< PREVIOUS ] [ 1996 Index ] [ Ed Quillen HOME ] [ SEARCH ] [ NEXT >
It is July 4, 1776, and the delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia emerge from the old statehouse, ready to retire after a busy day of pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor.
Alas for the 56 men, they've been caught in a time warp. When they step outside, they face a line of TV crews.
Mr. Henry, Mr. Henry,
one correspondent shouts.
No one replies. Finally a delegate explains that Patrick
Henry of Virginia was not delegated to this
congress.
I don't mean Patrick Henry, I mean John Henry -- the
guy with the signature, as in 'Put your John Henry
here.'
I am John Hancock of Massachusetts, presiding officer
of the congress,
states an man in knee-breeches, and
it is my signature that is at the fore, writ large so that
King George will not need his spectacles to perceive
it.
You sure your name's not John Henry?
the
blow-dried correspondent persists. They told me to get a
stand-up with John Henry, since everybody's heard of
him.
Meanwhile, several crews have cornered Benjamin Franklin
near a pillar. Mr. Franklin, is it true that you carried
on an affair with some tart, and she had a kid?
Franklin blinks behind his spectacles. Of what
possible relevance to this proceeding is this tired
allegation of wenching and bastardy? Today we have
challenged a mighty empire, and unless we all hang
together, most assuredly we shall all hang
separately.
That's not a denial, Ben,
the interviewer
continues. Do you concede that William Franklin of New
Jersey is your illegitimate son?
Never hath I denied that,
Franklin replies,
but do note that this occurred ere I took Deborah to
wife.
Mr. Franklin,
another correspondent shouts. I
just heard that this new declaration thing has been sent to
the printer. Won't that be the firm of Franklin & Hall?
Doesn't this represent a conflict of interest? Aren't you
just in this to line your pockets?
The printer of the Declaration is John Dunlap,
Franklin responds. Please excuse me from your further
inquiries, unless they concern the momentous question of
the day about our relationship to the British
empire.
You're trying to stonewall us,
comes a chorus.
Don't you believe in the people's right to know?
Close by, Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson also answers questions.
Is it true, Mr. Jefferson, that when Virginia needed
you during the French and Indian War in 1760, when you were
of age to serve in the militia, you instead attended the
College of William and Mary? Can you explain your craven
avoidance of military service?
The good people of Virginia have trusted me to
represent them here,
Jefferson replies, and should
they find me wanting in physical courage, they may replace
me at their pleasure. Do you inquisitors have more for
me?
Yes, Mr. Jefferson. You raise tobacco and hemp. Do
you realize that your plantation could be
confiscated?
By whom?
Jefferson asks. Even King George is
not such a tyrant and despot as to tell his subjects what
plants they may cultivate.
He turns to another
reporter.
Isn't it true, Tom, that you keep slaves?
Alas, 'tis so,
Jefferson confesses. In an
initial draft of the Declaration we adopted today, I called
for the abolition of this execrable commerce which Britain
hath commenced upon this continent. But South Carolina
would not join our cause unless that proviso was deleted,
and as Dr. Franklin hath noted, we must have unity.
So you're willing to compromise your principles for
political expedience,
a stand-up commentator proclaims.
And why is it that this so-called congress lacks
diversity? It's all white males.
John Adams speaks up. Mine own dear Abigail hath
written me concerning that very topic, that the fair sex be
included in any future polity.
The roar of questions increases, and the alarmed delegates flee back indoors, where it's still 1776. John Hancock takes the gavel and asks for motions from the floor.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia rises. Gentlemen, I
believe that outside this chamber, we saw the future if we
should pursue the course which I advocated in my motion of
June 7, wherein I advocated that these colonies are, and of
right ought to be, free and independent states.
I beseech the consent of this congress to withdraw
that motion, and substitute instead a motion for
adjournment, for I perceive that no good will come of the
present course if it means that the essayists of the future
will concern themselves with mere vanities and trifles,
rather than the great questions of the age.
His motion passed unanimously and the delegates crept out the back doors. The correspondents outside turned their attention to rumors from London that Queen Charlotte had been carrying on an affair with Lord North.
< PREVIOUS ] [ 1996 Index ] [ Ed Quillen HOME ] [ SEARCH ] [ NEXT >