North and South s02e02 Episode Script

General McDowell is in full retreat on his way back to the capital.
His mission now is to save Washington and what's left of his army.
Losses? Over 3000.
And 1500 men threw down their arms and let themselves be marched off to prison.
Were we that green? Well, I was there, sir.
Some men hid in the woods on the way to the front.
Others threw down their arms at the first sight of blood and fighting.
But the majority of those green troops fought courageously until they were ordered to retreat.
- How many cannon did we lose? - Twenty-eight.
17 of them were rifled.
It's a disaster, sir.
- Maybe I shouldn't have interfered.
- Well, Mr.
President I reckon a captain of volunteers in the Black Hawk War is not a military man.
When I gave my first order, my men shouted back, "Go to hell.
" I finally had to offer to whip each volunteer personally to get them to do what I wanted.
But somehow those rowdy frontier yahoos and I poor excuse for a soldier to the man, got the job done.
And so will this army.
I know them, these citizen soldiers.
They will not allow the Union to die nor must we.
Will the South be allowed to take by violence what they could not win in an election? The issue here is not just the fate of the United States but of the whole family of man.
With these troops all headed this way, we'll have to stay on the back road.
Here.
There's no way we can fix it.
Nothing else to do but leave the wagon and take the horse and whatever else we can carry.
I'll unhitch him.
I'm gonna go and get the rest of the bags.
We'll never be able to take everything now.
Just what we can't do without.
What are you doing, honey child? Stealing out of somebody's wagon? Look what we got here, lieutenant.
Pretty little wench.
Got her hand caught in the cookie jar.
Or maybe she's a Reb spy.
Is that what you are, darky? Maybe a little pleasuring will loosen your tongue.
We're still bound by the Fugitive Slave Laws, so you're considered contraband.
You'll be taken to headquarters in the morning.
- Put her under guard.
- Yes, sir.
Don't let her get away.
Come on.
Get her! Come on.
Get her.
Getting wet, missy? Get around there.
Come on, missy.
Come on, get up.
Don't you be screaming.
No! Get up.
Pack her up.
All right, men, back to camp.
Move out.
Be real nice to me later on, gal and I might see if I can fix it so you can slip away before morning.
- I'll be dead before I be nice to you.
- You got a lot of sass, ain't you, wench? We gonna change your tune.
Get in there.
Everett! Jake! Guard her.
- Put these on.
- All right.
- Corporal of the guards! - Sir.
Detail leaving.
Guards, detail arriving! We can change later.
We done took so many roads, I ain't know one from the other.
The sun's still on our left.
We're heading south.
Semiramis, look.
Maybe they can help us.
Hello! - Wait! - Wait! Wait, please.
We're lost.
Wait! Wait, please! Wait! They say we going the right way.
Mr.
President, it's Christmas in July out there.
I had no idea our victory at Manassas was so impressive.
The Yankee battle flag one of our colonels just gave me.
It was taken when Jackson stood there like a stone wall.
My cousin Charles was with Beauregard.
No doubt he covered himself in glory, lifted all of our boys.
If only our supply system could do as well.
That is our problem.
Most of our railroads run north to south, making it difficult at best to supply our western troops.
All of the gauges are different, so cars cannot be transferred from one line to another.
So we might have to use wagon trains as a link.
Unfortunately, each state claims sovereignty over any Confederate right to command rolling stock.
Those states' rights we fight for could end up plaguing us.
The frustration of trying to get the various governors to give me their state militias for our army.
I understand that after Manassas, we could've taken Washington had those militias supported our Potomac forces.
That's true.
Jackson swore that if he'd had 10,000 fresh troops, he could've smashed the last defenders and captured the Yankee capital.
If only we could've gathered our forces in time.
But our army was in as much chaos from victory as the Yankees were in defeat.
Then the rain came, and our chance of ending the war in one bold stroke was lost.
Yet this proves to the world that we are an independent nation.
Mr.
President, General Main.
General Main, two days ago your sister Brett stopped by on her way back to South Carolina.
She left you this note.
She seemed upset.
Thank you.
Is there a problem, General Main? Sir, I must ask for leave.
There's an emergency with my family.
I'm sorry, sir.
Have a safe journey.
Thank you, sir.
A little surprise for you, Madeline, my dear.
But first, a toast.
To one Union shattered at Manassas and another restored at Resolute.
With one battle, we've won a war and our freedom.
Surely you can spare a smile for your husband for that if not for this magnificent dessert.
