:28:43,195 --> 00:28:45,545 Your honor, she cannot testify against her husband. 567 00:28:45,632 --> 00:28:49,636 She cannot testify to anything confided to her by her spouse 568 00:28:49,723 --> 00:28:51,856 but anything said or done with a third party present 569 00:28:51,943 --> 00:28:53,815 is already not confidential. 570 00:28:53,902 --> 00:28:56,295 True, but this is still distasteful. 571 00:28:57,079 --> 00:28:58,776 It is my right, Your Honor. 572 00:28:58,863 --> 00:29:00,865 Mr. Griffin may cross-examine if he chooses. 573 00:29:00,952 --> 00:29:02,649 [Griffin] I do not choose. 574 00:29:03,737 --> 00:29:05,304 Mrs. Mackenzie, 575 00:29:05,914 --> 00:29:07,437 would you please take the stand? 576 00:29:16,011 --> 00:29:17,534 Do you swear that the evidence 577 00:29:17,621 --> 00:29:19,449 you give in this case shall be the truth, 578 00:29:19,536 --> 00:29:20,929 the whole truth, and nothing but the truth 579 00:29:21,016 --> 00:29:22,495 -so help you God? -I do. 580 00:29:22,582 --> 00:29:23,932 Please be seated. 581 00:29:27,500 --> 00:29:32,288 Mrs. Mackenzie, while this court was in recess, 582 00:29:32,375 --> 00:29:34,029 were you present during a conversation 583 00:29:34,116 --> 00:29:35,465 between Commander Mackenzie 584 00:29:35,552 --> 00:29:37,554 and First Lieutenant Gansevoort? 585 00:29:37,641 --> 00:29:39,077 Were you spying on us, sir? 586 00:29:39,512 --> 00:29:41,601 You made no attempt to conceal yourselves, ma'am. 587 00:29:41,688 --> 00:29:43,212 Because there was no reason to hide. 588 00:29:43,299 --> 00:29:44,822 Ma'am, what did the two men say? 589 00:29:44,909 --> 00:29:46,824 Of you, sir, nothing nice. 590 00:29:46,911 --> 00:29:50,567 [chuckling] 591 00:29:50,654 --> 00:29:52,525 Well, I'm not surprised your husband's officers 592 00:29:52,612 --> 00:29:54,310 refuse to give me interviews. 593 00:29:54,397 --> 00:29:56,921 Your Honor, there must be some showing of relevance here. 594 00:29:57,008 --> 00:29:59,054 I will make it apparent, sir. 595 00:29:59,750 --> 00:30:01,578 Ma'am, have you ever heard your husband 596 00:30:01,665 --> 00:30:03,536 or any of his officers discuss the testimony 597 00:30:03,623 --> 00:30:04,711 they'll give in this court? 598 00:30:05,103 --> 00:30:07,279 -I believe I have. -Did your husband 599 00:30:07,366 --> 00:30:09,673 ever make suggestions as to how his officers 600 00:30:09,760 --> 00:30:11,283 -should testify? -He did not. 601 00:30:11,370 --> 00:30:13,982 Did any of the officers ever express a desire 602 00:30:14,069 --> 00:30:15,244 to protect Commander Mackenzie? 603 00:30:15,331 --> 00:30:16,506 They did not. 604 00:30:16,593 --> 00:30:18,247 Would you tell us if they did? 605 00:30:19,248 --> 00:30:23,208 Are you now suggesting that I, too, am part of some conspiracy of silence? 606 00:30:23,295 --> 00:30:25,080 No, ma'am, it's only natural. 607 00:30:25,167 --> 00:30:26,951 You do love your husband, don't you? 608 00:30:39,355 --> 00:30:42,836 Ma'am... I-I only asked if you loved your husband. 609 00:30:50,322 --> 00:30:52,194 You are under oath. 610 00:30:54,413 --> 00:30:55,719 I don't know. 611 00:30:56,198 --> 00:30:57,939 You don't know what, love? 612 00:31:17,088 --> 00:31:18,785 -Morning, Colonel. -Morning, sir. 613 00:31:18,872 --> 00:31:20,744 Looking a little ragged, there. 