1 00:00:21,900 --> 00:00:28,400 Four generations of one family. Their lives and causes reveal 150 2 00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:30,480 years of American history. 3 00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:49,640 I'm John Adams. 4 00:00:49,980 --> 00:00:51,200 I am counsel to the accused. 5 00:00:52,880 --> 00:00:53,759 Wait there. 6 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:58,620 You mean you've agreed to defend those murderers of our people? I have agreed 7 00:00:58,620 --> 00:01:00,160 defend Captain Preston and his men. 8 00:01:00,600 --> 00:01:04,540 The jury will decide if they're murderers. But I will do anything under 9 00:01:04,540 --> 00:01:07,480 to secure their acquittal. Have you turned your coat to red, John? 10 00:01:08,420 --> 00:01:09,500 Of course not. 11 00:01:09,980 --> 00:01:11,380 I'm no friend to the crown. 12 00:01:11,940 --> 00:01:15,540 But under the law, the accused men are allowed the counsel of their choice. And 13 00:01:15,540 --> 00:01:17,060 Preston and his men have chosen me. 14 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:21,920 They must have a fair trial. John, of all the men I know in Boston, you have 15 00:01:21,920 --> 00:01:25,200 least love for the English soldiers. Damn, we may call this killing a 16 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:28,820 in Boston, but the other colonies will say that Boston is in a state of 17 00:01:28,920 --> 00:01:30,720 that mob rule holds sway here. 18 00:01:31,180 --> 00:01:34,360 Unless these soldiers are given a fair trial, we will lose all the outside 19 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:35,360 support we've gained. 20 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:38,860 We may need that support in any future conflict with the crown. 21 00:01:39,180 --> 00:01:40,180 Mr. Adams! 22 00:01:41,340 --> 00:01:42,340 This way. 23 00:01:59,120 --> 00:02:05,140 John Adams, successful lawyer, subject of George III of England, firm believer 24 00:02:05,140 --> 00:02:06,140 in British law. 25 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:17,300 Because of that belief, he has just taken a most unpopular case, the defense 26 00:02:17,300 --> 00:02:21,360 a group of British soldiers accused of killing five men in an unarmed crowd. 27 00:02:22,380 --> 00:02:27,080 Boston citizenry, seething with resentment over presumed injustices by 28 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:29,820 British Crown and Parliament, Call it a massacre. 29 00:02:30,420 --> 00:02:32,720 The soldiers call it self -defense. 30 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:35,140 An unpopular case. 31 00:02:35,540 --> 00:02:36,880 A dangerous case. 32 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:43,200 Unwanted by John Adams, who has no sympathy for the defendants, but 33 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:45,220 strongly in their right to a fair trial. 34 00:02:46,900 --> 00:02:48,940 He intends to see that they get it. 35 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:01,140 will hearken to the verdict as this court has recorded it. 36 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:07,520 You have been found not guilty of murder by this jury and are discharged by this 37 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:08,520 court herewith. 38 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:14,500 All save Matthew Kilroy and Hugh Montgomery who have been found guilty of 39 00:03:14,500 --> 00:03:18,000 manslaughter. My Lord, my clients pray for the benefit of clergy. 40 00:03:19,780 --> 00:03:24,340 Granted. It will be taken forth to be branded on the thumbs so that they may 41 00:03:24,340 --> 00:03:26,300 never ask for mercy of this court again. 42 00:03:27,150 --> 00:03:29,650 The jury is dismissed with the thanks of his court. 43 00:03:30,390 --> 00:03:31,710 Court is now adjourned. All rise. 44 00:03:38,330 --> 00:03:38,770 Well 45 00:03:38,770 --> 00:03:46,290 done, 46 00:03:46,350 --> 00:03:47,350 Mr. Adams. 47 00:03:48,870 --> 00:03:50,830 You truly think so, Mr. Quintus? 48 00:03:51,130 --> 00:03:52,130 Indeed. 49 00:03:52,250 --> 00:03:53,830 A good day's work, I warrant. 50 00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:58,100 Two of our clients escaping with nothing more than burned thumbs to show for 51 00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:00,980 their ordeal. And six discharged as innocent. 52 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:04,540 A sentence of death against those soldiers would have been a foul stain on 53 00:04:04,540 --> 00:04:07,220 honor of a judge. John, John, you've convinced the jury of that fact. Don't 54 00:04:07,220 --> 00:04:10,540 squander your persuasive art on me. I use no art on that jury. 55 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:14,360 Nothing more than facts and evidence. Mr. Adams, we've won our case. 56 00:04:14,880 --> 00:04:17,380 It's time to wish our clients well and go home. 57 00:04:17,700 --> 00:04:18,700 Wish them well? 58 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:21,500 I wish the lot of them in hell. 59 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:23,280 But you believe them innocent. 60 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:28,200 Innocent of firing wantonly into a crowd, yes, but guilty of being British 61 00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:30,880 soldiers sent here to enforce the crown's will. 62 00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:33,740 Cold, Mr. Adams? 63 00:04:34,140 --> 00:04:35,760 Why not put on your red coat? 64 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:39,140 I dare say it's warmer. It's lined with the king's gold. 65 00:04:40,460 --> 00:04:41,460 Stand aside. 66 00:04:41,520 --> 00:04:45,640 This court is reserved for patriots. Then it is open to me and my kin. 67 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:03,820 I understand I was only doing my duty. Yes, but is it necessary to do it so 68 00:05:03,820 --> 00:05:04,820 well? 69 00:05:05,100 --> 00:05:08,420 Never fear, the verdict will be forgotten in a month. All they'll 70 00:05:08,420 --> 00:05:12,320 be those brutal soldiers who massacred the innocents on King Street. Sam Adams, 71 00:05:12,460 --> 00:05:13,800 you know damned well what happened. 72 00:05:14,060 --> 00:05:18,740 A Boston mob, drunk with whiskey and rebellion, attacked a lone British 73 00:05:18,740 --> 00:05:19,840 before the customs house. 74 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:21,280 That mob was... Shh. 75 00:05:22,820 --> 00:05:26,880 They will be remembered as martyrs, to be remembered whenever men speak of 76 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:27,880 liberty. 77 00:05:28,970 --> 00:05:31,790 When will you learn mobs are not fit to rule kingdoms? 78 00:05:32,910 --> 00:05:34,970 But surely they can overthrow them. 79 00:05:40,350 --> 00:05:43,210 How dare they accuse you of supporting the crown? 80 00:05:43,750 --> 00:05:45,810 They are patriots, Mrs. Adams. 81 00:05:46,210 --> 00:05:47,410 What's a patriot, Papa? 82 00:05:47,670 --> 00:05:50,950 Mary, this is no time to ask your father questions. No, my dear, if it's a fair 83 00:05:50,950 --> 00:05:52,730 question, it deserves a fair answer. 84 00:05:53,810 --> 00:05:56,650 Take equal quantities of civility... 85 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:59,720 Fear, fury, and gratitude. 