The President's Lady (1953) Movie Script
1
The year was 1789.
The day was like any other day.
The man like any other man.
Time alone was to prove
the difference.
The morning this man appeared
at the top of the hill
and rode into our valley
marked the beginning.
And in the end, I was to realize
that nothing really important
had ever happened to me
before this day.
I was to know this stranger
as no one else was to know him.
It's been said that every man
has two sides:
The side he shows to the world,
and the side he shows
to the woman he loves.
This was the side
I was destined to see,
and this was the day
of the beginning.
What do you want?
I beg your pardon, ma'am.
I was... I was looking
for the widow donelson.
My mother isn't here.
My name's Andrew Jackson,
and I'm a friend
of John overton's.
Oh! Well, John's
told us about you.
You're his new law partner.
That's right, ma'am.
John said there was
an empty room
in the cabin you rent him,
so I rode out from Nashville
to see if you'd consider
taking me in, too.
I didn't mean to peep, ma'am.
Oh, that's all right.
You just startled me.
But my mother won't be back
until late this afternoon.
She's gone into Nashville.
There is an empty room but...
I've been staying
at the red heifer inn,
and if you knew how tired I was
of the brawling
and the greasy tables
in that inn, I'd...
I'd sure consider it
an honor to join this family.
But I'm not mistress
of this station, Mr. Jackson.
That's a decision my mother
would have to make.
I've had experience
fighting Indians,
and I'm a crack shot
with a rifle.
Well, heaven knows we can use
all the protection
we can get out here.
At the same time,
I'm quiet and peace-loving.
Heh heh heh!
Why don't you just take your saddlebags
over to John's cabin
and wait for my mother to get back?
You can stay to supper
if you'd like.
I was frankly hoping
you'd invite me.
Well, there's bound
to be plenty.
My mother's gone to fetch
my two sisters for a visit,
so supper tonight
is sort of a family reunion.
Are you superstitious?
No. Why?
Today's Tuesday, isn't it?
Yes.
You know, everything that ever
turned out right for me
was something
I started on a Tuesday.
There's Irish in your
background somewhere.
Somewhere, but it doesn't
show in my face.
It does in my temper, I'm told.
This is the first place
to be built here by my father.
It's about the prettiest
cabin I was ever in.
Anything would look like a palace to you
after the red heifer inn.
This is cousin John's room,
and this is the one
that's vacant.
Well, um, I'll just unpack
a few possessions and put 'em away.
Then if your mother says no,
I'll come quietly back
and slip 'em back
into my saddlebags.
Oh, I should've warned you.
This door frame
was never built for a tall man.
No. The door's all right.
My frame just wasn't
built for a small door.
Are you sure you didn't
hurt yourself?
No damage to either headway.
Well, you come over
when you hear the bell.
Shh! Shh!
Shh! Now eat your supper nicely.
See that they eat slowly, moll.
I don't want any sick
children here tonight.
Yessum.
Jane, if you and Mary
have any more children,
I don't know where
we'll put them.
Well, you just better build
a bigger cabin, mother,
because I plan to have
a few dozen myself.
The donelson women usually do.
Where's this guest, Rachel?
He'll be coming over
with cousin John.
Who is he, Rachel?
His name's Jackson.
He's John's new law partner.
He rode out this afternoon
to see
if mother would rent him
the other room in John's cabin.
What's he like?
Oh, he's tall,
he acts like a gentleman,
and he's had experience
fighting Indians.
Hmm. Indian fighters?
They're usually quarrelsome men.
Oh, no, he's
peaceful and quiet.
How could you tell that?
He told me so.
Ahem! Well, I might as well
warn you right now, Andrew,
when you're not on time
at mother donelson's
you don't get fed.
Too many mouths to feed
tonight to wait, John.
Well, has everybody met
my new law partner?
No. Mr. Jackson,
this is my mother.
And the finest woman
in the whole cumberland.
How do you do, ma'am?
- And my sister Jane.
- The prettiest.
- My sister Mary.
- The sweetest.
- My brother Samuel.
- The fightingest.
- And my brother William.
- The stubbornest.
And as for me,
I'm the hungriest.
Do sit down, Mr. Jackson,
and help yourself.
And these belong to Jane and me.
Where are your husbands tonight?
Home.
There's a band of marauding Indians
out our way,
so we packed the children over here
for a day or two.
Now we can stay for
Samuel's birthday party.
Well, I'm mighty
glad to hear that.
For a while, I was afraid
I'd have to dance with Andrew.
Have you been long
in Nashville, Mr. Jackson?
Not long, ma'am.
Last month, when John offered
to go partners with me,
I just shifted my law books
to Nashville.
What sort of law cases
do you handle, Mr. Jackson?
Why, Andrew just settled
one of the biggest suits for damages
this territory ever had.
Tell 'em, Andrew.
Oh, I don't think
the ladies would...
Yes, they would.
What was the case about,
Mr. Jackson?
Well, a... a client of mine
got into a fight
and had his ear bitten off.
And Andrew got him
four dollars cash for his ear,
of which he gets half.
Is it really possible
to bite a man's ear off?
Rachel, I don't think
it's a subject
we should pursue at the table.
You're quite right, ma'am.
Are you attached to the court here
officially, Mr. Jackson?
Andrew carries the highfalutin title
of Attorney General.
Attorney General?
What does it mean?
Well, it means that he prosecutes
criminals for the state...
When he can find them.
Other times,
I'm justlike other lawyers,
scratching mighty hard
for cases.
And with two dollars cash,
he can pay a whole month's board
in advance.
I don't think Mrs. Donelson's
quite decided yet, John.
Mother, Samuel said
he saw some Indians
lurking around
in the hills yesterday.
We ought to have
more protection.
Well, Mr. Jackson,
as you can see,
we're long on women
and children at this station,
short on men.
If you can endure us,
we'd be glad to have you
as part of the family.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
Thank you. I'll go right over
and unpack my saddlebags
aflersuppen
Sides the same.
Heads fonnard,
cross over and turn about.
Sides the same.
Head fours, fonnard and back.
Sides the same.
Heads forward
and cross over.
Sides the same.
Heads fonnard
and out to the right.
A right-and-left move
around the set.
Chain right back.
Head ladies,
chain your iefthand lady.
Chain right back.
Balance all.
Fonnard again
with the right and left two.
All fours, fonnard and back.
Fonnard again
with the right and left two.
Two ladies chain.
All fours, forward again...
Do you like Nashville?
I sure aim to.
I think you're gonna
be very successful here.
I will if folks keep on getting
their ears bitten off.
Fonnard again
with a right-and-left move.
All fours, forward and back.
Fonnard again
with a right-and-left move.
Excuse me, sir.
I should like to
speak with my wife.
Mr. Jackson, this is
my husband Lewis robards.
How do you do, sir?
If you'll excuse us.
Of course.
Fonnard again with
the right and left two.
Heads fonnard promenade
outside the center.
I thought you were
still in harrodsburg.
I left yesterday
to come after you.
Why?
I'm sorry I sent you home,
Rachel.
Why didn't you write?
Oh, I was angry and jealous.
Had to get over it.
There was nothing
to be jealous about.
Jason told me himself
that you encouraged him.
Then he lied.
If he weren't your cousin,
I'd have ordered him
right out of the house.
Rachel, I didn't
come all this way
just to argue with you.
I came to say that I'm sorry.
I just want you back again.
Morning, folks!
Good morning, everybody.
Good morning.
That was a mighty fine party
you gave last night,
Mrs. Donelson.
Glad you enjoyed it,
Mr. Jackson.
What's the matter with Rachel?
Too much apple cider
and dancing?
Rachel's gone.
Oh? Where?
Harrodsburg.
She left at dawn.
A little trip?
She's gone back to live
at the robards.
A wife's place
is with her husband.
Fihundew
Tom.
Evening, ma'am.
We's mighty glad you
come home, Mr. Lewis.
We was just about gonna
send for you, sir.
Send for me? Why?
Your mother's ailing,
and we don't know
what's wrong, sir.
I'll go up and see her.
Hlchange into a dry coat
and be right up there.
Come in.
Mother robards.
Rachel. Rachel, my dear!
Oh, I'm so glad to see you.
I knew Lewis would
bring you back.
Whatever my son may be,
he's no fool.
Where is he?
He's changing.
He'll be right up.
You shouldn't have gone away
in the first place.
I didn't go away.
I was sent away.
Now don't be resentful
to an old woman.
Heh heh heh!
I don't blame anyone.
You're wrong to expect
too much of Lewis,
but he needs you, Rachel.
He needs someone strong.
I'm gonna try, mother robards.
I hope I can be strong.
And have a child, Rachel,
as quickly as you can.
Have a son to give your love to.
It was my salvation.
Don't you worry,
mother robards, please.
Everything is gonna be all right.
You'll see.
Where's my boy?
Why doesn't he come up to me?
Now, he'll be here in a minute.
Ooh, I better get into
some dry clothes, too.
I'm drenched.
Come back later and sit with me.
I've been lonely.
Go to your cabin and wait.
If she find out,
she'll make you sell me.
She won't find out.
I'll send you over to my
cousin Jason's for a while.
Fihundew
Where did that girl come from?
I bought some new slaves
while you were away.
You don't think I...
I think I know now
why you sent me home.
You're in no position
to make accusations.
I could ask a few questions
about you and Jackson.
Something went on
between you two
before I got there.
I could see it.
You think I'm a fool?
Anyone would be blind
if he didn't see it,
so don't...
I thought if you didn't mind, Jason,
I'd send that new girl
over to your place for a while.
What made you change your mind?
I've been locked out
of my own room every night
for two weeks now,
and I don't like it.
Maybe if I get the girl out of sight,
Rachel will forget about her.
Why don't you sell her to me?
She's not for sale.
Morning, Rachel.
Mr. Lewis?
What is it?
There's a Mr. Jackson outside
to see miss Rachel, sir.
Show him in, please.
Who's Jackson?
One of my wife's admirers
from Nashville.
I would say this rather
vindicates me.
Good morning, miss Rachel.
Mighty good to see you again.
Good morning, Mr. Jackson.
How do you do, Mr. Robards?
Well, Mr. Jackson.
This is my cousin Jason.
How do you do, sir?
And what brings you to
harrodsburg, Mr. Jackson?
Why, I thought you knew.
My wife?
Your mother sent a letter
to Mrs. Donelson asking someone
to come for miss Rachel.
My mother sent a letter?
She said miss Rachel
wanted to come home.
Mrs. Donelson was
goin' to send Samuel
but he took sick,
so I came to fetch her instead.
Did she misunderstand?
No. She didn't misunderstand.
Well, that's good.
It seems you made a long trip
for nothing, Mr. Jackson.
My wife has decided
to stay here.
Did you change your mind,
miss Rachel?
No, I haven't changed my mind.
I want to go back to Nashville.
In that case, I'll be happy
to see you get safe home.
I'll say good-bye
to Mrs. Robards.
Just a minute, Rachel.
The only one who is leaving
is Mr. Jackson.
You'd better go get your things,
miss Rachel.
I think you better go, Mr. Jackson.
I intend to shoot.
Start heading back, Mr. Jackson.
- Lewis, please!
- Get out!
You want to go,
don't you, miss Rachel?
Not if it means bloodshed.
Are you in this, too?
She's not my wife.
Then we'll be leaving.
Get your things, miss Rachel.
Lewis won't follow us.
He was in no condition
to give chase.
It's not Lewis
I'm worried about.
You rest here.
I want to take a look
at the other side of that Ridge.
There's a band of Indians
paralleling our trail
the other side of that Ridge.
I don't know how many.
Do you think they've seen us?
I don't know.
We'll head for those rocky
flats along the stream.
If we make enough racket,
we'll sound like several horsemen,
then we'll fire into the woods
and make some more noise.
Now you stay right behind me.
You ready?
Ready.
Three of you men
head up in those trees!
We'll take the hill!
Split up, men!
Cut behind, sergeant!
I don't know how much
good that did,
but I think they'll
leave us alone now.
You were having a good time,
weren't you?
Ha! I like to graze danger.
Were you afraid?
Oh, no. I was too interested
watching you.
If I'd been an Indian,
I'd have thought
you were a whole band of militia.
Well, it's a good tactic,
and it works... sometimes.
Mighty good to see you
smiling again, miss Rachel.
Mr. Jackson,
were there really
Indians back there,
or were you just trying
to take my mind off my troubles?
Both.
You tired?
Some.
There's an inn
a little ways up this trail.
I think we should
put up for the night.
If you think it best.
In this moonlight,
we'd be a pretty easy target.
We'd better stop.
I've caused you
a lot of trouble.
Been no trouble for me,
miss Rachel.
I just want you to know
I'm grateful, Mr. Jackson.
You know, uh,
"Mr. Jackson"
sounds mighty formal
for two people
that have just fought off
a band of marauding Indians.