614 00:31:20,831 --> 00:31:24,443 Oh, jeez, not something you should say to a bride-to-be. 615 00:31:24,530 --> 00:31:27,577 I've been having strange dreams, sir, about the USS Somers. 616 00:31:28,273 --> 00:31:30,319 Making it personal. 617 00:31:30,406 --> 00:31:32,625 You're dreaming about taking over a ship becoming a pirate? 618 00:31:32,712 --> 00:31:35,063 Beginning to seem like an attractive option, sir. 619 00:31:35,150 --> 00:31:37,587 Mac, it's just pre-wedding jitters. 620 00:31:37,674 --> 00:31:40,111 Now, I remember the week before my wedding... 621 00:31:40,198 --> 00:31:42,766 Well, actually, I don't, but I'm sure I was miserable. 622 00:31:42,853 --> 00:31:44,463 The marriage damn sure was. 623 00:31:44,550 --> 00:31:46,552 Hmm, that's another thing you don't want to say 624 00:31:46,639 --> 00:31:48,119 -to a bride-to-be. -To a bride-to-be. 625 00:31:55,431 --> 00:31:56,910 Mac. 626 00:31:56,998 --> 00:31:58,564 Can we talk? 627 00:31:58,651 --> 00:32:00,131 Why not? 628 00:32:07,704 --> 00:32:10,011 Mac, I value you as a friend... 629 00:32:10,098 --> 00:32:12,100 or whatever. 630 00:32:12,187 --> 00:32:13,579 I know. 631 00:32:14,319 --> 00:32:17,453 But most of all, I respect you 632 00:32:17,540 --> 00:32:19,890 and you've made a choice to get married 633 00:32:19,977 --> 00:32:22,371 and I respect that. 634 00:32:22,458 --> 00:32:24,982 There's a lot of respect going on there, Harm. 635 00:32:28,333 --> 00:32:30,292 You have the right to be happy 636 00:32:30,379 --> 00:32:32,772 and, you know, whatever's going on between us 637 00:32:32,859 --> 00:32:36,602 or not going on, I mean, between us... 638 00:32:39,910 --> 00:32:42,608 I... [sniggers] I want you to be happy. 639 00:32:44,784 --> 00:32:47,135 Even if I'm happy with Brumby? 640 00:32:48,005 --> 00:32:49,833 [exhales] 641 00:32:49,920 --> 00:32:51,748 [Norris] Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, 642 00:32:51,835 --> 00:32:54,185 the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? 643 00:32:54,272 --> 00:32:56,144 -I do. -Be seated. 644 00:33:01,366 --> 00:33:03,542 Commander Mackenzie, 645 00:33:03,629 --> 00:33:05,588 when you first heard from Purser's Steward Wales 646 00:33:05,675 --> 00:33:09,374 about the mutinous plot led by Midshipman Spencer, 647 00:33:09,461 --> 00:33:11,289 what did you think? 648 00:33:11,376 --> 00:33:13,509 I assumed Mr. Spencer had been reading piratical stories 649 00:33:13,596 --> 00:33:15,772 and had amused himself with Mr. Wales. 650 00:33:15,859 --> 00:33:17,991 So you didn't take him seriously? 651 00:33:18,079 --> 00:33:19,776 Mmm, at first, no. 652 00:33:19,863 --> 00:33:22,474 What caused you to change your mind? 653 00:33:22,561 --> 00:33:26,130 I kept a watch on Mr. Spencer. I made inquiries among the men. 654 00:33:26,217 --> 00:33:28,089 I learned he had been asking 655 00:33:28,176 --> 00:33:30,830 about the accuracy of the ship's chronometer, 656 00:33:30,917 --> 00:33:33,050 the basis of the ship's navigation system. 