North and South s01e06 Episode Script
Book 1, Episode 6
I declare, I wish I could go out exactly like this.
Ashton, I've just had the most wonderful news.
I beg your pardon.
Goodness, little sister you act as though people were born with clothes on.
Ashton, I've had a message from Billy.
He got here three days ago.
He hasn't bothered to get in touch till now? Not very gallant.
I'm sure that he had good reason.
But that doesn't matter.
What's important is that he's at Fort Moultrie and he'll be here in Charleston this afternoon.
My, how grand! - Oh, botheration.
- What's the matter? It's just that I didn't prepare James for Billy.
Don't worry.
I'll meet Billy outside.
James won't even have to know he's here.
Of course, you know, I'd love to see him, too but I have one of my silly old meetings.
And I'm sure you two lovebirds would rather be alone anyways.
So you give Billy my special love, you hear? I will.
And I'll fix it for next time with James.
Now, you listen here, little sister.
You be extra careful on those streets today.
Both of you.
It's Election Day, and this town is just bound to go crazy.
Especially if those stupid Yanks put that illiterate in the White House.
Brett, honey, I didn't mean that Billy was a stupid Yank.
I know you didn't.
And thank you.
We will be careful.
The Union is dead! Get back up North where you belong, blue belly.
I missed you.
I wrote to Charles weeks ago.
But I still haven't received an answer, if he sent one.
I'm sure Charles was delighted that you asked him to be your best man.
Unless he's begun to think I'm another no-good Yankee.
He's your friend, Billy.
He'd never think that.
I know.
Even if he chooses to fight for the South.
I'd miss him very much if he did choose that.
Very much.
You're thinking about Orry, aren't you? I love him, Billy.
I really don't want to hurt him.
I was furious the night I left and I said a lot of things that I'm sorry for now.
So we're back to waiting for his permission? No.
Just hoping for his approval.
My family means as much to me as yours does to you.
I know.
And it means more to Orry than you can imagine.
We can't wait for your brother to get his life in order.
We've got our own lives to think about.
I don't know when I'm going to get leave, but when I do I want us to get married right away, understand? You sound so angry, Billy.
I love you, Brett, but we've waited long enough.
- St.
Michael's church bells.
- It must be the last election returns.
I'd like to see what's going on.
Would you feel uneasy walking outside with a Yankee officer? Not uneasy.
Proud.
All right.
Listen, Billy.
It's The Marseillaise.
The song from the French Revolution.
Are they crazy? It's the American Revolution, Yank, of 1860.
Cannon fire.
It's the cadets at the citadel.
It's just a salute.
Excuse me.
They don't seem to be friendly.
Excuse me.
- Stay with me.
- Hello, Yank.
Stay behind me, Brett.
Just stay back, all right? You ain't going to risk firing into this crowd.
Don't try me.
Look, I never ran from a fight in my life.
Come on! Run! Stay back! Get him! Come on.
I can't believe those Yankees elected Lincoln.
He wasn't on the ballot in 10 of the Southern states.
Secession is a matter of Southern honor.
You're damn right.
We must secede now.
Brett went right off to sleep.
She always was a scaredy-cat.
I'd never get the vapors over something like that.
Maybe she learned her lesson showing herself on the street with a Yankee.
- I'd say she asked for it.
- I couldn't agree with you more.
But right now I want to hear all about the special convention.
It's about to happen: secession.
What I've been working toward for so long.
And not just South Carolina.
When we secede, six other states are about to follow.
Freedom, a new government, and I'll be at the top.
So will you.
You're going to spill my champagne.
It's expensive.
Who cares? Soon you'll be able to bathe in it if you like.
Miss Ashton? A gentleman wants to meet you at the front door.
Who is it? I don't know, ma'am.
He said he got to talk to you about a job.
All right.
It's probably my dressmaker's husband.
I won't be more than a moment, James dear.
Then I want you to tell me everything about today.
I told you to come tomorrow.
I want my money for going after the Yank.
My husband is home.
Come back tomorrow.
I can't help it if he got away, missy.
Pulled a gun, he did.
Somebody could've got killed.
Now, I still got to pay my boys.
You didn't kill him, and you still expect to be paid? Now.
You said $20 in gold.
You can't be too careful these days.
Much obliged, missy.
- Ashton, who is it? - No one important, dear.
Just someone wanting something for nothing.
God above.
Is it really you, George? Get the cinders out of my hair and wash my face and maybe we'll both be sure.
Jed, get Mr.
Hazard's bags up to the guest bedroom.
And make sure Semiramis turns down the bed.
Why didn't you let me know you were coming? 'Cause I didn't want you to tell me not to.
I know I haven't written but I've been extremely busy with the harvest, and all this political turmoil.
When I got off the train in Charleston, it reminded me of Mexico.
Only I felt more welcome there.
- How are things up North? - Just the way they are down here.
There are some people up North who can't wait for South Carolina to secede, so we can all go to war.
But war fever's not why I came down here.
Why then? To try and save our friendship.
Now, hear me out, Orry.
I thought about apologizing in writing but that's never been good enough for me, so I'm here to say it face to face.
I'm sorry.
Please don't let a fanatic like my sister, or the ones down here kill our feelings for each other.
- Have you heard from Virgilia? - No, not since that night.
That's another matter.
I shouldn't have taken her part.
I lost my temper.
So did I.
Now you've put me to shame, George.
God, I'm glad you came.
Now I can apologize.
I have missed you, George.
- That's grand, George, congratulations.
- Thank you.
I always knew you'd be a wonderful father.
- Next March, if all goes well.
- Of course it will.
I think so.
Constance is an amazing woman.
My brother Stanley and his Isabel, on the other hand are enough to try the patience of a saint.
It's a waste of time to talk about them.
You haven't told me anything about yourself.
Not much to say.
What about Madeline? Haven't you been able to see her? Madeline is not the same woman, George.
She's always distant now and often ill, from what I hear.
No one I know has seen her for months.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have brought it up.
There's nothing anyone can do but change the subject.
We've talked about everybody else.
Now, what about Billy and Brett? What about them? They want to get married here.
Mont Royal.
What about this war fever, George? Can't you see what they would be up against if it happened? Sure.
I know the obstacles.
So do they.
But they're young.
They're in love.
They'll make it through.
Orry, you know what it's like not to be able to marry the person that you love.
Yes, I do.
All right, George.
I still have my doubts.
But I will give Brett my permission to marry Billy.
That's great.
Why don't we go to Charleston together so we can tell them both at the same time? - You mean it? You're here to say yes? - Thank you.
I'm just sorry it took me so long.
Orry, thank you.
Thank you for your help.
- I'm sorry about our quarrel.
- Hush.
It's all forgotten.
I can't wait to tell Ashton.
- Yes.
Where is our sister? - She went to see James.
Institute Hall? To watch him speechify with the other secessionists.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't spoil today.
Nothing could spoil today.
Nothing at all.
I'd like to propose a toast.
- To your undying happiness.
- Cheers.
- Mead.
- Hazard.
I've come from Maj.
Anderson.
- The garrison has been placed on alert.
- What? They're expecting violence if secession is announced.
You should know, sir.
You're obviously a Southerner.
Lt.
Mead, this is my future brother-in-law, Mr.
Orry Main and my fiancée, Miss Brett Main.
I believe you know my brother, George Hazard.
You're to proceed with me at once back to the Fort.
But he has leave.
All leaves are canceled, miss.
I'll wait for you outside.
Lieutenant.
When will I see you again? I don't know.
Bye.
- I love you, Billy.
- Take care of yourself.
Goodbye.
Well, I guess they've done it.
Secession.
You want to go outside, George and watch the South celebrate its own funeral? Wait, I'm going with you.
Brett, it might be dangerous.
I have a right, Orry.
It's my country, too.
Secession.
We've done it, and I was there! "The Union existing between South Carolina "and other states of United States, is hereby dissolved! " You would do better to congratulate your sister, Ashton.
She and Billy are to be married.
Can't celebrate that and Secession at the same time.