Well, then... thank you, Andrew.
Yes?
We just come down the trail
from harrodsburg.
The night overtook us.
We'd like to stop here
till morning.
Well, we're pretty full up,
but I'll make room
for you somehow.
I'll take care of your horses
a little later on.
Man and wife?
Drat. I was hoping you was.
You'll have to sleep
in the parlor then, miss.
And as for you, sir,
I'll have to put you in a bed
with two other men
at the top of the stairs.
It's the best I can do for you.
That's good enough.
You'll find the sofa
right comfortable, though.
I'll get you a blanket.
What time shall we
leave in the morning?
We should get away around sunup.
I'll come down and wake you.
There, this'll keep you warm.
Your pillow's on the sofa.
Thank you.
Good night, Andrew.
Good night, Rachel.
Straight up at the top
of the stairs.
Thank you, sir. Good night.
Good night.
Home again
with our scalps intact.
Mother.
I was worried.
I expected you back last night.
Well, I thought it safer
not to travel
with the full moon.
Of course.
I hadn't thought of that.
Well, I'd best get on
into Nashville.
I'm due in court this morning.
Thank you, Andrew.
I'll see you tonight.
Oh, mother,
I do dislike coming back
and being a burden on you again,
but it was just...
Never mind explaining, dear.
Lewis is here.
Here?
He rode all night
from harrodsburg.
I can't explain, Rachel, I...
I can only say I'm sorry.
I know, I behaved badly
and stupidly,
but... I love you.
I want you to come back with me.
I've lost all respect for you.
I know I deserve that,
but this won't ever
happen again, Rachel.
Believe me.
I no longer love you, Lewis.
I don't believe that.
I'm sorry, but it's true.
Then it is Jackson!
No, it isn't Mr. Jackson!
It's just that I feel
I could never trust you again.
It isn't important what you feel.
You're my wife.
You've deserted me,
and I've come to get you.
Lewis, I never intend
to see you again.
In this territory, a wife does
what her husband tells her to do.
I've got plenty of relations
in Nashville,
and I'll be back with
them in the morning.
If there's any shooting done
between your relations and mine,
you'll have only
yourself to blame.
Whoa!
Colonel stark!
Well, if it isn't miss Rachel
and the widow donelson.
Oh, peach blossom?
Bless my soul! We got visitors!
Careful of that gangplank,
peach blossom.
Don't you worry, cherry pie.
If I fall in, I'll float.
I'm certainly glad to see you,
ladies.
Thank you.
Well, I declare, Rachel,
there's something
wrong with nature.
You get prettier every day,
and I just get fatter. Ha ha ha!
Well, let's sit and visit a while.
We'll be out of the way
of the loading over there.
Ohh!
Keep that cargo moving.
We ain't half loaded yet.
You're a busy man,
colonel stark,
so I'll get right to the point.
Can you take Rachel
with you to natchez?
I want to send her for a visit
to my sister.
Miss Rachel,
I'd do anything for you,
but I simply couldn't
take that responsibility.
Then you've heard
about Lewis' threats.
Drat Lewis. It ain't him
I'm thinkin' about.
It's the dangerous journey
and them drat Indians.
Well, you're taking your wife.
We've risked our lives
together before.
Arrows bounce right off me.
I wear a three-inch
coat of armor.
Ha ha ha!
But if anything happened to you,
well...
I just couldn't take
that responsibility.
Cherry pie, she won't
take up much room.
She don't weigh nothin'.
That's important on a flatboat.
We figure I take up
the weight and space
of a bale of cotton.
But you... ha ha.
We could make room.
Could you get
one of your brothers
to come along for protection?
No. Samuel isn't well,
and William doesn't think
I should go. But I...
Well, I'd really like
to help you, but...
You understand my position,
Mrs. Donelson?
Yes, colonel stark.
I shouldn't have troubled you.
Thanks, anyway.
Good-bye, Mrs. Stark.
Good-bye, child.
Good-bye.
Well, when Lewis shows up armed
and backed by his relations,
we'll just have to
fight for you.
There'll be no bloodshed
on my account.
I'll go back to harrodsburg
with him.
Rachel.
Get dressed quickly.
What is it, mother?
It's almost dawn.
Colonel stark has sent word.
He'll take you with him.
There's not time to pack much.
I'd about given you up!
We got here just about
as soon as we could.
Better get aboard in a hurry.
We've been waiting to cast off
as soon as you arrived.
Good-bye, mother.
Get aboard, child. Get aboard.
Thank you, William.
Remember, "who runneth away,
inviteth trouble to pursue."
Yes, William the cautious,
I'll remember.
All right, cast off that rope.
Pull in the gangplank.
Morning, miss Rachel.
Did my mother ask you
to make this trip?
I like to travel.
I asked you a simple question.
You'll have to excuse me
for the moment, miss Rachel.
I'm busy as a cat
on a hot griddle.
Welcome aboard, Rachel.
Thank you, Mrs. Stark.
Come along with me.
I'll show you where we'll bunk.
Aren't you lucky
that nice Mr. Jackson
happened to be going
to natchez, too.
An amazing coincidence.
I said the very same thing.
We'll live in here, child.
It's cramped, but it'll
give us good privacy.
I said to cherry pie
when he built it,
ain't big enough.
You can't cuss a cat in it
without gettin' fur
in your mouth.
Now, you rest up a bit.
Andrew.
Do you have a free hand
for a cup of coffee?
I'll sure find one.
Thank you, Rachel.
You better get back under cover
before you catch your death.
I want to apologize.
I was rude and ungrateful
about your being along.
Don't ever apologize
for anything, Rachel.
Not you...
And never to me.
Now go on.
Get back in there
before you get soaked.
I'm supposed to be
looking after you.
It seems kind of indecent
hanging out
such private garments
before a bachelor,
but we got no choice.
Oh, I think they know
more about us
than we give them credit
for knowing.
Colonel stark bought me
these in New Orleans.
I just love 'em.
So does he.
Well... neither one of us
has any secrets
from the menfolks now.
Andy looks kind of moony
over there by himself.
Go talk to him
for a spell, Rachel.
Colonel stark
says we'll be passing
into Spanish territory
pretty soon.
Oh, I figure a couple more days.
Will you be staying
in natchez a while?
Just long enough to find a party
going back up the trace
to Nashville.
I'm still Attorney General
back home.
Indians!
Get down behind the cargo!
Colonel stark!
Stay under cover
till the current
carries us out of danger.
It's the only thing we can do.
Shouldn't we fire back?
Just a waste of ammunition.
Get rid of that top bale!
Throw it overboard!
Here.
Stay down.
We'll be out of range
in a minute.
Well, it's your boat, colonel,
but I still think
we're making a mistake
tying into shore for the night.
Andrew, I've got no choice.
I know this river.
There are rapids just ahead,
and I can't risk running
them in the dark.
You know the river,
but I know Indians.
They'll smell us out
before morning.
I'll throw you
a stern line.
I don't like the look of it,
cherry pie.
I don't either,
but it can't be helped.
Andrew and I will stand guard.
I'll spend the night
on shore, colonel.
Better stay aboard, Andrew.
We'll need you in case we're
attacked in the darkness.
Well, we've got to have
some advance warning.
Only way to get it
is if one of us
spends the night ashore.
I guess you're right.
Zeb, you hear this, now.
At the first sound of a shot,
you take this ax
and cut that stern rope.
Let the current carry you
into midstream.
Yes, sir.
But how will you get back
if he cuts the rope?
You just stay under cover.
Come along, child.
We might as well try to sleep.
There's nothing we can do.
I think I'll watch for a spell.
Well, if I'm gonna get scalped,
I'd just as soon be asleep.
I'll look out from
the top of the cabin.
- You get to the stern.
- Yes, sir.
Cut the rope!
Cut the rope!
Don't you cut that rope yet!
- But Mr. Jackson said...
- I don't care what anybody said.
I'll cut it myself
as soon as he's safe aboard.
Now, you go watch from that end.
Colonel, you shout
as soon as you see Andrew.
Here he comes.
Why didn't you cut that rope?!
Don't yell at him, son.
Rachel wouldn't let us.
Are you all right?
Of course I'm all right!
Why didn't you cut the rope
like I told you to?
You didn't tell me.
And I never agreed, anyway.
Don't you know you could
all have been massacred?!
Don't you shout at me!
I've still got my scalp.
Have you got yours?
And besides,
what kind of a protector
goes gallivanting over the woods
Chasing Indians?
What were you trying to do,
make a dead hero
out of yourself?
Why did you do it?
I was showing off.
I like to graze danger.
Let go of my hands.
Well, we're almost there.
We're planning a party for you
next Tuesday, my dear.
We've invited
practically everybody
in this territory.
But, aunt Sarah,
I can't possibly
make myself a dress bythen.
I'm sure that one of
your cousins' dresses
will fit you perfectly, Rachel.
And we look about
the same size, Mr. Jackson.
Would you mind?
I sure wouldn't.
I can't think of anything
I'd rather do
than stand at the head
of a beautiful staircase
in a lovely gown and just...
Float down.
That just shows you
what a fool I can be.
I didn't think it possible
that you could be
more beautiful.
I'm so laced up,
I can hardly breathe.
My heart is pounding in my ears.
Well, by a strange coincidence,
my heart's pounding
in my ears, too,
and I'm not laced up.
Whew!
I staggered through that
a sight better
than I thought I could.
Darling,
I've been asking in natchez.
You can get an annulment
here in Spanish territory.
We can be married right away.
Then we could go home together.
No, we couldn't go home.
Why not?
We wouldn't be legally married
anyplace but here.
We could never go back?
Darling...
This is a beautiful territory.
What would be the matter with spending
the rest of our lives here?
Andrew...
I don't want you
to have to give up
anything for me.
What would I be giving up
that means anything to me?
I couldn't be happy
anyplace in the world
without you.
We could build a good life
for ourselves here.
Marrying here
would only be a way
of getting around the law.
Our love is right and good.
Our marriage must be
right and good, too,
from the first instant.
I don't want it to imprison you
or cost you anything.
Rachel, it has to be here
or not at all.
Maybe if you went back and
talked to mother robards.
She'd get Lewis
to petition for divorce.
He'd never set you free.
But we must try.
Go back and talk
to mother robards, Andrew.
I know she'll do anything
she can to help me.
And then if there's
no other way,
I'll marry you here.
I'd do anything you asked me to.
Darling, why do we waste
months, maybe years
that we could have together now?
We just decided to wait.
You decided.
And you agreed.
I said I'd go back.
I didn't say I wanted to
or even that I thought
it was best.
Rachel, I'm not a fickle man.
I've never loved before,
and I'll never love again,
but things can happen.
Let's be together now
while we can.
Andrew, I still have a husband.
- I can't just...
- All right.
Maybe I'll be back
in two months,
or maybe two years
or maybe not at all.
But if that risk
will make you happy,
I'll try and make you happy.
Maybe you'd prefer
not to come back at all.
Andrew, a mail rider
just arrived from Nashville.
There's a letter for you.
Thank you, colonel.
Rachel!
Darling. We can be married.
We can be married here
right away.
Lewis got a divorce.
Who sent the letter?
John. He wrote
the minute he heard.
Lewis went to
the legislature himself,
and they granted his petition.
Oh, I knew it was
going to turn our way.
Let me read the letter.
I'll tell you about it.
Andrew, there's something wrong
about the divorce?
It's not the way
we wanted it, darling,
but the fact is you're free.
But how did he get the divorce?
- Rachel...
- What were the grounds?
The thing that's important here
is that we can be married.
Andrew, what were the grounds?
He accuses you of adultery.
With...
With whom?
He names me.
Darling...
Try to think only
of what this means to us.
You're a man.
I don't think you can understand
what this means to me.
I think I can.
It means that
I'm marked for life.
Rachel, listen to me.
The divorce is already granted,
so let's make the best of it.
Let's not let anything
mar our future now,
especially the past.
How could he have been
so spiteful?
Darling, don't be unhappy now.
Please.
We were married,
and for a while,
time had no meaning.
We stayed on in natchez,
and the days spread into weeks,
and the weeks
drifted into months.
Oh, Andrew, look.
Someday I'm going to have
a track of my own,
race my own horses.
Do you like to gamble?
I married you.
Someday I'm gonna build you
a home just like that.
With six columns?
With six columns.
Andrew, let's go back
to Nashville
to build that home.
Right now?
Right now!
So we came home
to Tennessee.
Andrew bought a place for me.
Not a big place at first.
Land was getting high,
almost ten cents an acre,
which was about all
he had to his name.
But Andrew kept his word.
He promised me a house
with six columns.
Well, it had six columns...
Sort of.
Anything else you want,
miss Rachel?
No, thank you, moll.
Good night, moll.
Good night.
What are you frettin' about?
I'm beginning to worry, Andrew.