657 00:33:34,095 --> 00:33:36,401 I heard he'd been seen in secret conversations 658 00:33:36,488 --> 00:33:38,534 with malcontents among the crew. 659 00:33:38,621 --> 00:33:40,579 He'd made a drawing of a pirate ship, 660 00:33:40,666 --> 00:33:42,407 and he had inquired into the Isle of Pines 661 00:33:42,494 --> 00:33:44,496 a well-known gathering spot for pirates, 662 00:33:44,583 --> 00:33:46,455 and he had remarked, sir, 663 00:33:46,542 --> 00:33:48,457 that it would give him great pleasure 664 00:33:48,544 --> 00:33:50,241 to roll me from the round top. 665 00:33:50,328 --> 00:33:52,025 So, you arrested him, 666 00:33:53,070 --> 00:33:56,552 but even then you intended to return him to the United States for trial, 667 00:33:56,639 --> 00:34:00,773 did you not, in accordance with the Regulations for the Navy and Marine Corps? 668 00:34:00,860 --> 00:34:03,907 -[Mackenzie] Yes. -[Griffin] Until, as you told the court of inquiry, 669 00:34:03,994 --> 00:34:05,952 you feared an imminent uprising 670 00:34:06,039 --> 00:34:08,216 to seize the prisoners and take the ship? 671 00:34:08,303 --> 00:34:11,523 Yes. Executing the prisoners made that impossible. 672 00:34:11,610 --> 00:34:13,351 None of the other members of the plot 673 00:34:13,438 --> 00:34:15,614 had sufficient knowledge to handle the ship, 674 00:34:15,701 --> 00:34:17,877 one of the reasons my officers 675 00:34:17,964 --> 00:34:22,099 independently recommended the execution. 676 00:34:22,186 --> 00:34:25,146 [Griffin] Sir, on your way home from the Western Atlantic, 677 00:34:25,233 --> 00:34:27,322 did you spy any merchant ships? 678 00:34:27,409 --> 00:34:31,630 Many, all of whom may very well had suffered pillage and rape 679 00:34:31,717 --> 00:34:33,241 had I not done what I did. 680 00:34:33,328 --> 00:34:34,633 [Griffin] Thank you, Commander. 681 00:34:35,243 --> 00:34:36,853 I have no further questions. 682 00:34:41,379 --> 00:34:43,294 "It would have given him pleasure 683 00:34:43,381 --> 00:34:45,644 to roll you from the round top." 684 00:34:45,731 --> 00:34:48,169 He asked about the chronometer and directions to the Isle of Pines. 685 00:34:49,561 --> 00:34:52,042 He drew a picture of a pirate ship? 686 00:34:52,129 --> 00:34:53,565 Well, there was more, sir. 687 00:34:53,652 --> 00:34:55,350 His conversation with Wales. 688 00:34:55,437 --> 00:34:57,526 Which you thought a fantasy. That's what you said. 689 00:34:57,613 --> 00:34:59,136 I said, at first. 690 00:34:59,789 --> 00:35:01,617 Shall we go in circles all day, sir? 691 00:35:06,099 --> 00:35:07,666 [Norris] Can you identify this? 692 00:35:08,189 --> 00:35:10,756 That is a watch bill for the execution, prepared by me. 693 00:35:10,843 --> 00:35:12,236 The date, sir. 694 00:35:12,323 --> 00:35:14,020 Thirty, November. 695 00:35:14,107 --> 00:35:15,457 So, the day before 696 00:35:15,544 --> 00:35:17,763 your independent council of officers 697 00:35:17,850 --> 00:35:19,200 recommended an execution, 698 00:35:19,287 --> 00:35:21,680 you had made arrangements for it. 699 00:35:21,767 --> 00:35:24,727 [Mackenzie] I did not ask them to recommend hanging 700 00:35:24,814 --> 00:35:26,859 but I believed the facts would lead them there. 701 00:35:26,946 --> 00:35:30,863 You said the decision to hang Spencer and the others 702 00:35:30,950 --> 00:35:32,952 was the most terrible of your life. 703 00:35:33,039 --> 00:35:34,302 Yes. 704 00:35:35,564 --> 00:35:37,218 That was a terrible day. 705 00:35:40,569 --> 00:35:41,961 Mr. Spencer. 706 00:35:42,048 --> 00:35:44,268 I've come to inform you your fellow officers 707 00:35:44,355 --> 00:35:45,617 have reached a decision. 708 00:35:47,010 --> 00:35:49,273 Your life is forfeit to your country. 