Durham told me an amusing comment that an English journalist made just after the victory message was sent to the telegraph office at Charleston.
He said, "The American Union was so short-lived that a man might be present at its birth and still be alive at its death.
" Excellent.
Try it.
I don't want any.
I had them make it just for you.
I want my freedom! You can't force me to love you! I have been damn good to you, Mrs.
LaMotte.
I have tried to court you.
I have offered you everything but my life to gain your favor.
Defy me if you wish.
But you will do as I want.
I promise you.
Gentlemen.
Justin! Would you like to watch while I kill your lover? - Madeline.
- Justin! Madeline? Orry.
Orry.
It's over.
Thank you.
Mama? Orry.
Madeline.
Thank God! My prayers have been answered.
Mr.
Vice President.
Mrs.
Stephens.
May I congratulate you and President Davis on your victorious election.
We are so very honored to have you here at my little party.
It's our pleasure, Mrs.
Huntoon.
It's times like these when men need to enjoy themselves whenever they can.
Why, that's just what I was telling James.
Although I think he enjoyed himself a little too much at President Davis' reception a few months ago.
Some of his friends thought it was funny to get him liquored up and into a discussion with the president.
- Yes.
We'd heard of that.
Some men have no more sense than a June bug.
I wish you and I were running the war.
Why, it'd be over in no time at all.
Don't you think that would be difficult in your hoop skirts, ladies? No more so than in those hot uniforms our men have to wear.
James, darling, why don't you come over here.
Excuse me.
Why don't you offer our guests of honor some of that wonderful champagne from France.
It was the last we could get before the blockade.
I am so honored that you could join us.
We have not only the election to celebrate but also the panic in the ranks of our enemies.
Panic, sir? Why, those fools in Washington are so busy pointing accusing fingers at one another over their last defeat they may tear each other apart and save us the bother.
James, dear, let's not talk about the war.
Oh, yes, yes.
Let me have the honor of serving you some of that wonderful champagne myself before my colleagues from the treasury drink it all up.
This way.
Mr.
Bent, sir, I wasn't at all sure you'd be here today.
I don't believe that for a moment, Mrs.
Huntoon.
I presume you've made good use with my money? That champagne you're serving that's getting everybody inebriated came right off our ship, yours and mine.
I told Stephens that it was the last we could get before the blockade.
Man's as gullible as Jefferson Davis.
He'll believe anything he hears.
I suppose I should see to my other guests.
Ashton, when are you gonna see to me? Soon, Mr.
Bent.
Very soon.
In fact, the minute you're ready to discuss my profits.
I don't like to be kept waiting.
I have little patience where women are concerned.
Well, Mr.
Bent, maybe I shouldn't bother, then.
Because I like a man with a lot of patience.
Well, then, considering all your attributes patience may be a virtue I could make an effort to acquire.
Well, I think the effort is worth finding out, don't you, Mr.
Bent? James, you remember Mr.
Bent, don't you? Why, he was just telling me the most amusing story about a man who learned to be patient.
Mr.
Bent, why don't you tell James the story.
I have to see to my other guests.
You have a lovely wife, sir.
Thank you, sir.
A gentleman shouldn't act as though he expected such a surprise, Mr.
Bent.
I didn't know that chess was your game.
But doesn't it require more than one player? - What's so funny? - Your games.
Your little intrigues.
Yes.
But I know you want me.
I want you.
I want you more than any woman I've ever known.
And I want you on my own terms.
Where is it? Where's my surprise? I want my surprise.
Your surprise is right up there.
Now, you wait.
Slow down, there.
Watch your step.
- Be careful, you'll trip on your dress.
- Move out of my way, EI.
If you don't show a little patience, I am not gonna show you.
Now, you stop right here.
Now, I cannot trust you not to peek.
- Come here.
- Oh, EI, you know I'm afraid of the dark.
You used to be afraid of me, but you've gotten over that.
I've never been afraid of any man.
Now, you hush up, or I won't show you a thing.
Come on.
- This is silly.
I don't like doing this.
- Just you watch your step.
Give me your hand.
This is silly.
Right in here.
All right? I don't believe it.
I have died and gone to heaven.
The couturiers of Paris honed their skills for a lifetime expressly for your pleasure.
Oh, EI, you make me feel just like I'm royalty, which means Is that I can have absolutely everything in the world that I want.
Right? I don't think I've ever seen you so excited before.
