1776 John Adams - Scene 5a

“... designated as the Congressional Correspondence Committee…”

All right, Franklin, enough socializing, there’s work to be done!

“Good morning, John!”

What? (beat.) Oh. Good morning, good morning. Now then, let’s get to it.

“Let’s get to what?”

Unanimity, of course. Look at that board, six Nays to win over in little over a week!

“All right, John, where do we start?”

How about Delaware? It’s a sad thing to find her on the wrong side after all this time. Is there any news of Rodney?

“McKean’s back.”

Thomas!

“… the Military Defeat Committee…”

How did you leave Caesar? Is he still alive?

“I did, but I doubt he’ll ever set food out of it again.”

That leaves you and Read split down the middle. Will he come over?

“I don’t know, he’s a stubborn little snot!”

Then work on him, keep at him ‘til you wear him down.

“Maryland, Pennsylvania, the entire south, it’s impossible!”

It’s impossible if we all stand around complaining about it. To work, McKean, one foot in front of the other.

“… Never leave off till tomorrow that which you can…”

Oh shut up, Franklin!

“And you haven’t heard the last of Rutledge yet, either.”

Nevermind about them, your job is George Read. Talk him deaf if you have to but bring us back Delaware!

“… designated as the Secrets Committee…”

Pennsylvania and Maryland. I suggest you try to put your own house in order while I take a crack at Old Bacon Face. Ah! Mr. Chase! How about it, Chase? When are you coming to your senses?

“… and you’re determined to leave it the same way!”

The Congress is waiting on you, Chase, America’s waiting, the whole world is waiting! What’s that, kidney?

“… his army has fallen apart.”

Washington’s exaggerating the situation in order to arouse this torpid Congress into action. Why, as the Chairman of the War Committee, I can tell you for a fact that the army has never been in better shape! Never have the troops been so cheerful! Never have the soldiers been more resolute! Never have discipline and training been more spirited! Never… Good God!

“… and disband the Continental Army before we are overwhelmed.”

Oh yes, the English would like that, wouldn’t they?

“… how can we even hope to survive?”

Answer me straight, Chase, if you thought we could beat the redcoats, would Maryland say Yea to Independence?

“Well, I suppose…”

No supposing, Chase, would you or wouldn’t you?

“Very well, Mr. Adams. Yes, we would.”

Then come with mee to New Brunswick and see for yourself!

“They’re pushing you into it, Johnny…”

What do you say, Chase?

“… and maybe it’ll be John Adams who comes to his senses.”

Mr. President, the War Committee will heed General Washington’s request! A party consisting of Mr. Chase, Dr. Franklin, and myself will leave immediately.

“Is that satisfactory with you, Dr. Franklin?”

Wake up, Franklin! You’re going to New Brunswick!

(Franklin rises energetically)

Come on Chase! Move all that lard! We’ve no time to lose! Left-right, left-right, left right…