1 00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:27,713 (Woman hums mournfully) 2 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:53,113 (Waves crashing) 3 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:55,668 (Heavy breathing) 4 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:32,158 (Creaking) 5 00:02:36,760 --> 00:02:38,113 (Clattering) 6 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:02,192 (Screams) 7 00:03:07,240 --> 00:03:09,196 (Slaves shout) 8 00:03:17,160 --> 00:03:19,071 (Hacking and screaming) 9 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:29,308 Por favore! 10 00:03:52,440 --> 00:03:53,793 (Shouts of panic) 11 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:57,195 (Shouts in Spanish) 12 00:04:21,480 --> 00:04:23,357 (Screams) 13 00:04:34,520 --> 00:04:36,317 (Screams) 14 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:12,230 (Woman humming) 15 00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:24,391 (Chatter) 16 00:05:38,640 --> 00:05:40,631 (Converse in native language) 17 00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:42,438 (Start to argue) 18 00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:45,914 (Spanish) That one wants us to sail them back. 19 00:05:46,120 --> 00:05:49,954 That one thinks he can sail all the way back without us. 20 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:51,917 (Both start to shout) 21 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:53,797 (Chants) 22 00:05:55,560 --> 00:05:57,471 (Both shout angrily) 23 00:06:14,560 --> 00:06:16,437 (Speaks Spanish) 24 00:06:18,640 --> 00:06:20,471 Si. 25 00:06:20,560 --> 00:06:23,393 (Spanish) East. To the sun! 26 00:06:23,480 --> 00:06:26,358 I understand. You can trust me. 27 00:06:26,440 --> 00:06:29,557 (Speaks native language) 28 00:06:41,920 --> 00:06:43,876 (Spanish) To Africa! 29 00:07:41,200 --> 00:07:42,315 (Slave speaks in native language) 30 00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:54,918 (Spanish) Well, I have to tack, don't I? You'd rather I didn't? 31 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:58,709 You want to get there? I have to tack! 32 00:08:37,560 --> 00:08:42,076 (Spanish) You're going to get us killed! 33 00:08:45,920 --> 00:08:48,878 (Slave speaks forcefully in native language) 34 00:08:48,960 --> 00:08:54,830 (Spanish) Yeah, yeah. Now go take a bath... 35 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:23,519 Este. 36 00:09:35,800 --> 00:09:37,756 (Men sing) 37 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:43,156 (Women sing and clap) 38 00:09:49,920 --> 00:09:52,195 (Hushed conversation) 39 00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:03,237 (Men argue) 40 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:10,555 (Singing and clapping continues) 41 00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:24,711 (Man shouts) 42 00:10:56,400 --> 00:10:58,789 (Spanish) We have to signal them. 43 00:10:58,880 --> 00:11:02,668 (Second man) When the ship gets close, he'll run and hide. 44 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:04,796 Then we both start yelling. 45 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:11,520 (First man) They'll search the ship. 46 00:11:32,240 --> 00:11:34,435 Get ready. 47 00:11:38,680 --> 00:11:40,636 Shh. 48 00:11:46,280 --> 00:11:48,350 (Laughter and chattering) 49 00:13:10,720 --> 00:13:12,597 (Shouts excitedly) 50 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:16,157 Dolly! 51 00:13:17,120 --> 00:13:19,190 (Men) Dolly! 52 00:13:19,440 --> 00:13:21,317 (Chanting) 53 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:54,317 (Man whistles) 54 00:13:55,520 --> 00:13:57,397 (Whistling continues) 55 00:13:59,800 --> 00:14:01,677 (Shouts) 56 00:14:26,760 --> 00:14:28,955 Lay up, Mr Packwood! 57 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:31,110 Aye, aye, sir! 58 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:33,270 Straight ahead! 59 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:42,116 (Shouting In Spanish) 60 00:14:57,720 --> 00:14:59,790 Fire over their heads! 61 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:54,475 (Choir sings haunting melody) 62 00:16:13,880 --> 00:16:15,711 (Gasps) 63 00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:35,517 (Bell tolls) 64 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:39,317 Open the gate! 65 00:16:43,760 --> 00:16:46,035 Come on, come on, come on! 66 00:16:54,440 --> 00:16:56,317 (Man coughs) 67 00:16:57,680 --> 00:16:59,750 (Outside) Move along, now! 68 00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:02,831 Move along! 69 00:17:04,240 --> 00:17:07,038 - Forward! Move along! - Keep it going! 70 00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:20,870 Get along! Get moving! 71 00:17:21,120 --> 00:17:25,511 - Don't stop there! Keep moving! - Make way for the stinking heathens! 72 00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:27,670 All right, move on. 73 00:17:28,480 --> 00:17:30,357 Lock 'em up! 74 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:32,510 (Shouts angrily) 75 00:17:44,360 --> 00:17:46,999 (Angry shouting) 76 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:50,395 Gates! Gates! Gates! 77 00:17:51,840 --> 00:17:53,432 (Screaming) 78 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:55,158 Push 'em in! 79 00:17:55,240 --> 00:17:56,878 (Screams) 80 00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:19,198 (Wailing) 81 00:18:24,600 --> 00:18:26,477 (Woman hums) 82 00:19:12,360 --> 00:19:14,271 (Spanish) Your Royal Highness. 83 00:19:14,560 --> 00:19:16,471 Something's happened. 84 00:19:19,360 --> 00:19:21,590 (# Band plays "Hail To The Chief") 85 00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:22,954 Mr President! 86 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:26,271 The ambassador to Spain, Se�or Calderon. 87 00:19:26,360 --> 00:19:27,634 What? 88 00:19:27,720 --> 00:19:29,073 Se�or Calderon. 89 00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:31,230 Yes, all right. Not now. 90 00:19:31,360 --> 00:19:34,272 - It is a matter of importance, sir. - God bless you all! 91 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:46,230 I'm trying to drink my brandy after a very long day. 92 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:48,357 I simply wasn't certain 93 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:52,831 whether this was something you wanted to take care of personally... 94 00:19:52,920 --> 00:19:56,833 Leder, there are, what, four million Negroes in this country? 95 00:19:56,960 --> 00:20:01,351 Why on Earth should I concern myself with these forty-four? Hmm? 96 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:03,192 Well, there are reasons. 97 00:20:03,280 --> 00:20:06,317 I don't care how. You just take care of it. 98 00:20:09,720 --> 00:20:11,790 The ship is Amistad. 99 00:20:12,800 --> 00:20:16,236 It's too small to be a transatlantic slaver. 100 00:20:16,360 --> 00:20:19,272 They're plantation slaves, then? West Indians? 101 00:20:19,360 --> 00:20:21,316 Not necessarily. 102 00:20:21,400 --> 00:20:24,233 At least they certainly don't look it. 103 00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:28,313 Not from the glimpse I caught of them on their way to jail. 104 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:30,675 They have these...scars. 105 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:32,591 - Scars? - Yeah. 106 00:20:35,960 --> 00:20:37,951 (Church bell strikes) 107 00:20:47,960 --> 00:20:51,748 They were first detained by officers of a brig off Long Island. 108 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:56,072 They were conveyed to New Haven - under what authority, I don't know - 109 00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:58,196 and given over to the local constabulary. 110 00:20:58,280 --> 00:21:02,068 About forty of them, including four or five children. 111 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:11,833 The arraignment is day after tomorrow. 112 00:21:11,920 --> 00:21:14,673 I can only assume that the charge is murder. 113 00:21:14,760 --> 00:21:17,228 I'll see what I can do about that. 114 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:22,950 Perhaps a writ for illegal arrest and detainment to stall things. 115 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:26,828 At the very least, make sure they have good counsel. 116 00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:39,109 (Speaks Native language) 117 00:22:07,600 --> 00:22:10,034 (Native language) Chief! Chief! 118 00:22:12,000 --> 00:22:13,956 He's not a chief! 119 00:22:14,680 --> 00:22:16,557 Brother! Brother! 120 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:20,070 He's not your brother. 121 00:22:21,680 --> 00:22:25,389 - What is he then? - He's a white man. 122 00:22:26,400 --> 00:22:30,598 Hear ye! In the matter of the court of the United States of America 123 00:22:30,680 --> 00:22:35,913 in the year of our Lord, 1839, the honourable Andrew T Judson presiding. 124 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:37,877 (Prisoners mutter) 125 00:23:00,960 --> 00:23:02,791 If it please, Your Honour. 126 00:23:02,880 --> 00:23:06,759 The bench recognises District Attorney Holabird. 127 00:23:07,120 --> 00:23:10,237 I would like to present the court, Your Honour, 128 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:12,959 with the charges of piracy and murder... 129 00:23:13,040 --> 00:23:15,759 I have a petition for a writ of habeas corpus. 130 00:23:15,840 --> 00:23:17,717 I was speaking. 131 00:23:17,800 --> 00:23:21,998 Mr Holabird, your charges, whatever they might be, will be rendered moot. 132 00:23:22,080 --> 00:23:25,550 That petition, Mr Tappan - if that's what it is - is moot, 133 00:23:25,640 --> 00:23:30,873 until an actual writ by some higher court, by some miracle, is granted. 134 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:34,316 - Mr Holabird is correct. - And if you would, sir, 135 00:23:34,440 --> 00:23:38,353 please kindly refrain from impersonating a lawyer, 136 00:23:38,440 --> 00:23:40,556 which you patently are not. 137 00:23:40,640 --> 00:23:43,200 - As I was saying, Your Honour... - Your Honour. 138 00:23:45,720 --> 00:23:47,517 Mr Secretary. 139 00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:52,310 Your Honour, I am here on behalf of the President of the United States, 140 00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:56,075 representing the claims of Queen Isabella of Spain, 141 00:23:56,160 --> 00:24:00,039 as concerns our mutual treaty on the high seas of 1795. 142 00:24:00,160 --> 00:24:02,390 - You have my attention. - Thank you. 143 00:24:02,480 --> 00:24:05,233 These slaves, Your Honour, are the property of Spain, 144 00:24:05,320 --> 00:24:10,633 and under Article 9 of said treaty are to be returned post-haste. 145 00:24:10,720 --> 00:24:13,837 Said treaty taking precedence over all other claims... 146 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:16,718 Them slaves belong to me and my mate, Your Majesty. 147 00:24:16,800 --> 00:24:19,837 - Your Honour, I... - Who be you two gentlemen? 148 00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:22,997 "We, Thomas R Gedney and Richard W Meade, 149 00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:25,992 "whilst commissioned US Naval officers, 150 00:24:26,080 --> 00:24:29,868 "stand before this court as private citizens, 151 00:24:29,960 --> 00:24:32,428 "and do hereby claim salvage on the high seas 152 00:24:32,520 --> 00:24:36,911 "of the Spanish ship La Amistad and all her cargo." 153 00:24:37,000 --> 00:24:39,309 - Here you go, sir. - Your Honour... 154 00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:43,678 You wish to make this claim above that of the Queen of Spain? 155 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:45,591 Where was she, pray, 156 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:49,070 when we was fightin' the winds, Your Excellen...uh, Honour. 157 00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:53,358 Her Majesty, the Queen of Spain, was busy ruling a country. 158 00:24:53,480 --> 00:24:57,075 Your Honour, these officers claims are just... 159 00:24:57,160 --> 00:24:59,037 Your Honour! 160 00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:04,748 Here are the true owners of these slaves. 161 00:25:04,840 --> 00:25:07,354 (Crowd erupts and judge bangs gavel) 162 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:09,556 - Order! - On their behalf... 163 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:13,076 I am in possession of a receipt for purchase 164 00:25:13,160 --> 00:25:16,277 executed in Havana, Cuba, June 26, 1839, 165 00:25:16,360 --> 00:25:21,070 I do hereby call upon this court to immediately surrender... 166 00:25:21,160 --> 00:25:24,232 - (Uproar) - ..these goods! 167 00:25:24,360 --> 00:25:26,794 (Gavel banging) 168 00:25:26,880 --> 00:25:29,678 And that ship out there to my clients, 169 00:25:29,760 --> 00:25:31,591 - Jose Ruiz... - Yo soy Ruiz. 170 00:25:31,680 --> 00:25:35,468 "Yoso" Ruiz, and...Pedro Montes? Pedro Montes. 