Original subtitles

When I was 12 years old,

my father was the governor of Virginia.

And none of us knew it at that time,

but our world was about to explode

over the issue of slavery in america.

My father's heart had long since changed on the topic,

and one night, he took me to a place

that would forever change my own.

Reading the englishman again

will I be shot for treason, father

most likely.

Another one of those long titles, is it

"the personal history,

adventures, experience,

"observation of David Copperfield,

the younger of blunderstone rookery"

you read it.

Guess that's why it's here.

Suppose so.

Get your coat, John.

We're going to take a little ride.

I don't think I like these surprise trips anymore, father.

Cause they're usually lessons in life

exactly.

Well, tell me about the play

your mother took you to in Philadelphia.

You mean "uncle Tom's cabin"

and why have we not talked about it

because we'll disagree,

and disagreeing with you is so disagreeable.

Your mother said you were not impressed by it.

Think it's all made up

by the people who don't like us.

Yes. Well,

there's lots of those in Philadelphia.

All right, ladies and gentlemen

we are about to get started

step on up step on up

you're gonna love what we have in store tonight

I'm holding at 275

a slave auction.

Doubtless those people in Philadelphia

would not approve.

Sold at $300.

You're not coming

John, I have never known you to need help

making up your own mind.

For tonight's bidding.

These slaves are trained

by some of our most respected citizens

in the central Virginia area.

Oyez oyez

step on up, ladies and gentlemen

sale's about to begin

a fine lot of slaves belonging to the estate

of the late colonel William Jasper of Amelia,

sold in no fault, but to sell the estate

we got all kinds.

Old ones, young ones,

men and women, gals and boys

and as some of you may or may not know,

colonel Jasper's plantation slaves

made him a pretty penny for the last 20 years

gentlemen,

what we have to offer here is so damn good,

old Mr. Lumpkin even up and married one of 'em

you won't find the Mark of a whip on a one of 'em

we're not talking some low-class

Louisiana branding-iron stock

we got the best slave stock

from all of central Virginia here tonight

colonel Jasper's staff represents the finest stock in the state

this is the best group of dining room servants,

farmhands, cooks,

milkers, seamstresses, washennomen,

and the most promising group of sassy young females

just ready to breed.

Martha Ann is the favorite of the household.

Perfectly healthy, no blemish at all.

Look at that complexion.

I offer Martha Ann at a reduced price,

because it is the wish of all concerned

to keep them together.

Now, Israel here

is not what you would call an able-bodied man,

having broke his leg in the field,

which didn't exactly mend right,

but he can do all sorts of light work,

and you can have him and the young'

uns mighty cheap

masters, if you'll buy me,

the children and Martha Ann,

god knows I'll work myself to death.

Come on. No bids at all

400. Do I hear 450

come on, people, 450

look at her he can work

this is one of the best slave lots

we're gonna see all night, ladies and gentlemen

400 going once.

400 going twice. Sold

will you take Israel and the young'uns with her

no. I'm lucky to be able to afford one as it is.

I don't need no more mouths to feed than hers.

No, please

no

Don't leave me

Don't take me

you'll have more children, missy.

Come on

no Israel

no Israel

ladies and gentlemen

Five years later, the civil war

began closing in on the shenandoah valley,

the place that was home to the military school

my father had sent me

when he became a general in the confederate army.

I was 17 years old and in my second year

at the Virginia military institute.

Whoo Johnny wise

always in a hurry

You think he'll do

he's a rabbit, a mouse.

And he's perfect,

like he shipped straight from heaven.

Round up the boys.

All right.

Good morning, young sir.

Let me give you a hand to the barracks.

But, sir, you're an upperclassman.

This is true. One day,

you will be magnificent yourself,

somehow find a way to repay my kindness.

Well, imagine this.

A welcoming committee.

Robert, come on and meet some of the boys.

This here's duck.

Let's get you unpacked.

And this is Jack stanard,

a real soldier and a hard man indeed.

You want to grow up and be a man,

you pay attention to him and not me.

You looking for an easy ride,

you come to the wrong place.

This handsome creature is our resident Jew.

His name is actually Moses,

and he's an artist.

He's got the best heart of the bunch

if you ever need to cry on somebody's shoulder.

We'll start by me telling you

all about Sammy here so

you can protect yourself.

Couldn't you do one of them,

but without the clothes

uh-oh. What have we here

w-what's that

well, that looks like food to me, son.

