TURN: Washington's Spies (2014–2017): Season 3, Episode 6 - Many Mickles Make a Muckle - full transcript

Samuel: Robert, please
don't waste the ice.

Keep it there.

( groans )

You didn't provoke them?

Provoke them?

( chuckles )

I was readying for bed.

( distant horse whinnies )

They rode in out of the night.

Identified themselves
as Queen's Rangers.

And then immediately set to wreaking
as much havoc as they could.



( whinnies )

They slaughtered the animals,

- burned the barn.
- ( horse screaming )

- As for me...
- ( grunts )

( clock ticking )

I suppose things could have been
worse than a few bruised ribs.

And broken pride.

The Queen's Rangers
are not known

for their delicate
touch, Father.

You stood your ground.

But if there is a next time...

What is that?

I would have
thought that obvious.

I bought it on York Island.



The spirit of Christ
will never move us to war

against any man
with outward weapons.

- They attacked you.
- And we cannot let them taint us.

The Society of Friends
do not harbor arms.

Now take that away.

You are right, Father.

I will not need outward weapons.

What was it that Woodhull said?

I need only my eyes,

my ears, my wits.

So you've chosen a side?

No, no, they chose for me

when they came into this
house and dealt violence.

They will pay, Father.

God as my witness,
they will pay.

I said not to hurt the old man.

♪ Hush, hush ♪

♪ There's snakes
in the garden ♪

♪ Soul for sale ♪

♪ Blood on the rise ♪

♪ Hush, hush ♪

♪ I know there will
come a day ♪

♪ As they're hiding
in the cover of night ♪

- ♪ I can't wait anymore ♪
- ♪ Soul for sale ♪

- ♪ I can't wait anymore ♪
- ♪ Soul for sale ♪

♪ I can't wait anymore ♪

♪ Hush, hush. ♪

The whole regiment is searching,
Captain, but we're spread thin.

Are we sure Rogers
is moving west?

After he robbed me,
he ran off west.

He can't have gotten far.

He was wounded
and blind in one eye.

I know, I blinded him.

Falkoff, push towards the coastline,
then cut up to your perimeter.

Rogers dies today.

( birds chirping )

( twigs snap )

( footsteps )

Set their hounds to me,
did you, farmer?

( footsteps )

( grunts )

- ( muffled shouting )
- Shh!

Take a circle till you
come to your own tracks.

You forgot my rules, Eldridge.

- ( chatter )
- ( hammering )

There must be some way.

I bet Martha could spot
the telltale.

Andrí's forger was very good.

The paper is ours. The printing
is an exact duplicate.

And there were 12 crews
to disperse it.

Well, 11 after we stopped
Lieutenant Gamble at Moodna Creek.

Yes, and Andrí managed to slip a
considerable sum past our lines,

which is why we must
now travel to Philadelphia.

To... to Philadelphia?

And you're going with me.

Since there's no telling how many
counterfeit bills are already in use,

His Excellency's only remedy is to
convince Congress to recall all bills.

And he needs you
to testify the same.

Sir, you want Congress
to declare bankruptcy?

To save itself, yes.

I suppose it can't be helped.

But it could have been avoided.

Culper Jr. obtained his intelligence
nearly a week before we could act upon it.

- But, sir, the route is secure.
- It's circuitous.

It's as fast as we can make it.

Culper Jr. passes his gains along
to his father in Oyster Bay.

And that same day,
Culper Sr. picks it up

- and prepares it for the dead drop in
Setauket. - And already it's too late.

Why not send Lieutenant
Brewster direct to Oyster Bay,

eliminate the Setauket run, and
reduce the transfer time by half?

But that would cut
Culper out of the chain.

And reduce the transfer
time by half.

Many mickles make a muckle.

The little things add up.

He's been dead for hours.

Who knows where
Rogers is by now?

Does appear that he is
heading west, though.

So shall we.

Rogers isn't the only
man who can hunt.

He'll stay off the main road,

likely use the coastline
as a guide.

But he won't survive
without provisions and rest.

We'll scour this island,
clear every mud hut standing

till we find
our notorious Mr. Culper.

Woodhull, you may return home.

( clicks tongue )

( horses neigh )

Hyah!

Ben:
We have a problem.

The commander thinks that
the ring is moving too slowly

and, frankly, he's right.

