TURN: Washington's Spies (2014–2017): Season 3, Episode 9 - Blade on the Feather - full transcript

Arnold's voice:
"Dear Mr. Anderson,

I've recently obtained
command of West Point...

our fortress
which guards the Hudson

from British vessels
sailing upriver.

For the time being,
not only its fortifications,

but its troops are in pitiful
and wretched condition."

Clean yourself up, lad.

Arnold's voice: "I'm prepared to hand
it to you lock, stock, and barrel.

But only if my conditions
are met."

West Point.

They gave Arnold West Point?



So what does he want?

10,000 and a kiss on the cheek?

20,000 plus indemnification
for his property

and command of
a Loyalist battalion.

20,000 pounds? I can
buy an army for that.

With West Point,
you won't need one.

Supplies of meat for the rebel army are
held on the east side of the river,

supplies of bread on the west.

If we control the highlands,
Washington will be forced to fight

or disband his army
for want of provisions.

This is our victory, sir.

I'll go to 10,000,
but not a penny more.

Make that clear in your reply.

There'll be no reply.



He requests a face-to-face
meeting with an officer

as he finds a mutual confidence
between us is wanting.

( scoffs )
Well, he got that right.

He sent this ring
of which he has the twin.

And that way he'll recognize...

the man we send.

- And who are you?
- Colonel Jameson, sir.

I recently served
as General Howe's deputy.

I see. So you're the one in
charge of this riffraff.

Find this officer an outpost
that may suit him better.

Sir!

I have always been stationed
here at the fort.

Not anymore.

Perhaps you'll do
a better job downriver.

And in the meantime, I'll expect

an observation report
each morning without fail.

You can't be serious.

If he hands you paper
in enemy territory,

you can be hanged as a spy.

I won't accept any documents.

And I'll be wearing
my uniform at all times.

We'll meet under flag of truce

to discuss a prisoner
exchange or something.

- John...
- And don't think of it as enemy territory.

It's Arnold's territory.

The Lord protected Daniel
in the lions' den.

And at West Point,
Arnold is the lord.

From headquarters, sir.

Bad news, sir?

Seems General Washington will be
crossing the Hudson at King's Ferry

and will be joining us
with guests.

Oh, an honor. I'll ready
Robinson House immediately.

♪ 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. ♪

It's very important
you tell the truth.

I beg you, Captain.
I've done nothing wrong.

That's not what
I've heard, Elias.

Naughty, naughty. And with
your own sister, too.

How did you know about that?

I know everything.

Between the thieving,
the cheating,

and the alleged incest,

Setauket
is Sodom-On-the-Sea.

And Robert Rogers has been
using the town's dirty secrets

to blackmail folk
into sheltering him.

Please, sir, about my
sister, it's a slander.

I don't even know Rogers.

I've never seen the
man, I swear it.

I believe you.

- Burn it all!
- Elias: Wait.

I'm afraid you must
serve as a warning

to those who are guilty
of harboring an outlaw.

Elias:
No, wait!

- ( animals screaming )
- Elias: Please, no!

( Elias shouts )

( crowd murmuring )

( insects chirping )

Simcoe is on a bloody rampage.

Yours is the third one
he's burned this week.

Someone better give up this Rogers
fellow or there won't be anything left.

Elias: There's nothing
to be done, Isaac.

It's God's will.

God helps those
who help themselves.

There's always
something to be done.

Like what?

Well, Oliver Cromwell
chopped off

King Charles' head to
restore liberty, didn't he?

Simcoe's also a tyrant
and we have a right,

a divine right
to topple tyrants.

Cromwell had an army.

We don't even have
a musket to our name.

That's because our guns are locked
in the church right up that hill.

What do the Germans say
in Pennsylvania?

Without gunpowder,
there is no freedom.

( knocking at door )

( door opens )

( footsteps approach )

Sir, you have a caller.

Not again.
Send her away.

It's Major Hewlett, sir.

- Who?
- Major Hewlett from Setauket.

Tell him I'm too busy
to receive him.

Abigail, tell the major
it should only take a moment

and would be well worth
his time to reconsider.

My apologies, Edward. I didn't
know you were in York City.

Edmund, and I've been here
for over a month now.

Yes, of course. It's just
that I'm on the way out.

So am I. My ship leaves for
England tomorrow morning.

I see your bloodhound
Captain Simcoe

has not made you aware of this,

likely because he intends
to see me off in his own way.

I'm afraid I don't know
what you're talking about.

Well, you should be.

Afraid, that is,
of what you don't know.

Take, for instance,
the rebel spy

that has been operating
right under your nose.

May I?

