IMS Subtitles CHRIS G ALLAN www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2015 'I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me.' 'And the cost is more than I can bear.' (TROTTING HOOVES) Samuel, postrider! (CHILDREN GIGGLE) An 'R'. Good. What about this one? (NEIGHING) (NEIGHING) (GIGGLES) (LAUGHS) Thank you. (LAUGHS) Thank you. You're welcome. (SHEEP BLEAT) (HORSE NEIGHS) Father! Father! Nine pounds, eleven ounces. That's perfect. Perfect. Father, a postrider! Did you finish planting? More than half. Those swimming breaks cut into the day, don't they? I told you. Thomas, wait for Father. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) (LAUGHS) Ugh! (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) Yargh! (Sorry.) That's her. The North Star. See? You start from the front two stars of the Big Dipper and then you count up. You count up five finger-lengths. And it's right, it's right there. And she'll always be looking down on us and protect us forever. Come on. into bed. Good night. Good night, Meg. It helps her to know Mother's there. Good night. (FIRE CRACKLES) (FOOTSTEPS) (SIGHS) (CLINKING) (SIGHS) So, what was in the mail? Peter Cuppin joined the Continentals. He's 17 ` a year younger than I. (SIGHS) Well, the assembly's been convened` (SIGHS) Well, the assembly's been convened` At Charlestown? We're going to Charlestown? We leave in the morning. (Hyah! Hyah!) (CHATTERING) Morning, Mr Albert. Put your backs into it! (GIGGLING) Aunt Charlotte! Aunt Charlotte! Look at you. We missed you. They're huge. What have you fed them? They're from good stock. On their mother's side. Thank you. Come and see what I have. Presents?! Slowly! Keep an eye on these heathens. Thomas! Sorry. I have this for you, Susan. It belonged to your mother. Is she still not talking? No. It does me good to see you. (CHEERING / GUNSHOTS) There's Gabriel. Gabriel! Gabriel! (FIFE PLAYS 'YANKEE DOODLE') Burn them! Hang King George! Death to King George! Hang them all! Death to King George! Hang them all! Hang the monster! (FIFE CONTINUES PLAYING) It's time to take up arms. My name is Peter Howard. I lost most of my hearing and my left leg fighting for the Crown in the French and Indian War. And how does King George reward me? He cuts off my other leg with taxes. (CLEARS THROAT) Miss Howard, isn't it? You know who I am, Gabriel Martin. The last time you saw me I was 11 and you put ink in my tea. Oh, I believe that was one of my younger brothers. Samuel or Nathan. It was you. And it turned my teeth black for a month. I, er... It was you. And it turned my teeth black for a month. I, er... And we must do it now and send a message to King George he will never forget! (CHEERING) (CHATTERING) Our first order of business` And our last if we vote a levy! (CHATTERING) Our first order of business` And our last if we vote a levy! Order! Order! Mr Simms, you do not have the floor! First, Colonel Harry Burwell of the Continental army. Colonel Burwell. You all know why I'm here. I'm not an orator. And I would not try to convince you of the worthiness of our cause. I'm a soldier. And we are at war. From Philadelphia we expect a declaration of independence. Eight of the 13 Colonies levied money for a Continental army. I ask South Carolina to be the ninth. Massachusetts and Virginia may be at war, but South Carolina is not. Hear! Hear! (OTHERS) Hear! Hear! This is not a war for one or two colonies but for a whole nation. What nation is that? An American nation! To speak of such is treason. We are citizens of an American nation. Our rights are being threatened by a tyrant 3000 miles away! Would you tell me, please, Mr Howard, why should I trade one tyrant 3000 miles away for 3000 tyrants one mile away? (LAUGHTER) An elected legislature can trample a man's rights as easily as a king can. Captain Martin, I understood you to be a patriot. If you mean am I angry about taxation without representation, yes, I am. Should the American Colonies govern themselves independently? I believe they can and they should. But if you ask me am I willing to go to war with England, the answer is most definitely, 'No'. (CHATTERING) This from the same Captain Benjamin Martin whose fury was so famous in the Wilderness campaign? I was intemperate in my youth. A convenient disguise for fear. Mr Middleton, I fought with Captain Martin under Washington in the French and Indian War. There is not a man here or anywhere, for that matter, to whom I would rather trust my life. There are alternatives to war. We plead with the King. Yes, we've tried that. We plead with the King. Yes, we've tried that. We try again, and again if necessary, to avoid a war. I was at Bunker Hill. The British advanced three times. We killed over 700 of them and still they took the ground. That is the measure of their resolve. If your principles dictate independence, then war is the only way. It has come to that. Hear! Hear! Hear! Hear! I have seven children. My wife is dead. Who's to care for them if I go to war? Wars are not fought only by childless men. Granted. But mark my words. This war will be fought not on the frontier or on some distant battlefield but amongst us. Among our homes. Our children will learn of it with their own eyes. And the innocent will die with the rest of us. I will not fight. And because I will not fight I will not cast a vote that will send others to fight in my stead. And your principles? I'm a parent. I haven't got the luxury of principles. We must vote the levy! (SHOUTING) (COUGHS) 28 and 12! The levy passed! (CHEERING) Do you intend to enlist without my permission? Yes, I do. Father, I thought you were a man of principle. When you have a family of your own, perhaps you'll understand. When I have a family of my own, I won't hide behind them. He's as imprudent as his father was at his age. Regrettably so. I'll see to it that he serves under me. I'll make him a clerk or a quartermaster, something like that. Good luck. (GUNSHOTS) Down with King George! Down with the Crown! 