709 00:35:51,928 --> 00:35:53,103 When? 710 00:35:53,190 --> 00:35:54,887 In an hour. 711 00:35:55,584 --> 00:36:00,023 I... I am not ready to die, Captain. 712 00:36:00,980 --> 00:36:03,592 Now is the time to set an example, Mr. Spencer, 713 00:36:04,636 --> 00:36:07,987 as an officer to the men you corrupted. 714 00:36:10,163 --> 00:36:12,035 "A terrible day." 715 00:36:12,122 --> 00:36:14,516 Yet shortly after you returned to New York, 716 00:36:14,603 --> 00:36:17,083 you proposed your nephew be appointed midshipman 717 00:36:17,170 --> 00:36:19,695 the position made vacant by Mr. Spencer's death. 718 00:36:19,782 --> 00:36:21,740 You cannot be suggesting, sir, 719 00:36:21,827 --> 00:36:24,482 that I hanged Mr. Spencer to give my nephew a job. 720 00:36:24,569 --> 00:36:27,746 No, I'm questioning whether it was necessary to hang Spencer at all. 721 00:36:27,833 --> 00:36:29,487 Well, there is no doubt. 722 00:36:29,574 --> 00:36:32,185 You were less than two days' sail from Antigua. 723 00:36:32,273 --> 00:36:34,449 Why not sail there, unload the accused men 724 00:36:34,536 --> 00:36:36,581 until they could be shipped home for trial? 725 00:36:36,668 --> 00:36:39,236 [Mackenzie] Heading towards any foreign port would've been 726 00:36:39,323 --> 00:36:43,153 a sign of weakness and may very well have inspired the mutiny I sought to prevent. 727 00:36:43,240 --> 00:36:45,198 Is that what you were afraid of, 728 00:36:45,286 --> 00:36:46,722 or were you afraid 729 00:36:46,809 --> 00:36:48,637 that Mr. Spencer might not hang at all? 730 00:36:49,594 --> 00:36:51,683 Are you not going too far, Captain? 731 00:36:51,770 --> 00:36:53,555 You did not consult me 732 00:36:53,642 --> 00:36:56,253 when making arrangements for your mutiny, Mr. Spencer. 733 00:36:56,340 --> 00:36:58,124 Does the law justify you? 734 00:36:58,211 --> 00:36:59,561 You may think not 735 00:37:00,213 --> 00:37:02,390 but I hardly think you can be objective. 736 00:37:02,477 --> 00:37:04,174 This will kill my mother. 737 00:37:05,262 --> 00:37:07,830 The scandal will surely tar my father. 738 00:37:07,917 --> 00:37:10,963 If you had succeeded in your mutiny, Mr. Spencer, 739 00:37:11,050 --> 00:37:12,922 it would've been a greater scandal, 740 00:37:13,009 --> 00:37:14,837 as would taking you home. 741 00:37:14,924 --> 00:37:18,928 How? How will taking me home for trial harm him? 742 00:37:19,015 --> 00:37:20,538 He is your father. 743 00:37:22,148 --> 00:37:23,976 He would interfere to save you. 744 00:37:25,848 --> 00:37:27,328 [Norris] That's what you were afraid of-- 745 00:37:27,415 --> 00:37:29,591 your hasty judgment might be overturned. 746 00:37:29,678 --> 00:37:31,984 I only meant by interfering 747 00:37:32,071 --> 00:37:34,770 the Secretary of War would dishonor himself. 748 00:37:34,857 --> 00:37:38,817 So you hanged his son to save the Secretary's reputation? 749 00:37:38,904 --> 00:37:42,560 No, I hanged his son because the threat of mutiny was real. 750 00:37:43,387 --> 00:37:45,955 -You were still the captain. -The men were plotting. 751 00:37:46,042 --> 00:37:47,565 Your officers had all the guns. 752 00:37:47,652 --> 00:37:49,872 -They were exhausted. -Were you exhausted? 753 00:37:49,959 --> 00:37:51,917 I made do with little sleep for many days. 754 00:37:52,004 --> 00:37:54,224 Might that have affected your state of mind? 755 00:37:54,311 --> 00:37:55,530 Sir, you were not there. 