Then damn the Union, and damn your union! Shut up! You fools don't know what you've done to yourselves, your children, to all of us! Southern rights! Southern rights! Forbes.
Madam Huntoon.
- Forbes, you're drunk as a skunk.
- Not yet, but I intend to be.
Now listen, Billy and Brett are going to be married.
Orry finally gave his consent.
- When will this happen? - We'll know soon enough.
The question is, what are we going to do about it? I think we should go to bed and discuss it.
Well, come along then.
- Have you seen Ashton? - She's around somewhere.
Is our celebration to your taste, Mr.
Hazard? What do you think, Huntoon? George and I fought for the Union.
You people have just torn it apart.
We have declared our freedom to the world.
Of course we'll have to protect it.
No foreign power can maintain bases here.
That means all federal property, including the Fort will have to be surrendered immediately.
Our commissioners will settle that before President Buchanan leaves office.
- What if old Buck doesn't see it that way? - Then we'll deal with it our way.
And if I were you, sir, I'd keep my mouth shut in Charleston.
Your Yankee accent is more offensive than ever.
Brett dear, what do you think? This will be the Hazard branch of the family when you and Billy are married.
If we are ever married.
It's been almost two months since Orry gave his consent.
I haven't seen Billy once, not even on Christmas.
Your brother said that Billy's garrison left Fort Moultrie over Christmas and moved to Fort Sumter.
They had to slip out secretly, Mother, in the dead of night.
They burned Fort Moultrie's gun carriages before they left.
The people of Charleston were furious.
Now they want to starve them out of Fort Sumter.
Perhaps they'll just let them leave the harbor and sail back up North.
Orry says that Billy's commander, Maj.
Anderson swears to hold Fort Sumter at any cost even though every gun in Charleston seems to be aimed right at them.
Brett, try not to lose faith.
President Davis doesn't want war.
He just wants the Confederacy to be left alone.
- And maybe we will be.
- I am trying, Mother.
But I've almost given up hope of ever marrying Billy.
I just pray that he'll be sent to some safer place.
Even if it is far away from me.
I'm worried about your cousin Charles, too.
Now that Texas has seceded I wonder, will he remain loyal to the Union or will his blood call him home? All officers and enlisted men loyal to the North prepare to move out in 10 minutes.
Have you bedroll? - I just can't believe it's come to this.
- Neither can I.
I'm supposed to lead the Union contingent to the Gulf.
Suddenly we're on different sides because some politicians say we are.
Well, I'm not choosing any side.
I'm staying right here.
Makes no sense, does it? We've shed blood together, eaten the same rotten food together.
We've been closer than brothers.
Now I'm supposed to look at you and see an enemy.
I can't do that.
Take care of yourself, Charlie.
You, too.
Or I'll have your hide, soldier.
- I'll walk you out.
- Better let me go first.
Half the men have already decided the other half is capable of anything.
Move out, Yank.
Good riddance, you blue bellies.
We don't need you Yankees.
Corporal, I'll never forget your saving my scalp when the Comanche had other ideas.
I'm grateful.
Whatever else changes, that won't.
Too bad, ain't it? Because now I'm thinking I should've let them have it.
I'm sorry you feel that way.
Because any man who stays ain't fit to wear the Army blue.
What was that, Corporal? I said, if you stay, you're a yellow traitor.
Don't let him get away with that.
No one calls me a traitor, Corporal.
Dismount.
Go to hell.
Let them fight it out.
Get that damn Yankee.
Pick him up and take him with you.
And I'll kill the next man who calls me a traitor.
- What's that you're writing, sir? - My resignation.
There's no regular Army officer here left to accept it.
I'll just leave it here.
I'm headed home.
What made you change your mind, Lt.
Main? I don't know.
Never been much for reasons.
I'm just a hell raiser and a horse soldier.
But I think the South's got enough philosophers.
Maybe they're going to need someone like me.
- Sir.
- Lieutenant.
Those are dispatches for Gen.
Scott.
I want you to carry them.
To Washington, sir? I expect you'll be glad to get off this island for a change.
I wouldn't want to be gone, sir, in the event of hostility.
There will be no hostilities that we initiate.
I refuse to go down in history as the man who fired the first shot.
I'm advising Gen.
Scott, that in my estimation, we'll need 20,000 men to penetrate the harbor defenses and reinforce this garrison.
You'll be carrying that, and other confidential papers.
- Sir, I'll leave at once.
- I wish that you could.
First Capt.
Hart will have to obtain clearance from the Governor.
I understand.
If he does get clearance, you'll leave at dusk tomorrow.
Pack everything, Lieutenant.
You won't be coming back.
You're being transferred to Washington, permanently.
But, sir, I Sir, I'm engaged to be married, sir, to a local girl.
I think we're all aware of that, Lieutenant.
How long would it take? Is she nearby? Near enough, sir, if I could get a message to her.
Hart might get one delivered, if you write it now.
- Sir, does this mean that I- - You're on leave till tomorrow night.
What you do in the meantime is your business, Lieutenant.
But by 9:00 tomorrow, you will be on a northbound train married or single.
Yes, sir.
Maj.
Anderson, sir.
I'm going to enjoy putting a bullet between Billy Hazard's eyes.
I surely believe you will.
- Do you have the pistols? - Yes.
But be careful how you load them.
We wouldn't want too much powder in one of them, would we? Preston, let me refresh your drink.
Thank you, sir.
What time is Hazard planning to marry the Main girl? Noon, according to Ashton.
They knew better than to invite us, huh? A Southern girl marrying Yankee trash.
Don't matter.
We'll get to go to the Yankee's funeral.
Ashton will send us another message as soon as she finds out what time their train leaves.
- Then we'll meet them halfway.
- Good.
And after that, there'll be one less Yankee to fight.
Drink up, gentlemen.
We have plenty of time for another round.
"Whom God hath joined together "let no man put asunder.
" Thank you.
My very best wishes, Brett.
I think you know I mean it.
Charles, you make a great wedding present.
- Thought you were still in Texas.
- Thank God I'm not.
- You and Brett.
What did I tell you? - Thank you.
I want to think this marriage will keep our families together no matter what happens.
So do I.
Billy, congratulations.
Too bad George couldn't be here to see you.
- You make the most beautiful bride.
- It's the dress.
It made me feel beautiful when I wore it.
It almost broke my heart when Ashton wanted hers made.
Well, I'm glad.
That way, you were able to give it to me.
Brett, honey.
You were so sweet to invite me to your wedding.
Especially after the awful way I behaved in Charleston.
You were very wrong, Ashton.
Very wrong.
I'm afraid I had a little touch of the Secession fever that night.
But James and I just insist on coming to the flag stop seeing you two off.
Thank you, Ashton, but it's not necessary.
You hush now.
We wouldn't have it any other way.
What time does your train leave? 4:30, Mr.
Forbes.
I waited around back for Miss Ashton, just like you told me.
She said, "Train going to leave by 4:30.
" You did just fine, Clarence.
Now go get yourself some hot corn bread.
Thank you, sir.
- You earned it.
- Thank you.
4:30.
We'd best get started.
- Wouldn't want to miss them.
- Good luck to you boys, now.
You're performing a public service.
A fine comeuppance for those Yankee-loving Mains, too.
Madeline? What were you doing, my dear? You were listening, weren't you? I didn't mean to, Justin.
I misunderstood.
You're not sending your nephew to murder anyone, are you? Madeline, you're sick.
You should be in your room.
- You need more of your medicine.
- No.
I said, go to your room.
- No, I'm going.
- You're not going anywhere.
- Let me pass.
- You're not leaving this house.
What are you staring at? Get back into the kitchen, or I'll skin your hide! I'll kill you for that! Elijah! Mr.
LaMotte's been hurt.
Help him.
Go! - Now, we'll see you at the flag stop.
- We'll see you there.
Be happy, my darling.
You can write to us, care of the War Department, Washington.
Bye.
Take care, everybody.
All right.
Thank you, Homer.
Goodbye, everybody.
To Mr.
and Mrs.
William Hazard.