Anybody tell you there's a war going on

concealed foodstuffs,

that's contraband.

Clear violation of institute regulations.

Immediate dismissal.

Might even be criminal.

Oh, Bobby, how could you

cadet stanard, could you please fetch

the officer of the day

I-I don't know how it got there.

This is cadet garland Jefferson,

officer of the day,

whose jurisdiction covers this matter.

And since his family are direct descendants

of Thomas Jefferson and own the eighth-largest plantation in all...

That'll do, atwill.

Now, if I take charge, this goes to the faculty,

which ends horribly for the boy.

Oh, please, sir.

Could we have duck fetch John wise

handle this within the barracks

Bobby, this is John wise,

our unofficial chief magistrate.

Now, his father was once governor of this commonwealth,

so he is as close to an aristocrat

as you can find in a democracy.

Look me in the eye, son.

Tell me the truth as if your very life depended on it.

Did you do this

no, sir.

I swear on my father's soul.

I believe this child.

I ask that we be allowed to settle this here.

All right.

You understand, son,

if this gets out,

it could be bad for cadet Jefferson.

Therefore, there must be

some evidence of punishment.

Will you submit to a caning

yes, sir,

and thank you for being so merciful.

Take your shirt off.

First-year cadets are known as rats.

You are a rat.

But you're a special rat, you understand

you're my rat.

You're under my protection

and under the protection of all here.

Are you with us, Robert

o-oh, yes.

Oh, yes, sir.

I want you always to remember

the horrible injustice you thought

was gonna befall you here today

of one human using his authority over another

without decency or conscience

and of the need to assert a code of honor

that transcends the temptations of power.

I hereby raise you above the level of common rat.

You shall be known in this company as sir rat.

Yeah.

Now put your shirt on, son,

before we find ourselves a healthier specimen.

You hungry, boy

oh, yes, sir.

What do you gentlemen say to a little midnight requisition

what

never mind it's tradition.

Right there. Shh.

All right.

All right. Shh, shh, shh.

Come around.

Help me with this doorknob.

Easy.easy.

Go ahead.

Oh, smells good.

Oh, that does smell good

there's us some bread, boys.

Here we go, huh

that's pretty good right there.

That one's mine. That one's mine.

Well, now, evening, judge.

No need to be afraid of old judge, boy.

He's just a grumpy old slave.

I may be the property of this institute,

but I have the ear of the superintendent

and the full trust and confidence of the commandant.

I'm the master of this bakery.

You also have a cleaver.

There's nothing worse in a time of conflict

than a thief of food.

Tell the judge why we're here, son.

Uh, we're...

We real hungry, Mr. Judge,

and those loaves smell awful good.

I'm new just today,

but Mr. Wise here tells me

that the bread is the best part of this school.

Go on and get yourself one of these loaves, son.

I suppose I could spare three or four.

Thank you, judge.

Oh, that's good.

That's fresh.

I'm not here for a handout, judge.

I'm here to negotiate a business arrangement.

Now, you seen the best of us on the shooting range.

Jewish boy's the best, then you.

We'll bring in some squirrel, rabbit and some possum,

harvest a fugitive chicken or two.

Your people share in the meat.

In return, we liberate some bread.

See, the terms of this arrangement

is a little more serious for some parties than others.

If this comes crashing down,

it will not fall on you.

Tell me this one is different.

We think so.

He's not afraid to take action.

It's a welcome change from your other generals.

Some call Grant a butcher.

Well, sir,

that may be precisely what we need.

General,

congratulations

on your victory and promotion.

Gentlemen, thank you.

They say you are the general

the nation has been praying for.

They also say you fight like a savage.

Oh, I agree with both.

War is not opera nor theater.

It is for winning.

Winning ends the death, ends the destruction,

begins the healing.

And to win, brutality is required

each game has its rules, Mr. President.

Are we to play chess or war

and if I were to name you general in chief

I will attack our enemies at all times and all places.

I will take away his crops, his animals,

the food he has sheltered,

his railroads, his industry, his clothing,

his ammunition, his gunpowder,

his steel, his armament, his salt,

and I will take from him the flower of his youth.

I will destroy everything my enemy loves

and anything that might give him the means or the hope to prevail.

Do you see me as a monster, Mr. President

I see you as a true general.

The only way back across the blue Ridge

and into our flank the only way back across the blue Ridge

and into our flank

through the new market gap,

and that's where Grant will send 'em.

Uh, sir, general Lee does not believe

an attack will come this spring.