756 00:37:55,617 --> 00:37:57,140 Well, you were missing sleep. 757 00:37:57,227 --> 00:37:59,577 You heard tall tales of mutiny and pirates. 758 00:37:59,664 --> 00:38:02,058 You saw plotters behind every timber. 759 00:38:02,145 --> 00:38:04,190 Are you suggesting I was deluded? 760 00:38:04,277 --> 00:38:06,149 I'm suggesting you were afraid. 761 00:38:06,236 --> 00:38:08,325 Sir, if we were not in this setting-- 762 00:38:08,412 --> 00:38:10,414 Commander, I'm not in irons. 763 00:38:11,589 --> 00:38:14,462 You might find me more difficult to do in than Mr. Spencer. 764 00:38:27,039 --> 00:38:29,085 It is time. 765 00:38:29,172 --> 00:38:31,348 I am Christian, sir. 766 00:38:32,175 --> 00:38:35,308 Do you think there may be repentance for me at this late hour? 767 00:38:36,701 --> 00:38:39,487 Our savior pardoned the thief on the cross. 768 00:38:43,360 --> 00:38:45,275 Will you pardon me, Captain? 769 00:38:46,407 --> 00:38:50,541 Your mutiny, Mr. Spencer, would've started with my death. 770 00:38:51,368 --> 00:38:52,761 I don't hate you. 771 00:38:54,850 --> 00:38:58,723 It was my fancy... to become a pirate. 772 00:39:00,116 --> 00:39:04,294 I thought it an adventure, a noble adventure. 773 00:39:04,381 --> 00:39:07,950 Noble, Mr. Spencer? 774 00:39:08,037 --> 00:39:09,517 Aye, sir. 775 00:39:15,131 --> 00:39:17,263 I'm sorry, Captain. 776 00:39:18,874 --> 00:39:20,571 You may think me a coward 777 00:39:20,658 --> 00:39:24,445 but judge me again after you see how I die. 778 00:39:27,709 --> 00:39:29,406 [Griffin] The question before you 779 00:39:29,493 --> 00:39:32,496 is not whether mutiny was afoot aboard the USS Somers 780 00:39:32,583 --> 00:39:34,629 but whether the captain of the Somers 781 00:39:34,716 --> 00:39:38,154 acted honestly, to his own best judgment 782 00:39:38,241 --> 00:39:41,679 without corrupt motive, when he concluded there was. 783 00:39:41,766 --> 00:39:44,421 We must put ourselves in his place. 784 00:39:45,117 --> 00:39:47,642 Scanning the disaffected faces of the crew, 785 00:39:47,729 --> 00:39:51,036 breathing the atmosphere of tension and mistrust 786 00:39:51,123 --> 00:39:54,779 struggling to confine the arrested men on a ship so small 787 00:39:54,866 --> 00:39:56,999 they could not be separated from a mass of men 788 00:39:57,086 --> 00:39:59,523 who might at any moment act to free them. 789 00:40:00,393 --> 00:40:02,874 Did Commander Mackenzie act precipitously? 790 00:40:02,961 --> 00:40:05,007 Ask the captain of the Bounty 791 00:40:05,094 --> 00:40:07,531 or of the Hermione, if he had survived, 792 00:40:07,618 --> 00:40:10,099 whether it is reasonable to hesitate 793 00:40:10,186 --> 00:40:11,579 in the face of such a threat. 794 00:40:13,319 --> 00:40:16,801 Commander Mackenzie honored his duty to his ship 795 00:40:16,888 --> 00:40:18,716 its innocent crew members 796 00:40:18,803 --> 00:40:21,023 and an untold number of merchant ships. 797 00:40:21,110 --> 00:40:24,635 He did not have the leisure to question his own decisions. 798 00:40:25,462 --> 00:40:26,724 Neither should we. 799 00:40:30,467 --> 00:40:32,513 What kind of Navy do we want? 800 00:40:33,644 --> 00:40:35,516 One where a captain 801 00:40:35,603 --> 00:40:38,519 caught up in rumor and random act 802 00:40:38,606 --> 00:40:43,654 can, without proof or trial, snuff out the lives of men 803 00:40:43,741 --> 00:40:46,527 given no opportunity to defend themselves? 