Oh, my God! Lieutenant, horsemen coming.
Pull up.
You hear me, boy? Pull up.
Pull up.
Had to pay our respects.
Ma'am.
You remember my friend, Preston Smith? And you, sir, must be the groom.
Lt.
Hazard.
I'm Forbes LaMotte.
We've never met officially but I've had the pleasure of your wife.
Knowing her, that is, before you did.
Lieutenant, we best be getting on.
Don't want to miss that train.
Boy, you're not going anywhere until I give you leave.
Homer, drive on.
You touch those reins, boy, and there's going to be blood all over this road.
- Forbes, you're a fool.
- I declare, sweet.
I still have a fondness for you, even if you do talk like a Charleston whore.
LaMotte, you trash.
Get off that horse.
Get off! Do you hear what I think I heard? - Did this Yankee pig meat insult me? - That's right.
I do believe he did.
In that case I demand satisfaction.
Billy, don't.
It's what they came for.
In that case, I'll be happy to oblige them.
Billy, please don't.
You ignorant darky, his second stands over there.
Ready, gentlemen? Turn and fire on the count of 10.
One, two, three four, five, six seven, eight nine Billy, wait! Interfering son of a No! You picked the wrong man for that.
Are you all right? - Jackasses gave you a short load.
- What? That's why the ball only carried half way.
Madeline got to Mont Royal and told us how they plotted this whole thing.
Thank you, Cousin Charles.
We'd better get you to the train station fast.
Before Preston Smith rouses the whole countryside.
Ashton, I still can't understand why we drove halfway to Columbia.
- I thought we were seeing Brett off.
- Don't be tiresome, James.
I just didn't feel like waiting at some godforsaken flag stop.
Because you thought Billy and Brett would never get there, didn't you, Ashton? I don't know what you mean.
Well, I am sorry to disappoint you, but Billy and Brett were on that train in spite of everything you did to prevent it.
Now, look here, Orry, what's this all about? That is what your wife is going to tell me.
You're hurting me! I swear, you look just like an old thundercloud.
It was your idea, wasn't it? A nice legal way for Forbes to murder Billy.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Ashton, you can't lie your way out of this one.
You're frightening me.
What if Mother heard you talk to me like that? Stop it! It won't work! Madeline heard Forbes get the message from you about what time the train left.
You think I'll lower myself to deny the ravings of some sick-headed woman? You shut your mouth, or I will! Whether you deny it or not, it doesn't matter.
You plotted with Forbes.
Who told you that? Not Forbes? Forbes can't tell anybody anything.
He's dead, Ashton! Thanks to your scheming.
Dead? It was all your fault! You and that Yankee scum you call your friends! I'm sorry that we didn't succeed, because they all deserved to die! You get out of here and you take your husband with you.
You're no longer part of this family! Gladly, but you remember this: My husband is part of the new government.
And he'll make sure it knows how to deal with traitors.
I don't know what happened to her.
I do.
It's happening all over the country.
Bad apples taking over the barrel, Orry.
I'm so ill.
You'll be better here.
We'll take good care of you.
And you'll never go back to him.
No, never.
I feel so weak.
What was he giving you? A tonic.
He got it from his doctor.
It was some kind of drug.
So you'll probably feel a lot worse before you're better.
But I'll be with you all the time.
That's all that matters.
Don't dismount till you tell me what you want.
I want my wife, and you're standing in my way.
I wouldn't do that.
What do you want, Smith? You ask me that after that Yankee murdered my friend Forbes? Killed, after accepting a challenge to a duel.
The rest of you stay where you are.
You may dismount, Justin.
My cousin Orry would like to speak to you alone.
I've given Madeline sanctuary here at Mont Royal.
Sanctuary? From her own husband? You haven't been one.
You've beaten her, locked her up, drugged her treated her worse than an animal or a slave.
And you treat them worse than any man I know.
- Now, you listen to me, Main- - No, you listen! If you ever try to take Madeline back, you'll have to kill me first.
If you ever set foot on my property again, I will take it that you've come for that and I'll kill you on sight.
What will Justin do? Nothing, if he wants to live.
I told you, you're safe at Mont Royal.
You're going to get a divorce on grounds of physical cruelty and then we're going to be married.
I almost believe it.
It's as true as my love for you.
"In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen "and not in mine "is the momentous issue of civil war.
"The Government will not assail you.
"You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors.
"You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government "while I shall have the most solemn one to 'preserve "protect, and defend it.
"' I'm honored that you took my advice and left your pledge to recapture all the federal forts out of your inaugural address, Mr.
President.
You were right, Mr.
Seward in not wanting to alienate the Southern unionists.
We can have no peace without them.
Are you sure, sir, that we cannot offer more concessions to the South? They have their Fugitive Slave law, do they not? I have pledged I will not interfere with states where slavery presently exists.
Now, what more can you want? They perceive your vow to keep slavery out of the new territories as an economic threat, Mr.
President.
They fear it will not allow for Southern expansion.
I believe it's time the South learned to compromise, also.
I intend to be President of all the United States.
He looked at us.
I'm glad we came here instead of going to the Capitol to hear his speech.
- Yes.
- I think I'd rather just see him.
There he is.
- Don't you think he's impressive? - Impressive? The man is incompetent.
Jefferson Davis is his only equal in that respect.
But that's to our advantage.
You said "to our advantage.
" To our advantage how? Neither the North nor the South is prepared for war though they do nothing but threaten it.
The war, when it comes, will go on and on.
Neither side will know how to fight it, or how to end it.
The longer it lasts, the better it is for those of us who serve no side but our own.
You're counting on a blockade of Southern ports? Very good, Burdetta.
If there's one thing I learned in the Army there's nothing like a good war for making money.
What if there is no blockade? Madam, you are talking to a military genius! A blockade of Southern ports is inevitable.
Then your investment will make you richer than your late husband ever did.
Sometimes I think you love his money more than you love me.
Well, I do love his money.
And I don't remember extending the emotion to include you.
You must love me.
I could hardly mistake avarice for passion.
My dear, dear Burdetta if you didn't have the cash to invest in my ship I'd be in bed with someone else who did.
You're such a devil.
I wonder how wise I am to travel South with you.
Well, once I've shed my uniform, you would be unwise to trust me down there alone, with your late husbands money.
You just suit yourself.
I do have friends who will be very happy to see me again in the South.
And I have enemies who will be surprised.
It's only a matter of time before George is recommissioned.
I understand Lincoln is looking for West Point officers especially.
I don't suppose George is looking forward to that.
But I am, and you should be, too.
George is a fool not to make all the money he can from this war.
He said that would be profiteering, Isabel.
Who cares what it's called as long as it gives us the cash and the power to get Hazard Iron back? As soon as George leaves for the Army, we'll take control again.
And we'll see where that leaves your brother and his Irish slut.
- Careful.
- I am.
It's infernal that I have to leave so early, especially now.
You can't help it.
Those government orders must be stretching the foundry to the limit.
You're right.
You'd think that Hazard Iron was the North's only manufacturer of cannons, shell casings, and mortar.
It's a pity Mr.
Lincoln's speech didn't clear the air.
There wasn't much of a chance of that.
Now that he's been inaugurated, it looks like war's more likely.
Now listen, if anything happens, you let me know right away.
Dr.
McLain said it would only be a couple of days.
You worry about the foundry, me lad.
We'll be fine.
Good morning.
Goodbye.
Sweet Jesus.
Virgilia! We'll be needing someone else to help get Miss Virgilia up to her room.
No! She can go to a hotel or she can go to a hospital or she can go to hell.
But she cannot stay here.
Do you think she would have come here if she had anywhere else to go? And whose fault is that, Constance? No matter what she does, you welcome her back with open arms in spite of the rest of us, in spite of the way George may feel about it.
It's George I'm thinking of.
This poor creature is her own worst enemy.
I see terrible tragedy for her.
And I'll tell you, I will not have George blaming himself when that happens.
Now she's got the Irish gift of prophesy.
- We will not allow- - Be quiet, Isabel! Virgilia's my sister, too.
