"1776": Lines for John Adams

Jefferson: Mr. Adams, I beg you! I've not seen my wife these six months!

"... and we solemnly declare we will preserve our liberties, being with one mind resolved to die free men-- rather than to live slaves!" Thomas Jefferson, on the "Necessity of Taking up Arms," 1775! Magnificent! You write ten times better than any man in the Congress-- including me! For a man of only thirty-three years, you possess a happy talent for composition and a remarkable felicity of expression. Now! Will you be a patriot? Or a lover?!

Rutledge: Mr. Adams, you must believe that I will do what I have promised to do.

(A pause) What do y' want, Rutledge?

Hancock: I'm still from Massachusetts, John -- you know where I stand. I'll do whatever you say.

(Considering it) No -- you're the President of Congress. You're a fair man, Hancock -- stay that way. (COURIER enters with a dispatch, which JOHN takes and hands to THOMSON) Tell me, Mr. Thomson, out of curiosity -- Do you stand with Mr. Dickinson -- or do you stand with me? TMMT OOC

Jefferson (singing): Mr. Adams! Leave me alone ...!

(Firmly) Mr. Jefferson --

Jefferson: I leave tonight!

(Grabbing LEE's shoulders) Never mind that -- *is it done*?

Abigail: Ah, well, there you have me John -- I'm afraid you are pig-headed.

(HE smiles; a pause) Has it been any kind of a life for you, Abby? God knows I haven't given you much. HIBAKoLfYA

Franklin: Look at her, John-- just look at her!

(Hypnotized) I am --

Scene 6: Thomson: "... that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable Rights --"

(JOHN and FRANKLIN enter from S.R.) Jefferson-- we're back and we've got Mary-land-- that is, we *will*, soon as Chase gets through telling the Mary-land assembly what we saw in New Brunswick!

Hancock: G'night, then --

(JOHN looks around the Chamber, then goes to THOMSON's desk, picks up the dispatch, and sings) "IS ANBODY THERE...? DOES ANYBODY CARE..?" ...

Abigail: SALPETRE ... JOHN!!!

(JOHN turns back to the Chamber) McNair! Go out and buy every damned pin in Philadelphia!

Dickinson: Come now, James-- nothing has changed. We mustn't let Dr. Franklin create one of his confusions. The question is clear. Franklin: Most questions are clear when someone else has to decide them.

(Quietly; turning the screw) It would be a pity for a man who handed down hundreds of wise decisions from the bench to be remembered only for the one unwise decision he made in Congress.

Rutledge: Well, Mr. Adams--?

(Returning his stare) Well, Mr. Rutledge -- ?

Franklin and Jefferson (shrugging): The eagle.

(Singing) We're waiting for the ...

Franklin: Ah, yes -- of course.

(Sings) It's a masterpiece, I say. They will cheer, every word, every letter.

Livingston: Who'd'a thought it?

(Sings) Mr. Jefferson, dear Mr. Jefferson, ...

4-56 Franklin: Good thinking, John, good thinking!

(Stepping forward) Madame-- may I present myself? John Adams. (pause) Adams-- *John Adams*! (pause) and Dr. Franklin-- *Inventor of the stove*!! Jefferson--- would you kindly present me to your wife? She *is* your wife, isn't she?

Lee: Damn me if *I* haven't thought of someone!

(With Franklin) *Who*?!

Wilson: ... then surely the beast dropped dead on its own time!

*Good God*!! (Singing) They may may sit here for years and years in Philadelphia ...!

Congress (singing): Oh, for God's sake, John, sit down!

*Good God*!! Consider yourselves fortunate that you have John Adams to abuse, for no sane man would tolerate it!

Dickinson: Madman!

*Landlord*!!

Franklin: A Congressman dares anything. Go ahead.

*Me*?

Abigail: I'm afraid we have a more urgent problem, John.

*More* urgent, Madame?

Thomson: A unanimous vote being necessary to carry, if any be opposed to the resolution on Independence as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signifying by saying--

*Mr. President*!!

Lee: You sent for me Benjamin?

*Never*!!

Glee Club: (singing) Homicide! Homicide!

