Original subtitles

Brother.

Oh, I'm sorry!

Come on, Luke, quit foolin' around.

A little more spirit there, Matt.

We'll never get home for dinner.

Hey, Jonathan, you sent for me?

You know I wouldn't do that.

Of course I figured you would see the smoke...

and if'n you did you'd drop by and do me some more designs.

These are nice.

That's a good line.

What kind of design did you have in mind?

- Could you do me the bird again? - Sure. Nothing to it.

Ooh, that's new.

- What a blue that is. - Yeah.

I made this here teapot special...

for Miss Hattie.

I'll ask you a favor.

Could you take it up to the house for me?

Take it yourself. She don't want to get a present from me.

It's you she's sweet on.

John, your daddy says anything about me lately?

I owe your daddy rent.

Seems like I can't even sell my wares no more.

There ain't no better pottery in Virginia. It'll sell.

I don't know.

People around here never did like no free nigger in business for his self.

And now it's even worse.

People act like they're scared to even talk with me.

Storekeeper, he says it's kinda what happened down at Harper's Ferry.

John Brown's raid?

They can't blame you for that.

Well, maybe not, but black men were involved...

and black men carrying guns...

that's the white folks' nightmare.

Evenin', Matt.

What you doin' here?

Just visitin', Miss Hattie.

Just visitin'. Just at suppertime.

Don't lie to me, Jonathan Henry. You here for my lamb stew.

He can smell my cookin' clear down to his cabin.

You got no cause to say that.

I brought you somethin'.

It's the prettiest teapot ever.

Isn't that worth a plate of stew, Hattie?

And a piece of pie.

Well, go on in there, Jonathan.

Go on now.

What'd you hear in town today, Emmy? Anything new about Harper's Ferry?

Nobody's talkin' about anything else.

Come, child. Tell us the news.

John Brown was wounded some...

but they moved him and the rest of the jail to Charlestown.

Governor's called out umpteen-thousand militia to guard'em.

Why so many soldiers? What are they afeard of?

All I know is what the sheriff said.

What'd he say?

He said...

that the nigger-lovin' abolitionists up north might start flappin' their lips...

and march on Charlestown to free John Brown.

That possible, Pa?

Not without startin' a small war, it ain't.

- I don't believe it. - I don't either.

But Matt and I been thinkin' we oughta put some time in a militia.

- Get some trainin', just in case. - In case of what?

- If this don't beat all. - What?

Let me see it, Mark.

That's real good.

I think it's wonderful. I know who's who even from a distance.

Here's Matt, here's Pa, here's Mark.

It's a damn insult.

Us sweatin' out the day's work, and he's out there doin' nothin'...

just watchin', like he's our lord and master.

I'm with Matt. John ain't been pullin' his weight.

There ain't no room on a farm for a man who can't earn his keep.

That's not for you to decide, Mark.

- Pa? - It's true, Maggie.

When John works with us, he works hard. I'll give him that.

But he ain't showed up much lately.

He's giving all his time to that hobby of his.

It's not a hobby, Pa.

The way I feel, it's a profession.

- You mean make a livin' doing that? - People do.

Look, Pa, I think I'm good...

and I think I'll get better.

How much money you earned so far?

Nothin', and I ain't gonna make nothin' around here.

You tryin' to tell us somethin', John?

I figured I'd go up north to Gettysburg...

ask Uncle Jacob to give me a start on his newspaper.

I don't figure that's your decision to make, son.

Then I'm askin' for your blessing, Pa. Yours too, Mom.

That'd mean one less pair of hands to work the farm. Might cost us.

Things are...

well, I don't have to tell you, mighty lean around here.

I thought about that.

I could pull my weight by sending money home.

- Countin' your chickens, ain't ya? - Yeah, maybe I am.

Give me six months, Pa, a trial period.

If I don't get anywhere in six months, I'll come home ready to work.

Let him go, Pa. He ain't no use around here anyways.

That's enough, Mark.

Ma?

Always knowed that John was different from the rest of us.

He has a gift.

To me, a wondrous gift, and he didn't get it from us, Ben.

I figure when he makes a picture like this...

it must be God is guidin' his hand.

Maybe God's guidin' him now.

All set?

Here, take this.

I don't fancy totin' no gun, Pa.

I don't get it. You're the best shot in the family.

But I ain't lookin' for trouble.

Trouble maybe come lookin' for you, son.

- Pa, you don't have to... - Come on, now. You're gonna need that.

Much obliged.

You...

take good care of yourself, son.

Well, can't stay around talkin'. There's work to be done.

Work? I figured we'd just lie around and wait till John sends all that money.

Giddap.

What's all this? I'll look like a peddler.

Sling'em up behind the saddle, Luke.

One sack's got vittles for four days. Enough to get you there, I reckon.

- What's this, ballast? - A ham. Twenty-four pounder.

Best Virginia smoked. Give that to my sister with love from your pa and me.

Well, you're set.

Write me about them fast Northern girls.

Wait up!

I believe in you, John. You know that.

But if things don't go just right...

you know your way home.

John?

Uncle Jacob.

- Where did you come from? - I just rode in.

It's a pleasure to see you, my boy.

Riding all that way from Virginia...

You could use a shave and a bath.

And a job.

What kind of job?

Artist. Newspaper artist.

Ah, yes, you're the nephew that draws. What made you think I'd give you a job?

Well, the last time we came to visit, you said...

Ah, yes, I remember. A year ago last Thanksgiving.

No, sir. Y'all visited us then.

It was the year before that. Anyway, you said...

I didn't promise you a job, did I?

No, sir, but you said when the time comes...

Oh, yes. Spare me the details.

John, your uncle Jacob has a big mouth.

Sit down and I'll tell you the facts of life of small newspapers.

A paper of this sort operates at a loss.

Well, almost a loss.

We can't afford illustrations...

unless I pick up a litho block cheap from New York.

That's where I plan to work eventually... New York.

You can forget about New York. Harper's?

No, they only hire top men.

Yes, sir. If you'd just take a look...

Where was I? Ah, yes.

The point is that, basically, we can't afford to employ a full-time artist.

I'm sorry, my boy. I like you.

I hate to turn you down.

I only hope that you...

that you understand.

I'm just asking for a start. I'd work cheap.

Cheap?