But she's your responsibility while she's in this house.
Fine.
Mama.
What is it, darling? You've hardly said a word all day.
I have to go away for a while.
But I've spoken to Charles.
He's going to postpone his enlistment so he can stay with you while I'm gone.
- To protect me from Justin? - I don't trust him.
But he won't dare try anything with Charles around.
Where are you going? North.
I have to see George about our partnership.
North? But if the war starts, Pennsylvania will be enemy territory.
I know.
But our new government ordered all our mills to start producing war materials.
And George didn't invest money in a mill to have it used against him.
I know you want to repay George but where will you get the money? I've mortgaged Mont Royal.
What? I got Mother's permission.
She agrees with me, it's a matter of family pride.
Southern pride.
Your pride.
And I love you for it.
We are Southerners, and we still have honor and nothing will take it from us.
So this is what $500,000 looks like.
Kind of a shabby thing to carry it in, though.
Exactly.
The less attention it attracts, the better.
Orry, this trip is too dangerous.
I still say you should let me go, and you stay here with Madeline.
No, I owe George Hazard a lot more than money.
It's my debt, I'll pay it.
There's another reason, isn't there? I want to see him again.
It may be the last time I ever will.
Battery, load! Ready, sir.
In, battery.
Feed.
Feed.
Point.
Steady.
Fire! Attention to orders.
April 12, 1861.
At 4:30 a.
m.
, on this date the United States garrison at Fort Sumter was fired upon.
It is now under bombardment by artillery of the Confederate States in rebellion.
Our nation has been attacked without provocation and we are now at war.
May God preserve and protect the United States of America.
Amen.
Nothing to worry about, folks.
Just a freight train accidentally derailed.
We'll have the track cleared shortly, and we'll be on our way.
How about old Beau, just going to blast those Yankees right out of Fort Sumter? It ain't going to be easy though.
Beauregard's a good general, but Maj.
Anderson's stubborn.
Sumter's fallen! Just came over the telegraph, Sumter's fallen.
You don't look pleased, sir.
Are you a Northern sympathizer? My deepest sympathy is for the South, sir.
Can't you write any faster? That's telling them, Abe! - Excuse me, sir.
- I beg your pardon.
What was that, mister? I need to get through.
I have a train to catch.
We've got ourselves a Southern gent.
What you got in the bag, Reb? I advise you to let me pass.
Back off.
Excuse me, sir.
My husband and I are from South Carolina.
I made this for him.
It shows your support for the Union.
You can buy a real one when you get where you're going.
Why, thank you, ma'am, but you really think we need that kind of deception? You wear it, for your own safety.
Thank you.
Good day.
I don't know how you got through, but it's great to see you.
- We're both so delighted, Orry.
- Thank you, Constance.
We've got a lot to catch up on.
Well, you two start without me.
I'll be right back.
We got your letter about Madeline.
I can't tell you how happy the two of us are that you're both finally together.
I never thought it would happen, it's like a miracle.
She She's home again? Yes.
She's sick and destitute and Constance didn't have the heart to turn her out.
I thought I'd show you the best news of all.
Oh, no.
Here she is.
She's beautiful.
You must be so proud.
You might say George was proud when she was born.
Every male citizen of Lehigh Station got a cigar and that even includes Thaddeus Hunter, who's only six months old.
- What's her name? - Hope.
Don't ask stupid questions.
Just get to Murphy's Saloon as fast as you can, and say what I told you.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Hurry up.
This is why you risked your life? To bring me money? What do you mean? It's your money.
It belongs to you not the Montgomery government.
You didn't invest it in the South to have it confiscated.
You invested it because of me.
I don't know what to say.
I never expected that.
But then again, knowing you, maybe I should have.
There's not a lot of honor between people these days.
You're a crazy fool, but you've got more than your share.
We hear you're a Southern sympathizer.
They're here to take you! And I sent for them.
- In the name of God, why? - Because he's a traitor.
He's a Southern traitor.
He and his kind murdered Grady.
The militia killed Grady.
Justice will be done! I hope they kill you! - Give him to us! - Send him out, Hazard! You'd better give him to us, Hazard! There's a local freight train, eastbound at 11:00.
I think it would be best.
- I'll be on it.
I won't endanger your family.
- Virgilia's already done that.
- I'll slip out the back.
- Like hell you will.
They're probably back there anyway.
You leave this to me.
You people get back up to your rooms, and stay there, please! - Back in battle.
- Follow me.
Lynch him! Let's Iynch him! Come on, then, it's an old Army rule.
Man who gives the order leads the charge.
Give him up, Hazard, he's a Southerner.
This man is no traitor.
We were in the same class at West Point.
He served under General Scott in Mexico, at my side.
Now, I know most of you.
You're my neighbors.
But the first man who moves against my friend is the first man to die! You back there, you put that gun away! We can take him.
Take him yourself.
It ain't worth getting killed over.
Hazard wouldn't protect a Southern traitor.
- That was close.
- We're not out of the woods yet.
I'll feel a lot better once you're on that train.
God go with you, Orry, until we're all together again.
I hope we will be.
I know we will be.
- Be careful, please.
- Of course.
I'm going now, before George gets back.
I'm sorry it had to come to this, Virgilia.
It's the last time, Constance.
- I'll never step foot in this house again.
- Don't say that.
This is your house much more than it is mine, Virgilia.
You were born here.
But what you did tonight was very wrong.
Orry's our friend, he had a right to feel safe in this house.
I have no tolerance of my enemies even when they come in the shape of a friend.
I know that.
And more's the pity.
Virgilia, I know you've had a hard time since Grady died.
Perhaps you've had a difficult time balancing things out in your mind.
I'll say this for you, Constance.
You tried.
Time and again, you tried to keep me in this family.
And I thank you for that.
But it didn't work, and it never will.
Don't say that, they're your blood.
Surely someday No, what's in my blood isn't in theirs.
Do you know that I look at my brothers and my mother and I can't believe that I was ever a part of this family.
They don't know me at all.
They don't care about my cause, or my struggle.
Yes, they'll pay it lip service.
But they won't sacrifice anything for it.
They will not endure cruelty or hardship.
I'm afraid those things are coming, for all of us on both sides.
Let them come! Freedom has to be born in blood and fire! And only they can wash away my sin.
I have sinned.
I married a man with black skin.
That's my sin in the eyes of the world.
But, Constance, do you know what my real guilt is? That my love for Grady destroyed him.
And I'll never forgive myself for that.
You're not well yet.
Where will you go? Washington, where the power is where there are men committed to my cause.
Men with the power to strike, and the power to punish.
That is God's power, Virgilia.
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
" How will you live? I have means.
Goodbye, Constance.
I believe these are your things, Virgilia.
Now take them and go! What are you going to do if the South offers you a commission? They already have.
A brigadier with their new War Department.
I guess a bad leg is no handicap at that rank.
- But I'm with Madeline now.
- Thank God for that.
I just hope I don't have to leave Mont Royal.
Until she is divorced and we're married, I can't let her stay there alone.
I suppose you'll be going to Washington with Constance and the baby? They've offered me a spot on the general staff.
And I've got to give them an answer, which I don't have yet.
But Stanley can run the foundry.
And Lincoln wants all the academy men he can find.
So does Jeff Davis.
You know, years ago John Calhoun said that West Point men would lead great armies.
He never thought they'd be leading them against each other.
Well, if we have to meet like that I'd rather we never met again.
Do you remember this? Our $10 bet that I would graduate from West Point.
That's right.
Maybe it brought us some luck back then.
Why don't we keep each half and put it back together when the war is over? When the war is over.
Can you see anything we could have done to stop all this? I don't know.
I think we had a chance somewhere along the line and we missed it.
Or threw it away.
What are we stopping for? I'm George Hazard, of Hazard Iron.
I make those cannons.
Where you headed? Washington.
President Lincoln thinks the Rebs will attack the capital.
Why did you stop us? Special passenger.
This man's on official business for the War Department.
- Plenty of room in that one.
- Much obliged.