*Quiet*!! The choice is yours, Mr. Jefferson! (HE thrusts a pen into JEFFERSON's hand; evenly:) Do -- as -- you -- like -- with -- it.

All: *Shame!! Shame!! Sit down, John!*

-- Yes, I said *tyranny*! Massachusetts now and for all time says *Yea*!

Abigail: Foolishness, John.

-- that I am pig-headed--

Abigail: Nonsense, John.

-- that I am unwilling to face reality --

Franklin: It's a luxury we can't afford.

A *luxury*... a half million souls in chains, and Dr. Franklin calls it a luxury? Maybe you should've walked out with the South!

Abigail: That I play cards badly?

A compliment!

Abigail: That I am pigeon-toed?

Ah, well, there you have me, Abby-- I'm afraid you *are* pigeon toed. Come to Philadelphia, Abigail-- please come.

Scene 5: Thomson: -- a committee formed to answer all Congressional correspondence designated as the Congressional Correspondence Committee --

All right, Franklin-- enough socializing-- there's work to be done! ARF ES TWTBD

Hancock: So ruled, Congress stands adjourned!

All right, gentlemen! Let's get on with it. Which of us is going to write our Declaration on Independence?

Abigail: That my posture is crooked?

An endearment!

Abigail: That I read, write, and think too much.

An irony!

Franklin: Yes, John, I've heard, but--

And so far it's only been our *friends*! Can you imagine what our *enemies* will do?! ASF,IOBOF

McKean: Och, John-- what good'll it do? The South's done us in.

And suppose they change their minds -- can we get Delaware without Rodney?!

Franklin: The eagle is a scavenger, a thief, a coward, and the symbol of more than ten centuries of European mischief.

And the turkey --?

Chase: Face facts, Mr. Adams-- a handful of drunk and disorderly recruits against the entire British Army, the finest musket men on earth-- how can we win-- how can we even hope to survive?!

Answer me straight, Chase-- if you thought we *could* beat the redcoats-- would Mary-land say "yea" to Independence?

Dickinson: ... this demagogue -- this madman!

Are you calling me a madman, you -- you -- you -- *fribble*!!

Abigail: Done, John. Hurry home, John.

As soon as I'm able.

Bartlett: Mr. Jefferson-- I beg you to remember that we still have friends in England. I see no purpose in antagonizing them with such phrases as "unfeeling brethren" and "enemies in war". Our quarrel is with the British King, not the British People.

Be sensible, Barlett-- remove those phrases and the entire paragraph becomes meaningless. And it so happens it's among the most stirring and poetic of any passage in the entire document: -- (HE picks up the declaration, preparing to read) BSB RTP

Franklin: What makes you think so?

Because I sent for her.

Dickinson: ..... Personally, I have no objections at all to being part of the greatest empire on Earth, to enjoying its protection and sharing its benefits--

Benefits? What benefits? Crippling taxes? Cruel repression? Abolished rights?

Franklin: Richard, that's brilliant! Wasn't that brilliant, John?

Brilliant.

Dickinson: that no colony be torn from its mother country without its own consent. Rutledge: Hear, hear!

But it'll never be unanimous, damnit!

Abigail: Because you neglected to tell us how saltpetre is made.

By treating sodium nitrate with potassium chloride, of course.

Jefferson: How ... !?

By ••• by physical force if necessary! It's your duty -- *your duty, damnit*!!

Hopkins: I'm going to the tavern, Johnny-- if there's anything I can do for y' there, let me know.

Chase -- Bartlett --

Jefferson: Virginia abstains.

Cheer up, Jefferson-- get out of the dumps. It'll come out right, I promise you. Now get back to work. Franklin-- tell him to get to work.

Franklin: Of course she is!! Look how they fit!! Come along John, come along!

Come along where? There's work to be done!

Hopins: The whoring and the drinking.

Come on Chase-- move all that lard. We've no time to lose-- left-right left-right left-right --

Franklin: No, that was a new one!

Damnit, Franklin, we're at war!

Franklin: John, really! You talk as if Independence were the rule! It's never been done before!! No colony had ver broken from the parent stem in the history of the world.

Damnit, Franklin, you make us sound treasonous!

Martha: Why -- just as you'd expect -- We dance!

Dance?!