Three dollars a week?

Yes, sir. That's mighty generous.

Well, you are my nephew, and you deserve the job, John.

Your work is excellent.

Besides, I have something in mind.

What a first assignment.

- George. - Sir?

Press credentials. John Geyser.

Artist-correspondent. And George?

- Yes, sir? - When's the trial?

Twenty-seventh. The day after tomorrow. There's a train at about...

Well, no need to waste train fare.

He's got transportation.

It's two days' ride. Do it in a day and a half.

- Yes, sir. - Here's expense money.

Well, account for every penny.

Yes, sir, I will, but...

No buts.

You're a newspaperman now.

- What trial am I goin' to? - What trial?

The trial! John Brown's trial in Charlestown.

I want a portrait of that fierce old goat.

- Yes, sir. I'll just go clean up... - No, there's no time for that.

The young idiot.

Left without his credentials.

Mama sends her love.

What the devil? Wait a minute!

What is this loathsome object?

That's a 24-pound best Virginia smoked ham.

That's different.

Left. Left.

Left, right, left.

Silence in the court.

Those here assembled will please rise.

His Honor, Judge Richard Parker.

Whereas the prisoner, John Brown, was yesterday found guilty of treason...

conspiring with slaves and others to rebel...

and of murder in the first degree...

His Honor has charged me to direct a question at said prisoner.

Is there any reason why sentence should not now be pronounced upon you?

I have, may it please the Court, a few words to say.

You may proceed.

In the first place...

I deny everything...

but that which I have all along admitted...

a plan on my part...

to free slaves.

I never did intend murder or treason...

or the destruction of property...

or to incite slaves to revolt...

or make insurrection.

I have another objection.

That is...

it is unjust...

that I should suffer such a penalty.

Had I interfered in the manner which I admit...

in behalf of the rich and powerful...

it would've been all right...

and every man in the court...

would have deemed it an act worthy of reward...

not of punishment.

I see a book kissed here...

which I suppose to be the Bible...

that teaches me...

whatsoever I would men should do to me...

I should do even so unto them.

It teaches me further...

to remember them that are in bonds...

as bonded with them.

I believe...

that to have interfered as I have done...

in behalf of His despised poor...

was not wrong...

but right.

Now...

if it is necessary...

that I should forfeit my life...

and further mingle my blood with the blood of...

my children...

and with the blood of millions in this slave country...

whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel...

and unjust...

enactments...

I submit... let it be done.

I have listened to the words of the accused...

but I find in them nothing that challenges the verdict...

arrived at here by due process of law.

Nor do I find in my mind or in my heart...

any reasonable doubt that the prisoner is guilty.

John Brown...

I sentence you to be hanged in public...

on Friday, the second of December.

May God forgive you.

Mind if I sit?

My name is Jonas Steele.

I've been looking for you.

Want a drink?

It's a lot better than this house swill.

You were making pictures in the courtroom earlier today...

just before the old man walked in.

Mind if I have a look?

Yeah, I thought so.

I thought I could feel your eyes boring down on me.

You sure got a devil of a way with a likeness.

I wouldn't want to see that in your newspaper.

Now, I'm not tellin' you.

I'm askin'.

I don't understand.

Well, I wish I could say more...

but I can't.

All I can say is that...

I'm in a business that it could cause me a lot of harm...

if certain people knew that I was at John Brown's trial.

I realize that's a lot to ask a man for a favor, but...

You want a favor?

Your Aunt Rosie wouldn't know you now.

I'm much obliged.

Here's the money I owe you.

I'm Nell. I got something for you, love.

Follow me upstairs.

Upstairs?

You checked your wallet lately?

Bolt the door.

Where'd you find it?

- In your pocket. - You stole it?

I'm giving it back, ain't I?

There's two dollars missing. I owed the bartender.

You can take it out in trade.

For two dollars, you could stay all night.

Thank you kindly, but I really couldn't.

You shy or somethin'? Get undressed, love.

You can keep the two dollars. I have to go.

It's already paid for.

Look at me. Am I ugly or somethin'?

Oh, no. You're real good-lookin'.

It's not you, it's me.

You got a problem? Maybe Nell can fix it.

No, please.

I'm fine.

What do you do, love?

I work for a newspaper.

You don't dress like a newspaperman.

- You look fresh off the farm. - I've only had the job a few days.

You know what I think? You're green.

Tell the truth, love. You ever been with a woman?

It's true, ain't it?

My God, you're blushin'.

I caught me a real virgin.

Well, you're in luck, love.

Nell has a cure for what ails you.

I think I should go.

Just stop worryin'...

and leave everything to me.

I got enough experience for the both of us.

There are rumors that various guerilla forces may be headed this way...

to liberate you.

I do not encourage any attempt to save my life.

I am not sure...

but that it's best that I die at this time.

Might I ask you this, sir...

Are you ready to die?

I'm entirely ready.

I know that I and my fellow captives must die...

but mark my prediction...

our deaths will be the beginning of the end for slavery.

Do you see the southern states accepting any kind of compromise, sir?

Do you envision the possibility of a peaceful solution?

Peaceful solution?

I am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land...

can never be purged away but with blood.

Sir?

In everyday language, do you mean the North and the South are gonna fight?

Is there gonna be war?

I mean there will be wailing and lamentations in a million homes.

Grief and sorrow will sit with every family in the land.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Thank you, sir.

Squad...

halt!

Squad, front.

You ever see a man hang before?

A man couldn't have asked for a prettier day.

Where you headed, Jonas?

Pennsylvania. Philly.

Hey, that's right on the way to Gettysburg.

I'll tell you what... we ride together as far as Gettysburg.

I guarantee you a good dinner, good company and a warm bed.

Sounds like the brandy talkin'.

Well, that's true. However, I happen to agree with what it says.

Hey, Daddy! John's comin'!

Mama, John's here.

Oh, good!

Your cousin John's arriving.

Oh, no. I'm not fit to be seen.

- Come on in, John. - Hey, James.

Say hi to Jonas.

- Good evening, Cousin John. - Well, evening, Mistress Annie.

- May I present Mr. Jonas Steele. - My pleasure.

Good heavens! You're soaked!

Aunt Evelyn, this is Jonas Steele.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

We just rode in all the way from Charlestown, and I wondered if...