Orry, just a minute.
You might as well wear the real thing.
English
Ashton, I've just had the most wonderful news.
I beg your pardon.
Goodness, little sister you act as though people were born with clothes on.
Ashton, I've had a message from Billy.
He got here three days ago.
He hasn't bothered to get in touch till now? Not very gallant.
I'm sure that he had good reason.
But that doesn't matter.
What's important is that he's at Fort Moultrie and he'll be here in Charleston this afternoon.
My, how grand! - Oh, botheration.
- What's the matter? It's just that I didn't prepare James for Billy.
Don't worry.
I'll meet Billy outside.
James won't even have to know he's here.
Of course, you know, I'd love to see him, too but I have one of my silly old meetings.
And I'm sure you two lovebirds would rather be alone anyways.
So you give Billy my special love, you hear? I will.
And I'll fix it for next time with James.
Now, you listen here, little sister.
You be extra careful on those streets today.
Both of you.
It's Election Day, and this town is just bound to go crazy.
Especially if those stupid Yanks put that illiterate in the White House.
Brett, honey, I didn't mean that Billy was a stupid Yank.
I know you didn't.
And thank you.
We will be careful.
The Union is dead! Get back up North where you belong, blue belly.
I missed you.
I wrote to Charles weeks ago.
But I still haven't received an answer, if he sent one.
I'm sure Charles was delighted that you asked him to be your best man.
Unless he's begun to think I'm another no-good Yankee.
He's your friend, Billy.
He'd never think that.
I know.
Even if he chooses to fight for the South.
I'd miss him very much if he did choose that.
Very much.
You're thinking about Orry, aren't you? I love him, Billy.
I really don't want to hurt him.
I was furious the night I left and I said a lot of things that I'm sorry for now.
So we're back to waiting for his permission? No.
Just hoping for his approval.
My family means as much to me as yours does to you.
I know.
And it means more to Orry than you can imagine.
We can't wait for your brother to get his life in order.
We've got our own lives to think about.
I don't know when I'm going to get leave, but when I do I want us to get married right away, understand? You sound so angry, Billy.
I love you, Brett, but we've waited long enough.
- St.
Michael's church bells.
- It must be the last election returns.
I'd like to see what's going on.
Would you feel uneasy walking outside with a Yankee officer? Not uneasy.
Proud.
All right.
Listen, Billy.
It's The Marseillaise.
The song from the French Revolution.
Are they crazy? It's the American Revolution, Yank, of 1860.
Cannon fire.
It's the cadets at the citadel.
It's just a salute.
Excuse me.
They don't seem to be friendly.
Excuse me.
- Stay with me.
- Hello, Yank.
Stay behind me, Brett.
Just stay back, all right? You ain't going to risk firing into this crowd.
Don't try me.
Look, I never ran from a fight in my life.
Come on! Run! Stay back! Get him! Come on.
I can't believe those Yankees elected Lincoln.
He wasn't on the ballot in 10 of the Southern states.
Secession is a matter of Southern honor.
You're damn right.
We must secede now.
Brett went right off to sleep.
She always was a scaredy-cat.
I'd never get the vapors over something like that.
Maybe she learned her lesson showing herself on the street with a Yankee.
- I'd say she asked for it.
- I couldn't agree with you more.
But right now I want to hear all about the special convention.
It's about to happen: secession.
What I've been working toward for so long.
And not just South Carolina.
When we secede, six other states are about to follow.
Freedom, a new government, and I'll be at the top.
So will you.
You're going to spill my champagne.
It's expensive.
Who cares? Soon you'll be able to bathe in it if you like.
Miss Ashton? A gentleman wants to meet you at the front door.
Who is it? I don't know, ma'am.
He said he got to talk to you about a job.
All right.
It's probably my dressmaker's husband.
I won't be more than a moment, James dear.
Then I want you to tell me everything about today.
I told you to come tomorrow.
I want my money for going after the Yank.
My husband is home.
Come back tomorrow.
I can't help it if he got away, missy.
Pulled a gun, he did.
Somebody could've got killed.
Now, I still got to pay my boys.
You didn't kill him, and you still expect to be paid? Now.
You said $20 in gold.
You can't be too careful these days.
Much obliged, missy.
- Ashton, who is it? - No one important, dear.
Just someone wanting something for nothing.
God above.
Is it really you, George? Get the cinders out of my hair and wash my face and maybe we'll both be sure.
Jed, get Mr.
Hazard's bags up to the guest bedroom.
And make sure Semiramis turns down the bed.
Why didn't you let me know you were coming? 'Cause I didn't want you to tell me not to.
I know I haven't written but I've been extremely busy with the harvest, and all this political turmoil.
When I got off the train in Charleston, it reminded me of Mexico.
Only I felt more welcome there.
- How are things up North? - Just the way they are down here.
There are some people up North who can't wait for South Carolina to secede, so we can all go to war.
But war fever's not why I came down here.
Why then? To try and save our friendship.
Now, hear me out, Orry.
I thought about apologizing in writing but that's never been good enough for me, so I'm here to say it face to face.
I'm sorry.
Please don't let a fanatic like my sister, or the ones down here kill our feelings for each other.
- Have you heard from Virgilia? - No, not since that night.
That's another matter.
I shouldn't have taken her part.
I lost my temper.
So did I.
Now you've put me to shame, George.
God, I'm glad you came.
Now I can apologize.
I have missed you, George.
- That's grand, George, congratulations.
- Thank you.
I always knew you'd be a wonderful father.
- Next March, if all goes well.
- Of course it will.
I think so.
Constance is an amazing woman.
My brother Stanley and his Isabel, on the other hand are enough to try the patience of a saint.
It's a waste of time to talk about them.
You haven't told me anything about yourself.
Not much to say.
What about Madeline? Haven't you been able to see her? Madeline is not the same woman, George.
She's always distant now and often ill, from what I hear.
No one I know has seen her for months.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have brought it up.
There's nothing anyone can do but change the subject.
We've talked about everybody else.
Now, what about Billy and Brett? What about them? They want to get married here.
Mont Royal.
What about this war fever, George? Can't you see what they would be up against if it happened? Sure.
I know the obstacles.
So do they.
But they're young.
They're in love.
They'll make it through.
Orry, you know what it's like not to be able to marry the person that you love.
Yes, I do.
All right, George.
I still have my doubts.
But I will give Brett my permission to marry Billy.
That's great.
Why don't we go to Charleston together so we can tell them both at the same time? - You mean it? You're here to say yes? - Thank you.
I'm just sorry it took me so long.
Orry, thank you.
Thank you for your help.
- I'm sorry about our quarrel.
- Hush.
It's all forgotten.
I can't wait to tell Ashton.
- Yes.
Where is our sister? - She went to see James.
Institute Hall? To watch him speechify with the other secessionists.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't spoil today.
Nothing could spoil today.
Nothing at all.
I'd like to propose a toast.
- To your undying happiness.
- Cheers.
- Mead.
- Hazard.
I've come from Maj.
Anderson.
- The garrison has been placed on alert.
- What? They're expecting violence if secession is announced.
You should know, sir.
You're obviously a Southerner.
Lt.
Mead, this is my future brother-in-law, Mr.
Orry Main and my fiancée, Miss Brett Main.
I believe you know my brother, George Hazard.
You're to proceed with me at once back to the Fort.
But he has leave.
All leaves are canceled, miss.
I'll wait for you outside.
Lieutenant.
When will I see you again? I don't know.
Bye.
- I love you, Billy.
- Take care of yourself.
Goodbye.
Well, I guess they've done it.
Secession.
You want to go outside, George and watch the South celebrate its own funeral? Wait, I'm going with you.
Brett, it might be dangerous.
I have a right, Orry.
It's my country, too.
Secession.
We've done it, and I was there! "The Union existing between South Carolina "and other states of United States, is hereby dissolved! " You would do better to congratulate your sister, Ashton.
She and Billy are to be married.
Can't celebrate that and Secession at the same time.
