John Adams s01e03 Episode Script
Don't Tread on Me
I expect we shall have over 40 bushels of meal when the corn is ground.
You are like to outshine all farmers.
I thought I had lost you when the news came that the British had taken Philadelphia.
You realize, John, it's been 14 years since we were married.
14 years.
Not more than half of that time have we had the joy of living together.
But you are here now.
And you are safe.
Abigail.
You are not staying.
Where is the Congress to meet? In York, to the west of the city.
But it is not to the Congress that I must go.
This war will not be won without French money and French ships.
That is Dr.
Franklin's affair.
He is the Commissioner to France.
There are some concerns - about Dr.
Franklin's aide.
- No.
- Congress is asking - No, John.
I told them that I would not go.
No.
No.
It was my intention to return to the bar.
That I cannot support my family, my children You cannot ask this of me.
- But they would not accept my request.
- You cannot.
I am needed in Paris.
You are needed here, John.
Your children require your example.
I need you here.
Are you to add more years to those we have already spent apart? How can you give me back that time? How can you compensate to me all of those years I cannot get back? Do not rob me of my happiness.
That is not my wish.
Abigail you must know that.
Can you tell me how long, John? How long this time? Tell me that.
I cannot.
There is a cost to love, John.
Absence and distance.
When do you leave? I'm not going to leave.
Let another have the honor.
- There is no other, John.
- No.
If I were a man, I would be in the field of action.
There all honor lies.
When you go, you will take Johnny with you.
That is 3,000 miles, Abigail in winter.
I am sensible to the dangers, John.
You need not remind me.
We could be taken by the British.
That is madness.
My thousand fears notwithstanding, he shall go.
How many times have I heard you complain about the narrowness of New England men? Would you deny him the opportunity you never had? Nabby.
Nabby.
Are you leaving now? We are.
But I will take with me a picture of a remarkable young lady.
And what must you always remember to do? Be good and do good.
Yeah.
Nabby, my girl.
Easy now.
Steady.
Nabby.
Darling, come come.
Don't be silly.
Nabby.
Charles? You said you would stay this time.
I go because I love you.
But why does Johnny get to go and not us? One day perhaps.
Now come now, you don't want to send your father away without a kiss, do you? Charles.
Charles.
Tommy, come.
There we are.
Listen to your father on all things.
Write to me.
Be an honor to your country, a blessing to your family and remember you are accountable to your maker for all your words and actions.
I'll remember.
I love you.
You come back to me, John.
- Abigail - Godspeed.
Godspeed.
Here we are.
Say it with me, Papa.
Oh, God.
Dear God in heaven.
That mast can be repaired, yes? We will try to jury-rig the foremast, sir.
Sail to starboard! - Sail to starboard! - Where away? Three points to starboard! Turn to starboard! Three points to starboard! It's British.
Has it seen us? There's men in the rigging.
Bosun and master gunner on deck! Aye aye, sir! We cannot outrun her.
With your permission we'll engage them, sir.
Granted.
- First officer standby for action.
- John, go below.
Go below! - Bosun! - Yes, sir! - Standby to make sail! - Aye aye, sir! - Chief gunner! - Yes, sir! Prepare to fire as you bear! Aye aye, sir! Come on, you heard the man! Make way, lads! May way for the guns! Now, sir, if you will oblige me by returning to your quarters.
Neither you nor any man will prevent me from doing my duty.
Mr.
Adams, I am commanded by the Congress to carry you safely to Europe, and I'll goddamn well do it! Now get below.
- Helmsman! - Aye! Steer nor-nor'east! You stay here, Johnny.
Yes? Make way! Make way down there! Faster there! Steady! Master gunner, fire upon my command! Aye, sir! Prepare to fire, lads! She bears a cable! Gunners make ready! Shoot one! Balls away! - Reloading! - Shoot two! - Oh God! - Shoot three! Shoot four! Stay at your guns, men! Swap out gun number four! On my command! Shoot five! Shoot six! Reload! Doctor! Doctor! - I have Lieutenant Barron here.
- Clear them the way.
Quickly! Scissors.
Scissors! Give him some rum.
Rum.
Now come here.
Drink as much of this as you want.
- Tourniquet now! - Yes, sir.
Drink as much as you can.
This this in the mouth.
- What? - Mouth, in it.
In the mouth.
Bite down on it.
- Hold him down.
Hold him down.
- Yes, sir.
Steady.
Stay.
- Hold him.
- No! Hold him down, sir.
Do you have him, sir? - Hold him! - No! - Be patient.
- Come on! - All right.
- Quickly! Here we are.
I am here with you, sir.
It is nearly all over.
- Hold on.
- He is losing too much blood.
Take his pulse.
- I can't tell.
- His pulse! Check! Does he have a pulse? Don't leave me, sir.
Don't leave me, sir.
No? Fire! She's struck her colors! Mr.
Adams, the ship is ours.
When will we know? I cannot say.
Must not let your mind wander to fear.
It is hard not to.
Put your faith in God, and trust in His providence.
I did not think I would miss John Quincy.
No.
Do you think he will like Paris? I am sure he will.
Why do boys have all the pleasure? Because we let them.
When they come home, we will be very strict with them.
When they come home, my darling, we will be so happy to see them, we will be far too accommodating.
Charles, put some water on my hand.
Here, John.
This is rather strange.
Hello! Hello, Dr.
Franklin? Bonjour.
Monsieur! - Mr.
