North and South, Book II (1986): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
The ebb and flow of war has begun with victories and defeats on both sides. Brett and Semiramis make it safely back to Mont Royal, after a dangerous encounter with Northern troops. When Orry hears of what happened at Mont Royal, he rescues Madeline and they are soon married. Virgilia meets Dorothy Dix who accepts her as a nurse on the basis of Congressman Sam Greene's recommendation. Orry needs to stop the blockade runners and is almost captured by a Northern patrol. By the purest luck, he meets George on the trail. Elkanah Bent has ambitions of megalomaniacal proportions and has every intention of gaining power in the South. He fully expects Ashton to be at his side. A woman scorned puts him out of business for a while. Charles is wounded and makes his way to Augusta Barclay's farm where he recuperates. At Lehigh Station, Stanley Hazard, egged on by his ever ambitious wife and against his better judgment, gets involved in shady deals.
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 waggon...
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 waggon?
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 waggon
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 favour.
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 honoured 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 honour...
some of that wonderful
champagne from France.
It was the last we could
get before the blockade.
I am so honoured 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
honour 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 learnt 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, El.
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, El, 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, El, 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.
El, 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 colours...
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, El, 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.
El, 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 honour.
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...
honour 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...
honour 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 any more.
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 front-line.
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 learnt?
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, madam.
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, madam.
Yes, madam, 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 realise 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 honoured 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 favour 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 got to get back.
Johnston's got to 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
honour of receiving?
My apologies, madam.
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 judgement.
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 organise 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 realised 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.
Madam.
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 honourable...
to keep another woman.
He doesn't keep her any more.
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.
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 waggon...
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 waggon?
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 waggon
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 favour.
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 honoured 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 honour...
some of that wonderful
champagne from France.
It was the last we could
get before the blockade.
I am so honoured 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
honour 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 learnt 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, El.
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, El, 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, El, 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.
El, 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 colours...
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, El, 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.
El, 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 honour.
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...
honour 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...
honour 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 any more.
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 front-line.
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 learnt?
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, madam.
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, madam.
Yes, madam, 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 realise 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 honoured 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 favour 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 got to get back.
Johnston's got to 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
honour of receiving?
My apologies, madam.
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 judgement.
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 organise 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 realised 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.
Madam.
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 honourable...
to keep another woman.
He doesn't keep her any more.
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.