I am so pleased to have found somebody whose dedication to the pursuit of luxury, pleasure and power is as singular as my own.
Makes us the perfect couple, don't you think? Oh, yes, just perfect.
So I have decided to make you my first lady.
EI, I'm no one's first lady.
Are you just saying you want to marry me? What I am saying is, when the time is right, I want you to be my consort.
What I am saying is, when Jefferson Davis has shown his true cowardly colors a man more fit will take over the Confederacy.
Future voyages of our ships will provide for a small but disciplined army under my leadership.
A weak fool like Jefferson Davis can't lead the South to victory.
He has no taste for war.
I have the taste, and I have the military ability.
And I will do whatever is necessary to eliminate him and put us in his place.
Why, EI, that's treason.
When my plans have come to fruition your marriage to that buffoon will be taken care of.
And when I have consolidated my power, we will rule.
We will rule together.
We will have royal privileges and luxuries fit for an emperor and his empress.
EI, you make it sound just like Napoleon and Josephine.
Don't you laugh at me.
Don't you ever laugh at me.
Or I will kill you.
Get your hands off me! I do admire your spirit.
Your temperament reminds me of a horse I used to have.
Now, you hear me.
We are a pair.
We are a real pair.
And we will be exactly like Napoleon and Josephine.
Lovers and rulers of an empire.
What's wrong? Well, you're not having second thoughts, are you, lady? Oh, I'm just being foolish about who I am and how it might affect you.
Madeline, we have settled all that.
- But if we have children - Don't say "if.
" We will have children.
When the war ends, you're gonna have to live here, in this county where your happiness and your success will depend on what people think of you.
Look at me.
Will you look at me? My happiness depends on only one person.
You.
Now, we are gonna be man and wife.
Oh, yes.
Miss Clarissa! Mr.
Orry! Miss Clarissa! Mr.
Orry! Miss Clarissa, it's Miss Brett and Semiramis.
They come home.
Brett? Orry.
Are you all right? What happened? We're here.
That's all that matters.
- Mother! - Dear child, you're safe! Are you all right? It sure is good to see you, Semi.
Look at your clothes.
What you been doing? Semiramis, we were so worried.
Mr.
Orry, that was a trip I ain't never gonna forget.
I'm glad you're all right.
Thank you, sir.
I have my maid of honor.
I'd love to be.
Come on, little sister.
Let's get you in the house.
Do you take Madeline Eugenie to be your lawfully wedded wife for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer in sickness and in health, to have and to hold from this day forward? - I do.
- Do you promise to love honor and keep her, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live? - I do.
- And you, Madeline Eugenie do you take Orry Main to be your lawfully wedded husband for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer in sickness and in health, to have and to hold from this day forward? - I do.
- Do you promise to love honor and obey him forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live? I do.
So in the sight of almighty God and by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Dear? I was just thinking, so many people aren't here who should be.
All of Orry's friends, cousin Charles and the Hazards.
I'm sure they're with us in their hearts.
I know how much you miss Billy.
But today is a happy occasion, Mother, for all of us.
It's more than that, Brett.
Your brother's marriage is an act of faith and hope that Mont Royal will go on.
We've had so little time together.
I don't want to let you go.
The Confederacy is just gonna have to manage without you.
You look so serious.
What are you thinking about? The best day of my life.
And when was that? The day I was born.
Don't.
Don't.
Don't.
Quit.
Madeline, quit! Now, stop teasing me.
Tell me.
The day I met you was the day I was born.
Hope said to give Papa another kiss.
She did? That's from both of us.
We're going to miss you, George.
The casualty list came in from our latest disaster at Valverde.
The president wept when he read it.
His good friend Colonel Meeker was among the dead.
So was Andrew Langley.
He graduated with you.
He was a good friend to both Orry and me.
One of our agents in the South reports that Orry's doing the same work for their president I am for Lincoln.
I guarantee he's just as anxious to get out of Richmond as I am of Washington.
You're not going to ask for a field command? Every day, I sit and hand out fat army contracts to greedy war profiteers while good men die.
I understand how you feel.
No, you don't.
I am angry, and I am frustrated, and I can't hide it anymore.
You're doing what the president wants.
Isn't that enough? I should be with the real army, not this regiment of paper-shufflers! I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry.
I do understand how you feel.
Your loyalties are being torn apart by this war, but please don't let that happen to us.
I couldn't bear it.
I wanted a word with you, general.