86 00:06:00,660 --> 00:06:03,880 Add revenge, malice, envy. 87 00:06:04,580 --> 00:06:08,500 Infuse all this into the brains of a brutal, surly, ugly man. 88 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:10,660 And there you have your patriot. 89 00:06:12,120 --> 00:06:16,000 But Mama told us you were the greatest patriot in Boston. 90 00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:21,520 Johnny, Navi, you get ready for bed now. 91 00:06:21,780 --> 00:06:24,300 I have medicine for your milk, John. 92 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:27,780 A new shipment of books arrived today from England. 93 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:29,280 More books? 94 00:06:29,940 --> 00:06:31,320 The law books he wanted. 95 00:06:31,600 --> 00:06:32,600 Oh. 96 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:38,260 Oh, cook's works. 97 00:06:39,900 --> 00:06:42,560 Two pounds? 98 00:06:42,980 --> 00:06:45,920 Oh, I must have learned to borrow books like other lawyers. 99 00:06:46,220 --> 00:06:47,980 You are not other lawyers, John. 100 00:06:48,260 --> 00:06:52,000 No, they build estates while I mope about with plaguey books. 101 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:55,700 filling my head with useless bits of law. 102 00:06:57,500 --> 00:07:01,460 Mr. Adams, rest now. You have no call to condemn yourself. You have done what 103 00:07:01,460 --> 00:07:02,460 your conscience demanded. 104 00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:04,460 Indeed, and we are the poorer for it. 105 00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:06,960 There's a grievous fault in me. 106 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:09,700 John, you have no faults. 107 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:12,140 Foibles, perhaps, but no faults. 108 00:07:14,700 --> 00:07:15,700 What foibles? 109 00:07:17,240 --> 00:07:21,820 Well, you will spy catastrophe in every event. Well, if I do, it is because it 110 00:07:21,820 --> 00:07:22,820 lurks there. 111 00:07:23,280 --> 00:07:25,240 Abigail, you have not seen what happens. 112 00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:30,240 Whenever I try to serve the people of this town, my wishes prove impotent. 113 00:07:30,960 --> 00:07:32,580 My efforts fruitless. 114 00:07:33,140 --> 00:07:35,720 We have struggled for years to make a life here. 115 00:07:36,440 --> 00:07:40,740 If we stay any longer, I shall be ruined. I shall sink into contempt and 116 00:07:40,740 --> 00:07:43,020 obscurity. You will perish for want. 117 00:07:43,420 --> 00:07:45,300 John, we prosper here. 118 00:07:45,780 --> 00:07:48,540 We may not be rich, but we do not owe any man. 119 00:07:49,740 --> 00:07:51,520 I shall die of Boston. 120 00:07:53,640 --> 00:07:54,640 Are you ill? 121 00:07:57,080 --> 00:08:04,000 Today in the court, I felt faint. I got on the street and I felt a stab in my 122 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:05,000 chest. 123 00:08:05,480 --> 00:08:06,880 I could not get my breath. 124 00:08:07,360 --> 00:08:10,080 You must take to your bed at once. I'll send for the doctor. No, I want no 125 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:11,560 doctor. I know my ailment. 126 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:14,440 It is the bad air of Boston. 127 00:08:16,120 --> 00:08:17,960 Only my farm can cure me. 128 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:25,520 Very well, then. We shall return to Braintree. 129 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:08,880 No. 130 00:09:38,890 --> 00:09:39,469 We're home, Abigail. 131 00:09:39,470 --> 00:09:40,470 We're home. 132 00:09:50,830 --> 00:09:51,830 Papa, 133 00:09:55,430 --> 00:09:57,150 may I help you carry the wood? 134 00:09:58,190 --> 00:10:00,250 You finished your lessons so early, Johnny? 135 00:10:00,450 --> 00:10:03,590 Can I help you work the farm instead of lessons? 136 00:10:04,290 --> 00:10:07,190 Oh, so you want to be a farmer like your grandfather? 137 00:10:07,650 --> 00:10:08,650 Yes. 138 00:10:09,130 --> 00:10:14,590 All that Latin prepares me for is to be a Roman. And since I will not be one, of 139 00:10:14,590 --> 00:10:17,210 what use is it? Well, it drains the mind for law. 140 00:10:17,490 --> 00:10:18,490 I hate it. 141 00:10:18,710 --> 00:10:20,790 I want you to be a man of learning, Johnny. 142 00:10:21,450 --> 00:10:25,230 Though I fear in our country there is a miserable prejudice against men of 143 00:10:25,230 --> 00:10:26,230 education. 144 00:10:26,330 --> 00:10:29,510 Papa, I make a poor figure at Latin. 145 00:10:29,750 --> 00:10:32,890 My thoughts keep running after playing trifle. 146 00:10:35,350 --> 00:10:36,730 I'll tell you a secret, Johnny. 147 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:40,040 When I was your age, I hated my Latin, too. 148 00:10:40,340 --> 00:10:41,360 Did you truly? 149 00:10:41,680 --> 00:10:44,140 But my father was anxious for me to go to college. 150 00:10:44,820 --> 00:10:48,800 So when I told him I did not like study, he was quick to answer. 151 00:10:49,540 --> 00:10:52,700 Very well, John, if Latin grammar does not suit you, you may try digging 152 00:10:52,700 --> 00:10:56,040 ditches. That meadow yonder needs a ditch, and you may put by your Latin and 153 00:10:56,040 --> 00:10:57,580 that. You were lucky. 154 00:10:57,940 --> 00:11:00,160 Well, at first I thought it was a marvelous change. 155 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:05,700 But in two days, I discovered that digging ditches was harder than Latin 156 00:11:07,020 --> 00:11:11,520 At last, I got my courage up to ask him if I could go back to my Latin. And he 157 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:13,700 agreed? Oh, he was glad of it. 158 00:11:14,740 --> 00:11:19,900 And if I have since gained any distinction, it was owing to those two 159 00:11:19,900 --> 00:11:21,900 labor in that abominable ditch. 160 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:28,620 Papa, is there nothing but Latin or the ditch? 161 00:11:30,960 --> 00:11:32,220 Not in this life, Johnny. 162 00:11:52,180 --> 00:11:57,160 John, when are you going to stop dancing this ridiculous brain -tree jig of 163 00:11:57,160 --> 00:11:58,740 yours? Hmm? 164 00:11:59,420 --> 00:12:05,980 Prancing back and forth in your farm in Boston, in your wanton pursuit of 165 00:12:05,980 --> 00:12:06,980 riches. 166 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:11,640 Mr. Hancock, did you invite me to a public tavern to insult me? 167 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:15,740 No. To draw you out of your cowardly retreat. 168 00:12:16,060 --> 00:12:20,920 You dare call me a coward because I will not join in your boyish pranks against 169 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:21,920 the crown. 170 00:12:22,760 --> 00:12:25,980 Some of us did not inherit great fortunes from our uncles. 171 00:12:26,800 --> 00:12:29,700 We are not free to spend our days as tavern rebels. 172 00:12:30,380 --> 00:12:35,240 I have a law practice to attend to and a growing family who need... John, don't 173 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:38,580 imagine you can escape your troubles by abandoning ours. 174 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:42,600 How can you practice law in town or country after this? 175 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:43,859 What's this? 176 00:12:43,860 --> 00:12:45,460 More bitter news from London. 