Of course. You'll stay for supper and a night's rest.

Thank you, ma'am.

- Jonas, this is Jake. - Pleasure.

And this is Malachy.

Malachy, tend their horses. Jake, find them something dry to wear.

To the kitchen, you two, before you flood the hall.

And take off those wet clothes.

- John, my boy. - Sir?

When you're dry, I want to see the sketches of the hanging.

Yes, sir.

And the pants?

Well, yes, ma'am, but...

Jonas, I am the mother of grown sons.

Yes, ma'am, but I ain't one of'em.

Well, I'll leave you be.

John, your uncle Jacob wants to see you.

Sorry.

Are you...

I'm Jonas, John's friend.

I'm Mary, John's cousin.

Pleased to meet you.

I heard tell once that women don't wash their hair on rainy days...

'cause it don't dry so well on rainy days.

That's true...

but I wash mine on rainy days...

because fresh rainwater makes it soft.

Then I dry it in front of the stove.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm in your way.

Come here.

There's room.

Warm whatever you were warming.

Did you get the stuff I sent by train, the trial sketches?

Printed them two weeks ago. Talk of the town, they were.

I got 14 new subscribers.

John, your portraits of John Brown are amazing.

It's the first time I felt I understood the man.

Supper's almost ready.

Jake has some dry clothes for you. Why don't you put them on?

Jacob, the boy is an artist.

He's a find, that's what he is. My discovery.

You only pay your discovery three dollars a week.

- Did he complain? - John? Of course not.

Well, then don't meddle. Women don't understand business.

Jacob, we're talking about my sister's son.

How can you take advantage of the boy?

How can we ever look Maggie in the eye again?

Well, there's that room over my office.

I'll let him live in it, rent-free.

The room rent-free, and five dollars a week.

So then I asked him, "Is there gonna be a war?"

And old John Brown, he just turned to me...

Bedtime, Annie.

- You too, James. - Oh, Mother.

Let John finish.

You asked John Brown if there was gonna be a fight between the North and South.

Yeah, so old John Brown says...

"There will be wailings and lamentations in a million homes...

and grief and sorrow will sit with every family in the land."

Then, not long after that, they put a noose around his neck.

Strung him up.

Did his head come off?

That's enough. Come.

- Good night, everybody. - Good night.

Good night, James. Good night, Annie.

Good night.

- Jonas, you can use the back bedroom. - Thank you.

John, you stay with the boys.

Tired?

I'll show you the way.

- Good night, everybody. - Good night, Jonas.

If there was a war, John's family would be on one side and us on the other.

I find it hard to imagine.

If there's a war, I'll be the first to sign up.

- I bet you I'm a born soldier. - I don't want any more talk about war.

It's not going to happen. Too many wise heads in Washington.

Now, John, I want to raise a matter of business.

- Should we leave? - No. Stay.

I'm proud to say this in front of my sons.

John, you've started out well. Very well.

In recognition of that, I am giving you the room over the office rent-free.

And I hereby raise your salary to five dollars a week.

Free rent and five dollars a week?

That's more than generous.

I've always made it a point to reward good work. It's the American way.

I gather you're moving on tomorrow, Jonas.

Come sunup.

You haven't told me much about yourself.

There's not much to tell.

I'm sure that's not true.

But I won't ask questions.

Will you be coming back?

To Gettysburg, I mean.

It could happen.

I'd like to come back, Mary.

Then make it happen.

It's important to me.

I hope you don't mind bold girls.

Pa!

You're all dandied up, son.

You're all growed up too. A year sure makes a difference.

- You look fine, Pa, same as always. - I feel fine.

- Is everybody here? - Yep.

Matt and Mark come home yesterday.

They been spending time in the militia, learning to be soldiers.

Yeah, I heard, from Mama's letters.

And Emmy's fianc�, Lester Bedell, he's here too.

From Vicksburg, Mississippi.

- You like him? - Well, he's a businessman.

But not too bad of a fella.

We appreciate the money you sent. It helped.

I'm sorry it couldn't have been more.

I was surprised you could send anything. Jacob Hale was always tight with money.

Yeah, he is. But I been sellin' work to other papers.

I even sold a couple in New York to Harper's Weekly.

That's fine, son, fine.

I'll give you a hand here.

Ma!

John's home.

It is. It is!

Lester!

John's home!

Go on. I'll take care of your horse.

It's so good to see you.

Look at you!

Promise me you'll always come home for Christmas.

I'll sure try.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Meet Lester Bedell.

- And to you too. - Thank you, John.

It's freezing out here. Shouldn't we be inside?

I got coffee in the kitchen. Cookies too.

- Hi, John. Welcome home. - Matthew.

Anybody else want some hot coffee?

Anybody else want some hot coffee?

Later, Mama. I have somethin' to tell everybody.

All right, now, where are them cookies?

I'll have some.

Take that hat off. How many times have I told you?

Ben, be quiet. John has somethin' to tell us.

I rode through town just now. There's news on the telegraph.

Bad news, I'm afraid.

South Carolina has seceded.

That's good news.

The rest of the deep South is set to follow soon... Alabama, Georgia, Florida.

What about Mississippi?

Mississippi is certain to secede.

And us? When does Virginia secede?

Not yet, if ever.

"If ever"? John, you been livin' up north too long.

Does it mean fightin'?

Abe Lincoln takes office in a couple months, Mama.

It'll depend on him.

There'll be fightin', and I'm ready.

- So am I. - Me too.

Not you, stupid. You're too young.

Ma!

Try to understand, Emmy. My riverboats trade with the North.

If there's a war, it'll wipe out my income.

Well, what of it?

I promised you...

we'd soon be rich.

I promised you a big house and a carriage and slaves.

And that's what we'll have. A lot of people make their fortunes in wartime.

And Vicksburg's right on the river, exposed.

- It might be risky. - What are you leadin' to?

I'm givin' you the chance...

to postpone the marriage.

Until I can deliver the things I promised.

Kiss me.

You want to wait?

Ben, I'm all mixed up. What about our Christmas Eve party?

Well, the rest of the South's gonna be celebratin'. Why not us?

- Celebratin' what? - The war.

Celebratin' that we're gonna be free to live like we've always...

We could have a son killed.

We could have sons killed.

