Turn: Washington's Spies

King George: Babes in the nest yearning to fly free.

Hungry chicklings.

Cheep, cheep, cheep.

Tell me, Henry, have you ever observed hatchlings in a scrape?

- No, Your Majesty.

- Ah, well, that's your problem, you see?

You don't observe nature.

But all of God's mysteries and secrets are revealed in the natural world if one has the wisdom to observe.

In the tern's nest, one will see chicks.

Tiny beaks open, crying for mother bird to feed them.

You see, it is the same for England and one's own colonies and dominions.

You are from the Americas, Miss Wright?

Aye, Your Majesty.

New Jersey.

But my sister lives in your Pennsylvania.

- Does she now?

- Aye.

And chirping more happily, I expect, now that your army has driven the accursed rebels out of her home in Philadelphia.

Quite.

King George: Pennsylvania is northern, yes?

North of tobacco, that is.

- Hmm?

- Yes, Your Majesty.

- Your Majesty, a word?

- Not now, Bill!

Can't you see I'm in situ?

You may wish to remain so, sir.

Everyone out.

Shouldn't be long.

He grows tired of the exchequer within an hour.

Don't mind me.

My mother named me Patience so I would always have a little.

We should have all been blessed so, eh?

Robert Rogers, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of His Majesty's Queen's Rangers in America and your loyal servant.

Should we curtsy?

Or have you a petition for the king?

An appointment yesterday.

And the day before that and the day before that, too.

Oh, yes, and I recall on one of those days I made quite clear that you were on the list - and you shall be seen when called.

– King George: Out!

Get out!

I'll finish sitting for my portrait and hear no more of this.

And get that bloody charlatan back here at once.

Please.

Miserable West Indies.

I knew-- I knew we never should have-- How dare they tell me we owe?

I am the one who collects.

I collect!

( shouts ) They treat me as though I'm some sort of child.

I don't care what it costs in Maratha.

I don't care what it costs in the Caribbean.

Responsibility, he says.

Yes, responsibility.

No, no, no.

Majesty, please.

We must keep-- Clean that up.

– Your Majesty-- - King George: What are you doing?

Why are you always following me around?

Everywhere you go.

We're down on all fours, are we now?

Like a little dog, are we?

What, is it dog time?

Dog time?

Woof, woof, woof!

Woof, woof, woof!

Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof.

Yes?

You're a ridiculous little man.

- ( dog barking ) - ( bell ringing ) - ( horse neighs ) - ( laughter ) ( laughter continues ) ( panting ) - Oh!

- ( laughs ) Oi, you kicked me eye.

Don't need your eye.

( laughs, squeals ) ( screams ) No!

Stop!

Stop it!

( screams ) Stop!

Stop!

( screams ) Stop!

Enough!

It's a bust of the king we're after.

Where has it gone?

Where have you sent it?

To Versailles?

To Benjamin Franklin in Paris?

How would you sail it past the embargo line?

Your Grace, please, I-- I don't-- I don't-- Shall we open his head and look there for what you stole?

No, please.

This boy is innocent.

If not France, then where?

America.

No, not America.

It is bound for the United States.

- ( gunshot ) - ( gasps ) What's the name of the ship?

That won't help you now.

Then let us continue this discourse in my workshop.

Man: Sir.

Shipping receipt from the Margaretta.

Left Shell Haven three days ago.

It's bound for Brooklyn.

( whimpering ) ( gunshot ) Hush, hush There's snakes in the garden Soul for sale Blood on the rise Hush, hush Know there will come a day As they hide in the cover of night - I can't wait anymore - Soul for sale I can't wait anymore Hush, hush.

( chatter ) Ben: "The Thoughts of a Free Man."

This is an anonymous attack on your leadership and it's been circulating in the camp.

Look, it begins by laying the loss of Philadelphia at your feet and it concludes with calling for your exile.

It compares you to the demon Ba'al.

There are rumors that Horatio Gates and Charles Lee have both written to Congress to have you removed as the commander-in-chief.