177 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:46,800 What, another tax? 178 00:12:47,310 --> 00:12:51,190 Far worse. Our judges are now to be paid by the crown rather than our own 179 00:12:51,190 --> 00:12:55,530 legislature. And that will make them the king's tools, interpreting our laws to 180 00:12:55,530 --> 00:12:56,349 suit the crown. 181 00:12:56,350 --> 00:12:59,990 And soon no man in Boston will be allowed to piss without permission from 182 00:12:59,990 --> 00:13:03,670 Parliament. Well, our people will never tolerate this. See what Justice Brattle 183 00:13:03,670 --> 00:13:07,290 writes here. He claims that a judge paid by the crown would be more independent 184 00:13:07,290 --> 00:13:09,890 and free the colonies of needless expense. 185 00:13:10,130 --> 00:13:11,250 Oh, Brattle is an ass. 186 00:13:11,980 --> 00:13:15,700 Any judge who accepts the Crown's money should be impeached by our legislature. 187 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:19,420 There's precedent for that in our English common law. Will you write that 188 00:13:19,420 --> 00:13:20,540 Boston Gazette? No. 189 00:13:20,980 --> 00:13:25,160 But you know more law than... I am under no obligation to publish my every 190 00:13:25,160 --> 00:13:28,900 thought for the world. Mr. Adams, now, surely your conscience will demand that 191 00:13:28,900 --> 00:13:31,000 you... Mr. Hancock, do not speak to me of conscience. 192 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:36,640 I am 37 years old and the father of four children who depend upon me for their 193 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:37,640 future. 194 00:13:37,880 --> 00:13:40,060 I own nothing but my house and land. 195 00:13:40,570 --> 00:13:43,950 I have a mere 300 pounds in savings, not much for my labors. 196 00:13:44,470 --> 00:13:47,650 I must gallop after every circuit court from here to Maine to scrape up what 197 00:13:47,650 --> 00:13:52,070 little business I can. I'm obliged to travel light, so I leave my conscience 198 00:13:52,070 --> 00:13:53,670 safe at home in Braintree. 199 00:14:08,210 --> 00:14:10,770 Damn, Mrs. Adams, it's... Freezing cold. 200 00:14:24,490 --> 00:14:26,390 Now it's scalding. 201 00:14:27,490 --> 00:14:30,510 There's no choice between freezing and burning. 202 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:42,000 Mrs. Adams, I've cut myself. 203 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:50,960 I fear that trip to Boston has unsettled you. 204 00:14:51,300 --> 00:14:52,300 Nonsense. 205 00:14:54,100 --> 00:14:57,340 You know what that imbecile Hancock said to me the last time I was in Boston? 206 00:14:58,600 --> 00:15:01,740 What? He called me a coward in a public tavern. 207 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:03,560 He didn't. But he did. 208 00:15:04,810 --> 00:15:08,510 Accused me of dancing from Braintree to Boston, Boston to Braintree, with no 209 00:15:08,510 --> 00:15:11,530 thought but to get enough money to carry myself smoothly through the world. 210 00:15:12,350 --> 00:15:14,890 Well, you mustn't dwell on the ravings of a lunatic. 211 00:15:22,870 --> 00:15:29,150 Abigail, it was God's truth in the mouth of a madman. 212 00:15:43,280 --> 00:15:47,920 In all Justice Brattle's researches hitherto, we have not been able to 213 00:15:47,920 --> 00:15:52,260 either that the judges had their commissions for life or that the crown 214 00:15:52,260 --> 00:15:54,000 authority to grant them for life. 215 00:15:54,900 --> 00:15:59,380 Judges are the servants of the people and should be paid by the people. 216 00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:02,960 But now the king proposes to pay the judges. 217 00:16:03,800 --> 00:16:08,440 I have bestowed more labor upon Justice Brattle's writings in the newspaper than 218 00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:10,660 was necessary to show their imperfection. 219 00:16:11,070 --> 00:16:15,970 I subscribe myself, yours Justice Brattles, and the public's well -wisher 220 00:16:15,970 --> 00:16:18,550 very humble servant, John Adams. 221 00:16:33,830 --> 00:16:36,190 How much is too much? 222 00:16:36,930 --> 00:16:39,310 Attacks on tea should not foment rebellion. 223 00:16:40,170 --> 00:16:45,170 But to Boston citizens, King George's tax on British tea, petty token of 224 00:16:45,170 --> 00:16:49,050 authority that it was, was indeed too much. 225 00:16:51,930 --> 00:16:57,530 Therefore, be it hereby resolved that the people of Boston refuse to pay for 226 00:16:57,530 --> 00:17:02,430 tea which was deposited into the harbor by the marauding band of Indians. 227 00:17:08,010 --> 00:17:09,450 A blockade of Boston? 228 00:17:09,710 --> 00:17:13,810 That is the Crown's answer. We are to be cut off from all supplies and food, 229 00:17:13,970 --> 00:17:17,450 starved into submission until that damn tea is paid for. 230 00:17:17,750 --> 00:17:19,970 Surely the other colonies will send aid. 231 00:17:20,490 --> 00:17:21,589 Let us pray. 232 00:17:22,030 --> 00:17:25,050 But first let us hope the other colonies understand our cause. 233 00:17:27,510 --> 00:17:34,510 Throughout America, in every town hall and legislature, brave men have spoken 234 00:17:34,510 --> 00:17:36,170 out in support of Boston. 235 00:17:36,910 --> 00:17:40,370 proving that we have not been isolated, that we are not alone. 236 00:17:41,510 --> 00:17:47,450 In each colony, representatives have now been elected to a Continental Congress 237 00:17:47,450 --> 00:17:49,710 to be held in Philadelphia this September. 238 00:17:50,150 --> 00:17:56,850 The purpose of this Congress will be to plan relief for Boston and a more 239 00:17:56,850 --> 00:18:00,150 lasting accommodation with Great Britain. 240 00:18:01,490 --> 00:18:05,290 It is my pleasure to announce the newly elected representatives from the colony 241 00:18:05,290 --> 00:18:06,290 of Massachusetts. 242 00:18:06,880 --> 00:18:08,300 Mr. James Bowden. 243 00:18:08,940 --> 00:18:11,100 Mr. Thomas Cushing. 244 00:18:12,140 --> 00:18:14,900 Mr. Robert Treat Payne. 245 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:17,900 Mr. Samuel Adams. 246 00:18:19,660 --> 00:18:21,780 Mr. John Adams. 247 00:18:46,830 --> 00:18:48,170 Two months in Philadelphia. 248 00:18:51,470 --> 00:18:53,450 You've never been out of New England before. 249 00:18:53,770 --> 00:18:58,790 Abigail, you need not remind me that I'm a provincial, unequal to the task 250 00:18:58,790 --> 00:18:59,790 ahead. 251 00:18:59,930 --> 00:19:01,830 My dear, you mistake my words. 252 00:19:03,450 --> 00:19:06,050 I fear for your safety, not for your success. 253 00:19:09,690 --> 00:19:11,630 If only I could go with you. 254 00:19:16,490 --> 00:19:17,990 Mr. Adams, I must confess. 255 00:19:19,590 --> 00:19:23,850 My desire to go with you does not spring only from my concern for you. 256 00:19:25,650 --> 00:19:26,650 No? 257 00:19:29,130 --> 00:19:35,830 I know I have sufficient duties to prevent my roving, but... Oh, 258 00:19:35,850 --> 00:19:39,210 John, I have always felt a great inclination to travel. 259 00:19:41,050 --> 00:19:44,570 I am curious to know what is valuable in this world. 260 00:19:47,050 --> 00:19:51,130 I promise you, I will write you everything I see and feel. 261 00:19:52,610 --> 00:19:55,270 You will see Philadelphia through my eyes. 262 00:19:58,870 --> 00:20:00,630 Will you be content with that? 263 00:20:05,250 --> 00:20:08,430 I will be content with a small part of the world. 