Then damn the Union, and damn your union! Shut up! You fools don't know what you've done to yourselves, your children, to all of us! Southern rights! Southern rights! Forbes.
Madam Huntoon.
- Forbes, you're drunk as a skunk.
- Not yet, but I intend to be.
Now listen, Billy and Brett are going to be married.
Orry finally gave his consent.
- When will this happen? - We'll know soon enough.
The question is, what are we going to do about it? I think we should go to bed and discuss it.
Well, come along then.
- Have you seen Ashton? - She's around somewhere.
Is our celebration to your taste, Mr.
Hazard? What do you think, Huntoon? George and I fought for the Union.
You people have just torn it apart.
We have declared our freedom to the world.
Of course we'll have to protect it.
No foreign power can maintain bases here.
That means all federal property, including the Fort will have to be surrendered immediately.
Our commissioners will settle that before President Buchanan leaves office.
- What if old Buck doesn't see it that way? - Then we'll deal with it our way.
And if I were you, sir, I'd keep my mouth shut in Charleston.
Your Yankee accent is more offensive than ever.
Brett dear, what do you think? This will be the Hazard branch of the family when you and Billy are married.
If we are ever married.
It's been almost two months since Orry gave his consent.
I haven't seen Billy once, not even on Christmas.
Your brother said that Billy's garrison left Fort Moultrie over Christmas and moved to Fort Sumter.
They had to slip out secretly, Mother, in the dead of night.
They burned Fort Moultrie's gun carriages before they left.
The people of Charleston were furious.
Now they want to starve them out of Fort Sumter.
Perhaps they'll just let them leave the harbor and sail back up North.
Orry says that Billy's commander, Maj.
Anderson swears to hold Fort Sumter at any cost even though every gun in Charleston seems to be aimed right at them.
Brett, try not to lose faith.
President Davis doesn't want war.
He just wants the Confederacy to be left alone.
- And maybe we will be.
- I am trying, Mother.
But I've almost given up hope of ever marrying Billy.
I just pray that he'll be sent to some safer place.
Even if it is far away from me.
I'm worried about your cousin Charles, too.
Now that Texas has seceded I wonder, will he remain loyal to the Union or will his blood call him home? All officers and enlisted men loyal to the North prepare to move out in 10 minutes.
Have you bedroll? - I just can't believe it's come to this.
- Neither can I.
I'm supposed to lead the Union contingent to the Gulf.
Suddenly we're on different sides because some politicians say we are.
Well, I'm not choosing any side.
I'm staying right here.
Makes no sense, does it? We've shed blood together, eaten the same rotten food together.
We've been closer than brothers.
Now I'm supposed to look at you and see an enemy.
I can't do that.
Take care of yourself, Charlie.
You, too.
Or I'll have your hide, soldier.
- I'll walk you out.
- Better let me go first.
Half the men have already decided the other half is capable of anything.
Move out, Yank.
Good riddance, you blue bellies.
We don't need you Yankees.
Corporal, I'll never forget your saving my scalp when the Comanche had other ideas.
I'm grateful.
Whatever else changes, that won't.
Too bad, ain't it? Because now I'm thinking I should've let them have it.
I'm sorry you feel that way.
Because any man who stays ain't fit to wear the Army blue.
What was that, Corporal? I said, if you stay, you're a yellow traitor.
Don't let him get away with that.
No one calls me a traitor, Corporal.
Dismount.
Go to hell.
Let them fight it out.
Get that damn Yankee.
Pick him up and take him with you.
And I'll kill the next man who calls me a traitor.
- What's that you're writing, sir? - My resignation.
There's no regular Army officer here left to accept it.
I'll just leave it here.
I'm headed home.
What made you change your mind, Lt.
Main? I don't know.
Never been much for reasons.
I'm just a hell raiser and a horse soldier.
But I think the South's got enough philosophers.
Maybe they're going to need someone like me.
- Sir.
- Lieutenant.
Those are dispatches for Gen.
Scott.
I want you to carry them.
To Washington, sir? I expect you'll be glad to get off this island for a change.
I wouldn't want to be gone, sir, in the event of hostility.
There will be no hostilities that we initiate.
I refuse to go down in history as the man who fired the first shot.
I'm advising Gen.
Scott, that in my estimation, we'll need 20,000 men to penetrate the harbor defenses and reinforce this garrison.
You'll be carrying that, and other confidential papers.
- Sir, I'll leave at once.
- I wish that you could.
First Capt.
Hart will have to obtain clearance from the Governor.
I understand.
If he does get clearance, you'll leave at dusk tomorrow.
Pack everything, Lieutenant.
You won't be coming back.
You're being transferred to Washington, permanently.
But, sir, I Sir, I'm engaged to be married, sir, to a local girl.
I think we're all aware of that, Lieutenant.
How long would it take? Is she nearby? Near enough, sir, if I could get a message to her.
Hart might get one delivered, if you write it now.
- Sir, does this mean that I- - You're on leave till tomorrow night.
What you do in the meantime is your business, Lieutenant.
But by 9:00 tomorrow, you will be on a northbound train married or single.
Yes, sir.
Maj.
Anderson, sir.
I'm going to enjoy putting a bullet between Billy Hazard's eyes.
I surely believe you will.
- Do you have the pistols? - Yes.
But be careful how you load them.
We wouldn't want too much powder in one of them, would we? Preston, let me refresh your drink.
Thank you, sir.
What time is Hazard planning to marry the Main girl? Noon, according to Ashton.
They knew better than to invite us, huh? A Southern girl marrying Yankee trash.
Don't matter.
We'll get to go to the Yankee's funeral.
Ashton will send us another message as soon as she finds out what time their train leaves.
- Then we'll meet them halfway.
- Good.
And after that, there'll be one less Yankee to fight.
Drink up, gentlemen.
We have plenty of time for another round.
"Whom God hath joined together "let no man put asunder.
" Thank you.
My very best wishes, Brett.
I think you know I mean it.
Charles, you make a great wedding present.
- Thought you were still in Texas.
- Thank God I'm not.
- You and Brett.
What did I tell you? - Thank you.
I want to think this marriage will keep our families together no matter what happens.
So do I.
Billy, congratulations.
Too bad George couldn't be here to see you.
- You make the most beautiful bride.
- It's the dress.
It made me feel beautiful when I wore it.
It almost broke my heart when Ashton wanted hers made.
Well, I'm glad.
That way, you were able to give it to me.
Brett, honey.
You were so sweet to invite me to your wedding.
Especially after the awful way I behaved in Charleston.
You were very wrong, Ashton.
Very wrong.
I'm afraid I had a little touch of the Secession fever that night.
But James and I just insist on coming to the flag stop seeing you two off.
Thank you, Ashton, but it's not necessary.
You hush now.
We wouldn't have it any other way.
What time does your train leave? 4:30, Mr.
Forbes.
I waited around back for Miss Ashton, just like you told me.
She said, "Train going to leave by 4:30.
" You did just fine, Clarence.
Now go get yourself some hot corn bread.
Thank you, sir.
- You earned it.
- Thank you.
4:30.
We'd best get started.
- Wouldn't want to miss them.
- Good luck to you boys, now.
You're performing a public service.
A fine comeuppance for those Yankee-loving Mains, too.
Madeline? What were you doing, my dear? You were listening, weren't you? I didn't mean to, Justin.
I misunderstood.
You're not sending your nephew to murder anyone, are you? Madeline, you're sick.
You should be in your room.
- You need more of your medicine.
- No.
I said, go to your room.
- No, I'm going.
- You're not going anywhere.
- Let me pass.
- You're not leaving this house.
What are you staring at? Get back into the kitchen, or I'll skin your hide! I'll kill you for that! Elijah! Mr.
LaMotte's been hurt.
Help him.
Go! - Now, we'll see you at the flag stop.
- We'll see you there.
Be happy, my darling.
You can write to us, care of the War Department, Washington.
Bye.
Take care, everybody.
All right.
Thank you, Homer.
Goodbye, everybody.
To Mr.
and Mrs.
William Hazard.
Oh, my God! Lieutenant, horsemen coming.