Franklin: Then we are doubly flattered-- we admire very much that which your husband admires.

Did you sleep well, Madame? I mean, did you lie comfortably? Oh, damn! Y'know what I mean! DYSWM

4-55 Jefferson: Someday you must tell me how you did it.

Disgusting! Look at him Franklin-- Virginia's most famous lover--

Franklin: Ditto, ditto.

Ditto! Ditto!

Abigail: Are you, John? Then as long as you were sending for wives, why didn't you send for your own?

Don't be unreasonable, Abigail.

Martha: ... and still one more thing that I hesitate to mention --

Don't hesitate, madame -- don't hesitate!

Franklin: You forget yourself, sir! I founded the first anti-slavery society on this Continent!

Don't wave your credentials at me! Perhaps it's time you renewed them!

(end of song) 'Petre, Pins!

Done, Madame! Done!

Hall: Yes, Mr. Adams-- I do.

Dr. Hall-- I didn't know anyone was--

Rutledge: Then I'm sorry, for you have also resolved the ruination of your personal economy.

Economy. Always economy. There's more to this than a filthy purse-string, Rutledge -- it's an offense against man and God.

Franklin (sung): Playing midwives to an egg.

Egg? What egg?

Abigail: Don't stop writing- it's all I have

Every day, my dearest friend.

Martha: And from men of your age it is not only unseemly-- it's unsightly.

Excuse me, madame, but we met last evening. EMM, BWMLE

Abigail: And their women, John?

Fit for Virginians, madame, but pale, puny things beside New England girls!

Franklin: *You*?

For making him write it.

Wilson: There you are, Mr Adams-- you must see that we need time to make certain who we are and where we stand in regard to one another-- for if we do not determine the nature of the beast before we set it free it will end by consuming us all.

For once in your life, Wilson-- take a chance. I say the time is now! It may never come again!

Dickinson: Why Independence, Mr. Adams?

For the obvious reason that our continued association with Great Britain has grown intolerable.

Scene 2 Curtain

Franklin! Where in God's name were you when I needed you?!

Franklin: and the subject's no Venus.

Franklin! You heard what I suffered in there? FYHWISIT

Martha: (singing end of song) He plays the violin!

Franklin, look! He's written something-- he's done it! (Takes a reads the note:) "Dear Mr. Adams: I am taking my wife back to bed. Kindly go away. Your ob'd't, T. Jefferson." Incredible.

Hancock: Gentlemen, please! The question has been called and seconded. Mr. Secretary, you will record the vote.

Franklin-- do something-- *think*!

Franklin: We've no other choice, John-- the slavery clause has to go.

Franklin-- what are y' saying?!

Dickinson: ... Goodbye, Gentlemen.

Gentlemen of the Congress -- I say ye "John Dickinson"!

John, Franklin, and Jefferson (sung): Talk and talk and talk!

Get him away from Dickinson! That's the only way to do it!

Martha (singing): ... At all... even now...

Go on, madame --

Hewes: Mr. Jefferson-- nowhere do you mention deep-sea fishin' rights. We in North Carolina --

Good God! *Fishing* rights! How long is this piddling to go on?! We have been sitting here for three full days-- we have endured, by my count, eighty-five separate changes and the removal of close to four hundred words-- would you whip and beat it 'til you break its spirit? I tell you this document is a masterful expression of the American mind!

Franklin: Heh--- obviously!!

Good God! Y'mean they--? They're going to--? In the middle of the *afternoon*?

7-90 Barlett: We're a Congress, Mr. Adams, not a literary society. I ask that the entire paragraph be stricken! Thomson: Mr. Jefferson -- ? (Jefferson nods)

Good God, Jefferson! Don't you ever intend to speak up for your own work?! GGJ - DYIE

Franklin: ... stop acting like a Boston fishwife! (And HE leaves JOHN alone)

Good God, what's happened to me-- John Adams-- the great John Adams-- the Wise Man of the East-- what have I come to? My law practice down the pipe-- my farm mortgaged to the hilt-- at a stage in life when other men prosper, I'm reduced to living in Philadelphia! *Philadelphia*!! (Abagail appears) Oh, Abigail-- what am I going to do? GG WHTM

Jefferson: No, sir-- I mean to say its not begun.