This is the only place in Richmond where we can escape that army of dignitaries.
It's not every day that a new nation inaugurates its first permanent president.
I only hope our new congress will be more decisive than the provisional one.
They must approve my enlistment bill.
We also need a law against importing luxury items to the exclusion of arms.
Any further word about who's behind that damnable cartel? I know the name of one of them, but I still have no proof.
What they're doing's not illegal.
I have to find another way to stop them.
Corruption could bring down my government.
If I could just smash this one ring, sir.
It'd be a warning to others who'd build their fortunes on our army's sacrifice.
Excuse me, sir, the dispatch from General Johnston in Tennessee.
Fort Donelson, sir? Grant has forced Buckner to surrender unconditionally.
Two thousand dead and wounded.
And more than 12,000 are now prisoners.
The North recovered from Manassas, sir.
We shall from this.
There'll be no more talk now of an easy victory.
George Washington's statue has always been an inspiration to me.
It's why I chose his birthday to become the first president of the Confederacy.
That great man refused to give up.
In spite of everything, he brought to birth a new nation.
So will I.
So will I.
Finish loading these supplies.
Deliver them to Fredericksburg.
You'll meet us at Bell Plain with more railcars, sir? No.
Apparently, there doesn't seem to be any more available.
- I'm headed north on another matter.
- North, sir? We're not far from the frontline.
An agent discovered they're running luxury goods past the Yankee blockade.
You know who's behind it, sir? And it is urgent that we stop him as soon as possible.
I'll meet you in Fredericksburg, lieutenant, when my business is finished.
Good luck.
Sorry about bringing you here, sir.
Last time I used this place, there weren't so many Yankee patrols around.
I was lucky none of them saw me.
What more have you learned? Major Bent has bank accounts in New York getting fatter by the day.
That is still no proof.
It's not going to stand up in court.
He's the cleverest swindler that ever drew breath.
And he's paying off all the right people.
- Any word from France about his ships? - They're running a steady trade.
- From all accounts.
- Where's he offload? He puts then in at small coves along the Virginia and South Carolina coasts.
It avoids the Yankee blockade and any questions from us about what he's transporting.
That may work to our advantage.
If we could find one of those coves and wait for him to anchor his ships We might be able to put him out of business without troubling a court about it.
Now, we'll keep these thoughts to ourselves, won't we? Of course, general.
Sounds like storm's letting up.
Better make a run for it while we still can.
Best not to ride out together.
Just hope those Yankees have sense enough to stay by their fires tonight.
Good luck.
There's another one.
Stand where you are.
- I beg your pardon, sir.
- No harm done, lieutenant.
But it's a hell of a night to be out on patrol.
Yes, sir.
We were looking for a rebel.
Might be a spy.
Could've sworn his trail led this way.
Wish I could help, but I'm on my way back from an inspection tour.
I haven't seen anybody for hours.
I think your rebel's probably long gone by now.
Yes, sir.
I was thinking that myself.
Well, we'll get back to camp.
- You're welcome to join our fire, sir.
- I'm much obliged, but I've got to go.
- I've got a lot of ground to cover.
- Have a safe journey, sir.
You saved my life, George, again.
You damn fool.
How the hell did you happen to get this far north? Well, I'm not sure I should tell you, colonel.
This little truce might not be so easy.
I guess not.
But since we have it, why don't we find a dry place to talk.
Why don't we.
We're too old to bivouac in the rain like we did in Mexico.
Come on.
Tell Billy my sister isn't as fragile as he thinks.
She arrived at Mont Royal smiling like a true Main.
Well, he's worried sick about her so you just make sure she's safe.
Well, you just promise to keep your Yankee troops out of South Carolina.
What's that on your finger? - Madeline and I were finally married.
- Congratulations, man! Wish you were there to be my best man.
I'll make it up to you by throwing you the damnedest party you ever saw after the war.
Great.
We'll make it a West Point reunion.
I'll even invite Marcus Hasler.
Remember him? He was killed by a Union sharpshooter last week.
Orry, Lincoln bent over backwards to accommodate the South.
Why did he invade Virginia? You call Bull Run accommodating? Wait a minute.
I was there.
I saw it.
An entire rebel army was waiting to invade the capital.
What was Lincoln supposed to do? He took an oath to preserve the Union.
The South started it by firing on Sumter.
We did not start anything.
- We just wanted to be left alone.
- You never even gave him a chance.
You refused to compromise.
He could not extend slavery into new territories.