Washington wants Culper out.

I need you to make contact
with Samuel Townsend.

Let him know that from now on, he'll
be dealing directly with you.

Right, that's going
to be a problem.

I know. It's not
personal against Culper.

- It's a strategic decision.
- Yeah, I know. I can't do it.

Caleb, I need to leave
for Philadelphia.

- Ben, I can't go to Oyster Bay.
- I can't debate with you.

Samuel Townsend
cannot see my face.

What?

Come on, the two of you.

Oh, this can't be good.

Right, so a couple
of months back

when I went to New York
to get Abe out of prison...

that stubborn little bastard
refused to go, right?

- Said he still had his cover.
- No, wait!

Said he recruited
a man in New York.

- Look, there is still a chance.
- Townsend?

Right.
Except he hadn't.

You see, Culper Jr.
Was still on the fence.

So I met him
at his old boardinghouse.

I gave him the ink,
I showed him how to use it.

But he didn't trust me

and he sure as shite
didn't trust Abe.

Then why would he risk his life
to warn us of the Hickey plot?

Because after I left,
we gave him a push.

Abe knew the Quaker
needed convincing, right?

So he had me scoop up
some Connecticut lads,

row out to Oyster Bay, play
like we were Queen's Rangers,

and ransack the old man's place.

Only it got out of hand.

( groaning )

It was Woody's idea.
It wasn't mine.

- But it worked, right?
- Oh, my God.

The shopkeep joined
the ring, didn't he?

And if he finds out
the truth, he'll quit.

Yeah.
Well... yeah.

And this was Abe's idea?

To do that to Townsend?

Yeah, he's definitely out.

Come on.

It ain't as bad
as what we did to him.

Hmm? Throwing him
into a cell.

- Putting the fear into him.
- Oh, God.

Yeah, it's probably
where he got the idea.

- Ben.
- I can't go to Washington with this.

- I agree.
- Ben.

- Oh, you agree, do you? That's wonderful.
- Yeah.

- So what do you think we should do?
- Ben, send me.

- What?
- He hasn't seen my face.

- Send me.
- ( sighs )

And if you have
reservations about that,

comfort yourself with the fact that
this man has left you no choice.

Hey, that's...

( clears throat )

- ( distant chatter )
- ( birds chirping )

"Nor can we find
the necessity"...

What was that
last part, my love?

Andrí writes, "We are thankful

for the information transmitted

and hope that you will
continue," but to allow him

"to prescribe a little
more exertion."

He wants details
about Washington's camp.

He wants a map of the
batteries at West Point.

Does Washington not ride
for Philadelphia as we speak?

- Perhaps you can... - These will
not be the terms of my defection.

I am a general.

He wants what?

Bountiful monetary compensation

and property indemnified
from any loss

should he be discovered.

Ridiculous.

We have to give
this man something

if only to show good faith.

You have to see things
from his side.

His side? And what is his risk?
Nothing.

If I am to stay this course,

then I need to know
that my demands will be met.

He wants a battlefield command.

Concern yourself
with what I want, John...

Details on Washington's camps,

status of all rebel ships
on the Hudson, confirmation...

Regarding the identity
of the spy named Culper.

I don't know any Culper. Intelligence
is Tallmadge's business.

Well, you know him. It wouldn't
be too hard to inquire.

And why should I exert myself for Andrí
when he has done nothing for me?

Because if you don't,
this won't move any further.

Too thick a stone wall
and Arnold won't...

Why should I guarantee him a command
before he's done anything to earn it?

Because you opened this line
of communication.

- Major Andrí...
- I don't trust him.

I don't care how many times he
ate at your father's table.

Or how well acquainted
you are with her sheets.

Arnold will give us what we want or
he will remain with these rebels.

And when they are defeated, he will
be branded alongside Washington

as one of history's
greatest traitors.

"Sums must be held

until a generous effort
has been made."

A generous effort?

( papers rip )

- What are you doing?
- I don't know, Peggy.

I don't know anymore.

Yes, you do.

Benedict, you appealed
to Washington

and he betrayed you.

No.

He suggested that I apply for a
court-martial to clear my name.

It was Joseph Reed
who manipulated

the postponement
of the trial and I let...

I let my anger
cloud my judgment.

No, my love.