264 00:20:10,810 --> 00:20:12,670 If only it were free. 265 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:18,420 I did not know you were so passionate a patriot. 266 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:25,500 We women are obliged to conceal our passions from the world. 267 00:20:29,300 --> 00:20:33,800 How fortunate for me that I'm not the world. 268 00:20:57,350 --> 00:20:58,490 How worn this is. 269 00:20:59,510 --> 00:21:01,650 We must get some new clothes in Philadelphia. 270 00:21:01,950 --> 00:21:04,970 Nonsense. This is a Congress, not a fancy dress ball. 271 00:21:05,290 --> 00:21:08,090 I hear the Southerners are quick to judge a man by his appearance. 272 00:21:08,310 --> 00:21:11,750 Well, how would it look if I arrived wearing velvet and my fellow delegate, 273 00:21:11,750 --> 00:21:15,310 cousin Sam, appeared in his worn -out homespun? Very well, Mr. Adams. 274 00:21:16,490 --> 00:21:21,230 I do hope Sam has the grace to mend and fashion. Oh, Sam is no more capable of 275 00:21:21,230 --> 00:21:23,390 looking fashionable than you are of looking pleased. 276 00:21:27,690 --> 00:21:29,890 Try to put a cheerful face on my leaving. 277 00:21:30,750 --> 00:21:34,790 I fear I shall make a wry face like swallowing magnesia. 278 00:21:36,650 --> 00:21:38,430 But the dose will go down. 279 00:21:41,310 --> 00:21:45,830 Mr. Adams, I must confess. You have already confessed your secret craving 280 00:21:45,830 --> 00:21:47,590 travel. No, John. 281 00:21:48,570 --> 00:21:51,330 I must confess my secret craving for you. 282 00:21:55,590 --> 00:21:56,790 You will be careful. 283 00:21:57,450 --> 00:21:58,470 I will be careful. 284 00:21:59,690 --> 00:22:03,010 I cannot lose my much -loved friend. 285 00:22:21,750 --> 00:22:23,370 It can't be. 286 00:22:23,690 --> 00:22:24,810 You like it? 287 00:22:25,320 --> 00:22:26,820 Where did you get those clothes? 288 00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:30,900 An anonymous benefactor, wishing me to look prosperous in Philadelphia, sent 289 00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:31,900 them round this morning. 290 00:22:31,980 --> 00:22:33,860 A real gold handle, did you notice? 291 00:22:34,080 --> 00:22:38,000 I was too dazzled by the silver buckles on your shoes. They also provided me 292 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,380 with enough money to live comfortably in Philadelphia. 293 00:22:40,660 --> 00:22:41,660 And you accepted it? 294 00:22:41,740 --> 00:22:46,600 Oh, John, how could I refuse such kindness? We've been voted our expenses. 295 00:22:46,600 --> 00:22:49,620 to take money from a private citizen... John, the delegates from New York and 296 00:22:49,620 --> 00:22:52,300 Maryland have great estates. The others are men of property. 297 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:53,860 If we were to appear... 298 00:22:54,190 --> 00:22:56,370 Shabby, it would give a poor impression of Massachusetts. 299 00:22:57,050 --> 00:23:02,150 Nothing personal, John, but you really should mind your dress. Such things 300 00:23:02,150 --> 00:23:04,030 influence unthinking people. 301 00:23:23,790 --> 00:23:28,270 My dearest Abigail, there is such a quick succession of new scenes, 302 00:23:28,530 --> 00:23:32,430 and events turning up before me that I can't keep any regular account. 303 00:23:33,250 --> 00:23:37,230 Philadelphia, for all its great size and wealth, is no Boston. 304 00:23:46,270 --> 00:23:49,190 The morals of our people are much better. 305 00:23:59,489 --> 00:24:02,710 Boston manners are more polite and agreeable. 306 00:24:07,010 --> 00:24:08,950 Our spirit is greater. 307 00:24:09,230 --> 00:24:11,310 Our religion superior. 308 00:24:13,530 --> 00:24:16,490 Our persons handsomer. 309 00:24:17,190 --> 00:24:21,250 We exceed in everything except patience. 310 00:24:22,510 --> 00:24:25,190 Fortunately, this Congress begins tomorrow. 311 00:24:33,350 --> 00:24:39,990 56 delegates, Southerners, New Englanders, radicals, and conservatives, 312 00:24:39,990 --> 00:24:44,430 uneasy community to protest mounting injustice to their persons and their 313 00:24:44,430 --> 00:24:48,650 purses. Talk of independence comes from New England lips. 314 00:24:49,390 --> 00:24:53,710 but other delegates resist an irrevocable break with Mother England 315 00:24:53,710 --> 00:24:54,710 king. 316 00:24:55,730 --> 00:25:00,310 Gentlemen, we must establish certain rules for voting before we begin. 317 00:25:00,710 --> 00:25:04,910 It appears to me that the most equitable way to vote would be according to 318 00:25:04,910 --> 00:25:09,370 population. Thus, a sparsely settled colony would have a smaller vote in this 319 00:25:09,370 --> 00:25:13,770 Congress... As the representative of the good people of Rhode Island, I must 320 00:25:13,770 --> 00:25:15,610 remind this Congress... 321 00:25:16,140 --> 00:25:21,880 that small colonies have an equal state with their larger sisters in any 322 00:25:21,880 --> 00:25:26,780 decision reached by this Congress. The chair recognizes Mr. Patrick Henry of 323 00:25:26,780 --> 00:25:27,780 Virginia. 324 00:25:30,180 --> 00:25:33,920 Mind what he says, John. I understand he's the sister of the South. 325 00:25:34,180 --> 00:25:37,060 More important, these Southerners could be our greatest ally. 326 00:25:41,360 --> 00:25:42,360 Gentlemen. 327 00:25:43,630 --> 00:25:47,170 I beg you to put aside all regional differences. 328 00:25:47,530 --> 00:25:53,870 Why, since the crown is so fit to negate the laws that govern us, I say that 329 00:25:53,870 --> 00:25:55,030 government is dissolved. 330 00:25:57,870 --> 00:26:04,770 Where are your landmarks, your boundaries, your colonies? 331 00:26:05,350 --> 00:26:08,330 No, we are in a state of nature. 332 00:26:09,360 --> 00:26:14,420 The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, and you Englanders are 333 00:26:14,420 --> 00:26:18,660 more. I am not a Virginian, but an American. 334 00:26:19,020 --> 00:26:20,020 Yeah! 335 00:26:23,640 --> 00:26:24,820 Filling, isn't it? 336 00:26:25,700 --> 00:26:27,080 No, frightening. 337 00:26:28,240 --> 00:26:31,580 Fifty men, all strangers, jealous of one another. 338 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:33,700 Fearful, timid. 339 00:26:35,400 --> 00:26:36,400 Skittish. 340 00:26:37,450 --> 00:26:41,970 I fear they will never adopt our cause as their own. John, Congress doesn't 341 00:26:41,970 --> 00:26:45,490 officially begin until tomorrow. Allow me to make some friends from 342 00:26:45,490 --> 00:26:46,610 Massachusetts this afternoon. 343 00:26:47,150 --> 00:26:48,150 How can you? 344 00:26:48,570 --> 00:26:51,430 Watch me when the members take the vote on the opening prayer. 345 00:26:52,430 --> 00:26:57,730 Quakers here, Anglicans there, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, 346 00:26:57,770 --> 00:27:02,870 and all those Southern Episcopalians. 347 00:27:03,690 --> 00:27:06,890 All of them wanting that prayer in their own private faith. 348 00:27:07,490 --> 00:27:08,630 Lesson number one. 349 00:27:10,010 --> 00:27:15,450 Since the Episcopalians outnumber the rest of us, and since we are not bigots, 350 00:27:15,670 --> 00:27:21,690 Massachusetts can hear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue who is a 351 00:27:21,690 --> 00:27:22,850 friend of his country. 