Adams, welcome.
- Ah.
Dr.
Franklin.
You'll forgive me if I don't rise.
I trust your crossing was uneventful.
This is my secretary, Mr.
Bancroft.
Mr.
Adams.
This is Monsieur Houdon, the celebrated sculptor.
Bonjour.
Oh, my son, John Quincy.
Well well.
A fine boy.
Thank you, sir.
I shall rely upon your judgment as to a proper school for him.
Why, all of Paris is a school, Master Adams.
A young man need only to avail himself of the lessons.
Excuse me, could you keep the pose, Dr.
Franklin? A moment, monsieur.
Have you ever been sculpted, Mr.
Adams? No, sir, no.
No, I've never been one for sitting still.
Well, you may sit still presently.
General Johnny Burgoyne has done all the negotiations necessary when he blundered into Saratoga with his 7,000 redcoats.
The treaty with France is, as Parisians say, a fait accompli.
A treaty? Why was I not told of this? Doctor, I have not braved the Atlantic in the middle of winter and been pursued by the British News travels slowly over the ocean.
Well, l a treaty.
A treaty.
What kind of a treaty, sir? What are the details? Well, they have declared themselves our ally and pledged to stand in our defense.
Yes, how much provision is made for naval support? And what of our joint venture No doubt you require a bath, Mr.
Adams.
French set great store by hygiene when it comes to other nations.
Yes.
Our mission here requires expedition, Doctor.
No, here in France you must practice the art of accomplishing much while appearing to accomplish little.
Well, I intend to secure an audience with King Louis at the earliest opportunity.
He and I clearly have much to discuss.
You do not demand an audience at Versailles, Mr.
Adams.
One is invited.
Excuse me.
Please, Dr.
Franklin, could you keep your chin up? - Good.
- Mr.
Adams, The maitre d' is inside.
He will show you to your rooms.
Lundi.
Monday.
Mardi, mardi.
Tuesday.
Rarely has a man endured so much to so little point.
But it is a good thing, is it not, Father? The treaty? Yes yes, of course.
Yes.
It's a fine thing.
Ah.
Well well.
My congratulations, Mr.
Adams.
You must give me the name of your tailor.
You'll be quite the toast of the Beaumont.
Well, you appear to have been tailored by a taxidermist, Doctor.
The French are determined to see all Americans as rustic, so I dress the part.
We are all actors here, Mr.
Adams, and so far my performance has been well-received.
I see.
Well, shall we go? Indeed we should.
We must not keep Madame Helvetius waiting.
Good day, Master Adams.
Doctor.
Terence is a difficult poet, but there's no better model for good taste, good morals and good Latin.
That's a good boy.
You are a very good man, John Adams, a very moral man, but you are not a man for Paris.
Paris requires a certain amount of indecency in thought and action.
How good is your French? That is easily remedied.
You must attend the theatre or take a mistress.
Oh, Dr.
Franklin, good heavens.
Well, do not underestimate the educational possibilities of the boudoir, Mr.
Adams.
Oh, to be 70 again.
Alas, Franklin.
You're always late.
The least interesting kind of affairs.
May I present my colleague, Mr.
Adams? Madame Helvetius, La Comtesse Ligniville d'Autricourt.
Very good.
Madame.
The famous Sam Adams? Sam Adams? No.
John Adams, his cousin.
John Adams.
It seems my face is as well-known in France as that of the man in the moon.
I want to know, Adams Madame Helvetius observes that by your name Adam you are descended from the first couple in paradise.
Ah.
Yes, I see.
Very good, yes.
No? Yes, madame.
Well, yes.
My family resembles the first couple both in name and frailty, so much that I have no doubt that we are descended from that in paradise.
Without any doubt, he descended directly from paradise.
Chevalier de la Luzerne is to be France's first ambassador - in the United States.
- Oh, excellent.
Well, I trust that you will press His Majesty for a greater commitment on our behalf.
The immediate support of the French Navy is required.
A promise of ships is all very well and good, but Yet he is glad that the understanding of the treaty is still cloudy.
Even in America we like to keep our pleasures unsullied by business.
Tell me please, how did Adam and Eve discover the art of love? Well, I suppose it was simply by instinct, no? Whenever a man and woman would approach within striking distance of each other, I suppose that they would simply fly together, no? Like two objects in one of Dr.
Franklin's electric experiments, yes? I know not how it was, but I know it must have been a very happy shock.
Boom! Madame Helvetius wishes to inquire if you have had occasion to attend the opera and les danseurs.
No no no.
I regret to say I have no ear for la musique.
No, I'm afraid my occupation allows me little time for the finer arts.
He doesn't have the time.
He's got a lot of work.
No, I must study politics and war, you see, so that my sons will have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
My sons must study navigation, commerce and agriculture, so that their children will have the right to study painting, poetry and music.
He's worked it all out.
Bravo, Mr.
Adams.
Bravo, Mr.
Adams.
Mr.
Adams, give a flag to everybody who gives money.
- They pay for the flags? - They pay for the flags.
Oh, that is absurd.
Doctor! All right, where's my hat? Here it is.
Mr.
Adams, give one there.
- No, but he did not pay.
- All right.
Thank you.
Merci merci.
Merci merci.
- Yes.
- Take his money.
Bless you, monsieur.
Bravo! Bravo.
Dr.
Franklin and Monsieur Adams.
Monsieur Adams, Dr.
Franklin.
