North and South s02e05 Episode Script

Well, lookie here, you're only half-dead.
You can still work.
Get up, Hazard.
You gotta quit being so shiftless and lazy.
Get up! Come on! My, my.
Lookie here.
Our general done dug himself a hole.
Just like a rat.
Do you think you're gonna escape like those others? Well, think again, scum! You're going down in a hole, all right, but it's gonna be six-feet deep.
- Chain him up.
- Come on.
Till I decide how we gonna stop him from digging rat holes.
I got kegs of gunpowder hidden underneath this floor.
The very next man who tries to escape I'm gonna blow you all to hell.
Merry Christmas.
It's a little early, but what the hell? Charles.
Had a three-day leave, heard you were in Richmond.
So where are we having dinner tonight? We got a lot to catch up on.
Sit.
Sure is great to see you alive.
I didn't wanna believe it when I saw you listed as missing.
I landed in a field hospital.
I was lucky.
Your friend George wasn't so lucky.
- What do you mean? - Mosby.
Rode into camp the other day to report on his guerrilla activities.
I heard him tell Hampton he'd captured a Yankee general on one of his raids.
Turns out it was George.
- Where is he? - Libby Prison.
He could die there.
That place is a disgrace.
There's nothing you can do.
No more prisoner exchanges, so you can't go to Davis.
- Besides, he's the enemy.
- What? Charles that man was my best friend.
What's wrong with you? - Nothing.
- What do you mean, nothing? I am gonna get him out of there, and you're gonna help me.
- I don't feel too kindly about Yankees.
- None of us do, but I owe him.
Up to you, general.
Thank you.
Well, you can't see General Winter.
He's gone on leave.
You'll address me as "sir" and tell me who's in charge in the general's absence.
- Yes, sir.
Captain Turner's in charge right now, sir.
But he's - He ain't here right now neither.
- Lf he's derelict in his duty he will suffer the consequences.
In the meantime you're to deliver to me a prisoner by the name of General George Hazard.
But it's the middle of the night, sir.
And Captain Turner, he wouldn't like it.
I don't give a damn what Captain Turner wouldn't like.
I've got orders to take this prisoner for interrogation.
That's what I mean to do.
You have him brought here to me now.
Yes, sir.
This man's condition is an outrage.
Get his chains off of him.
Now! I intend to report this entire detachment for gross neglect of duty.
- What the hell's going on here? - They got orders to take him.
Over my dead body.
Whose orders? I would suggest you read this and snap to, captain before I have you relieved of command.
I never heard of no General Canby.
I want this confirmed before I hand over the prisoner.
You don't have the authority, so out of our way, we're leaving.
I already told you, it's over my dead body.
Stop those men! Grab them! They killed Major Turner! George, you all right? - Relax.
- God! I couldn't have lasted much longer in there, Orry.
You saved my life.
Thank you.
Both of you.
Don't get yourself shot on the way home.
- Careful.
- You got food a blanket, some of my old clothes.
Follow the current as far as you can then head north.
You're bound to run into some Union troops.
- Will you do me another favor? - What's that? Tell Jeff Davis that if he stops the war I'll buy the champagne.
You best make that offer to Mr.
Lincoln.
It'll be light soon.
Let's go.
I'm not sure we lost the guards.
- He's gonna be all right.
- We kill Yankees by the hundreds and save one man.
It doesn't make any sense.
Compassion still makes sense.
- Oh, Mommy, I love the way you sing.
- Well, I love you.
And you know what? You've been so good I think you can open another present before you go to bed.
Well, why don't you sit here Stanley! They're beautiful! What a surprise.
Mother.
Aren't they magnificent? They're lovely, Isabel.
Constance.
Very pretty.
I shall wear these in Philadelphia on New Year's Eve.
Thank you, my darling.
I should've waited and given it to you in private.
Nonsense.
I'm not going to let their moods ruin this special evening.
We have every right to enjoy our good fortune.
- Mother, are you all right? - Oh, I'm fine.
It's lovely to see Hope enjoying herself.
I just keep thinking of Billy and George.
It doesn't seem like Christmas without them.
No, it doesn't.
You know, sometimes I wonder if I can survive another day without George.