Well, then, general Lee is dead wrong.

Inform my brigade commanders to concentrate the army

and move at best speed towards new market.

And I am going to need everything they got.

Sir, you're asking me

to tell the commander general Lee is wrong

well, thank god you been listening.

I won't have to repeat myself.

If general Grant is the wolf

and we are the lamb,

then new market gap is surely our throat,

and trust me, the wolf will come.

Shoulder arms

order arms

shoulder arms

order arms

shoulder arms

I'm okay. I'm okay.

Order arms

shoulder arms

I got it. I'm good.

Sam, help me. Come on. Come on.

Sir, the battalion is formed and ready

all cadets are present or accounted for, sir

ladies, can you help us out

can we, uh thank you very much.

Oh, watch him. Thank you.

We, uh

may we help you

uh, we, uh

order arms

is he dead

what kind of thing is that to say

shoulder arms

we got company

Sam, what happened

I don't know.

Ma'am.

Uh, ma'am

oh, my goodness. He isn't dead, is he

no, ma'am, notwithstanding what that girl

decided to the contrary.

Well, young man,

that girl is my daughter,

and we're not from these parts,

and she has never seen a cadet before,

so she would not know what is normal or not normal around here.

And the only thing she decided

is that there is an intellectually impaired cadet

at my doorstep with

perhaps a drunken colleague, hmm

well, bring him in.

Let's see what we can do.

Let's go. All right.

You're, uh, not from around here

I should say not.

My aunt lives here.

We live up at new market,

you know, up north where Jackson fought.

So is this the best you can do

at conversation

well, I

um

Yeah.

Pleasure chatting with you.

While I'm taking the main army south towards Richmond,

I'm sending general sigel west

to the shenandoah valley,

Lee's breadbasket.

If we take the valley before the summer harvest,

we'll cut off Lee's food supply and end the war.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

This campaign is going to be

something of a family affair.

Our first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln,

is a cousin to the rebel general

we're going to be facing in the valley,

John c. Breckinridge.

You're wondering what the hell you're doing here.

As a matter of fact, sir, I am.

Well, Franz sigel is a politician, not a soldier.

All he has to do is take the railroad,

but I'm not gonna take any chances.

I'm gonna attach you and your guns

and a regiment of Ohio boys.

Ah, is that your daily briefing from Mary

ever since she turned 10,

the girl just won't let me run the war without her.

Well, then, what does your daughter

say about the new market gap

she says that Grant has a big problem.

Yeah, the only sizable force

he has to throw at us is Franz sigel.

Heh. Ah, she says

Grant knows that sigel's an idiot,

so he will surely send a real soldier along to help him out.

But she thinks sigel

is almost certain to take offense

and resist the help.

Smart girl, huh

so then at new market

we will break Grant's back

and save Lee's army.

Jolly.

Unless, of course

the soldiers I asked for don't arrive in time.

Which case, we'll lose the war.

It's my fault,

it's your fault,

and from the union gallows next to you,

I'll surely remark that I told you so.

We already got our delivery, son.

This is from me.

This is extra.

One slave to another

not exactly.

I just thought, you know,

some families could use these.

Of course I do.

This ain't about your people and the pharaoh

and you feeling something them other boys can't feel, hmm

what's that you got there

oh. Oh, nothing.

You let me be the judge of that.

Well

my, my, look at this.

I thank you for these.

There are some children

who won't be hungry tonight.

And, uh, who's this

someone who will go hungry.

All right, sir. 18 credits.

Thank you, sir.

How much are the sausages, sir

get behind, rat

hey

I said get behind

no I was here first, sir.

What's going on here

this is my rat hands off

butt out, John, if you know what's good for you.

You have no right to push a cadet out of your way.

He's just a rat.

Don't pretend to boss me around, Johnny.

Wasn't it your father, the governor,

who opposed secession

the old fool.

Vvhoa.vvhoa.

Come on

hey, stop it

down there, stand fast

you're all under arrest

this ain't over, Johnny

you bet it ain't

come on. We gotta go

hey hey

ho, boy.

General sigel, my respects.

I have the honor of providing

artillery support for your advance.

Welcome, dear captain dupont.

You have been sent by general Grant to spy on us, eh

I wish only to provide

the best possible support for your command, sir.

Are there any maps of the route

any intelligence of the enemy's

dispositions or intentions

General Grant is your patron.

Let him provide whatever you need.

Libby, miss clinedinst,

I need to tell you something.