Dr.
Franklin.
All the court is talking about you.
Your experiments with science and the ladies.
Sire, day and night.
I am hard at it.
Dr.
Franklin is accompanied by a Mr.
Adams.
Did you come from Paris, sir? You don't speak French? Mr.
Adams doesn't speak a single word of French.
Not a word? - Put your hat on.
- What? Put your hat on.
I hope you shall remain long enough in France to perfect your French, Mr.
Adams.
Yes, well, if I were here as a private citizen, Monsieur le Comte, nothing would please me more.
France is the very region for happiness, if human nature could be made happy by anything that pleases the senses.
I trust that you will find our alliance equally agreeable.
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce is both liberal and generous, but I feel duty-bound to press for greater commitment of French naval power.
Admiral d'Estaing is now sailing toward your New England.
I am aware of Admiral d'Estaing's expedition, and I deem it insufficient.
Insufficient? 12 ships of the line, and five frigates? This will hardly dislodge the British fleet from our shores.
Nothing will bring this war to a speedier conclusion than naval superiority.
And America needs more ships.
General Washington is of the same opinion.
Mr.
Adams is of course aware that France is at war with England.
Our navy is needed to defend our own shores.
And His Majesty has been more than generous.
Our independence cannot be achieved if we are to be nothing more than a pawn in France's never-ending game with our common enemy.
Now I respectfully ask that His Majesty be informed of my opinion.
I found that conversation fascinating, sir.
I am sorry, your Excellency.
Is it your purpose to destroy everything we've accomplished? To engineer the recall of the fleet under Admiral d'Estaing? Or is this some new kind of diplomatic initiative? The direct insult followed by the petulant whine? What are you thinking of? A good diplomat, Mr.
Adams, observes much, acts little and speaks softly.
The Compte de Vergennes means to keep his hand beneath our chin to prevent us from drowning, but not to keep our heads above the water.
Have you learned nothing, Mr.
Adams? If you continue to exasperate and antagonize these people As I did in Philadelphia and we declared independence, you recall.
In Philadelphia we negotiated independence.
Well, you may be as patient and accommodating as you like, Doctor, but for myself, I will not voluntarily put on the chains of France while I am struggling to throw off those of Great Britain! When do you sail to Rhode Island, Admiral d'Estaing? We leave Boston tomorrow.
We hope to engage the British fleet at Newport, where your army awaits us.
A victory will do much to rally our people.
For France as well, monsieur.
I have discovered, madame, that your husband has deceived us.
I was told that his zeal for our alliance was born out of his eagerness to defeat the British.
But now I see it is his desire to be reunited with you that drives him so.
Another Adams falls victim to the French.
They have been most hospitable.
I scarcely think that one can form a lasting impression of a people based on one evening's entertainment.
I cannot tell you how much I respect your husband, Mrs.
Adams.
There is no one who has given as much to our cause as he.
I confess I am less Roman than Mr.
Adams.
While he would sacrifice all for the good of our country, I cannot but miss him.
You must feel his absence greatly.
My sons are of an age where they need a father's guidance.
Dr.
Rush, I am most eager for the any news of my husband.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne is in Philadelphia, and he spoke of Mr.
Adams's reception at the French court.
His letters are full of refinement and taste of the society, though not insensible of its debaucheries.
I did not mean to suggest Mr.
Adams's character is beyond reproach.
You do not need to reassure me of my husband's character, Dr.
Rush.
I apologize, Mrs.
Adams, if You are Surgeon General of the Army, are you not? Yes, and I have found the condition of our military hospitals to be utterly deplorable.
Their administration is a crime, and Congress will not attend the problem.
I have brought the subject to them repeatedly, but they refuse to act.
3,000 men rendered unfit for duty at Valley Forge.
All because Congress allowed our supply lines to wither.
From your sister? Yes, she asks about you.
Tell her I'm well.
Say otherwise, we'll only worry her.
She asks why you do not write to Mother more often.
And what should I write? That I'm unable to accomplish anything here? Does she want a catalogue of my frustration and failure? My idiotic wrangling with Dr.
Franklin? From Philadelphia, sir.
Mr.
Adams? Mr.
Adams! Mr.
Adams.
Dr.
Franklin is not to be disturbed.
He is, uh he's conducting an experiment of a very delicate nature.
Mr.
Adams! Mr.
Adams! Please, no! Mr.
Adams, this is most irregular.
Mr.
Bancroft! Well, Mr.
Adams? The, uh the Congress has the Congress have named you the sole Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of King Louis, sir.
- Indeed.
- Huh.
Well.
Thank you, Mr.
Adams.
Is there anything else? I have been left kicking and sprawling in the mire, neither at liberty to serve my country nor at liberty to go home.
If I have committed some crime that deserved to hang me up on a gibbet in the face of all Europe, I think I ought to have been told what it was.
Quite right, sir.
You know, it is universally believed that Dr.
Franklin has accomplished our revolution entirely by himself with a simple wave of his electric wand.
Whatever merits he may have as a philosopher, as a legislator he has done very little, sir.
Very little indeed.
Au revoir, Mr.
Adams.
Mama.
You should be in bed.
So should you.
That is not for you to say.
- Mama.
- Bed.
Mama, please.
Come up with me.
That can wait.
I cannot.
I cannot wait.
There will be something tomorrow from Papa.
It is of no matter.
You do not mean that.
Do not presume to tell me what I mean! His letters grow more and more infrequent.