352 00:27:24,110 --> 00:27:29,150 I understand that the Reverend Duchesne, an Episcopalian clergyman, is such a 353 00:27:29,150 --> 00:27:30,410 man and among us. 354 00:27:30,990 --> 00:27:35,170 Therefore, I request we beg the Reverend to... ...fight against them that fight 355 00:27:35,170 --> 00:27:36,170 against me. 356 00:27:36,310 --> 00:27:40,430 Take hold of shield and buckler and stand up for mine help. 357 00:27:40,930 --> 00:27:45,510 Draw out also the spear and stop the way against them that persecute me. 358 00:27:46,070 --> 00:27:47,850 Say unto my soul... 359 00:29:28,240 --> 00:29:29,400 Nothing, darling. Go back to sleep. 360 00:31:09,420 --> 00:31:12,440 We now expect our sea coasts to be ravaged. 361 00:31:13,460 --> 00:31:17,400 Perhaps the very next letter I write will inform you that I am driven away 362 00:31:17,400 --> 00:31:18,760 our yet quiet cottage. 363 00:31:19,840 --> 00:31:23,400 We are told for truth that the enemy is now 8 ,000 strong. 364 00:31:25,080 --> 00:31:26,820 Courage I know we have in abundance. 365 00:31:27,940 --> 00:31:29,660 Conduct I hope we shall not want. 366 00:31:30,620 --> 00:31:34,580 But powder, where shall we get a sufficient supply? 367 00:31:35,380 --> 00:31:38,440 Indeed, General, if we ask only for our rights as English. 368 00:31:38,990 --> 00:31:43,770 If we support a plan for a firmer union with the crown, we will dispel all fear 369 00:31:43,770 --> 00:31:46,050 of independence and assure the king... Contempt! 370 00:31:46,370 --> 00:31:49,950 Sir. Mr. Dickinson, we cannot relieve the stress of Boston with such schemes. 371 00:31:50,290 --> 00:31:53,150 And what do you think will happen if England turns all of us adrift? We will 372 00:31:53,150 --> 00:31:54,690 float, sir, safely together. 373 00:31:55,010 --> 00:31:57,570 Nonsense. Civil war would break out at once. 374 00:31:58,160 --> 00:32:01,680 One colony would seek to govern all the others, and that colony would come down 375 00:32:01,680 --> 00:32:04,820 from the north like the Goths and the Vandals. Surely you do not think 376 00:32:04,820 --> 00:32:06,860 Massachusetts would attempt to take over the leadership. Sir, you cannot deny 377 00:32:06,860 --> 00:32:08,980 that your colony hanged the Quakers. 378 00:32:09,200 --> 00:32:12,400 Over a hundred years ago, in a time of ignorance... You cannot see the Quakers 379 00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:15,920 like laundry and expect the world to forget it. But ancient history had 380 00:32:15,920 --> 00:32:19,620 to do with... Excuse me, gentlemen. Mr. Adams and I have a meeting with the 381 00:32:19,620 --> 00:32:20,720 Carolina delegation. 382 00:32:22,280 --> 00:32:23,280 John! 383 00:32:24,040 --> 00:32:27,940 How many times must I warn you that we must stand silent and let our southern 384 00:32:27,940 --> 00:32:28,940 friends do the work? 385 00:32:30,080 --> 00:32:33,880 We are looked upon with too much suspicion to win in any argument with 386 00:32:33,880 --> 00:32:36,820 conservatives. Are we to hold silence while our wives and children are in 387 00:32:36,820 --> 00:32:39,440 danger? Yes, if that is the best way. 388 00:32:44,820 --> 00:32:50,580 Dearest friend, since you left me, I have passed through a great distress of 389 00:32:50,580 --> 00:32:51,580 mind and body. 390 00:32:52,680 --> 00:32:56,040 A violent dysentery has become our common calamity. 391 00:32:56,760 --> 00:32:59,220 Our little Tommy lies very ill now. 392 00:32:59,960 --> 00:33:02,040 There is no abatement of his disorder. 393 00:33:02,900 --> 00:33:05,740 Our house is now a hospital in every part. 394 00:33:06,980 --> 00:33:11,340 My dearest, it is now almost three months since I left you. 395 00:33:11,700 --> 00:33:15,160 My anxiety about you and the children has been extreme. 396 00:33:15,740 --> 00:33:20,220 Your letters are delayed in reaching me, and I fear that mine do not arrive in 397 00:33:20,220 --> 00:33:23,000 Braintree until the news is... cold and stale. 398 00:33:25,460 --> 00:33:31,160 This evening, I dined with all the gentlemen of Virginia in an elegant and 399 00:33:31,160 --> 00:33:32,440 magnificent chamber. 400 00:33:32,720 --> 00:33:39,500 The meal, turtle soup and flummery, jellies, sweetmeats, trifles, whipped 401 00:33:39,500 --> 00:33:44,040 syllabubs, floating islands, a dessert of fruit, raisins, almonds. 402 00:33:44,420 --> 00:33:49,940 I drank Madeira at a great rate and found no inconvenience in it. 403 00:33:50,990 --> 00:33:53,930 A general putrefaction seems to have taken place. 404 00:33:54,470 --> 00:33:58,830 We cannot bear the house, only as we are constantly cleansing it with hot 405 00:33:58,830 --> 00:33:59,830 vinegar. 406 00:34:02,450 --> 00:34:05,930 I went to Mr. Powell's and had a most sinful feast again. 407 00:34:06,590 --> 00:34:10,290 Creams, jellies, cheese, wine, porter, beer. 408 00:34:10,770 --> 00:34:13,489 Everything which could delight the eye or allure the taste. 409 00:34:19,310 --> 00:34:26,110 My dearest friend, have pity upon me, my beloved, for the hand 410 00:34:26,110 --> 00:34:27,429 of God presses sore. 411 00:34:29,010 --> 00:34:33,409 My dear mother, who came to see me every day when I was ill and take care of our 412 00:34:33,409 --> 00:34:37,050 little Tommy, took the disorder and died. 413 00:34:38,130 --> 00:34:41,330 I cannot overcome my too selfish sorrow. 414 00:34:41,949 --> 00:34:48,170 All her care for my welfare endears her memory to me and heightens my worry for 415 00:34:48,170 --> 00:34:49,170 her loss. 416 00:34:49,320 --> 00:34:53,980 My heart is made tender by repeated afflictions. 417 00:34:57,860 --> 00:34:59,940 It was never a hard heart. 418 00:35:04,680 --> 00:35:05,680 Poor Abigail. 419 00:35:07,560 --> 00:35:09,620 You will tender my condolences. 420 00:35:12,700 --> 00:35:14,360 I would do better, Sam. 421 00:35:15,820 --> 00:35:17,320 I would send her myself. 422 00:35:17,900 --> 00:35:18,900 I'm going home. 423 00:35:19,700 --> 00:35:23,120 But you cannot. Our work here is yet to be concluded. 424 00:35:23,380 --> 00:35:24,178 What work? 425 00:35:24,180 --> 00:35:28,560 Raising a glass of material of liberty while this Congress seeks new ways to 426 00:35:28,560 --> 00:35:32,500 comfort the king? No, I will not stay here another day. John, tomorrow Mr. 427 00:35:32,680 --> 00:35:34,600 Galloway puts forth his humble petition. 428 00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:38,740 If approved by this Congress, it gives Parliament the right to tax us freely. 429 00:35:39,140 --> 00:35:42,320 And everything we have fought for in Massachusetts would be lost. 430 00:35:42,990 --> 00:35:47,510 John, we need your voice to defeat it. My voice? They laugh at my Yankee speech 431 00:35:47,510 --> 00:35:50,070 and my zeal. Yes, they laugh, but they listen. 432 00:35:50,470 --> 00:35:53,150 John, you have managed the most impossible task. 433 00:35:53,530 --> 00:35:55,830 You are ridiculous and you are respected. 434 00:35:56,050 --> 00:35:59,530 Thank you. John, we've led them further than they ever dreamed they would go. 435 00:36:00,110 --> 00:36:03,910 They voted for a strong militia, taxes for our own treasury. 436 00:36:04,110 --> 00:36:08,770 The king's judges, disowned by this Congress, the acts of Parliament ignored 437 00:36:08,770 --> 00:36:11,610 it. Now they wish to retreat. 438 00:36:12,880 --> 00:36:15,820 It is up to you to make them go forward. 439 00:36:22,600 --> 00:36:27,840 Gentlemen, in every government there must be a supreme legislature. 