When I first saw you

your eyes...

No not "your eyes." Something else.

Your... your mouth

all right, then I say, "good evening."

S-She's gonna say, "good evening..."

She doesn't know my name.

She doesn't know my name.

You need to come inside

uh, well, I better not,

given my recent problems with conversation.

A wise boy.

Shall I get you something

conversation would be nice.

Are you counting on

an uncontrollable attraction to the uniform

wouldn't help.

You'd soon find out I'm not much of a soldier.

See, I didn't think that I believed in anything

enough to fight for it

until tonight.

And what is that, mr

Sam.

Mr. Sam.

What is it you believe in tonight

I believe in something

more than just sudden, superficial attraction.

Tonight I believe in love at first sight.

Get him.

That's what you get for giving away food

I think you should stick to drawing.

That's a woman's work.

I see how you could pick up on a local with that. Nice.

Well, what do we have here

I hope he's got warm bread.

It's old judge, sir

I went to the bakery to make our delivery,

and the soldiers were all in there with him

dear god.

Do you know where they took him

to the faculty captain,

the one called chinook.

Get Jefferson.

Was it very bad

ain't gonna be nothing

compared to what the hanging's gonna be.

This don't make no sense. They need the judge.

They can't need a slave, son.

But they can forgive one.

Oh, yeah. Captain chinook's

just dripping with the honey of forgiveness.

Y'all, it's time to go.

Johnny

weren't your fault, son.

Hungry got fed.

I promised.

Don't you know it's the other way around

old men make the promises

the young'uns got to pay on.

That's war, ain't it

I'm coming back for you, judge.

I'll stay.

All right.

Let's go, boys.

He fed people who were starving.

And hanging is the consequence

a slave faces for stealing food.

He didn't steal it.

I did, sir.

No, captain, it was I.

I did it, sir.

I as well.

And I bring the confession of Moses Ezekiel,

so it's five gallows, then.

Shall I organize a detail to assist the hangman

you know very well you won't be hanged.

Are you so willing to end your careers

with all due respect, sir,

who would offer a career to five dishonorable men

what kind of satisfaction could such a life bring

you too, colonna Jefferson

honor is honor, sir.

It is the most precious quality

in our profession.

All for one, sir.

That's the honor thing, sir.

Get out of my sight.

And don't be late for morning class.

And, Jack, looks like I'm gonna get

some baked bread this morning.

Get 'em out of here.

So echols and wharton are, what,

joining us on foot

60 miles for echols, 75 for wharton.

Gentlemen.

They can make it.

If they march through the night, don't eat,

kill most of their horses, maybe.

Well, there is one more possible solution.

We have 250 trained troops and artillery

less than 50 miles from staunton...

Jesus, Charlie, the schoolboys again

cadets. Just in reserve

and only if wharton and echols are delayed.

In reserve to fight.

And if we have to put those children in to fight,

then what kind of dire circumstances

will they find themselves in

yes, they are young,

and, yes, you have told me on six occasions in the last four days

that you will not permit them near the gap.

And I won't.

But we do need them in reserve

just in case, sir.

The Yankees burned his home.

The mill's gone.

Everything's gone.

His sister Margaret

his baby brother

no one knows.

That there is your Grant, Johnny.

That's how he is.

You take me

where I could get revenge.

Son,

I must speak to the superintendent.

We do not expect general sigel's forces

to proceed south through the valley at best speed,

but if they do

I understand. Of course.

Thank you, major.

200-odd boys really gonna make the difference

is the situation really that dire

I am quite sure.

I have promised general breckinridge

that you will be in staunton by Thursday.

That's 50 miles in 2 days.

Yes, sir.

Battalion, fall in

quickly now

I said fall in

attention to orders

enemy in heavy force is advancing

up the shenandoah valley

general Lee cannot spare forces

from the army of northern Virginia to meet this advance

all available forces from southwestern Virginia and elsewhere

are hereby ordered to assemble in staunton

to defend the valley

the battalion of cadets

of the Virginia military institute

is ordered to march with four companies of infantry

and one section of artillery by the valley pike

all cadets will appear with canteen, blanket and weapon

at 8:00 tomorrow morning prepared to march

that is all

yeah

Dismissed

Revenge, Johnny. Revenge.

Scared

are we really going to fight

they tell us no.

We're gonna be held back in reserve,

but we can't be sure.

Is that supposed to make me feel better

what makes you think I want you to feel better

I want you to stay safe.