Your anger is justified.
You are in the right.

Yes.

Yes, and when I prove that

and when I clear my name
once and for all,

I won't even need the British.

As you said,
Washington is coming.

That's the key. He has the power
to overrule this postponement.

But he is riding here to meet with
Reed and the rest of Congress.

Yes, and before he
does so, he will be

obliged to attend a party
in his honor here.

And that is when
I will convince him,

man-to-man.

( door opens )

( chatter )

Robert:
Already taken stock,

so just mind things
while I'm away.

If they want to buy something,

check the price
and take their money.

I won't be gone long.

Just headed home
for the Thanksgiving Day.

- ( crickets chirping )
- ( bird warbling )

Abraham.

Oh, how wonderful!

How wonderful you've decided to
accept my invitation after all.

- Did you bring the family?
- No, it's just me, I'm afraid.

Oh, I made extra just in case.
All right, well...

- ( door closes )
- Come in. ( chuckles )

( sighs )

- You're gonna have to leave.
- Leave?

Yeah, the Queen's Rangers

are moving down
Long Island again.

They're raiding homes
along the way.

We're gonna have
to go right now.

Samuel: Are we not being
a little too hasty?

Better safe than sorry. You're going to go
stay with Robert for a while, all right?

Robert might already
be on his way here.

Well, then I can
stay here until he shows.

Why don't we wait
until he arrives

and then we can all
go together, hmm?

( sighs )

- ( insects chirping )
- ( bird screeching )

You burned it down?

Look, we did what we
needed to do, all right?

Well, now it's my turn.

( breathes deeply )
Stay hidden.

Yes, ma'am.

Abraham. Abraham.

- I appreciate your caution...
- ( knock on door )

( whispering )
Does Robert have a key?

( knocks )

( rattles )

Evening.

- Are you Samuel Townsend?
- Yes.

I am a friend of your son's.

Would you mind if I come in?
It's quite brisk.

Yes, of course.
I'm so sorry.

( door closes )

Samuel:
May I take your cloak?

Anna:
No, thank you.

I know this is a bit unorthodox.

It's all right.
It's all right.

Abraham is also
a friend of my son's.

Of course I wouldn't expect the
two of you to know each other.

- We do.
- We do.

Mr. Townsend,
my name is Anna Strong

and I have come from General
Washington's camp in Middle Brook.

And now you have to go.

No, I'm afraid you'll have to.

- Anna: I've come with news.
- Abe: Well, it can wait.

- No, it can't.
- Will you give us a moment?

- How did you even get here?
- How do you think? Brewster.

Don't worry, he's been ordered
to stay out of sight.

Your secret's safe.
But Ben knows.

And it's another reason
you're being cut out.

( whispering )
Cut out? Cut me out?

I'm... I'm General Washington's
man on Long Island.

Now, look, if this has anything to do
with what has happened between us...

No, this isn't about that.

This is an order
from Washington.

Letters take too long
to reach him

and we've already
suffered because of it.

Accept it, Abe.
You're out.

Mr. Townsend,
as I was saying,

I have come directly
from Washington's camp

and Mr. Woodhull
can verify that.

From now on, the general
wishes Robert's letters

to be transmitted
by a more direct route.

I will be the new courier.

You?

- Mmm.
- ( scoffs )

- This is all very confusing.
- It does seem so, doesn't it?

First Abraham, then Austin
Roe, and now a woman?

Who's Austin Roe?

( scoffs )

- ( footsteps )
- ( panting )

( panting continues )

( music playing )

( laughing )

Oh, poor Neddy dreads
the postnuptials.

He's convinced he'll lose
his nerve on the big night.

Why wait until then?
Just get it over with.

My husband purchased four ounces of
Spanish fly for our first night.

Right before the thing fell off.

( laughing )

You'll have to excuse Becky.

She's drunk.

Welcome to Penn Mansion.

- ( door opens )
- A pleasure to be here.

So kind of you to have us.

Pardon me.

I see you received
our invitation.

On the road, in fact.

Thank you for welcoming
me into your home.

Of course.
Your Excellency,

may I present my fiancíe
Margaret Shipped

of the Philadelphia Shippens.

I believe I am acquainted
with Miss Shippen,

but it cannot be that
this exquisite young woman

is the same 14-year-old
girl who sat across from me

pushing away her string beans.