Oh, but, Mother, think how difficult it must be for those families whose loved ones will never be coming home.
I can't believe Clarissa is in the midst of that fighting.
Every night I pray for the Mains just as I pray for our family.
How can we sing about peace on Earth, good will toward men after four years of war? Dear God, how much longer must this go on? If General Grant takes Petersburg, it might be over before we know it.
I know.
I know.
Merry Christmas, Edward.
Oh, George! Oh, it's really you.
Constance.
Hello, Brett.
It's Mrs.
Hazard to you.
Heard about your troubles so I thought I'd come over and see if I could help.
Things seem to be a little lean around here.
We're doing just fine.
That's no way to talk to the man who could be your salvation.
I got food.
We have enough.
I figured you for the sensible.
Surely you know what a dangerous situation you all are in.
Three women alone.
If we can come to some arrangements, I can make sure nobody bothers you not even Yankees, who I figure will be harder on South Carolina seeing as we started the war.
You're nothing but trash, like those squatters.
We're not leaving, no matter what you do or say.
Shake the tree, and all the fruit you want will fall right in your lap.
Time's on my side, missy.
You get on out of here, Salem Jones or this other barrel's gonna blow your head off.
You wouldn't do that, Semiramis.
Wouldn't I? I've hated you ever since I was a little girl.
Now get on out of here! Leave the horse.
They could head straight for Richmond or turn and attack Lee's flank.
Even if Fitz Lee could concentrate all three of his brigades I'm not sure he could stop them.
We can jump a couple of scouts, find out where they're heading.
Charlie, I haven't been on my feet two hours the last three days.
This old nag is wind-broke as I am.
How the heck are we gonna stop them? That's too bad.
Who said the Lord isn't a Rebel? Now, don't get carried away, we need at least one alive.
Aim for the legs.
Sorry, captain.
Reckon my aim was high.
Sheridan's cavalry, right? You don't have much of a choice.
We got miles to reach your point.
I estimate two divisions, maybe three.
Which is it? Three.
Bound where? It's bad enough you Yankees burned Beaver Dam stakes and our supply warehouse.
Don't try my patience.
Bound where? Where? Richmond.
Much obliged.
He was just reaching over because he was thirsty.
If he had been pulling a gun, better my mistake than me dead.
Charlie! You really are something.
Cool as a block in an icehouse.
You're some kind of killing machine.
The absolute sure-fire best.
We gotta find Fitz Lee.
You take the turnpike, I'll go across country.
One of us is sure to get through.
Top of the morning.
Merry Christmas.
And to you, Mr.
Beaudeen.
I don't suppose it's quite so merry in Savannah with Sherman.
He'll be marching into Charleston next.
Some of the women are leaving town.
Well, what brings you out this way so early? Just my usual desire to look at your pretty face.
And to bring you this.
That's very kind.
Now, you can take it.
Feel no obligation.
It's really not for you.
It's for them.
- It's gold.
- Earned with the sweat of my brow.
I'd just waste it.
I figured you could use it for whatever Miss Madeline! The soldiers picked up Michael and some of the other boys! - Where did they take them? - I don't know.
They said they was needed.
Too many soldiers getting killed.
- We have to find them.
They're children.
- How long ago? About two hours.
Miss Madeline, I'm so scared.
Don't worry about it.
We'll do our best to get them back.
- Yes, sir.
We'll get that right away.
- Yes, sir.
- I found out where they been taken.
- Where? Don't worry about it right now.
Go home and wait for me there.
- Rafe.
I would like to help.
- You can't.
Just do like I tell you.
It may already be too late.
Come on, look alive, look alive! Boy, I bet you wish you was back on that plantation, don't you? Come on, deeper.
Come on.
Move that dirt, darkies.
Come on! Look alive, there! Don't dig that tree out.
You better look sharp there, boy.
Gonna throw your carcass to Sherman.
It may be your carcass, sergeant.
Just who are you, huh? These are orders from your captain to take these boys back to my plantation.
Your plantation? Food is the lifeline of the Confederacy, sergeant.
We've got to feed Johnston's troops if we expect them to stop Sherman.
Just who's gonna finish digging these rifle pits? Neither you nor your men look helpless to me, sergeant.