'Dear Thomas, many seasons have passed but it seems like yesterday 'when we last saw each other in Charlestown. I heard of its fall 'to the British under General Cornwallis. 'Aunt Charlotte wrote to me. 'She closed her home after the city fell and moved to her plantation.' 'Here in the north our campaign has been marked by defeat and privation. 'Our losses have been grievous. Ugh! 'My good friend, Peter Cuppin, fell at Elizabethtown.' No...! 'His death has been difficult to bear. 'We are told that soon we will march south with General Gates to fight the redcoats under Cornwallis.' Thank you, sir. Come on. Giddap! Thank you, sir. Come on. Giddap! (CATTLE GRUNT) (NEIGHING) (NEIGHS) Come back! 'I envy you. Your youth, your distance...' ...from this cruel conflict of which I am a part. But I am serving the cause of liberty. I fear death but each day in prayer I reaffirm my willingness to give my life in its service. Pray for me, but above all, pray for the cause. Your loving brother, Gabriel. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) What are you doing? Turn around. (SIGHS) Not yet, Thomas. When? 17. That's two years. It's already been two. The war could be over. That's two years. It's already been two. The war could be over. God willing. All right. 17. All right. Put it back, please. Father. What happened at Fort Wilderness? Put it away. (DISTANT CANNON FIRE) (DISTANT CANNON FIRE CONTINUES) Six-pounders. Lots of them. How far away? Oh, they're a long way off. They're most likely headed in the other direction. Put those in the house. But` Must I tell you again? Let's all stay close into the house tonight, all right? (DISTANT CANNON FIRE CONTINUES) (PANTS) (DISTANT BARKING) We're gonna have to fight them off. Won't Father do that? They'll probably kill us men and do Lord knows what to you women. Nathan. (DOOR CREAKS) What did I do? What? Are you kidding me? Slowly turn. Father. Ugh! Abigale! Gabriel! Water and bandages! Ugh! The battle. Were you there? Have you seen any redcoats? Not yet. Abigale, the children, please. Children, come. Upstairs. Ugh! Gates marched us straight at them. Our lines broke. The British Green Dragoons cut us to bits. (PANTS) I was given these dispatches. As I left I saw the Virginia Irregulars surrender. (PANTS) The dragoons rode into them. They killed them all. Over 200 men. I have to deliver the dispatches. You're in no condition. I can't stay. It's not safe. (SHOUTING) (EXPLOSIONS) (SHOUTING) Retreat! Fire! Aaargh! (NEIGHING) (CLOCK TICKS) (NEIGHING) Bring the men around! (CHATTERING) Get it to stop. Save your strength. Thank you for the care of His Majesty's soldiers. < (NEIGHING / GALLOPING) Lieutenant, have our wounded taken away. Yes, sir. Fire the house and barns. Let it be known, if you harbour the enemy, you will lose your home. By order of King George, all slaves of the American Colonies who fight for him will be freed By order of King George, all slaves with our victory. for him will be freed By order of King George, all slaves with our victory. Sir, we're not slaves. We work this land. We're freed men. Well, then, you're freed men with the privilege to fight for the King. Rebel dispatches, sir. Who carried this? Who carried this?! I did, sir. These people gave me care. They have nothing to do with the dispatches. Take this one to Camden. He's a spy. Hang him. He's a dispatch rider. That's a marked case. Destroy the livestock. Colonel, this is a uniformed dispatch rider. He cannot be held as a spy. We won't hold him. We'll hang him. Colonel` (Father!) Oh, I see. He's your son. Perhaps you should have taught him something of loyalty. Colonel, I beg you, please reconsider. By the rules of war` Would you like a lesson, sir, in the rules of war? Or perhaps your children would? No lesson is necessary. Sir, what of the rebel wounded? Kill them. Father. Father, do something! (Be quiet!) Gabriel, run! Thomas! Wait! (GUNSHOT) No...! No...! No! Thomas! (GASPS) Stupid boy. Captain. Dragoons! Thomas! (PANTS) Grab the silver! Come here. (SOBS) Abigale! No! Mercy! > No! > No! Please! Fire! Ready. Aim. Fire! (BREATHES HEAVILY) All of you stay here. Nathan, Samuel. Margaret. Hide in the fields. If we're not back by sunset, go to Aunt Charlotte's. Is that clear? Boys. (PANTS) (PANTS) It's a good spot. Boys, listen to me. I'll fire first. Start with the officers and work your way down. Can you tell the difference? Yes, Father. Yes, Father. Samuel, after you shoot reload for Nathan. Now, if anything should happen to me, I want you to run away quickly. Hide in the brush and go to Aunt Charlotte's, OK? What did I say about shooting? (BOTH) Aim small, miss small. Aim small, miss small. (PANTS) Boys, Samuel, steady. (Lord, make me fast and accurate.) (Aim small, miss small.) (Aim small, miss small.) (Aim small, miss small.) (PANTS / SOBS) Ugh! To the right! Left! Behind us! On the ridge! Form ranks! To the right! About face! Sergeant! To the rear! To the right. Argh! Reload! Reload! (PANTS) Aaaargh! To the rear! The rear! Raaaargh! Ugh! Aaargh! Ugh! Aaaargh! (MOANS) (GRUNTS) < (GRUNTING / SPLASHING) (GRUNTS / SOBS) (GROWLS) No...! (PANTS) Sir, we have the private the Cherokee scouts brought in. Private. Colonel