The general was once
a guest in our home.

He couldn't stop drumming his
fork and knife at the table.

Yes, it is a habit I'm afraid
I've still yet to break.

General Arnold, I have
one request tonight.

- A dance with your intended.
- Of course.

Though I might ask for a moment
of your time in private.

Yes, there is someone first
who begs my attention.

( music stops )

- He's coming right for you, Becky.
- No, you.

My beloved.

Six months is far too long.

So good of our host to admit
you without an escort.

- Are you having a good time, Martha?
- Yes. Yes.

I've had the pleasurable company
of these upstanding young women.

Excuse me, ladies, Miss Redman.

Now, George,
if I could have a moment.

( whispers )

He actually showed.
The stones.

Pardon me.

Madam.

This is going to be
a long night.

We might as well enjoy it, then.

( music playing )

My God, look at the size
of this place, eh?

Becky.

Billy, is something wrong?

These new clothes
the general insisted on,

they's a little tight.

Ah, right, well, why don't you
go and do what you must, eh?

Don't worry, I'll keep an
eye on His Excellency.

( applause )

Peggy:
You seem quite taken.

Yes, well, we don't often see

such beautiful things in camp.

Margaret Shippen.

Ah, yes, soon to be
Arnold, I understand.

I'd expect nothing less
from the intelligence major.

- Tallmadge, yes?
- Yeah.

My fiancí speaks
very highly of you.

You seem to command his respect.

Well, I merely hope
to deserve it.

Mmm, another fan of Cato.

It's Benedict's
favorite play as well.

So are you alone,
Major Tallmadge?

- I am.
- Pity.

Care to dance?

I am at your service.

I should think so.

( music continues )

Will you excuse me, ladies?

- Thank you.
- Women: Your Excellency.

Had the peonies brought in for
Peggy's sister's wedding.

There were a few extra.

Mmm.

George, this court-martial
business.

Now, I know you wish to remain
impartial, and I respect that,

but if you could only see
to bringing up the date...

- Benedict... - You asked
me to step aside.

Now I am willing to do that,
to marry that woman,

to move on with my life,
but I cannot do so

until I've addressed
these accusations. Please.

My love, new guests
have arrived.

Excuse me.

- Of course.
- ( applause )

- ( crickets chirping )
- ( distant dog barking )

( snoring )

( twig snaps )

Anna: How many men have
you sent in your stead?

Abe:
Only the one.

I don't even think we need to really
be discussing this right now.

There's other things
on the table.

Ah, the little shit
beat me here.

( argument continues )

- Anna: Why are you yelling?
- Abe: I'm not...

Look, we don't have time
to discuss this, all right?

The Rangers are coming. We need to
leave and we need to leave now.

Oh, the Rangers, I see.

Abe: Anna, you don't
know what you're saying.

- Agh!
- Up against the wall.

- ( gasps )
- Up, all of you.

- Do as he says.
- Now!

Let her go.

- Drop your iron.
- You drop yours.

Caleb, do it.
It's all right.

- Abe? What the... what are you doing here?
- I know, shh. Stop it.

- Get out of the way.
- I know him!

All right?

It's all right.

What in God's name is going on?

Of course you know him.
It's Austin Roe.

No, it's Robert Rogers.

Made an impression,
didn't I, Mrs. Strong?

Rogers, we are on
the same side here.

- What?!
- But if you hurt her, you die.

You're in no position
to threaten me.

I warned you
not to follow me, boy.

- What's he talking about, Abe?
- And who are you?

His name is Brewster,
his name is Rogers,

but none of our names are
gonna mean shit past tonight

once the Rangers show up.

We all just need to leave.

We're not going anywhere.

I came here to see
Robert Townsend

and I'm not leaving
till I see Robert Townsend.

And neither are any of you.

What do you want with my son?

Same thing all these
children want... information.

Look, Simcoe is coming here.

Well, Long Island's
a very big place

and we've got plenty of time.

- ( dishes shattering )
- Man: Get down.

( woman screaming )
No, no!

- ( whimpering )
- Man ♪2: Let my wife go!

Simcoe:
Then answer the question.

Fugitive... burly, bearded,
wears a patch over one eye.

- Have you seen him?
- How dare you come in my... ah!

I haven't seen him.