That ain't work for white men.
You read your orders and do your duty.
My duty is to get my share.
I know all about your Captain Farley and his little payoffs You see this here order, it ain't worth the paper it's written on.
You get the boys in the wagon, and I'll see that you're taken care of.
All right, let's go! All you boys, get in this here blasted wagon.
Be quick about it! Come on, move it! I only pay once.
They're safe now.
I left Michael with his mother about an hour ago.
Oh, thank God.
How did you find out where they were? Captain Farley wanted cold, hard cash, and a lot of it, I'm afraid.
You bribed an officer? Well, I had no choice.
If you had been arrested, we'd all have been in jeopardy.
What should I have done? Something more honorable? You've got to wake up, Madeline.
Honor's dead.
It's been killed in the war.
From now on, there are only transactions.
Perhaps.
For you, that's the way you live.
That's right, ma'am to survive.
Well, some things are more important than survival.
Like what, Madeline? I left the army rather than go on killing innocent human beings in a cause already doomed from the start by the stupidity of too many of its leaders.
I don't want to hear that.
I refuse to be a fool.
I found a better way of attacking a Yankee position and when I returned, I was accused by my commander of insubordination.
If that makes me some kind of a scoundrel, so be it.
I didn't mean to You saved Michael's life and I thank you for that.
Madeline, there's so much I want to tell you.
It's late.
I am I am grateful.
Please believe me.
Your servant, ma'am.
I thought you told me you'd never touch any of Justin's money.
Now, if you're prepared to do that, at least make life more comfortable for you and your child.
Don't keep - lf the money is mine then I'm entitled to spend it as I see fit.
Uncle Miles Justin never did one good thing for anyone in his entire life.
So let's just call this poetic justice.
When his money's gone, then I'll sell the house.
I'm not even sure I could find a buyer right now.
Let alone get a good price.
Even if I have to sell the house at a loss there should still be enough to help a great many people.
Now, I understand your wanting to help these people that have been displaced by the war, but you can't bankrupt yourself to do it.
And what about your son, Madeline? That house should be his someday.
Thousands have been driven from their homes.
Slaves, freed Negroes, poor whites.
They have no food, no money.
They have no hope.
I can't just stand by and watch women and children die.
I hope my son will understand that one day when he's old enough.
You're giving away everything you have.
I would give more if I had it.
Uncle Miles, you can't imagine the suffering.
All right, my dear.
It's obvious you're going to do this whether I agree or not.
If Justin's money isn't sufficient, I'll find a way to sell the house.
Thank you, Uncle Miles.
Thank you.
I knew you'd understand.
- I have a surprise for you.
- What? - Oh.
I love surprises.
- I know you do.
Open it up.
Well, this looks familiar.
I had the tailor repair it.
I want my husband going back on duty looking like the general he is.
Oh, thank you.
That's very sweet.
And as it just so happens I have a little gift for you too.
- You do? - Oh, George, it's beautiful.
- Do you like it? - I love it.
- I had Stanley pick it up for me in Philadelphia on his last trip there.
Oh, thank you.
You know, it's been so wonderful having you home these past weeks.
I hate to think of you leaving again so soon.
I don't think that Grant will let this deadlock drag on much longer.
It's got to end soon.
But I am afraid that Lee will fight on to the bitter end along with all his men.
I know.
You're worried about Orry again, aren't you? Yes.
Our little reunion while out on patrol a couple of years ago wasn't as pleasant as I might have led you to believe.
What do you mean? Well, at first, it was like nothing had changed.
It was just so good to see him again.
But it became obvious to me that the war had done something to that sense of understanding that we always seemed to share.
By the time we said goodbye, we were acting just like enemies.
Oh, George.
And when he broke me out of prison it was more like he was repaying an old debt instead of an act of friendship.
Darling I love Orry as much as you do.
And I know the kind of man he is.
He would never turn his back on you or your friendship.
- Captain Bradley.
- Yes, ma'am.
I'm Constance Hazard.
The maid told me you're here to see my husband.
I'm on General Hazard's staff, ma'am.
I have some rather urgent business with him.
I see.
Well, why don't you wait in the library and I'll get him for you.
This isn't an official visit, general, but I wanted to warn you ahead of time.