171 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:46,310 Ah, Mr Tappan. How do you do, sir? 172 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:49,949 My name is Roger S Baldwin, attorney-at-law. 173 00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:51,957 Real estate? 174 00:25:52,040 --> 00:25:54,554 Real estate, inventories and other assets. 175 00:25:54,640 --> 00:25:58,519 - Can I help you with something? - What is it that you do? 176 00:25:59,680 --> 00:26:02,752 Well, I own various business... and banks. 177 00:26:02,840 --> 00:26:07,595 As a matter of fact, you probably could help me, Mr Tappan. (Chuckles) 178 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:10,831 But that's not why I'm here. I'd like to help you. 179 00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:13,793 - Me? - Yes. I deal with property. 180 00:26:13,880 --> 00:26:16,314 Sometimes I get people's property back, 181 00:26:16,400 --> 00:26:19,039 other times I get it taken away, as in this case. 182 00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:22,476 Every one of the claims speaks to the issue of ownership. 183 00:26:22,560 --> 00:26:26,314 - Thank you, Mr...Mr Baldwin. - Baldwin, Roger S, attorney-at-law. 184 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:31,155 (Chuckles) But I'm afraid what's needed here is a criminal attorney. 185 00:26:31,240 --> 00:26:33,993 A trial lawyer. But thanks for your interest. 186 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:36,355 Yes. Well... 187 00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:41,349 intending no disrespect, Mr Tappan, but if that were the way to go, 188 00:26:41,480 --> 00:26:43,277 well, then... 189 00:26:43,400 --> 00:26:46,358 Well, I wouldn't have bothered coming down here. 190 00:26:46,440 --> 00:26:48,317 (Tappan laughs) 191 00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:54,313 Goodbye. I bid you gentlemen a good afternoon. 192 00:26:55,880 --> 00:26:57,552 In closing, 193 00:26:57,640 --> 00:27:01,189 I call upon our distinguished colleague from Massachusetts, 194 00:27:01,320 --> 00:27:04,232 Representative John Quincy Adams 195 00:27:04,320 --> 00:27:07,790 to reweigh his unmeet and unprecedented attempt 196 00:27:07,880 --> 00:27:12,271 to convert this eccentric bequest of - let's be frank - 197 00:27:12,360 --> 00:27:15,158 a bunch of junk of one James Smithson, 198 00:27:15,240 --> 00:27:19,074 into a so-called institute of national treasure! 199 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:21,077 (Man coughs) 200 00:27:22,440 --> 00:27:25,716 Perhaps Mr Adams is meditating on his response. 201 00:27:25,800 --> 00:27:27,677 (Laughter) 202 00:27:37,320 --> 00:27:42,440 Had I thought your remarks worthy of riposte, Representative Pinckney, 203 00:27:42,520 --> 00:27:46,877 be assured you'd have heard from me...hours ago! 204 00:27:48,040 --> 00:27:52,113 - Who? - Mr Tappan. Lewis Tappan. 205 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,077 Yeah? 206 00:27:54,200 --> 00:27:57,033 I must see him? I'm required to see him? 207 00:27:57,120 --> 00:27:59,031 No, sir. He requests an audience. 208 00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:00,997 Give me your hand. 209 00:28:01,240 --> 00:28:03,276 Oh, he requests, does he? 210 00:28:03,360 --> 00:28:07,035 Yeah. I don't know anyone called Tappan. 211 00:28:07,120 --> 00:28:10,715 - Sir, you do. You've met him often. - Where? 212 00:28:10,800 --> 00:28:13,234 - Where is he? - He's right over there, sir. 213 00:28:13,320 --> 00:28:15,117 Oh. 214 00:28:15,240 --> 00:28:17,390 - What is that? - (Coin clinking) 215 00:28:17,480 --> 00:28:19,357 - Where? - Right there, sir. 216 00:28:19,480 --> 00:28:22,119 Lewis! Good to see you again! 217 00:28:22,200 --> 00:28:24,077 - And you, sir. - (Laughs) 218 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:27,038 - This is Theodore Joadson. - How do you do, sir? 219 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:30,755 - An honour to meet you, sir. - Yeah. 220 00:28:30,840 --> 00:28:34,037 - Sir? Is there somewhere...? - Let's stroll in the garden... 221 00:28:34,160 --> 00:28:36,390 - Yes. - What? 222 00:28:36,480 --> 00:28:38,596 Let go of my arm. Over here. 223 00:28:43,960 --> 00:28:46,428 (Tappan) This case has great significance. 224 00:28:46,520 --> 00:28:49,273 Our secretary of state is paying it his attention. 225 00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:51,789 (Adams) You don't have to shout! 226 00:28:51,920 --> 00:28:56,277 (Tappan) He supports the Queen's claim that she owns the Africans. 227 00:28:56,360 --> 00:28:59,989 - Two sailors are making claims. - (Adams) What season is it? 228 00:29:00,080 --> 00:29:02,753 - Pardon? - I said, what season is it? 229 00:29:02,880 --> 00:29:04,871 I don't understand what you mean. 230 00:29:04,960 --> 00:29:08,999 There are two ways of knowing without consulting a calendar. 231 00:29:09,120 --> 00:29:11,429 The leaves on the maple trees have all gone, 232 00:29:11,520 --> 00:29:16,150 and the fact that the President is not at home on Pennsylvania Avenue. 233 00:29:16,240 --> 00:29:18,231 Tell me, sir... 234 00:29:18,320 --> 00:29:21,471 Do you really think Van Buren cares about the whims 235 00:29:21,560 --> 00:29:24,472 of an 11-year-old girl who wears a tiara? 236 00:29:24,560 --> 00:29:29,315 I assure you, only one thing occupies his thoughts this time of the year, 237 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:34,155 being all things to all people, which means nothing to no one. 238 00:29:34,280 --> 00:29:37,716 In other words, gettin' himself re-elected. 239 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:39,877 Give me a hand. 240 00:29:42,760 --> 00:29:44,557 Huh? 241 00:29:46,600 --> 00:29:49,239 - Will you help us, sir? - Let go of my arm. 242 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:52,317 Take my stick. 243 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:56,032 - Mr Adams? - Yeah, what? 244 00:29:56,160 --> 00:30:00,631 As an advocate for the abolition of slavery, will you help us? 245 00:30:00,720 --> 00:30:04,269 I'm neither friend nor foe to the abolitionist cause. I won't help you. 246 00:30:05,480 --> 00:30:07,118 (Joadson) Sir... 247 00:30:07,200 --> 00:30:10,954 - What? - I know you, Mr President. 248 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:15,272 I know you and your presidency as well as any man, and your father's. 249 00:30:15,360 --> 00:30:18,830 You were a child at his side when he helped invent America. 250 00:30:18,920 --> 00:30:23,152 You, in turn, have devoted your life to refining that noble invention. 251 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:25,435 There remains but one task undone. 252 00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:28,512 One vital task the Founding Fathers left to their sons, 253 00:30:28,600 --> 00:30:33,037 before their 13 colonies could precisely be called United States. 254 00:30:33,120 --> 00:30:37,830 And that task, sir, as you well know, is crushing slavery. 255 00:30:37,920 --> 00:30:42,516 Your record confirms you're an abolitionist, sir, even if you won't. 256 00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:45,438 - And whether or not you admit it... - Mr Joadson. 257 00:30:45,520 --> 00:30:47,431 ..you belong with us. 258 00:30:49,280 --> 00:30:51,077 (Sniffs) 259 00:30:51,160 --> 00:30:55,631 You're quite the scholar, Mr Joadson, aren't ya? Quite the historian. 260 00:30:59,800 --> 00:31:03,679 Let me tell you about that quality, if I might. 261 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:08,590 Without an accompanying mastery of at least one-tenth its measure of grace, 262 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:11,598 such erudition is worthless, sir. 263 00:31:12,240 --> 00:31:14,834 Now, you take it from one who knows. 264 00:31:17,400 --> 00:31:20,119 If you gentlemen will excuse me. 265 00:31:20,200 --> 00:31:22,031 (Sniffs) 266 00:31:23,080 --> 00:31:26,868 - We know we aimed high asking you... - Well, aim lower! 267 00:31:27,560 --> 00:31:31,348 Find yourselves someone whose inspiration blossoms 268 00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:33,317 the more you lose. 269 00:31:37,600 --> 00:31:39,750 (Joadson) If the court awards them to Spain, 270 00:31:39,840 --> 00:31:42,229 they'll be taken to Cuba and executed. 271 00:31:42,320 --> 00:31:46,836 If the two lieutenants prevail, they'll likely to sell them to Spain, 272 00:31:46,920 --> 00:31:48,751 and they'll be executed. 273 00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:51,354 If Montes and Ruiz are successful... 274 00:31:51,440 --> 00:31:55,115 I'm a little confused. What are they worth to you? 275 00:31:55,200 --> 00:31:58,590 We're discussing the case, not its expense. 276 00:31:58,680 --> 00:32:04,038 Of course. Well, the case is much simpler than you think, Mr Tappan. 277 00:32:04,120 --> 00:32:07,874 It's like anything - land, livestock, heirlooms, what have you. 278 00:32:08,520 --> 00:32:10,397 Livestock. 279 00:32:12,080 --> 00:32:13,957 Yes. Consider... 280 00:32:14,040 --> 00:32:18,511 the only way one may sell or purchase slaves is if they are born slaves, 281 00:32:18,600 --> 00:32:20,477 as on the plantation. 282 00:32:21,880 --> 00:32:24,269 - I'm right, aren't I? - Yes. 283 00:32:24,360 --> 00:32:26,715 - So, are they? - "Are they?" 284 00:32:26,800 --> 00:32:30,395 Yes. Born slaves, as on a plantation. 285 00:32:30,480 --> 00:32:33,278 We're not certain, but we very much doubt it. 286 00:32:33,360 --> 00:32:36,113 Let's say they are. Then they are possessions, 287 00:32:36,200 --> 00:32:39,476 and no more deserving of a criminal trial than a bookcase. 288 00:32:39,560 --> 00:32:42,552 On the other hand, let's say they aren't slaves, 289 00:32:42,640 --> 00:32:45,632 in which case they were illegally acquired. 290 00:32:45,720 --> 00:32:48,712 Forget mutiny, forget piracy, forget murder. 291 00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:51,075 Those are irrelevant occurrences. 292 00:32:51,160 --> 00:32:54,277 Ignore everything but the pre-eminent issue at hand. 293 00:32:54,400 --> 00:32:57,392 The wrongful transfer of stolen goods. 294 00:32:57,520 --> 00:32:59,556 Either way, we win. 295 00:32:59,640 --> 00:33:03,838 Sir, this war must be waged on the battlefield of righteousness. 296 00:33:03,920 --> 00:33:06,195 The what? 297 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:09,392 It would be against everything I stand for 298 00:33:09,480 --> 00:33:13,678 to let this deteriorate into an exercise in legal minutia. 299 00:33:13,760 --> 00:33:17,673 Mr Tappan, I'm talking about the heart of the matter. 300 00:33:17,760 --> 00:33:19,113 As am I. 301 00:33:19,200 --> 00:33:25,719 It is our destiny as abolitionists and Christians to save these people. 302 00:33:25,800 --> 00:33:28,997 These are people, Mr Baldwin, not livestock. 303 00:33:29,080 --> 00:33:32,959 Did Christ hire a lawyer to get him off on technicalities? 304 00:33:33,040 --> 00:33:36,828 He went to the cross, nobly. You know why? 305 00:33:37,720 --> 00:33:39,676 To make a statement. 306 00:33:40,520 --> 00:33:42,875 To make a statement, as must we. 307 00:33:45,880 --> 00:33:47,757 But Christ lost. 308 00:33:48,480 --> 00:33:50,675 - You, I think... - No, sir, he did not. 309 00:33:50,760 --> 00:33:54,435 - You want to win, don't you? - Yes. 310 00:33:54,520 --> 00:33:59,071 I certainly do. Hell, sometimes I don't get paid unless I do. 311 00:33:59,200 --> 00:34:02,590 Which brings us back to the question of worth. 312 00:34:02,680 --> 00:34:06,116 In order to do a better job than the Son of God's attorney, 313 00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:09,829 I'll require two and a half dollars a day. 314 00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:23,908 (Mende) Who are they, do you think? 315 00:34:29,080 --> 00:34:31,913 Looks like they're going to be sick. 316 00:34:34,120 --> 00:34:38,113 (All) # Amazing grace 317 00:34:38,240 --> 00:34:40,595 # How sweet the sound... # 318 00:34:40,680 --> 00:34:42,910 (Mende) They're entertainers! 319 00:34:43,520 --> 00:34:48,196 - # That saved a wretch like me... # - But why do they look so miserable? 320 00:34:49,920 --> 00:34:53,629 # I once was lost 321 00:34:53,720 --> 00:34:58,236 # But now am found... # 322 00:35:08,160 --> 00:35:10,230 (Mende) You don't belong here. 323 00:35:10,320 --> 00:35:13,153 Your table doesn't belong here. 324 00:35:20,520 --> 00:35:23,398 (Mende) This is Temne land. 325 00:35:27,200 --> 00:35:30,954 How do you do, sir? How do you do? 326 00:35:31,040 --> 00:35:34,112 (Mende) You want to sit? Sit here in Mendeland. 327 00:35:34,440 --> 00:35:36,510 What are you doing, Temne? 328 00:35:36,880 --> 00:35:41,112 You want trouble? Cross into our territory again. 329 00:35:41,360 --> 00:35:44,716 What is this? Get this table out of here! 330 00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:47,713 Let me show you to Sherbroland. 