- ( man grunts )
- ( woman crying )

Man:
Nice.

18 homesteads.
Not bad for a day's work.

We'll be at this for weeks
unless we narrow the search.

He nearly put a round
through your skull, Falkoff.

Falkoff: Well, we did
enter without knocking.

Not every town is Setauket.

Most haven't
collected all the guns.

- ( crying )
- ( grunts )

On our way to Monmouth
we passed a town

popular among Quakers.
What was the name?

- Oyster Bay.
- Quakers don't carry guns.

That's the idea.
Let's go.

( music playing )

- How many more must I oblige?
- Oh.

Master at yet another field.

I expect such deftness when you come
to dance with Congress this week.

- Joseph.
- It's wonderful to see you again, madam.

Now, rumor has it, sir, that
you've come about the money.

Retire and recall all bills.

Your spies are better than mine.

I had hoped to count
on your support.

I noticed you speaking
with our host.

As would be expected
in his home.

General Arnold was merely inquiring
as to the date of the court-martial.

And so once again the man tries
to evade the proper channels.

I don't fault you, sir.

Arnold is just trying to take
advantage of your good nature.

The postponement has lasted
long enough, don't you think?

I need that time
to gather evidence.

Every rock we overturn
reveals new facts

begging to be brought to light.

That's his hurry.

I'd advise you to let this
play out naturally, sir.

You have become quite deft
yourself, Joseph.

Well...

it seems I've misplaced my wife.

Excuse me.

I never liked
that little weevil.

- Yes, but now you see the problem.
- I do.

- If I support Arnold... - You
lose Reed's support in Congress.

Well, that is not the problem.

The problem is
the very certain fact

you will have to make at
least one of them unhappy.

- I wish to remain impartial.
- You wish to be liked.

No, not liked, I...

Respected by the men.

No, George,
you want to be liked.

- ( door opens )
- Ben: Excuse me.

( door closes )

Ahem, General, sir.

Tallmadge.
I hadn't seen you.

Thank you for the invitation
here this evening.

- My pleasure.
- It's a grand affair.

I've not attended many
to which I can compare it,

but I can't imagine most feature
a lacquer-finished dance floor.

You've truly spared no expense.

Is there something
that you wish to say, Major?

Or do you presume to know the content
of my private ledgers as well?

Uh, no, of course not, sir.
I would never...

If you are uncomfortable in my home,
Major, then you can leave at any time.

Sir, I...

( ticking )

Father?

Mr. Townsend,
welcome.

Sit down.

Do it, son.

Arms on the table.

Now then, Culper Jr.,

you recently penned a letter
to our plucky farmer here

concerning a Major John
Andrí and the young woman

who recently turned his head.

What's her name?

Who is this woman?

Oh, you haven't met
her before, have you?

She's one of your merry band.

Let her go.

Maybe I haven't
introduced myself.

My name is Robert Rogers

and I don't aim
to be here all night.

What will you do
with the information?

I'm gonna use it
to get close to Andrí.

You won't get close enough.

I'm not talking to you!

Abe:
He's too well guarded.

And once they catch you
and torture you,

you'll give away this ring
and I cannot let that happen.

I was leading the Queen's
Rangers against the Iroquois

before you even had hairs
on your chin, boy.

- What can you do to me?
- Abe: I can make you a promise.

You let this lot
do what we do best

and we'll get Andrí for you.

But if you do not
put that gun down,

you will not be walking
out of this room alive.

Now, we are all gonna stand up

and walk out
of this room slowly.

- You're him.
- We're...

- What?
- What?

It's you.

You're the Queen's Ranger.

- Shite.
- What?

- No.
- Yes, you are.

- No.
- Yes, you are!

You attacked me and you
burned down my farm.

- What is this?
- Here we go.

Woodhull, is this true?

This is true.
I told him to.

Why?

To manipulate me.

To trick me into
undertaking this business.

- Yeah.
- You lied.

- Yes, I lied. I had no other choice.
- You always have a choice.

How would you know? You never
chose, I chose for you.

Because you couldn't
do it yourself.

( object thuds )

Mr. Rogers.

The woman's name
is Philomena Cheer.

She is an actress.

You will often find her at
Rivington's on Wall Street.

Ah, yes, the actress.

I remember her.
I can use her.