I'd rather discuss this in private, sir.
Unless it involves military secrets, captain I have nothing I wanna hide from my wife.
Sir from what I've been able to find out the war department has had complaints for almost two years about defective weapons made by Axol Iron Works.
Do you know anything about such a company? No, I've never heard of them.
A formal investigation wasn't started until recently.
They found that Axol Iron is a front for another arms manufacturer: Hazard Iron.
That's ridiculous.
George would never have anything to do with that.
They verified that these cannons were made from cheap metals which caused some of them to explode after prolonged use.
I'm afraid some soldiers on the gun crews have been killed as a result.
- Oh, my God.
- But everybody knows that while George was away, Stanley ran the company.
The general's signature appears on several incriminating documents which connect the two companies.
- Then someone forged his signature.
- It had to be somebody from the inside.
Unfortunately, you're going to have to prove that, sir.
I don't believe this.
My husband risked his life and endured great hardship in prison.
How can his own government accuse him of such a crime? Ma'am, I feel the same way, or I wouldn't be here.
But I'm afraid all the evidence seems to be against you, general.
Captain you said this was an unofficial visit.
How much time do I have to prove my innocence? I'm afraid they'll be swearing out a warrant for your arrest within hours.
Well, can't you delay it? - I wish I could.
I just found out.
- What else can you tell us, captain? There seems to be a man named Morgan.
Although there's no solid evidence against him they suspect he's involved in selling cheap metals to more than one foundry.
- You know where I can find him? He does most of his business out of a tavern outside Philadelphia called Dillards.
By next Tuesday.
No, I can't - that I had ever seen.
When we first I'm gonna use them again.
- Now, I'm gonna use them again.
- When we - He's got a good - Full wagon.
Boy, that's one way.
Which one's Morgan? Morgan? Who are you? - Why don't you - That's what I told him.
Never you mind.
Just point him out to me.
You Morgan? - Lf I am? - I'd like some straight answers.
- Do you have business with Hazard Iron? - I don't know what you're talking about.
You've been selling inferior metals through a dummy company.
- You can't prove anything.
- I wanna know who your contact is.
Who the hell are you? My name is George Hazard, you miserable scum.
A lot of good men have died because of you.
You're coming with me, you're gonna tell them everything and you're gonna spend your life in prison.
Along with you and your brother, General Hazard! He's broke his neck.
He's dead.
Stanley! I just talked to Morgan.
He connected you with Axol Iron.
- I don't wanna believe this, Stanley.
- George Just tell me it isn't true.
You're my brother.
I have trusted you with everything.
How could you do this? - Stanley, don't tell him anything! - Don't you realize what you've done? There's been an investigation.
They're going to arrest George.
- Whatever trouble he's in, it's his doing.
- Enough! I have always given you everything you've wanted.
Now, I will not sacrifice my brother.
George I had no idea this would happen with those cannons and when I found out, it was too late.
Our whole business was at stake, our future What about our future, Stanley?! You have not only befouled this family's reputation you have probably destroyed Hazard Iron.
Which is nothing compared to the senseless killing of who knows how many Union soldiers! - George - You miserable traitor! Please forgive me.
You must take full responsibility, as will this company to the families of those dead soldiers.
Undoubtedly, that means long prison terms for both you and Isabel.
I've done nothing illegal.
My signature was not on those documents.
Apparently you haven't heard your husband, dear.
It's over, Isabel.
If you can find the courage to own up to your actions you might find some self-respect.
I'll cooperate.
When are we gonna get rid of Jeff Davis already? You're unusually impatient today, Ashton.
I told you those things take time and they take money.
We have a definite lack of the latter.
Well, I've already given you all of mine.
There is someone who has just promised an enormous contribution but I'm afraid he wants something more in return other than mere participation in our new government.
- What does he want? - Thomas Drummond.
Has always had his eye on you.
That old fool? Every time he sees me, he looks down my dress and drools.
Exactly.
You can't mean he? Why, that is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard! What's so ridiculous? All you have to do is spend one night with him and $ 15,000 in gold is ours.
- You can't mean that.
- Of course I do.
- He knows that you and I are friends.
- Friends? - We love each - I don't recall mentioning love.