I requested an intelligence report on the movements of the enemy and you come to me with rumor.

Sir, I see myself as your eyes and your ears against all threats to your leadership.

Then what do you see and hear in Philadelphia?

Well, the-- sir, the city having just been taken, I've not had time to cultivate a source there yet.

New York, then.

You have had sufficient time to get a person of intelligence inside that city.

The advice from whom would provide critical should we move to retake it.

What is the status of their defense?

I depend on you to enlighten us.

Your man Culpeper on Long Island, what word from him?

Well, it's-- it's Culper, sir.

And it's still too dangerous to make contact.

I require a full report on New York Harbor before we move camp.

You shall engage Culper or recommend to me a new head of intelligence.

Yes.

Yes, sir.

My courier is in the camp as we speak and he'll be ready to set sail tonight.

- ( drumming ) - Right here, you.

Come on!

Right here, you.

Right in my lily-white ... ..... Huh?

Come on, you savage.

Make your people proud.

Right here!

Come on!

Whoo!

That's what I'm talking about!

Drinks on me, fellas.

What did I tell you?

Huh?

What did I tell you?

Right here.

( speaking Oneida ) Right?

I assume you put in the proper request for all these supplies?

Huh?

Request?

No.

No, these are my gifts for the cause.

Oh, I see.

The black market, then.

Yeah, you do see.

Well, perhaps you might be getting the itch to make another trade tonight.

Maybe visit our old hometown, visit an old friend.

Nah, not tonight.

I-- I'm afraid this is not a request, Caleb.

It is an order.

- An order?

- That's right.

I think I'm done with those.

- Done?

- Yeah.

What, done with orders?

Orders, Culper, army.

I mean, it's all a bit of a tail chaser, yeah?

But with this here, whale oil, plucked from a fat Tory skiff off of New Haven and resold for �12 on Devil's Belt-- that's the kind of profit that can make a man think about quitting the army and applying to Congress for a license to privateer.

That way I can harass His Majesty's loyal subjects at my pleasure and make a bit of coin on the side.

And the best part-- the best part is the only one I'm risking is me.

Han Yerry!

( laughs ) Look, Caleb, this is not my order.

- It's Washington's.

- Oh, Washington.

Well, you'll just have to tell him that you're following protocol.

See, Culper doesn't signal unless it's safe, and he ain't signaled in two months.

- So it ain't safe.

- Caleb, listen to me.

I am listening, Ben.

I'm listening now like I should have listened before.

Like when you ordered to let Simcoe live, I should have listened to reason and put my hatchet in his head.

But I didn't.

And he survived long enough to kill my uncle.

Now that's on me.

You want to get Abe killed?

That's on you.

Caleb.

( music playing ) Two more here and we shall collect whatever drinking glasses guests used during hors d'oeuvres before we seat for dinner.

Yes, ma'am.

( soft chatter ) - Circle, circle.

- ( chuckles ) Everything comes round.

Thomas, do be careful with Grandfather.

- Don't lean on him so.

- He's fine.

So am I. You're still recovering.

Mary, there is perfection and then there is obsession.

Whitehall has been without a wife's care for far too long.

And that was before it became home to soldiers and bachelors alike.

Well, I think you've done a miracle.

I agree.

In fact, I was trying to relate to Sarah the extraordinary circumstance of your journey here, but I just couldn't do it justice.

Will you please tell Sarah the story of the rebel raid?

The night they burned your husband's farm.

If only as an example of how to survive such.

We've had no raids in Oyster Bay, not since the regulars took the island.

And we're as safe here on Long Island as any can hope to be in the colonies.

But these rebels, they have no fear.

Or they have so much, they're numb to it.

They feel as if they have nothing left to lose and they hate us who do.

So after Ben Tallmadge made his retreat from our town, some of his men stayed behind to plunder what they could on the way out.

Abraham and I thought they'd gone.

And so we returned home that night.

Abe had just taken Thomas out to the privy.

We were spent and just wanted to sleep when five men showed up vowing revenge on the son of the magistrate.

Brave Ensign Baker stood against all five.