Good god! A whole week! The entire Earth was created in a week!

Hancock: ... I must join those who vote for unanimity.

Good god! What're y'doing, John? You've sunk us!

Dickinson: It may bear Virginia's name, but it reeks of Adams, Adams, and more Adams! Look at him -- ready to lead this continent down the fiery path of total destruction!

Good god! Why can't you acknowledge what already exists? It has been more than a year since Concord and Lexington -- damnit, man, we're at war right now!

Franklin: ... Good morrow, madame -- !

Good morrow!

Good night, then

Good night. Incredible. Oh, Abigail-- (ABIGAIL appears) I'm very lonely, Abigail.

Hewes: The sentiments of North Carolina precisely.

Has it occurred to either of you that an army needs something to fight for in order *to* win?-- a cause, a purpose, a flag of its own?!

Franklin: Well-- good night, John.

Have y'eaten, Franklin?

Franklin: John-- John, you'll have an attack of apoplexy if you're not careful.

Have you heard what they're doing to it? *Have you heard*?!

Franklin: Ah. Martha. He might at least have told us that. I'm afraid your husband doesn't say very much.

He's the most silent man in Congress. I've never heard him utter three sentences together.

Franklin: John, who is she?

His wife--- I hope.

Franklin: All right, John-- where do we start?

How about Delaware? It's a sad thing to find her on the wrong side after all this time-- is there any news of Rodney?

Thomson: -- a committee formed to study the causes of our military defeat in Canada, designated as the Military Defeat Committee --

How did you leave Caesar? Is he still alive?

Abigail: John! I thank you for that.

How goes it with you, Abigail?

Jefferson: Who will make me, Mister "A"?!

I ... !

McNair: Pin? What sort of pin?

I don't know-- whatever ladies use with their sewing! And take these kegs to the armory-- hurry, man! Franklin-- Jefferson-- what are you just sitting around for?

Jefferson: I'm sorry, Mr. Adams-- *in* alienable is correct.

I happen to be a Harvard graduate, Mr. Jefferson -- !

Scene 1 Curtain

I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace-- that two are called a law firm-- and that three or more become a Congress. And by God, I have had *this* congress. For ten years King George and his Parliament have gulled, cullied, and diddled these colonies with their illegal taxes-- Stamp Acts, Townshend Acts, Sugar Acts, *Tea* Acts-- and when we *dared* stand up like men, they stopped our trade, seized our ships, blockaded our ports, burned our towns *and* spilled our blood-- and still this Congress won't grant any of my proposals on Independence even so much as the courtesy of open debate! Good good, what in hell are they waiting for?!

Franklin: Do I? Treason- "Treason is a charge invented by winners as an excuse for hanging the losers."

I have more to do than stand here listening to you quote yourself.

Hancock: Gentlemen-- are there any objections to the declaration being approved as it now stands?

I have one, Mr. Hancock.

Franklin: Not yet, but--

I hear the turkey's fresh at the Bunch O' Grapes--

Abigail: Do, John?

I need your help.

Abigail: ... Do you remember, John?

I remember.

Franklin: Heard? Of course I heard-- along with the rest of Philadelphia. Lord, your voice is piercing John.

I wish to heaven my arguments were. By God, Franklin, when will they make up their minds? With one hand they can raise an army, dispatch one of their own to lead it, and cheer the news from Bunker's Hill-- while with the other they wave the olive branch, begging the King for a happy and permanent reconciliation. Why damn it, Fat George has declared us in rebellion-- why in Bloody hell can't *they*?!

Franklin: Good for you, John.

I'll speak to the printer about it later.

Rodney: Yes-- a man should die in his own bed. John--

I'm here, Caesar--

Franklin:..... John-- why don't you give it up? Nobody listens to you-- you're obnoxious and disliked.

I'm not promoting John Adams-- I'm promoting independence!

Rutledge: Remove the offendin' passage from your Declaration.

If we did that, we'd be guilty of what we ourselves are rebelling against.

Read: Among your charges against the King, Mr. Jefferson, you accuse him of depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury. This is untrue, sir-- in Delaware we have always had trial by jury.

In Massachusetts we have not.