Love would be the worst thing for us.
We're equals, we are partners.
Love would just get in the way of everything we want.
But as I was saying before I was interrupted we love each other's strength and power.
So then you'll do it? Why wouldn't I? After all, it only makes us that much closer to what we want.
I knew I could count on you.
I had no idea you thought me attractive, Mr.
Drummond.
Otherwise, I would have come here long before this.
You do me an honor, Miss Ashton.
On the contrary, sir you do me and our cause the honor.
Your donation, sir, was so generous that I felt that I had to repay you in the only way I know how.
Ashton? Yes, James? It's all right, Ashton.
You're right, James.
You must be joking.
You don't really expect to celebrate here, do you? Couldn't think of a more appropriate place.
But everybody says it's unsafe to leave the city.
Now, where is your spirit of adventure, Ashton? Come on.
Get down.
I'm tired of playing games.
What is it you wanna show me? Now you just be patient.
Why, the army would just be furious if they knew anything about this.
How'd you get so many guns? Along with my military expertise, I have developed quite a flair for raising money.
This was all bought with cash donated by supporters of our cause.
Like Drummond? Exactly.
Men whose ambition exceeds their intelligence.
I still need another shipment, so I have arranged for this with a profiteer down in South Carolina.
He gets his guns from a man in Barbados.
I will be leaving for Charleston tomorrow.
How long will you be gone? You won't have too long to pine for me.
We have to move against Mr.
Davis in two weeks or so otherwise it'll be too late.
I just want to make sure that we kill Mr.
Davis and every one of his loyal followers.
Including my brother? Especially your brother.
I haven't forgotten the injuries to which I owe Mr.
Main.
- We're gonna have a little time for us.
- Not here.
Yeah, here.
Right now.
Line never ends, does it, Miss Madeline? There seems to be three times the amount of people we started with.
How you gonna keep this up? You can't feed everybody in the whole South.
- I'll do what I can for as long as I can.
Food costing the way it does, I don't see how we gonna keep this up.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Look, I know that you must nearly be out of cash by now.
You've been feeding these people for months.
You've also got a little baby to think of.
Now, I have a little money and some good connections in town.
I could help you get food and medicines, maybe some men to drive you.
In exchange for what? Well, that's entirely up to you.
Well, I appreciate your help, Mr.
Beaudeen.
I really do.
But that's as far as it goes.
If you can find food or medicine, please bring it to the camp.
Yes, ma'am.
Why don't you eat now, darling? I must confess, I never expected to find a buyer for your house so soon.
They certainly offered a fair price.
Under the circumstances, more than generous.
However, there was one term the buyer insists upon that I couldn't accept without your consent.
- My consent? - Well, he insists the sale be anonymous.
- Well, is there anything wrong with that? - No, not at all.
Then sell it.
I need the money.
Then you may consider the sale closed, my dear.
The war has certainly taken its toll.
The supplies we received only yesterday have almost gone.
Goodbye.
Beaudeen, the Good Lord, man, I told you to stay away from here today.
I've been avoiding danger too long to be caught by an unsuspecting woman.
- Did she accept? - Of course.
She's all obsessed with this refugee work of hers.
Now she'll have means to continue it.
Until it ruins her, I'm afraid.
A woman like her can never be ruined.
And in the end, I'll see to it she gets her house back.
I really don't want the damn thing.
Well, why didn't you just give her the money? Because she'd never take it.
Even though it does come out of the pockets of some of Charleston's most respected families.
Well, now, wait a minute.
You Surely not stolen? Oh, no.
It's earned quite honestly right down at the Stars and Bars Inn.
If she knew the money came from gambling But she never will.
You'll have the money tomorrow.
So congratulate yourself, Mr.
Colbert.
It's not every day that a lawyer helps a scoundrel help a lady.
I realize, Mr.
Bent, that you and your mercenaries need these guns but that price I quoted last month was before the misfortunes of our Confederacy caused the further downward plunge in the value of paper money.
- You cannot just double the price.
- A deal, sir, is a deal! - I suggest you keep your voice down, sir.
Some patriotic fools are so upset about the Yankee occupation that they might be inclined to stretch our necks if they knew what nefarious business we were about to conclude.