That is not the issue, George! We both agree that slavery's an outmoded institution that will only hold the South back.
Dear God, what has happened to us? Well, I think, under the circumstances it was best that we ended our business partnership.
You should've turned me in to your Yankee troops.
That would have been one less Reb you had to fight.
Orry, you don't mean that.
Take care of yourself, Orry.
Pardon me, ma'am.
We haven't heard from our son.
We heard that he was wounded.
Can you help us find him? I'm sorry, I don't work here.
Perhaps a nurse could Thank you, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am, we're looking for our son.
Miss Dix.
Excuse me.
I'm Virgilia Hazard Grady.
Mrs.
Grady.
Congressman Greene speaks very highly of you.
We've never had fighting like this before on this continent.
Skirmishes maim and kill more than major battles in earlier wars.
We're not prepared for such casualties.
Only yesterday 200 men were wounded on the bluffs of the Potomac.
I want to do whatever I can to help ease the suffering, Miss Dix.
Nurses are scarce, Mrs.
Grady, especially good ones.
Some of them can't stand the blood and the filth and the constant shortage of medicines.
And some of them have been called home to families who have lost husbands and brothers.
I assure you, I can stand a great deal.
And as for my family I understand that you are related to Colonel George Hazard.
And that your family owns the Hazard Ironworks in Pennsylvania.
Yes.
We're all helping in the war effort.
Well, Congressman Greene seems to feel that you are equal to the hardships of a war nurse.
Congressman Greene understands my deep desire to serve my country.
I read your book, Miss Dix.
And several others.
And I've always been very, very quick to learn.
You will have to learn, Mrs.
Grady.
If I override Mrs.
Reilly's recommendation and admit you into the Nurses' Corps.
And I'm not speaking only of medical knowledge.
You must be prepared for insults from the men and hostility from the doctors who will sometimes treat you no better than a common servant or Or a slave? I've endured being treated like a slave before.
In my abolitionist work.
I'm not referring to parades and speeches.
I have seen horrors as bad or worse than any war.
Atrocities inflicted by Southern slaveholders on their black victims.
I've witnessed that.
I've touched them with my own hands.
Bodies burned beaten with whips wounds, scars hideous disfigurement.
You realize that many of the patients are Southern wounded.
And that a nurse's duty is to treat all victims of war with compassion.
- Of course.
- You must put aside personal feelings and give equal treatment to all.
I have always believed in equality for all men and women.
Then let us talk about particulars, Mrs.
Grady.
Compensation.
Transportation.
And living allowance.
Thank you.
I think, gentlemen you'll find that this ward is typical of our military hospitals.
Our staff of doctors is extremely capable.
It would appear that your nursing staff is capable as well, Mr.
Fielding.
These men seem to be getting the finest possible care.
Yes.
Congressman Greene, may I present Mrs.
Grady, one of our nurses.
Thank you, Mr.
Fielding.
I already have the pleasure of knowing Mrs.
Grady.
It was my privilege to recommend her to the Nursing Corps.
We're honored to have you here, sir.
Not many men of your stature have seen fit to personally inspect our hospital.
That is inexcusable.
This work is second only to serving in the field.
It's our duty to restore soldiers, like this fine young lad, to the battlegrounds.
Congressman, there's so much you could do to help us here.
The government moves slowly in answering our requests.
That will be enough, Mrs.
Grady.
Congressman, we'd better be going along.
Mr.
Fielding.
I think the point of view of your staff is extremely important.
After all, they have the day-to-day task of caring for the wounded.
I for one, am very interested in what Mrs.
Grady has to say about the current situation.
I'll be joining a field hospital, sir.
I've read there's a terrible shortage of morphine powder.
That's the only thing that quiets the gangrene cases when they amputate.
Virgilia, I did not make this trip to talk about morphine powder.
I came to see you.
Your committee makes appropriations, Sam.
You could see to it that we got more money for medications we need.
All right, Virgilia, I'll do what you want.
The question is what are you willing to do for me? Correct me if I'm wrong, Sam.
You are married and you have a family in Indiana.
You know my views.
They haven't changed.
You know I'd divorce my wife for you if only Indiana weren't such an unforgiving state.
I can't afford the scandal.
And I can't belong to you.
Not like that.
Sam, I don't want to lose you as a friend.
Please say that I haven't.
No.
You haven't.
I'll get you the medicine you need.
Thank you.
But, Virgilia the next time you need a favor from me expect to do me one in return.