The one letter I did receive gave me no assurance of his affection.
You know Father's afraid his letters will be intercepted.
What if they are? What do I care for British ridicule? How can he not know what his silence costs me? Have I fallen so far from his heart and his thoughts that he cannot find the time to write to assure me that we have not been forgotten? He has not forgotten us.
If ever there was a natural alliance, surely it is between the republics of the Netherlands and the United States.
The Dutch first gave asylum to the Pilgrims.
New York and New Jersey were first settled by your countrymen.
May I remind you that the Netherlands were a republic long before America was even an idea? Indeed, indeed, sir.
If I may, America and Holland are so close in history, in religion, in government, that every Dutchman instructed in the subject must pronounce the American Revolution just and necessary, or pass censure on the greatest actions of his immortal ancestors.
How much money do you seek, Mr.
Adams? An initial loan of $10 million.
Such a modest request.
A modest man.
You have approval of your Congress to ask this sum? The Congress will, of course, approve my mission, sir.
An American victory in this war would naturally be of great benefit.
Yeah, naturally.
But with Admiral d'Estaing's defeat at Newport, the loss of Charleston and General Arnold's treachery at West Point It was most unfortunate, sir, yes.
Very unfortunate.
There are rumors that America will settle for a negotiated peace.
No, sir.
No.
The only acceptable outcome is complete and irrevocable independence.
Are you ill, Mr.
Adams? No, I find the climate here is somewhat insalubrious.
Yes.
Bad weather for loans.
I regret to say that American credit is not forgive me well established.
Yes, but you will establish it, gentlemen.
He's asking us to imperil British trade and encourage our French enemy.
That is not an option.
We are in the business of lending money, but only to those capable of paying us back, Mr.
Adams.
I understand, sir.
"matter that has come to my attention.
Mr.
Adams has given extreme offense to the French court.
Having nothing else with which to employ himself" "he seems to have endeavored to supply what he may suppose my negotiations defective in.
He thinks that America has been too free in expressions of gratitude to France, and that she is more obliged to us than we to her.
Mr.
Adams's character and turn of mind are inappropriate to proper diplomacy.
And sometimes and in some things he is quite out of his senses.
Your humble servant, Benjamin Franklin.
" His letter was read to the Congress in the presence of the Chevalier de la Luzerne.
There are many in Boston who say Dr.
Franklin has greatly wronged you.
Let the artful old knave have his cursed French.
I am left with Holland for all the good that will do us.
You have had no success? Do you mean, have I failed here as well? We have reason to be optimistic.
Thousands of men under Rochambeau joined General Washington.
Admiral de Grasse is said to be sailing with a large fleet.
Well, at long last.
Dr.
Franklin's efforts have been amply rewarded.
Yes, I have no doubt Dr.
Franklin himself will be.
If this war is won, he will have secured his place in our history and be celebrated for his statesmanship.
Are you unwell, Mr.
Adams? I had hoped to seek your advice before taking up my appointment in St.
Petersburg.
How may I help you? The language of Queen Catherine's court is French, and I have none of it.
I was hoping to engage a secretary to assist me.
Come come come come come.
Russia, here.
Very good.
Will it be very cold there, Father? Good heavens, no.
Not for a Massachusetts man.
You must not let the idea of going to Russia frighten you.
You're 14 years old, Johnny.
Already a man, and never one for childish pursuits.
- Yes? - Mmm.
And I have confidence that you will make both of us very proud.
I would rather stay here with you, Father.
Son, I would rather that you stay here as well.
But it is time that you put your accomplishments to use in the service of your country.
And you must not mind being sad.
I would think less of you if you were not.
There are times when we must act against our inclinations.
And at those times, we may pain those that we love.
I left your mother, who I love more than anything in the world, in order to shake Europe by the scruff of the neck.
That that was my choice.
That was my duty.
You see? And whatever one may say of me, I always press forward with any challenge that has ever been given to me.
I know, Father.
I know you've tried.
I'm sorry.
I will do my duty.
Now now.
You mind Mr.
Dana, yeah? - Yes, sir.
- There you go.
Good journey to you, gentlemen.
Congress has learned from the French minister that I have presented my credentials to the Dutch government without their permission.
They are they are astonished they are astonished at my ridiculous display Stay still, Herr Adams.
- That I should have the audacity to present myself to the Dutch government before they are in any way prepared to receive me.
You bastards.
Hold still, sir.
I'm ridiculous, am I? Ridiculous.
- The charge of vanity - Adams - the charge of vanity is the last refuge of little wits and of mercenary quacks! I tell you I am speaking, sir! I have long learned that a man may give offense and he may still succeed.
Oh! Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Glorious news! Look, Mama.
Glorious intelligence.
"Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor Captain Lovatt, of the schooner Adventure, from York River in Chesapeake Bay, which he left the 20th instant, and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwall and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis; and his army prisoners of war to the allied army under the command of our illustrious general; and the French fleet under the command of His Excellency, the Count de Grasse.
" Is the war over? Not while there is a single British soldier remaining in America, but they cannot hold on for long, not after this.
God be praised.
And General Washington.
Papa will be back? Yes, Charles.
Papa will be back.
"Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor Captain Lovatt, of the schooner Adventure from York River in Chesapeake Bay, which he left the 20th instant, and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis; and his army prisoners of war" Herr Adams.
Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Abigail.
Abigail.
Abigail.
Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Abigail.