Now, you're just gonna have to accept my offer as is because that's all I brought.
You're fortunate, Mr.
Bent, that my contact in the Barbados is willing to accept 10 percent in gold.
I would suggest that you close this deal before the price of a loaf of bread goes to $ 100 and rifles to 1000 each.
I would say you have 24 hours before the price goes up again.
How am I supposed to raise that kind of cash here with all the Yankees snooping around? A clever man such as yourself should be able to think of something.
You have a way with the ladies.
Why don't you charm our local heiress, Mrs.
Picard? - Heiress? - Someone must have left her a fortune.
She's been feeding every white trash, refugee and ex-slave for miles around.
They call her "The Angel Lady.
" Well, then perhaps this angel might be persuaded to be generous to my cause as well.
I have heard she's desperate for food for her camp.
Where might I find this paragon of generosity? Apparently, she lives in a seedy boarding house near here something consistent with her eccentricities.
There's barely a handful of cornmeal left for each child, and no milk at all.
You've done everything you can, Madeline.
You can't create food if there isn't any.
I have money left from the sale, but there's nothing to buy.
I've tried.
Since Sherman is already marching north, trying to trap Johnston and Lee between himself and Grant, it should all be over very soon now.
Will it, Rafe? Or will things just be worse when the war is over? I don't know.
I just know that I can't stand to see you like this.
- Madeline, I love you.
- Rafe.
I've never said that to anyone before in my life, but it's true.
- Please, don't.
- Why? I know you at least care for me.
I do.
But I can't let it be anything more than that.
You can't or you won't? You almost guessed the truth once before.
I'm not a widow.
My husband is still living.
Do you still love him? Oh, please, don't ask me any more questions.
Just believe me, I can never be what you want.
We should be together.
You feel the same.
No! A part of me would always belong to him.
You'd come to hate me for it.
- Madeline, l - I'd only end up hurting you.
I couldn't live with myself if I did.
I'm sorry, Rafe.
Please take me home.
Well, Mr.
Beaudeen, how nice to see you again.
- Miss Shoup.
- Mrs.
Picard, another gentleman called while you were away.
He left his card.
Said he'd be at the Mills house.
Do you know the man? What? No.
Someone I once knew did.
He seemed like a real gentleman.
He said he could call whenever it was convenient.
"The sooner the better" were his exact words.
- Lf you'd like for me to send a? - I appreciate your interest but I'll take care of it.
Thank you again, Mrs.
Shoup.
Would you like me to find out what this gentleman wants? No, that won't be necessary.
Thank you for escorting me home.
And for your kindness.
Good day, sir.
It will be a good day, ma'am, when you change your mind about us.
I won't give up.
Miss Sinclair? Well, that was my stage name.
It's Mrs.
Wescott now.
I need to speak to you.
It's very important.
Come in.
I saw you play Cordelia in King Lear.
I was 17, but I've never forgotten it.
You couldn't have been more than 17 yourself.
I wasn't.
I'm surprised that you remembered me.
Thank you.
It's been a very long time since anyone's mentioned my acting.
I gave it up years ago when I married.
Is that your husband? Yes.
Robert was killed at Gettysburg.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
What was it you want to talk to me about, Mrs.
Picard? I would like to hire you as an actress.
Who'd want to mount a theatrical production now with Charleston occupied? - Well, it's not a play, exactly.
Your services would only be required for one evening and I will pay you what I can afford.
Do you want me to break the law in some way? Oh, no.
No.
I need to find out why someone wants to see me.
But I must warn you there is a risk involved.
I will provide you with all the protection I can.
But if you're the actress I believe you are you won't need it.
You intrigue me, Mrs.
Picard.
And I haven't been intrigued by anything since my husband died.
What part do you want me to play? Me.
Wait here.
- You're to wait in here, sir.
- Thank you.
- Mr.
Bent? - Mrs.
Picard.
- Please, sit down.
- Thank you.
I've always been fascinated by women who wear veils especially when the face behind the veil is as beautiful as yours is.
You flatter me, sir.
A woman in my position needs to be careful about revealing herself.
Great wealth must be handled with great care.
I understand that you need more food for your refugees.
- That is correct.