That's the way it works.
Even between friends.
They may have given us a bloody nose in the West but with Jackson tearing up Shenandoah he could make a dash for Washington at any time.
That's why Lincoln took a whole corps away from McClellan, below Richmond moved it up here to protect the capital.
Still gonna be a lot of Yankees coming up that peninsula toward Richmond.
Yeah, but not as many as we thought.
I figure five of them for each one of us.
We gotta get back.
Johnston's gotta be told he'll be facing a few more Yankees than he figured on.
What's so funny? I seem to remember a Lieutenant Pell thought he was the best turned-out officer in the whole Confederate Army.
Until he let his captain talk him into being a scout.
You wanted to be a hero.
I thought I'd look better.
If we split up, one of us might get through.
Files left, right! Try again, Boz.
"A soldier of the" - "Legion.
" - "Legion lay dying in Al" "Al" "Algiers.
" It's a city in Africa.
Go ahead.
"There was lack of woman's nursing.
There was dearth"? "Dearth of woman's tears.
" That's good.
You're reading better than I did after two years of schooling.
Much better.
Look like a soldier, Miss Augusta.
Captain Main! Careful.
Oh, my God.
Watch out.
He's got a bullet wound.
This was almost worth getting shot for.
You were lucky, Captain Main.
You lost a lot of blood.
But the wound shouldn't take too long to heal.
I hope not.
I have to be on my way in the morning.
You're not going anywhere, not for a few days, till that shoulder heals.
If I don't make it back with what Pell found out There are other ways to get your information to headquarters.
I'll see that it gets done.
Good night, Charles.
Sleep well.
The farm is beautiful.
A man could almost forget there's a war going on.
After Tom died I still had so much to give.
It shows.
Not just in this farm.
Not many people teach their slaves to read.
Washington and Boz aren't slaves.
They worked as hard as we did, so my husband and I freed them and gave them a share of the farm.
I've never met anyone quite like you.
The way you care about people.
Maybe that's why I find you so attractive.
Miss Augusta.
Excuse me, captain.
Miss Augusta, your mare's starting to foal right now.
She's my pride and joy.
I hid her from the troops.
You'll have to excuse me.
Go ahead.
But if it's a boy, you better name him after me! Something I can do for you, Washington? No, sir.
Ain't for me.
It's for her.
You might think I'm stepping out of line, captain.
But Boz and me we're the only family Miss Augusta got left now.
So she's told me.
Go on.
Say your piece.
Well, she Miss Augusta took it real hard when the baby was stillborn.
Then Mr.
Tom died.
And you being a soldier and all and the war still goes on and on.
I don't know if she could live through mourning somebody else, captain.
See what I mean? A little wobbly in the legs, but a year from now, he'll be chasing the wind.
This calls for a celebration.
I've been saving a bottle of wine for a special occasion.
This is it.
I'd enjoy that, Augusta.
It'd be a nice way to say goodbye.
I have to leave tomorrow.
Column, halt! Good afternoon, ladies.
Which of you is Mrs.
Main? I'm Mrs.
Tillet Main.
Mrs.
Orry Main, Mrs.
William Hazard.
And whom do we have the honor of receiving? My apologies, ma'am.
Second Lieutenant Samuel Barstow, first quartermaster out of Charleston.
- We're here to requisition supplies.
- What will you be needing? A great deal, I'm afraid.
Three-quarters of what was left and most of the animals.
We had no choice, Brett.
It was our duty to obey the order.
- Our troops need those supplies.
- So do we, Mother.
I don't know how we're gonna feed everyone now.
Don't mean to interrupt, but have you heard from Miss Brett yet? I'll just keep trying to get letters through the lines.
You sure love her, don't you? I sure hope I find somebody when I grow up.
You will.
I want to get this done before we move out.
Run along.
Never seen a man could write so many letters.
What do you find to say? "All I think about is having you back in my arms.
You'll probably never get my letters, and you can't write from" South Carolina? Your wife is from South Carolina? That's right.
Now, just give me the letter.
- Well, you're a damn rebel lover.
- That's his business.
Give him his letter.
Give me the letter! Give him back his letter, Kent.
Hazard! Kent! You have five minutes to appear in my tent.
You are supposed to be officers and gentlemen who set a proper example for your men.
- I didn't start it, sir.
- Did I give you permission to talk? - No, sir.
- No, sir.