Why?
When Jane was married
as long as we've been,
she'd already had one child,
second one on the way.
We'll have children,
don't you worry.
There's plenty of time.
I'll go see who it is.
Sorry to trouble you
this time of night, Andrew.
Come in, John.
- Good evening, John.
- Evening, Rachel.
If it's trouble
that's on your trail,
you've come to the right place
for support.
I'm afraid it's not me,
but you the trouble's
headed for.
I came to warn you before you
heard about it from someone else.
What's this all about, John?
Could I speak to you alone,
Andrew?
If you think you're
going to break bad news
to Andrew alone, John overton,
you'd better change
your mind in a hurry.
Well, all right, then.
Lewis never got any divorce
from Rachel.
I don't understand.
Well, Lewis got his divorce
over two years ago.
We all know that.
He petitioned the legislature.
All they granted him
was the right to sue.
Then Andrew and I
aren't married.
John, everybody...
Everybody was wrong.
- The papers...
- The papers were wrong.
And if Lewis knew
about our mistake,
he took his sweet time
before he did anything.
Did anything?
What has he done now?
He sued last week for divorce.
It was granted.
Well, there's no question
of grounds this time.
But, John, how could
this have happened?
How?
I don't know, but it did.
The way things get twisted,
the way news travels
in this part of the country.
I'm a lawyer.
I should have known better.
I should have gone
to the legislature myself
and looked into the records!
And I'm to blame
for passing the rumor on to you.
I'll kill him.
I'll hunt him down and kill him.
I know what a blow this is
to both of you, Andrew, but...
Killing Lewis
isn't going to solve anything.
We'll have to be married again,
Andrew.
And admit publicly
that Lewis was right?
Well, I'll go on back
to Nashville.
You two talk it over tonight.
I'll be in our office
when you want me.
Good night, Rachel.
Thanks.
Let me know what you decide.
Only don't decide
on anything foolish.
We'll have to be married again.
And admit that
we don't recognize
our own marriage ourselves?
I told you, no!
Oh, Andrew.
Darling, even if it galls you,
do it for my sake.
Do it because it'll help me,
so that when our children
do come,
no one will ever
be able to hurt them.
Do it because you love me.
All right, Rachel.
I'll do it because you asked me,
not because I think it's right,
but because I can't
deny you anything
that's in my power to give you.
Ohh...
I pronounce you man and wife.
Now, Jane and I
have fixed a cake.
Come along, Rachel.
You're going to have to cut it.
Andrew thinks we ought to
go home right away, mother.
You simply can't.
Andrew, is that any expression
for a bridegroom to wear?
I'm sorry, mother donelson.
Come along.
Well, it isn't everyone
that can have two weddings.
I mean...
Let me help you, mother.
It seems to me William
could have got here
whether he approved or not.
Oh, I didn't really
expect he'd be here.
He never thought
I should have married Andrew
in the first place.
Well, he can go hang
as far as I'm concerned.
Here's my list.
I'll wait.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Phariss.
Afternoon, Mr. Clark.
Can you fill out that order
for me, please?
Why, certainly, Andrew.
I hear today's your wedding day.
You heard right.
Well, these aren't very fancy
for a wedding present, but...
I wish you'd give them
to Mrs. Jackson
with my compliments.
Well, thank you.
She'll appreciate them.
I'd like to ask Rachel...
Look out, Jason.
Which one of you
mentioned my wife's name?
I did.
What did you say?
Sure you'd like to hear?
What did you say?
I said I wonder whose bed
Rachel will be putting
her moccasins under next.
Andrew!
He's not worth killing.
Giddyup!
Giddyup!
Git!
I've got no right
to sulk and be mean.
I just don't want you
to be unhappy.
I warned you once
I was bad-tempered.
They gave you good cause.
Here, let me clean you up
a little bit.
What's happened, Mr. Cruthers?
We found him here
a few minutes ago.
The creeks must have
ambushed him
and taken his horse.
They burned the Henderson place, too.
Looks like he's been dead
since morning.
Who is he?
William.
Oh, William.
Oh, William!
He stopped at my place
this morning.
Said he was going
to his sister's wedding.
Andrew.
He was on his way to be with us.
We'd best all meet
in Nashville tonight.
Tell everybody
it looks like the creeks
are aimin' to wipe us out
for good this time.
When the Indians
continued to raid
and burn our homes,
Andrew organized the militia
to fight them.
He recruited his men,
and he trained them himself.
And when they were ready,
he led them.
This was our first militia,
and it was the first
of many separations to come.
The first one, I think,
was the most difficult.
He'll be back in no time,
miss Rachel.
He'll be back before plantin' time
comes around.
Git up!
If I was young, which I ain't,
and if I had any brains,
which I ain't,
I sure wouldn't marry
no soldier.
Andrew wasn't a soldier
when I married him.
And when he married you,
you sure wasn't
no workhorse, neither.
Whoa.
Whoa!
Howdy, Mrs. Jackson!
Jacob! What are you doing back?
Headin' home.
The Indian war is over.
Looks like you married yourself
a hero, Mrs. Jackson.
Where's Andrew?
He's comin' up the road.
Oh. Ohh!
We licked 'em good and proper,
and Andy signed a treaty
with the creeks,
and from now on, it...
Don't you want to hear
about the war?
Ohh!
Rachel!
Oh, no.
Rachel.
Oh, Andrew, I wanted to...
I was trying to...
Darling...
You're so thin.
I lost a few pounds.
Are you all right?
Hard as nails.
Oh, Andrew!
Rachel.
What's that?
I almost forgot. Come on.
Wait here.
It's a baby.
Well, you said you wanted one.
And since I've been away
over a year,
this is the best
I could do for you.
Andrew, what is this all about?
It's an Indian baby
I found on the battlefield
with its dead mother.
We've killed so many
of his people,
I figured we owed him a life.
The poor little mite.
Can we keep him?
I don't see why not.
When I asked the Indians
to take it,
they were gonna kill him.
How helpless...
And dear.
This is the last spoonful.
Ibeheve
that's all he wants, too.
Well, Andrew,
what shall we name ourson?
Well, the Indians
called him lincoya.
Lincoya?
What does it mean?
"The abandoned one."
Well, lincoya,
we won't abandon you.
Oh, Andrew,
you'll choke the boy.
Oh, he was starved.
- How long have you had him?
- Oh, six weeks.
Well, what have you
been feeding him?
Brown sugar and water.
Hasn't he had any milk?
Now, where would I get milk?
From a cow.
Well, my men did find one cow.
They had it killed and eaten
before I could find a pal!
To get under it.
It's a wonder
this child's alive.
It's a wonder
any of us are alive.
Well, come on, young fella.
Time your mother put you to bed.
Down we go.
Moll and I have
almost finished planting
the spring crops.
You'll find the place has shown
a good profit while you were away.
Too bad you got the crops in.
Too bad? Well, why?
Well, somebody else
will reap the harvest.
It won't belong to us.
Now, who will it belong to
if not to us?
Well, the crops, the land,
the house,
don't belong to us right now.
Rachel...
I had to sell everything we own.
You've sold our home?
Right over our heads.
Oh, Andrew!
Well, darling, our troops needed
food and ammunition.
I had to buy it for them.
The contractors wanted cash.
Only way I could get supplies
was to sell everything I could.
Well, you'll get it all back.
Surely the government
will make it up to you.
That don't seem likely, honey.
They're five years behind
paying me as Attorney General.
Well, at least we don't
owe anybody anything.
I wish that was true.
The fact is,
I've had to sign notes
putting myself in debt
for the next fifteen years.
Andrew, if we've no home,
where are we going to live?
Oh, I stopped in Nashville
just long enough to buy us a new place.
I'm going to make it
the showplace of this country.
Now, how can we buy a new place
if we haven't any money?
Well, that's why we're in debt.
I figure the time to dare
to pull yourself up to the heights
is when everyone thinks
you've failed.
I do you a great injustice,
Andrew.
Once in a while,
I worry about the future.
I was foolish to have worried.
Andrew built the house
he promised me,
and we named it "the hermitage."
Oh, it was mighty fine.
There was only one thing wrong.
Andrew never spent
much time in it.
When he wasn't off
fighting Indians,
he was in Washington city
fighting congress.
He went away so often
I made him promise
that if! Died first,
he'd make my tombstone
an angel waving good-bye.
While Andrew was away,
the ladies of Nashville
invited me to join
their culture club.
I accepted because it seemed
an honor to my husband.
Thank you, Henry.
Mrs. Phariss.
I've been watching for you,
Mrs. Jackson.
I've done a dreadful thing,
and I had to see you
to explain it.
Well, if I can be of any help.
Well...
When I first invited you
to join our club, Mrs. Jackson,
I didn't consult
our other members.
I thought, now that
your husband's a senator,
it would be quite all right,
but it seems that it isn't.
The majority
of the ladies here today,
threatened to walk out
the moment that you come in.
I won't come in, Mrs. Phariss.
It seemed that people
just wouldn't forget.
I made up my mind then,
never to risk humiliation again.
I'd stay at the hermitage
and make our home
what we'd always wanted it to be,
a safe retreat from the world.
Oh, miss Rachel.
Moll, what is it?
You was away.
We... we sent for the doctor
as soon as we could.
What happened?
Lincoya.
Doctor, what...
Oh, moll.
What wrong have I done
that I should be punished?
Am I really an evil woman?
Why you ask that, miss Rachel?
My husband is persecuted
because of me...
God denies me children
of my own...
And he takes away the child
that I was given.
Miss Rachel...
Do you think
them Christian martyrs
standing before
the lions and tigers...
Do you think they asked
the good lord
if they was being punished?
Of course they never.
And that's why they're saints.
Andrew finally came home,
and I invited
some of his friends
to the hermitage
to celebrate the occasion.
The men accepted,
but the wives still refused
our hospitality.
Well, I may be too old
to beat you on foot, captain,
but I'll contrive to do so
on horseback.
Are you gentlemen going
to desert me all evening?
Do forgive us, Mrs. Jackson.
You're either talking
politics or racing.
Which is it?
Now, you don't talk politics,
you argue them.
It's racing.
Andrew just agreed
to run his horse
against greyhound next Tuesday.
Well, I think it's only fair to warn you,
captain innin,
that Tuesday's
my husband's lucky day.
And it's only fair to warn you,
Mrs. Jackson,
my son-in-law
is a fine horseman.
All the better.
- We have a wager and a race, Mr. Jackson.
- We have, sir.
May I claim my husband,
gentlemen?
I haven't had him back long.
Why, of course.
And how much have you bet
this time?
Five thousand.
Five thousand!
Should I have bet more?
We haven't got five thousand dollars.
You know that.
Ah, no one else knows it.
And what if we lose?
My note is good.
No one would refuse it.
Andrew, sometimes I think politics
have taught you to be devious.
I didn't have to be taught.
I come from a long line
of horse traders.
Good night, Andrew.
It's good to have you home again.
Thank you, jed. Good night.
Good night, John.
Good night, Andrew.
Good night, John.
You tired?
Some.
Well, if you don't mind,
I think I'm going to have
another pipe before going up.
Well, I'll sit with you.
There's nothing I'd like better.
Well, I think our little party
was a complete success.
I haven't been so contented
in over a year.
You know, I'm gettin' mighty tired
of life in Washington city.
I'm happiest here
at the hermitage
with you and my old friends.
Did I say something funny?
No, my love, it's...
It's just that
I forgot to tell you.
One night while you were gone
and I was very lonely,
I tried to smoke your pipe.
Did you like it?
It nearly strangled me.
Well, you didn't
go about it right.
Here, I'll teach you.
Oh, no, I...
Well, moll would be scandalized.
She won't see you. Now try it.
Well...
Now, don't swallow
smoke at first.
Take short puffs
till you get used to it.
I've mastered it.
Well, not quite.
Now you're used to the smoke,
I'll show you how to
exhale it properly.
Now, first hold
some of the smoke
in your mouth for a moment.
Is there anything else
I can do for you, miss Rachel?
Shall I get Alfred
to get some ham
from the smokehouse
for breakfast?
Miss Rachel,
do you think
Mr. Jackson would like
some of them fancy pancakes
we cooked while he was away?
Oh, they sure is
something fancy...
Is we used one cup
or two cups of cream?
Seems like one cup's a-plenty.
You mighty red in the face,
miss Rachel.
Is you all right?
Yes, moll.
Oh, Andrew.
I'll join you right after the race.
My heart is fluttering
like a bird.
You're not frettin'
about the outcome, are you?
Well, some,
but then I come from
a long line of fretters.
Mrs. Jackson.
Good afternoon, captain.
Quite a few people
have shown up.
There seems to be unusual
interest in this race.
So it seems.
I hear most of the betting
is on greyhound.
Oh? I hadn't heard.
I do hope you're a good loser,
Mrs. Jackson.
