The Last Confederate: The Story of Robert Adams

15.

Here I come!

To truly know a people,

you must look into the hearts and minds

of those who experience the peace

and who live the hardship of their time.

The South was a land power, an agrarian community.

Where the people are deeply rooted in the soil

and bound to a code laid down by their forefathers.

In the middle of the 19th Century, South Carolinians called

their fellow Southerners to the flag

and the storm that followed left a mighty wake.

Oh!

What's that, Grandmother?

- Honey, why don't you go get your music books.

"I just miss him."

Upon our arrival north of Richmond,

our company was merged into General Butler's Cavalry.

The Charleston Light Dragoons had made our state proud,

as we have been thrown in the most savage combat

either side has seen in four years.

But it has only bolstered our morale.

Captain.

The men are in ranks and waiting.

I'm coming.

Grant's army has been attacking

our entrenchment along the Old Church Road.

But we've held our position,

and our resolve can't be broken.

Today we strike new ground

and I sense confidence in the men.

It's for your sweethearts.

Ready?

Fire!

Move forward, move!

Watch your flank!

A man once said to me

that he drank every drop of blood

that was spilled every secession.

I've yet to see him on the field of battle.

Each day brings a more maddening

and vicious fight than the last.

And I hope the madness will subside,

but I only see its escalation.

Thank you.

- Young Adams. - Hello, Judge.

- What a pleasure to see you. - How are you?

Good to see you, too.

You're late, I was worried

you weren't going to make it. - Sorry, I'm sorry.

- Glad you're here. - Thank you, thank you.

Robert, you made it.

- Hey, sorry I'm late. - No, not at all.

Mr. Adams!

A pleasure, sir.

- Good to see you. - Good to see you.

Hello.

So, I see you've managed to locate

the most beautiful girl in the room, Robert.

She is stunning.

- And very discerning. - Do you know her?

- Or she's a Yankee, not exactly your type.

I suppose I can overlook that.

- She's a governess for the Adams children.

Has it in mind to start her own school.

Working for the Governor, huh?

She's just moved South, Robert,

from our grandfather's home.

Philadelphia. - Little sister, right.

That's Evelyn? - Mm-hmm.

Is she living with you and Sylvia?

- No, she's renting a room from Miss Buchanan.

- With all due respect, Nelson, she's beautiful.

- With all due respect, Robert, she is not interested.

We'll let her be the judge of that.

(laughing) Excuse us, Monsieur confused.

Oh.

It seems your Southern charm is having

difficulty transcending languages.

You just said,

"Her head is as big as the sun."

Listen.

I don't think the Union is just gonna let

South Carolina walk away.

I don't think

your wife is gonna let you walk away. (laughs)

- Sylvia has learned to relax a bit.

Yeah, your grandfather

and my grandfather fought the British.

That's true, and honestly,

I think I'd rather fight the French.

But if we have to fight the British,

I'll get my kilt, my mace,

and I'll meet you on the battlefield on the Moors.

Listen. - I do listen.

I have listened, but yeah, I wanna tell you something.

We're putting the cart before the horse.

I don't even know if this war's gonna happen.

- If South Carolina has its way, this war will happen.

- Well at the very least, let's fight in Pennsylvania

because it is intolerable down here.

Can you feel this?

- You're still not used to the heat, are you?

It's oppressive.

- Thomas, I don't need your books.

Take your books home with you.

Yes, ma'am.

I can hear your voice.

Your music.

I found myself lost in those moments.

I remember the faint smell in the air

when I knew you were near.

I recall the joy of watching you play.

The way your fingers lightly touched the keys.

I hold on to the promise of a life with you.

And I find peace in that.

Captain Adams.

I apologize for interrupting.

It's all right, Henry.

John, what can I do for ya?

- We wanted to report the Dutchmen's been sent out.

Colonel sent this back.

What's on your minds?

Well, Sir, I was just thinkin'--

We were.

We were just thinkin',

if the Yankees are sendin' foreigners out to fight for 'em,

does that mean we killed all the real Yankees?

Maybe it does, maybe you're right.

That's good.

Well, goodnight, Captain. - Good night.

John, see me at muster. - Yes, Sir.

Night, John.

Tell, Evelyn I said hello.

- I will, but I think she's tired of reading,

"Jackass sends his regards."

Well, I guess Jackass will have

to keep his tar water to himself, won't he?

Robert, you know you sure do keep

a lengthy account of your time.

Oh, it's not for posterity.

It's just (sighing),

I should have talked to her more.

- She's a teacher, right? - Yeah.

She teaches music.

She even writes it.

A beautiful Yankee with a strong mind.

It's hard to believe she's taken up with a gent like you.

- You don't have to walk with me, Andy.

You can go on. - Thank you, Ma'am.