Whatever happens, you stay with me.

I guess we should declare a truce.

Of course.

This ain't over, though.

I'm still gonna whup you good.

That boy is outside.

Come to say goodbye, have you

Absolutely.

I'm gonna miss this old house.

Women's work,

darning socks,

mending uniforms,

packing food and blankets,

and of course, pulling together

medical supplies and bandages

for those who'll follow to help if needed.

Well, I hope you're not gonna do that.

It's a war, not a party.

Of course not.

Why would I go

there's nothing I believe in enough to fight for,

while you, on the other hand

oh, yes.

Love at first sight.

Let's go

hurry

hurry

fall in

fall in

battalion, fall in

order

arms

eyes front

battalion of cadets,

Virginia military institute

fonnard, march

Why is the answer no insufficient for you

general, with all respect...

There is no respect,

not in your face,

your voice, your words

there is no respect in you.

When I'm comfortable, then I will advance.

Sir, if we do not reach new market gap

before breckinridge gathers his troops,

it will be too late.

If I advance before I'm comfortable,

that will be too early.

And early comes before late.

Why would he do that, sigel

just sit there

oh, I'm sure it's a whole bunch of reasons,

cowardice near the top.

And with general wharton on the train

yes, things would appear to be going better, Charles.

Observe my elation.

You won't have to use the boys.

No. They still on the way

yes, sir.

Attention, cadets

the young ladies of staunton

have invited you to a welcoming social tonight

look sharp, boys

if you insist, sir.

Orders are orders.

Sorry, boys.

Down to just bread and dried beef.

Thank you very much.

You think there's gonna be a lot of ladies at this dance

I hope there's more than one.

Othennise, you boys are out of luck.

I know I'll be looking for one in particular.

Do you think captain chinook

will let us rats go tonight

my goodness,

I forgot to ask him in our last intimate chat.

Sorry, I won't be able to make it.

Got guard duty.

Looks like I'll be dancing with old chinook instead.

Oh, I hear old chinook's known for his waltzing abilities.

Ah, you could do far worse than captain chinook.

Be careful, Johnny.

He might just sweep you right off your feet.

Well, now, that's making me mighty uncomfortable.

Hey, rat.

You want to splash a little

rat come on now

I'm in the middle of shaving. I just did my hair

I gotta move and get some food

I never meant to stay

Is it all right

that I don't have a uniform like you do

not to worry, Robert.

One day, you will be magnificent, remember

when you're an upperclassman,

you will have a coat just like this one.

But for tonight, you're perfect.

Now let's find you a lady.

Excuse me, miss. I'd like you to meet

a real southern gentleman.

Hi. I'm Robert.

Kara.

Go enjoy yourselves.

Go on.

Well, welcome, soldier.

Can I persuade you to a dance

no.

No, thank you.

I knew I should have worn the red dress.

Miss, you are lovely in that dress,

and whoever dances with you is gonna be the envy of all.

The hair, then I can take it down.

Please, don't trouble yourself.

This is about a girl I left behind in Lexington.

Oh.

Married, are you

not yet.

Childhood sweethearts.

Been together as long as...

Long as I can remember.

I just came here tonight

for the refreshments and music.

Do you know if all the other ladies have arrived already

I'm sure I wouldn't know.

All right, of course.

Evening.

Would you just excuse me a moment

I hope I'm not interrupting anything.

I told you not to come.

Yes, you did.

Tomorrow...

I know where you're going,

to new market.

I'm going, too.

You haven't seen the last of me.

Still not much at conversation.

Or anything else.

I'll be the judge of that.

You are absolutely right.

Oh, miss

no way to talk to a soldier on the Eve of battle.

You'll be fine.

That's the plan.

For good luck.

So you won't forget me.

No, Sam, this is the plan.

A farm, a shop, a trade.

Your choice.

Four babies, my choice.

That'd be all

we'll fight a good deal.

We will, will we

I'm sure of that,

even when we're old on a porch together

with nine grandchildren

and our teeth falling out.

Well, we'll laugh some, too, I believe.

And there will be conversation.

I do like conversation.

You missed a good party.

Cadet wise, I'm here to relieve you.

If you ask me, something big is coming.

Only one day's march from new market.

By Saturday night,

the battle will begin the next day.

You and breckinridge figure it all out

well, I have it from Grant himself, actually.

We shared a whiskey, foul cigar.

He said let's end this whole bloodstained mess

Sunday at new market gap.