And they shot him dead.

- ( gunshot ) - ( Mary screams ) Mr.

Baker!

Mary: They couldn't find Abraham as he was protecting Thomas.

So they set fire to the house and fled.

How awful.

Everything gone.

No, not everything.

We had each other.

And together, Abraham and I have vowed to move forward and leave the past where it lay.

- ( music playing ) - ( chatter, laughter ) Mr.

DeJong calling for you.

Thank you, Cicero.

( coughing ) ( men singing drunkenly ) ( laughing ) Ah, Anna.

More jugs, please.

( man urinating ) ( laughs ) And, deary, could you be dearier and empty this on your travels?

( laughs ) How about I save time and refill right here?

Your ale's likely superior to what we've got stocked.

( sloshes ) Oh, Major.

Welcome.

( music stops ) Is there a problem?

A problem?

No, I simply wish to drink an ale.

Anna, an ale for the major.

Two.

Op-op.

I actually have a matter to discuss with Mrs.

Strong.

If you could procure the drink, Mr.

DeJong, that would be helpful.

( sloshes ) ( music resumes ) Um, Mary Woodhull is hosting a dinner, you see, at Whitehall.

And, well, you see, she's been trying to do so for the past month.

Host a dinner in my honor, that is.

As fortune would have it for Mrs.

Woodhull and indeed the rest of us, the capture of Philadelphia is a victory worth celebrating, and celebrate we shall tonight.

And I would be honored to escort you there as my guest.

- Me?

- You.

- With you?

- With me.

Uh, not... Allow me to-- this is not a... gesture or an advance in any way.

I sincerely wish to honor the loyalty and the bravery that you showed on the day that you leapt from your rebel captors.

I betrayed my husband, sir.

It was his boat I jumped from.

You chose loyalty to your king.

There can be no nobler sacrifice.

I doubt the Woodhulls will see it that way.

It was Abraham who reminded me of your right action and who inspired me to take my own.

Abraham Woodhull suggested you invite me to his home?

No, that was my idea.

But he did acknowledge the difficulties that your families have had and felt that it's time for all differences to be put aside and for common bonds to be strengthened.

His words, not mine.

( music playing ) - Good evening.

- A pleasure.

Mr.

DeJong.

Father, please sit down.

Mary and I can greet the guests.

I'm fine.

Will you please stop fussing, Abraham?

- All right, all right.

- ( door opens ) Anna.

Ah, there you are.

You all know Mrs.

Strong, of course.

You look fine, madam.

Very fine.

Anna: Thank you.

Ah, yes.

And thank you all for having me.

- I think I may have that sit now after all.

- Absolutely.

I'll-- I'll help you, Father.

Major, perhaps a viewing of the Loch Lomond.

Hmm.

Mrs.

Strong, would you care to view Loch Lomond before dinner gets underway?

There's nothing like it in Setauket.

You really should.

By all means, then.

This way.

The major wants to chime in on the wine choice for tonight.

We have Madeira, claret, and Virginia white.

He can arrange them in whatever sequence he wishes.

All right, don't kill the messenger.

No, actually, pork.

- Who is the artist?

- Jacob More.

Specializing in portraiture, but a trip to Florence has broadened his intentions, it seems, and perhaps made him long for home.

( knocks ) Major, our esteemed magistrate wishes you to consult on a wine strategy.

( chuckles ) Ah, indeed.

To battle, then.

Ah, ah.

- Signal Caleb.

- What?

- Where have you been?

- She's been watching.

- If not her, then her sewing circle.

- It's been over a month.

I've had to play my part, but I'm ready now.

For what?

This is for Ben.

It's instructions for a new code book.

It explains about Ensign Baker.

How he found the book, how I shot him, how I fired my farm and said Tallmadge's men were to blame.

You want to tell Ben the truth?

- What about Mary?

- Everything except Mary.

Excuse me.

Abe: If Washington finds out that she knows, he may think me compromised.

You are compromised.

She does know.

Just take it to the drop.

Signal Caleb.

I have the rest in hand.