Our horse isn't going to lose,
Mrs. Phariss.
I'll bet you my carriage
and horses against yours.
If you wish, Mrs. Jackson.
I do.
Shall we consider this our bet?
Very well.
Thank you.
He's sure rarin' to go,
Mr. Jackson.
We'll take the lead
and hold it all the way.
And that's a fact.
That horse sure don't like
no other horse's
tail in its face.
Ladies and gentlemen...
They about to begin to commence,
miss Rachel?
About.
Mr. Jackson on truxton.
One turn around the course.
Hlhave.
The carriage delivered
to you in the morning,
Mrs. Jackson.
Oh, no, I...
I made this bet in anger.
I... I ask you not to hold me to it,
Mrs. Phariss.
Please.
Thank you.
I must go congratulate Andrew.
Mr. Jackson!
You won, Mr. Jackson!
You did it! You won!
You bet we did, ajax!
We won!
I was never so excited
in my life.
Didn't I tell you I had the fastest horse
in this territory?
Mr. Jackson.
I shall have to give you my note.
Is that acceptable to you?
I should have expected you
to accept mine.
Thank you, sir.
A devious man, my husband.
Pardon me, boy.
Andy! Excuse me.
Andy, congratulations.
It was a good race.
Race? I didn't see it.
What in thunderation
are you congratulating me for?
Why, hasn't anyone told you?
That I won? I was on the horse!
No, I mean the appointment.
Haven't you heard?
The militia!
You're married to a general,
Rachel.
Governor blount signed
the appointment this morning
at the statehouse.
This is just about
the best Tuesday
we've ever had.
Did you hear?
Andy's been appointed
to head the state militia.
Excellent choice, in my opinion.
Andrew's been a fine Attorney General,
a good congressman.
And as a soldier,
no one can question his daring.
No one?
He's famous
for a daring exploit.
He captured another man's wife.
Andrew...
Would you take me
to the carriage, please?
Excuse us, gentlemen.
I'll have Samuel take you home.
I want to go home with you.
I can't leave right now.
Andrew, fate's been
very kind to us today.
We can afford to be generous.
I'll have Samuel take you home.
I had to challenge him, Rachel.
Why?
He gave me no choice.
Your courage and your reputation
don't require you to duel.
If I ignore him now,
it will only goad him
to greater insults
the next time.
Let him make
his foolish charges.
I can bear his insults.
The men under my command
in the militia
expect courage
from their leader.
If I don't have their respect,
I might as well resign.
Andrew, is it your honor or mine
that you're fighting for?
If it's mine,
then the decision should be mine.
There is no difference.
It's an excuse to murder!
That may well be.
He's a far better shot
than I am.
And if he kills you?
Am I better off a widow
whose name has been defended?
Rachel, I've already
challenged him.
I can't withdraw.
You're a lawyer.
You're breaking the law.
You know it's illegal
to due! Here.
We're going over the line
into Kentucky.
When?
Tomorrow morning.
Andrew.
If I'm to be the cause
of all your quarrels
for the rest of your life,
then you give me no choice...
I must leave you.
I will not let you be
killed because of me,
nor will I let you
take another man's life.
I must leave you.
You'd leave me now?
No. No.
Oh, Andrew, please.
Please don't do this.
If Mr. Dickinson's
bullet kills you,
it kills me, too.
Let him say what he will
about me.
No man can say what he will
about my wife.
Rachel...
I've failed you
a great many times
at a great many things,
and I hope you'll forgive me.
But I couldn't expect you
to forgive me
if I lived without honor.
Now let's go to bed.
Andrew?
Andrew?
Darling, you wanted
to be wakened by 4:00.
It's almost 4:00.
That'll be John and Dr. May.
Ready, Andrew?
Right away.
Be careful.
I'll be careful.
Come home to me
as quickly as you can.
What you got them old clothes on for,
miss Rachel?
I've been working the fields, moll.
Now what do you
want to do that for?
If there's work to do,
there's men to do it.
The men can't help me today.
Well, I'm going along
with you, then.
Go to bed, miss Rachel.
Please go to bed.
When we finish this,
we'll find something else to do.
He ain't hurt.
I just know he ain't.
If he were all right,
he'd have been home by sundown.
Don't cry, honey.
Andrew!
He's been hurt.
Oh, Andrew.
Rachel.
How bad is it?
The ball racked his breastbone.
Broke his ribs.
I tried to get him
to stay at the tavern,
but he insisted it was more important
to get back to you.
He should've been
attended to at once.
Dickinson wasn't bragging.
His aim was perfect.
He shot me exactly where
he supposed
my heart was beating.
Keep talking, Andrew.
But you know how loosely
that frock coat fits me?
Well, standing side-wise
as we did,
it billowed out in front of me.
I never thought it'd do
any good in this world
to wear fancy clothes.
But it saved my life
by half an inch.
He'll be all right.
But I still can't understand
how Andrew could've stood up
and fired
with a bullet so near his heart.
How is Mr. Dickinson?
He's dead.
Oh, Andrew. What can we do?
Why won't people leave us alone?
Rachel,
I promise you
I'll lift you so high,
no one will dare whisper
a word against you
for the rest of our lives.
Trust me, please.
My dear wife,
each phase of this war
seems to take me further away.
My one consolation
in the midst
of hardship and death
is recalling the peace
of the hermitage.
I like to think of you
sitting at the hearth,
your mending in your lap,
the clock
ticking the hours away.
It is a picture from which
I derive great comfort.
I'm glad you're not
harvesting a crop this year.
With the men all away,
the work is too hard
for a woman.
We've had
a little rain recently.
It's set the men to grumbling,
as the roads become impassable,
and we have to sit
around and wait,
and tents don't
afford much shelter.
Cannon are difficult
to move in this mud.
You've no idea how exasperating
such things can be.
I haven't forgotten my promise
to raise you to the heights.
Grant me a few years' grace.
We shall see
what the future holds.
Your devoted husband, Andrew.
December 10, 1814.
Andrew's letters never failed me,
even when they were written
in despair and defeat.
Then at New Orleans,
he gave his country
one of the greatest
victories in our history.
When the early morning fog lifted,
three thousand of the enemy
lay dead and wounded.
Andrew lost only eight
of his own men.
No one could've been prouder of him
than I was.
He came home again,
and we had a year
or so together.
But I knew that Andrew
was never destined
to be peaceful for long.
What's the matter with you?
I won't do it!
He has no right to ask me.
I've served my country enough
for one man.
Who has no right
to ask you what, Andrew?
I'm a soldier, not a politician,
and I've had enough soldiering.
Will you stand still long enough
to tell me what
you're talking about?
The governor wants me
to return to the senate.
Well, I'm not going to do it.
If he wants a man in Washington city,
let him go himself!
I have no intention
of ever leaving the hermitage again.
Now there's no use
arguing with me.
My mind is made up!
80 Andrew was off to Washington again,
and what had promised to be
only a year or so,
stretched into four and five,
and... and more.
I can't remember now.
October 6, 1825.
My dear husband,
your last letter
was most reassuring.
I'm delighted to know
that things are going so well
for you in Washington.
But I'm especially
delighted to hear
that you're learning
to control your temper.
It's good to know
that my husband
is a man of peace at last.
I do hope when you return
after this session
it'll be to stay.
Since you've never really
cared for politics,
it's foolish to continue
in a profession
that keeps us apart.
I know this summer together
with no thought of public office
will be the happiest
of our lives.
Since you've asked
for my opinion,
you're going to get it.
There's only one thing
that can keep you
from being president,
and that's you yourself.
You and your dang temper.
Now look here...
If you accept this honor, Andy,
you've got to accept the responsibility
that goes with it.
You can't fight back
the way you fought all your life.
You tell this man
how even-tempered
I've become, Rachel.
Go ahead, John.
I don't think you've
got a gnat's notion
of the kind of dirty campaign
you've let yourself in for.
They're determined back east
not to have a western president,
and there's no weapon
your enemies
won't use against you,
no matter how rotten
or dishonest.
Well, a little name-calling
won't rile me, John.
Even if it involves Rachel?
This is my fight, not Rachel's.
We're no strangers
to abuse, John.
They'll dip their arrows
in venom, Rachel.
They'll wound you, if they can,
to goad Andrew into fighting.
They know if and rew's temper
makes him kill somebody,
it'll reelect Adams.
Othennise, you think I might
conceivably make
a good president?
If you're not hanged
in the meantime.
Well, thank you, John.
I'll weigh my temper
with my wife
and let you know what we decide.
Well, just don't forget:
You've been warned.
Good night, Rachel.
Take care of yourself.
Good night, John.
How would you like
to be first lady?
How would you like to be
president?
Why don't you
figure on going into Nashville,
as soon as you're feeling better,
order yourself
an inauguration dress.
What'll I do with
an inauguration dress
if you're not elected?
Isn't it a little late in life
to stop gambling with me?
Here's something
I had made for you
just in case you decided to run.
It goes in the back
of your watch
to remind you not
to lose your temper.
Well, what do you think of that?
In case you don't recognize it,
it's me.
That's just about
the nicest present
you could've thought of.
I wanted to surprise you.
But I'm afraid I'm the one
who got the surprise
when I saw that portrait.
I've always thought of myself
as I was when we first met.
I don't need any artist
to help jog my memory.
Unfortunately, the poor artist
couldn't paint me
from your memory.
He had to paint me as he saw me.
Well, it's a fine present,
Rachel.
I thank you.
Ah, I've learned
all of your bad habits,
none of your good ones.
When we get to Washington city,
we're either going to have to
refine our vices
or else keep 'em a secret.
Let's just keep them secret.
You got no business
coming into town
without telling Mr. Jackson.
You ain't well, and you know it
and I know it and he knows it.
Oh, stop your grumbling, moll.
They aren't going
to frighten me off.
I want to hear my husband speak.
He ain't gonna say nothing
you ain't heard before
and won't hear again.
It has been said
that I've had
more experience in uniform
than in government.
That is true.
I might add
that it was also true
of general Washington.
Are you comparing yourself
with general Washington?
He was a gentleman.
You're a gambler!
I can't deny that.
I've loved to gamble
all my life.
It's no secret.
You're a murderer!
You killed Charles Dickinson
in cold blood.
I defended my honor.
He was killed in a fair duel.
You stole another man's wife!
I stole no man's wife.
We don't
want an adulterer
as president, do we?
No! No!
And we don't want a prostitute
as first lady.
What man of you said that?
I did. Jason robards.
We don't want a murderer
or an adulteress
in the white house.
Don't be a fool, Andrew!
You're playing right
into their hands.
Miss Rachel!
Adams can write.
Jackson can fight.
Rachel can smoke
an old Clay pipe.
But Adams will win,
to Andy's chagrin,
and Rachel will pay
the wages of sin.
Adams can write,
Jackson can fight,
Rachel can smoke
an old Clay pipe.
But Adams will win,
to Andy's chagrin...
What happened to her?
She went into Nashville
to be with me,
and her strength failed her.
Help her!
I'll probably
have to bleed her again.
Hasn't she been bled enough?
Is there any word yet?
I don't want you to worry
about the election.
I want you to worry
about getting well.
Tell me as soon as you hear.
I'll tell you as soon as I hear.
Has anyone been out
to tell you yet?
We got word on the tally.
You've been elected!
Did you hear that, Andy?
You've been elected!
I'm awake.
We're going to Washington city.
It's...
Definite?
Samuel and John came by
to tell me just now.
You're the first lady.
You kept your promise.
You've kept every promise
you ever made to me.
I was careful not to make any
I couldn't keep.
Mr. President.
How can I tell you, Andrew?
Well, don't try.
You just hurry and get well.
Think you can sleep now?
Well, you try.
I'll leave the door open.
Andrew.
Andrew!
Rachel.
Rachel.
Moll!
Andrew.
Yes, Rachel?
I want to tell you...
I'm glad I never left you,
even for your own sake.
I'm not going
to Washington city with you
after all.
You're going with me.
Do you hear?
You're going with me.
You're going to be
there beside me.
Don't carry a spite with you.
They killed her.
They killed her
just as sure as she was born.
In the presence
of this gentle soul,
I can and do forgive
mine enemies.
But those vile wretches
who slandered her
must look to god for mercy.
President of the United States.
Well...
Here we are, Rachel.
Look at them.
Some of those good people
feel sorry for me.
Poor fools they.
They don't know what memories
I've brought with me.
They can't see
the way you looked
that first day we met,
when our whole lives
lay ahead of us.
I remember the way the wind
blew your hair back,
sitting there in the prow
of that old riverboat
and the look of trust
that was always there
when there was danger to face.
What a vision you were
at the top of those stairs.
And the way you looked
with lincoya,
crowding his poor little life
into a few short years,
and the way you always ran to me
when I came home again.
The way you ran to me.
Why, I have enough memories
to sustain me
all the days of my life.