Abigail.
You are like to outshine all farmers.
I thought I had lost you when the news came that the British had taken Philadelphia.
You realize, John, it's been 14 years since we were married.
14 years.
Not more than half of that time have we had the joy of living together.
But you are here now.
And you are safe.
Abigail.
You are not staying.
Where is the Congress to meet? In York, to the west of the city.
But it is not to the Congress that I must go.
This war will not be won without French money and French ships.
That is Dr.
Franklin's affair.
He is the Commissioner to France.
There are some concerns - about Dr.
Franklin's aide.
- No.
- Congress is asking - No, John.
I told them that I would not go.
No.
No.
It was my intention to return to the bar.
That I cannot support my family, my children You cannot ask this of me.
- But they would not accept my request.
- You cannot.
I am needed in Paris.
You are needed here, John.
Your children require your example.
I need you here.
Are you to add more years to those we have already spent apart? How can you give me back that time? How can you compensate to me all of those years I cannot get back? Do not rob me of my happiness.
That is not my wish.
Abigail you must know that.
Can you tell me how long, John? How long this time? Tell me that.
I cannot.
There is a cost to love, John.
Absence and distance.
When do you leave? I'm not going to leave.
Let another have the honor.
- There is no other, John.
- No.
If I were a man, I would be in the field of action.
There all honor lies.
When you go, you will take Johnny with you.
That is 3,000 miles, Abigail in winter.
I am sensible to the dangers, John.
You need not remind me.
We could be taken by the British.
That is madness.
My thousand fears notwithstanding, he shall go.
How many times have I heard you complain about the narrowness of New England men? Would you deny him the opportunity you never had? Nabby.
Nabby.
Are you leaving now? We are.
But I will take with me a picture of a remarkable young lady.
And what must you always remember to do? Be good and do good.
Yeah.
Nabby, my girl.
Easy now.
Steady.
Nabby.
Darling, come come.
Don't be silly.
Nabby.
Charles? You said you would stay this time.
I go because I love you.
But why does Johnny get to go and not us? One day perhaps.
Now come now, you don't want to send your father away without a kiss, do you? Charles.
Charles.
Tommy, come.
There we are.
Listen to your father on all things.
Write to me.
Be an honor to your country, a blessing to your family and remember you are accountable to your maker for all your words and actions.
I'll remember.
I love you.
You come back to me, John.
- Abigail - Godspeed.
Godspeed.
Here we are.
Say it with me, Papa.
Oh, God.
Dear God in heaven.
That mast can be repaired, yes? We will try to jury-rig the foremast, sir.
Sail to starboard! - Sail to starboard! - Where away? Three points to starboard! Turn to starboard! Three points to starboard! It's British.
Has it seen us? There's men in the rigging.
Bosun and master gunner on deck! Aye aye, sir! We cannot outrun her.
With your permission we'll engage them, sir.
Granted.
- First officer standby for action.
- John, go below.
Go below! - Bosun! - Yes, sir! - Standby to make sail! - Aye aye, sir! - Chief gunner! - Yes, sir! Prepare to fire as you bear! Aye aye, sir! Come on, you heard the man! Make way, lads! May way for the guns! Now, sir, if you will oblige me by returning to your quarters.
Neither you nor any man will prevent me from doing my duty.
Mr.
Adams, I am commanded by the Congress to carry you safely to Europe, and I'll goddamn well do it! Now get below.
- Helmsman! - Aye! Steer nor-nor'east! You stay here, Johnny.
Yes? Make way! Make way down there! Faster there! Steady! Master gunner, fire upon my command! Aye, sir! Prepare to fire, lads! She bears a cable! Gunners make ready! Shoot one! Balls away! - Reloading! - Shoot two! - Oh God! - Shoot three! Shoot four! Stay at your guns, men! Swap out gun number four! On my command! Shoot five! Shoot six! Reload! Doctor! Doctor! - I have Lieutenant Barron here.
- Clear them the way.
Quickly! Scissors.
Scissors! Give him some rum.
Rum.
Now come here.
Drink as much of this as you want.
- Tourniquet now! - Yes, sir.
Drink as much as you can.
This this in the mouth.
- What? - Mouth, in it.
In the mouth.
Bite down on it.
- Hold him down.
Hold him down.
- Yes, sir.
Steady.
Stay.
- Hold him.
- No! Hold him down, sir.
Do you have him, sir? - Hold him! - No! - Be patient.
- Come on! - All right.
- Quickly! Here we are.
I am here with you, sir.
It is nearly all over.
- Hold on.
- He is losing too much blood.
Take his pulse.
- I can't tell.
- His pulse! Check! Does he have a pulse? Don't leave me, sir.
Don't leave me, sir.
No? Fire! She's struck her colors! Mr.
Adams, the ship is ours.
When will we know? I cannot say.
Must not let your mind wander to fear.
It is hard not to.
Put your faith in God, and trust in His providence.
I did not think I would miss John Quincy.
No.
Do you think he will like Paris? I am sure he will.
Why do boys have all the pleasure? Because we let them.
When they come home, we will be very strict with them.
When they come home, my darling, we will be so happy to see them, we will be far too accommodating.
Charles, put some water on my hand.
Here, John.
This is rather strange.
Hello! Hello, Dr.
Franklin? Bonjour.
Monsieur! - Mr.
Adams, welcome.
- Ah.
Dr.
Franklin.
You'll forgive me if I don't rise.