We have pushed the rebels up the peninsula and we're about to knock at the gates of Richmond and I have two officers who'd rather fight each other than the enemy.
If another battle wasn't in prospect, I'd court-martial you both.
I will not tolerate feuds under my command.
Now, save your fight for the rebels.
Might not be much fighting now that they've got a new commander, sir.
When Robert E.
Lee is ready, sir he'll come after us with everything he has.
And we better damn well be ready.
You're dismissed, Mr.
Kent.
I had high hopes for you, Lieutenant Hazard.
In spite of our first meeting, you've proved yourself a responsible officer.
Now, what was this misunderstanding all about? Sir Lieutenant Kent seems to resent it that my wife is from the South.
And I haven't heard from her in months.
We're all under a lot of pressure, Billy, from the generals on down.
We can't let it affect our judgment.
The sooner we win this war the faster we'll all get back home.
- Yes, sir.
- You're dismissed, lieutenant.
- Morning, Billy.
- Colonel Hazard.
- The president wanted to see me? - Yes, he could use an ally just now.
A pack of wolves, the damn newspapers and preachers.
- Blaming him for McClellan.
- Where is he? In the Cabinet Room with Stanton, Seward, the others.
- What's happened? - You haven't heard? McClellan is sitting at Harrison's Landing and refuses to move.
General McClellan has been outthought and outfought.
And our one chance for an early end to this terrible rebellion gone.
What do you suggest, Mr.
Secretary, that we negotiate a surrender? - Is that what you're thinking? - Gentlemen we must begin to see this war for what it is: Bloody Shiloh and the nightmare of the peninsula should prove to us that this fight will be to the death.
And now their General Lee has proven himself to be a great strategist.
If we don't do something decisive then I believe England will join France in support of the South.
- That'd change the war's course.
Our European friends would never abide slavery.
Nor any longer should we.
Are you going ahead with freeing the slaves in the rebel states, sir? Your own people don't want the Negroes free to roam and take their jobs.
Regardless we must now put our fight on the side of human rights.
An emancipation proclamation would do just that.
If you do, sir, it could cost you the border states possibly the election and probably the war, sir.
It may anyway.
Mr.
President, I approve of such a proclamation.
But it might seem like a cry of desperation.
Hold off the measure till you can give it to the country supported by a military success.
That's good poker, Mr.
Seward.
Play from strength.
Gentlemen, I need time to think on this.
George, Seward is right.
And so is Stanton about McClellan.
He's mismanaged the best-equipped force in Western history.
Give me more background on our top generals including those Western fellas: - Thomas, Grant, Sherman.
- Yes, sir.
I need me a Lee, a Jackson a commander who can get me a victory.
Then I can free the slaves.
One, one, one, two, one.
- When shall we pick you up, Mother? - 3:00 should be fine.
I doubt even the volunteers' committee could dither longer than that.
I never saw such a fuss over how to roll bandages.
- You'll organize them, Mother.
- Thank you, Stanley.
What are you and Isabel going to do today? Oh, Stanley has a business meeting, and I've got some shopping to do.
As usual.
Well, goodbye then, dear.
See you at 3.
It still worries me, Isabel.
I know she wouldn't approve of us dealing with a man like Morgan, especially on military contracts.
Your mother pays very little attention to Hazard Iron these days.
She's gotten so busy with her war-effort committee.
George and your mother don't run the company now.
We do.
And it's up to us to decide what's best for it.
I don't know that this is best.
Morgan has a bad reputation.
And he has to cut corners to sell alloys at such prices.
Now, if we buy from him, who's to say our cannon won't be defective? - Nonsense.
He quoted us a low price because he wants to undercut his competition and make some money out of this war, just like we do.
It's simply good business, Stanley.
Mr.
Morgan.
You drive a hard bargain, Mr.
Hazard.
Well, those are our terms, Mr.
Morgan.
You take them or leave them.
At that price, Britannia stand to make a pretty profit considering what you'll charge the army for your cannon.
We're all in business to make money, Mr.
Morgan.
I'm sure you'll make enough, even at the price we're offering.
You're a very perceptive woman, Mrs.
Hazard.
So let's drink to our contract.
What if someone should find out? We'll take certain precautions.
I've designed a trademark for a fictitious company.
We'll stamp it on all the cannon.
Well, you've certainly thought of everything.
So no one will find out.
And even if they do, who's to say that George isn't the one responsible? There's nothing to worry about.
Barkeep, set up another round! Hello, Elkanah.