Don't worry, Ma.

We'll chase them Yankee cowards.

Mr. Geyser, Emma and I have had a talk.

If there's war, my business is in jeopardy. I have to leave for Vicksburg.

- And I'm going with him. - It means getting married right away.

Married?

Well, I'll tell you what.

We got the food, we got the neighbors all invited...

so let's get ourselves a parson...

and marry you two off on Christmas Eve!

- Thank you, sir. - How about that?

It was a lovely wedding.

Lovely, wasn't it, John?

Of course it was, Mama. The bride was beautiful.

May I have this dance, Mrs. Bedell?

- With your permission. - Certainly.

Of course.

And I'll be the first to go, Lucy, on account of I'm already in uniform.

The first to fall...

wounded in some great battle.

The last thing I'll remember as I die on the battlefield will be your kiss.

I never kissed you, Mark Geyser.

Well, I forgive you.

Mark, my reputation.

Well, the secret will die with me on the battlefield.

Promise?

I promise.

Can I show you something?

And there I'll be, lyin' on some battlefield...

dead as your Uncle Henry...

and the last thing I'll remember...

is your kiss.

Did you bring me out here to kiss me?

Why didn't you say so?

Evenin', Ben.

Sorry to bother you when you're partyin'.

- You know the preacher Welles here. - Yeah, I know him.

- Who are they? - Them's the Gault brothers.

They make a livin' chasin' runaway slaves.

They been trackin' two of'em clean up from Georgia.

- What's it got to do with me, Sheriff? - Slaves is hidin' on your property.

They're hidin' in that cabin down there in the woods.

Least that's what the brothers tell me.

Jonathan's cabin?

That's him.

Jonathan.

I been waitin' a long time to get that uppity nigger.

I'll check Jonathan�s cabin first thing in the morning.

No, Ben.

Tonight.

You better stay here, Matt. Help your mother keep the party happy.

Do as I say.

Eli...

cover the back of that cabin.

You reckon he's got a gun in there?

Evenin', Sheriff.

Evenin', Mr. Geyser.

There's talk you been hidin' runaway slaves, Jonathan.

Runaway slaves? No, sir, not me.

Search out that cabin.

Now, hold it. I live here legal.

I pay rent. Ask Mr. Geyser.

You can't bust in a man's place. That's against the law.

- Not for slaves, it ain't. - I'm a free man.

I got the papers to prove it.

Tell me. You're not hidin' anyone, are you?

Just as I thought! Here they are!

Jonathan, my God! How could you be so stupid?

They were starving...

they were dog-weary, and they were black, that's how.

There. You have your prisoners.

Go back to the horses and wait for us.

The rest of this here is a local matter. Sheriff.

Go on.

Free man, are ya?

Well, them two niggers is gonna live...

because they is slaves...

the way the good Lord intended for them to be.

Slaves is worth money...

but you, free man...

you ain't worth spit in the wind.

Hang him.

They got no right to hang him, Pa. He's got his rights.

He's entitled to a trial.

Looks like you raised yourself a nigger lover, Ben.

Put that gun down, John.

Not when they're fixin' to hang him, I won't.

Let's hang this troublemaker, Ben.

I can't stop you, Welles...

but there's nothin' says I have to help you either.

Hang him!

I had to stop you, John.

- Why? - For the family. We live here.

Your brother was right in hittin' you.

You was fixin' to get yourself in a lot of trouble.

It's not right, Pa. It's not fair.

Just leave him be, Pa.

Come back to the house.

Please, Pa, just leave me alone.

Come on.

I buried him.

We come to ask you not to leave, John.

We know you liked Jonathan, and maybe he got more than what was comin' to him...

but he done wrong helpin' them runaways.

Anyways, it's no time for you to be goin' up north.

There's gon' be a fight. You can smell it in the wind.

It's time to choose sides.

You belong here.

When time comes to enlist, Mark and I want you with us.

Three of us, side by side. Ain't nobody can lick us.

I'll never wear that uniform.

Well, that makes you a traitor, John.

- You didn't mean that. - No, I meant it.

The fightin's gonna be here, in the South.

You won't stay here and defend our home, our land?

Our land.

Sacred soil.

A man was murdered on this soil last night...

killed by some half-mad fanatic and a bully-boy of a sheriff...

and you did nothin' to stop it, Pa.

You couldn't...

'cause the biggest crime around here is to side with a black man.

So Jonathan�s dead.

My friend's hangin' from a tree!

What's wrong with this land, it produces such a bitter crop?

Don't ask me to fight for this handful of dust.

It's not sacred soil.

Not to me.

Not anymore.

Lunch.

The roast beef sandwiches Mother promised you.

- There's enough for you too, George. - I thank you, Miss Mary.

Lincoln's train is headed to Washington. It stops tomorrow a few miles from here.

Tell John I want a portrait of the new president.

I'll tell him.

Come in.

Sorry about the mess. Wasn't expectin' company.

What are you trying to do, hibernate?

So, how are you, Mary? You heard from Jonas?

I refuse to discuss it.

Did you hear from him?

Why don't you come to the house anymore?

At least for a decent meal.

You can't live on biscuits and cheese forever.

I've been readin'.

You've been brooding, John...

ever since the break with your family.

You've gotta put that aside, make yourself a life here.

You have a second family, if you'd just give us a chance.

I don't belong here any more than I did back home.

Pa was right. There's a war comin'. It's time to choose up sides.

You already made your choice.

I chose not to fight for the South...

but I can't enlist up here either.

How could I carry a rifle for the North if I might have to use it on my brother?

Then don't enlist.

The problem is, I'll be the only one my age...

walking around Gettysburg in civilian clothes.

With a Virginia accent? We might as well get out the tar and feathers right now.

You won't solve your problem moping.

Tomorrow we'll get out the buckboard and go for a nice drive in the country.

No, thank you, Mary. I have work to do.

It's an assignment, John.

You have no choice.

Ladies and gentlemen of Leaman Place...

I want to express my pleasure at being here...

and thank you for your friendly greetin'.

I appear not to make a speech.

I've not time to make'em at length...

and not strength to make'em on every occasion.

Worse than all, I have none to make.

Furthermore, it's well known that the more a man speaks...

the less he is understood.

I appear before you then...

merely to see and be seen.