I know all about that.

My bloodhound, as you call him,

is out hunting for Robert
Rogers as we speak.

Now, I really must be going.

Rogers is not Culper.

Though I do believe you are familiar
with the man who really is.

Who?

You've been in the city
for more than a month.

Why have you waited till now

to communicate this?

Every subject's duty
is the king's.

But every subject's soul is his.

I've been in the city
for over a month

and not once have you
invited me to dine.

I have offered my services
time and again

and have been met with silence.

You have never listened
to the Oyster Major before

and I doubt
that you will start now.

But that, sir, will not
stop me from doing my duty

one last time.

Culper is a cabbage farmer
named Abraham Woodhull.

If I'm not mistaken, he attended

one of your exclusive
little dinner parties...

right here.

God save the king.

( door opens, closes )

Andrí's voice:
"To General Clinton,

following my investigation
of the matter,

I can conclusively report
that Agent Culper

is Abraham Woodhull
of Setauket."

Send that with a courier
first thing tomorrow morning.

Yes, sir.

( chatter )

- John.
- Whatever it is, I don't have time.

Make time.

- I think not, my dear.
- I'm not lying.

Nor am I any happier
about this than you are.

I've got my own career
to worry about.

- We'll talk about this later.
- When?

Tomorrow.
I have business upriver

and I am late for my boat.

John, don't.

Please, don't go.

I will take care of this.
I will.

But I can't do it on my own.

Stay with me?

I said tomorrow.

- The Vulture, eh?
- That's the name of the ship.

I saw him step on board
at the west docks.

Oh, so Andrí's leaving the nest

and flying upstream.

Well, if he's coming
back tomorrow,

that means his business
is tonight.

You done well,
my sweet hummingbird.

What will you do with him?

Him?

Justice, my lady.

For you and for me

and for all of us

left out there in the shadows.

( door opens )

Your Excellency.

- Welcome to West Point.
- Thank you, General.

And, Mrs. Arnold,

a blessing on your household.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

I believe you're acquainted
with Major Tallmadge.

My heartfelt congratulations
to you, madam.

Sir.

Allow me to introduce
my aide-de-camp,

Colonel Alexander Hamilton,

who was not with us
in Philadelphia.

- To my tremendous regret.
- Colonel.

And this is...

Le Marquis de Lafayette?

Your fame precedes you,
monsieur.

Oh, not as much as yours, madam.

You must know that your beauty is
spoken of in every salon in Paris,

indeed at the court itself.

- Arnold: Ahem.
- Gentlemen, I must beg you to excuse me.

A wife's work is never done,
especially in a new house.

- Yes, of course.
- Madam.

Gentlemen, let us drink to
your journey and safe passage.

- Thank you.
- You decided to keep it powdered, eh?

Well, when in Rome.
Or Versailles, I should say.

So you're on your way
to meet the French?

Our allies in Hartford, yes.

- We won't impose on you for more than a day.
- ( door opens )

- Please, stay as long as you like.
- ( door closes )

Does the men good
to see you here.

Dispatch, sir. Sent from a John
Anderson under flag of truce.

Not him.

Pray, don't let us interfere
with army business.

A flag of truce
is always of import.

"Mr. John Anderson is amenable
to a meeting with Mr. Gustavus

to discuss the terms for the
goods under discussion."

Quite vague, isn't it?

Who is John Anderson?

Gustavus?

I've discovered that my predecessor
shirked his duties here.

I wouldn't put it past him to have
been on the London trade as well.

This is no doubt one of his
profit-making schemes.

To victory.

All:
To victory.

Where are you going?

To inspect the lines.

This late at night?

Yes, this late at night.

I don't have time
for games, Peggy.

Then why are you
playing one with me?

This has something to do with
that letter you received.

I thought you had gone upstairs.

Why is Mr. Anderson writing to you
after you ceased communications?

Because I am meeting
with him tonight

to negotiate my terms
of service to the king.

- What?
- Don't you see, my love?

This is my opportunity
to end this civil war,

to be a peacemaker.

I should have told you before,

but I couldn't.

Congress still
refuses to pay me.

John Andrí is coming here?

What? Yes.
Tonight.

And I must arrange
for his safe passage

and secure his guarantee
for our future.

No more lies, Benedict.

I'll play my part,
but no more lies.

After tonight, we will have
no more need for them.

Your guests are asleep,
but Franks is still up.

I'll distract him while
you head out the back.

If we get any closer,
we'll either hit their chain

or have their artillery hit us.

This is far enough. Drop
anchor and douse your lights.

Well, sir, I must confess
I don't fully understand.

And I don't know
how I can be any clearer.