- I think I can help you in that regard.
But that is just one of the reasons I wanted to meet you.
A woman such as yourself, doing so much to help the poor of Charleston is demonstrating a rare kind of patriotism.
- Thank you for the compliment, but - You could help even more.
A very small part of your fortune could ensure the well-being and safety of every refugee in the South.
How is that, Mr.
Bent? Help me put the government into the hands of one who can win the war.
Go on.
If the South is destroyed, all your efforts to help the poor would be crushed as well.
Now, a woman of your obvious intelligence must see that the disastrous policies of Jefferson Davis have put the Confederacy in the perilous position it is in today.
The Yankees in Charleston and the Yankees at the gates of Richmond.
It is tragic.
Lf, on the other hand, we were led by a man of political and military brilliance who also had an iron will we could still force the Union to its knees.
I never thought of it like that.
But of course.
You're right.
Mrs.
Picard you could be a great inspiration for a great revolution that I'm more than ready to lead.
I'd like to think about what you've told me for a day or two.
It's all so overwhelming.
I have a large company of dedicated men waiting in the wings.
We are short of supplies.
Time is of the essence.
I don't think I can wait that long for an answer.
Tomorrow morning at the latest? I'll see that you get one.
Quickly.
Thank you.
I have the feeling we have met somewhere before.
Impossible, sir.
I'd certainly remember a man like you.
Well, then I'll call on you again tomorrow morning.
For your answer.
Appalling man.
I wasn't sure he'd actually leave.
I'm sorry you had to go through that.
I was afraid he might recognize me.
I have reason to believe he knows what I look like.
He almost seemed to recognize me.
What if he's seen me on the stage? It's too dangerous.
You can't see him again.
The way he talked, he intends on overthrowing President Davis.
And he wants you to finance it.
Orry was right.
Elkanah Bent has to be stopped.
I'm going to try to hire a rider to take a message to Richmond.
Your fee.
Use the money for your children.
Think of it as a benefit performance.
Thank you.
Your Robert would have been very proud of you tonight.
Why did you hire that actress? She was a lovely Juliet once, but I didn't believe her in the role of Mrs.
Picard.
You, however, fit the role perfectly Mrs.
Picard! I'm not gonna let you go till I've seen your face.
I know why you've been trying to hide it from me.
Now, let's see what's under your veil.
Rafe! Firearm! Get some help! He's got a gun! - Somebody get the man with the gun! - Rafe! Get a doctor! Yes, ma'am! I do love you.
I know.
I know.
Tell me you love me.
I love you.
Come on, let's tear it down! Hey, boy! Get it out of here! Get over here! Did the bleeding stop? These herbs are gonna heal it.
Ezra.
- Drink this.
It's gonna help.
- Thank you, Miss Brett.
Sorry about what happened.
Tomorrow I start on a new wheel.
Don't you worry about that.
You need another pair of hands? I could use them, Semi.
Well, seems like you're gonna be all right, Ezra.
I thought he was the handsomest man that ever lived.
Still do.
This was the gown I wore when we met.
It was an April cotillion.
"May I have the pleasure of the next dance, Miss Clarissa?" I didn't hesitate a bit.
And before I knew it, I was in his arms.
Oh, Mama.
After we danced, he bowed to me and said I looked as young and lovely as a spring morning.
Your father wasn't always that sentimental.
But the way he said it came right from his heart.
Oh, Tilley.
What happened to all our dreams? You made us all feel so safe.
- Oh, Brett.
- Mama.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- Where you going, Jimmy? - Home, major.
- It's over.
- No, it's not! You're deserting! We're beat, Charlie.
Can't you see that? Grant's got us bottled up in Petersburg and he's gonna stomp us until there's more blood in the trenches than rain water.
You know Richmond can't hold out much longer.
There's no more need in dying! I'm sick of it! I can't take no more.
I've slept in the mud for four years.
I've eaten slop day after day.
I don't know if my wife and children are alive or dead.
So I'm going home, major.
You can shoot me if you want to! I'd rather die than keep on this way.
You've changed, Charlie.
If I was you I'd take a real hard look at myself before I started in on the rest of us.
Been so long.
How are you, Washington? I've been better, Captain Charles.