Wait.

It's a stiletto blade.

I have to get used to wearing it under the suit.

It's the one I'll be taking to New York.

New York?

How?

You've no cabbage to sell and no hogs to trade as you've burned your bridges with the quartermaster.

What excuse could you possibly-- You'll see tonight.

( door opens, closes ) ( door opens ) - ( chatter ) - ( clinking glass ) - ( chatter stops ) - Ah.

Tonight we celebrate the victories in our king's name and we honor the sacrifice made along the way.

This year I learned the power of loss.

And I'm not speaking of my farm, but of when I nearly lost my father to a rebel bullet and our town nearly lost its magistrate.

A possibility which should terrify all of you considering it was I who had to prosecute in his stead.

- You performed admirably.

- Father, I lost the case.

That happens.

Not to me so much, but... ( all laughing ) No.

Loss begets gain.

It inspires change.

Your near loss pushed me to take up the law again and my loss at trial pushed me to want to win.

Especially against those who rape and murder in the name of independence.

My toast to you tonight is a promise.

I am to finish what I began at King's College.

I aim to study the law by your example.

And come one day, I will set out for New York to seek an apprenticeship to a barrister.

And even if it takes me a year of going there and back, I will see it through.

I've found my calling.

And you have made your father very proud.

Hewlett: Hear, hear.

Hear, hear.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you very much.

Shall we eat?

Let's eat.

( voices echo ) No, no.

I-- no.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, Abraham.

I can't let you do that.

I'm sorry.

Mary, what are you-- what are you talking about?

You know why you can't go to New York.

The rebels burned your farm.

They shot your father.

You are the son of the magistrate and they hate you for that.

You were a target of the Patriots and they will try again.

( stammering ) You think that I'm in danger of some kind?

There have been tales of-- of kidnapping and killing of prominent Tories all over Long Island.

Ensign Baker died defending your farm.

You yourself were beaten and robbed on the way to York City and you wish to try again alone?

Mary.

I agree with you, madam.

And that is why I shall guarantee his safety.

He shall be granted an escort.

Richard: Now that is wise.

I hire two every trip.

No, Major, I couldn't possibly afford to pay for such a-- There is no need.

I shall provide a top man from my own regiment who will go with you to the city and stay by your side till your journey is over.

That way, all of our minds can be put at ease.

No, I do not need-- I do not need an escort.

There's no shame in it.

It's a dangerous world out there.

Thank you, sir.

That's very generous of you, sir.

It is my pleasure.

It's done.

Let's eat.

– Hewlett: Worth waiting for.

– Richard: Yes, isn't it?

"I believe that it is better to die honorably in the field - than in a stinking hospital."

- I concur with that.

Men: Cheers.

And this, this here, truer still.

Listen.

"I believe that the proper methods of attacking, beating and conquering the enemy has never as yet been adopted by the commander-in-chief."

I couldn't have said it better myself, boys.

Who do you think is the author?

Someone fed up, armed with common sense and the courage to speak out.

Oi, Bradford.

You might want to be more careful with that.

Your anonymous hero makes common sense sound a bit like treason.

That's your commander that he's hacking at.

Not for much longer, I think.

What?

What did you just say?

This letter is well-formed opinion based on fact.

Our esteemed commander left his flank wide open at Brandywine.

He lost the battle, cost America her capital city.

Is it treason to speak the facts in this army now?

Fine.

So... who would you see as commander?

Congress would likely choose Gates.

Gates, right.

Sure, or perhaps your man - Charles Lee.

- Stand back.

Who was captured while with his mistress-- fact.

Who escaped the enemy on his own.

What was she, a tavern wench?

No wonder he's been so absent in the field.

He's too busy playing with his whore pipe.

At least he has one.

And the sons to prove it.

While poor George must content himself with collecting young men.

Why, you... Hold him down.

Hold him down.

Now we're gonna shut that pretty mouth.

With respect, sir, the only one who punches my friend is me.

Hey.

( groans ) You like that, huh?

( spits ) Wait, Caleb.