Well, if this is an army matter,

why not have one of your
soldiers row out to the gunboat?

My men are at their posts.

And I don't explain
myself to bargemen.

You can't tell us what to do.

Take this sheepskin,
put it in your rowlocks,

and muffle the oars.

I just never heard
of no flag of truce meeting

taking place in the dead
of night before.

50 pounds of flour apiece

and a bottle of rye whiskey.

Army shitheads.

A craft's approaching.
Looks harmless.

Make sure to hold here, Captain.

Shan't be more
than an hour or two.

( door closes )

Major Andrí.
Or should I say Anderson?

General Clinton is honored
that you've decided

to aid the cause of peace.

And I am delighted to help
reforge the bonds of friendship

between the king
and his loyal subjects.

Given that certain
conditions are met.

None that breach the common
standards of fairness

and honor.

In exchange for 20,000 pounds,

I shall transfer to you
the plans for West Point

along with information concerning
its armament and garrison.

You can put those away.
I can't accept documents.

And I'm authorized
to offer 5,000.

- ( laughs ) - In addition I
can arrange for a pension

plus compensation
for your property

subject, of course, to you providing
receipts to a board of inquiry.

I may be willing
to accept 15,000,

but I want guaranteed
compensation.

No bloody board of inquiry.

And a commission
as major general.

I can prevail upon Clinton
to move to 10,000,

but he'd insist on payments
of equal installments

over five years
subject to land tax

should you decide
to purchase new property.

That's absurd.

Let me remind you that you're
not just getting West Point,

you're getting the General
Arnold, victor of Saratoga.

I'm a bloody war hero.

For the Continental Army.

I've given you
intelligence concerning

the depreciation of the currency
that you used to bankrupt Congress.

Only until France
bailed you out.

Yes, because the French understand
that victory costs money.

How much is victory
worth to you, sir?

Such as you can promise?

10,000.
Payable over five years.

And how much
is Washington worth?

Yes, he's here.

Right now.
Arrived this morning

with a small entourage on his way to
meet with senior French commanders.

And he'll be returning
through here soon.

When?

20,000 and the commission.

We can end this war now, Andrí.

Capture Washington
and it's over.

I know what you
are authorized to offer.

Clinton can't fault you
for a change in the weather.

Think about what he would want.

I can guarantee 20,000.

If you agree here and now

to break off your engagement
to Margaret Shippen.

What?

You heard me.

I knew it.
I knew it.

Back in Philadelphia,
you were more than friends.

What do you care?
You get your fortune,

you get your hero's welcome.

All I want is her.

Well, you want
what I already have.

What I've been having
for months now.

And her name's not
Shippen, it's Arnold.

We were married at home.

Are you sure you still want her?

( cannon fires )

Weigh anchor. Come about
and get us under way.

I knew this would
happen, damn it.

Aw, that was too high.

Aim lower and give the
cheeky buggers a scare.

Wake me if they don't scarper.

And what about us, Jameson?

What's the reward
for tipping you off?

You did your duty, Paulding.
Your country thanks you.

Good thing we was here, then.

An enemy vessel creeping up
and you asleep on the watch.

I wonder what the new general
would say if he hears about it.

Take some bread and beer
and piss off.

- ( cannon fires ) - I thought you
told them to douse the lights.

I thought you had
control of this fort.

The ship will retreat
downstream now.

That's too far to row.
You'll have to go on foot.

The nearest British outpost
is White Plains.

That's 15 miles away.

Then you'll have
to start walking.

Here, wear these.

No spare shoes.

Your boots will have to do.

- Damn these bargemen. Haven't they any paper?
- Must be another way.

I'll write you a pass to get
you through our pickets.

The woods are swarming
with Cowboys and Skinners,

so you'll have to be on guard.

Every man north of Verplanck's
Point knows my name,

so this will guarantee you.

The plans.

We'll need them
to take West Point.

( cannon fires )

20,000.

Peggy.

( cannon fires )

( rustling )

Stop skulking, lads.
You can come out now.

Time to pay up, old man.

You said the army would reward
us for pointing out the ship,

but we got nothing.

You just made an
investment in your future.

How's that?

You see that ship
out there turning tail?

She just left behind
her most precious cargo.

What cargo?

Treasure.

Treasure worth hunting down.

- Caleb!
- Annie.

- How was New York?
- Where's Ben?

- Ben, he's with Washington. Why?
- Where?

West Point
on his way to Hartford.

I need you to get him a message.
Them... both of them.

Benedict Arnold is a traitor.

I wrote down all
I learned in New York.

He's behind
the counterfeit plot...