804 00:40:46,614 --> 00:40:52,010 Or, one where all men are treated fairly, 805 00:40:52,097 --> 00:40:53,751 command bows to decency 806 00:40:55,100 --> 00:40:57,886 and law is honored above the noose? 807 00:40:57,973 --> 00:41:00,192 Warship captains for centuries 808 00:41:00,279 --> 00:41:03,108 have made themselves into kings afloat 809 00:41:03,195 --> 00:41:06,503 and in that tradition, Commander Mackenzie acted. 810 00:41:07,199 --> 00:41:11,943 But this nation fought a revolution to rid itself of a king 811 00:41:12,030 --> 00:41:14,511 and its Navy should reflect the principles 812 00:41:14,598 --> 00:41:16,382 we bled and died for 813 00:41:16,469 --> 00:41:19,516 and not the despotism that we overthrew. 814 00:41:20,256 --> 00:41:22,171 I respectfully ask you 815 00:41:22,258 --> 00:41:25,261 to send that message now to Commander Mackenzie 816 00:41:25,348 --> 00:41:28,220 and to future generations of officers 817 00:41:28,307 --> 00:41:30,266 in the United States Navy. 818 00:41:43,409 --> 00:41:45,586 Commander Mackenzie, you will rise. 819 00:41:48,284 --> 00:41:52,593 On the first charge against you, conduct unbecoming an officer, 820 00:41:52,680 --> 00:41:55,770 this court martial finds the case not proven. 821 00:41:56,597 --> 00:41:58,773 On the second charge, oppression, 822 00:41:58,860 --> 00:42:02,733 this court martial finds the case not proven. 823 00:42:02,820 --> 00:42:05,823 On the third charge, unnecessary cruelty, 824 00:42:05,910 --> 00:42:10,088 this court martial finds the case not proven. 825 00:42:12,569 --> 00:42:14,484 On the fourth charge, illegal punishment, 826 00:42:14,571 --> 00:42:18,488 this court martial finds the case not proven. 827 00:42:19,881 --> 00:42:21,970 On the fifth charge, 828 00:42:22,057 --> 00:42:25,974 murder onboard a United States vessel on the high seas, 829 00:42:26,061 --> 00:42:31,544 this court martial finds the case not proven. 830 00:42:41,729 --> 00:42:43,078 [Brumby] Ready to go? 831 00:42:46,168 --> 00:42:47,256 You okay? 832 00:42:48,997 --> 00:42:51,216 Yeah, yeah, I'm... I'm finished. 833 00:42:51,303 --> 00:42:52,914 Great. How'd the trial end? 834 00:42:54,872 --> 00:42:57,179 Uh... not guilty on all counts. 835 00:42:57,266 --> 00:42:59,224 Must have been a relief for the captain. 836 00:42:59,311 --> 00:43:00,748 Not entirely. 837 00:43:01,400 --> 00:43:04,099 It was customary back then to commend an officer 838 00:43:04,186 --> 00:43:05,709 who was acquitted of misconduct 839 00:43:05,796 --> 00:43:07,798 to clear his reputation completely. 840 00:43:08,538 --> 00:43:10,279 Commander Mackenzie's court martial 841 00:43:10,366 --> 00:43:12,542 specifically stated it was not commending him. 842 00:43:12,629 --> 00:43:14,326 A slap in the face. 843 00:43:14,413 --> 00:43:16,285 [MacKenzie] He never really recovered. 844 00:43:16,372 --> 00:43:19,201 Died five years later at the age of 45. 845 00:43:19,288 --> 00:43:22,508 The Somers sank two years before that in the Mexican War. 846 00:43:23,553 --> 00:43:26,208 Well, if we leave now, we can be in Annapolis for dinner. 847 00:43:30,778 --> 00:43:33,258 Well, uh... knock 'em dead. 848 00:43:48,012 --> 00:43:50,014 [closing theme music playing]