I trust your crossing was uneventful.
This is my secretary, Mr.
Bancroft.
Mr.
Adams.
This is Monsieur Houdon, the celebrated sculptor.
Bonjour.
Oh, my son, John Quincy.
Well well.
A fine boy.
Thank you, sir.
I shall rely upon your judgment as to a proper school for him.
Why, all of Paris is a school, Master Adams.
A young man need only to avail himself of the lessons.
Excuse me, could you keep the pose, Dr.
Franklin? A moment, monsieur.
Have you ever been sculpted, Mr.
Adams? No, sir, no.
No, I've never been one for sitting still.
Well, you may sit still presently.
General Johnny Burgoyne has done all the negotiations necessary when he blundered into Saratoga with his 7,000 redcoats.
The treaty with France is, as Parisians say, a fait accompli.
A treaty? Why was I not told of this? Doctor, I have not braved the Atlantic in the middle of winter and been pursued by the British News travels slowly over the ocean.
Well, l a treaty.
A treaty.
What kind of a treaty, sir? What are the details? Well, they have declared themselves our ally and pledged to stand in our defense.
Yes, how much provision is made for naval support? And what of our joint venture No doubt you require a bath, Mr.
Adams.
French set great store by hygiene when it comes to other nations.
Yes.
Our mission here requires expedition, Doctor.
No, here in France you must practice the art of accomplishing much while appearing to accomplish little.
Well, I intend to secure an audience with King Louis at the earliest opportunity.
He and I clearly have much to discuss.
You do not demand an audience at Versailles, Mr.
Adams.
One is invited.
Excuse me.
Please, Dr.
Franklin, could you keep your chin up? - Good.
- Mr.
Adams, The maitre d' is inside.
He will show you to your rooms.
Lundi.
Monday.
Mardi, mardi.
Tuesday.
Rarely has a man endured so much to so little point.
But it is a good thing, is it not, Father? The treaty? Yes yes, of course.
Yes.
It's a fine thing.
Ah.
Well well.
My congratulations, Mr.
Adams.
You must give me the name of your tailor.
You'll be quite the toast of the Beaumont.
Well, you appear to have been tailored by a taxidermist, Doctor.
The French are determined to see all Americans as rustic, so I dress the part.
We are all actors here, Mr.
Adams, and so far my performance has been well-received.
I see.
Well, shall we go? Indeed we should.
We must not keep Madame Helvetius waiting.
Good day, Master Adams.
Doctor.
Terence is a difficult poet, but there's no better model for good taste, good morals and good Latin.
That's a good boy.
You are a very good man, John Adams, a very moral man, but you are not a man for Paris.
Paris requires a certain amount of indecency in thought and action.
How good is your French? That is easily remedied.
You must attend the theatre or take a mistress.
Oh, Dr.
Franklin, good heavens.
Well, do not underestimate the educational possibilities of the boudoir, Mr.
Adams.
Oh, to be 70 again.
Alas, Franklin.
You're always late.
The least interesting kind of affairs.
May I present my colleague, Mr.
Adams? Madame Helvetius, La Comtesse Ligniville d'Autricourt.
Very good.
Madame.
The famous Sam Adams? Sam Adams? No.
John Adams, his cousin.
John Adams.
It seems my face is as well-known in France as that of the man in the moon.
I want to know, Adams Madame Helvetius observes that by your name Adam you are descended from the first couple in paradise.
Ah.
Yes, I see.
Very good, yes.
No? Yes, madame.
Well, yes.
My family resembles the first couple both in name and frailty, so much that I have no doubt that we are descended from that in paradise.
Without any doubt, he descended directly from paradise.
Chevalier de la Luzerne is to be France's first ambassador - in the United States.
- Oh, excellent.
Well, I trust that you will press His Majesty for a greater commitment on our behalf.
The immediate support of the French Navy is required.
A promise of ships is all very well and good, but Yet he is glad that the understanding of the treaty is still cloudy.
Even in America we like to keep our pleasures unsullied by business.
Tell me please, how did Adam and Eve discover the art of love? Well, I suppose it was simply by instinct, no? Whenever a man and woman would approach within striking distance of each other, I suppose that they would simply fly together, no? Like two objects in one of Dr.
Franklin's electric experiments, yes? I know not how it was, but I know it must have been a very happy shock.
Boom! Madame Helvetius wishes to inquire if you have had occasion to attend the opera and les danseurs.
No no no.
I regret to say I have no ear for la musique.
No, I'm afraid my occupation allows me little time for the finer arts.
He doesn't have the time.
He's got a lot of work.
No, I must study politics and war, you see, so that my sons will have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
My sons must study navigation, commerce and agriculture, so that their children will have the right to study painting, poetry and music.
He's worked it all out.
Bravo, Mr.
Adams.
Bravo, Mr.
Adams.
Mr.
Adams, give a flag to everybody who gives money.
- They pay for the flags? - They pay for the flags.
Oh, that is absurd.
Doctor! All right, where's my hat? Here it is.
Mr.
Adams, give one there.
- No, but he did not pay.
- All right.
Thank you.
Merci merci.
Merci merci.
- Yes.
- Take his money.
Bless you, monsieur.
Bravo! Bravo.
Dr.
Franklin and Monsieur Adams.
Monsieur Adams, Dr.
Franklin.
Dr.
Franklin.
All the court is talking about you.
Your experiments with science and the ladies.
Sire, day and night.