William Tavington, Green Dragoons. What happened? Who did this? Erm... It was mad. I couldn't really tell you who it was. Calm down, lad. 20 of His Majesty's soldiers are dead. I need to know how. He said` Were you there? Then, let him speak. Take your time and tell me. How many were there? Militia? Regulars? I don't really remember how many. Maybe one. One man? Really? He was on the flank. All around us. Amongst us. I could barely see him. Amongst us. I could barely see him. He just vanished? It sounds more like a ghost. Yes, a ghost. He was like a ghost. Enough. Bordon, take a patrol. Catch this ghost before word spreads. Who's this? Captain Wilkins of the Loyalist Colonial Militia. I thought he might be useful. Another Colonial. And where do your loyalties lie? To king and country. And where do your loyalties lie? To king and country. Why should I trust you? Those who stand against England deserve to die a traitor's death. We'll see. Mr Martin! Miss Charlotte! Miss Charlotte! (HORSES NEIGH) You're safe now. Try to sleep. Night. Good night. (Father.) Good night. (Father.) Yes? (I killed those men.) You did what I told you to do. You did what you had to. There was no wrong in it. I'm glad I killed them. I'm glad. Get some rest. Samuel. You've done nothing for which you should be ashamed. I've done nothing. (SIGHS) And for that I am ashamed. Gates and the Continental army are at Hillsbrough. I'm joining up with them. Gabriel. No, no. Your place is here now. I'm a soldier. It's my duty. Your duty is to your family. Don't you walk away from me, boy! I'll find you when it's over. I forbid you to go! I'm not a child! I forbid you to go! I'm not a child! You're my child! Goodbye, Father. Gabriel. Thomas is dead. How many more have to die before you'll heed my word? Hyah! Hyah! I'm losing my family. When will you be back? I don't know. Tomorrow? No, not tomorrow. Say your prayers. I will. Nathan, I want you to take care of them and your Aunt Charlotte. I'm depending on you. The same for you, Samuel. All right? Susan... Goodbye... Thank you. (NEIGHING) Hyah! Hyah! (DISTANT CANNON FIRE) (EXPLOSIONS / CHEERING) (EXPLOSIONS / CHEERING CONTINUES) (DISTANT FIFES PLAY 'THE BRITISH GRENADIER') Fire! Advance! (SOLDIERS) Advance! Halt! Make ready! Make ready! Make ready! Take aim! Take aim! Take aim! Fire! I'm not going back. No, I didn't expect you would. (SIGHS) That Gates is a damn fool. He spent too many years in the British army. Going muzzle to muzzle with redcoats in an open field is madness. Halt! Make ready! Present! Fire! This battle was over before it began. (NEIGHING) Retreat! Hold your lines! These rustics are so inept. It nearly takes the honour out of victory. Nearly. (SNIGGERS) No! No! No! Aaargh! Hold, hold him firm. Ready? Hold him down! Bring me the bone saw. Aaargh! (MOANING / GROANING) Where's your commanding officer? In that tent. It's a lost cause. Benjamin Martin. (SIGHS) I'm in no mood for a lecture. Benjamin Martin. (SIGHS) I'm in no mood for a lecture. Where's your General Gates now? The last anyone saw, riding hard northeast, his staff a hundred yards behind trying to catch up. So, who's in command? I am. I think. What are my orders? We're a breath away from losing this war. In the north, Washington is reeling. He's running and hiding from 12,000 redcoats. In the south, Cornwallis has broken our back. He captured 5000 at Charlestown. And he destroyed the only army between him and New York. There's nothing to stop him heading north to Washington. Unless we keep him here until the French arrive. They promised a fleet and 10,000 troops. When? Er, six months at the earliest. When? Er, six months at the earliest. (SIGHS) You trust them to keep their word? (SIGHS) You trust them to keep their word? Absolument. Benjamin Martin, Major Jean Villeneuve. He's here to train the militia. The hero of Fort Wilderness. Your reputation precedes you. You really expect to hold Cornwallis here with just militia. Not me. You. (LAUGHS) Harry, they're farmers. They'd be better off letting the British through. They'd be better off but the cause wouldn't. How many men does Cornwallis have? 8000 infantry and around 600 cavalry. I'm giving you a field commission as a colonel. I request my son under my command? commission as a colonel. I request my son under my command? Sir, no. I` That's done. Thank you. Colonel, I've been a soldier now for two years, as a scout, marksman, scavenger. Is that so? I could better serve the regulars. Where did you learn all that? My father. Did he teach you any humility? He tried. It didn't take. He also taught you every deer path and trail between here and Charlestown, which is why he asked for your transfer. We'll put the word out. Start on` We'll cover more ground separately. Very well, Corporal. You take Harrisville, Pembrooke, Wakefield. We'll meet at the old Spanish mission in Black Swamp. Yes, sir. And, Corporal, be careful. Yes, sir. (SIGHS) Do you have children? French! It skirts the mountain and extends down here and right across the far bank of the Ohio river. It's 100,000 acres. It's imposing land ground, my lord. You will be a country unto yourself. His Majesty's most generous. Your service here warrants such a gift. Yes. This is how His Majesty rewards those who fight for him as gentlemen. I dare to presume my own meagre contributions will be rewarded. You may presume too much. His Majesty, like history, judges us, not only by the outcome, but by how we fought. My lord? We must serve the Crown accordingly. Surrendering troops will be given quarter. These brutal tactics must stop! Is it not enough that I