And as regards to the ladies, I have the best of the bargain.

No, you don't.

But as to the gentlemen...

I cannot say as much.

Let's have a look at Mrs. Lincoln.

Ladies and gentlemen...

since you seem so determined to meet Mrs. Lincoln...

I concluded I'd best give you the long and the short of it.

- You are? - John Geyser, Gettysburg Chronicle.

Follow me.

- Does this man have a clearance? - The president wanted to see him.

Sorry, Colonel. I have my orders.

Howdy, John.

- I know this man. I'll vouch for him. - If you say so.

I want to see that man, Jonas Steele.

Sorry, miss. Nobody allowed inside.

Mr. John Geyser of the Gettysburg Chronicle.

Sit down, young man.

- Is there a telegraph office here? - Yes, sir.

- See to that, please. - Yes, sir.

I saw you sketching outside.

It was my assumption you were making a sketch of Mrs. Lincoln and myself.

Well, as it happens, Mrs. Lincoln and I have never been photographed...

nor sketched together, as far as I know.

- I'm surprised by that, sir. - That's why I want to see your drawing.

Oh, yes, sir. Of course.

No disrespect intended, sir.

It's from your joke.

Departure in five minutes, Mr. Lincoln.

I don't know as it would be prudent to show it to Mrs. Lincoln...

but it sure tickles me.

Sir, could I make another sketch? More of a portrait?

If you can make it a five-minute portrait, go to it.

That accent of yours... You're not originally from Gettysburg.

No, sir, I'm from Virginia.

My family has a small farm near Charlottesville.

You been back there recently?

Yes, sir. Two months ago.

What was the sentiment in your county as to secession or no?

I don't know about the county...

but I have three brothers that can't wait to fight for the Confederacy.

And what about you?

No, sir, I'll not fight for the South.

Nor, I dare say, for the North.

How do you know that, sir?

I made the presumption that you wouldn't bear arms against your brothers.

Yes, sir. You're right about that.

I'm caught betwixt and between.

This war's the biggest thing of my generation, and I'll be left out of it.

Well, should it come to war...

were I you, I'd look to my talent for the solution.

Your talent suggests the role of correspondent... artist-correspondent.

You'd be where history is being made, yet not obliged to carry a rifle.

Furthermore, your work could be a contribution.

Through it, the people back home would come to know the face of war.

You see more than do most men.

You'll make an able correspondent.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

All aboard!

- Mary! - It's me!

Why haven't you written?

I apologize. I'll explain when I see you!

- When will that be? - Soon.

I promise!

I promise, Mary! Soon!

You look beautiful!

John, come here.

You show Old Glory flying over Fort Sumter...

and our lead news story is the surrender.

Five minutes. I'll change Old Glory to the white flag of surrender.

Do you see Jake anywhere?

Probably workin' at the bank, Mama.

Help me find Jake and Malachy.

Stop fretting, Mama. They're old enough.

Friends, you all know me...

as State Senator Phineas Wade.

And now you see me...

in the role of warrior...

sworn to destroy...

with naked sword...

the cowardly Southern traitors...

those cowardly secessionists...

who are out to bust up the noblest form of government on this Earth!

President Lincoln...

has just made that clarion call for volunteers.

I need hot-blooded young men.

I ask you to sign up for three months...

for 90 days.

Ninety days of adventure...

and educational travel...

during which you will be paid the generous sum...

of 11 dollars a month!

So enlist now...

and drive back the secessionists...

to their alligator swamps...

and then return to our beloved Gettysburg...

wearing those medals that will mark you...

as heroes.

I ask you...

to observe that wagon with the pretty girls.

Those of you who want to be soldiers and heroes...

just hop aboard.

And if those beautiful young ladies insist on kissing you...

well, don't be surprised.

It's only natural...

because everybody loves a soldier.

Young men...

the rest is up to you!

I'll only marry

A boy in blue

No civilian

- Will conquer my heart - Come on up, soldier!

There they are. They're enlisting.

Mary, what'll I do?

Be proud, Mama.

Your sons were the very first.

Yes, well, of course I'm proud.

We're all proud.

Aren't we?

Where's James?

For I'm bound to be

A soldier's wife

Or die

- You over 18? - Yes, sir.

- You over 18, lad? - Darn near. I'm 16 goin' on 17.

- Sorry, lad. - An old maid

- You over 18? - Yes, sir.

Up you go.

I'm your man.

Welcome, young man. You're the first recruit we've had today.

- Are you over 18? - I sure am.

It's against the law to make a false statement.

I stand on my statement, sir.

All right.

I sign you up.

- Your name. - James Hale.

Private James Hale.

I'm proud of you, one and all! Proud of you!

All right, driver, take these fine young men down to the recruiting office...

and sign'em up!

Here you are, sir.

Perfect.

Perfect.

Here comes the rush.

Private.

- Me? - Me, sir.

You're senior man now. Line up the recruits as they come in.

Form a line here in front of the captain's desk.

Okay, you men, move back there.

Mooney, the line's over there.

You don't fool me none, Jimmy Hale. You're too young to be in the army.

You better shut up, or I'll have you shot at dawn.

Line up.

- You must have lied. - Me?

Lie? To my government?

That'd be an insult to my uniform.

Form this line up. On the double!

- Good work, Pvt. Hale. Keep'em movin'. - Aye, aye, skipper.

Look sharp. You're joining the army now.

You have some explaining to do, Captain Steele.

Here I am on the witness stand, ready to confess.

What were you doing on Lincoln's train?

Bodyguard.

I used to be a private detective in Chicago.

I worked for the Pinkerton Agency.

Do you know him personally?

The Pinkerton Agency handled security for the Illinois Central Railroad...

and Lincoln was their lawyer.

I've known him for years.

I thought you hailed from Kansas.

Yeah. Just a simple country feller.

How does a simple country feller get to be a detective in Chicago?

Well, Pinkerton came to Kansas once.

I met him, he offered me the job.

John Brown introduced us.

The John Brown?

I rode with him for a while.

All those months without a word from you.

Why didn't you write?

May the witness have a little time to answer that?

Do you remember the last time I saw you?

Over a year ago.

A year and four months.

You led me upstairs and turned down the bed.

I remember because...

I had one of my dreams that night...

and you were in it.