Lee:.... Gentlemen, a salute! To Virginia, the Mother of American Independence!

Incredible! We're free, and he hasn't even left yet! (To LEE) What makes you so sure you can do it?

Franklin: Not everybody's from Boston, John.

Incredible.

Abigail: Never have I asked for more-- after all, I am Mrs. John Adams-- that's quite a lot for one lifetime.

Is it, Abby?

Franklin: Don't worry John-- the history books will clean it up.

It doesn't matter. I won't appear in the history books anyway -- only you. (Thinks about it) Franklin did this, Franklin did that, Franklin did some other damned thing-- Franklin smote the ground and out sprang George Washington, fully grown and on his horse-- Franklin then electrified him with his miraculous lightning rod, and the three of them-- Franklin, Washington, *and* the horse-- conducted the entire revolution all by themselves.

Franklin: Y'*what*?!

It simply occurred to me that the sooner his problem was solved, the sooner *our* problem was solved.

Franklin: Right here, John... being preserved for posterity. Do y' like it?

It stinks.

Thomson: ... -- is adopted.

It's done. It's done.

McKean: ... Mary-land, Pennsylvania, the entire South-- it's impossible!

It's impossible if we all stand around complaining about it. To work, McKean-- one foot in front of the other.

Scene 7: Tom-- it's a bonny paper y've written-- but somewhere in it y've mentioned "Scottish and foreign mercenaries sent t' destroy us". *Scottish*, Tom?

It's in reference to a Highland regiment which stood against us at Boston.

Franklin: John! I'm not even speaking to you!

It's too late for that, damnit! There's work to be done! (Singing) Time's running out! ...

4-54 Scene 4: Jefferson: Damn the man! *God* damn the man!

Jefferson -- are y'finished, man? (no answer) You've had a whole week-- is it done? Can I see it? (reading it) "There comes a time in the lives of men when it becomes necessary to advance from that subordination in which they have hitherto remained --" -- this is terrible. Where's the rest of it? Do you mean to say it's *not* finished?

Franklin: ... Independence! America! For if we don't secure that what difference will the rest make?

Jefferson-- say something--

McNair: These're for you.

Just a minute-- what are they? What's in them? *Who sent them*?!

Abigail: YOURS YOURS YOURS

Just a moment, Abigail-- what's in those kegs?

Hancock: Very well, Mr. Lee-- you're excused. I suppose we could leave it a four man committee--

Just a moment, Mr. President -- this business needs a Virginian. Therefore, I propose a replacement -- Mr. Thomas Jefferson! JAMMP

Franklin: What news, Dickie boy-- what news??

Lee! Is it done?

Abigail: Now I'm unreasonable-- you must add that to your list.

List?

Abigail (singing): they say we may get smallpox

Madame, what else is new? Abigail, in my last letter I told you that the king has collected twelve thousand German mercenaries to send against us-- I asked you to organize the ladies and make saltpeter for gunpowder- have you done as I asked?

Franklin: John-- I *beg* you to consider what you're doing --

Mark me, Franklin-- if we give in on this issue, posterity will never forgive us. MMF IWG

Thomson: New Hampshire says "Yea". Massachusetts --

Massachusetts says "Yea".

Thomson: New Hampshire says Yea. Massachusetts--

Massachusetts, having borne the brunt of the King's tyranny--

Franklin: Your voice is more piercing.

Maybe we'd better come back later.

Jefferson: I'm going home, too-- to my wife--!

Move to adjourn.

Lee: "....., and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is (and ought to be) totally dissolved!"

Mr President, I second the proposal!

Thomson: For heaven's sake, let me get through it once!

Mr. President, I move for a postponement!

Witherspoon: Now, I s'pose I haven't. But that was the reason for the change-- we've been instructed to vote for Independence.

Mr. President-- Massachusetts is now ready for the vote on Independence-- and reminds the Chair of its privilege to decide all votes that are deadlocked!

Franklin: On what grounds?

Mr. President-- how can this Congress vote on Independence without-- uh-- a written declaration of some sort defining it?

Chase: All right-- why not? And maybe it'll be John Adams who comes to his senses.

Mr. President-- the War Committee will heed General Washington's request! A party consisting of Mr. Chase, Dr. Franklin, and myself will leave immediately.