331 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:49,677 (Arguing) 332 00:35:58,440 --> 00:36:00,317 There? 333 00:36:17,840 --> 00:36:19,910 (Speaks menacingly in Mende) 334 00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:28,160 I'm sorry. I don't understand. 335 00:36:30,080 --> 00:36:32,150 Excuse me. I... My name is Roger Baldwin. 336 00:36:32,240 --> 00:36:35,516 This is Theodore Joadson of the Anti-slavery Society 337 00:36:35,600 --> 00:36:38,512 and owner of the Forten Shipping Service. 338 00:36:38,600 --> 00:36:42,149 And this is Professor Gibbs, a linguist. 339 00:36:43,320 --> 00:36:45,117 (Mende) What do you want? 340 00:36:45,200 --> 00:36:47,839 Keep talking. Get them to talk. 341 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:51,116 Have you seen this before? 342 00:36:51,200 --> 00:36:55,512 (Mende) I could kill you with my bare hands before you raise that sword. 343 00:36:55,600 --> 00:36:58,592 - This belongs to you? - (Makes slashing sounds) 344 00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:02,075 (Gibbs makes slashing sound) 345 00:37:02,200 --> 00:37:04,077 No. 346 00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:07,478 Umm... 347 00:37:07,560 --> 00:37:10,358 I need to know where you're from. 348 00:37:10,440 --> 00:37:12,749 (Gibbs) Uh... (Speaks African dialect) 349 00:37:17,480 --> 00:37:19,357 (Mende) What did he say? 350 00:37:19,960 --> 00:37:23,191 (Mende) I didn't understand a word. It's gibberish. 351 00:37:23,280 --> 00:37:25,840 He said, I think, "Show me the map." 352 00:37:25,920 --> 00:37:28,229 (Mende) Do you think he's here to help us? 353 00:37:28,320 --> 00:37:29,878 I don't know. 354 00:37:29,960 --> 00:37:32,428 He reminds me of that Fula of Baoma. 355 00:37:32,520 --> 00:37:37,799 The one who hires himself out to scrape elephant dung from the crops. 356 00:37:38,200 --> 00:37:43,399 A dung-scraper might be just the kind of man we need right now. 357 00:37:43,880 --> 00:37:46,917 (Baldwin) Here, Africa... Is this where you're from? 358 00:37:47,000 --> 00:37:49,036 A-fri-ca. 359 00:37:49,960 --> 00:37:52,952 (Mende) What does he want? 360 00:37:53,040 --> 00:37:56,430 - (Mende) He's an idiot. - Were you born in the West Indies? 361 00:37:56,520 --> 00:38:00,479 (Spanish) Were you born in the West Indies? 362 00:38:02,240 --> 00:38:04,708 (Mende) All three of them are idiots. 363 00:38:04,800 --> 00:38:06,995 What did he say? 364 00:38:07,200 --> 00:38:11,830 Oh, he said, er... They have to go away. 365 00:38:15,720 --> 00:38:19,030 - (Shouting) - Emancipation! It's God's way! 366 00:38:19,160 --> 00:38:21,993 You cannot own another human being! 367 00:38:22,080 --> 00:38:24,878 - Killers of white men! - Slavery is tyranny! 368 00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:28,560 (Mende) It's those miserable-looking people again. 369 00:38:33,560 --> 00:38:35,835 God's blessing on you this morning. 370 00:38:35,920 --> 00:38:38,832 (Mende) I'm not afraid of you or your medicine! 371 00:38:38,920 --> 00:38:43,948 Yes. You place your hand on this book and I'll pray for you. 372 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:48,836 (Woman in crowd) They're human beings, not animals! 373 00:38:48,920 --> 00:38:51,036 (Man) Slavery will kill this country! 374 00:38:51,120 --> 00:38:52,997 (Slaves chatter) 375 00:38:55,720 --> 00:38:58,154 (Holabird) ..in the quietude of the night 376 00:38:58,240 --> 00:39:03,314 after the Spaniards attended their vespers and were in virtuous sleep, 377 00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:08,310 the savages broke loose their collars 378 00:39:08,400 --> 00:39:12,279 and stole onto the deck like creatures of prey. 379 00:39:12,360 --> 00:39:16,399 They fell upon the unsuspecting crew with these sabres and cane knives... 380 00:39:16,520 --> 00:39:20,798 - (Gasps from gallery) - I cannot overstate... 381 00:39:20,880 --> 00:39:23,235 (Mende) Have you figured out who he is? 382 00:39:24,880 --> 00:39:28,953 (Mende) An advisor of some kind. Perhaps theirs. 383 00:39:29,040 --> 00:39:30,234 ..they mutilated at least one... 384 00:39:30,320 --> 00:39:34,074 - (Mende) What about him? - The simple cook, a Creole... 385 00:39:34,160 --> 00:39:37,197 - Their own kind. - (Mende) Theirs maybe. 386 00:39:37,280 --> 00:39:39,396 But for Se�ors Ruiz and Montes, 387 00:39:39,480 --> 00:39:44,838 who steered the Amistad here under constant threat of like fate, 388 00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:48,708 we might never have heard of this massacre, this bloodbath. 389 00:39:48,800 --> 00:39:53,430 But for their bravery, these villains would have escaped justice. 390 00:39:53,520 --> 00:39:56,353 But they've not. They've not. 391 00:40:00,680 --> 00:40:02,955 (Mende) And Dung-Scraper? 392 00:40:03,920 --> 00:40:07,310 I have a horrible feeling he talks for us. 393 00:40:07,960 --> 00:40:09,951 (Whispering) 394 00:40:21,240 --> 00:40:25,119 Do you know the difference between a cow and a cabbage? 395 00:40:26,320 --> 00:40:28,390 A brick and a bear? 396 00:40:29,160 --> 00:40:33,790 Or how about... a polecat and a president? 397 00:40:36,200 --> 00:40:40,557 The Spanish government hopes you don't have much more sense than that. 398 00:40:40,640 --> 00:40:43,677 This case isn't about murder, mayhem or massacres. 399 00:40:43,800 --> 00:40:46,109 It's not about anything that dramatic. 400 00:40:46,200 --> 00:40:51,513 This case is about knowing the difference between here and there. 401 00:40:55,080 --> 00:40:57,355 I want to show you something. 402 00:41:00,200 --> 00:41:02,270 (Prisoners protest) 403 00:41:07,360 --> 00:41:09,078 Open your mouth. 404 00:41:09,160 --> 00:41:12,152 He doesn't understand. He doesn't speak English. 405 00:41:12,240 --> 00:41:14,071 Abra su boca. 406 00:41:14,160 --> 00:41:15,991 (Replies in Mende) 407 00:41:16,080 --> 00:41:20,835 Doesn't he understand? I thought he was born on a Cuban plantation? 408 00:41:20,920 --> 00:41:23,036 Perhaps he simply doesn't like you. 409 00:41:23,120 --> 00:41:25,953 He wouldn't be the first, Mr Holabird. 410 00:41:34,800 --> 00:41:37,155 (Laughs) Yes. 411 00:41:38,120 --> 00:41:43,069 What, did he learn this on some Cuban plantation, this decorative effect? 412 00:41:47,760 --> 00:41:49,637 (Mutters) 413 00:41:50,920 --> 00:41:53,878 Stand up. Stand up! 414 00:41:53,960 --> 00:41:56,838 Hey. Levantate. 415 00:41:58,440 --> 00:42:00,396 Levantate. 416 00:42:00,480 --> 00:42:03,119 - (Protests) - Levantate. 417 00:42:04,200 --> 00:42:05,997 (Sighs) 418 00:42:13,680 --> 00:42:16,433 - Stand up. - (All) Ahh! 419 00:42:17,840 --> 00:42:19,637 Thank you. 420 00:42:19,760 --> 00:42:23,639 Your Honour, I speak more Spanish, and I was born in Philadelphia. 421 00:42:23,720 --> 00:42:26,678 On Spanish plantations, slaves choose to live 422 00:42:26,760 --> 00:42:29,877 surrounded by their own ways and simple languages. 423 00:42:29,960 --> 00:42:34,476 Pray tell, what need they know of Spanish? "Fetch? Carry? Stop?" 424 00:42:34,560 --> 00:42:39,270 Gestures suffice for slaves, as for any other beast of burden. 425 00:42:39,360 --> 00:42:41,237 Your Honour... 426 00:42:41,320 --> 00:42:45,757 I represent the interests of Se�ors Ruiz and Montes. 427 00:42:45,840 --> 00:42:48,195 - I remember. - I have a bill of sale, 428 00:42:48,280 --> 00:42:51,238 issued in Havana for the purchase of slaves. 429 00:42:51,320 --> 00:42:53,072 I remember that too. 430 00:42:53,160 --> 00:42:57,438 On it, in addition to the amounts paid for each, are their names. 431 00:42:57,520 --> 00:43:02,116 Jose, Bernardo... Paco and so on. 432 00:43:02,200 --> 00:43:06,637 On behalf of my clients, I submit this document to the court. 433 00:43:14,720 --> 00:43:18,952 Mr Baldwin, you've proffered a good deal of - I'll be kind - 434 00:43:19,040 --> 00:43:21,190 circumstantial evidence. 435 00:43:21,280 --> 00:43:25,637 Have you, in addition, anything, in the order of actual documentation, 436 00:43:25,720 --> 00:43:27,517 that might refute this one, 437 00:43:27,600 --> 00:43:30,433 and so more compellingly support your claims? 438 00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:35,071 I'm sure I could manufacture some as easily as they have, Your Honour. 439 00:43:35,160 --> 00:43:37,390 What you're saying is, then, you don't. 440 00:43:37,480 --> 00:43:39,357 Is that correct? 441 00:43:47,760 --> 00:43:49,637 I have them. 442 00:43:50,200 --> 00:43:52,634 I'm afraid that does not impress me. 443 00:44:02,560 --> 00:44:04,676 I thought you did quite well. 444 00:44:04,800 --> 00:44:06,597 You do? 445 00:44:06,720 --> 00:44:10,349 Much better than I expected, to be honest. 446 00:44:10,480 --> 00:44:12,516 Well, thank you, I think. 447 00:44:12,600 --> 00:44:15,558 Although, I was concerned that you might have forgotten 448 00:44:15,680 --> 00:44:19,753 - this is just a case like any other. - You needn't worry about that. 449 00:44:19,880 --> 00:44:21,757 That's good. 450 00:44:21,840 --> 00:44:24,070 (Prisoner speaks menacingly) 451 00:44:40,120 --> 00:44:45,319 Hello, Cinque. My name is Roger Baldwin. I'll be your attorney. 452 00:44:59,760 --> 00:45:02,433 Yes. (Clears throat) Thank you. 453 00:45:04,280 --> 00:45:05,998 (Clears throat) 454 00:45:11,800 --> 00:45:13,631 All right. 455 00:45:17,840 --> 00:45:20,638 I need to prove where you're from. 456 00:45:20,720 --> 00:45:23,792 (Cinque, in Mende) You want to show them where we're from. 457 00:45:26,800 --> 00:45:29,473 How are you supposed to tell me? 458 00:45:31,920 --> 00:45:35,708 (Mende) How can I explain to you where we're from? 459 00:45:39,880 --> 00:45:41,438 (Both talk at once) 460 00:45:41,520 --> 00:45:46,548 (Baldwin) You go. (Cinque) I'm sorry, you talk first. 461 00:45:59,280 --> 00:46:03,034 Here. This is where I'm from. 462 00:46:03,120 --> 00:46:04,951 Here. This. 463 00:46:05,040 --> 00:46:09,192 All of this. All of this is... 464 00:46:09,320 --> 00:46:11,754 - is...my home. - (Mende) That's here. 465 00:46:12,600 --> 00:46:14,397 Here. 466 00:46:21,200 --> 00:46:23,430 Cuba. Cuba's an island. 467 00:46:33,720 --> 00:46:37,429 The Amistad. This is where... where you... 468 00:46:37,560 --> 00:46:41,394 where everyone...was killed. 469 00:46:41,480 --> 00:46:43,835 Here. Cuba, the Amistad. 470 00:46:43,920 --> 00:46:47,196 Now, Cuba...Is this your home? I don't think so. 471 00:46:47,280 --> 00:46:49,157 But... Excuse me... 472 00:46:53,040 --> 00:46:54,917 Now... 473 00:47:00,480 --> 00:47:02,277 Africa. 474 00:47:02,400 --> 00:47:05,233 This is your home, isn't it? 475 00:47:05,320 --> 00:47:08,790 This...is...your home. 476 00:47:08,920 --> 00:47:10,797 Yes? 477 00:47:10,880 --> 00:47:13,110 You came... 478 00:47:13,200 --> 00:47:15,031 all the way... 479 00:47:15,120 --> 00:47:16,997 from...here. 480 00:47:43,920 --> 00:47:48,596 (Cinque, in Mende) This...is how far I've come. 481 00:48:01,480 --> 00:48:03,471 (Arguing in Spanish) 482 00:48:11,920 --> 00:48:14,753 (Man) Secure the ballast, transport! 483 00:48:20,200 --> 00:48:22,111 Put your backs into it, boys. 484 00:48:22,200 --> 00:48:26,637 This is a court order granting us permission to search this vessel. 485 00:48:26,720 --> 00:48:29,029 - What did they want? - To come aboard. 486 00:48:29,120 --> 00:48:33,113 I informed them they needed to obtain one of these...an authentic one. 487 00:48:41,520 --> 00:48:43,397 Aren't you coming? 488 00:48:45,600 --> 00:48:47,352 (Arguing continues) 489 00:49:03,400 --> 00:49:05,391 (Man, distant) Heave-ho! 490 00:50:56,600 --> 00:50:59,034 (Gasping) My light! Light...? 491 00:50:59,480 --> 00:51:01,869 Light the lamp, Mr Baldwin. 492 00:51:01,960 --> 00:51:03,757 I'm trying. 493 00:51:07,000 --> 00:51:08,877 (Grunts) 494 00:51:10,200 --> 00:51:11,349 Mr Joadson! 495 00:51:12,440 --> 00:51:14,112 Here. 496 00:51:18,440 --> 00:51:20,317 Are you all right? 497 00:51:24,080 --> 00:51:25,957 (Panting) Yes. 498 00:51:33,080 --> 00:51:34,957 (Grunts) 499 00:52:04,000 --> 00:52:07,117 These papers - and I shall ask you to examine them - 500 00:52:07,200 --> 00:52:12,399 are portions of a ship's manifest I retrieved from the Amistad yesterday. 501 00:52:12,480 --> 00:52:16,837 At first glance, they may appear to bolster the prosecution's case. 502 00:52:16,920 --> 00:52:18,911 You see, they list cargo. 503 00:52:20,400 --> 00:52:24,313 Cargo bearing the Spanish names Messrs Ruiz and Montes 504 00:52:24,400 --> 00:52:26,709 insist represent my clients, 505 00:52:27,800 --> 00:52:30,678 hand-scrawled in the margins. 506 00:52:30,760 --> 00:52:35,629 But no, this is not the manifest of the Amistad at all. Look. 507 00:52:35,720 --> 00:52:40,430 This is part of the cargo manifest of a Portuguese vessel, 508 00:52:40,520 --> 00:52:44,229 the notorious transatlantic slave ship the Tecora. 509 00:52:44,360 --> 00:52:46,112 The Tecora. 510 00:52:46,200 --> 00:52:48,077 (Disgruntled murmuring) 511 00:52:48,160 --> 00:52:52,199 I can bring you as many witnesses as you wish, Mr Holabird... 512 00:52:52,280 --> 00:52:53,918 Tecora! 513 00:52:54,000 --> 00:52:58,198 Their clients trade off West Africa - the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone. 514 00:52:59,880 --> 00:53:01,950 I know what you're thinking. 