440 00:36:28,680 --> 00:36:32,060 The regulation of our trade must rest somewhere. 441 00:36:33,180 --> 00:36:36,360 And it can, in truth, rest only with Parliament. 442 00:36:36,820 --> 00:36:39,980 We must admit this much in our petition to the King. 443 00:36:40,840 --> 00:36:42,220 To deny it, 444 00:36:42,920 --> 00:36:44,920 is to light the flames of war. 445 00:36:45,980 --> 00:36:47,520 Be warned, gentlemen. 446 00:36:48,260 --> 00:36:54,320 It could rage for 20 years and end in our subjugation rather than our 447 00:36:54,320 --> 00:36:55,320 liberation. 448 00:36:58,100 --> 00:37:02,440 Massachusetts and the town of Boston are now struggling in the common cause of 449 00:37:02,440 --> 00:37:03,440 American freedom. 450 00:37:04,320 --> 00:37:07,760 Mr. Galloway's humble petition would betray that struggle. 451 00:37:08,200 --> 00:37:09,700 And for what purpose? 452 00:37:10,300 --> 00:37:14,040 to placate a king and a parliament who have shown us they do not understand 453 00:37:14,040 --> 00:37:17,340 humility, that only resistance can reach their understanding. 454 00:37:18,780 --> 00:37:23,580 Gentlemen, if you fail to support our struggle today, it is not only the cause 455 00:37:23,580 --> 00:37:28,180 of Massachusetts which you will abandon, but future generations of Americans. 456 00:37:35,430 --> 00:37:36,430 Done, John. 457 00:37:36,590 --> 00:37:38,670 Galloway's plan defeated as we hoped. 458 00:37:38,930 --> 00:37:43,210 One vote, Sam, not much of a victory. Lesson number two, John. In politics, a 459 00:37:43,210 --> 00:37:47,390 small victory is worth any number of grand defeats. Well done, Mr. Randolph. 460 00:37:47,470 --> 00:37:49,050 You've earned your smile today. 461 00:37:49,310 --> 00:37:51,950 Mr. Henry, if I smile, it's because I'm going home. 462 00:37:57,550 --> 00:38:01,970 In your letters, I thought it had all gone to ruin. 463 00:38:02,210 --> 00:38:03,730 Where's the drought you wrote up? 464 00:38:03,980 --> 00:38:05,540 We've lately had a charming rain. 465 00:38:05,960 --> 00:38:07,580 The fences need mending, though. 466 00:38:08,120 --> 00:38:10,120 What of the hired man? Why didn't he fix it? 467 00:38:10,380 --> 00:38:12,700 Oh, Isaac is far too busy drilling in the militia. 468 00:38:13,100 --> 00:38:16,920 All the local men have caught the military fever. Even the schoolmaster is 469 00:38:16,920 --> 00:38:17,920 to join. 470 00:38:22,100 --> 00:38:23,420 Where are the children now? 471 00:38:24,280 --> 00:38:25,520 Watching the militia drill. 472 00:38:32,230 --> 00:38:35,090 Oh, Mr. Adams, how sorely I have missed you. 473 00:38:55,350 --> 00:38:59,810 Pray attend the child carefully, Mr. Adams. She has toiled over this piece 474 00:38:59,810 --> 00:39:00,810 weeks. 475 00:39:01,420 --> 00:39:02,820 Is she any gift for music? 476 00:39:03,380 --> 00:39:05,440 Of course she is not. She is our child. 477 00:39:06,520 --> 00:39:09,520 Though she may lack in music, she exceeds in zeal. 478 00:39:11,740 --> 00:39:12,740 Very well, Nanny. 479 00:39:13,280 --> 00:39:14,680 Call the Liberty Song, Papa. 480 00:39:14,920 --> 00:39:16,420 It's all the rage from here to Boston. 481 00:39:38,060 --> 00:39:40,940 But there's a man outside who asked for Papa. 482 00:39:49,000 --> 00:39:49,799 Abigail, 483 00:39:49,800 --> 00:40:03,940 a 484 00:40:03,940 --> 00:40:06,040 militia in Concord has fired on the King's troops. 485 00:40:06,460 --> 00:40:07,460 and the troops have run away. 486 00:40:08,260 --> 00:40:11,460 They were not rabble, Mrs. Adams. They were the best of men defending their 487 00:40:11,460 --> 00:40:12,800 homes, fighting as Americans. 488 00:40:14,220 --> 00:40:15,220 Oh, my God. 489 00:40:15,400 --> 00:40:16,560 What will you do, John? 490 00:40:16,820 --> 00:40:18,060 Pray God I can join them. 491 00:40:18,280 --> 00:40:19,280 John, you cannot. 492 00:40:19,420 --> 00:40:23,080 You are not fit to be a soldier. Your eyes are... Please do not recall my 493 00:40:23,080 --> 00:40:24,940 weakness when I now need all my strength. 494 00:40:26,060 --> 00:40:28,880 They will need organizers and lawmakers in Philadelphia. 495 00:40:29,690 --> 00:40:33,250 Will the other colonies send aid? Indeed, now they will send aid. Not by 496 00:40:33,250 --> 00:40:36,830 hundreds, but by the thousands. The British will send 20 ,000 troops. They 497 00:40:36,830 --> 00:40:38,930 hang everyone. Please, please, Mrs. Adams. 498 00:40:39,430 --> 00:40:42,430 I am a warrior by birth. You are merely one by marriage. 499 00:40:42,890 --> 00:40:46,690 Allow me to carry all the family fears to Philadelphia. Abby, rest easy. 500 00:40:47,430 --> 00:40:50,410 If I am hanged, it will be such a splendid company. 501 00:40:51,410 --> 00:40:53,130 Oh, Nappy, it was a lovely song. 502 00:41:04,010 --> 00:41:06,390 I trust I'm not disturbing you. No, not at all. 503 00:41:06,990 --> 00:41:10,090 I'm looking for a list of necessities that Mrs. Adams sent. 504 00:41:10,970 --> 00:41:14,830 Since the blockade, she cannot get them in brain change. She asked me to bring 505 00:41:14,830 --> 00:41:15,970 them home when I reached us. 506 00:41:16,470 --> 00:41:18,790 There was thread, needles. 507 00:41:19,130 --> 00:41:23,350 Where is that damn book? John, I do think there are graver matters before 508 00:41:23,570 --> 00:41:25,530 Not for me, if I come home without them. 509 00:41:25,790 --> 00:41:28,550 You read this latest report from our army in Massachusetts? 510 00:41:28,770 --> 00:41:32,280 Certainly. It's clear that old General Ward must be replaced. 511 00:41:32,540 --> 00:41:33,800 He continues to lose battles. 512 00:41:34,120 --> 00:41:35,320 Indeed, but by whom? 513 00:41:35,920 --> 00:41:38,400 I was thinking of putting myself forward for the post. 514 00:41:39,880 --> 00:41:40,880 You, John? 515 00:41:41,180 --> 00:41:45,220 Is there another man in this Congress who has fought so long and so well 516 00:41:45,220 --> 00:41:45,839 the British? 517 00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:49,360 John, it is one thing to lead a mob of Boston patriots in the streets, quite 518 00:41:49,360 --> 00:41:53,040 another to command an army in the field. John, I know armies. I understand 519 00:41:53,040 --> 00:41:54,540 military tactics and... 520 00:41:54,920 --> 00:41:56,900 Strategy? I've read Caesar's campaigns. 521 00:41:57,760 --> 00:41:59,820 Hannibal crossing the Alps. Hannibal? 522 00:42:00,700 --> 00:42:04,060 John, isn't it enough for you to be the president of the new Congress? I'm 523 00:42:04,060 --> 00:42:05,400 wasted here, Mr. Adams. 524 00:42:05,660 --> 00:42:09,320 I must have command of our army. Dammit, Mr. Hancock, we have a country to 525 00:42:09,320 --> 00:42:13,380 defend. This is no time to scramble after rank and honors like apes after 526 00:42:13,660 --> 00:42:14,660 Oh, here it is. 527 00:42:14,740 --> 00:42:16,420 Thread pins. That was it, pins. 528 00:42:16,760 --> 00:42:20,400 Are you suggesting that I want this... John, John, if we truly want this 529 00:42:20,400 --> 00:42:22,520 Congress to adopt our army in Massachusetts... 530 00:42:22,860 --> 00:42:26,700 Shouldn't we appoint a southerner? Never. A Yankee militia would refuse to 531 00:42:26,700 --> 00:42:28,900 orders from a southerner. Well, they damned well better. 532 00:42:29,220 --> 00:42:31,660 We can't afford a northern and a southern party. 533 00:42:32,160 --> 00:42:36,080 Besides, the habit of command sits easy on those southerners. They are raised 534 00:42:36,080 --> 00:42:38,880 from childhood to be... To hunt foxes, not Englishmen. 