Well, it's been a great pleasure

watching the amateur
dramatics tonight,

but if you don't mind, it's getting
to be that hour of twilight.

- So, you, unprime your firelock.
- No chance.

I have already got what I want,

so I can kill anyone I like.

But it just seems such a shame

to waste a bullet on this, eh?

So blow your powder
out your pan.

That's it.

I used to like you, boy.

I did.

But I warned you
not to cross me.

- Anna: No!
- Robert: Like you said,

it'd be a shame
to waste a bullet.

( clock ticking )

An armed Quaker.

Who'd have guessed it?
( laughs )

You gonna kill me, "Friend"?

Robert: The spirit of Christ
will never move us to war

against any man
with outward weapons.

You leave this house.

( horse neighs )

Hah!

- ( clicks )
- Bollocks!

( laughing )

Bloody Quakers.

- ( music playing )
- ( chatter )

You have been
avoiding me all night.

You're drunk.
You look horrid.

What is the matter with you?

I'm sorry, Peggy.

About all of it.

All of what?

I didn't know how to tell you.

Tell me what?

About Freddy.

Freddy?

You heard from Freddy
in New York?

And Andrí.

About Andrí.

Becky, what are you
talking about?

Philomena?

Becky, who's Philomena?

Oh.

Are you all right, dear?

Mm-hmm.

Robert:
I want you gone.

We need you and you know it.

- Yes, and it wasn't personal, all right?
- Robert, listen to me.

You won't have to deal
with Abe anymore, only me.

You think that I would
trust any of you?

You can't even trust each other.

( distant horse neighs )

( horses neighing )

- It's not over. It's not over.
- Come on, come on.

Abe, come on. Woody, come on.
Get over here.

( whispering ) Come on! Come on!
Down, down, down.

( door bursts open )

Simcoe:
You can relax, men.

They're Quakers.

Okay, all right, let's go.

No, no, no. If Simcoe takes him
captive, we'll never get him back.

- Then what?
- Look, we can't just leave them.

We're looking for a man
goes by the name of Culper.

- Have you seen anyone?
- Yes, there was a man.

He broke in,
he demanded supplies.

And left his weapon?

He called that a gift

to protect ourselves from any...

unfriendly elements, he said.

Yes, seems to think
himself quite the jester.

He had another weapon
which he took with him,

along with a bite of our turkey.

His name wasn't Culper, though.

It was Rogers.

- Keep riding west, then?
- No.

- But he said Rogers...
- Left his weapon.

The last man to follow Rogers'
tracks took a blade to his throat.

I prefer mine intact.

Well, then where to?

Setauket.

Shh.

( hoofbeats departing )

All right, let's go back inside.

- No.
- I need to talk to him.

- You're not...
- Let me talk to him.

No, you're gonna make this
worse if you go back in there.

- ( music playing )
- ( chatter )

I've given this much thought.

You see, I must put this country
ahead of everything else.

And aggravating valuable
members of Congress

at a time like this
is no small matter.

But neither is turning away

this army's most
devoted, honorable men.

I will speak to Knox
and the other generals.

We will get this matter
settled quickly.

You will have your day
before the Board of Inquiry.

It is the least you are owed.

Thank you.

Thank you, George.

( crickets chirping )

Come back here at week's end.

I'll be here
with Mary and Thomas.

We're coming to you.
Samuel Culper's finished.

- Abe...
- No.

I know what failure looks like, Caleb.
The ring is done.

So am I.

You didn't fail, Abe.

You served.

No one could have
done what you did

for as long as you have.

I have yet to dance
with the hostess.

Miss Shippen...
would you indulge me?

♪ In the days
of my youth ♪

♪ I could bill
like a dove ♪

♪ Fa la la la ♪

♪ La la dee ♪

♪ In the days
of my youth ♪

♪ I could bill
like a dove ♪

♪ Like a sparrow
at all times ♪

♪ Was ready for love... ♪

Ah, Billy, there you are.

Had to undo a few stiches.

Right. Why, did he not
have you measured?

He did.

Spent the whole day
with him, too.

He didn't even notice.

Suppose we've all so many mickles
and muckles on our minds,

it's the things right in front
of our eyes get missed.

♪ Fa la la la ♪

♪ La la dee. ♪

( instrumental music playing )