We were lying in bed together.

We were awake.

It was like we were married.

And I remember there was a terrible storm outside.

Lightning flashing, thunder...

like the roll of cannon...

like some great battle was going on out there somewhere.

And then the room flashed...

daylight bright...

and you screamed.

And then another bolt of lightning splintered the window...

flashed across the room, hit the opposite wall.

And I turned to you...

and you were gone.

That's all I remember.

Scared me, Mary.

- But it was only a dream. - I know.

But when I have dreams like that, they almost always come true.

I took it as a sign...

a kind of warning...

that we shouldn't let things get too serious between us.

I was worried that...

if we did...

some harm would come to you.

Do you think you have some kind of psychic gift?

I don't know. Maybe.

Whatever it is, I just figured you'd be safe if I stayed away from you.

So that was it?

What made you change your mind?

Well, when a feller's in love, he don't hardly have much willpower.

Do you realize what you just said?

It just slipped out, I guess.

That night I took you upstairs...

I asked you if you liked bold girls.

You didn't answer.

The bolder the better.

Good.

Jonas...

promise me you'll never worry about that dream again.

I'll try.

On the way over here I rode through a nice little town down the road.

Hanover.

Saw a wonderful house there for sale, just right for a young couple.

Are we a couple?

I think you just proposed.

Damn it.

- Now we have to get married. - Oh, Jonas!

Good-bye.

Hay foot, hay foot, hay foot, straw foot, hay foot.

Fight fire right.

March!

Fight fire right.

March!

Right shoulder shift.

Men, if you never learn nothin'else, you're gonna learn to load your rifle.

Remove one paper cartridge from your cartridge box.

Observe one round of ball ammunition.

What we call a mini-ball is contained in the top part of your cartridge.

Powder is down in the paper right here.

You're gonna bite off the tail, like so...

place the cartridge in the muzzle so the powder goes down...

tamp it down snug with your rammer.

Do not forget to remove the rammer from the barrel.

Half-cock the hammer.

Take one cap from your pouch.

Place the cap right here on the nipple and push it home, so.

Now, don't you do this next step.

But when I full-cock the hammer, she's ready to fire.

You leave it right there on half-cock where it's safe.

Now we're gonna step over to the range...

where each one of you will get a chance to fire one round.

It's dangerous to move with a loaded weapon...

so carry it with the muzzle up.

- What's goin' on, Malachy? - It's a cockroach race.

- First one off the plate wins. - Who else wants to challenge the champ?

Come on, little men, let's gamble.

Three dollars is bet.

Whoa. Tiger says he can whip any cockroach in the army.

Got a half-dollar here that says my cockroach is faster than yours.

That's a bet, sonny.

- Where's the challenger? - Down by the guardhouse, trainin'.

I'll be back in a couple minutes.

Hey, Alvin, I need a match box.

I got more if you need'em.

What I need is a plate.

What's wrong, James? Screamers?

- I gotta go to the sink. - What?

- The latrine! - Oh, the bog.

Heat this plate up and bring it to our tent. And hurry.

Here he is!

Come on. You've kept us waitin' long enough.

You ready?

He's still warmin' up.

Anybody got a plate?

Here.

Set it down, Mooney.

- What's wrong with the plate we got? - This is one ornery cockroach in here.

He'll fight on your plate, but if you want a race...

All right, all right, we'll do it your way.

On your mark, get set...

go!

Come on, Tiger! Come on!

Come on! You can move faster than that!

Come on, Tiger, you beautiful beast!

Come on, Tiger! All right!

What happened?

My money went up in smoke.

Tried to outfox me, did you, sonny?

Too bad for you.

Give me that. I'll take that. Who wants to try again?

Mooney, you are the most stupidest...

First you're late, then you overheat the...

Let's go. Let's gamble one more time.

James, what's the matter?

You got the screamers?

It's bad, Malachy. It's real bad.

Come on.

Do you happen to know Mr. Arbuthnot of Harper's Weekly?

This way, please, sir.

Mr. Geyser, I assume.

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Arbuthnot.

I'm correspondent for Harper's stationed here in Washington.

I understand you've joined the fold. Welcome, and what are you drinkin'?

Brandy.

I've been instructed by New York to give you this.

You'll find credentials, information on where and how to send your stuff...

nice little sheaf of expense money...

and that's about it.

Be a good feller and pick up the bill, huh?

Mr. Arbuthnot, is someone gonna show me the ropes?

Not me.

I don't know anything about covering a war.

No doubt you'll learn.

Look at that.

Another regiment arriving.

We must have 50,000 troops in this city.

Seventy-five thousand, and every one of'em itchin' to fight.

Have you been reading the New York Tribune?

- On to Richmond. - Correct.

The Rebel congress meets in Richmond on the 20th.

We must be there to prevent it.

You're a bunch of fools, the whole lot of you.

- Really, Major. - Boasting about the troops you have.

I'll tell you how many you have... a handful.

The rest are 90-day enlistees.

They'll probably be on their way home before they learn how to fire a rifle.

I'll tell you what kind of army you have... an army of civilians.

Major, that's uncalled-for.

My men are soldiers, and they're ready.

What do you know? You're a civilian yourself.

- Another brandy. Make it two. - Yes, sir.

How long you been rich?

Since I became a war artist for Harper's Weekly.

Congratulations.

What about you? You goin' down to West Virginia to join McClellan?

No, they changed their mind. They seem to think McDowell needs me more.

McDowell? What's his command?

All the federal troops around Washington are under his command.

- I'm assigned to him as an army scout. - What kind of work is that?

Well, I ride ahead...

until I locate the enemy.

Then when I find'em, I ask'em what they're up to.

When they tell me, I ride back and I tell McDowell. Simple.

Could I ride with you?

I'm afraid not. An army scout has to be a loner.

Jonas, I have to cover the war. I don't know what to do.

Please, show me where it is.

All right. We'll ride south, and I guarantee you we'll find it.

May it be over soon.

We're lookin' for the Hale brothers.

Go down to the hospital tent. James took sick.

Where?

Evening, Captain.

We came to see James Hale. I'm his cousin.

- He's dying. - What are you doing for him?

It's some kind of galloping dysentery.

I've tried tartar emetic, ipecac and epsom salts. That's all I've got.

That's all I can do.