I am hard at it.
Dr.
Franklin is accompanied by a Mr.
Adams.
Did you come from Paris, sir? You don't speak French? Mr.
Adams doesn't speak a single word of French.
Not a word? - Put your hat on.
- What? Put your hat on.
I hope you shall remain long enough in France to perfect your French, Mr.
Adams.
Yes, well, if I were here as a private citizen, Monsieur le Comte, nothing would please me more.
France is the very region for happiness, if human nature could be made happy by anything that pleases the senses.
I trust that you will find our alliance equally agreeable.
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce is both liberal and generous, but I feel duty-bound to press for greater commitment of French naval power.
Admiral d'Estaing is now sailing toward your New England.
I am aware of Admiral d'Estaing's expedition, and I deem it insufficient.
Insufficient? 12 ships of the line, and five frigates? This will hardly dislodge the British fleet from our shores.
Nothing will bring this war to a speedier conclusion than naval superiority.
And America needs more ships.
General Washington is of the same opinion.
Mr.
Adams is of course aware that France is at war with England.
Our navy is needed to defend our own shores.
And His Majesty has been more than generous.
Our independence cannot be achieved if we are to be nothing more than a pawn in France's never-ending game with our common enemy.
Now I respectfully ask that His Majesty be informed of my opinion.
I found that conversation fascinating, sir.
I am sorry, your Excellency.
Is it your purpose to destroy everything we've accomplished? To engineer the recall of the fleet under Admiral d'Estaing? Or is this some new kind of diplomatic initiative? The direct insult followed by the petulant whine? What are you thinking of? A good diplomat, Mr.
Adams, observes much, acts little and speaks softly.
The Compte de Vergennes means to keep his hand beneath our chin to prevent us from drowning, but not to keep our heads above the water.
Have you learned nothing, Mr.
Adams? If you continue to exasperate and antagonize these people As I did in Philadelphia and we declared independence, you recall.
In Philadelphia we negotiated independence.
Well, you may be as patient and accommodating as you like, Doctor, but for myself, I will not voluntarily put on the chains of France while I am struggling to throw off those of Great Britain! When do you sail to Rhode Island, Admiral d'Estaing? We leave Boston tomorrow.
We hope to engage the British fleet at Newport, where your army awaits us.
A victory will do much to rally our people.
For France as well, monsieur.
I have discovered, madame, that your husband has deceived us.
I was told that his zeal for our alliance was born out of his eagerness to defeat the British.
But now I see it is his desire to be reunited with you that drives him so.
Another Adams falls victim to the French.
They have been most hospitable.
I scarcely think that one can form a lasting impression of a people based on one evening's entertainment.
I cannot tell you how much I respect your husband, Mrs.
Adams.
There is no one who has given as much to our cause as he.
I confess I am less Roman than Mr.
Adams.
While he would sacrifice all for the good of our country, I cannot but miss him.
You must feel his absence greatly.
My sons are of an age where they need a father's guidance.
Dr.
Rush, I am most eager for the any news of my husband.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne is in Philadelphia, and he spoke of Mr.
Adams's reception at the French court.
His letters are full of refinement and taste of the society, though not insensible of its debaucheries.
I did not mean to suggest Mr.
Adams's character is beyond reproach.
You do not need to reassure me of my husband's character, Dr.
Rush.
I apologize, Mrs.
Adams, if You are Surgeon General of the Army, are you not? Yes, and I have found the condition of our military hospitals to be utterly deplorable.
Their administration is a crime, and Congress will not attend the problem.
I have brought the subject to them repeatedly, but they refuse to act.
3,000 men rendered unfit for duty at Valley Forge.
All because Congress allowed our supply lines to wither.
From your sister? Yes, she asks about you.
Tell her I'm well.
Say otherwise, we'll only worry her.
She asks why you do not write to Mother more often.
And what should I write? That I'm unable to accomplish anything here? Does she want a catalogue of my frustration and failure? My idiotic wrangling with Dr.
Franklin? From Philadelphia, sir.
Mr.
Adams? Mr.
Adams! Mr.
Adams.
Dr.
Franklin is not to be disturbed.
He is, uh he's conducting an experiment of a very delicate nature.
Mr.
Adams! Mr.
Adams! Please, no! Mr.
Adams, this is most irregular.
Mr.
Bancroft! Well, Mr.
Adams? The, uh the Congress has the Congress have named you the sole Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of King Louis, sir.
- Indeed.
- Huh.
Well.
Thank you, Mr.
Adams.
Is there anything else? I have been left kicking and sprawling in the mire, neither at liberty to serve my country nor at liberty to go home.
If I have committed some crime that deserved to hang me up on a gibbet in the face of all Europe, I think I ought to have been told what it was.
Quite right, sir.
You know, it is universally believed that Dr.
Franklin has accomplished our revolution entirely by himself with a simple wave of his electric wand.
Whatever merits he may have as a philosopher, as a legislator he has done very little, sir.
Very little indeed.
Au revoir, Mr.
Adams.
Mama.
You should be in bed.
So should you.
That is not for you to say.
- Mama.
- Bed.
Mama, please.
Come up with me.
That can wait.
I cannot.
I cannot wait.
There will be something tomorrow from Papa.
It is of no matter.
You do not mean that.
Do not presume to tell me what I mean! His letters grow more and more infrequent.
The one letter I did receive gave me no assurance of his affection.
You know Father's afraid his letters will be intercepted.