515 00:53:02,040 --> 00:53:05,316 Sierra Leone is a protectorate of the British Crown. 516 00:53:05,400 --> 00:53:07,277 Slavery is outlawed there. 517 00:53:07,360 --> 00:53:10,750 Its principal port, in fact, has been re-christened "Freetown". 518 00:53:10,840 --> 00:53:13,513 How, then, can the Portuguese Tecora... 519 00:53:13,600 --> 00:53:16,512 engage in the slave trades in these waters? 520 00:53:16,640 --> 00:53:20,030 I'll tell you how. In a word... 521 00:53:22,080 --> 00:53:23,752 Illegally. 522 00:53:25,760 --> 00:53:28,638 Whatever these men say clearly matters not 523 00:53:28,720 --> 00:53:31,154 because this proves them liars. 524 00:53:31,240 --> 00:53:33,800 My clients' journey did not begin in Havana, 525 00:53:33,880 --> 00:53:37,111 as they keep claiming more and more emphatically. 526 00:53:37,200 --> 00:53:38,679 My clients' journey... 527 00:53:42,520 --> 00:53:44,829 began much, much further away. 528 00:53:57,520 --> 00:54:00,432 I underestimated you, sir! (Laughs) 529 00:54:00,520 --> 00:54:02,476 I really did! 530 00:54:02,560 --> 00:54:06,348 - I should take that as a compliment. - Oh, you should indeed, sir. 531 00:54:06,440 --> 00:54:10,797 I can't imagine there's no not reaching a favourable conclusion... 532 00:54:11,480 --> 00:54:13,311 Hey! Hey! 533 00:54:14,960 --> 00:54:16,837 A-Am I bleeding? 534 00:54:18,480 --> 00:54:20,391 There's nothing there. 535 00:54:22,320 --> 00:54:24,311 What did I do to deserve that? 536 00:54:24,440 --> 00:54:27,079 You took the case, Mr Baldwin. 537 00:54:27,560 --> 00:54:29,790 You took the case, sir. 538 00:54:30,200 --> 00:54:32,839 I should take that as a compliment. 539 00:54:33,640 --> 00:54:35,631 "As you may perceive, 540 00:54:35,720 --> 00:54:37,676 "I wish you to act promptly 541 00:54:37,760 --> 00:54:41,878 "before this matter becomes a weight on our two countries." 542 00:54:42,000 --> 00:54:43,877 Uh, "great countries." 543 00:54:44,000 --> 00:54:46,036 "Our great countries. 544 00:54:46,120 --> 00:54:49,749 "After all, the business of great countries is to do business." 545 00:54:49,840 --> 00:54:51,717 Excelente, Su Alteza. 546 00:54:51,800 --> 00:54:54,837 "Slavery is our pillar of commerce in the New World. 547 00:54:54,920 --> 00:54:59,391 "Without it, our goodwill and excellent trade relations sh..." 548 00:54:59,480 --> 00:55:02,552 - Uh, "should be imperilled." - "Should be imperilled". 549 00:55:02,640 --> 00:55:05,791 "Without it, we might have been denied the glory 550 00:55:05,880 --> 00:55:09,077 "of aiding you in your rebellion against the British. 551 00:55:09,160 --> 00:55:13,199 "As slave-owning nations, we must together stand firm. 552 00:55:14,480 --> 00:55:18,268 "Speak the words of humaneness for the masses of your citizens, 553 00:55:18,360 --> 00:55:21,955 "but hold tightly to the power that protects them. 554 00:55:22,080 --> 00:55:24,674 "That power, of course, is their wealth. 555 00:55:24,760 --> 00:55:28,070 "The Africans must never go free. 556 00:55:28,160 --> 00:55:30,628 "With sincerest admiration, 557 00:55:30,720 --> 00:55:34,235 "Isabella II, Queen of all of Spain." 558 00:55:34,320 --> 00:55:39,155 I am not about to bend to the will of some pubescent queen. 559 00:55:39,240 --> 00:55:42,277 Forget about them. They're unimportant. 560 00:55:42,360 --> 00:55:44,874 - Prepubescent. - You need to concern yourself 561 00:55:45,000 --> 00:55:47,798 with what this matter means here, not an ocean away. 562 00:55:47,880 --> 00:55:49,711 Someone should tell me what it means! 563 00:55:49,800 --> 00:55:52,917 Leder, you yourself said it was meaningless. 564 00:55:53,000 --> 00:55:55,070 Well, not any more. 565 00:55:55,640 --> 00:55:57,517 (Sighs) 566 00:55:57,600 --> 00:56:00,990 - John Calhoun paid me a visit. - Oh, God. 567 00:56:01,120 --> 00:56:04,999 To explain to me why this case is of much greater import... 568 00:56:05,120 --> 00:56:09,238 - much greater symbolism, to use his word - to the South than the North. 569 00:56:09,320 --> 00:56:11,550 If the Africans are executed, 570 00:56:11,640 --> 00:56:14,677 the abolitionists will make good use of it. 571 00:56:14,760 --> 00:56:17,149 And yes, they will make some converts. 572 00:56:17,240 --> 00:56:19,470 If, on the other hand, they are freed, 573 00:56:19,560 --> 00:56:23,951 Calhoun says the Southern states will so ally themselves against you 574 00:56:24,040 --> 00:56:26,315 that you can forget about re-election. 575 00:56:26,400 --> 00:56:30,598 - (Tuts) Over this? - It's worse than that. 576 00:56:30,720 --> 00:56:32,915 Worse? What could be worse than that? 577 00:56:33,000 --> 00:56:36,356 Calhoun believes, and I am not sure I can disagree with him, 578 00:56:36,440 --> 00:56:40,797 that this could take us all one long step closer to civil war. 579 00:56:40,920 --> 00:56:44,230 - This? - Yes, Mr President. 580 00:56:44,320 --> 00:56:46,993 But all is not lost. 581 00:56:47,080 --> 00:56:50,789 The jury appears likely to free them, but juries can be dismissed. 582 00:56:53,560 --> 00:56:54,788 They can? 583 00:56:55,840 --> 00:56:59,549 But I believe we must go further and remove the judge. 584 00:56:59,640 --> 00:57:01,517 (Van Buren) We can do that? 585 00:57:02,120 --> 00:57:06,671 (Leder) He could be prevailed upon to recuse himself for various reasons. 586 00:57:06,760 --> 00:57:08,318 With that in mind, 587 00:57:08,400 --> 00:57:11,392 I've taken the liberty of exploring possible replacements. 588 00:57:11,480 --> 00:57:14,950 I've found one I strongly believe to be better. 589 00:57:15,920 --> 00:57:20,118 He's young, which means he has a career before him rather than behind, 590 00:57:20,200 --> 00:57:22,270 he has yet to feel the hankering 591 00:57:22,360 --> 00:57:25,636 for magnanimous last gestures for the sake of posterity. 592 00:57:25,760 --> 00:57:28,194 And he is monumentally insecure, 593 00:57:28,280 --> 00:57:31,670 particularly about his Catholic heritage. 594 00:57:31,760 --> 00:57:34,832 - He's Catholic?! - His grandfather was Catholic, 595 00:57:34,920 --> 00:57:39,038 which young Mr Coglin has striven all his days to keep quiet. 596 00:57:39,120 --> 00:57:40,997 (Man) Mr President, Judge Coglin. 597 00:57:41,080 --> 00:57:44,117 (Van Buren) Judge Coglin, we are so pleased to meet you. 598 00:57:44,200 --> 00:57:45,758 Thank you so much for coming. 599 00:58:06,960 --> 00:58:09,155 I've been reading in the papers 600 00:58:09,240 --> 00:58:13,836 the continuing saga of the, uh, Amistad. 601 00:58:13,960 --> 00:58:15,871 Real papers. 602 00:58:15,960 --> 00:58:18,713 (Chuckles) Real papers. Yes, sir. 603 00:58:20,200 --> 00:58:24,955 (Tuts) Yes. Bad luck, this last unfolding chapter. 604 00:58:25,200 --> 00:58:27,350 What to do now, eh? 605 00:58:27,440 --> 00:58:30,716 Which is why I came here and imposed on you, sir. 606 00:58:30,800 --> 00:58:33,598 No imposition...really. 607 00:58:34,720 --> 00:58:36,597 (Sighs) Yeah. 608 00:58:39,200 --> 00:58:41,714 How did that, uh... 609 00:58:41,840 --> 00:58:45,116 How did that young lawyer take the news? 610 00:58:45,240 --> 00:58:47,913 Oh, in stride, sir. In stride. 611 00:58:48,040 --> 00:58:52,113 The thing is, sir, he did everything right. 612 00:58:52,240 --> 00:58:54,390 - He proved the case. - Did he? 613 00:58:54,520 --> 00:58:57,114 Oh, yes, sir. Surprisingly, he did. 614 00:58:57,200 --> 00:58:59,873 Hmm. Good. 615 00:59:00,000 --> 00:59:02,195 Well, he'll just have to do it again, then. 616 00:59:02,280 --> 00:59:05,511 Like most things, it should be easier second time around. 617 00:59:06,640 --> 00:59:10,394 Well, I'm afraid it doesn't matter what he does now, sir. 618 00:59:10,520 --> 00:59:14,399 Rumour has it our next judge was hand-picked by Van Buren himself. 619 00:59:14,480 --> 00:59:16,357 No! 620 00:59:18,360 --> 00:59:22,319 I'm embarrassed to admit that I was under the misconception 621 00:59:22,400 --> 00:59:25,836 that our executive and judicial branches were separate. 622 00:59:25,920 --> 00:59:28,639 No more so than these, Mr Joadson. 623 00:59:29,640 --> 00:59:31,517 No more so than these. 624 00:59:34,440 --> 00:59:37,238 - So now you know. - Yes. 625 00:59:37,320 --> 00:59:39,151 - Sir? - Yeah? 626 00:59:39,240 --> 00:59:42,232 Mr President, if it was you handling the case...? 627 00:59:42,320 --> 00:59:44,959 Well, it isn't me. And thank God for that. 628 00:59:45,040 --> 00:59:46,917 (Rings bell) 629 00:59:47,800 --> 00:59:50,678 - But if it was, sir, - Huh? 630 00:59:50,760 --> 00:59:52,637 What would you do? 631 01:00:00,200 --> 01:00:03,317 Well, when I was an attorney, 632 01:00:03,440 --> 01:00:06,716 a long time ago, young man, 633 01:00:06,840 --> 01:00:11,038 I, er... I realised after much trial and error, 634 01:00:11,160 --> 01:00:17,110 that in a courtroom, whoever tells the best story wins. 635 01:00:19,080 --> 01:00:24,313 In unlawyer-like fashion, I give you that scrap of wisdom free of charge. 636 01:00:28,200 --> 01:00:30,509 I'm much obliged for your time, sir. 637 01:00:33,000 --> 01:00:35,992 What is their story, by the way? 638 01:00:37,800 --> 01:00:41,509 - Sir? - What is their story? 639 01:00:43,240 --> 01:00:45,754 Why, they're, um... 640 01:00:48,400 --> 01:00:50,356 from West Africa. 641 01:00:50,440 --> 01:00:54,069 No. What is their story? 642 01:01:02,200 --> 01:01:06,352 Mr Joadson, you're from where originally? 643 01:01:06,480 --> 01:01:09,074 Why, Georgia, sir. 644 01:01:09,200 --> 01:01:11,236 - Georgia. - Yes, sir. 645 01:01:11,360 --> 01:01:13,351 Does that sum up what you are? 646 01:01:13,480 --> 01:01:16,995 A Georgian? Is that your story? 647 01:01:17,080 --> 01:01:20,516 No. You're an ex-slave 648 01:01:20,600 --> 01:01:23,398 who's devoted his life to the abolition of slavery, 649 01:01:23,480 --> 01:01:28,190 overcoming great hardships along the way, I should imagine. 650 01:01:28,280 --> 01:01:31,033 That's your story, isn't it? 651 01:01:37,280 --> 01:01:40,113 (Laughs) 652 01:01:40,200 --> 01:01:45,035 You and this young so-called lawyer have proven you know what they are. 653 01:01:45,120 --> 01:01:47,873 They're Africans. Congratulations. 654 01:01:48,000 --> 01:01:53,154 What you don't know, and haven't bothered in the least to discover, 655 01:01:53,240 --> 01:01:55,037 is who they are. 656 01:01:57,960 --> 01:01:59,757 Right? 657 01:02:12,960 --> 01:02:15,997 Seven. (Translates into Mende) 658 01:02:16,120 --> 01:02:18,873 Eight. (Continues translating) 659 01:02:20,280 --> 01:02:22,350 Number nine... 660 01:02:22,440 --> 01:02:24,271 and ten. 661 01:02:24,360 --> 01:02:27,477 Now, how about you, Mr Baldwin? 662 01:02:27,600 --> 01:02:30,034 Would you like to count from one to ten? 663 01:02:30,120 --> 01:02:32,350 One to ten in Mende. 664 01:02:33,560 --> 01:02:35,835 - One. - Ta. 665 01:02:35,920 --> 01:02:37,751 - Two. - Fele. 666 01:02:37,880 --> 01:02:39,916 - Three. - Sawa. 667 01:02:40,040 --> 01:02:42,998 - Four. - Nanee. 668 01:02:43,200 --> 01:02:44,997 Right. Five. 669 01:02:45,080 --> 01:02:46,957 Lorlu. 670 01:02:48,360 --> 01:02:50,749 (Joadson speaks in Mende) 671 01:02:51,800 --> 01:02:53,677 (Laughs) 672 01:02:54,600 --> 01:02:57,797 (Counts in Mende) 673 01:03:01,840 --> 01:03:05,435 (Trader) Fresh fruit! Straight from the Caribbean! 674 01:03:05,520 --> 01:03:07,590 (Attempts to speak Mende) 675 01:03:13,360 --> 01:03:16,193 (Counts in Mende) 676 01:03:18,520 --> 01:03:23,116 (Baldwin) Sawa, nanee, lorlu... (Soldiers laugh) 677 01:03:23,200 --> 01:03:25,270 (Continues to count in Mende) 678 01:03:48,640 --> 01:03:50,710 (Mournful groaning) 679 01:03:56,320 --> 01:03:58,515 (Speaks Mende) 680 01:04:04,240 --> 01:04:07,038 (Chanting) 681 01:04:28,200 --> 01:04:31,954 - What's happened here? - One of them died last night. 682 01:04:32,040 --> 01:04:34,838 We tried to take the body away to bury it. 683 01:04:34,920 --> 01:04:37,388 What do they want? They want to live with it? 684 01:04:39,240 --> 01:04:41,276 (Chanting intensifies) 685 01:04:53,160 --> 01:04:54,991 They want to bury him. 686 01:04:55,080 --> 01:04:58,231 They have to bury him according to their Poro beliefs. 687 01:04:58,320 --> 01:05:00,436 Otherwise, his soul will haunt them. 688 01:05:09,520 --> 01:05:13,638 # The house of Thine abode 689 01:05:13,760 --> 01:05:18,436 # With His own precious son... # 690 01:05:18,560 --> 01:05:21,313 (Singing and chanting) 691 01:05:25,120 --> 01:05:27,953 # The house of Thine abode 692 01:05:28,080 --> 01:05:31,072 # The church of blessed redeemers... # 693 01:05:31,200 --> 01:05:33,668 If I were you, if I ran this place, 694 01:05:33,760 --> 01:05:37,912 I'd set protocol aside just this once and let them bury him. 695 01:05:38,040 --> 01:05:41,874 # I love Thy kingdom, Lord... # 696 01:05:42,000 --> 01:05:44,673 I was thinking the same thing. 697 01:06:01,120 --> 01:06:02,997 (Prisoners shout) 698 01:06:35,120 --> 01:06:39,875 (Mende) My name is Kai Nyagua... and James Covey. 699 01:06:40,280 --> 01:06:44,114 I speak Mende and English, his language. 700 01:06:44,360 --> 01:06:49,195 You and he will talk to each other through me. 701 01:06:51,240 --> 01:06:54,789 - The clothes? - And the names. 