535 00:42:39,280 --> 00:42:42,260 John, I'm the only man here who was qualified to command. 536 00:42:42,640 --> 00:42:47,480 I've experience in fighting the English, an independent fortune, a talent for 537 00:42:47,480 --> 00:42:50,500 leadership, and the oldest friend of John Adams. 538 00:42:51,720 --> 00:42:54,200 I do expect that you will do your duty. 539 00:42:56,200 --> 00:43:00,580 Gentlemen, there is great danger in procrastination. If Congress does not 540 00:43:00,580 --> 00:43:03,580 support our army in Boston, that army will disintegrate. 541 00:43:03,980 --> 00:43:08,760 Therefore, I propose that a new general be appointed by this Congress to assume 542 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:10,340 command of the army in Boston. 543 00:43:10,880 --> 00:43:14,060 There is one man who is splendidly equipped for this high office. 544 00:43:14,520 --> 00:43:20,000 A gentleman of independent fortune, great talent, and impeccable character. 545 00:43:20,940 --> 00:43:23,160 A gentleman from Virginia. 546 00:43:23,360 --> 00:43:24,560 George Washington. 547 00:43:34,200 --> 00:43:40,680 My dearest friend, this is Saturday, June 17th. The British began their 548 00:43:40,680 --> 00:43:42,340 bombardment of Charlestown. 549 00:43:42,620 --> 00:43:46,000 Now the town is in ashes and few survived the battle. 550 00:43:46,560 --> 00:43:51,020 Many, fearing that nearby Boston will soon be set afire, have fled the city 551 00:43:51,020 --> 00:43:52,020 its terrors. 552 00:43:52,600 --> 00:43:58,120 As I view the acts of man in this time of undeclared war, I am more and more 553 00:43:58,120 --> 00:44:00,520 convinced that man is a dangerous creature. 554 00:44:01,500 --> 00:44:07,140 I fear that power, whether vested in the many or the few, is ever grasping. 555 00:44:08,240 --> 00:44:14,940 Like the grave, power cries, give, give, and the great fish swallow 556 00:44:14,940 --> 00:44:15,940 up the small. 557 00:44:17,640 --> 00:44:22,140 When I consider these things, I feel anxious for the fate of our people. 558 00:44:22,360 --> 00:44:26,640 What is the Congress doing? When will they adopt our cause as their own? 559 00:44:26,880 --> 00:44:31,120 Were Abigail in this Congress, they would take action. We have wasted three 560 00:44:31,120 --> 00:44:34,100 whole days debating another damn petition to the king. 561 00:44:34,440 --> 00:44:37,180 Have they no sense, no feelings, no passions? 562 00:44:37,380 --> 00:44:39,720 Oh, most splendid speech, Mr. Adams. 563 00:44:40,080 --> 00:44:43,420 I fear if we debate much longer, all of Boston will be in ashes. 564 00:44:43,700 --> 00:44:44,700 Say. 565 00:44:44,970 --> 00:44:48,750 You cannot expect 13 clocks to chime all at the same time. 566 00:44:49,350 --> 00:44:53,570 In a few weeks... In a few days, Dr. Franklin, my family may be driven from 567 00:44:53,570 --> 00:44:57,090 their home. In a few weeks, this Congress may be forced to flee 568 00:44:57,230 --> 00:44:58,730 More speeches, Mr. Adams? 569 00:44:59,390 --> 00:45:01,710 Pray, is there no end to your store of rhetoric? 570 00:45:02,370 --> 00:45:06,150 Mr. Dickinson, I will cease my speeches when you end your efforts to petition 571 00:45:06,150 --> 00:45:07,150 the king. 572 00:45:07,280 --> 00:45:11,220 All you do is encourage the belief that we lack the will to fight. If you don't 573 00:45:11,220 --> 00:45:14,120 agree with our efforts to make peace, we will carry on in our own way. Your 574 00:45:14,120 --> 00:45:15,800 petition is a measure of imbecility. 575 00:45:16,040 --> 00:45:19,200 Fortunately, sir, you are not the final judge of its merits. No, Congress must 576 00:45:19,200 --> 00:45:22,680 judge. And if they pronounce against me, I must submit. 577 00:45:23,420 --> 00:45:25,520 But if they pronounce against you... They will not. 578 00:45:25,880 --> 00:45:27,480 I know the temper of this Congress. 579 00:45:28,020 --> 00:45:31,800 Believe me, Mr. Adams, should you ever speak out in a temperate fashion, I 580 00:45:31,800 --> 00:45:33,080 be the first to applaud you. 581 00:45:33,640 --> 00:45:37,180 Mr. Dickinson, the day that you applaud me, I will know I have said something 582 00:45:37,180 --> 00:45:38,180 very foolish. 583 00:45:42,480 --> 00:45:49,340 Oh, my dear Abigail, 584 00:45:49,660 --> 00:45:55,220 you ask if every member feels for us. Every member says he does, but most feel 585 00:45:55,220 --> 00:45:56,220 more for themselves. 586 00:45:56,970 --> 00:46:00,970 Here you will find men who are timid, men who are selfish, men on whose 587 00:46:00,970 --> 00:46:04,190 calloused hearts nothing but money and interest can make an impression. 588 00:46:04,730 --> 00:46:09,450 Men who think a few barrels of flour are more important than a thousand lives, 589 00:46:09,670 --> 00:46:11,170 other men's lives. 590 00:46:11,570 --> 00:46:16,050 A certain great fortune and piddling genius, John Dickinson. 591 00:46:16,810 --> 00:46:21,130 has given a silly cast to all our doings. We should have had in our hands 592 00:46:21,130 --> 00:46:24,530 month ago the foundation of a new government, to have raised a navy, 593 00:46:24,530 --> 00:46:27,270 an army, but they continued to delay. Mr. Dickinson, believe me, sir, this 594 00:46:27,270 --> 00:46:31,010 letter was not meant for public view. I am certain of that, Mr. Hancock. Mr. 595 00:46:31,190 --> 00:46:33,550 Adams was writing in private to his wife. 596 00:46:33,950 --> 00:46:36,850 He never dreamed the letter would be captured by the British. 597 00:46:39,230 --> 00:46:42,570 Nor that they would have the cunning to publish it. May I, sir? 598 00:46:48,040 --> 00:46:51,720 No mortal tale could equal the behavior of these delegates. 599 00:46:52,320 --> 00:46:55,000 Their fidgets, their whims, their vanity. 600 00:46:55,500 --> 00:46:58,580 Why, the ignorance of some of them would try... Good morning, gentlemen. 601 00:47:08,400 --> 00:47:10,320 Don, how could you do this to us? 602 00:47:10,980 --> 00:47:15,340 Mr. Hancock, I did not put right... What we both know is true. And you have 603 00:47:15,340 --> 00:47:18,800 destroyed whatever use you might have been to our people in this Congress. The 604 00:47:18,800 --> 00:47:21,800 letter was a little intemperate. Do you think these men will rally to the cries 605 00:47:21,800 --> 00:47:24,840 of Massachusetts after he has slandered them before the world? Mr. Adams! 606 00:47:26,700 --> 00:47:31,960 When you do write the history of this Congress, pray put me amongst the 607 00:47:31,960 --> 00:47:35,320 fidgeters and the whimsical rather than the vain and the ignorant. 608 00:47:36,360 --> 00:47:39,260 Dr. Franklin, if I gave offense, none was intended. 609 00:47:39,620 --> 00:47:42,100 Sir, you gave offense. 610 00:47:42,830 --> 00:47:45,250 And there is but one way to undo this wrong. 611 00:47:47,270 --> 00:47:48,490 Apologize to the Congress? 612 00:47:48,830 --> 00:47:49,830 No, sir. 613 00:47:50,390 --> 00:47:52,790 You must accept the apology of the Congress. 614 00:47:54,450 --> 00:47:57,730 Gentlemen, do not read the private letters of a man to his wife. 615 00:48:19,080 --> 00:48:20,600 I fear we have no more green tea. 616 00:48:21,640 --> 00:48:23,380 Well, I've never tasted a better soup. 617 00:48:27,160 --> 00:48:28,800 You look very tired, John. 618 00:48:30,040 --> 00:48:34,400 I fear all your work for the Congress has not been good for your health. 619 00:48:35,300 --> 00:48:37,700 Well, your labors here seem to improve you. 620 00:48:38,360 --> 00:48:40,620 You know, you're very much admired in Philadelphia. 