- Oh, shit. - ...the attacks
on Middlebrook, everything.

Wait, where are you going?

Arnold's at West Point.

Elias:
So you promise that...

That the case
will remain closed?

Simcoe:
Yes, Elias.

You have
the magistrate's word on it.

And you have mine.

( door opens, closes )

Captain, would you
mind telling me

what Elias Appleby
was doing here

after you torched his entire harvest
of hay and slaughtered his livestock?

Why, to thank me, of course.

As so many have for my efforts

to drive the wicked
elements from Setauket.

Though I suppose they should
really be thanking you.

If I had known what
you were going to do

with the names I provided, I
never would have given them.

I would have taken them
all the same.

Your pointless hunt for Rogers

is tearing this town apart.

He is long gone
and you are stoking

the fires of rebellion
in his absence.

Within your son
in particular, it seems.

What?

He's been quite vocal lately.

Abe has been like that
his whole life.

He's a fool who runs
his mouth without thinking.

On that we agree.

Shame he never inherited
his father's discretion.

( insects chirping )

( softly ) Do not
tell your child.

Once we...

What do you think you're doing?

Drinking.

Sorry, there's no empty chairs.

You keep talking treason,
there'll be plenty.

Simcoe's time will come,
but you need to wait.

- Wait? Wait for what?
- ( sighs )

That's been your answer,
hasn't it, your whole life.

Wait.

This town looks to you
as a leader, not to me.

So lead them.

Speak up and do the right thing.

( door bangs )

( hawks, spits )

How terribly uncouth.

But it'd be more uncouth still for you
to not drink his health, Captain.

Down the hatch.

- Ah!
- ( men shouting )

Man:
You want some?

No!

I simply won't abide rudeness.

With me.

( seagulls screeching )

( chatter )

Stings, doesn't it?
Hmm?

I've been struck
by Simcoe before.

The problem with him is no
one ever hits him back.

Rogers took his ear.

Well, then I guess
Rogers missed his chance.

He's probably long gone by now.

No, now it's up to you
to finish the job.

Before Simcoe finishes you.

What are you talking about?

He won't rest till you
regulars leave him the town

so he can burn the whole
damn thing down to ash.

Now, he's out of control
and you know it.

What do you propose I do?

Look the other way

while someone else does
what needs to be done.

Now, if the arsenal at the
garrison is left unlocked,

the problem
takes care of itself.

And not a single British
musket need be fired.

Now, once it's done,

Setauket returns to peace.

But with you in charge.

( birds chirping )

May I ask, gentlemen...

to which party you belong?

You'll forgive my ignorance,

but up here in
the neutral ground,

you never know who's what.

But judging by the Hessian
kit you're wearing,

I'd wager you're kingsmen.

In which case
today's your lucky day.

I'm a British officer.

And there'll be a rich reward if
you escort me back to our lines.

Well, we're Skinners

and today ain't your lucky day.

( chuckles )

Oh, thank God, gentlemen.

I must do anything to get along...
Here, let's speak truthfully.

This guarantees me safe conduct.

It's signed by
General Arnold himself.

Commander at West Point.

You're not gonna read it?

( groans )

- Cheers.
- Andrí: No!

( grunting )

Hey, Paulding,
can you read this?

Gentlemen, I am sure
General Arnold

will reward
your dedication to duty

if you return those
and me to him.

Oh, I'm sure he would,
Johnny boy.

Let's have a gander.

( laughs )
Oh, dearie me.

Looks like you boys
have caught yourself

an enemy spy or two.

This man is Major Rogers
of the Queen's Rangers.

He serves the king...
( groans )

Not anymore, I don't.
You made sure of that.

Now I'm just
plain old Robbie Rogers

from Massachusetts.

An American who serves
his country.

( spits )

You want reward, you take
him to Jameson, not Arnold.

He'll pay you this time.

Off you go.

Hey.

You stick with the story.

I was never here.

You'll hang for this!
You'll hang!

No, John, not me.

You say this man's a British
officer, yet he wears no uniform.

You say he's a British spy, but he
bears a pass from General Arnold,

carries plans of West Point, yet they're
in General Arnold's handwriting.

How, then, did he acquire them?

We're just doing our duty.

What's the reward?

I know nothing of any reward.

You'll have to wait for
General Arnold to clear it.

Andrí: I apologize
for this, Colonel.

I do hope we can clear up this
misunderstanding before too long.

You see what kind of people
I have to deal with?

It's so rare to find a
gentleman around these parts.

Still, this business
with the plans and the pass,

I'm afraid it's all very rum.

I will have to make a
report to General Arnold.