(End of Molasses to Rum. Rutledge and others start to leave)

Mr. Rutledge -- ! Mr. Hewes -- ! *Dr. Hall* -- !

Witherspoon: Oh, haven't I made that clear?

NO!

McKean: But what good will it do? Y' know Dickinson-- he'll never give in! And y' haven't heard the last of Rutledge yet, either.

Never mind about them-- your job is George Read. Talk him deaf if you have to, but bring us back Delaware!

Franklin: John-- didn't you hear a word that I said before?

Never mind that -- here's what you've got to do -- NMT - HWYGTD

Franklin: Let somebody else in Congress propose.

Never! Why? -- Who did you have in mind?

Voice: Will someone shut that man up?!

Never! Never! Dear God! For one solid year they have been sitting there-- for *one year! Doing nothing*! (sings) I do believe you've laid a curse on North America...!

Hancock: Are y' hungry, John?

No -- I think I'll stay.

Chase: Well-- I suppose--

No supposing, Chase -- would you or wouldn't you?

Read: Delaware seconds, Mr. President.

No vote's ever had to be unanimous, Dickinson, and you know it!

Jefferson: A lover!

No!

McKean: John! Are y' mad? It's eighty miles on horseback-- an' he's a dying' man.

No! He's a patriot!

Dickinson: (monologue)... Violence! Rebellion! *Treason*!! Now, Mr. Adams-- are these the acts of Englishmen?

Not Englishmen, Dickinson, Americans!

Franklin: John! You can dance!

Not everybody's from Philadelphia, Franklin!

Franklin: They're a warm-blooded people, Virginians!

Not him, Franklin-- *you*!! You and your infernal obsession for deviousness! If you'd come right out and asked him straight he'd've been gone half an hour ago!

Franklin: Oh, John. They're young and in love.

Not them, Franklin-- us! Standing out here-- waiting for them to-- I mean, what will people think?

Franklin: I have a rendezvous, John. I'd ask you along, but talking makes her nervous.

Of course --

Franklin: My word, so they are. Well, as the French say--

Oh, *please*, Franklin! Spare me your bawdy mind first thing in the morning! Dare we call?

Abigail (singing): John, John! Is that you carrying on, John?

Oh, Abigail, Abigail-- I have such a desire to knock heads together.

Franklin: Sorry to be late, John-- I was up 'til all hours. Have y' been here long?

Oh, not long.

Voice: someone ought to open up a window!

Oh, shut up!

Franklin: I believe I put it a better way-- "Never leave off till to-morrow that which you can do--?"

Oh, shut up, Franklin!

Jefferson: No, sir, I will not.

Oh, very well -- I'll withdraw it.

Dickinson: ... Come, come, Mr. Adams -- you must see that it's hopeless. Let us recall General Washington and disband the Continental Army before we are overwhelmed.

Oh, yes -- the English would like that, wouldn't they?

Dickinson: Yes, but this one must be.

On what grounds?

Franklin: ... you kept your flap shut!

One more day ... !

Franklin: Softly, John-- your voice is hurting my foot.

One more day, Franklin-- that's how long I'll remain silent, and not a minute longer!! That strutting popinjay was do damned sure of himself-- he's had time to bring back a *dozen* proposals by now!

Franklin: All right John-- who's next? Thomson: -- a committee formed to keep secrets, designated as the Secrets Committee --

Pennsylvania and Mary-land. I suggest you try to put your own house in order while I take a crack at Old Bacon Face -- (look at him stuff himself!) -- Ah, Mr. Chase! How about it, Chase? When are you coming to your senses?

Witherspoon: Our-- uh-- New Jersey legislature has recalled the old delegation to this Congress and has sent a new one.

Quickly man-- where do y' stand on Independence?

Glee Club: COM-BUST-A-BIL-I --

Quiet! Now, you'll write it, Mister "J"!

Franklin: To defend ourselves, nothing more. We expressed our displeasure, the English moved against us and we, in turn, have resisted. Now our fellow Congressmen want to effect a reconciliation before it becomes a war.

Reconciliation my ass! The *People* want Independence.

Lee: Halloo, Johnny.