702 01:06:54,880 --> 01:06:57,872 I was rescued off a slave ship by the British Navy. 703 01:06:57,960 --> 01:07:00,315 I never went back. 704 01:07:04,520 --> 01:07:06,590 (Baldwin) A problem has arisen. 705 01:07:06,680 --> 01:07:08,238 (Translates into Mende) 706 01:07:08,360 --> 01:07:10,920 The judge we had, who believed, I believe, 707 01:07:11,000 --> 01:07:14,754 that you should be freed, has been dismissed. 708 01:07:14,840 --> 01:07:18,276 A new judge has been called upon to hear the case, 709 01:07:18,360 --> 01:07:20,112 this time without a jury. 710 01:07:20,200 --> 01:07:22,191 (Translates) 711 01:07:29,720 --> 01:07:32,951 How is that possible? A chief cannot be replaced. 712 01:07:33,040 --> 01:07:36,350 I can't explain it in any way that you would understand, Cinque. 713 01:07:36,440 --> 01:07:40,319 Or me, for that matter. Only that, well, it has happened. 714 01:07:40,400 --> 01:07:42,755 (Translates) 715 01:07:46,760 --> 01:07:51,436 I am not a great orator or advisor, Cinque. 716 01:07:51,560 --> 01:07:54,074 I'm not a big man in my profession. 717 01:07:54,160 --> 01:07:59,109 I don't know if I alone can convince this next judge to set you free. 718 01:08:00,080 --> 01:08:02,150 I need your help. 719 01:08:04,160 --> 01:08:08,278 When we go to court, I need you to speak. 720 01:08:11,200 --> 01:08:12,997 (Speaks Mende) 721 01:08:14,080 --> 01:08:17,152 (Covey) I'm not an advisor of any kind. 722 01:08:17,240 --> 01:08:19,515 I cannot speak for the others. 723 01:08:19,600 --> 01:08:21,875 Cinque, the others, they say you can. 724 01:08:21,960 --> 01:08:25,236 They say you're the big man here. 725 01:08:25,320 --> 01:08:28,949 - (Whispers reply) - (Covey) I am not. 726 01:08:34,800 --> 01:08:36,870 What's this I hear about a lion? 727 01:08:36,960 --> 01:08:39,872 (Covey translates) 728 01:08:40,000 --> 01:08:43,310 They say you alone - alone, Cinque - 729 01:08:43,400 --> 01:08:46,836 slew the most terrifying beast anyone has ever seen. 730 01:08:46,920 --> 01:08:48,956 Is it not true? 731 01:09:28,800 --> 01:09:31,109 (Speaks Mende) 732 01:09:31,200 --> 01:09:33,953 (Covey) It had killed several people. 733 01:09:36,360 --> 01:09:38,999 Even hunters among us. 734 01:09:39,280 --> 01:09:41,794 Everyone, including me, was afraid. 735 01:09:44,040 --> 01:09:48,192 I was lying down with my family, when out of nowhere it appeared. 736 01:09:49,280 --> 01:09:51,236 As it came for me, 737 01:09:52,200 --> 01:09:55,510 I picked up this big rock and I threw it. 738 01:09:59,520 --> 01:10:04,036 And by some miracle, you see, I hit it. 739 01:10:07,400 --> 01:10:10,039 He don't know how that killed it, but it did. 740 01:10:13,800 --> 01:10:16,439 (Chuckles) A rock. 741 01:10:20,000 --> 01:10:21,877 A rock. 742 01:10:36,680 --> 01:10:38,671 (Whispers in Mende) 743 01:10:41,120 --> 01:10:45,272 (Covey) I received the gratitude of everyone in the village. 744 01:10:50,040 --> 01:10:52,315 I was given respect. 745 01:10:55,120 --> 01:10:57,873 They treated me as if I was a prince. 746 01:11:01,840 --> 01:11:04,638 They gave me the fine country cloth. 747 01:11:14,200 --> 01:11:17,112 All these things they gave me, I took them all. 748 01:11:21,760 --> 01:11:24,149 But I knew I didn't deserve it. 749 01:11:29,880 --> 01:11:34,510 For when I threw that rock at that beast... If I had missed him... 750 01:11:34,600 --> 01:11:38,195 He said he wouldn't be here trying to explain these things. 751 01:11:38,280 --> 01:11:39,759 He'd just be dead. 752 01:11:44,960 --> 01:11:46,757 Understand? 753 01:11:52,400 --> 01:11:54,197 Understand? 754 01:12:08,200 --> 01:12:10,077 I'm not a big man. 755 01:12:11,920 --> 01:12:13,797 Just a lucky one. 756 01:12:22,560 --> 01:12:26,792 I might agree with you, Cinque, except you're forgetting something. 757 01:12:26,920 --> 01:12:29,309 (Covey translates) 758 01:12:31,480 --> 01:12:33,357 The other lion. 759 01:12:36,560 --> 01:12:38,949 The Amistad, Cinque. The insurrection. 760 01:12:39,040 --> 01:12:41,554 That too was an accident? I hardly think so. 761 01:12:41,640 --> 01:12:43,517 (Translates) 762 01:12:47,600 --> 01:12:49,477 That wasn't bravery. 763 01:12:56,080 --> 01:12:59,390 Any man would do the same to get back to his family. 764 01:12:59,520 --> 01:13:01,556 You yourself would do it. 765 01:13:12,400 --> 01:13:14,675 Someone said that might be yours. 766 01:13:14,760 --> 01:13:16,239 (Covey translates) 767 01:13:20,200 --> 01:13:22,111 (Covey translates) 'My wife gave it to me.' 768 01:13:30,800 --> 01:13:32,870 'To keep me safe.' 769 01:13:33,680 --> 01:13:35,955 Cinque... 770 01:13:36,080 --> 01:13:38,958 I need you to tell me how you got here. 771 01:13:39,080 --> 01:13:40,957 (Covey translates) 772 01:13:50,320 --> 01:13:52,311 (Chattering) 773 01:13:56,920 --> 01:13:58,797 (Cinque shouts) 774 01:14:10,680 --> 01:14:12,910 I'll hit you in the head again if you talk. 775 01:14:13,000 --> 01:14:15,594 I'll share the profit of my harvest. I'll... 776 01:15:05,640 --> 01:15:07,517 (Shouting in Spanish) 777 01:15:12,440 --> 01:15:14,795 (Speaking Spanish) 778 01:15:40,880 --> 01:15:42,757 (Shouting in Spanish) 779 01:15:54,360 --> 01:15:56,430 (Screaming and yelling) 780 01:16:04,800 --> 01:16:06,870 (Sobbing) 781 01:16:09,960 --> 01:16:11,837 (Thunder) 782 01:16:34,440 --> 01:16:36,317 (Baby cries) 783 01:17:12,160 --> 01:17:14,037 (Anguished cries) 784 01:17:23,800 --> 01:17:25,677 (Sailors chatter) 785 01:17:51,560 --> 01:17:53,437 (Whip cracking) 786 01:18:05,400 --> 01:18:07,277 (Whip cracks) 787 01:18:37,800 --> 01:18:39,677 (Shouting) 788 01:18:51,600 --> 01:18:55,354 (Spanish) This one's sick, don't give him any! 789 01:19:03,440 --> 01:19:05,237 (Spanish) Her! 790 01:19:05,320 --> 01:19:07,197 Not her! 791 01:19:07,560 --> 01:19:09,437 Her! 792 01:19:35,360 --> 01:19:36,759 Abrala. 793 01:19:48,000 --> 01:19:49,877 (Screaming) 794 01:20:12,480 --> 01:20:14,152 (Woman Screams) 795 01:20:32,240 --> 01:20:34,117 (Shouting in Spanish) 796 01:20:46,440 --> 01:20:48,271 (Speaking Spanish) 797 01:21:33,000 --> 01:21:35,468 (Chattering in Spanish) 798 01:21:39,440 --> 01:21:41,396 (Speaks Spanish) 799 01:21:57,400 --> 01:21:59,914 Negro Bernardo. 800 01:22:00,080 --> 01:22:01,957 Bernardo. 801 01:22:03,240 --> 01:22:05,117 Abajo! Todos abajo! 802 01:22:32,880 --> 01:22:34,871 (Speaks Mende) 803 01:22:37,280 --> 01:22:39,748 (Covey) I wanted to kill them too. 804 01:22:39,840 --> 01:22:41,831 (Cinque, in Mende) 805 01:22:41,920 --> 01:22:46,391 For they convinced some of us that they would take us back home. 806 01:22:52,200 --> 01:22:54,077 Thank you, sir. 807 01:23:01,360 --> 01:23:02,759 Mr Holabird. 808 01:23:08,320 --> 01:23:10,197 Quite a tale. 809 01:23:10,280 --> 01:23:12,475 Intrigue, abduction, 810 01:23:12,560 --> 01:23:15,597 courage in the face of unspeakable suffering. 811 01:23:15,680 --> 01:23:19,070 And all true. All right. Now tell me if this is true. 812 01:23:19,160 --> 01:23:23,517 Some tribes in Africa, for hundreds of years - thousands, perhaps - 813 01:23:23,600 --> 01:23:25,477 have owned slaves. 814 01:23:28,680 --> 01:23:30,557 Translate. 815 01:23:30,880 --> 01:23:32,791 (Covey translates) 816 01:23:37,760 --> 01:23:38,875 Yes. 817 01:23:38,960 --> 01:23:42,999 Under what circumstances might one become a slave among the Mende, 818 01:23:43,080 --> 01:23:45,196 of which you claim to belong? 819 01:23:46,560 --> 01:23:48,437 Translate. 820 01:23:48,680 --> 01:23:50,716 (Covey translates) 821 01:23:56,520 --> 01:23:58,636 Wars, debts. 822 01:23:58,720 --> 01:24:02,838 Oh, I see. And how many men are indebted to you ? 823 01:24:02,920 --> 01:24:04,990 (Covey) I don't think you do see. 824 01:24:05,080 --> 01:24:07,878 Mr Holabird is trying to intimidate my colleague. 825 01:24:07,960 --> 01:24:10,633 The Mende word for "slave" is closer to "worker". 826 01:24:10,720 --> 01:24:14,918 Do these workers own the land they work on? Do they receive wages? 827 01:24:15,000 --> 01:24:18,515 Are these workers free to not work for you, if they so choose? 828 01:24:18,600 --> 01:24:20,477 He's questioning the translator! 829 01:24:20,560 --> 01:24:23,154 The translator is answering for the witness. 830 01:24:23,240 --> 01:24:26,277 - The witness isn't getting a chance! - Mr Baldwin! 831 01:24:26,360 --> 01:24:30,990 Fine, Mr Baldwin! Slavery, indentured servitude. 832 01:24:31,080 --> 01:24:34,834 Whatever they want to call it, the concept is the same. 833 01:24:34,920 --> 01:24:37,718 Now, he is familiar with the concept. 834 01:24:37,800 --> 01:24:41,918 When you come down to it, it's all about money, isn't it? 835 01:24:42,000 --> 01:24:45,151 Slaves, production, money. I mean, that's the idea of it. 836 01:24:45,240 --> 01:24:48,073 Whether it's here or there. I'm confused. 837 01:24:50,320 --> 01:24:54,996 Do your people routinely slaughter their slaves 838 01:24:55,080 --> 01:24:58,550 in the manner that you just so vividly described to us? 839 01:24:58,640 --> 01:25:00,756 (Covey translates) 840 01:25:00,840 --> 01:25:04,992 Of course they don't. What would be the point of that? 841 01:25:05,080 --> 01:25:12,111 Killing your own slaves is like burning down your own hut, isn't it? 842 01:25:13,280 --> 01:25:15,555 How do you explain that paradox? 843 01:25:15,640 --> 01:25:17,551 (Translates) 844 01:25:21,000 --> 01:25:23,753 I don't understand what you mean. 845 01:25:23,840 --> 01:25:26,798 Sure you do. As does everyone here. 846 01:25:26,880 --> 01:25:31,635 The behaviour you attribute to your tormentors - your victims - 847 01:25:31,720 --> 01:25:35,110 and therefore every other aspect of your testimony, 848 01:25:35,200 --> 01:25:38,237 makes no sense. 849 01:25:39,600 --> 01:25:42,068 - Not even to you. - (Covey translates) 850 01:25:42,160 --> 01:25:46,392 But thank you. Like all good works of fiction, it was entertaining. 851 01:25:46,480 --> 01:25:48,357 Nothing more. 852 01:25:48,560 --> 01:25:51,438 (Speaks Mende, angrily) 853 01:25:58,520 --> 01:26:00,397 (Baldwin) Captain Fitzgerald, 854 01:26:00,480 --> 01:26:03,233 please explain your duties in Her Majesty's navy. 855 01:26:03,320 --> 01:26:06,073 To patrol the Ivory Coast for slave ships. 856 01:26:06,200 --> 01:26:07,997 Because? 857 01:26:08,080 --> 01:26:11,470 Because slavery is banned in British law, sir. 858 01:26:11,560 --> 01:26:15,633 Yet the abduction of men from the British protectorate of Sierra Leone 859 01:26:15,720 --> 01:26:19,395 and their illegal transportation is not unheard of, is it? 860 01:26:19,480 --> 01:26:22,995 Not even unusual, regrettably. 861 01:26:23,080 --> 01:26:28,154 What, if anything, in his account of his ordeal, do you find believable? 862 01:26:29,160 --> 01:26:33,278 His description of the slave fortress, for one thing. 863 01:26:33,360 --> 01:26:35,237 There is such a place. 864 01:26:35,320 --> 01:26:37,709 You've seen it? 865 01:26:37,800 --> 01:26:40,030 No, sir. We've not managed to locate it, 866 01:26:40,160 --> 01:26:43,038 but there is overwhelming evidence that it is real. 867 01:26:43,120 --> 01:26:45,953 What evidence, exactly? Rumour? 868 01:26:46,880 --> 01:26:48,757 Reports. 869 01:26:49,200 --> 01:26:53,432 By "reports" you mean of the variety Cinque shared with us today? 870 01:26:53,520 --> 01:26:57,752 Its existence, sir, has been reported. 871 01:26:57,840 --> 01:27:00,559 Cinque describes the cold-blooded murder 872 01:27:00,640 --> 01:27:03,200 of many of the people on board the Tecora. 873 01:27:03,280 --> 01:27:06,511 Mr Holabird sees this as a paradox. Do you, sir? 874 01:27:06,600 --> 01:27:11,116 Often when slavers are intercepted, or believe they may be, 875 01:27:11,200 --> 01:27:13,953 they simply throw all their prisoners overboard 876 01:27:14,080 --> 01:27:17,117 and thereby rid themselves of the evidence of their crime. 877 01:27:17,200 --> 01:27:21,557 - Drown hundreds of people? - Yes. 878 01:27:21,640 --> 01:27:24,757 It hardly seems a lucrative business to me, 879 01:27:24,840 --> 01:27:29,356 going to all that trouble rounding men up only to throw them overboard. 880 01:27:29,440 --> 01:27:31,510 No, it's very lucrative. 881 01:27:32,320 --> 01:27:36,313 If only we could corroborate Cinque's story somehow with... 882 01:27:38,280 --> 01:27:40,396 with evidence of some kind. 883 01:27:40,520 --> 01:27:42,431 The inventory. 884 01:27:46,920 --> 01:27:49,798 This? From the Tecora? 885 01:27:49,880 --> 01:27:53,270 If you look, there's a notation made on May 10, 886 01:27:53,360 --> 01:27:57,478 correcting the number of slaves on board, reducing their number by 50. 887 01:27:57,600 --> 01:27:59,636 (Baldwin) What does that mean? 888 01:27:59,720 --> 01:28:03,156 If you look at it in conjunction with Cinque's testimony, 889 01:28:03,240 --> 01:28:05,151 I would say that it means this: 890 01:28:05,280 --> 01:28:07,510 The crew greatly underestimated 891 01:28:07,600 --> 01:28:10,751 the amount of provisions required for their journey, 892 01:28:10,840 --> 01:28:13,752 and solved the problem by throwing 50 people overboard. 893 01:29:00,480 --> 01:29:02,914 I'm looking at the inventory, Captain, 894 01:29:03,000 --> 01:29:06,117 and I'm sorry, I don't see where it says, 895 01:29:06,200 --> 01:29:08,794 "This morning, we threw 50 slaves overboard." 