Where's Boz? A few weeks ago I was visiting neighbors who had a sick child.
While I was gone, a party of Union soldiers came by.
Boz wouldn't let them have my mare and colt, so they shot him.
I was down by the river when I heard the shot.
When I got back, they were riding away.
My boy was My boy was Damn it! - Are you all right? - It's my fault, Miss Augusta.
I startled him.
I'm fine.
I'm fine.
Sorry, sir.
Hope I didn't burn you none.
- I'm sorry, Washington.
- Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
Last thing I wanted to do was hurt his feelings.
I'm not fit to be around decent people.
- It's not you.
It's the war.
I don't know when I can see you again.
Don't.
Why did you come back here? I don't know.
Nothing makes any sense anymore.
Let me help you.
It's too late.
I appreciate what you've done, Mr.
Huntoon, especially on your own.
We've had our differences, but we're both loyal to the same cause.
- Oh, Orry, so good to see you again.
- Mr.
President.
I believe you know Mr.
Huntoon.
He's brought me some extraordinary information about illegal guns.
I felt you would know best how to deal with it.
What the hell are you doing here? You are interfering with a meeting of crucial significance to our future.
- I have to talk to you.
- I do not care if you have to talk to me.
You're acting with blatant disregard to our plans.
Listen to me, EI! It's too dangerous.
We could lose everything.
Why don't we sell this to a profiteer and get out before it's too late.
You're starting to sound just like your husband.
- It is not too late.
- Everybody knows the Confederacy is dead! The Confederacy will flourish under my presidency after we have destroyed the enemy.
All my enemies! - Elkanah! - You get out of here right now.
- I have every right to be here.
- Don't you dare disobey me.
And don't you dare talk to me like I'm one of your lackeys! Now you can't leave.
I'll hide in the back.
You stay there.
Keep your mouth shut.
- Had a devil of a time finding the place.
- So would somebody else, I hope.
I'm sure you can understand the absolute necessity for secrecy.
Dear God.
Where did you get all this? I do have a number of prominent backers, sir.
You got enough weapons here for a regiment.
James It's time for us to make history together.
Now, we're gonna chop the head of the snake right off and we are gonna make sure the cut is clean.
Now, in order to do that, we need more guns.
We need more ammunition.
We need your help, sir.
You'd said there'd be no violence.
Now, you listen to me.
In order to assure the absolute security of our new government we have got to kill Jefferson Davis.
You'd really do that? Any and every officer who refuses to pledge allegiance to me or to you will be executed starting with Brigadier General Orry Main.
You're the one that's gonna die, Bent.
Main.
You set me up, didn't you? I may be a fool, Bent, but I am not a killer nor a traitor! Someone had to stop you.
You stop me? You couldn't even stop your wife from sleeping with me.
Ashton! You fool! You've ruined everything! Ashton, you and Bent! You didn't have the courage to leave me! You had to make a fool of me! I've waited half my life for this, Main, ever since West Point.
Every time you meddled in my affairs! Every time you injured me! Always knew I'd have this moment, when you'd be at my mercy! - It's over, Ashton! It's over! - Damn you! No! No! No.
No.
EI, don't go in there! There's nothing you can do anymore.
My empire.
I'm gonna save my empire.
God! It was like Judgment Day.
Like it says in the Bible: All sinners shall burn in everlasting fire.
I'm a sinner too.
I'm gonna burn in hell with you, Elkanah.
Stop it, Ashton.
Nothing happened to you! But it will.
I've done terrible things.
I tried to have Billy killed and I got rid of a baby before I got married.
- Madeline.
- Madeline? What did you do to her? What did you do to her? Ashton.
Tell me.
You tell me, or I will kill you now.
I didn't hurt her, I I made her go away from Mont Royal.
Made her go away? How? How? Elkanah he had a picture of her mother.
She was a black whore in New Orleans! And when I told her I told her that Mother would die if anyone found out.
Damn you, Ashton! Where is she? Where is she? Where is she?! I don't know.
I swear, I don't know.
Get away from me.
Get out of my sight.
Get her out of my sight! I don't ever want to see her again.
Get away from me! Forgive me, James.
It's too late, Ashton.
It's too late.
Get away from me!