17761972

Edward Rutledge:
Mr. Adams, perhaps you could clear up something for me. After we have achieved independence, who do you propose would govern in South Carolina?

John Adams:
The people, of course.

Edward Rutledge:
Which people, sir? The people of South Carolina, or the people of Massachusetts?

Hopkins:
Ah, why don't you admit it, Neddy? You're against independence now and you always will be.

Col. Thomas McKean:
[heavy sigh] Aye.

Edward Rutledge:
Now, gentlemen, you refuse to understand us. We desire independence, yes. For South Carolina. That is our country. And as such, we don't wish to belong to anyone. Not to England, and not to you.

John Adams:
We intend to have one nation, Rutledge.

Edward Rutledge:
A nation of sovereign states, Mr. Adams. United for our mutual protection, but... separate for our individual pursuits. Now, that is what we have understood it to be. And that is what we will support.

[Adams starts to speak]

Edward Rutledge:
As soon as everyone supports it.

James Wilson:
[standing up] Well, there you are, Mr. Adams. You must see that we need time. Time to make certain who we are and where we stand in regard to one another. For if we do not determine the nature of the beast before we set it free, it will end by consuming us all.

John Adams:
For once in your life, Wilson... take a chance. I say the time is now. It may never come again.