The year was 1789.
The day was like any other day.
The man like any other man.
Time alone was to prove
the difference.
The morning this man appeared
at the top of the hill
and rode into our valley
marked the beginning.
And in the end, I was to realize
that nothing really important
had ever happened to me
before this day.
I was to know this stranger
as no one else was to know him.
It's been said that every man
has two sides:
The side he shows to the world,
and the side he shows
to the woman he loves.
This was the side
I was destined to see,
and this was the day
of the beginning.
What do you want?
I beg your pardon, ma'am.
I was... I was looking
for the widow donelson.
My mother isn't here.
My name's Andrew Jackson,
and I'm a friend
of John overton's.
Oh! Well, John's
told us about you.
You're his new law partner.
That's right, ma'am.
John said there was
an empty room
in the cabin you rent him,
so I rode out from Nashville
to see if you'd consider
taking me in, too.
I didn't mean to peep, ma'am.
Oh, that's all right.
You just startled me.
But my mother won't be back
until late this afternoon.
She's gone into Nashville.
There is an empty room but...
I've been staying
at the red heifer inn,
and if you knew how tired I was
of the brawling
and the greasy tables
in that inn, I'd...
I'd sure consider it
an honor to join this family.
But I'm not mistress
of this station, Mr. Jackson.
That's a decision my mother
would have to make.
I've had experience
fighting Indians,
and I'm a crack shot
with a rifle.
Well, heaven knows we can use
all the protection
we can get out here.
At the same time,
I'm quiet and peace-loving.
Heh heh heh!
Why don't you just take your saddlebags
over to John's cabin
and wait for my mother to get back?
You can stay to supper
if you'd like.
I was frankly hoping
you'd invite me.
Well, there's bound
to be plenty.
My mother's gone to fetch
my two sisters for a visit,
so supper tonight
is sort of a family reunion.
Are you superstitious?
No. Why?
Today's Tuesday, isn't it?
Yes.
You know, everything that ever
turned out right for me
was something
I started on a Tuesday.
There's Irish in your
background somewhere.
Somewhere, but it doesn't
show in my face.
It does in my temper, I'm told.
This is the first place
to be built here by my father.
It's about the prettiest
cabin I was ever in.
Anything would look like a palace to you
after the red heifer inn.
This is cousin John's room,
and this is the one
that's vacant.
Well, um, I'll just unpack
a few possessions and put 'em away.
Then if your mother says no,
I'll come quietly back
and slip 'em back
into my saddlebags.
Oh, I should've warned you.
This door frame
was never built for a tall man.
No. The door's all right.
My frame just wasn't
built for a small door.
Are you sure you didn't
hurt yourself?
No damage to either headway.
Well, you come over
when you hear the bell.
Shh! Shh!
Shh! Now eat your supper nicely.
See that they eat slowly, moll.
I don't want any sick
children here tonight.
Yessum.
Jane, if you and Mary
have any more children,
I don't know where
we'll put them.
Well, you just better build
a bigger cabin, mother,
because I plan to have
a few dozen myself.
The donelson women usually do.
Where's this guest, Rachel?
He'll be coming over
with cousin John.
Who is he, Rachel?
His name's Jackson.
He's John's new law partner.
He rode out this afternoon
to see
if mother would rent him
the other room in John's cabin.
What's he like?
Oh, he's tall,
he acts like a gentleman,
and he's had experience
fighting Indians.
Hmm. Indian fighters?
They're usually quarrelsome men.
Oh, no, he's
peaceful and quiet.
How could you tell that?
He told me so.
Ahem! Well, I might as well
warn you right now, Andrew,
when you're not on time
at mother donelson's
you don't get fed.
Too many mouths to feed
tonight to wait, John.
Well, has everybody met
my new law partner?
No. Mr. Jackson,
this is my mother.
And the finest woman
in the whole cumberland.
How do you do, ma'am?
- And my sister Jane.
- The prettiest.
- My sister Mary.
- The sweetest.
- My brother Samuel.
- The fightingest.
- And my brother William.
- The stubbornest.
And as for me,
I'm the hungriest.
Do sit down, Mr. Jackson,
and help yourself.
And these belong to Jane and me.
Where are your husbands tonight?
Home.
There's a band of marauding Indians
out our way,
so we packed the children over here
for a day or two.
Now we can stay for
Samuel's birthday party.
Well, I'm mighty
glad to hear that.
For a while, I was afraid
I'd have to dance with Andrew.
Have you been long
in Nashville, Mr. Jackson?
Not long, ma'am.
Last month, when John offered
to go partners with me,
I just shifted my law books
to Nashville.
What sort of law cases
do you handle, Mr. Jackson?
Why, Andrew just settled
one of the biggest suits for damages
this territory ever had.
Tell 'em, Andrew.
Oh, I don't think
the ladies would...
Yes, they would.
What was the case about,
Mr. Jackson?
Well, a... a client of mine
got into a fight
and had his ear bitten off.
And Andrew got him
four dollars cash for his ear,
of which he gets half.
Is it really possible
to bite a man's ear off?
Rachel, I don't think
it's a subject
we should pursue at the table.
You're quite right, ma'am.
Are you attached to the court here
officially, Mr. Jackson?
Andrew carries the highfalutin title
of Attorney General.
Attorney General?
What does it mean?
Well, it means that he prosecutes
criminals for the state...
When he can find them.
Other times,
I'm justlike other lawyers,
scratching mighty hard
for cases.
And with two dollars cash,
he can pay a whole month's board
in advance.
I don't think Mrs. Donelson's
quite decided yet, John.
Mother, Samuel said
he saw some Indians
lurking around
in the hills yesterday.
We ought to have
more protection.
Well, Mr. Jackson,
as you can see,
we're long on women
and children at this station,
short on men.
If you can endure us,
we'd be glad to have you
as part of the family.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
Thank you. I'll go right over
and unpack my saddlebags
aflersuppen
Sides the same.
Heads fonnard,
cross over and turn about.
Sides the same.
Head fours, fonnard and back.
Sides the same.
Heads forward
and cross over.
Sides the same.
Heads fonnard
and out to the right.
A right-and-left move
around the set.
Chain right back.
Head ladies,
chain your iefthand lady.
Chain right back.
Balance all.
Fonnard again
with the right and left two.
All fours, fonnard and back.
Fonnard again
with the right and left two.
Two ladies chain.
All fours, forward again...
Do you like Nashville?
I sure aim to.
I think you're gonna
be very successful here.
I will if folks keep on getting
their ears bitten off.
Fonnard again
with a right-and-left move.
All fours, forward and back.
Fonnard again
with a right-and-left move.
Excuse me, sir.
I should like to
speak with my wife.
Mr. Jackson, this is
my husband Lewis robards.
How do you do, sir?
If you'll excuse us.
Of course.
Fonnard again with
the right and left two.
Heads fonnard promenade
outside the center.
I thought you were
still in harrodsburg.
I left yesterday
to come after you.
Why?
I'm sorry I sent you home,
Rachel.
Why didn't you write?
Oh, I was angry and jealous.
Had to get over it.
There was nothing
to be jealous about.
Jason told me himself
that you encouraged him.
Then he lied.
If he weren't your cousin,
I'd have ordered him
right out of the house.
Rachel, I didn't
come all this way
just to argue with you.
I came to say that I'm sorry.
I just want you back again.
Morning, folks!
Good morning, everybody.
Good morning.
That was a mighty fine party
you gave last night,
Mrs. Donelson.
Glad you enjoyed it,
Mr. Jackson.
What's the matter with Rachel?
Too much apple cider
and dancing?
Rachel's gone.
Oh? Where?
Harrodsburg.
She left at dawn.
A little trip?
She's gone back to live
at the robards.
A wife's place
is with her husband.
Fihundew
Tom.
Evening, ma'am.
We's mighty glad you
come home, Mr. Lewis.
We was just about gonna
send for you, sir.
Send for me? Why?
Your mother's ailing,
and we don't know
what's wrong, sir.
I'll go up and see her.
Hlchange into a dry coat
and be right up there.
Come in.
Mother robards.
Rachel. Rachel, my dear!
Oh, I'm so glad to see you.
I knew Lewis would
bring you back.
Whatever my son may be,
he's no fool.
Where is he?
He's changing.
He'll be right up.
You shouldn't have gone away
in the first place.
I didn't go away.
I was sent away.
Now don't be resentful
to an old woman.
Heh heh heh!
I don't blame anyone.
You're wrong to expect
too much of Lewis,
but he needs you, Rachel.
He needs someone strong.
I'm gonna try, mother robards.
I hope I can be strong.
And have a child, Rachel,
as quickly as you can.
Have a son to give your love to.
It was my salvation.
Don't you worry,
mother robards, please.
Everything is gonna be all right.
You'll see.
Where's my boy?
Why doesn't he come up to me?
Now, he'll be here in a minute.
Ooh, I better get into
some dry clothes, too.
I'm drenched.
Come back later and sit with me.
I've been lonely.
Go to your cabin and wait.
If she find out,
she'll make you sell me.
She won't find out.
I'll send you over to my
cousin Jason's for a while.
Fihundew
Where did that girl come from?
I bought some new slaves
while you were away.
You don't think I...
I think I know now
why you sent me home.
You're in no position
to make accusations.
I could ask a few questions
about you and Jackson.
Something went on
between you two
before I got there.
I could see it.
You think I'm a fool?
Anyone would be blind
if he didn't see it,
so don't...
I thought if you didn't mind, Jason,
I'd send that new girl
over to your place for a while.
What made you change your mind?
I've been locked out
of my own room every night
for two weeks now,
and I don't like it.
Maybe if I get the girl out of sight,
Rachel will forget about her.
Why don't you sell her to me?
She's not for sale.
Morning, Rachel.
Mr. Lewis?
What is it?
There's a Mr. Jackson outside
to see miss Rachel, sir.
Show him in, please.
Who's Jackson?
One of my wife's admirers
from Nashville.
I would say this rather
vindicates me.
Good morning, miss Rachel.
Mighty good to see you again.
Good morning, Mr. Jackson.
How do you do, Mr. Robards?
Well, Mr. Jackson.
This is my cousin Jason.
How do you do, sir?
And what brings you to
harrodsburg, Mr. Jackson?
Why, I thought you knew.
My wife?
Your mother sent a letter
to Mrs. Donelson asking someone
to come for miss Rachel.
My mother sent a letter?
She said miss Rachel
wanted to come home.
Mrs. Donelson was
goin' to send Samuel
but he took sick,
so I came to fetch her instead.
Did she misunderstand?
No. She didn't misunderstand.
Well, that's good.
It seems you made a long trip
for nothing, Mr. Jackson.
My wife has decided
to stay here.
Did you change your mind,
miss Rachel?
No, I haven't changed my mind.
I want to go back to Nashville.
In that case, I'll be happy
to see you get safe home.
I'll say good-bye
to Mrs. Robards.
Just a minute, Rachel.
The only one who is leaving
is Mr. Jackson.
You'd better go get your things,
miss Rachel.
I think you better go, Mr. Jackson.
I intend to shoot.
Start heading back, Mr. Jackson.
- Lewis, please!
- Get out!
You want to go,
don't you, miss Rachel?
Not if it means bloodshed.
Are you in this, too?
She's not my wife.
Then we'll be leaving.
Get your things, miss Rachel.
Lewis won't follow us.
He was in no condition
to give chase.
It's not Lewis
I'm worried about.
You rest here.
I want to take a look
at the other side of that Ridge.
There's a band of Indians
paralleling our trail
the other side of that Ridge.
I don't know how many.
Do you think they've seen us?
I don't know.
We'll head for those rocky
flats along the stream.
If we make enough racket,
we'll sound like several horsemen,
then we'll fire into the woods
and make some more noise.
Now you stay right behind me.
You ready?
Ready.
Three of you men
head up in those trees!
We'll take the hill!
Split up, men!
Cut behind, sergeant!
I don't know how much
good that did,
but I think they'll
leave us alone now.
You were having a good time,
weren't you?
Ha! I like to graze danger.
Were you afraid?
Oh, no. I was too interested
watching you.
If I'd been an Indian,
I'd have thought
you were a whole band of militia.
Well, it's a good tactic,
and it works... sometimes.
Mighty good to see you
smiling again, miss Rachel.
Mr. Jackson,
were there really
Indians back there,
or were you just trying
to take my mind off my troubles?
Both.
You tired?
Some.
There's an inn
a little ways up this trail.
I think we should
put up for the night.
If you think it best.
In this moonlight,
we'd be a pretty easy target.
We'd better stop.
I've caused you
a lot of trouble.
Been no trouble for me,
miss Rachel.
I just want you to know
I'm grateful, Mr. Jackson.
You know, uh,
"Mr. Jackson"
sounds mighty formal
for two people
that have just fought off
a band of marauding Indians.