have never lost a battle? The manner in which you serve me reflects upon me! I thought a gentleman from a family as esteemed as yours would understand that. My late father squandered any esteem we held, along with my inheritance. I advance myself only through victory. You advance yourself only through my good graces. These Colonials are our brethren. When this conflict is over we will re-establish commerce with them. Do you understand? Perfectly, my lord. (CROWS CAW) Perfectly, my lord. (CROWS CAW) (SINGING / ORGAN PLAYS) (CONGREGATION CONTINUES SINGING) (ALL) # Amen... # Reverend, I'd like to make an announcement. Young man, this is a house of God. I understand that, Reverend. I apologise. The South Carolina militia is being called up. I'm here to enlist men. Son, we are here to pray for the souls of those men hanging outside. Yes, pray for them. But honour them by taking up arms with us. And bring more suffering? If King George can hang them, he can hang any one of us. Dan Scott, barely a week ago I heard you rail for two hours about independence. (CHATTERING) Mr Hardwick, how many times have you spoken of freedom at my father's table? Half the men in this church, including you, Father, and you, Reverend, are as ardent patriots as I. Will you now, when you are needed most, stop at only words? Is that the sort of men you are? I ask only that you act upon the beliefs of which you have so strongly spoken and in which you so strongly believe. Who's with us? (MUTTERING) Promise me you won't... Mr Howard, er, sir, may I write to Anne? Eh? (LOUDER) May I write to Anne? Eh? (LOUDER) May I write to Anne? Yes. You have permission to write me. Oh, write her. to write me. Oh, write her. Yes, sir. Very well. Thank you, sir. Reverend? A shepherd must tend his flock... and at times fight off the wolves. (CHILDREN GIGGLE) (FIDDLE MUSIC / CHATTERING) (MUSIC CONTINUES / LAUGHTER) Cheers! Are you sure this is the right place to recruit? God save King George! (MUSIC STOPS) (PISTOLS CLICK) (SHOUTING) Bastard! (PANTS) I think it's the right place. TENSE MUSIC (SIGHS) BEEPING, INDISTINCT SPEECH LOUD CLANGING CLATTERING CAR ALARM CHIRPS TENSE MUSIC (FIDDLE MUSIC) Any bounty? No scalp money, Rawlins. But you can keep and sell back to me the gear of any redcoat you kill. They hanged my brother. Every damn one of them redcoats deserves to die. Sign on up. With my ailment I wouldn't make it. You can have my negro. He'll fight for me. Occam, get over here. He ain't overly smart. He's strong as a bull. Can you write? He's strong as a bull. Can you write? No. No. No, sir. Make your mark. Why? I signed him over to you. If you're willing, make your mark. That'll do. I wanna kill me some redcoats. I believe you would. How old are you, son? Not old enough. His time will come. John Billings. I hoped you'd come. There's a rumour that 20 redcoats got killed by a ghost with a Cherokee tomahawk. Aren't you a little old to be believing in ghost stories? (SNIGGERS) Look at the little gentlemen (!) Where's your mothers? He doesn't shave! (LAUGHTER) How many did you get? 12. Good. These men, they're not the sort we need. They're exactly the sort we need. They fought this kind of war before. What about me? Am I one of that sort? Hell, no. You're the sort that gives that sort a bad name. (SNIGGERS) I want accuracy and precision. Ready! Take aim! Fire! 'Dear Anne, our force continues to grow. 'As long as we continue to fight others will come to stand and fight beside us. 'I long to see you and speak to you. I'm hopeful that our duties will bring me near you. 'I am and will remain most affectionately yours. Gabriel.' (GUNSHOTS) Come on! To the woods! Yaaargh! We surrender! We surren- Argh! Ugh! No! For the love of God we` ! They were about to surrender! Perhaps. We will never know. It is murder! Reverend, they're redcoats. They've earned it. We are better men than that. What do you know? I know the difference` ! Go back...! Quiet! He's right. In the future, full quarter will be given. The British fired on a ship carrying my wife and daughters. I watched, 200 yards off, as they were burnt alive. You have my sympathy. Damn your sympathy. Who are you to order this? I know what you and your men did to my countrymen at Fort Wilderness. We're militia. This is not regular army. Every man here is free to come and go as he pleases, but while you are here you will obey my command or I will have you shot. (BOTH BARK) Shoot em! Just shoot. Stay that pistol. Shoot em! Just shoot. Stay that pistol. They won't let us near. (BOTH BARK) From Madeira. No wonder they were guarding it. Officers' uniforms. No wonder they were guarding it. Officers' uniforms. How much do you think it's worth? It's the personal correspondence of Lord Cornwallis. This is his journal. Let's drink the wine, eat the dogs and use the paper for our muskets. Let's drink the wine, eat the dogs and use the paper for our muskets. Eat the dogs? A dog is a fine meal. Uh-huh. Good heavens. (SNIGGERS) (ACCORDION PLAYS / CHATTERING) (SINGING) I have some maps here for you, sir. Put them down over there. Thank you. Here. A proper musket for you. I don't like the idea of giving muskets to slaves. Your sense of freedom is as pale as your skin. Don't listen to them. If we win this war, a lot of things will change. What will change? They call this the New World. It's not. It's the same as the old. But we'll have a chance to build a new world. A world where all men are created equal under God. Equal? It sounds good. I've just been in the mind of a genius. Cornwallis knows more about warfare than we could learn in a dozen lifetimes. Cheerful