Richard.

Chase: There's less than a full day left.

Roger -- !

Jefferson: But I burn, Mister "A"!

So do I, Mister "J"!

Dickinson: ... and that we hold *those* rights no less dear than the rights you speak of.

So safe, so fat, so comfortable in Pennsylvania.

Lee: AND MAY WIFE REFUSE MY BED IF I CAN'T DELIVER, AS I SAID, A RESOLUTION-- ON INDEPENDENCY!

Spoken modest-Lee. God help us.

McKean: God! What a bastardly bunch we are!

Stephen --

Rutledge: I am not concerned with the Book of Fate right now, sir-- I'm more concerned with what's written in your little paper there.

That "little paper there" deals with freedom for Americans!

McKean: I did, but I doubt he'll ever set foot out if it again.

That leaves you and Read split down the middle. Will he come over?

Lee: Forrr-warrr... *Ho-ooo*!

That was the most revolting display I ever witnessed.

Jefferson: The dove.

The *eagle*.

McKean: Damn y'r eyes, Read-- y' came into this world screaming' "no" and y're determined to leave it the same way!

The Congress is waiting on you, Chase! America's waiting -- the whole *world* is waiting! What's that -- kidney?

Jefferson (sung): ... but will it hatch an egg?

The Declaration will be a triumph, I tell you -- a triumph! If I was ever sure of anything, I'm sure of that -- a triumph! (A pause) And if it isn't, we've still got four days left to think of something else. (Singing) The eagle's going to crack the shell ...

Rutledge: Mr Adams, perhaps you could clear something up for me: after we have achieved Independence-- who do you propose would govern in South Carolina?

The People, of course.

Jefferson: The eagle. Franklin: The turkey.

The eagle is a majestic bird.

Franklin: The turkey.

The eagle.

Franklin: Tom's got a point-- what sort of a bird should we choose as the symbol of our new America?

The eagle.

Franklin:... therefore the national bird of America is going to be--

The eagle.

Abigail: Very well, John -- what is it?

The entire South has walked out of this Congress -- George Washington is on the verge of total annihilation -- the precious cause for which I've labored these several years has come to nothing -- and it seems -- (A pause) -- it seems I am obnoxious and disliked --

Franklin: As ever, the soul of tact.

The man's no Botticelli.

Franklin: And what're y'doing out here? I expected you'd be up there cracking the whip.

The shutters are still closed.

Abigail:..... The chicken and geese have all died and the apples never survived the late frost. How do you s'pose *she* managed to get away?

The winters are softer in Virginia.

Chase: Very well, Mr. Adams-- yes, we would.

Then come with me to New Brunswick and see for yourself!

McKean: I don't know-- he's a stubborn little snot!

Then work on him-- keep at him 'til you wear him down!

Jefferson: I wrote *all* of it, Mr. Adams! (HE scratches out the passage)

There! There it is, Rutledge! You've got your slavery-- and little good may it do you! Now vote, damn you!

Rutledge: Oh, really! Mr. Adams is now calling our black slaves Americans-- are-they-now?!

They are! They're people and they're here-- if there is any other requirement, I've never heard of it!

Abigail: The catalogue of my faults you included in your last letter.

They were fondly intended, Madame!

Hancock: -- The word "Parliament" will be removed whenever it occurs.

They won't be satisfied until they remove one of the "F's" from Jefferson's name.

Sherman: ... Do you think it's wise to alienate that august body in light of our contention that they have never had any direct authority over us, anyway?

This is a revolution, damnit! We're going to have to offend *some*body!

Franklin: McKean's back.

Thomas--!

Wilson: I second the motion!

UHHH!

Franklin: Let's get to what?

Unanimity, of course. Look at that board-- six Nays to win over in little more than a week!

Franklin: That settles it John, we're taking up the violin!

Very well, madame-- you've got us playing the violin! What happens next?

Hancock: Is that satisfactory with you, Dr. Franklin?

Wake up, Franklin -- you're going to New Brunswick!

Chase: ... You've heard General Washington's dispatches-- his army has fallen apart.