Well, then... thank you, Andrew.
Yes?
We just come down the trail
from harrodsburg.
The night overtook us.
We'd like to stop here
till morning.
Well, we're pretty full up,
but I'll make room
for you somehow.
I'll take care of your horses
a little later on.
Man and wife?
Drat. I was hoping you was.
You'll have to sleep
in the parlor then, miss.
And as for you, sir,
I'll have to put you in a bed
with two other men
at the top of the stairs.
It's the best I can do for you.
That's good enough.
You'll find the sofa
right comfortable, though.
I'll get you a blanket.
What time shall we
leave in the morning?
We should get away around sunup.
I'll come down and wake you.
There, this'll keep you warm.
Your pillow's on the sofa.
Thank you.
Good night, Andrew.
Good night, Rachel.
Straight up at the top
of the stairs.
Thank you, sir. Good night.
Good night.
Home again
with our scalps intact.
Mother.
I was worried.
I expected you back last night.
Well, I thought it safer
not to travel
with the full moon.
Of course.
I hadn't thought of that.
Well, I'd best get on
into Nashville.
I'm due in court this morning.
Thank you, Andrew.
I'll see you tonight.
Oh, mother,
I do dislike coming back
and being a burden on you again,
but it was just...
Never mind explaining, dear.
Lewis is here.
Here?
He rode all night
from harrodsburg.
I can't explain, Rachel, I...
I can only say I'm sorry.
I know, I behaved badly
and stupidly,
but... I love you.
I want you to come back with me.
I've lost all respect for you.
I know I deserve that,
but this won't ever
happen again, Rachel.
Believe me.
I no longer love you, Lewis.
I don't believe that.
I'm sorry, but it's true.
Then it is Jackson!
No, it isn't Mr. Jackson!
It's just that I feel
I could never trust you again.
It isn't important what you feel.
You're my wife.
You've deserted me,
and I've come to get you.
Lewis, I never intend
to see you again.
In this territory, a wife does
what her husband tells her to do.
I've got plenty of relations
in Nashville,
and I'll be back with
them in the morning.
If there's any shooting done
between your relations and mine,
you'll have only
yourself to blame.
Whoa!
Colonel stark!
Well, if it isn't miss Rachel
and the widow donelson.
Oh, peach blossom?
Bless my soul! We got visitors!
Careful of that gangplank,
peach blossom.
Don't you worry, cherry pie.
If I fall in, I'll float.
I'm certainly glad to see you,
ladies.
Thank you.
Well, I declare, Rachel,
there's something
wrong with nature.
You get prettier every day,
and I just get fatter. Ha ha ha!
Well, let's sit and visit a while.
We'll be out of the way
of the loading over there.
Ohh!
Keep that cargo moving.
We ain't half loaded yet.
You're a busy man,
colonel stark,
so I'll get right to the point.
Can you take Rachel
with you to natchez?
I want to send her for a visit
to my sister.
Miss Rachel,
I'd do anything for you,
but I simply couldn't
take that responsibility.
Then you've heard
about Lewis' threats.
Drat Lewis. It ain't him
I'm thinkin' about.
It's the dangerous journey
and them drat Indians.
Well, you're taking your wife.
We've risked our lives
together before.
Arrows bounce right off me.
I wear a three-inch
coat of armor.
Ha ha ha!
But if anything happened to you,
well...
I just couldn't take
that responsibility.
Cherry pie, she won't
take up much room.
She don't weigh nothin'.
That's important on a flatboat.
We figure I take up
the weight and space
of a bale of cotton.
But you... ha ha.
We could make room.
Could you get
one of your brothers
to come along for protection?
No. Samuel isn't well,
and William doesn't think
I should go. But I...
Well, I'd really like
to help you, but...
You understand my position,
Mrs. Donelson?
Yes, colonel stark.
I shouldn't have troubled you.
Thanks, anyway.
Good-bye, Mrs. Stark.
Good-bye, child.
Good-bye.
Well, when Lewis shows up armed
and backed by his relations,
we'll just have to
fight for you.
There'll be no bloodshed
on my account.
I'll go back to harrodsburg
with him.
Rachel.
Get dressed quickly.
What is it, mother?
It's almost dawn.
Colonel stark has sent word.
He'll take you with him.
There's not time to pack much.
I'd about given you up!
We got here just about
as soon as we could.
Better get aboard in a hurry.
We've been waiting to cast off
as soon as you arrived.
Good-bye, mother.
Get aboard, child. Get aboard.
Thank you, William.
Remember, "who runneth away,
inviteth trouble to pursue."
Yes, William the cautious,
I'll remember.
All right, cast off that rope.
Pull in the gangplank.
Morning, miss Rachel.
Did my mother ask you
to make this trip?
I like to travel.
I asked you a simple question.
You'll have to excuse me
for the moment, miss Rachel.
I'm busy as a cat
on a hot griddle.
Welcome aboard, Rachel.
Thank you, Mrs. Stark.
Come along with me.
I'll show you where we'll bunk.
Aren't you lucky
that nice Mr. Jackson
happened to be going
to natchez, too.
An amazing coincidence.
I said the very same thing.
We'll live in here, child.
It's cramped, but it'll
give us good privacy.
I said to cherry pie
when he built it,
ain't big enough.
You can't cuss a cat in it
without gettin' fur
in your mouth.
Now, you rest up a bit.
Andrew.
Do you have a free hand
for a cup of coffee?
I'll sure find one.
Thank you, Rachel.
You better get back under cover
before you catch your death.
I want to apologize.
I was rude and ungrateful
about your being along.
Don't ever apologize
for anything, Rachel.
Not you...
And never to me.
Now go on.
Get back in there
before you get soaked.
I'm supposed to be
looking after you.
It seems kind of indecent
hanging out
such private garments
before a bachelor,
but we got no choice.
Oh, I think they know
more about us
than we give them credit
for knowing.
Colonel stark bought me
these in New Orleans.
I just love 'em.
So does he.
Well... neither one of us
has any secrets
from the menfolks now.
Andy looks kind of moony
over there by himself.
Go talk to him
for a spell, Rachel.
Colonel stark
says we'll be passing
into Spanish territory
pretty soon.
Oh, I figure a couple more days.
Will you be staying
in natchez a while?
Just long enough to find a party
going back up the trace
to Nashville.
I'm still Attorney General
back home.
Indians!
Get down behind the cargo!
Colonel stark!
Stay under cover
till the current
carries us out of danger.
It's the only thing we can do.
Shouldn't we fire back?
Just a waste of ammunition.
Get rid of that top bale!
Throw it overboard!
Here.
Stay down.
We'll be out of range
in a minute.
Well, it's your boat, colonel,
but I still think
we're making a mistake
tying into shore for the night.
Andrew, I've got no choice.
I know this river.
There are rapids just ahead,
and I can't risk running
them in the dark.
You know the river,
but I know Indians.
They'll smell us out
before morning.
I'll throw you
a stern line.
I don't like the look of it,
cherry pie.
I don't either,
but it can't be helped.
Andrew and I will stand guard.
I'll spend the night
on shore, colonel.
Better stay aboard, Andrew.
We'll need you in case we're
attacked in the darkness.
Well, we've got to have
some advance warning.
Only way to get it
is if one of us
spends the night ashore.
I guess you're right.
Zeb, you hear this, now.
At the first sound of a shot,
you take this ax
and cut that stern rope.
Let the current carry you
into midstream.
Yes, sir.
But how will you get back
if he cuts the rope?
You just stay under cover.
Come along, child.
We might as well try to sleep.
There's nothing we can do.
I think I'll watch for a spell.
Well, if I'm gonna get scalped,
I'd just as soon be asleep.
I'll look out from
the top of the cabin.
- You get to the stern.
- Yes, sir.
Cut the rope!
Cut the rope!
Don't you cut that rope yet!
- But Mr. Jackson said...
- I don't care what anybody said.
I'll cut it myself
as soon as he's safe aboard.
Now, you go watch from that end.
Colonel, you shout
as soon as you see Andrew.
Here he comes.
Why didn't you cut that rope?!
Don't yell at him, son.
Rachel wouldn't let us.
Are you all right?
Of course I'm all right!
Why didn't you cut the rope
like I told you to?
You didn't tell me.
And I never agreed, anyway.
Don't you know you could
all have been massacred?!
Don't you shout at me!
I've still got my scalp.
Have you got yours?
And besides,
what kind of a protector
goes gallivanting over the woods
Chasing Indians?
What were you trying to do,
make a dead hero
out of yourself?
Why did you do it?
I was showing off.
I like to graze danger.
Let go of my hands.
Well, we're almost there.
We're planning a party for you
next Tuesday, my dear.
We've invited
practically everybody
in this territory.
But, aunt Sarah,
I can't possibly
make myself a dress bythen.
I'm sure that one of
your cousins' dresses
will fit you perfectly, Rachel.
And we look about
the same size, Mr. Jackson.
Would you mind?
I sure wouldn't.
I can't think of anything
I'd rather do
than stand at the head
of a beautiful staircase
in a lovely gown and just...
Float down.
That just shows you
what a fool I can be.
I didn't think it possible
that you could be
more beautiful.
I'm so laced up,
I can hardly breathe.
My heart is pounding in my ears.
Well, by a strange coincidence,
my heart's pounding
in my ears, too,
and I'm not laced up.
Whew!
I staggered through that
a sight better
than I thought I could.
Darling,
I've been asking in natchez.
You can get an annulment
here in Spanish territory.
We can be married right away.
Then we could go home together.
No, we couldn't go home.
Why not?
We wouldn't be legally married
anyplace but here.
We could never go back?
Darling...
This is a beautiful territory.
What would be the matter with spending
the rest of our lives here?
Andrew...
I don't want you
to have to give up
anything for me.
What would I be giving up
that means anything to me?
I couldn't be happy
anyplace in the world
without you.
We could build a good life
for ourselves here.
Marrying here
would only be a way
of getting around the law.
Our love is right and good.
Our marriage must be
right and good, too,
from the first instant.
I don't want it to imprison you
or cost you anything.
Rachel, it has to be here
or not at all.
Maybe if you went back and
talked to mother robards.
She'd get Lewis
to petition for divorce.
He'd never set you free.
But we must try.
Go back and talk
to mother robards, Andrew.
I know she'll do anything
she can to help me.
And then if there's
no other way,
I'll marry you here.
I'd do anything you asked me to.
Darling, why do we waste
months, maybe years
that we could have together now?
We just decided to wait.
You decided.
And you agreed.
I said I'd go back.
I didn't say I wanted to
or even that I thought
it was best.
Rachel, I'm not a fickle man.
I've never loved before,
and I'll never love again,
but things can happen.
Let's be together now
while we can.
Andrew, I still have a husband.
- I can't just...
- All right.
Maybe I'll be back
in two months,
or maybe two years
or maybe not at all.
But if that risk
will make you happy,
I'll try and make you happy.
Maybe you'd prefer
not to come back at all.
Andrew, a mail rider
just arrived from Nashville.
There's a letter for you.
Thank you, colonel.
Rachel!
Darling. We can be married.
We can be married here
right away.
Lewis got a divorce.
Who sent the letter?
John. He wrote
the minute he heard.
Lewis went to
the legislature himself,
and they granted his petition.
Oh, I knew it was
going to turn our way.
Let me read the letter.
I'll tell you about it.
Andrew, there's something wrong
about the divorce?
It's not the way
we wanted it, darling,
but the fact is you're free.
But how did he get the divorce?
- Rachel...
- What were the grounds?
The thing that's important here
is that we can be married.
Andrew, what were the grounds?
He accuses you of adultery.
With...
With whom?
He names me.
Darling...
Try to think only
of what this means to us.
You're a man.
I don't think you can understand
what this means to me.
I think I can.
It means that
I'm marked for life.
Rachel, listen to me.
The divorce is already granted,
so let's make the best of it.
Let's not let anything
mar our future now,
especially the past.
How could he have been
so spiteful?
Darling, don't be unhappy now.
Please.
We were married,
and for a while,
time had no meaning.
We stayed on in natchez,
and the days spread into weeks,
and the weeks
drifted into months.
Oh, Andrew, look.
Someday I'm going to have
a track of my own,
race my own horses.
Do you like to gamble?
I married you.
Someday I'm gonna build you
a home just like that.
With six columns?
With six columns.
Andrew, let's go back
to Nashville
to build that home.
Right now?
Right now!
So we came home
to Tennessee.
Andrew bought a place for me.
Not a big place at first.
Land was getting high,
almost ten cents an acre,
which was about all
he had to his name.
But Andrew kept his word.
He promised me a house
with six columns.
Well, it had six columns...
Sort of.
Anything else you want,
miss Rachel?
No, thank you, moll.
Good night, moll.
Good night.
What are you frettin' about?
I'm beginning to worry, Andrew.
Why?