news (!) His wins at Camden and Charlestown were perfect. Perfect. And he knows it, what's more. And perhaps that's his weakness. Sir? Pride. Pride's a weakness. Personally, I would prefer stupidity. Pride will do. (LAUGHS) (LAUGHTER / CHATTERING) (LAUGHS) Finished, my lord. I've taken it in at the back, added wider epaulettes and looped gold braiding. It's a horse blanket. I don't know. It's really... quite nice. Very well. It's a nice horse blanket. Colonel Tavington, why, after six weeks, am I still here in South Carolina when I should be in North Carolina? First, the theft of my baggage, including my memoirs which took me countless hours, then bridges between here and Charlestown burned. If you can't protect our supply lines against militia, how will you do so against Colonial regulars? They won't fight like regulars. Colonel, they're militia! They're farmers with pitchforks! They're rather more than that, I'm afraid, My Lord. Made so by their commander. This... ghost. Ghost. Ghost! You created this ghost, Colonel. My lord? Your brutality has swelled his ranks. I could have been in North Carolina or Virginia! In my defence` Enough. Enough. A fine soldier you are (!) Bested by a bedtime story. Give me the horse blanket. My Lord. Our supply ship appears to have arrived. Yes, yes, my lord. It has. Then, why am I wearing this rag? Your replacement wardrobe is aboard, but Colonel Tavington wanted our arms and munitions unloaded first. You look good in that colour. (SIGHS) You look good in that colour. (SIGHS) It stinks. Mmm. Well, it's had a dead man in it. The beast took your dogs as well? Mmm. Well, it's had a dead man in it. The beast took your dogs as well? Yes. Yes. Fine animals. A gift from His Majesty. Dead now, for all I know. Is there no decency? Oh... (LAUGHS) Oh, fireworks! Lovely! (LAUGHS) Ho! Papa! (CHATTERING) (DOOR OPENS) Mr Howard, I've come to call on Anne. (LOUDER) I've come to call on Anne. Of course you call yourself a man. on Anne. Of course you call yourself a man. Father, stop it. You heard him. Well, call on her. Ow. Nearly finished. (FOOTSTEPS) You needn't worry, Father. I-I know. I think bundling bags are a wonderful tradition. I don't mind. Ow! Keep still. Tea? Please. There. Come, dear. (GROANS) Mmm. It's very good. (LAUGHS) I'm pleased that you like it. (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) (Peter.) Don't worry. I sew better than my mother did. I hope so. If you're just gonna stand there, read it for us. I can't read. I can. It says, 'Take notice.' 'By order of General Washington and the Continental Congress, all bound slaves who give minimum of one year's service in our army will be granted freedom and be paid five shillings for each month of service.' Did you hear? They'll free and pay 'em. Only another six months. What in the hell are you gonna do with freedom? I made this for you. Martha. Look after your mother. (SIGHS) Well, you know, Peter, I can't pay you for this. Benjamin, you pay me what you can when you can. I'm obliged. Gabriel. He sure reminds me a lot of you. Gabriel. He sure reminds me a lot of you. No, no, no, no. He's more like his mother. Corporal, take your time. Dogs. (BOTH BARK) Sir. (CLEARS THROAT) This road is closed! These wagons now belong to the Continental army. Ready arms! (WHISTLES) By twos! There's no need for you and your men to die. Go. This is the King's highway and I advise you and your men to make way. Order ranks! Present! < (NEIGHING) Charge! Fire! Retreat! Fire! Save yourselves! To the horses! Fire! Help! Ugh! Follow! (CHEERING) Retreat! Hyah! Hyah! (CHEERING) Ambush! Ambush! Hyah! Form square! Form square! (SPLASHING) I have the count. 22 are dead, 18 wounded and 20 are missing. I'm through. He won't be the last to leave. Soon my countrymen will arrive. To hell with you and the French army. We don't need 'em. We got Benjamin Martin. We know what he done to the French. (LAUGHTER) (SIGHS) Father, wherever you go men buy you drinks because of Fort Wilderness. Strangers know more about you than I do. Tell me what happened. Your mother asked me that question around about the time you were born. I was drunk and foolish enough to answer it. The French and the Cherokee had raided along the Blue Ridge. The English settlers went to Fort Charles. By the time we got there the fort was abandoned. They'd left about a week before. But what we found was... Go on. They'd killed all the settlers. The men... With the women and... some of the children they had... We buried them all, what was left of them. We caught up with them at Fort Wilderness. We took our time. We cut 'em apart. Slowly. Piece by piece. I can see their faces. I can still hear their screams. All but two. We let them live. We placed the heads on a palette and sent them back with the two that lived. The eyes, tongues and fingers we put in baskets. We sent them down to the Cherokee. Soon after, the Cherokee broke their treaty with the French. That's how we justified it. We were... heroes. And men bought you drinks. And not a day goes by where I don't ask God's forgiveness for what I did. Thomas was my brother as well as your son. You may not believe this but I want satisfaction as much as you do. But not at the expense of our cause. There will be a time for revenge. And until then, stay the course. (LAUGHS) That's what your mother said to me when I lost my temper. It's what she said to me when I picked on Thomas. I miss him. (SPLASHING) (GRUNTING) The British got 18 of our men at Fort Carolina. They'll be hung one at a time until they give us up. Pull! Reverend, can you write a letter for me to