896 01:29:08,920 --> 01:29:10,831 On May 10 or any other day. 897 01:29:10,960 --> 01:29:13,269 As of course you would not. 898 01:29:25,800 --> 01:29:29,031 I do see that the cargo weight changed. 899 01:29:29,120 --> 01:29:32,396 They reduced the poundage, I see, but that is all. 900 01:29:47,400 --> 01:29:50,312 It's simple, ghastly arithmetic. 901 01:29:50,400 --> 01:29:53,472 Well, for you, perhaps. 902 01:29:53,600 --> 01:29:57,513 I may need a quill and parchment and a better imagination. 903 01:29:57,600 --> 01:30:02,230 And what poundage do you imagine the entry may refer to, sir? 904 01:30:03,040 --> 01:30:05,110 A mast and sails, perhaps? 905 01:30:06,440 --> 01:30:09,591 (Cinque) Give us...us...free. 906 01:30:13,560 --> 01:30:16,358 Give...us... 907 01:30:16,480 --> 01:30:18,436 free. 908 01:30:20,200 --> 01:30:21,394 Give us, us free. 909 01:30:26,280 --> 01:30:30,478 Give...us...free. 910 01:30:31,680 --> 01:30:34,148 Your Honour, please instruct the defendant 911 01:30:34,280 --> 01:30:36,794 not to disrupt proceedings with such outbursts. 912 01:30:36,880 --> 01:30:39,519 Give us, us free! 913 01:30:40,280 --> 01:30:43,272 If we are to have any semblance of order in court... 914 01:30:43,360 --> 01:30:47,148 Give us, us free! Give us, us free! 915 01:30:47,280 --> 01:30:50,158 He cannot keep crying out "Give us free"... 916 01:30:50,240 --> 01:30:51,958 Give us, us free! 917 01:30:52,080 --> 01:30:54,435 ..while I am questioning this witness! 918 01:30:54,560 --> 01:30:56,790 GIVE US, US FREE! 919 01:30:58,920 --> 01:31:01,514 GIVE US, US FREE! 920 01:31:59,600 --> 01:32:04,355 (Mende) You don't have to pretend to be interested in that. 921 01:32:04,880 --> 01:32:07,030 Nobody's watching but me. 922 01:32:08,040 --> 01:32:12,795 I'm not pretending. I'm beginning to understand it. 923 01:32:26,840 --> 01:32:29,195 Their people have suffered more than ours. 924 01:32:29,280 --> 01:32:31,271 Their lives were full of suffering. 925 01:32:33,920 --> 01:32:39,233 Then he was born and everything changed. 926 01:32:46,440 --> 01:32:48,271 Who is he? 927 01:32:48,360 --> 01:32:53,275 I don't know, but everywhere he goes he is followed by the sun. 928 01:33:01,680 --> 01:33:05,150 Here he is healing people with his hands. 929 01:33:10,680 --> 01:33:12,557 Protecting them... 930 01:33:18,040 --> 01:33:19,996 Being given children... 931 01:33:29,240 --> 01:33:31,117 What's this? 932 01:33:31,560 --> 01:33:34,518 He could also walk across the sea. 933 01:33:40,360 --> 01:33:42,954 But then something happened. 934 01:33:44,440 --> 01:33:48,479 He was captured. Accused of some crime. 935 01:33:48,960 --> 01:33:51,793 Here he is with his hands tied. 936 01:33:55,840 --> 01:34:00,755 - He must have done something. - Why? What did we do? 937 01:34:01,320 --> 01:34:03,197 Whatever it was, 938 01:34:05,000 --> 01:34:08,072 it was serious enough to kill him for it. 939 01:34:08,160 --> 01:34:11,550 Do you want to see how they killed him? 940 01:34:19,200 --> 01:34:21,236 This is just a story, Yamba. 941 01:34:21,480 --> 01:34:24,313 But look. That's not the end of it. 942 01:34:28,440 --> 01:34:32,956 His people took his body down from this...thing...this... 943 01:34:38,720 --> 01:34:40,597 (Prays in Latin) 944 01:34:42,560 --> 01:34:48,271 (Mende) They took him into a cave. They wrapped him in a cloth, like us. 945 01:34:49,320 --> 01:34:53,871 They thought he was dead, but he appeared before his people again 946 01:34:53,960 --> 01:34:55,552 and spoke to them. 947 01:34:57,800 --> 01:35:03,352 Then, finally...he rose into the sky. 948 01:35:04,760 --> 01:35:07,035 (Judge continues Latin prayer) 949 01:35:15,320 --> 01:35:19,108 This is where the soul goes when you die. 950 01:35:23,400 --> 01:35:27,757 This is where we're going when they kill us. 951 01:35:32,200 --> 01:35:34,077 It doesn't look so bad. 952 01:36:16,600 --> 01:36:19,637 (Mende) Baukei... Hold your head up. 953 01:36:52,400 --> 01:36:53,833 (Bailiff) All rise. 954 01:37:04,520 --> 01:37:06,397 (Door opens) 955 01:37:51,720 --> 01:37:55,508 After careful review and thorough reflection, 956 01:37:56,920 --> 01:38:01,357 I find it impossible to deny the power of the government's position. 957 01:38:03,600 --> 01:38:07,957 There is no doubt in my mind that District Attorney Holabird, 958 01:38:08,040 --> 01:38:11,953 Her Catholic Majesty Isabella of Spain 959 01:38:12,040 --> 01:38:15,510 and her trusted minister Se�or Calderon 960 01:38:15,600 --> 01:38:21,391 have all proceeded with the utmost faith in the soundness of their case. 961 01:38:24,440 --> 01:38:29,150 I also believe that Se�ors Ruiz and Montes 962 01:38:29,240 --> 01:38:35,554 may have...misrepresented the origin of the prisoners, 963 01:38:36,880 --> 01:38:40,589 an issue which weighs crucially upon their fate, 964 01:38:40,680 --> 01:38:43,148 and that of the Spaniards as well. 965 01:38:49,000 --> 01:38:51,912 Were they born in Africa? 966 01:38:58,800 --> 01:39:01,189 Since the answer to that question 967 01:39:01,280 --> 01:39:05,637 shall govern every determination of this court, I ask it again. 968 01:39:08,320 --> 01:39:10,788 Were they born in Africa? 969 01:39:24,200 --> 01:39:26,077 I believe they were. 970 01:39:26,160 --> 01:39:28,037 (Murmuring) 971 01:39:32,520 --> 01:39:37,719 As such, Her Catholic Majesty's claims of ownership have no merit. 972 01:39:37,800 --> 01:39:39,631 (Murmuring) 973 01:39:39,720 --> 01:39:43,759 Neither do those for salvage made by Lieutenants Mead and Gedney. 974 01:39:45,680 --> 01:39:50,993 I hereby order the arrest of Se�ors Ruiz and Montes... 975 01:39:51,120 --> 01:39:53,554 (Cheering and shouting) 976 01:39:53,640 --> 01:39:55,232 ..by federal mar... 977 01:39:55,320 --> 01:40:01,190 by federal marshals on the charge of slave-trading! 978 01:40:01,280 --> 01:40:03,157 (Cheering and applause) 979 01:40:06,080 --> 01:40:08,548 The release of the Africans 980 01:40:08,720 --> 01:40:11,712 and their conveyance by this government 981 01:40:11,800 --> 01:40:14,075 at her earliest convenience and expense 982 01:40:14,160 --> 01:40:16,674 back to their homes in Africa! 983 01:40:16,760 --> 01:40:18,637 Yes! 984 01:40:26,560 --> 01:40:30,109 We've done it, Joadson! We've done it! Yes! 985 01:40:30,240 --> 01:40:32,754 Covey, tell them! Tell them now! 986 01:40:32,840 --> 01:40:36,116 (Sobbing and chanting) 987 01:40:36,200 --> 01:40:38,077 (All chant) 988 01:40:39,720 --> 01:40:41,597 Look at 'em! 989 01:41:34,840 --> 01:41:37,752 What's most bewildering to Her Majesty 990 01:41:37,840 --> 01:41:41,833 is this arrogant independence of the American courts. 991 01:41:41,920 --> 01:41:45,629 After all, if you cannot rule the courts, you cannot rule. 992 01:41:45,720 --> 01:41:48,598 Se�or Calderon, as any true American will tell you, 993 01:41:48,680 --> 01:41:52,434 its the independence of our courts that keeps us free. 994 01:42:00,360 --> 01:42:03,113 (Forsyth) John...I'm glad you came. 995 01:42:05,720 --> 01:42:08,553 Mr President? Senator Calhoun is here. 996 01:42:08,680 --> 01:42:13,959 John! I was afraid you weren't going to be able to join us. 997 01:42:14,040 --> 01:42:17,589 - You may put that fear to rest, sir. - Oh, thank you! Please. 998 01:42:17,720 --> 01:42:21,030 I'd like you to meet Se�or Calderon, ambassador from Spain. 999 01:42:21,160 --> 01:42:24,311 Buenas noches, Se�or Ambassador. 1000 01:42:26,160 --> 01:42:29,914 - Thought you said he wasn't coming. - He said he wasn't. 1001 01:42:30,000 --> 01:42:32,798 You see, Se�or Calderon, 1002 01:42:32,880 --> 01:42:37,032 there's a growing number of people in this part of the country 1003 01:42:37,160 --> 01:42:39,879 that regard us in the South 1004 01:42:40,440 --> 01:42:43,989 as not only geographically beneath them. 1005 01:42:44,080 --> 01:42:46,514 (Exhales) They ignore the fact 1006 01:42:46,600 --> 01:42:51,037 that slavery is so interwoven into the fabric of this society, 1007 01:42:51,120 --> 01:42:55,352 that to destroy it would be to destroy us as a people. 1008 01:42:55,480 --> 01:42:58,950 It's immoral. That's all they know. 1009 01:43:00,040 --> 01:43:02,873 Therefore, so are we. 1010 01:43:03,640 --> 01:43:06,632 Immoral and inferior. 1011 01:43:09,200 --> 01:43:12,158 We are inferior in one area. 1012 01:43:12,720 --> 01:43:16,395 We're not as proficient in the art of gain. 1013 01:43:16,480 --> 01:43:20,155 We're not as wealthy as our northern neighbours. 1014 01:43:20,280 --> 01:43:22,589 We're still struggling. 1015 01:43:23,800 --> 01:43:26,519 Take away our life's blood now... 1016 01:43:28,120 --> 01:43:32,318 Well, we all know what happens then. 1017 01:43:32,400 --> 01:43:34,391 North and South. 1018 01:43:36,520 --> 01:43:40,354 They become the masters and we the slaves. 1019 01:43:41,960 --> 01:43:43,996 But not without a fight. 1020 01:43:47,760 --> 01:43:50,228 Senator Calhoun is being modest. 1021 01:43:50,320 --> 01:43:54,279 He's not inferior in another area - the art of exaggeration. 1022 01:43:54,360 --> 01:43:56,191 (Laughter) 1023 01:43:58,480 --> 01:44:01,153 Ask yourself, Se�or Calderon, 1024 01:44:01,760 --> 01:44:03,990 what court wants to be responsible 1025 01:44:04,080 --> 01:44:06,992 for the spark that ignites a firestorm? 1026 01:44:08,120 --> 01:44:11,635 What president wants to be in office... 1027 01:44:11,720 --> 01:44:14,792 when it comes crashing down around him? 1028 01:44:16,320 --> 01:44:19,073 Certainly, no court before this one. 1029 01:44:20,960 --> 01:44:25,431 Certainly, no president before this one. 1030 01:44:26,960 --> 01:44:28,279 So... 1031 01:44:28,360 --> 01:44:30,874 Judge us not too harshly, sir, 1032 01:44:32,800 --> 01:44:35,030 and bid Her Majesty like. 1033 01:44:35,960 --> 01:44:40,750 Because the real determination our courts and our president must make 1034 01:44:40,840 --> 01:44:44,276 is not whether this rag-tag group of Africans 1035 01:44:44,360 --> 01:44:47,079 raised swords against their enemy, 1036 01:44:47,200 --> 01:44:50,397 but rather...must we? 1037 01:45:12,520 --> 01:45:14,397 Whoa! 1038 01:45:17,440 --> 01:45:19,829 (Baldwin) Come along, Mr Joadson. 1039 01:45:19,920 --> 01:45:22,593 This news... 1040 01:45:22,720 --> 01:45:25,712 Well, of course, it's bad news, but... 1041 01:45:25,840 --> 01:45:30,516 They may be more valuable to our struggle in death than in life. 1042 01:45:35,280 --> 01:45:37,350 Martyrdom, Mr Joadson. 1043 01:45:38,160 --> 01:45:40,071 From the dawn of Christianity, 1044 01:45:40,160 --> 01:45:43,197 we have seen no stronger power for change. 1045 01:45:44,240 --> 01:45:46,117 You know it's true. 1046 01:45:48,960 --> 01:45:51,520 What is true, Mr Tappan - 1047 01:45:51,640 --> 01:45:55,315 and believe me when I tell you, I've seen this - 1048 01:45:55,400 --> 01:46:00,155 is that there are men whose hatred of slavery is stronger than anything, 1049 01:46:02,120 --> 01:46:04,315 except for the slave himself. 1050 01:46:07,360 --> 01:46:11,638 If you wish to inspire such hatred in a man, Mr Joadson, 1051 01:46:11,720 --> 01:46:15,110 speak to him in that fashion and it may come true. 1052 01:46:23,920 --> 01:46:25,831 (Slams door) 1053 01:46:28,760 --> 01:46:30,876 (Shouting and chanting) 1054 01:46:45,240 --> 01:46:49,392 Our president, our big, big man, 1055 01:46:49,520 --> 01:46:52,592 has appealed the decision to our Supreme Court. 1056 01:46:52,680 --> 01:46:54,875 (Covey translates) 1057 01:46:57,720 --> 01:46:59,870 What does that mean? 1058 01:47:03,680 --> 01:47:06,399 We have to try the case again. 1059 01:47:11,240 --> 01:47:13,231 (Translates) 1060 01:47:13,320 --> 01:47:16,198 Now, I-I know it's hard to understand, Cinque. 1061 01:47:16,320 --> 01:47:18,709 I don't understand, for that matter. 1062 01:47:18,840 --> 01:47:21,149 (Replies in Mende) 1063 01:47:21,240 --> 01:47:24,676 (Covey) You said there would be a judgment and we would go free. 1064 01:47:24,760 --> 01:47:28,389 No, no. What I said is that we won it at the state level. 1065 01:47:28,480 --> 01:47:30,391 (All shout at once) 1066 01:47:30,520 --> 01:47:34,308 I said if we won it at the state level, we then go on. 1067 01:47:34,440 --> 01:47:36,795 (Cinque shouts) (Covey) That's what you said! 1068 01:47:36,880 --> 01:47:39,952 - That's what you said! - All right! Yes, I said it! 1069 01:47:40,040 --> 01:47:44,192 I said it, but I shouldn't have. What I should have said... 1070 01:47:44,280 --> 01:47:46,669 - I can't translate that. - You can't translate what? 1071 01:47:46,760 --> 01:47:49,638 - I can't translate "should". - There's no Mende word for "should"? 1072 01:47:49,720 --> 01:47:52,439 No. Either you do something, or you don't do it. 1073 01:47:52,520 --> 01:47:55,318 What I meant to say, what I MEANT... 1074 01:47:55,400 --> 01:47:57,914 - Not in the way you mean it. - (Groans) 1075 01:47:59,520 --> 01:48:02,034 - (Cinque shouts) - Try and understand me. 1076 01:48:02,120 --> 01:48:06,671 "Meant" is the same as "should". You're misunderstanding the language. 1077 01:48:06,760 --> 01:48:10,514 Cinque! Listen to me. Understand what I'm saying. 