I'm sure of it, actually.

It's an omen.

How

stonewall Jackson always fought on a Sunday.

I'm worried about you, John.

If you don't believe in

what you're fighting for,

you won't make it out of this valley.

A man must believe his cause is just

in order to gladly die for it.

Defending our homeland against strangers

you know I come from a family of bankers.

We don't own slaves,

but the south's way of life's

depended on slaves for over 200 years.

You rip it to pieces all at once,

and you destroy the rest of us.

We should not be fighting to keep people in chains.

Will you or will you not defend Virginia

I will defend my family.

My friends are my family.

This school is my family.

I will fight for that.

But if god grants us victory, we must change.

Keep your thoughts to yourself, John.

The others, they...

They may doubt your resolve.

They would be fools if they did.

Sir, union cavalry in force

approaching from the east

just on the other side of that hill.

So it is to be tomorrow.

Finally.

We'll have wharton

almost certainly.

God damn it, major

can you not speak plain English

is that half certain

is that more than certain

at least half.

We will win tomorrow, sir,

because we have to.

I didn't hear that, Charlie.

I said...

I do not want to hear

the language of losers from you, Charlie.

Victory will not come because we think it must.

Well, then, what is the language of the winners, sir

I will lose, and I will die,

and I will fail everything

and everyone that I love

unless I find the way to win.

The confederates

cannot sustain the losses.

Is that what Grant says

the general doesn't speak in predictions.

Nor in boasts. Mm.

What news does he give of the valley campaign

we're better fed, better supplied,

more experienced.

The report is that breckinridge

has actually conscripted schoolboys,

cadets from the Virginia military institute,

he's so desperately shorthanded.

So we've stooped to massacring schoolboys

only if he chooses to use them, sir.

Help me, please somebody

please, sir, can you spare a moment

can you help us, sir

my sister, sir.

Get away from me.

Her leg is... please.

Somebody help me

please, somebody help us.

Help me

please, sir.

Mister.

Help me

anyone asks, I'll be right back.

Keep marching

please, sir, help us.

We're gonna get you out of here

please, help me

go to the other side.

Please, help me

Moses, let's go.

I got it.

Men, come on.

Help me

step to it, Moses

think it's stuck on something.

It's gonna be okay.

Are you okay, miss

what are you doing here

don't break rank

but you are, sir

let him help.

What are you doing, Jack

somebody needs help, don't they

don't you worry. We're gonna get you out.

Jack, take this side.

Yeah, pull her out

ready lift

You okay

thank you.

Of course.

You all right, darlin' okay.

Don't you worry. We gonna send help.

All right.

You're gonna be okay now. I promise.

All right, boys

we got a battle to fight, remember

let's kill some blues let's go.

Thank god thought you had a sudden attack of humanity.

Ah, it's gonna be all right.

Stand easy, men.

Do you have time for this

if I might be asking them to lay down their lives in the morning,

then I can surely make time.

Oh, right.

Cut your toe off.

Bet you you cut your toe off.

I'll grow it back.

Ahem

Gentlemen.

John c. Breckinridge.

John wise, sir.

Governor wise's son

yes, sir.

I did not know you were out here.

I have the privilege of knowing your daddy.

He is an extraordinary man

and a very able general.

I'll send him a wire.

You have a message for him

that I love him.

Course you do.

All right, stand easy. Sit down.

Sit down.

Well, purpose of this little visit

is because it's my fault you're here.

In many ways,

it's my fault that everyone is here in this valley,

cause when I was vice president,

I tried to solve this problem, and I...

I could not.

And now good men of the north

and the south will die here,

and I will have some difficult decisions tomorrow,

some of which may involve you.

So I'd like to know what you think of the war,

what your plans are for aftennards.

Young man

we find ourselves invaded by a conquering army

whom I must consider foreign invaders.

Defending our homeland is an imperative,

and I can't understand anyone who thinks othennise.

Who might you be, sir

I'm Thomas garland Jefferson, sir.

Are you, indeed

yes, sir.

Well, my family's owned a plantation

for close to 150 years,

so I'm defending my heritage and my future,

but that ain't the whole of it.

I believe folks of a certain class

have a heavy responsibility.

We must use our position

to see that the common folk

among us are cared for.

Well, we common folks surely do appreciate that.

I meant no offense, sir.

None taken.

Your good heart does you credit, soldier.

Who's next

young man

I think war is stupid and cruel

and nowhere near as necessary

as those leading the fighting like to tell themselves.