Pull up.
You hear me, boy? Pull up.
Pull up.
Had to pay our respects.
Ma'am.
You remember my friend, Preston Smith? And you, sir, must be the groom.
Lt.
Hazard.
I'm Forbes LaMotte.
We've never met officially but I've had the pleasure of your wife.
Knowing her, that is, before you did.
Lieutenant, we best be getting on.
Don't want to miss that train.
Boy, you're not going anywhere until I give you leave.
Homer, drive on.
You touch those reins, boy, and there's going to be blood all over this road.
- Forbes, you're a fool.
- I declare, sweet.
I still have a fondness for you, even if you do talk like a Charleston whore.
LaMotte, you trash.
Get off that horse.
Get off! Do you hear what I think I heard? - Did this Yankee pig meat insult me? - That's right.
I do believe he did.
In that case I demand satisfaction.
Billy, don't.
It's what they came for.
In that case, I'll be happy to oblige them.
Billy, please don't.
You ignorant darky, his second stands over there.
Ready, gentlemen? Turn and fire on the count of 10.
One, two, three four, five, six seven, eight nine Billy, wait! Interfering son of a No! You picked the wrong man for that.
Are you all right? - Jackasses gave you a short load.
- What? That's why the ball only carried half way.
Madeline got to Mont Royal and told us how they plotted this whole thing.
Thank you, Cousin Charles.
We'd better get you to the train station fast.
Before Preston Smith rouses the whole countryside.
Ashton, I still can't understand why we drove halfway to Columbia.
- I thought we were seeing Brett off.
- Don't be tiresome, James.
I just didn't feel like waiting at some godforsaken flag stop.
Because you thought Billy and Brett would never get there, didn't you, Ashton? I don't know what you mean.
Well, I am sorry to disappoint you, but Billy and Brett were on that train in spite of everything you did to prevent it.
Now, look here, Orry, what's this all about? That is what your wife is going to tell me.
You're hurting me! I swear, you look just like an old thundercloud.
It was your idea, wasn't it? A nice legal way for Forbes to murder Billy.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Ashton, you can't lie your way out of this one.
You're frightening me.
What if Mother heard you talk to me like that? Stop it! It won't work! Madeline heard Forbes get the message from you about what time the train left.
You think I'll lower myself to deny the ravings of some sick-headed woman? You shut your mouth, or I will! Whether you deny it or not, it doesn't matter.
You plotted with Forbes.
Who told you that? Not Forbes? Forbes can't tell anybody anything.
He's dead, Ashton! Thanks to your scheming.
Dead? It was all your fault! You and that Yankee scum you call your friends! I'm sorry that we didn't succeed, because they all deserved to die! You get out of here and you take your husband with you.
You're no longer part of this family! Gladly, but you remember this: My husband is part of the new government.
And he'll make sure it knows how to deal with traitors.
I don't know what happened to her.
I do.
It's happening all over the country.
Bad apples taking over the barrel, Orry.
I'm so ill.
You'll be better here.
We'll take good care of you.
And you'll never go back to him.
No, never.
I feel so weak.
What was he giving you? A tonic.
He got it from his doctor.
It was some kind of drug.
So you'll probably feel a lot worse before you're better.
But I'll be with you all the time.
That's all that matters.
Don't dismount till you tell me what you want.
I want my wife, and you're standing in my way.
I wouldn't do that.
What do you want, Smith? You ask me that after that Yankee murdered my friend Forbes? Killed, after accepting a challenge to a duel.
The rest of you stay where you are.
You may dismount, Justin.
My cousin Orry would like to speak to you alone.
I've given Madeline sanctuary here at Mont Royal.
Sanctuary? From her own husband? You haven't been one.
You've beaten her, locked her up, drugged her treated her worse than an animal or a slave.
And you treat them worse than any man I know.
- Now, you listen to me, Main- - No, you listen! If you ever try to take Madeline back, you'll have to kill me first.
If you ever set foot on my property again, I will take it that you've come for that and I'll kill you on sight.
What will Justin do? Nothing, if he wants to live.
I told you, you're safe at Mont Royal.
You're going to get a divorce on grounds of physical cruelty and then we're going to be married.
I almost believe it.
It's as true as my love for you.
"In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen "and not in mine "is the momentous issue of civil war.
"The Government will not assail you.
"You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors.
"You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government "while I shall have the most solemn one to 'preserve "protect, and defend it.
"' I'm honored that you took my advice and left your pledge to recapture all the federal forts out of your inaugural address, Mr.
President.
You were right, Mr.
Seward in not wanting to alienate the Southern unionists.
We can have no peace without them.
Are you sure, sir, that we cannot offer more concessions to the South? They have their Fugitive Slave law, do they not? I have pledged I will not interfere with states where slavery presently exists.
Now, what more can you want? They perceive your vow to keep slavery out of the new territories as an economic threat, Mr.
President.
They fear it will not allow for Southern expansion.
I believe it's time the South learned to compromise, also.
I intend to be President of all the United States.
He looked at us.
I'm glad we came here instead of going to the Capitol to hear his speech.
- Yes.
- I think I'd rather just see him.
There he is.
- Don't you think he's impressive? - Impressive? The man is incompetent.
Jefferson Davis is his only equal in that respect.
But that's to our advantage.
You said "to our advantage.
" To our advantage how? Neither the North nor the South is prepared for war though they do nothing but threaten it.
The war, when it comes, will go on and on.
Neither side will know how to fight it, or how to end it.
The longer it lasts, the better it is for those of us who serve no side but our own.
You're counting on a blockade of Southern ports? Very good, Burdetta.
If there's one thing I learned in the Army there's nothing like a good war for making money.
What if there is no blockade? Madam, you are talking to a military genius! A blockade of Southern ports is inevitable.
Then your investment will make you richer than your late husband ever did.
Sometimes I think you love his money more than you love me.
Well, I do love his money.
And I don't remember extending the emotion to include you.
You must love me.
I could hardly mistake avarice for passion.
My dear, dear Burdetta if you didn't have the cash to invest in my ship I'd be in bed with someone else who did.
You're such a devil.
I wonder how wise I am to travel South with you.
Well, once I've shed my uniform, you would be unwise to trust me down there alone, with your late husbands money.
You just suit yourself.
I do have friends who will be very happy to see me again in the South.
And I have enemies who will be surprised.
It's only a matter of time before George is recommissioned.
I understand Lincoln is looking for West Point officers especially.
I don't suppose George is looking forward to that.
But I am, and you should be, too.
George is a fool not to make all the money he can from this war.
He said that would be profiteering, Isabel.
Who cares what it's called as long as it gives us the cash and the power to get Hazard Iron back? As soon as George leaves for the Army, we'll take control again.
And we'll see where that leaves your brother and his Irish slut.
- Careful.
- I am.
It's infernal that I have to leave so early, especially now.
You can't help it.
Those government orders must be stretching the foundry to the limit.
You're right.
You'd think that Hazard Iron was the North's only manufacturer of cannons, shell casings, and mortar.
It's a pity Mr.
Lincoln's speech didn't clear the air.
There wasn't much of a chance of that.
Now that he's been inaugurated, it looks like war's more likely.
Now listen, if anything happens, you let me know right away.
Dr.
McLain said it would only be a couple of days.
You worry about the foundry, me lad.
We'll be fine.
Good morning.
Goodbye.
Sweet Jesus.
Virgilia! We'll be needing someone else to help get Miss Virgilia up to her room.
No! She can go to a hotel or she can go to a hospital or she can go to hell.
But she cannot stay here.
Do you think she would have come here if she had anywhere else to go? And whose fault is that, Constance? No matter what she does, you welcome her back with open arms in spite of the rest of us, in spite of the way George may feel about it.
It's George I'm thinking of.
This poor creature is her own worst enemy.
I see terrible tragedy for her.
And I'll tell you, I will not have George blaming himself when that happens.
Now she's got the Irish gift of prophesy.
- We will not allow- - Be quiet, Isabel! Virgilia's my sister, too.
But she's your responsibility while she's in this house.