I take it you're surprised to see me.
Who are you? What are you doing here? Why don't you tell her.
Tell her it's my place she's taking as your mistress.
Oh, yes.
I used to come here quite often until he tired of me.
I even have my own key that he gave me.
Ashton, meet Burdetta Halloran, a former business associate.
Burdetta, this is Ashton.
Oh, yes, I know all about the famous Mrs.
Huntoon although somehow I rather doubt that her husband does.
- But he will soon, I promise you.
- I don't think you'd be that stupid.
First of all coming from a lady of your character I don't think he would believe you.
Second, you'd be just making things unpleasant for everybody.
And why shouldn't I make things unpleasant for you? You used me.
- I could kill you for that.
- We used each other.
We had a business arrangement.
I never pretended it was anything.
- You let me believe! - That was your misfortune.
Yes, I see that now.
That's one reason I came here just to prove to myself what a mistake you really were.
Hardly worth going to prison for.
Now that you've realized that I think you should be leaving.
- First - Get your hands off me! I would like my house key back.
I just want you to know what I can do to you in case you decide to be indiscreet about this evening.
My best wishes, Mrs.
Huntoon.
I do hope you both get what you deserve.
Same to you, Mrs.
Halloran.
I thought you had better taste than that.
Taste, my dear can be acquired.
Thank you for coming, General Main.
I'm Burdetta Halloran.
I've been expecting you.
Ma'am.
I'm sorry to bring you out on such short notice but I'm leaving in the morning.
You said you have important information that could help our war effort.
Yes.
- I believe you know Elkanah Bent.
- All too well.
He and I used to be very special friends but I've been replaced by someone I believe you also know: Mrs.
Huntoon.
Ashton, my sister? I'd be concerned too, if she were my sister.
And since I used to be partners with Mr.
Bent I know rather intimately just how ruthless he can be.
But I think there's a way to stop Mr.
Bent from doing any further harm to the Confederacy.
Are you interested? I most certainly am.
I'll give the signal before they have time to cast off.
I wish we could give them what they really deserve, the traitors.
All we can do is impound the cargo and arrest whoever's in charge.
At least Bent loses his goods, which'll put him out of business for a while.
Too bad he isn't here.
He'd never risk it.
But we'll get him.
Hey.
Careful with that.
You know what a case of French brandy-wine costs? I'll take it out of your pay! Post a guard of six, Mercer, then we'll ship out.
I arrest you in the name of the Confederate States of America.
The hell you do.
Take cover! All right, don't shoot! Don't shoot! There goes a fortune for Bent, up in smoke.
Damn Orry Main! Your fine, upstanding brother has put us right out of business.
Aren't you exaggerating? It is not possible to exaggerate the damage your brother has done to us! When Main burned our cargo, it sent up a signal fire to the Yankee blockaders.
They took both our ships.
Surely we can buy new ones.
With what, Ashton? Our other capital is tied up in far riskier ventures.
No, General Main has timed his strike perfectly.
That man will live to regret it.
He will live to regret it many times over.
What are you gonna do? Killing your brother would give me no pleasure.
Far too easy and much too quick.
I'm gonna do something much worse to him.
I'm gonna kill his nigger whore.
What are you saying? Orry's married to Madeline.
He's far too honorable to keep another woman.
He doesn't keep her anymore.
He married her.
Meet Madeline's mother.
I don't believe it.
She's the image of Madeline but she doesn't look like a Negro.
Thanks to her slave ancestors, she most definitely was.
She was also a very expensive prostitute.
That portrait used to hang in the finest house in New Orleans.
Madeline's mother? Well, that's just too perfect.
Madeline's the most precious thing on earth to Orry.
And when she is disposed of, it ought to kill him slowly.
He'll find out, Elkanah.
If you hurt Madeline, he'll kill you.
Well, he is welcome to try.
He'd never rest as long as you were alive.
But there's something we could do something that would make his life a living hell.
He'd never connect it with you or me.
What are you talking about? We have the perfect weapon right here: Proof that the daughter of a black whore married into our family by lying to us.
Why, the scandal would just ruin us all.
Orry would be thrown out of the government the family disgraced.
Madeline's such a good woman.
Well, I'm sure she'd see that right away and feel bound to leave him.
And I can make sure Orry never knows why.
Well, that is a pretty scheme, Ashton, except for one small detail.
I want Orry Main to know who ruined him and why.
That's the best part.
There's no reason why Orry can't be told eventually.