I see.

And do you think I could negotiate

our way out of this thing tomorrow

no, sir, not any more.

We will stand with you and fight.

And what of your future

all I know I really want

is to find the right woman,

settle down, provide somehow

for her and our children.

That sounds like a good plan.

I will fight Grant's bullies, sir.

I thank you.

I tell everybody I'm going to be a farmer,

but if Mr. Wise would let me,

I'd like to help him be governor.

Is that so

You seem very quiet, young man.

My family and my home were burned.

I'll kill as many blues tomorrow

as god permits, sir.

Young man, I am truly sorry for your loss.

This cadet here, his name is Moses, sir.

He's a genius artist.

You should see his portraits.

I would like to try my hand at sculpture.

It's a hard way to make a living.

Yes, sir.

Look, I know that you must be afraid,

and I know because I'm afraid.

We all are,

but we must all take strength

from your teacher, stonewall Jackson.

Do not take counsel of your fears,

to which I would add,

do not let anger ruin your lives.

This war will end,

I swear to you,

and you boys,

you're the future of this country.

And having met you,

the future is bright.

So you all sleep well,

and god bless you tomorrow.

God bless all of us.

Duck, gather the boys.

Yes, sir.

Company, at attention

fall in on me

don't make me say it again. I'm tired

bow your heads, gentlemen.

Heavenly father, this morning,

we march into the valley of death as brothers in arms.

Help us to be strong.

Help us to do our duty for our mothers,

for our fathers,

for our sisters and for our brothers,

wherever they may be.

Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

Form 'em up, and move 'em out.

Company, fall in on me

Left left

lefi, nghtlefi

looky here

you boys are babes in arms we got

looky here.

You little boys

want a sugar rag to suck on

hey, does your mommy know you snuck out

so early in the morning

Poor little boys, little old boys

poor boys.

Confederate infantry already

sir, general breckinridge just arrived

with the units of the Virginia cavalry

forming just south of the village of new market.

Bring the 34th Massachusetts fonnard,

back from their defensive positions.

Get the cavalry to go east toward that mountain

Where is echols

he's getting into position.

Calvary probes

already commenced.

Reserve units

all in position, including the cadets.

I want those boys at the very rear.

You understand me and I want 'em protected.

Of course they are.

Everybody ready

fire

wake up the Yankees.

Time for breakfast.

Fire

fonnard

lay down your colors, Virginia

slow down

six paces behind the colors

Battalion

halt

halt

drop excess gear,

and prepare to march

drop gear

and prepare to move out

Put that on the ground.

Captain

captain, shall we advance

no. He wants us to commit.

We will not take the bait

send this to sigel

facing large combined rebel force

immediate reinforcements required

commence fire

Wharton's brigade is in position on the West Side, sir,

commanding from the hills to the pike.

I can see that,

but I do not see echols.

He has arrived, sir.

He's filling in on the east side of the pike

as we speak.

Commence fire

Libby help me, please

no matter how many bandages,

there will never be enough.

Colonel wharton, you move your brigade

from your current position down the hill at best speed

into that depression below the union artillery.

You'll be protected there. You see it

yeah.

And take the reserve with you.

The cadets will be in last position.

Under no circumstances can they engage.

Send orders to the reserves

to conform their movements with mine.

Men, move out

drop in

drop in

gentlemen, as soon as we go over the crest of this hill,

I want you to drive your men straight down into the valley.

You run like hell.

Go go go go

company, fonnard

fonnard, march.

Hit the front side of that hill

They can't reach us here

where the hell are the reserves

My order was for them to conform to my moves

one piece of luck.

Load shells 2,000 yards

give 'em everything you've got

fire fire

run

this is not a parade

my god, they're holding formation.

March

get back

close up

close up, battalion

Fonnard, march

Fonnard, march

Mark time, battalion

I'll be damned.

If I didn't see it with my own eyes

We're losing 'em behind the house

aren't they trapped there now, sir

only till they decide to charge.

But we're vulnerable here, captain

we defend this hill for as long as we can

and halt

did y'all see that

even the rats held up under fire.

We showed those old boys, didn't we

sugar rag, is it

I can't believe it.

You two actually smiled at each other.

Get ready

he'll be coming along bushong's farm

we'll give him an Ohio hello

follow me,

but keep at least 300 yards back, well to the rear

do you understand, captain

yes, sir

virginians, fonnard

come on, boys hustle up

come on. Come on, boys

hustle up.