Fine.
Mama.
What is it, darling? You've hardly said a word all day.
I have to go away for a while.
But I've spoken to Charles.
He's going to postpone his enlistment so he can stay with you while I'm gone.
- To protect me from Justin? - I don't trust him.
But he won't dare try anything with Charles around.
Where are you going? North.
I have to see George about our partnership.
North? But if the war starts, Pennsylvania will be enemy territory.
I know.
But our new government ordered all our mills to start producing war materials.
And George didn't invest money in a mill to have it used against him.
I know you want to repay George but where will you get the money? I've mortgaged Mont Royal.
What? I got Mother's permission.
She agrees with me, it's a matter of family pride.
Southern pride.
Your pride.
And I love you for it.
We are Southerners, and we still have honor and nothing will take it from us.
So this is what $500,000 looks like.
Kind of a shabby thing to carry it in, though.
Exactly.
The less attention it attracts, the better.
Orry, this trip is too dangerous.
I still say you should let me go, and you stay here with Madeline.
No, I owe George Hazard a lot more than money.
It's my debt, I'll pay it.
There's another reason, isn't there? I want to see him again.
It may be the last time I ever will.
Battery, load! Ready, sir.
In, battery.
Feed.
Feed.
Point.
Steady.
Fire! Attention to orders.
April 12, 1861.
At 4:30 a.
m.
, on this date the United States garrison at Fort Sumter was fired upon.
It is now under bombardment by artillery of the Confederate States in rebellion.
Our nation has been attacked without provocation and we are now at war.
May God preserve and protect the United States of America.
Amen.
Nothing to worry about, folks.
Just a freight train accidentally derailed.
We'll have the track cleared shortly, and we'll be on our way.
How about old Beau, just going to blast those Yankees right out of Fort Sumter? It ain't going to be easy though.
Beauregard's a good general, but Maj.
Anderson's stubborn.
Sumter's fallen! Just came over the telegraph, Sumter's fallen.
You don't look pleased, sir.
Are you a Northern sympathizer? My deepest sympathy is for the South, sir.
Can't you write any faster? That's telling them, Abe! - Excuse me, sir.
- I beg your pardon.
What was that, mister? I need to get through.
I have a train to catch.
We've got ourselves a Southern gent.
What you got in the bag, Reb? I advise you to let me pass.
Back off.
Excuse me, sir.
My husband and I are from South Carolina.
I made this for him.
It shows your support for the Union.
You can buy a real one when you get where you're going.
Why, thank you, ma'am, but you really think we need that kind of deception? You wear it, for your own safety.
Thank you.
Good day.
I don't know how you got through, but it's great to see you.
- We're both so delighted, Orry.
- Thank you, Constance.
We've got a lot to catch up on.
Well, you two start without me.
I'll be right back.
We got your letter about Madeline.
I can't tell you how happy the two of us are that you're both finally together.
I never thought it would happen, it's like a miracle.
She She's home again? Yes.
She's sick and destitute and Constance didn't have the heart to turn her out.
I thought I'd show you the best news of all.
Oh, no.
Here she is.
She's beautiful.
You must be so proud.
You might say George was proud when she was born.
Every male citizen of Lehigh Station got a cigar and that even includes Thaddeus Hunter, who's only six months old.
- What's her name? - Hope.
Don't ask stupid questions.
Just get to Murphy's Saloon as fast as you can, and say what I told you.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Hurry up.
This is why you risked your life? To bring me money? What do you mean? It's your money.
It belongs to you not the Montgomery government.
You didn't invest it in the South to have it confiscated.
You invested it because of me.
I don't know what to say.
I never expected that.
But then again, knowing you, maybe I should have.
There's not a lot of honor between people these days.
You're a crazy fool, but you've got more than your share.
We hear you're a Southern sympathizer.
They're here to take you! And I sent for them.
- In the name of God, why? - Because he's a traitor.
He's a Southern traitor.
He and his kind murdered Grady.
The militia killed Grady.
Justice will be done! I hope they kill you! - Give him to us! - Send him out, Hazard! You'd better give him to us, Hazard! There's a local freight train, eastbound at 11:00.
I think it would be best.
- I'll be on it.
I won't endanger your family.
- Virgilia's already done that.
- I'll slip out the back.
- Like hell you will.
They're probably back there anyway.
You leave this to me.
You people get back up to your rooms, and stay there, please! - Back in battle.
- Follow me.
Lynch him! Let's Iynch him! Come on, then, it's an old Army rule.
Man who gives the order leads the charge.
Give him up, Hazard, he's a Southerner.
This man is no traitor.
We were in the same class at West Point.
He served under General Scott in Mexico, at my side.
Now, I know most of you.
You're my neighbors.
But the first man who moves against my friend is the first man to die! You back there, you put that gun away! We can take him.
Take him yourself.
It ain't worth getting killed over.
Hazard wouldn't protect a Southern traitor.
- That was close.
- We're not out of the woods yet.
I'll feel a lot better once you're on that train.
God go with you, Orry, until we're all together again.
I hope we will be.
I know we will be.
- Be careful, please.
- Of course.
I'm going now, before George gets back.
I'm sorry it had to come to this, Virgilia.
It's the last time, Constance.
- I'll never step foot in this house again.
- Don't say that.
This is your house much more than it is mine, Virgilia.
You were born here.
But what you did tonight was very wrong.
Orry's our friend, he had a right to feel safe in this house.
I have no tolerance of my enemies even when they come in the shape of a friend.
I know that.
And more's the pity.
Virgilia, I know you've had a hard time since Grady died.
Perhaps you've had a difficult time balancing things out in your mind.
I'll say this for you, Constance.
You tried.
Time and again, you tried to keep me in this family.
And I thank you for that.
But it didn't work, and it never will.
Don't say that, they're your blood.
Surely someday No, what's in my blood isn't in theirs.
Do you know that I look at my brothers and my mother and I can't believe that I was ever a part of this family.
They don't know me at all.
They don't care about my cause, or my struggle.
Yes, they'll pay it lip service.
But they won't sacrifice anything for it.
They will not endure cruelty or hardship.
I'm afraid those things are coming, for all of us on both sides.
Let them come! Freedom has to be born in blood and fire! And only they can wash away my sin.
I have sinned.
I married a man with black skin.
That's my sin in the eyes of the world.
But, Constance, do you know what my real guilt is? That my love for Grady destroyed him.
And I'll never forgive myself for that.
You're not well yet.
Where will you go? Washington, where the power is where there are men committed to my cause.
Men with the power to strike, and the power to punish.
That is God's power, Virgilia.
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
" How will you live? I have means.
Goodbye, Constance.
I believe these are your things, Virgilia.
Now take them and go! What are you going to do if the South offers you a commission? They already have.
A brigadier with their new War Department.
I guess a bad leg is no handicap at that rank.
- But I'm with Madeline now.
- Thank God for that.
I just hope I don't have to leave Mont Royal.
Until she is divorced and we're married, I can't let her stay there alone.
I suppose you'll be going to Washington with Constance and the baby? They've offered me a spot on the general staff.
And I've got to give them an answer, which I don't have yet.
But Stanley can run the foundry.
And Lincoln wants all the academy men he can find.
So does Jeff Davis.
You know, years ago John Calhoun said that West Point men would lead great armies.
He never thought they'd be leading them against each other.
Well, if we have to meet like that I'd rather we never met again.
Do you remember this? Our $10 bet that I would graduate from West Point.
That's right.
Maybe it brought us some luck back then.
Why don't we keep each half and put it back together when the war is over? When the war is over.
Can you see anything we could have done to stop all this? I don't know.
I think we had a chance somewhere along the line and we missed it.
Or threw it away.
What are we stopping for? I'm George Hazard, of Hazard Iron.
I make those cannons.
Where you headed? Washington.
President Lincoln thinks the Rebs will attack the capital.
Why did you stop us? Special passenger.
This man's on official business for the War Department.
- Plenty of room in that one.
- Much obliged.
Orry, just a minute.
You might as well wear the real thing.
English