Of course, Colonel.
I completely understand.

Indeed, please
make sure to mention

that "Mr. John Anderson"
is keen to be on his way.

8,000 men into Canada.

A bold move.

George, I have a strategy which I
must discuss with you... in private.

It's not quite ready yet.

Perhaps you could postpone your trip
to Hartford for just a few days?

It's possible, sir. We're
not expected till Friday.

Are you sure, Benedict?

Judging by the
cannonading last night,

sounds as if you have
enough on your plate.

Oh, that? No.
It's nothing.

We have occasional
interlopers up here.

Our gunners scare them off.

It woke me last night
as well, sir.

Shall I investigate?

Colonel Jameson's report
will be here soon.

If it were serious, he would
have informed us already.

Perhaps I can
save him the trouble.

Go down and fetch
the report myself.

There's really no need.

Jameson's on notice.
I'd like to see how he does.

Thank you, Major. General
Arnold has it in hand.

Yes, sir.

You'll stay
for breakfast, at least.

- Of course.
- I'll tell them to hurry.

The old man agrees with you.
Have a sniff about.

Come on.

- ( horse panting ) - Just
a little longer. Come on.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Whoa.

Good morning.
I'm Continental Army.

I need a fresh horse.
Yours.

Well, I'm a Skinner and she's
Patriot property, friend.

Fine.
Then I'm a Cowboy

and I'm stealin' her, friend.

- I'm looking for Colonel Jameson.
- Over there, sir.

Hey, you got our money?

Ah, is that the colonel's
morning report?

Yes, sir.
Bound for West Point.

Right, bit of a wasted trip.

- Sir?
- No, nothing. Carry on.

I'll speak to the man himself.

- Colonel Jameson.
- Yes?

I'm Major Benjamin Tallmadge,
General Washington's staff.

His Excellency sent me to inquire
about what happened here last night.

Oh, nothing much. Enemy
ship got a little cocky.

She turned tail after a few shots.
It's all in my report.

Some Skinners brought this
gentlemen here a few hours ago.

Said he was a spy,
but he had a pass

from General Arnold
which they couldn't read.

- Misunderstanding.
- Yes, of course.

Colonel Jameson,
might I have a word?

You say that man
was just brought in

by these Skinners here
with whom you're acquainted?

Unfortunately.

And did he come in
without any shoes?

He didn't have any, no.

And you didn't find that odd?

Or perhaps more curious
than one of our Skinners

wearing a pair
of royal officer's boots?

What's his name in there?

Uh... Anderson.

John Anderson.

I should add he had plans
of West Point on his person.

- What?
- Yes, but, see, they were in General Arnold's handwriting.

And you only thought
to mention this now?

Of course not. It's all in
my report to General Arnold.

Your...

Arnold:
Thank you.

Benedict, are you happy here?

I beg your pardon?

I'm short of reliable
battlefield commanders.

For this next offensive, I want
you to command my left wing.

If you still feel
up to the fight.

Sir.

Colonel Jameson's report.

Jameson's voice: A Mr. John Anderson,
who claims your close acquaintance,

was captured at dawn
by local militia.

He was found to be carrying
a pass guaranteed by you

as well as plans of our
fortifications at West Point.

Anything that should concern us?

Oh, just a ship
in the night, as it were.

Gentlemen, please excuse me.
Ahem.

What's the matter?

We are undone.

- We are undone.
- What?

Andrí has been captured.

Tallmadge will bring him here. They'll
make him talk. He knows everything.

- What'll they do with him?
- I don't know.

- Will they hang him?
- They'll hang us.

- I must flee now.
- You?

Washington would never
harm a woman.

Especially not an innocent one.

And you are going to need
to play the innocent

better than anyone ever has.

We'll be together again soon.

I promise.

Benedict...?

Urgent for Washington!

- Halt. Dismount!
- Lieutenant Brewster, 2nd Artillery.

Get Tallmadge, damn it!

Prepare your boat
and row me downriver now.

I meant to ask, why'd you lot shoot
at that ship if it were under...

I said now!

( door creaks )

Sir!
Let go of me! Sir!

- Arnold's a traitor, sir.
- What?

Arnold, he's a traitor. It's
right here in the letter.

Anna got it straight
from Andrí's desk.

Hamilton:
Sir...?

Sir...?

Feather your blades.

( gunshot echoes )

Row!

( faint voices speaking )

- This...
- ( blade rattles )

- Sir. - ...should be here...
Right here at your side, always.

Simcoe:
Right on time, Woodhull.

I'm sorry.

Ugh!

( grunts, groans )

Get a rope.

( grunting )

( theme music playing )