my wife and boy? Of course I will. But first, let us pray. Over there! (DOGS BARK) There is a rider at the gates. A civilian with a white flag. I am occupied. He has a pair of dogs with him. Great Danes. And, dear Lord, protect us in our hour of need. This we ask in the name of the Father, the Son` And the Holy Ghost. Wait here. Lord Cornwallis will be with you shortly. (SIGHS) Jupiter. Mars. Come, boys. Come. (GROANS) Come. (BOTH GROAN) My good boys. My brave boys. You seem to be well fed. I thank you for that. I'm afraid, I, er, I don't know your name. I'm a colonel with the Continental Army. My rank is sufficient. As you wish. Please be seated. Thank you. Would you, as the initiating officer, care to begin? I will, unless you would like to claim a grieved status. I would like to. Very well, sir. Proceed. You have in your possession certain belongings of mine, including personal effects of a non-military nature, which I would like to have returned. Indeed. I will do so as soon as possible. Thank you. Now we come to the matter of the specific targeting officers during engagements. Come, you must know that in civilised warfare officers must not be accorded inappropriate levels of hostile intention. To your mind what are appropriate levels of hostile intention? Imagine the chaos that would follow leaderless armies having at each other. There must be gentlemen in command to lead and, where necessary, restrain their men. Restrain them from say, targeting civilians? Women, children and such? (SIGHS) That's a separate issue. No. I consider them linked. As long as you attack civilians, I will order the shooting of officers. And my men are excellent marksmen. Very well. Now let us move to` Very well. Now let us move to` Prisoner exchange. Sir? You have 18 of my men. I want them back. (VOICE MUTED) I have 18 criminals under sentence of death. But I hold no prisoners of war. If that's your position, 18 of your officers will have to die. 19, if you hang me. My officers? Sir. (SIGHS) The top of the ridge, just below the tree line. Their names and ranks. They refused to give me names. There are nine lieutenants, five captains, three majors and a fat colonel who called me, 'a cheeky fellow.' This is not the conduct of a gentleman. If your officers are the measure of a gentleman, that's a compliment. Get my men. Arrange the exchange. My Lord. Thank you, sir. (BOTH WHINE) (BOTH GROAN) General quarters! Open the gates! Release the prisoners! General, what is this? Prisoner exchange. He has 18 of our officers. I recognise him. He is the commander of the militia. Your ghost. Stay that sword, Colonel! He rode in under a white flag. This is madness. If you harm him, you condemn our officers. General, with respect, sir, he has killed as many officers recently. He has shown no aggression here, hence he cannot be touched. killed as many officers recently. He has shown no aggression here, hence he cannot be touched. Has he not? You! So, you're the ghost, are you? I remember you and that stupid little boy! Did he die, hmm? You know, it's an ugly business doing one's duty but just occasionally it's a real pleasure. Before this war is over I'm going to kill you. Why wait? Soon. (WHISTLES) (BOTH BARK) (DOGS CONTINUE BARKING) Move out! Giddap. I think if we push north` One of our captured officers, My Lord. My reputation suffers because of your incompetence! That man... insults me! Quite impressive for a farmer with a pitchfork, wouldn't you say? I want you to find that man. I want you to capture him. The man has the loyalty of the people. They protect him, his family and the families of his men. I can capture him for you. But to do so requires the use of tactics that are somewhat... What was the word Your Lordship used? Brutal, I think. Go on. I am prepared to do what is necessary. I alone will assume the full mantle of the responsibility of my actions, free of the chain of command, rendering you blameless. However, if I do this, you and I know that I can never return to England with honour. What, I wonder, is to become of me? When this war is over here in the Colonies, the new aristocracy will be landowners. Tell me about... Ohio. Make way! Make way! As you were. Wilkins. The plantation seven miles from Wakefield on the Santee, east of Black Swamp. Who lived there? Benjamin Martin. He's the ghost. What do you know about him? Everything. I know his boot size. Does he have family? Where would he hide his children? His wife's sister has a plantation. It's not far. (DISTANT NEIGHING) (GALLOPING OF HOOVES) (Aunt Charlotte, wake up. Someone's coming.) (NEIGHING) Get the boys. Margaret, come quickly. Let's go. Boys. Come. Go. Stay close. This way. Follow me. We'll go downstairs to the kitchen. (Margaret, quick. Go down fast.) (Samuel, hurry.) (FOOTSTEPS) (FOOTSTEPS) (MUSKET CLICKS) (FOOTSTEPS) (MUSKET CLICKS) (DISTANT SHOUTING) Beneath the sill! There! There's no one in the house, sir. Beneath the sill! There! There's no one in the house, sir. They can't be far. Search the outbuildings and woods. Yes, sir. (DISTANT NEIGHING / SHOUTING) (Go.) These are 10 of the house slaves, sir. Where are they hiding? (ALL GASP) Where are they hiding? (ALL GASP) Keep looking! They're here! (GASPS) Gabriel. Where's Father? Shh. < Torch it! (HORSE NEIGHS) To horse! Come on! Come on! Let's go! (OK, let's go. Susan. Come here.) Hyah! Hyah! (Charlotte.) Hyah! Hyah! Hyah! They won't stop looking for us. You'll be safe where we're taking you. Father said it was a perfect place to hide. How is he? (SIGHS) I don't know. I'm his son. Where is Father? (LAUGHS) Where is Father? (LAUGHS) Speaking