Excuse me.

Don't get up.

I'm glad you're here, John.

You too, Jonas.

It's me, Jake.

- Jake? - That's right, James.

Tell Mama to come upstairs.

Yeah.

Sure.

Right away.

Tell her...

Tell her I feel poorly.

Captain.

I'm mighty busy, Captain.

It's about Private James Hale. I'm his cousin.

Arrangements have been made.

How about letting one of his brothers escort the body?

They already shipped the body home. Forget it, men.

Nobody leaves camp. We move out tomorrow morning.

Down the Warrington Turnpike?

That's right, Captain.

Right through Fairfax Courthouse...

Centerville...

across Bull Run to Manassas...

on to Richmond.

Colonel Wade's shoutin' for you, sir.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

On to Richmond, hmm? Maybe.

General Beauregard is waiting right in here with 25,000 men.

General Johnson has 12,000 more Rebs waiting in here.

It'll be a fine old dust-up.

You see the stone bridge where the turnpike crosses Bull Run?

If I were an artist lookin' for a battle...

I'd start lookin' right here.

Looks peaceful enough.

It's probably mined.

Let's get some rest.

Army's got more campfires than the sky has stars.

Well, maybe it'll be a short war like everybody says.

What do you think? That psychic sense of yours told you anything?

I had a dream the night young James died, but...

I can't figure it.

Try it on me.

It's about an old lady.

She lived on a farm.

She was like that old lady who lived in a shoe.

Had so many children, she didn't know what to do.

Well, this old lady had more children than she could handle...

and the children began feudin' over who was gonna inherit the land.

They split into two sides.

A house divided against itself.

But you know, it's the rest of the dream I can't understand.

Somebody killed the old lady.

Everybody was accusin' everybody else.

Then I was in the dream...

and everybody was accusing me.

Then I was runnin'.

Runnin' through a forest of endless trees.

That's it?

Campfires are blinkin'.

What do you mean, blinkin'?

The men are passing back and forth in front of them. The army's stirrin'.

I'd better get over there.

Only three hours till daybreak. Better use it to sleep.

All batteries, position yourselves by the river!

Batteries one, two, three and four, over here!

Prepare to load!

- Range? - Two hundred yards!

Number one, fire!

Number two, fire!

Fire!

Number one, fire!

Number two, fire!

Number three, fire!

Reload!

Number one, fire!

Number two, fire!

Number three, fire!

Reload!

This is just a feint. The main army's crossin' the river a few miles upstream.

- Where? - You stay with this outfit.

They'll be joinin' the battle soon enough.

Move it, move it, move it!

Cease fire! Cease fire!

We're movin' out!

- Who the devil are you? - John Geyser, Harper's Weekly.

Who the devil are they?

Those are most important people, Mr. Geyser.

Senators, congressmen and the like, with their womenfolk.

They rode all the way from Washington...

to have a picnic and watch the fun.

Oh, I know what they deserve.

I just can't waste the ammunition.

Gentlemen, fire when you see their blue bellies!

Here they come, Mark.

Steady now.

Take cover!

Get set, boys!

We gotta take that hill!

We go straight up!

No pauses...

no turning back.

Forward!

Hold your fire for my command!

Steady!

Steady!

Ready! Fire!

Steady!

Do not fire!

Ready!

Fire!

Everybody down!

Fire!

And I thought I'd make such a great soldier.

So far, so good.

I wet my pants.

Everybody will know. They'll see.

No, they won't. We just crossed the stream, didn't we?

Everybody up!

Forward!

Fire!

Hold!

Ready!

Aim!

Fire!

Circle right! Circle right!

Load! Fire!

Bugler, sound the charge!

Battalion, charge!

Adjust left!

Ready! Fire!

Fire!

Hold your positions!

Hold your positions! Use your bayonets!

It's Jackson!

Fall back to the fence!

Fall back to the fence!

Fall back!

Kneel and fire!

Let's go, boys!

Men, what are you doin'?

Take courage!

Look, there's Jackson...

standin' like a stone wall!

Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer! Follow me!

Victory, men of Virginia!

Down, men, down!

Charge!

Charge!

Charge! Charge!

Charge!

Bugler, sound the retreat!

Fall back!

Retreat!

Run, you hellions...

back to hell!

Malachy! Malachy!

Stop!

Whoa, whoa!

Help! Help!

Help me! Help me!

Get in here! Help these men!

- No, I can't! - If you want a ride, get in there!

Come on!

Move it, move it, move it!

God bless you, miss.

Give me a hand over here, please.

All right, all right, ease up.

Ease up.

You did well.

So did you.

You want a ride?

Men...

the army to which this regiment belongs...

is now under the command of Major General George B. McClellan.

The mistakes of Bull Run...

are being corrected.

Never again...

will a half-trained civilian mob...

be marched into battle.

When next you march...

you will be soldiers.

When next you march...

you will be part of General McClellan's new army...

and you will march to victory.

Mark you well the lesson of this morning.

In this army...

there will be no room for shirkers...

and lay abouts...

and certainly no room...

for cowards.

By order of regimental court-martial...

Private Lawrence Jones...

having, by his own admission, fled from the battle of Bull Run...

is declared guilty of desertion under fire...

and in the face of the enemy...

and is hereby sentenced...

to be branded a coward...

and dismissed from the army of the United States.

Corporal...

carry out the sentence.

Dear God! No!

Malachy's got the blues, John.

He's had'em real bad ever since Bull Run.

Says he's the one that should've been branded.

Bull Run was two months ago.

Why can't he get over it like everybody else?

I don't know.

When we were kids, he fought our battles for us.

He was our soldier.

I don't know what's wrong with him.

Coffee?

I heard this story about Bull Run.

This Confederate general...

was ridin' up from the rear echelon, towards the fightin'...

and he saw so many Rebs hightailin' it from the battle...

he thought the South was licked.

See, thousands ran away that day...

on both sides.

Why do you want to act like you lost the battle single-handed?

Just leave me be.

Listen to me, cousin.

I think the problem is, you thought you'd be the best soldier in the army.

You even said so back in Gettysburg. You said you were a born soldier.

Well, you're not. Nobody is.

You went into your first battle untrained, and it scared you.

So what? It's not the end of the world.

It proves you're human, like the rest of us.

