1776 (1972)

Emory Bass: Judge James Wilson (PA)

Quotes 

• James Wilson : I'm different from you, John. I'm different from most of the men here. I don't want to be remembered.

• Dr. Benjamin Franklin : Tell me, Mr. Wilson, when you were a judge, how in hell did you ever make a decision?

  James Wilson : The decisions I made were based on legality and precedent. But there is no legality here, and certainly no precedent.

  Dr. Benjamin Franklin : [losing his temper]  Because, it's a new idea, you CLOD! We'll be making our own precedent!

• Rev. John Witherspoon : Our, uh... New Jersey legislature has recalled the old delegation to this Congress and has sent a new one.

  John Adams : Quickly, man: where do you stand on independence?

  Rev. John Witherspoon : Why, haven't I made that clear?

  John Adams : No.

  Rev. John Witherspoon : Well, I suppose I hadn't, but that's the reason for the change. See, we've been instructed to vote for independence.

  John Adams : Mr. President, Massachusetts is now ready to vote for the vote on independence, and reminds the chair of its privilege to decide all votes that are deadlocked.

  John Hancock (MA) : [wearily]  I won't forget, Mr. Adams.

  John Hancock (MA) : The chair takes this opportunity to welcome the New Jersey delegation, and appoints the Reverend Witherspoon to Congressional chaplain, if he will accept the post.

  Rev. John Witherspoon : With much pleasure, sir.

  [Hancock bangs the desk with his gavel] 

  John Hancock (MA) : Very well. Mr, Thompson, you er, uh... may now proceed with the vote on independence.

  Charles Thomson : All in favor of the resolution on independence, as proposed by the colony of Virginia, signify by...

  John Dickinson : [stands up]  Mr. President, Pennsylvania moves that any votes in favor of independence... must be unanimous.

  John Adams : [rises]  What?

  James Wilson : [stands up]  I second the motion.

  John Hancock (MA) : Judge Wilson!

  James Wilson : [chagrined]  Oh, my God...

  [Wilson sits back down] 

  George Read : Delaware seconds, Mr. President.

• 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.

• John Dickinson : Mr. President, Pennsylvania moves, as always, that the question of independence be postponed. Indefinitely.

  James Wilson : [standing up]  I second the motion.

  John Hancock : Judge Wilson, in your eagerness to be loved, you seem to have forgotten that Pennsylvania cannot second its own motion!

• Caesar Rodney : [Wilson taps his cane]  Oh, Judge Wilson, forgive me, but how can anyone see you if you insist on standing in Mr. Dickinson's shadow?

  Caesar Rodney : [Caesar Rodney introduces Wilson to Dr. Hall]  James Wilson, also of Pennsylvania.

  James Wilson : Sir.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : An honor, sir.