Hey there, boy.

Thank you.

And you were right.

You were right about Culper.

It's not safe to make contact unless he's signaled.

I won't move without you, all right?

Are you all right?

Yeah, it's just a scratch.

Are you all right, though?

What, have I really been such an ass?

Well, yeah.

You have.

( laughs ) I wish I could just walk up and ask that of Washington.

"Are you all right, sir?"

The man won't stand up for himself against his detractors.

I cannot for the life of me understand why.

Well, you know these officer types.

Hmm?

Always under pressure, shouldering burdens us foot-wobblers don't know or can't see.

Huh?

Maybe give him some slack.

( singing drunkenly ) Shh.

Thomas.

I just don't understand, Richard, why we haven't done this before.

You didn't want to be celebrated.

Ah, well, I am lifting the embargo on that.

In the meantime, God night.

- And good bless.

- ( laughs ) Where's Thomas?

He's asleep downstairs.

Aberdeen's with him.

Don't you think we should talk?

I think everyone had a splendid evening.

Just a splendid evening, wouldn't you agree?

Almost everyone.

Well, I know I did.

Dinner, drinks, and the theater all in one night.

I thought your performance was excellent.

I learned from the best.

Touch.

( clears throat ) An armed escort with me at all times.

Very clever.

Abraham, please.

I don't feel very clever and I don't wish to be your adversary.

Oh, no, don't be hasty 'cause you got a talent for it.

And I mean that to your credit.

You're much more than the blushing rose my brother first told me about.

And you, you are a far more interesting husband than the cabbage farmer that I was wed to.

Well, then we make a perfect couple, don't we?

If you hate me, just say it straight out.

There's no longer a need to be hiding the truth from each other.

We've both suffered the consequence of that.

You're a God-fearing man.

I know that, Abraham.

Our savior has tested us and has given us a second chance.

And I had hoped and I had prayed that the death of Ensign Baker, a good man, - an innocent man... - Mary, we're-- ...would have opened your eyes to the folly of these schemes.

We are not talking about Ensign Baker right now.

Did his death mean nothing to you?

No, his death meant everything!

It changed everything!

I had tried at every step to do right, to protect my family, to stand for my principles, to stay out of the fight and true to myself.

And Baker is the bloody proof that I cannot do both.

Now, if I stop now, his death will mean nothing.

Abraham, please, you're hurting me.

He should never have been in our house just as Hewlett should not be now.

We do not need their laws, their taxes, or their protection.

And I will not stop my mission for Washington until the last king's man has set sail back to England.

Now, do you understand?

Who will protect us from King Louis when his ships return to reclaim New France?

You've been speaking to my father again.

You asked what I believe in.

Then why don't you just turn me in?

Abraham, don't you know?

Sometime during that night while I was watching our house burn, it became clear to me and it brought me peace.

I love you, Abraham.

I love your strength to stand on your own no matter what anyone else thinks.

I love the way that you care for our son.

I love your lips and I love your eyes.

And I will do what I must to protect you.

Even if that means protecting you from yourself.

Mary... I don't feel the same.

I know.

I know.

It's not as bad as I feared.

And I did fear that for so long.

You may go to New York to study the law, Abraham.

But I'm afraid that's all you'll have time for there.

- Woodhull.

- Corporal Eastin.

On your way to post?

You are my post.

I'm your new escort per Major Hewlett.

Oh, excellent.

I see.

Well, when I'm ready to travel, I'll be sure to let you know.

My orders are to not let you out of my sight.

For your own safety.

I think I'm safe here in Setauket.

Are you?

( chatter ) "That the enemy has been greatly deceived having no reason to expect so valuable a prize as the city of Philadelphia with so few broken bones."

Tell me, monsieur, do you have gutter journalists in your country?

In France we would have them thrown in the Bastille.

General Lee, what do you read there?

Lee: What, this?

Just a complaint, sir.

Factional, anonymous.

You don't want to read it, trust me.

You read it, then.

Please.

Lee: Sir.