Battalion, prepare to advance

come on now.

First and second rank, ready

steady steady

wait for my command

fire fire fire

God bless those Pennsylvania boys.

Holding fast

reload hurry up

now now now now

ready fire

fire fire

They've torn a hole in the center of our line

if we can see it, so can the blues.

Sir, you must put in the reserves to restore the line.

When the union forces regroup and counterattack,

that line will divide in two.

They'll pull right through the hole in the center.

Sir, you must put in the cadets.

Send the boys in.

May god forgive me.

Sir.

Battalion, foward to the line

fonnard to the line

come on

let's go get to the fence

to what to the fence

let's go

get to the fence

get to the fence

go

Fire at will fire at will

the cadets are filling the gap.

Fire

fire

come on keep shooting, boys

Johnny

I'm right here, Moses

fire fire

we can't stay here

must be somewheres a little more useful.

Gentlemen,

what do you we say we charge those guns

well, gentlemen,

I bet that sounds a bit dangerous.

John wise, that was what I was suggesting.

I was just being subtle.

No sense in dying if we can't

figure out who takes the credit, right

sir, battalion is ready to attack

we don't have further orders

no, I don't suspect we'll get further orders

the cadets are ready to charge, sir

I suggest we attack and take those guns

before we get blown apart

Fix bayonets

Fire

Go get 'em, boys.

Everybody ready face front

charge charge

But they're just a bunch of damn schoolboys.

Kill 'em

kill 'em all

Jack

Jack

we showed them,

didn't we, George

Jack, stay with me

you can't die.

I still gotta whup you good.

I can't carry you forever, Johnny.

It's up to you now.

Come on, Jack

Jack, come on

Jack

Retreat now now

Let's go, gentlemen

someone's gotta cover this godforsaken retreat

let's go hyah.

Hyah

My god, sir,

the cadets have taken bushong hill.

Must be an illusion, Charlie.

Their general told them not to fight.

Where's Jack

he's dead,

torn to pieces during the final charge.

And Johnny

a shell exploded.

Johnny

Johnny

Johnny.

Come on.

Here you are. Here you are.

Hey, hey, hey you come over here

give me a stretcher

come on.

Come on.

You'll be all right

oh, god.

Ah, you hear me

here you go. Here you go.

You hear me

hear me, Johnny

there you go.

There you go.

Johnny.

Johnny.

Can you hear me

Johnny.

Hey, we won the battle,

all of us.

People are gonna call us heroes.

They're the heroes,

Jack

all of them.

Here.

Bring them inside

Look at that wound. Take that young man to the back bedroom.

Could I speak with libbyjust for a minute

oh, son, Libby's not here.

She's up at the field with the older girls.

He's at the house.

That boy, he's wounded, but he's asking for you.

Thank you so much.

Will he survive

bullet went through his chest

and lodged in his back.

Is this your son

these are all my sons.

Let's stitch him.

Ma'am ma'am

uh, do you have a new testament

This is a Christian Bible.

I understand you're Jewish

I'm a Jew.

It's for my friend.

He requested it.

I do not believe my faith will object.

Thank you.

Are you all right

From the 14th chapter of Saint John.

"Let not your heart be troubled:

"You believe in god,

"believe also in me.

"In my father's house are many mansions:

If it were not so"

"I would have told you."

"I go to prepare a place for you."

Would you... would you light me a candle

I don't want to listen in the dark.

Um

My, my, my.

Find me a man who knows how to set a fire.

Next time we go into that godforsaken valley,

we'll burn it to cinders.

If I can.

Thank you.

Let's leave him, gentlemen.

We were gonna spend the rest of our lives together.

Ohh.

Stand easy.

Mr. Wise. Mr. Colonna.

I am told that you cadets

decided to lead the charge of your own volition.

Is that so

are they not teaching you the value

of the chain of command at the institute

I am sorry, sir.

Are you hmm.

Then what in good god's name were

you thinking

my father says the best thing

about doing what's right is it requires no thought

no thought at all.

Well

I guess I have to thank you

for not thinking.

Well done, virginians.

Well done, men.

Thank you, sir.

Private stanard died on the field of honor, sir

private Jefferson died on the field of honor, sir

corporal atwill died on the field of honor, sir

sergeant cabell

private Crockett

private hartsfield

private haynes

private Jefferson

private Jones

private mcdowell

private stanard

private wheelwright died on the field of honor, sir