You don't have to be a hero. You just have to do your share.

But that's important, because you're needed.

I'm needed?

Yeah.

First of all, there's your brother Jake.

Jake's a banker.

He's a desk man.

This is gonna be a tough war. He's not exactly cut out for it, is he?

No, he isn't.

Well, he's gonna need your help.

Think about it.

You make lousy coffee, Jake.

From now on I'll do it.

Fine.

I had a little talk with our cousin, the artist.

Yes?

You know, John's turning out all right.

Miss Kathy Reynolds?

Your name, sir?

Excuse me, sir.

Who is that young man?

John Geyser, sir, from Harper's Weekly.

Always delighted to see the press.

Not at home, though. All interviews are at my office.

Thank you, Senator, but actually I came to see Kathy.

You know my daughter?

Yes, sir.

Are you sure?

Where would Kathy have met a...

journalist?

As a matter of fact, it was at the battle of Bull Run, sir.

Oh, so you're that young man, eh?

I expect you'd like a reward.

Accompany me to my office.

Excuse me, sir, I don't want an interview or a reward.

I just came to pay my respects to Kathy.

I don't suppose I can stop that. Just don't make it a habit.

My daughter's in the parlor.

How nice to see you.

You're just in time to settle an argument.

Everyone, I'd like you to meet my friend, John Geyser.

How do you do?

Dr. Bennett. Count Von Ziller.

- How do you do? - The count is with the German embassy.

This is John Geyser. He's the man that rescued me at Bull Run.

Ah, the journalist.

Why did you put Kathy in that ambulance and force her to tend those wounded men?

They were not even officers.

That's what started this whole harebrained scheme.

- Now she wants to become a nurse. - I told you there was an argument.

They're training a few women nurses at Georgetown Hospital...

an experiment, and I thought I'd sign up.

Women nurses.

Do you realize, my dear, that you'd have to wash men's bodies...

and carry away their...

their waste products.

A lady, forced to look at naked men.

Naked enlisted men.

As you see, I have opposition. What do you think?

I saw you in action. I think you'd make a wonderful nurse.

No gentleman would say that!

She will not with the hospital sign.

I will not allow it.

I think it's up to Kathy. What makes you think it's your decision?

My fondest hope is that I and Kathy...

in the spring...

will be married.

You'll have to kill me first.

If necessary, Doctor.

Well, married or not, I still think it's up to Kathy.

You can't be serious.

I think John�s right.

Where did you get your odd ideas? Did you say he's from the South?

Virginia.

Well, what's a Southerner doing working for a New York publication?

And attached to the Northern army?

What side are you on?

Why do you not fight for your homeland?

I'm an observer. It keeps me impartial.

Impartial.

It also keeps you out of the line of fire.

You calling me a coward?

- Take it as you wish. - Gentlemen, please.

I'm sorry, Kathy. I've got to set this popinjay straight.

This what?

Tell me something. That day at Bull Run, you were Kathy's escort, weren't you?

I was.

I was knocked unconscious.

When I recover...

Kathy is gone.

That's a lie, Von Ziller.

Apologize.

Stop it, both of you.

You will apologize.

I'll kill you on the field...

of honor.

Do go on.

Oh, I saw him that day in his fancy blue uniform.

He was far from unconscious.

I warn you...

You were thrown from the carriage, all right...

but you got up unhurt...

completely ignored Kathy, ran off like a frightened rabbit.

I hate duels. They're stupid and they're dangerous.

- Stop complaining, Jonas. - And they're going out of style.

He doesn't think so.

Good morning.

Good morning, General. Good morning, Duke.

I am Mr. Geyser's second.

- I am not a duke. - Then you're overdressed.

You'd better put that thing away before you cut yourself.

I believe we have the choice of weapons.

Correct. That is by the book.

Pistols.

Pistols.

At my signal...

take ten paces forward...

turn and fire.

Do you understand?

Ready?

Now!

One, two, three...

four, five, six, seven...

Nine, ten.

Stay where you are!

Why does he not shoot?

- He doesn't want to kill an unarmed man. - He must shoot. It is in the book.

I'll tell him.

What do you do in a case like this?

Fritzie says you gotta shoot the clod. It's in the book.

- He'll kill me! - Probably.

You move, and I'll kill you myself!

Twenty paces. I can't possibly miss him.

For five dollars?

It's a bet.

Right on the mark.

You win.

You gamble on a duel?

You have no respect for tradition.

Maybe not, Fritzie, but at least we don't cheat.

Fred, would you please drive down there?

Yes, ma'am.

Buy you breakfast.

You have a visitor.

Are you going back to Washington?

- It's too far to walk. - Go ahead. I'll take care of the horses.

- Do you mind? - Not at all.

To the victor belong the spoils.

Bye-bye.

You fired those 7 rounds in 28 seconds, Mr. President.

And the barrel remains cool.

Well, that's not too bad, is it, Jonas?

It's good shooting, sir.

It's reloaded for you, Mr. President.

Let's set the board back further, back by the pine tree.

Now let's see what an expert can do, Jonas.

This'll be an excellent test of your invention, Mr. Spencer.

Capt. Steele here is an army scout attached to Gen. McClellan's staff...

and one of the best shots in the army.

Ready, sir?

Ready.

Fire.

Sixteen seconds.

Incredible. That is, if you hit anything.

What do you think of it, Jonas?

Well, she hefts well, sir.

Lever action is smooth. Capability for rapid fire is amazing.

Looks like you missed one.

There'll have to be an official test, Mr. Spencer...

but I'll recommend to the war department to evaluate your rifle right away.

You'll hear from them.

Oh, please keep that, Mr. President.

I had your initials put on the stock.

Why, thank you.

Thank you kindly.

Perhaps you'd like this as a memento of the occasion.

Indeed I would, sir.

Thank you, sir.

McClellan tells me you're to be married.

Yes, sir.

Soon?

Well, the general promised me leave as soon as the work slacks up.

Does your bride-to-be know of the...

dangers that go along with your army assignment?

Yes, sir.

Jonas, we've been friends for a long time...

and I'd sure like to give you a wedding present...

but the gift I have in mind is one that your bride might consider...

inappropriate.

Now, you explain to her...

that any gift that might help you to survive...

and bring you back to her safely...

is appropriate.