621 00:48:42,340 --> 00:48:43,340 I am? 622 00:48:43,380 --> 00:48:46,520 When Dr. Franklin met you on his way down from Boston. 623 00:48:47,080 --> 00:48:48,660 He was most agreeably impressed. 624 00:48:50,140 --> 00:48:51,140 Indeed. 625 00:48:51,660 --> 00:48:55,020 He said you were the most accomplished lady he had met in New England. 626 00:48:59,040 --> 00:49:00,160 Down, Vanity. 627 00:49:04,320 --> 00:49:05,320 Vanity? 628 00:49:08,800 --> 00:49:10,260 You think me vain? 629 00:49:10,580 --> 00:49:12,780 If so, I was merely jesting. 630 00:49:14,190 --> 00:49:19,710 If I am vain, I preen before cows. There is little else for me but this farm and 631 00:49:19,710 --> 00:49:20,710 its labors. 632 00:49:21,490 --> 00:49:22,490 Senses need lending. 633 00:49:22,910 --> 00:49:24,210 Pastures must be plowed. 634 00:49:24,590 --> 00:49:26,350 The children's lessons must too. 635 00:49:27,290 --> 00:49:28,290 And food. 636 00:49:29,150 --> 00:49:32,590 Food bears so great a price. If it is not made at home, it cannot be got. 637 00:49:33,890 --> 00:49:35,350 All I think about is grain. 638 00:49:37,290 --> 00:49:38,290 Grain. 639 00:49:40,490 --> 00:49:43,330 And where am I to get coffee, flour, pepper? 640 00:49:47,210 --> 00:49:48,410 of the pins I asked for. 641 00:49:52,370 --> 00:49:53,630 Children's clothes are a disgrace. 642 00:49:57,710 --> 00:49:59,570 I have a sore on my middle finger. 643 00:50:00,370 --> 00:50:02,530 I'm so lonely here I could cry. 644 00:50:04,110 --> 00:50:10,870 Do you know in the 13 years that we have been married, less than 645 00:50:10,870 --> 00:50:12,530 half of that time have we been together? 646 00:50:16,270 --> 00:50:20,270 I sometimes feel that my heart like your clothes will go to rags without love 647 00:50:20,270 --> 00:50:21,270 and attention. 648 00:50:51,920 --> 00:50:52,920 remembered my plans. 649 00:51:03,680 --> 00:51:06,380 Johnny, I trust you will study your French in my absence. 650 00:51:06,660 --> 00:51:07,479 Yes, Papa. 651 00:51:07,480 --> 00:51:11,380 I feel my lack of education every day, particularly in the French language. 652 00:51:11,620 --> 00:51:13,460 Papa, must I learn it too? 653 00:51:13,700 --> 00:51:16,500 Certainly, since you were to be a statesman like your brother. 654 00:51:16,840 --> 00:51:19,560 Shall the baby perfect his French too, Mr. Adams? 655 00:51:19,960 --> 00:51:21,940 It would be well if he mocked at its rudiments. 656 00:51:22,480 --> 00:51:26,300 If we suffer their minds to creep and grovel in infancy, they will creep and 657 00:51:26,300 --> 00:51:27,380 grovel all their lives. 658 00:51:28,140 --> 00:51:31,140 Remember, set your attention on great and glorious deeds. 659 00:51:31,540 --> 00:51:32,980 Root out every evil. 660 00:51:33,200 --> 00:51:38,800 Weed out meanness, scorn injustice, cowardice, falsehood, self -interest. 661 00:51:40,380 --> 00:51:43,220 What? That was in your last letter, Papa. 662 00:51:43,740 --> 00:51:48,240 Papa, if we cannot go to Philadelphia with you today, may we ride upon your 663 00:51:48,240 --> 00:51:49,240 horse? 664 00:51:49,740 --> 00:51:51,780 Very well. But be careful. 665 00:51:52,520 --> 00:51:53,520 Now, be careful. 666 00:51:56,060 --> 00:51:58,080 They do like to sit upon my horse. 667 00:51:58,720 --> 00:52:00,580 It seems to improve their posture. 668 00:52:01,420 --> 00:52:03,760 They like to play at being their great hero. 669 00:52:05,880 --> 00:52:06,900 General Washington. 670 00:52:12,280 --> 00:52:15,260 This committee of ours must do more than just sit. 671 00:52:15,980 --> 00:52:17,960 We were appointed to declare for independence. 672 00:52:18,220 --> 00:52:21,740 Let us make that declaration before the British overwhelm us, sir. Mr. Adams, 673 00:52:22,060 --> 00:52:25,440 the colonies will stand firm and united against their enemies. Rest assured of 674 00:52:25,440 --> 00:52:26,880 that. I think not, Mr. Jefferson. 675 00:52:27,120 --> 00:52:30,400 When the volunteers from Connecticut will have no men from Massachusetts in 676 00:52:30,400 --> 00:52:31,400 their corps. 677 00:52:31,520 --> 00:52:35,280 Massachusetts despises all Rhode Islanders. The troops from New York and 678 00:52:35,280 --> 00:52:37,360 Pennsylvania would rather fight each other than the enemy. 679 00:52:37,720 --> 00:52:41,620 And your Virginians are no better. They refuse to fight beside freed Negroes. 680 00:52:41,760 --> 00:52:46,160 No, sir, we must declare for freedom and confederate or we are lost, Mr. 681 00:52:46,260 --> 00:52:49,240 Jefferson. I confess I'm confused, sir. 682 00:52:50,060 --> 00:52:53,940 Since you're known for your eloquence, why ask me to draft this document? 683 00:52:56,280 --> 00:53:01,100 You've been a member of our Congress for about a year, and you have not yet said 684 00:53:01,100 --> 00:53:03,000 more than three sentences in public. 685 00:53:03,850 --> 00:53:08,730 But you have the reputation of a masterly pen. You write with true 686 00:53:08,750 --> 00:53:11,610 while I have none of it. I disagree, sir. 687 00:53:11,930 --> 00:53:14,710 I've seen the power of your arguments when you debate in the assembly. 688 00:53:15,230 --> 00:53:17,450 Another reason for you to make the declaration. 689 00:53:18,290 --> 00:53:20,770 I have never held my tongue in public. 690 00:53:21,590 --> 00:53:25,150 When a man outtalks his opponent, he often ends up with enemies. 691 00:53:25,530 --> 00:53:29,150 You have many friends here. Oh, no, sir. I'm thought obnoxious. 692 00:53:29,370 --> 00:53:33,260 Were I to draft this declaration, it would be... Three months in revision. 693 00:53:34,060 --> 00:53:36,680 We do not have the luxury of time, Mr. Jefferson. 694 00:53:36,960 --> 00:53:40,240 You can write it in a few days, and we can win the vote within a month. 695 00:53:41,040 --> 00:53:44,280 If ever a man deserved to write this statement, it's you. 696 00:53:47,900 --> 00:53:49,440 You're quite right, Mr. Jefferson. 697 00:53:51,580 --> 00:53:54,200 But I beg you, let's stop all this discussing. 698 00:53:54,740 --> 00:53:58,180 Please, hesitate no longer, but begin your work at once. 699 00:54:08,880 --> 00:54:13,840 My dear Abigail, time has been given for the whole people maturely to consider 700 00:54:13,840 --> 00:54:18,460 the great question of independence and to ripen their judgments, dissipate 701 00:54:18,460 --> 00:54:23,380 fears, and allure their hopes, so that the whole people in every colony of the 702 00:54:23,380 --> 00:54:26,060 Thirteen have now adopted it as their own act. 703 00:54:26,360 --> 00:54:27,960 This will cement the union. 704 00:54:30,780 --> 00:54:34,660 You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. 705 00:54:35,200 --> 00:54:39,700 I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to 706 00:54:39,700 --> 00:54:43,360 maintain this declaration and support and defend these states. 707 00:54:43,900 --> 00:54:48,660 Yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. 708 00:54:49,080 --> 00:54:54,100 I can see that the end is more than worth all the means and that posterity 709 00:54:54,100 --> 00:54:55,780 triumph in this day's transaction. 710 00:55:15,180 --> 00:55:20,120 This day of July 1776 will be the most memorable in the history of America. 711 00:55:20,640 --> 00:55:25,040 It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, from one end of this 712 00:55:25,040 --> 00:55:28,560 continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.