for months now. Speaking for months. Speaking for months now. Speaking for months. Why did he go? Er, well, he didn't want those mean men to find you so he led them away. But he'll come and see you soon. I don't care. I hate him. Oh, Susan, you don't hate him. I hate him and I hope he never comes back. (CHATTERING) (GOAT BLEATS / HENS CLUCK) It's the children. Abigale! (BOTH LAUGH) You're alive! (ALL LAUGH) (LAUGHS) Margaret. She spoke. Susan talked to you? In full sentences. As if she had been speaking all along. (LAUGH) Damn. I wasn't there for it. What did she say? She said, erm, that she loves you and, er, misses you. But she understands why you can't be there. My Lord. She said that? Isn't that something? Tavington has a list of our men. He's burning our homes, killing whomever resists. Where? Seven homes along the Santee so far. Hyah! Hyah! (PANTS) John. (PANTS) John, John, this is not a time for vengeance. This is a time for mourning. John. No! No! Attend to your families. One week furlough for all men. Any man who does not return will not be thought a coward or uncommitted. (SINGING / CLAPPING) Father! Father! Father! Meg! (CHILDREN) Father! (LAUGHTER) Gabriel! What have you been feeding them? (LAUGHTER) Gabriel! What have you been feeding them? They're from good stock on their father's side. Susan. (THUNDER) (LAUGHTER) I see it. There it is. Look. I got it! I got it! Look! I got it! All the fish are over here. (CHILDREN CHATTER) Father, what changed you? Are you sure I have? Yes. You've changed. (SIGHS) Well, that's simple. It was your mother. A woman can have a strange affect on a man. Yeah. There were times I had trouble breathing around your mother. I know the feeling. You once said,... when I had a family of my own I'd understand. You were right. You're trying to tell me something. (BOTH LAUGH) Apple? Thank you. (LAUGHS) Congratulations. (LAUGHS) Congratulations. Anne Patricia Howard, will you have this man to be your husband, to live in the covenant of marriage? Will you love, comfort and honour him for so long as you both shall live? I will. Gabriel Edward Martin, will you have this woman to be your wife in the covenant of marriage? Will you love, comfort and honour her? I will. By the power vested in me by our mutual faith in the Lord, our God, I now pronounce you man and wife. (CLAPPING) (CHEERING) (CALYPSO MUSIC / CHATTERING) (LAUGHS) I'm sorry we gave you no warning. (LAUGHS) I'm sorry we gave you no warning. It's fine. I have something for you. (SIGHS) It belonged to Gabriel's mother. It's beautiful. (SIGHS) Allow me. It's the North Star. That's the only star in the sky that never moves. It's constant, unwavering, a guide. I'd be honoured. May I? (SIGHS) If you must. I must. (LAUGHS) (SIGHS) May I sit with you? It's a free country. Or at least, it will be. (LAUGHS) (SIGHS) I'm not my sister. I know, I know that. Do you? Yes, I do. Very well, then. (SIGHS) Well? Well, what? Oh. I'll see you in Pembroke soon. Not soon enough. Nathan, I'm counting on you to make sure` Say my prayers and take care of them. I couldn't have said it better. Goodbye. I couldn't have said it better. Goodbye. Goodbye. (CHILDREN SNIGGER) (SIGHS) Goodbye, Susan. Goodbye? Just one word, that's all. No? All right. (SOBS) Papa! (SOBS) Papa, don't go! I'll say anything! (CONTINUES SOBBING) Please. I'll say anything you want. Tell me what you want me to say! Stay. I promise, Papa. Please don't go. Susan. (SOBS) I promise I'll come back. I'll come back. Do you believe me? You make me very happy. Is it just the three of us? John Raskin did come by. He looked around and left. It would have made four. Four would have been better. (SPLASHING) (SPLASHING) Whoa. Whoa. I got another two months to go before I get to twelve months. Colonel. Reverend. Trust the French. Yes, trust the French. Where else do I get to kill redcoats? Perhaps a few wounded ones when you're not looking. (LAUGHS) (CHATTERING) Whoa. Everyone's been requested to gather at the church. Mr Wilkins? Colonel Tavington wishes to address the whole village. (CHATTERING) (TROTTING) This town has given aid to Benjamin Martin and his rebels. I wish to know his whereabouts. So, anyone who comes forward will be forgiven their treason. Very well. You had your chance. Wait. He gives him supplies. Quiet. Black Swamp. He lies! The Spanish mission. Fool! This man here? Yes. The Black Swamp? By the Spanish mission? Thank you very much. Shut the doors. But... you said... we'd be forgiven. And indeed you may! But that's between you and God. (DOORS LOCK / CLANKING) Be strong. Ready to fire the town on your order. The town? (LAUGHS) Burn the church. There's no honour in this. Didn't you say, 'All those who stand against England deserve to die a traitor's death'? Burn the church, Captain. Give me the torch. Burn the church, Captain. Give me the torch. Sir. (SHOUTING) (SCREAMING) Remain calm. (SOBS) The honour is found in the end, not the means. This will be forgotten. Bordon. (MUFFLED SCREAMING / SHOUTING) (SOBS) (SCREAMING CONTINUES) (CAWING) (CAWING CONTINUES) Anne! Mrs Howard? Where is everybody? They're not, they're not here. Gabriel's gone. Hyah! Hyah! Hyah! To arms! To arms! Raaargh! Ugh! Ugh! (GROANS) (GRUNTS) (GROANS) (GRUNTS) Raargh! (GRUNTS) Aaargh! Hyah! (PANTS) Father` Shh. Don't talk. Don't talk. Father` Shh. I'm sorry. Shh. Be quiet. You'll be all right. Father. I'm sorry about Thomas. Oh, son, that wasn't your fault. That was mine. (GASPS) Hold on. You'll be all right. You'll` Don't go. Gabriel, don't` Gabriel. Oh! Ugh! (PANTS) Oh, God help me. God help me. (PANTS) (SOBS) Where is