( clears throat ) "I believe that some people have too much interest in the continuance of the war and that the head cannot possibly be sound when the whole body is disordered.

That Washington, the bastard of Brandywine, should be flogged for his failure.

That the people of America have been guilty of idolatry by making a man their god.

And the God of heaven and earth will convince them by woeful experience that he is only a man."

( footsteps ) Forgive me.

Please, do continue.

A greater load of ......... I've not heard dropped in years.

Here.

Let me.

( scoffs ) "That the honorable Congress--" ha! "

--in many cases has been too much led by military men."

Do you agree with that, Charles?

( scoffs ) Of course not.

Man: No?

Oh, I do.

Those squeeze crabs in Congress have been misled by military men, just the wrong kind.

They'd be better off listening to a man who'd venture into a cold night and come back with a victory.

But don't take my word for it.

I'm just the poor son of a drunkard.

A mere pharmacist's apprentice and the veteran of only 11 battles in this conflict for our freedom.

Now, of course, we cannot know who wrote this grub ....., but I would gamble he is not the equal of a commander who rides headlong in the fray and yet has never been shot nor captured.

An endorsement by the God of heaven and earth - if there ever was one.

- Hear, hear!

( pounding ) Monsieur, may I introduce to you General Benedict Arnold.

General, this is Theveneau de Francy of the Roderigue Hortalez Company.

Bonjour.

Will you join us, General?

Oh, sir, please.

It is an honor, sir.

Do you still have an appetite?

Always.

( thunder crashing ) There is something I did not say when I made my proposal to go to New York.

Something I kept hidden and you should know it.

You should know that I intended to undertake a completely different task.

One far more dangerous and far less honorable.

As you may know, I never graduated King's College.

What you may not know, what no one knows is... while at King's I had a connection.

A shameful, misguided friendship with several members of a secret group of Patriots.

They called themselves the Sons of Liberty.

It's not a past that I am proud of.

But it is one that could be of use now.

You were right about the danger that we face.

There are traitors everywhere.

Now I wish to uproot them from the ground before they strike my family again.

Uproot them how?

I believe that the Sons of Liberty may still be operating in New York, albeit concealed underground.

If I can find them, convince them that I'm still on their side, I can deliver you the names of the whole group.

You wish to act the Patriot?

In order to catch traitors, I must play one myself, yes.

Of course, it-- it won't do to have Corporal Eastin standing guard while I do so.

He may still accompany me to the city, but in order to keep up appearances, I must act alone.

Are not the Sons of Liberty the same cabal that sparked the Liberty Pole Riots?

The same men who murdered your older brother Thomas?

Well, you see now why I must do this.

And why I beg you not to tell my father.

He may never speak to me again if he were to learn of my past.

He may never speak to you again if you should die while exposing the rebels or while masquerading as one.

I will not sit home in safety and comfort while others are dying for their beliefs.

I took an oath in your presence swearing to defeat any treasonous conspiracies made against the king.

Now, please... let me fulfill my oath.

- ( footsteps ) - ( horse neighs ) A wee bit late for visitors, isn't it?

You wish to see His Majesty or not?

Your Majesty, it is a most distinguishing honor to stand in your royal presence once more.

I do hope you recall the warm spirit of my prior audience just 14 years ago.

The same season you enjoyed my accounts of the methods used to trap a black bear in his winter den, eh?

( laughs ) I also hope that you recall my petition.

That being the discovery of the Northwest Passage and claiming it for England.

I humbly submit to you this proposal tonight.

It is said that you are the best hunter and tracker in America and that you are a... killing gentleman.

You will be granted a charter to discover the Northwest Passage.

You will be appointed command to raise troops.

You will serve on full pay as a major.

And all your debts will be cleared by the Crown.

There is a valuable piece of royal property on a ship bound for New York.

It is concealed inside a waxwork.

- Concealed?

- It was stolen from the palace, and must be recovered before it falls into the hands of the rebel army.

And it must never fall into the hands of France.

Never.

You are to find it and destroy it along with anyone else that may have seen it.

By my honor, I will see it done.

( theme music playing )