1078 01:48:10,600 --> 01:48:14,115 What I said to you before the judgment 1079 01:48:14,240 --> 01:48:17,471 is almost how it works here. 1080 01:48:17,600 --> 01:48:20,319 - Almost! - (Covey translates) 1081 01:48:22,280 --> 01:48:24,396 (Covey) Almost? 1082 01:48:24,480 --> 01:48:26,550 Yes, Cinque. But not always. 1083 01:48:26,640 --> 01:48:29,074 (Covey translates) 1084 01:48:29,480 --> 01:48:32,552 Yes. And that's what's happened here. 1085 01:48:42,560 --> 01:48:45,233 (Mende) What kind of place is this? 1086 01:48:49,720 --> 01:48:53,599 Where you almost mean what you say? Where laws almost work? 1087 01:48:53,680 --> 01:48:55,830 (Cinque) How can you live like that? 1088 01:48:57,080 --> 01:48:59,913 (Shouts angrily) 1089 01:50:07,720 --> 01:50:10,678 (Baldwin) "To His Excellency, John Quincy Adams, 1090 01:50:10,760 --> 01:50:14,639 "Massachusetts member, House of Representatives. 1091 01:50:14,720 --> 01:50:16,995 "I have understood from Mr Joadson 1092 01:50:17,080 --> 01:50:20,675 "that you are acquainted with the plight of the Amistad Africans. 1093 01:50:20,760 --> 01:50:24,116 "If that is true, then you are aware that we have been, 1094 01:50:24,200 --> 01:50:27,510 "at every step, successful in our presentation of their case. 1095 01:50:27,600 --> 01:50:28,874 "Despite this, 1096 01:50:28,960 --> 01:50:32,635 "and despite the unlikelihood of President Van Buren's re-election, 1097 01:50:32,720 --> 01:50:35,632 "he has appealed our most recent favourable decision 1098 01:50:35,720 --> 01:50:37,711 "to the highest court in the land. 1099 01:50:37,800 --> 01:50:40,439 "As I'm sure you are well aware, 1100 01:50:40,520 --> 01:50:43,353 "seven of nine of these Supreme Court justices 1101 01:50:43,440 --> 01:50:46,238 "are themselves Southern slave owners. 1102 01:50:53,800 --> 01:50:55,995 "Sir, we need you. 1103 01:50:56,120 --> 01:51:00,557 "If ever there was a time for a man to cast aside his daily trappings 1104 01:51:00,640 --> 01:51:03,916 "and array himself for battle, that time has come." 1105 01:51:04,000 --> 01:51:05,877 Thank you. 1106 01:51:06,280 --> 01:51:10,034 "Cicero said, appealing to Claudius in defence of the Republic, 1107 01:51:10,120 --> 01:51:11,997 "that 'the result of this war 1108 01:51:12,080 --> 01:51:15,072 "depends on the life of one most brave and excellent man.' 1109 01:51:15,160 --> 01:51:19,438 "In our time, in this instance, I believe it depends on two. 1110 01:51:19,560 --> 01:51:22,677 "A courageous man, at present in irons, named Cinque, 1111 01:51:22,760 --> 01:51:24,637 "and you, sir. 1112 01:51:32,240 --> 01:51:35,550 "Sincerely, Roger S Baldwin, attorney-at-law." 1113 01:51:44,800 --> 01:51:48,031 Mr Tippings, excuse me a moment, please. 1114 01:51:53,720 --> 01:51:57,076 - Any word from...? - What did Cinque say? 1115 01:51:57,200 --> 01:51:59,430 He won't talk to you. 1116 01:51:59,880 --> 01:52:01,791 He won't talk to me? 1117 01:52:01,920 --> 01:52:03,797 No. 1118 01:52:07,880 --> 01:52:10,155 (Baldwin) How's your English coming? 1119 01:52:10,280 --> 01:52:12,669 No better than my Mende, I suppose. 1120 01:52:13,880 --> 01:52:18,635 Cinque, I know this isn't something you necessarily want to think about, 1121 01:52:18,720 --> 01:52:22,349 but has it occurred to you that I'm all you've got? 1122 01:52:22,440 --> 01:52:27,639 Because, since my practice has now completely deteriorated, 1123 01:52:27,720 --> 01:52:29,597 you're all I've got. 1124 01:52:38,880 --> 01:52:41,314 See, this is me. You see? 1125 01:52:41,400 --> 01:52:43,914 You see? You see how this works? 1126 01:52:44,000 --> 01:52:50,075 A-a-and this, this here, Cinque, is for me. Hmm? 1127 01:52:51,000 --> 01:52:52,956 More death threats. 1128 01:52:53,040 --> 01:52:57,192 Some have been signed. By my own clients, no less. 1129 01:52:57,320 --> 01:53:00,630 I should say, should say... former clients, shouldn't I? 1130 01:53:06,160 --> 01:53:10,836 There is one more consequence to having no clientele to speak of. 1131 01:53:14,040 --> 01:53:19,512 I am now free to sit here as long as it takes for you to acknowledge me. 1132 01:53:19,640 --> 01:53:22,632 Yes, you understood that word, didn't you? 1133 01:53:22,720 --> 01:53:23,675 Free. 1134 01:53:25,120 --> 01:53:26,997 All right. 1135 01:53:30,720 --> 01:53:32,915 Then we'll just sit. 1136 01:53:35,480 --> 01:53:37,118 Caesar. 1137 01:53:39,760 --> 01:53:42,832 Cicero's appeal was to Julius Caesar, not Claudius. 1138 01:53:42,920 --> 01:53:45,753 Claudius would not be born for another hundred years. 1139 01:53:45,840 --> 01:53:48,991 You were right, there was one of them. 1140 01:53:49,360 --> 01:53:52,636 - Is that him? - (Guard) Yes, Mr President. 1141 01:53:53,560 --> 01:53:55,437 Please unlock this door. 1142 01:53:55,520 --> 01:54:00,469 Adams has flirted with abolitionists, but has yet to take one home. 1143 01:54:00,600 --> 01:54:03,956 - How old is he? - Too old to take anyone home! 1144 01:54:04,040 --> 01:54:07,510 He sleeps through three quarters of the sessions on the Hill. 1145 01:54:07,600 --> 01:54:10,672 Let's see. President, slumbering congressman, 1146 01:54:10,760 --> 01:54:15,197 jailhouse lawyer - one waits with great anticipation for what's next! 1147 01:54:15,280 --> 01:54:17,953 - What must that be like? - What? 1148 01:54:18,040 --> 01:54:21,191 Knowing all your life, whatever your accomplishments, 1149 01:54:21,280 --> 01:54:24,113 you'll only be remembered as the son of a great father. 1150 01:54:24,200 --> 01:54:28,159 The only thing John Quincy Adams will remembered for is his middle name! 1151 01:54:31,120 --> 01:54:35,591 I wonder, is there anything as pathetic as an ex-president? 1152 01:54:40,520 --> 01:54:42,909 I was talking about John... 1153 01:54:44,720 --> 01:54:46,358 (Door closes) 1154 01:54:47,280 --> 01:54:48,952 (Hushed conversation in Mende) 1155 01:55:10,840 --> 01:55:13,070 - Sir. - Yes? 1156 01:55:13,160 --> 01:55:16,197 Cinque has asked me t-t-to ask you... 1157 01:55:16,280 --> 01:55:20,114 whether you have thought about the question of jurisdiction. 1158 01:55:20,200 --> 01:55:21,679 What? 1159 01:55:21,760 --> 01:55:25,958 That since they took over the ship far out to sea, 1160 01:55:26,040 --> 01:55:29,669 and since neither Spain nor America owns the sea, 1161 01:55:29,760 --> 01:55:32,320 how is it that the treaty applies? 1162 01:55:34,280 --> 01:55:38,239 Tell him the treaty recognises no jurisdictional limitations. 1163 01:55:42,840 --> 01:55:44,796 Because I said so. 1164 01:55:57,360 --> 01:56:00,909 - Excuse me, sir. - Yes? 1165 01:56:01,000 --> 01:56:05,869 Cinque would like to know that if he is the property of Ruiz and Montes, 1166 01:56:05,960 --> 01:56:10,317 then how does the treaty apply, as it is between America and Spain? 1167 01:56:10,440 --> 01:56:12,635 Or their citizens. 1168 01:56:13,320 --> 01:56:17,393 "Or their citizens" is included in the language, if he must know. 1169 01:56:17,480 --> 01:56:19,357 Thank you, sir. 1170 01:56:23,000 --> 01:56:25,116 It's a good point, though. 1171 01:56:32,640 --> 01:56:35,757 Does Britain have any treaties with West Africa which may override 1172 01:56:35,840 --> 01:56:38,673 - those between Spain and America? - No. 1173 01:56:38,760 --> 01:56:41,399 Does Britain have any treaties with America 1174 01:56:41,480 --> 01:56:44,074 - which might override those... - No. 1175 01:56:44,160 --> 01:56:46,754 Does America have treaties with West Africa? 1176 01:56:46,840 --> 01:56:47,795 No! 1177 01:56:47,880 --> 01:56:50,189 - Does Spain? - No! 1178 01:56:50,320 --> 01:56:52,197 Does the Commonwealth of Connecticut 1179 01:56:52,280 --> 01:56:56,159 - have any treaties with West Africa? - No, no, no, no! Now stop this! 1180 01:57:01,880 --> 01:57:03,757 Unshackle him. 1181 01:57:03,960 --> 01:57:05,837 I'm sorry, sir. 1182 01:57:05,920 --> 01:57:09,310 - I'm under strict orders... - Unshackle him, please. 1183 01:57:11,680 --> 01:57:13,557 Yes, Mr President. 1184 01:57:21,920 --> 01:57:24,753 This is a phalaenopsis, moth orchid, 1185 01:57:24,840 --> 01:57:26,751 I brought over from China. 1186 01:57:27,560 --> 01:57:31,155 And this is a primrose from an English garden. 1187 01:57:31,240 --> 01:57:35,631 (Chuckles) And, uh, this spear lily, 1188 01:57:35,760 --> 01:57:37,910 from the south of France. 1189 01:57:40,600 --> 01:57:42,909 This is my rose, a blush noisette. 1190 01:57:43,000 --> 01:57:46,595 This came all the way from, uh, Washington, DC, 1191 01:57:46,680 --> 01:57:48,750 but don't tell anyone. 1192 01:57:50,880 --> 01:57:52,677 Hmm... 1193 01:58:02,240 --> 01:58:04,117 Go on, go on. 1194 01:58:12,000 --> 01:58:13,877 (Speaks Mende) 1195 01:58:18,480 --> 01:58:23,235 African violet. I can't tell you how difficult that was to come by. 1196 01:58:36,280 --> 01:58:40,273 Now, you understand you're going to the Supreme Court. 1197 01:58:41,480 --> 01:58:43,471 Do you know why? 1198 01:58:43,560 --> 01:58:45,596 (Covey translates) 1199 01:58:50,520 --> 01:58:52,875 It is the place where they finally kill us. 1200 01:58:52,960 --> 01:58:56,475 (Chuckles) No. Well, yes, that may be true too. 1201 01:58:56,560 --> 01:58:59,757 (Laughs) That's not what I meant. 1202 01:58:59,840 --> 01:59:03,196 No, there is another reason and a more important reason. 1203 01:59:03,280 --> 01:59:07,956 Although I'll admit that, uh, perhaps more so to us than you. 1204 01:59:08,080 --> 01:59:10,674 All right, don't... 1205 01:59:10,800 --> 01:59:12,677 (Coughs) Cinque... 1206 01:59:16,080 --> 01:59:21,279 Do you know who I am? Has anyone told you about me? 1207 01:59:21,400 --> 01:59:24,153 (Translates) 1208 01:59:26,480 --> 01:59:29,552 - What have they told you? - (Translates) 1209 01:59:32,160 --> 01:59:33,878 That you are a chief. 1210 01:59:33,960 --> 01:59:36,030 I was a chief, yes. 1211 01:59:42,080 --> 01:59:45,868 A chief cannot become anything less than a chief, even in death. 1212 01:59:47,800 --> 01:59:51,190 Oh, how I wish such were true here, Cinque. 1213 01:59:51,280 --> 01:59:53,271 You've no idea. 1214 01:59:54,880 --> 01:59:58,031 One tries to govern wisely, strongly, but... 1215 01:59:58,120 --> 02:00:03,194 One tries to govern in a way that betters the lives of one's villagers. 1216 02:00:04,240 --> 02:00:07,949 One tries to...kill the lion. 1217 02:00:10,240 --> 02:00:15,519 Unfortunately, one isn't always wise enough or strong enough. 1218 02:00:18,560 --> 02:00:20,437 Time passes... 1219 02:00:22,040 --> 02:00:24,076 and the moment is gone. 1220 02:00:25,280 --> 02:00:29,671 Now, listen, Cinque. Listen. 1221 02:00:29,800 --> 02:00:34,476 We're about... We're about to bring your case 1222 02:00:34,600 --> 02:00:37,717 before the highest court in our land. 1223 02:00:37,840 --> 02:00:40,559 We're about to do battle with a lion 1224 02:00:40,640 --> 02:00:44,235 that is threatening to rip our country in two. 1225 02:00:44,360 --> 02:00:48,433 Huh? And all we have on our side 1226 02:00:48,560 --> 02:00:50,835 is a rock. 1227 02:00:53,440 --> 02:00:56,671 Of course, you didn't ask to be at the centre 1228 02:00:56,760 --> 02:00:59,479 of this historic conflagration any more than I did, 1229 02:00:59,600 --> 02:01:01,909 but we find ourselves here, nonetheless, 1230 02:01:02,040 --> 02:01:05,032 by some mysterious mix of circumstances 1231 02:01:05,160 --> 02:01:07,913 and the whole world watching. 1232 02:01:08,040 --> 02:01:11,510 So, uh, what are we to do? Huh? 1233 02:01:15,080 --> 02:01:20,916 (Mende) Is he going to help? He has far many more questions than answers. 1234 02:01:21,480 --> 02:01:24,313 - What did he just say? - I-I...Sorry, I didn't catch it. 1235 02:01:24,400 --> 02:01:29,030 Cinque, look. I'm being honest with you. 1236 02:01:29,160 --> 02:01:32,038 Anything less would be disrespectful. 1237 02:01:34,000 --> 02:01:37,117 I'm telling you, I'm preparing you, 1238 02:01:37,240 --> 02:01:40,357 I suppose I'm explaining to you, 1239 02:01:40,480 --> 02:01:44,678 that the test ahead of us is an exceptionally difficult one. 1240 02:01:47,320 --> 02:01:51,996 - (Speaks Mende) - We won't be going in there alone. 1241 02:01:52,080 --> 02:01:54,799 Alone? Indeed not. We have right at our side. 1242 02:01:54,920 --> 02:01:56,956 We have righteousness at our side. 1243 02:01:57,040 --> 02:01:58,996 We have Mr Baldwin over there. 1244 02:02:06,240 --> 02:02:10,028 (Covey) I meant my ancestors. 1245 02:02:12,800 --> 02:02:15,155 I will call into the past, 1246 02:02:16,480 --> 02:02:18,630 far back to the beginning of time, 1247 02:02:18,720 --> 02:02:21,712 and beg them to come and help me 1248 02:02:23,920 --> 02:02:25,797 at the judgment. 1249 02:02:26,120 --> 02:02:29,669 I will reach back and draw them into me. 1250 02:02:31,880 --> 02:02:33,757 And they must come, 1251 02:02:34,240 --> 02:02:38,677 for at this moment, I am the whole reason they have existed at all. 1252 02:03:19,360 --> 02:03:21,237 Your Honours... 1253 02:03:22,880 --> 02:03:25,713 (Clears throat) I derive much consolation 1254 02:03:25,840 --> 02:03:29,992 from the fact that my colleague, Mr Baldwin here, 1255 02:03:31,680 --> 02:03:34,558 has argued the case 1256 02:03:34,680 --> 02:03:38,195 in so able, and so complete a manner 1257 02:03:39,920 --> 02:03:43,435 as to leave me scarcely anything to say. 1258 02:03:44,960 --> 02:03:46,837 However... 