When Jane was married
as long as we've been,
she'd already had one child,
second one on the way.
We'll have children,
don't you worry.
There's plenty of time.
I'll go see who it is.
Sorry to trouble you
this time of night, Andrew.
Come in, John.
- Good evening, John.
- Evening, Rachel.
If it's trouble
that's on your trail,
you've come to the right place
for support.
I'm afraid it's not me,
but you the trouble's
headed for.
I came to warn you before you
heard about it from someone else.
What's this all about, John?
Could I speak to you alone,
Andrew?
If you think you're
going to break bad news
to Andrew alone, John overton,
you'd better change
your mind in a hurry.
Well, all right, then.
Lewis never got any divorce
from Rachel.
I don't understand.
Well, Lewis got his divorce
over two years ago.
We all know that.
He petitioned the legislature.
All they granted him
was the right to sue.
Then Andrew and I
aren't married.
John, everybody...
Everybody was wrong.
- The papers...
- The papers were wrong.
And if Lewis knew
about our mistake,
he took his sweet time
before he did anything.
Did anything?
What has he done now?
He sued last week for divorce.
It was granted.
Well, there's no question
of grounds this time.
But, John, how could
this have happened?
How?
I don't know, but it did.
The way things get twisted,
the way news travels
in this part of the country.
I'm a lawyer.
I should have known better.
I should have gone
to the legislature myself
and looked into the records!
And I'm to blame
for passing the rumor on to you.
I'll kill him.
I'll hunt him down and kill him.
I know what a blow this is
to both of you, Andrew, but...
Killing Lewis
isn't going to solve anything.
We'll have to be married again,
Andrew.
And admit publicly
that Lewis was right?
Well, I'll go on back
to Nashville.
You two talk it over tonight.
I'll be in our office
when you want me.
Good night, Rachel.
Thanks.
Let me know what you decide.
Only don't decide
on anything foolish.
We'll have to be married again.
And admit that
we don't recognize
our own marriage ourselves?
I told you, no!
Oh, Andrew.
Darling, even if it galls you,
do it for my sake.
Do it because it'll help me,
so that when our children
do come,
no one will ever
be able to hurt them.
Do it because you love me.
All right, Rachel.
I'll do it because you asked me,
not because I think it's right,
but because I can't
deny you anything
that's in my power to give you.
Ohh...
I pronounce you man and wife.
Now, Jane and I
have fixed a cake.
Come along, Rachel.
You're going to have to cut it.
Andrew thinks we ought to
go home right away, mother.
You simply can't.
Andrew, is that any expression
for a bridegroom to wear?
I'm sorry, mother donelson.
Come along.
Well, it isn't everyone
that can have two weddings.
I mean...
Let me help you, mother.
It seems to me William
could have got here
whether he approved or not.
Oh, I didn't really
expect he'd be here.
He never thought
I should have married Andrew
in the first place.
Well, he can go hang
as far as I'm concerned.
Here's my list.
I'll wait.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Phariss.
Afternoon, Mr. Clark.
Can you fill out that order
for me, please?
Why, certainly, Andrew.
I hear today's your wedding day.
You heard right.
Well, these aren't very fancy
for a wedding present, but...
I wish you'd give them
to Mrs. Jackson
with my compliments.
Well, thank you.
She'll appreciate them.
I'd like to ask Rachel...
Look out, Jason.
Which one of you
mentioned my wife's name?
I did.
What did you say?
Sure you'd like to hear?
What did you say?
I said I wonder whose bed
Rachel will be putting
her moccasins under next.
Andrew!
He's not worth killing.
Giddyup!
Giddyup!
Git!
I've got no right
to sulk and be mean.
I just don't want you
to be unhappy.
I warned you once
I was bad-tempered.
They gave you good cause.
Here, let me clean you up
a little bit.
What's happened, Mr. Cruthers?
We found him here
a few minutes ago.
The creeks must have
ambushed him
and taken his horse.
They burned the Henderson place, too.
Looks like he's been dead
since morning.
Who is he?
William.
Oh, William.
Oh, William!
He stopped at my place
this morning.
Said he was going
to his sister's wedding.
Andrew.
He was on his way to be with us.
We'd best all meet
in Nashville tonight.
Tell everybody
it looks like the creeks
are aimin' to wipe us out
for good this time.
When the Indians
continued to raid
and burn our homes,
Andrew organized the militia
to fight them.
He recruited his men,
and he trained them himself.
And when they were ready,
he led them.
This was our first militia,
and it was the first
of many separations to come.
The first one, I think,
was the most difficult.
He'll be back in no time,
miss Rachel.
He'll be back before plantin' time
comes around.
Git up!
If I was young, which I ain't,
and if I had any brains,
which I ain't,
I sure wouldn't marry
no soldier.
Andrew wasn't a soldier
when I married him.
And when he married you,
you sure wasn't
no workhorse, neither.
Whoa.
Whoa!
Howdy, Mrs. Jackson!
Jacob! What are you doing back?
Headin' home.
The Indian war is over.
Looks like you married yourself
a hero, Mrs. Jackson.
Where's Andrew?
He's comin' up the road.
Oh. Ohh!
We licked 'em good and proper,
and Andy signed a treaty
with the creeks,
and from now on, it...
Don't you want to hear
about the war?
Ohh!
Rachel!
Oh, no.
Rachel.
Oh, Andrew, I wanted to...
I was trying to...
Darling...
You're so thin.
I lost a few pounds.
Are you all right?
Hard as nails.
Oh, Andrew!
Rachel.
What's that?
I almost forgot. Come on.
Wait here.
It's a baby.
Well, you said you wanted one.
And since I've been away
over a year,
this is the best
I could do for you.
Andrew, what is this all about?
It's an Indian baby
I found on the battlefield
with its dead mother.
We've killed so many
of his people,
I figured we owed him a life.
The poor little mite.
Can we keep him?
I don't see why not.
When I asked the Indians
to take it,
they were gonna kill him.
How helpless...
And dear.
This is the last spoonful.
Ibeheve
that's all he wants, too.
Well, Andrew,
what shall we name ourson?
Well, the Indians
called him lincoya.
Lincoya?
What does it mean?
"The abandoned one."
Well, lincoya,
we won't abandon you.
Oh, Andrew,
you'll choke the boy.
Oh, he was starved.
- How long have you had him?
- Oh, six weeks.
Well, what have you
been feeding him?
Brown sugar and water.
Hasn't he had any milk?
Now, where would I get milk?
From a cow.
Well, my men did find one cow.
They had it killed and eaten
before I could find a pal!
To get under it.
It's a wonder
this child's alive.
It's a wonder
any of us are alive.
Well, come on, young fella.
Time your mother put you to bed.
Down we go.
Moll and I have
almost finished planting
the spring crops.
You'll find the place has shown
a good profit while you were away.
Too bad you got the crops in.
Too bad? Well, why?
Well, somebody else
will reap the harvest.
It won't belong to us.
Now, who will it belong to
if not to us?
Well, the crops, the land,
the house,
don't belong to us right now.
Rachel...
I had to sell everything we own.
You've sold our home?
Right over our heads.
Oh, Andrew!
Well, darling, our troops needed
food and ammunition.
I had to buy it for them.
The contractors wanted cash.
Only way I could get supplies
was to sell everything I could.
Well, you'll get it all back.
Surely the government
will make it up to you.
That don't seem likely, honey.
They're five years behind
paying me as Attorney General.
Well, at least we don't
owe anybody anything.
I wish that was true.
The fact is,
I've had to sign notes
putting myself in debt
for the next fifteen years.
Andrew, if we've no home,
where are we going to live?
Oh, I stopped in Nashville
just long enough to buy us a new place.
I'm going to make it
the showplace of this country.
Now, how can we buy a new place
if we haven't any money?
Well, that's why we're in debt.
I figure the time to dare
to pull yourself up to the heights
is when everyone thinks
you've failed.
I do you a great injustice,
Andrew.
Once in a while,
I worry about the future.
I was foolish to have worried.
Andrew built the house
he promised me,
and we named it "the hermitage."
Oh, it was mighty fine.
There was only one thing wrong.
Andrew never spent
much time in it.
When he wasn't off
fighting Indians,
he was in Washington city
fighting congress.
He went away so often
I made him promise
that if! Died first,
he'd make my tombstone
an angel waving good-bye.
While Andrew was away,
the ladies of Nashville
invited me to join
their culture club.
I accepted because it seemed
an honor to my husband.
Thank you, Henry.
Mrs. Phariss.
I've been watching for you,
Mrs. Jackson.
I've done a dreadful thing,
and I had to see you
to explain it.
Well, if I can be of any help.
Well...
When I first invited you
to join our club, Mrs. Jackson,
I didn't consult
our other members.
I thought, now that
your husband's a senator,
it would be quite all right,
but it seems that it isn't.
The majority
of the ladies here today,
threatened to walk out
the moment that you come in.
I won't come in, Mrs. Phariss.
It seemed that people
just wouldn't forget.
I made up my mind then,
never to risk humiliation again.
I'd stay at the hermitage
and make our home
what we'd always wanted it to be,
a safe retreat from the world.
Oh, miss Rachel.
Moll, what is it?
You was away.
We... we sent for the doctor
as soon as we could.
What happened?
Lincoya.
Doctor, what...
Oh, moll.
What wrong have I done
that I should be punished?
Am I really an evil woman?
Why you ask that, miss Rachel?
My husband is persecuted
because of me...
God denies me children
of my own...
And he takes away the child
that I was given.
Miss Rachel...
Do you think
them Christian martyrs
standing before
the lions and tigers...
Do you think they asked
the good lord
if they was being punished?
Of course they never.
And that's why they're saints.
Andrew finally came home,
and I invited
some of his friends
to the hermitage
to celebrate the occasion.
The men accepted,
but the wives still refused
our hospitality.
Well, I may be too old
to beat you on foot, captain,
but I'll contrive to do so
on horseback.
Are you gentlemen going
to desert me all evening?
Do forgive us, Mrs. Jackson.
You're either talking
politics or racing.
Which is it?
Now, you don't talk politics,
you argue them.
It's racing.
Andrew just agreed
to run his horse
against greyhound next Tuesday.
Well, I think it's only fair to warn you,
captain innin,
that Tuesday's
my husband's lucky day.
And it's only fair to warn you,
Mrs. Jackson,
my son-in-law
is a fine horseman.
All the better.
- We have a wager and a race, Mr. Jackson.
- We have, sir.
May I claim my husband,
gentlemen?
I haven't had him back long.
Why, of course.
And how much have you bet
this time?
Five thousand.
Five thousand!
Should I have bet more?
We haven't got five thousand dollars.
You know that.
Ah, no one else knows it.
And what if we lose?
My note is good.
No one would refuse it.
Andrew, sometimes I think politics
have taught you to be devious.
I didn't have to be taught.
I come from a long line
of horse traders.
Good night, Andrew.
It's good to have you home again.
Thank you, jed. Good night.
Good night, John.
Good night, Andrew.
Good night, John.
You tired?
Some.
Well, if you don't mind,
I think I'm going to have
another pipe before going up.
Well, I'll sit with you.
There's nothing I'd like better.
Well, I think our little party
was a complete success.
I haven't been so contented
in over a year.
You know, I'm gettin' mighty tired
of life in Washington city.
I'm happiest here
at the hermitage
with you and my old friends.
Did I say something funny?
No, my love, it's...
It's just that
I forgot to tell you.
One night while you were gone
and I was very lonely,
I tried to smoke your pipe.
Did you like it?
It nearly strangled me.
Well, you didn't
go about it right.
Here, I'll teach you.
Oh, no, I...
Well, moll would be scandalized.
She won't see you. Now try it.
Well...
Now, don't swallow
smoke at first.
Take short puffs
till you get used to it.
I've mastered it.
Well, not quite.
Now you're used to the smoke,
I'll show you how to
exhale it properly.
Now, first hold
some of the smoke
in your mouth for a moment.
Is there anything else
I can do for you, miss Rachel?
Shall I get Alfred
to get some ham
from the smokehouse
for breakfast?
Miss Rachel,
do you think
Mr. Jackson would like
some of them fancy pancakes
we cooked while he was away?
Oh, they sure is
something fancy...
Is we used one cup
or two cups of cream?
Seems like one cup's a-plenty.
You mighty red in the face,
miss Rachel.
Is you all right?
Yes, moll.
Oh, Andrew.
I'll join you right after the race.
My heart is fluttering
like a bird.
You're not frettin'
about the outcome, are you?
Well, some,
but then I come from
a long line of fretters.
Mrs. Jackson.
Good afternoon, captain.
Quite a few people
have shown up.
There seems to be unusual
interest in this race.
So it seems.
I hear most of the betting
is on greyhound.
Oh? I hadn't heard.
I do hope you're a good loser,
Mrs. Jackson.