he? I'll help you bury him. I'll bury him. My wife in Alexandria is with child. My first. I fight for that child. Benjamin, nothing will replace your sons, but if you come with us, you can justify their sacrifice. Why? Why do men feel they can justify death? Is it arrogance? I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me. And the cost is more than I can bear. Benjamin, we have a chance. Green and Dan Morgan are down from Virginia. If we win this next battle, victory in the war is within our grasp. Go, then. Seek your victory. I am small issue to it. Go, then. Seek your victory. I am small issue to it. You're wrong. You matter to your men... and to others as well. Your victories and,... and your losses are shared by more than you know. Stay with us. Stay the course. I've run my course. You men will be leaving with us. Yes. Prepare the baggage. (DRUMMING) (FIFE PLAYS) Jean. Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! (ALL CONTINUE CHEERING) Huzzah! Huzzah! Tomorrow's battle can alter the course of the war. General Green, what is the task before us? Cornwallis has us cornered. Not only does he outnumber us but nearly half of our force is militia. (SIGHS) Unreliable at best. Excuse me, sir. I believe you underestimate our militia. All of you do. We've seen militia lines break time and again. Kipp's Bay, Princeton` But the British have seen that too. Cornwallis's letters show he has no respect for militia. What are you suggesting, Ben? (SIGHS) I'm suggesting we use that. I know you men have, er, sacrificed a lot so far. All I'm asking is that you let the front line of militia fire two shots. A lot can happen in the time it takes to fire two shots. Especially against British regulars. Indeed. That's why I'm not asking you to fire three. If I die, I will die well dressed. Fire! Fire! Battalion... (SOLDIERS) Battalion! halt! Harry, will you give this to my children? Thank you. (EXPLOSION) It's October now. I know. That's more than twelve months. You're a free man. I'm here now on my own accord. I'm honoured to have you with us. Honoured. Shoulder arms! (SOLDIERS) Shoulder arms! Forward... Company! ...march! (DRUMMING) How old were your daughters? Juliet was 12 and Pauline 10. They had green eyes. I'm sure they were lovely. Yes. They were. (CANNONADE ROARS) Battalion march! (SOLDIERS) Ready! Fire! Unless I'm dreaming, I believe I see militia... forming at their centre. Battalion halt! (TAKES A DEEP BREATH) Dress ranks! Make ready! (SOLDIERS) Ready! Battalion halt! (SOLDIERS) Battalion halt! Take aim! (SOLDIERS) Take aim! Fire! Fire! Battalion ready! Fire! Fire! Aaaaargh! Fire! Aaaaargh! Reload! Hold the line! Hold the line! (EXPLOSIONS) Prepare to charge! We haven't been given that order. Charge! Charge! Tavington. Damn him! Damn that man! (GALLOPING) Make ready! Take aim! Take aim! Fire! Return fire! (SOLDIERS) Fire! Retreat! (CHEERING) Bayonet charge. We'll see who takes the glory from this field. Charge! (CHEERING) Congratulations, My Lord. Infantry reserve into the centre. You have taken the field. Infantry reserve into the centre. You have taken the field. Now we shall take their spirits. Crush them. It ends today. Take aim! Halt the charge! Take aim! Halt the charge! Fire! Fire! Fire! Take aim! (SOLDIERS) Take aim! Fire! Charge! (CHEERING) Charge bayonets! (SOLDIERS) Huh! (CHEERING) Halt! Hold! Dress your ranks! Take aim! Fire! Charge! Fire! Charge! Charge! Retreat! Colonel! The line is faltering! Retreat! Retreat! Wait! No retreat! Hold the line! Hold the line! Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! Push forward, men! Yaaaargh! Aaaaargh! Yeah! Yeah! Forward! Yeah! Forward! (CHEERING) Artillery on the centre. If we reform and wheel right, we may turn their flank. You dream, General. (HORSE NEIGHS / GRUNTS) (GROANS) Raaargh! Aaargh! Aaaargh! Aaaargh! Aaaaargh! (PANTS) Kill me before the war is over, will you? It appears you are not the better man. You're right. (GROANS) My sons were better men. (CHEERING) Sound the retreat. Sound... retreat. (CHEERING CONTINUES) Huzzah! 'Dear Charlotte, 'the war has turned. Cornwallis fled with his army and moved north. 'We continued to engage the British. Cornwallis entrenched himself at York Town, Virginia. 'George Washington escaped from the north 'and surrounded Cornwallis, who could not retreat to the seas. 'It was blocked by our long-lost friends who had finally arrived.' Vive la France. Vive la liberte. Artillery General, tirez! My Lord, I beseech you, you must order the surrender. How could it come to this? An army of rabble. Peasants. Everything will change. Everything has changed. 'Though he eventually surrendered, Cornwallis himself hid in shame,... 'appointing his subordinate to relinquish his sword. 'With the war ending and our militia disbanding, I take measure of what we have lost and what we have won. 'My hope and prayer is that the sacrifices borne by so many 'will spawn and fulfil the promise of our new nation. 'Tell the children, and especially Susan, 'that I will keep my promise, as I will return to you all soon.' Where will you go now? Home. Start over. Your wife's expecting a child soon. She had a son three weeks ago. What did you name him? We named him Gabriel. Thank you, Harry. (SIGHS) Gabriel is a good name for a farmer. It is. It is. Jean. Ben. Jean. (LAUGHS) (LAUGHS) Bon chance. Toi aussi. (DOGS BARK) Ha! (DOGS BARK) Gabriel said if we won the war, we could build a whole new world. We just figured we'd get started right here... with your home. (LAUGHS) Sounds good. with your home. (LAUGHS) Sounds good. (LAUGHS) Thank you. (BOTH LAUGH) Ma'am.