1259 02:03:48,560 --> 02:03:50,437 Why are we here? 1260 02:03:52,160 --> 02:03:55,550 How is it that a simple, plain property issue 1261 02:03:55,680 --> 02:03:59,070 should now find itself so ennobled as to be argued 1262 02:03:59,160 --> 02:04:02,232 before the Supreme Court of the United States of America? 1263 02:04:02,360 --> 02:04:06,990 Do we fear the lower courts, which somehow missed the truth? 1264 02:04:07,120 --> 02:04:11,113 Or is it, rather, our great and consuming fear of civil war 1265 02:04:11,240 --> 02:04:13,674 that has allowed us to heap symbolism 1266 02:04:13,760 --> 02:04:16,354 upon a simple case that never asked for it? 1267 02:04:16,440 --> 02:04:19,273 And now would have us disregard truth 1268 02:04:19,400 --> 02:04:23,313 even as it stands before us, tall and proud as a mountain. 1269 02:04:24,240 --> 02:04:31,157 The truth...in truth, has been driven from this case like a slave. 1270 02:04:31,960 --> 02:04:36,795 Flogged from court to court, wretched and destitute. 1271 02:04:36,920 --> 02:04:41,277 And not by any great legal acumen 1272 02:04:41,360 --> 02:04:44,158 on the part of the opposition, I might add. 1273 02:04:45,440 --> 02:04:50,036 But through the long, powerful arm of the executive office. 1274 02:04:50,120 --> 02:04:52,953 This is no mere property case, gentlemen. 1275 02:04:53,040 --> 02:04:56,112 This is the most important case ever to come before this court. 1276 02:04:56,240 --> 02:05:00,233 Because what it in fact concerns 1277 02:05:02,120 --> 02:05:04,190 is the very nature of man. 1278 02:05:08,120 --> 02:05:10,156 Uh, these are, um... 1279 02:05:13,680 --> 02:05:16,069 These are transcriptions of letters 1280 02:05:16,160 --> 02:05:20,870 written between our Secretary of State John Forsyth 1281 02:05:20,960 --> 02:05:24,111 and the Queen of Spain, Isabella II. 1282 02:05:25,600 --> 02:05:29,115 Now, I ask that you accept their perusal 1283 02:05:29,200 --> 02:05:31,998 as part of your deliberations. 1284 02:05:32,120 --> 02:05:34,315 Thank you, sir. 1285 02:05:34,400 --> 02:05:37,710 I would not touch on them now except to notice 1286 02:05:37,800 --> 02:05:40,917 a curious phrase which is much repeated. 1287 02:05:42,440 --> 02:05:46,797 The Queen again and again refers to our incompetent courts. 1288 02:05:48,240 --> 02:05:51,994 Now what, I wonder, would be more to her liking? Huh? 1289 02:05:53,360 --> 02:05:56,511 A court that finds against the Africans? 1290 02:05:56,600 --> 02:05:58,397 Well, I think not. 1291 02:06:00,160 --> 02:06:02,993 And here is the fine point of it. 1292 02:06:03,200 --> 02:06:07,398 What Her Majesty wants is a court that behaves just like her courts. 1293 02:06:07,520 --> 02:06:10,273 The courts this 11-year-old child 1294 02:06:10,360 --> 02:06:14,194 plays with in her magical kingdom called Spain. 1295 02:06:14,320 --> 02:06:16,629 A court that will do what it is told. 1296 02:06:16,760 --> 02:06:20,355 A court that can be toyed with like a doll. 1297 02:06:20,480 --> 02:06:22,914 (Chuckles) A court, as it happens, 1298 02:06:23,040 --> 02:06:26,350 of which our own president, 1299 02:06:26,480 --> 02:06:29,552 Martin Van Buren, would be most proud. 1300 02:06:29,680 --> 02:06:30,954 Thank you. 1301 02:06:32,000 --> 02:06:35,436 This is a publication of the office of the President. 1302 02:06:35,520 --> 02:06:38,353 It's called "The Executive Review", 1303 02:06:38,440 --> 02:06:40,829 and I'm sure you all read it. 1304 02:06:40,920 --> 02:06:44,549 At least I'm sure the President hopes you all read it. 1305 02:06:44,640 --> 02:06:49,191 This is a recent issue, and there's, uh, an article in here, 1306 02:06:49,280 --> 02:06:53,671 written by "a keen mind of the South", who... 1307 02:06:53,800 --> 02:06:57,395 My former vice-president, John Calhoun, perhaps. 1308 02:06:57,480 --> 02:06:59,357 Could it be? 1309 02:06:59,440 --> 02:07:02,955 Who asserts that "there has never existed a civilised society 1310 02:07:03,080 --> 02:07:07,835 "in which one segment did not thrive upon the labour of another. 1311 02:07:07,920 --> 02:07:10,673 "As far back as one chooses to look, 1312 02:07:10,800 --> 02:07:13,553 "to ancient times, to Biblical times, 1313 02:07:13,680 --> 02:07:16,069 "history bears this out. 1314 02:07:16,160 --> 02:07:19,914 "In Eden, where only two were created. 1315 02:07:20,000 --> 02:07:24,039 "Even there, one was pronounced subordinate to the other. 1316 02:07:25,600 --> 02:07:27,909 "Slavery has always been with us, 1317 02:07:28,000 --> 02:07:30,958 "and is neither sinful nor immoral. 1318 02:07:32,920 --> 02:07:37,436 "Rather, as war and antagonism are the natural states of man, 1319 02:07:37,560 --> 02:07:42,315 "so too slavery, as natural as it is inevitable." 1320 02:07:45,000 --> 02:07:48,310 Well, gentlemen, I differ with the keen minds of the South, 1321 02:07:48,400 --> 02:07:51,756 and with our president, who apparently shares their views, 1322 02:07:51,880 --> 02:07:55,190 offering that the natural state of mankind is instead - 1323 02:07:55,280 --> 02:07:57,794 I know this is a controversial idea - 1324 02:07:57,920 --> 02:07:59,797 is freedom. 1325 02:08:02,800 --> 02:08:04,677 Is freedom. 1326 02:08:06,080 --> 02:08:10,949 The proof is the length to which man will go to regain it, once taken. 1327 02:08:11,040 --> 02:08:14,271 He will break loose his chains. 1328 02:08:14,400 --> 02:08:17,198 He will...decimate his enemies. 1329 02:08:17,280 --> 02:08:20,397 He will try and try and try, 1330 02:08:20,480 --> 02:08:24,234 against all odds, against all prejudices, 1331 02:08:24,320 --> 02:08:26,197 to get home. 1332 02:08:30,160 --> 02:08:33,869 Cinque, would you stand up, if you would, 1333 02:08:35,280 --> 02:08:37,669 so everyone can see you. 1334 02:08:40,320 --> 02:08:44,393 This man is black. We can all see that. 1335 02:08:44,480 --> 02:08:49,190 But can we also see as easily that which is equally true? 1336 02:08:49,280 --> 02:08:53,796 That he is the only true hero in this room. 1337 02:08:53,880 --> 02:08:56,553 If he were white, he wouldn't be in this court, 1338 02:08:56,640 --> 02:08:58,790 fighting for his life. 1339 02:08:58,880 --> 02:09:01,678 If he were white and his enslavers British, 1340 02:09:01,760 --> 02:09:06,880 he'd be weighed down by the medals and honours we would bestow upon him. 1341 02:09:06,960 --> 02:09:09,394 Songs would be written about him. 1342 02:09:10,480 --> 02:09:13,870 The great authors of our times would fill books about him. 1343 02:09:13,960 --> 02:09:16,076 His story would be told 1344 02:09:16,160 --> 02:09:19,755 and retold, in our classrooms. 1345 02:09:20,960 --> 02:09:25,636 Our children, because we would make sure of it, 1346 02:09:25,720 --> 02:09:29,713 would know his name as well as they know Patrick Henry's. 1347 02:09:31,000 --> 02:09:33,309 Yet, if the South is right, 1348 02:09:33,400 --> 02:09:37,313 what are we to do with that embarrassing, annoying document, 1349 02:09:37,440 --> 02:09:40,477 "The Declaration of Independence"? 1350 02:09:40,600 --> 02:09:43,239 What of its conceits? 1351 02:09:44,920 --> 02:09:50,074 "All men created equal", "inalienable rights", "life, liberty" and so on. 1352 02:09:51,760 --> 02:09:54,593 What on Earth are we to do with this? 1353 02:09:54,680 --> 02:09:57,240 I have a modest suggestion. 1354 02:10:16,320 --> 02:10:20,552 The other night I was talking with my friend Cinque. 1355 02:10:20,640 --> 02:10:24,553 He was over at my place, and we were out in the greenhouse together. 1356 02:10:24,640 --> 02:10:30,397 He explained to me how when a member of the Mende - that's his people... 1357 02:10:31,520 --> 02:10:34,592 How when a member of the Mende encounters a situation 1358 02:10:34,720 --> 02:10:37,837 where there appears no hope at all, 1359 02:10:37,960 --> 02:10:40,599 he invokes his ancestors. 1360 02:10:41,080 --> 02:10:43,389 Tradition. 1361 02:10:47,160 --> 02:10:51,119 The Mende believe that if one can summon the spirit of one's ancestors, 1362 02:10:51,200 --> 02:10:53,236 then they have never left. 1363 02:10:54,200 --> 02:10:58,193 And the wisdom and strength they fathered and inspired 1364 02:10:58,280 --> 02:11:00,475 will come to his aid. 1365 02:11:08,560 --> 02:11:12,348 James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, 1366 02:11:12,440 --> 02:11:15,000 Benjamin Franklin, 1367 02:11:15,120 --> 02:11:17,031 Thomas Jefferson, 1368 02:11:19,000 --> 02:11:20,877 George Washington, 1369 02:11:23,960 --> 02:11:25,837 John Adams. 1370 02:11:33,680 --> 02:11:37,195 We have long resisted asking you for guidance. 1371 02:11:37,280 --> 02:11:40,078 Perhaps we have feared in doing so, 1372 02:11:40,160 --> 02:11:42,594 we might acknowledge that our individuality, 1373 02:11:42,680 --> 02:11:46,832 which we so, so revere, is not entirely our own. 1374 02:11:48,760 --> 02:11:53,515 Perhaps we feared an...an appeal to you might be taken for weakness. 1375 02:11:55,280 --> 02:12:00,274 But we have come to understand, finally, that this is not so. 1376 02:12:02,240 --> 02:12:04,310 We understand now... 1377 02:12:05,400 --> 02:12:07,914 We've been made to understand, 1378 02:12:08,960 --> 02:12:11,952 and to embrace the understanding 1379 02:12:14,680 --> 02:12:16,875 that who we are 1380 02:12:17,000 --> 02:12:20,276 is who we were. 1381 02:12:28,760 --> 02:12:31,797 We desperately need your strength and wisdom 1382 02:12:31,880 --> 02:12:36,476 to triumph over our fears, our prejudices, ourselves. 1383 02:12:37,680 --> 02:12:40,592 Give us the courage to do what is right. 1384 02:12:40,680 --> 02:12:45,037 And if it means civil war, then let it come. 1385 02:12:46,360 --> 02:12:48,396 And when it does, 1386 02:12:48,520 --> 02:12:50,875 may it be, finally, 1387 02:12:51,000 --> 02:12:54,231 the last battle of the American Revolution. 1388 02:13:02,360 --> 02:13:04,555 That's all I have to say. 1389 02:13:40,840 --> 02:13:42,717 (Snoring) 1390 02:13:47,920 --> 02:13:51,117 In the case of the United States of America 1391 02:13:51,200 --> 02:13:53,430 versus the Amistad Africans, 1392 02:13:54,160 --> 02:13:56,913 it is the opinion of this court 1393 02:13:57,000 --> 02:14:01,198 that our treaty of 1795 with Spain, 1394 02:14:01,280 --> 02:14:05,558 on which the prosecution has primarily based its arguments, 1395 02:14:05,640 --> 02:14:07,870 is inapplicable. 1396 02:14:08,120 --> 02:14:13,672 While it is clearly stipulated in Article 9 that - and I quote - 1397 02:14:13,760 --> 02:14:15,830 "Seized ships and cargo 1398 02:14:15,920 --> 02:14:19,708 "are to be returned entirely to their proprietary." 1399 02:14:19,800 --> 02:14:21,791 The end of quote. 1400 02:14:21,920 --> 02:14:25,469 It has not been shown to the court's satisfaction 1401 02:14:25,560 --> 02:14:29,439 that these particular Africans fit that description. 1402 02:14:29,520 --> 02:14:32,876 We are then left with the alternative 1403 02:14:32,960 --> 02:14:35,633 that they are not slaves, 1404 02:14:35,760 --> 02:14:38,911 and therefore cannot be considered merchandise, 1405 02:14:39,000 --> 02:14:43,152 but are, rather, free individuals 1406 02:14:43,280 --> 02:14:47,034 with certain legal and moral rights, 1407 02:14:47,120 --> 02:14:50,556 including the right to engage in insurrection 1408 02:14:50,640 --> 02:14:54,792 against those who would deny them their freedom. 1409 02:14:54,920 --> 02:14:57,718 And therefore, over one dissent, 1410 02:14:57,800 --> 02:15:00,109 it is the court's judgment 1411 02:15:00,200 --> 02:15:05,069 that the defendants are to be released from custody at once, 1412 02:15:05,200 --> 02:15:07,794 and, if they so choose, 1413 02:15:07,880 --> 02:15:12,431 to be returned to their homes in Africa. 1414 02:15:30,360 --> 02:15:32,237 Thank you. 1415 02:15:38,360 --> 02:15:40,237 Well... 1416 02:15:43,000 --> 02:15:44,877 (Speaks Mende) 1417 02:15:44,960 --> 02:15:47,793 - (Covey) What did you say to them? - Huh? 1418 02:15:50,720 --> 02:15:54,952 (Covey) What words did you use to persuade them? 1419 02:15:56,000 --> 02:15:58,958 - Yours. - (Covey translates) 1420 02:16:33,960 --> 02:16:36,394 (Speaks Mende) 1421 02:16:38,480 --> 02:16:40,550 To keep you safe. 1422 02:17:15,200 --> 02:17:20,228 Thank you...Baldwin. 1423 02:17:38,640 --> 02:17:40,517 (Speaks Mende) 1424 02:18:11,240 --> 02:18:13,117 (Officer) Fire! 1425 02:18:19,960 --> 02:18:21,837 (Shouting) 1426 02:18:45,880 --> 02:18:46,835 All clear, sir. 1427 02:18:46,920 --> 02:18:49,957 - Fire. - Fire! 1428 02:18:54,200 --> 02:18:55,952 - Fire. - Fire! 1429 02:19:00,480 --> 02:19:02,357 Fire. 1430 02:19:05,080 --> 02:19:06,069 Fire. 1431 02:19:07,560 --> 02:19:09,278 Fire. 1432 02:19:25,720 --> 02:19:27,676 (Fitzgerald) Take a letter, Ensign. 1433 02:19:27,760 --> 02:19:33,232 "To His Honour, the United States Secretary of State, Mr John Forsyth. 1434 02:19:33,320 --> 02:19:35,231 "My dear Mr Forsyth, 1435 02:19:35,320 --> 02:19:40,030 "it is my great pleasure to inform you that you are, in fact, correct. 1436 02:19:40,120 --> 02:19:44,398 "The slave fortress in Sierra Leone does not exist." 1437 02:20:39,800 --> 02:20:40,755 Que bonita!