Our horse isn't going to lose,
Mrs. Phariss.
I'll bet you my carriage
and horses against yours.
If you wish, Mrs. Jackson.
I do.
Shall we consider this our bet?
Very well.
Thank you.
He's sure rarin' to go,
Mr. Jackson.
We'll take the lead
and hold it all the way.
And that's a fact.
That horse sure don't like
no other horse's
tail in its face.
Ladies and gentlemen...
They about to begin to commence,
miss Rachel?
About.
Mr. Jackson on truxton.
One turn around the course.
Hlhave.
The carriage delivered
to you in the morning,
Mrs. Jackson.
Oh, no, I...
I made this bet in anger.
I... I ask you not to hold me to it,
Mrs. Phariss.
Please.
Thank you.
I must go congratulate Andrew.
Mr. Jackson!
You won, Mr. Jackson!
You did it! You won!
You bet we did, ajax!
We won!
I was never so excited
in my life.
Didn't I tell you I had the fastest horse
in this territory?
Mr. Jackson.
I shall have to give you my note.
Is that acceptable to you?
I should have expected you
to accept mine.
Thank you, sir.
A devious man, my husband.
Pardon me, boy.
Andy! Excuse me.
Andy, congratulations.
It was a good race.
Race? I didn't see it.
What in thunderation
are you congratulating me for?
Why, hasn't anyone told you?
That I won? I was on the horse!
No, I mean the appointment.
Haven't you heard?
The militia!
You're married to a general,
Rachel.
Governor blount signed
the appointment this morning
at the statehouse.
This is just about
the best Tuesday
we've ever had.
Did you hear?
Andy's been appointed
to head the state militia.
Excellent choice, in my opinion.
Andrew's been a fine Attorney General,
a good congressman.
And as a soldier,
no one can question his daring.
No one?
He's famous
for a daring exploit.
He captured another man's wife.
Andrew...
Would you take me
to the carriage, please?
Excuse us, gentlemen.
I'll have Samuel take you home.
I want to go home with you.
I can't leave right now.
Andrew, fate's been
very kind to us today.
We can afford to be generous.
I'll have Samuel take you home.
I had to challenge him, Rachel.
Why?
He gave me no choice.
Your courage and your reputation
don't require you to duel.
If I ignore him now,
it will only goad him
to greater insults
the next time.
Let him make
his foolish charges.
I can bear his insults.
The men under my command
in the militia
expect courage
from their leader.
If I don't have their respect,
I might as well resign.
Andrew, is it your honor or mine
that you're fighting for?
If it's mine,
then the decision should be mine.
There is no difference.
It's an excuse to murder!
That may well be.
He's a far better shot
than I am.
And if he kills you?
Am I better off a widow
whose name has been defended?
Rachel, I've already
challenged him.
I can't withdraw.
You're a lawyer.
You're breaking the law.
You know it's illegal
to due! Here.
We're going over the line
into Kentucky.
When?
Tomorrow morning.
Andrew.
If I'm to be the cause
of all your quarrels
for the rest of your life,
then you give me no choice...
I must leave you.
I will not let you be
killed because of me,
nor will I let you
take another man's life.
I must leave you.
You'd leave me now?
No. No.
Oh, Andrew, please.
Please don't do this.
If Mr. Dickinson's
bullet kills you,
it kills me, too.
Let him say what he will
about me.
No man can say what he will
about my wife.
Rachel...
I've failed you
a great many times
at a great many things,
and I hope you'll forgive me.
But I couldn't expect you
to forgive me
if I lived without honor.
Now let's go to bed.
Andrew?
Andrew?
Darling, you wanted
to be wakened by 4:00.
It's almost 4:00.
That'll be John and Dr. May.
Ready, Andrew?
Right away.
Be careful.
I'll be careful.
Come home to me
as quickly as you can.
What you got them old clothes on for,
miss Rachel?
I've been working the fields, moll.
Now what do you
want to do that for?
If there's work to do,
there's men to do it.
The men can't help me today.
Well, I'm going along
with you, then.
Go to bed, miss Rachel.
Please go to bed.
When we finish this,
we'll find something else to do.
He ain't hurt.
I just know he ain't.
If he were all right,
he'd have been home by sundown.
Don't cry, honey.
Andrew!
He's been hurt.
Oh, Andrew.
Rachel.
How bad is it?
The ball racked his breastbone.
Broke his ribs.
I tried to get him
to stay at the tavern,
but he insisted it was more important
to get back to you.
He should've been
attended to at once.
Dickinson wasn't bragging.
His aim was perfect.
He shot me exactly where
he supposed
my heart was beating.
Keep talking, Andrew.
But you know how loosely
that frock coat fits me?
Well, standing side-wise
as we did,
it billowed out in front of me.
I never thought it'd do
any good in this world
to wear fancy clothes.
But it saved my life
by half an inch.
He'll be all right.
But I still can't understand
how Andrew could've stood up
and fired
with a bullet so near his heart.
How is Mr. Dickinson?
He's dead.
Oh, Andrew. What can we do?
Why won't people leave us alone?
Rachel,
I promise you
I'll lift you so high,
no one will dare whisper
a word against you
for the rest of our lives.
Trust me, please.
My dear wife,
each phase of this war
seems to take me further away.
My one consolation
in the midst
of hardship and death
is recalling the peace
of the hermitage.
I like to think of you
sitting at the hearth,
your mending in your lap,
the clock
ticking the hours away.
It is a picture from which
I derive great comfort.
I'm glad you're not
harvesting a crop this year.
With the men all away,
the work is too hard
for a woman.
We've had
a little rain recently.
It's set the men to grumbling,
as the roads become impassable,
and we have to sit
around and wait,
and tents don't
afford much shelter.
Cannon are difficult
to move in this mud.
You've no idea how exasperating
such things can be.
I haven't forgotten my promise
to raise you to the heights.
Grant me a few years' grace.
We shall see
what the future holds.
Your devoted husband, Andrew.
December 10, 1814.
Andrew's letters never failed me,
even when they were written
in despair and defeat.
Then at New Orleans,
he gave his country
one of the greatest
victories in our history.
When the early morning fog lifted,
three thousand of the enemy
lay dead and wounded.
Andrew lost only eight
of his own men.
No one could've been prouder of him
than I was.
He came home again,
and we had a year
or so together.
But I knew that Andrew
was never destined
to be peaceful for long.
What's the matter with you?
I won't do it!
He has no right to ask me.
I've served my country enough
for one man.
Who has no right
to ask you what, Andrew?
I'm a soldier, not a politician,
and I've had enough soldiering.
Will you stand still long enough
to tell me what
you're talking about?
The governor wants me
to return to the senate.
Well, I'm not going to do it.
If he wants a man in Washington city,
let him go himself!
I have no intention
of ever leaving the hermitage again.
Now there's no use
arguing with me.
My mind is made up!
80 Andrew was off to Washington again,
and what had promised to be
only a year or so,
stretched into four and five,
and... and more.
I can't remember now.
October 6, 1825.
My dear husband,
your last letter
was most reassuring.
I'm delighted to know
that things are going so well
for you in Washington.
But I'm especially
delighted to hear
that you're learning
to control your temper.
It's good to know
that my husband
is a man of peace at last.
I do hope when you return
after this session
it'll be to stay.
Since you've never really
cared for politics,
it's foolish to continue
in a profession
that keeps us apart.
I know this summer together
with no thought of public office
will be the happiest
of our lives.
Since you've asked
for my opinion,
you're going to get it.
There's only one thing
that can keep you
from being president,
and that's you yourself.
You and your dang temper.
Now look here...
If you accept this honor, Andy,
you've got to accept the responsibility
that goes with it.
You can't fight back
the way you fought all your life.
You tell this man
how even-tempered
I've become, Rachel.
Go ahead, John.
I don't think you've
got a gnat's notion
of the kind of dirty campaign
you've let yourself in for.
They're determined back east
not to have a western president,
and there's no weapon
your enemies
won't use against you,
no matter how rotten
or dishonest.
Well, a little name-calling
won't rile me, John.
Even if it involves Rachel?
This is my fight, not Rachel's.
We're no strangers
to abuse, John.
They'll dip their arrows
in venom, Rachel.
They'll wound you, if they can,
to goad Andrew into fighting.
They know if and rew's temper
makes him kill somebody,
it'll reelect Adams.
Othennise, you think I might
conceivably make
a good president?
If you're not hanged
in the meantime.
Well, thank you, John.
I'll weigh my temper
with my wife
and let you know what we decide.
Well, just don't forget:
You've been warned.
Good night, Rachel.
Take care of yourself.
Good night, John.
How would you like
to be first lady?
How would you like to be
president?
Why don't you
figure on going into Nashville,
as soon as you're feeling better,
order yourself
an inauguration dress.
What'll I do with
an inauguration dress
if you're not elected?
Isn't it a little late in life
to stop gambling with me?
Here's something
I had made for you
just in case you decided to run.
It goes in the back
of your watch
to remind you not
to lose your temper.
Well, what do you think of that?
In case you don't recognize it,
it's me.
That's just about
the nicest present
you could've thought of.
I wanted to surprise you.
But I'm afraid I'm the one
who got the surprise
when I saw that portrait.
I've always thought of myself
as I was when we first met.
I don't need any artist
to help jog my memory.
Unfortunately, the poor artist
couldn't paint me
from your memory.
He had to paint me as he saw me.
Well, it's a fine present,
Rachel.
I thank you.
Ah, I've learned
all of your bad habits,
none of your good ones.
When we get to Washington city,
we're either going to have to
refine our vices
or else keep 'em a secret.
Let's just keep them secret.
You got no business
coming into town
without telling Mr. Jackson.
You ain't well, and you know it
and I know it and he knows it.
Oh, stop your grumbling, moll.
They aren't going
to frighten me off.
I want to hear my husband speak.
He ain't gonna say nothing
you ain't heard before
and won't hear again.
It has been said
that I've had
more experience in uniform
than in government.
That is true.
I might add
that it was also true
of general Washington.
Are you comparing yourself
with general Washington?
He was a gentleman.
You're a gambler!
I can't deny that.
I've loved to gamble
all my life.
It's no secret.
You're a murderer!
You killed Charles Dickinson
in cold blood.
I defended my honor.
He was killed in a fair duel.
You stole another man's wife!
I stole no man's wife.
We don't
want an adulterer
as president, do we?
No! No!
And we don't want a prostitute
as first lady.
What man of you said that?
I did. Jason robards.
We don't want a murderer
or an adulteress
in the white house.
Don't be a fool, Andrew!
You're playing right
into their hands.
Miss Rachel!
Adams can write.
Jackson can fight.
Rachel can smoke
an old Clay pipe.
But Adams will win,
to Andy's chagrin,
and Rachel will pay
the wages of sin.
Adams can write,
Jackson can fight,
Rachel can smoke
an old Clay pipe.
But Adams will win,
to Andy's chagrin...
What happened to her?
She went into Nashville
to be with me,
and her strength failed her.
Help her!
I'll probably
have to bleed her again.
Hasn't she been bled enough?
Is there any word yet?
I don't want you to worry
about the election.
I want you to worry
about getting well.
Tell me as soon as you hear.
I'll tell you as soon as I hear.
Has anyone been out
to tell you yet?
We got word on the tally.
You've been elected!
Did you hear that, Andy?
You've been elected!
I'm awake.
We're going to Washington city.
It's...
Definite?
Samuel and John came by
to tell me just now.
You're the first lady.
You kept your promise.
You've kept every promise
you ever made to me.
I was careful not to make any
I couldn't keep.
Mr. President.
How can I tell you, Andrew?
Well, don't try.
You just hurry and get well.
Think you can sleep now?
Well, you try.
I'll leave the door open.
Andrew.
Andrew!
Rachel.
Rachel.
Moll!
Andrew.
Yes, Rachel?
I want to tell you...
I'm glad I never left you,
even for your own sake.
I'm not going
to Washington city with you
after all.
You're going with me.
Do you hear?
You're going with me.
You're going to be
there beside me.
Don't carry a spite with you.
They killed her.
They killed her
just as sure as she was born.
In the presence
of this gentle soul,
I can and do forgive
mine enemies.
But those vile wretches
who slandered her
must look to god for mercy.
President of the United States.
Well...
Here we are, Rachel.
Look at them.
Some of those good people
feel sorry for me.
Poor fools they.
They don't know what memories
I've brought with me.
They can't see
the way you looked
that first day we met,
when our whole lives
lay ahead of us.
I remember the way the wind
blew your hair back,
sitting there in the prow
of that old riverboat
and the look of trust
that was always there
when there was danger to face.
What a vision you were
at the top of those stairs.
And the way you looked
with lincoya,
crowding his poor little life
into a few short years,
and the way you always ran to me
when I came home again.
The way you ran to me.
Why, I have enough memories
to sustain me
all the days of my life.