Washington's exaggerating the situation in order to arouse this torpid Congress into action. Why, as Chairman of the War Committee, I can tell you for a fact that the army has never been in better shape. Never have troops been so cheerful! Never have soldiers been more resolute! Never have discipline and training been more spirited! Never... (The COURIER enters) Good God!

Rutledge: You refuse to understand us, gentlemen! We desire Independence, yes-- for South Carolina. That is our country. And as such we don't wish it to belong to anyone-- not to England-- and not to you.

We intend to be one nation, Rutledge.

Chase: How's that?

We will more than compensate-- with *spirit*! I tell you there's a spirit out there with the People that's sadly lacking in this Congress!

Hancock: No -- a rum.

Well --? What're you all sitting around for? We're wasting time -- precious time! Thomas -- ! I want you to ride down into Delaware and fetch back Caesar Rodney.

Scene 3: Hopkins: McNair!! Fetch a pillo' -- and two more mugs o' rum!

Well, Franklin? Where's that idiot Lee? Has he returned yet? I don't see him.

Hancock: We know those, don't we?

Well, good god, yes, *we* know them-- but what about the rest of the world? Certainly we require the aid of a powerful nation like France or Spain-- and such a declaration would be consistent with European delicacy.

4-61 Franklin: What?

Well, it's positively indecent!

Jefferson: What else is there to do?

Well, man, you're the one who wrote it! WM YTOWWI

Thomson: "-- independent of and superior to --"

Well, there's nothing to fear -- it's a masterpiece! I'm to be congratulated.

Hancock: What sort of declaration?

Well, you know-- uh-- listing all the reasons for the separation and-- uh-- our goals and aims and so on and so forth, etc, etc. WYK

Franklin: Evidently they cannot help connecting the two.

What are you suggesting?

Hopkins: They're pushing y' into it, Johnny--

What do y' say, Chase?

Dickinson: That may be your opinion, Dr. Franklin, but as I said, the People feel quite differently.

What do you know about the People, Dickinson? You don't speak for the People-- you represent only yourself. And that precious "status quo" you keep imploring the people to preserve for *their* good is nothing more than the eternal preservation of *your* own property!

7-103 (McNair enters with kegs) McNair: Mr. Adams--

What?

Lee:.... Tom! Your little bride wants to know.

What?

Jefferson: They're reading the Declaration.

What? How far have they got?

Franklin: *Good morning, John*!

What? Oh. (Waving it aside) Good morning, good morning. Now, then, let's get to it. NT,LGTI

Dickinson: Mr. President-- Pennsylvania moves that any vote in favor of Independence must be unanimous!

What?!

Franklin: Incredible!

Who's playing the violin?

Abigail: No John, I have not.

Why have you not?

Dickinson: .... I've been fairly itching to ask you: Why?

Why what, Mr Dickinson?

Abigail: Oh, yes-- of course.

Will it be done, then?

Jefferson: You ...?!

Yes ... !

Dickinson: Are you calling me a coward?

Yes! *Coward*!!

Martha: Next, Mr. Adams?

Yes! What does Tom do now?

Abigail: Thank you, John -- I do want to. But you know it's not possible now. The children have the measles.

Yes, so you wrote-- Tom and little Abby.

Abigail: You don't usually ask my advice.

Yes, well -- there doesn't appear to be anyone else right now.

Chase: Come, now, Mr. Adams -- you'll have to do better than that! Answer straight-- what would be it's purpose?

Yes, well--

Hancock: *You*, Mr. Adams?

Yes. Mr. Jefferson -- it so happens that the word is *un*alienable, not *in*alienable.

Abigail: Think of it John! To be married to the man who is always first in line to be hanged!

Yes. The ag-i-ta-tor. Why, Abby? You must tell me what it is! I've always been dissatisfied, I know that-- but lately-- I find that I *reek* of discontentment. It fills my throat and floods my brain-- and sometimes-- sometimes I fear that there is no longer a dream-- but only the discontentment.

Franklin: Easy, John!

You and your Pennsylvania proprietors-- you cool, considerate men! You keep to the rear of every issue so if we should go under you'll still remain afloat!

John and Jefferson (sung): Talk and talk and talk!

You're both southern aristocrats -- gentlemen -- if he'll listen to anybody, he'll listen to you! (Singing) Franklin! Time's running out!