What if they are? What do I care for British ridicule? How can he not know what his silence costs me? Have I fallen so far from his heart and his thoughts that he cannot find the time to write to assure me that we have not been forgotten? He has not forgotten us.
If ever there was a natural alliance, surely it is between the republics of the Netherlands and the United States.
The Dutch first gave asylum to the Pilgrims.
New York and New Jersey were first settled by your countrymen.
May I remind you that the Netherlands were a republic long before America was even an idea? Indeed, indeed, sir.
If I may, America and Holland are so close in history, in religion, in government, that every Dutchman instructed in the subject must pronounce the American Revolution just and necessary, or pass censure on the greatest actions of his immortal ancestors.
How much money do you seek, Mr.
Adams? An initial loan of $10 million.
Such a modest request.
A modest man.
You have approval of your Congress to ask this sum? The Congress will, of course, approve my mission, sir.
An American victory in this war would naturally be of great benefit.
Yeah, naturally.
But with Admiral d'Estaing's defeat at Newport, the loss of Charleston and General Arnold's treachery at West Point It was most unfortunate, sir, yes.
Very unfortunate.
There are rumors that America will settle for a negotiated peace.
No, sir.
No.
The only acceptable outcome is complete and irrevocable independence.
Are you ill, Mr.
Adams? No, I find the climate here is somewhat insalubrious.
Yes.
Bad weather for loans.
I regret to say that American credit is not forgive me well established.
Yes, but you will establish it, gentlemen.
He's asking us to imperil British trade and encourage our French enemy.
That is not an option.
We are in the business of lending money, but only to those capable of paying us back, Mr.
Adams.
I understand, sir.
"matter that has come to my attention.
Mr.
Adams has given extreme offense to the French court.
Having nothing else with which to employ himself" "he seems to have endeavored to supply what he may suppose my negotiations defective in.
He thinks that America has been too free in expressions of gratitude to France, and that she is more obliged to us than we to her.
Mr.
Adams's character and turn of mind are inappropriate to proper diplomacy.
And sometimes and in some things he is quite out of his senses.
Your humble servant, Benjamin Franklin.
" His letter was read to the Congress in the presence of the Chevalier de la Luzerne.
There are many in Boston who say Dr.
Franklin has greatly wronged you.
Let the artful old knave have his cursed French.
I am left with Holland for all the good that will do us.
You have had no success? Do you mean, have I failed here as well? We have reason to be optimistic.
Thousands of men under Rochambeau joined General Washington.
Admiral de Grasse is said to be sailing with a large fleet.
Well, at long last.
Dr.
Franklin's efforts have been amply rewarded.
Yes, I have no doubt Dr.
Franklin himself will be.
If this war is won, he will have secured his place in our history and be celebrated for his statesmanship.
Are you unwell, Mr.
Adams? I had hoped to seek your advice before taking up my appointment in St.
Petersburg.
How may I help you? The language of Queen Catherine's court is French, and I have none of it.
I was hoping to engage a secretary to assist me.
Come come come come come.
Russia, here.
Very good.
Will it be very cold there, Father? Good heavens, no.
Not for a Massachusetts man.
You must not let the idea of going to Russia frighten you.
You're 14 years old, Johnny.
Already a man, and never one for childish pursuits.
- Yes? - Mmm.
And I have confidence that you will make both of us very proud.
I would rather stay here with you, Father.
Son, I would rather that you stay here as well.
But it is time that you put your accomplishments to use in the service of your country.
And you must not mind being sad.
I would think less of you if you were not.
There are times when we must act against our inclinations.
And at those times, we may pain those that we love.
I left your mother, who I love more than anything in the world, in order to shake Europe by the scruff of the neck.
That that was my choice.
That was my duty.
You see? And whatever one may say of me, I always press forward with any challenge that has ever been given to me.
I know, Father.
I know you've tried.
I'm sorry.
I will do my duty.
Now now.
You mind Mr.
Dana, yeah? - Yes, sir.
- There you go.
Good journey to you, gentlemen.
Congress has learned from the French minister that I have presented my credentials to the Dutch government without their permission.
They are they are astonished they are astonished at my ridiculous display Stay still, Herr Adams.
- That I should have the audacity to present myself to the Dutch government before they are in any way prepared to receive me.
You bastards.
Hold still, sir.
I'm ridiculous, am I? Ridiculous.
- The charge of vanity - Adams - the charge of vanity is the last refuge of little wits and of mercenary quacks! I tell you I am speaking, sir! I have long learned that a man may give offense and he may still succeed.
Oh! Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Glorious news! Look, Mama.
Glorious intelligence.
"Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor Captain Lovatt, of the schooner Adventure, from York River in Chesapeake Bay, which he left the 20th instant, and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwall and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis; and his army prisoners of war to the allied army under the command of our illustrious general; and the French fleet under the command of His Excellency, the Count de Grasse.
" Is the war over? Not while there is a single British soldier remaining in America, but they cannot hold on for long, not after this.
God be praised.
And General Washington.
Papa will be back? Yes, Charles.
Papa will be back.
"Yesterday afternoon arrived in this harbor Captain Lovatt, of the schooner Adventure from York River in Chesapeake Bay, which he left the 20th instant, and brought us the glorious news of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis; and his army prisoners of war" Herr Adams.
Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Abigail.
Abigail.
Abigail.
Herr Adams? Herr Adams? Abigail.
Abigail.