1776 (1972)

Charles Rule: Joseph Hewes (NC)

Quotes 

• Joseph Hewes : Your clock is fast, Mr. Adams. I say we're not yet ripe for independence.

  Stephen Hopkins : Not ripe? Hell, we're rotting for want of it!

  Samuel Chase : Gentlemen, please, what in God's name is the infernal hurry? Why must this question be settled now?

  Caesar Rodney : What's wrong with now, Mr. Chase?

  Samuel Chase : General Washington is in the field. If he's defeated, as it now appears, we'll be inviting the hangman. But if, by some miracle, he should actually win, we can then declare anything we damn please.

  Joseph Hewes : The sentiments of North Carolina precisely.

  John Adams : Has it ever occured to either of you that an army needs something to fight *for* in order *to* win? A goal, a purpose, a flag of its own?

• Joseph Hewes : Mr. Jefferson, nowhere do you mention deep sea fishing rights.

  [Everyone in Congress groans in frustration] 

  John Adams : Oh good God! Fishing rights? How long is this piddling to go on? We have been here for three solid days! We have endured, by my count, more than eighty-five separate changes and the removal of close to four hundred words. Now, would you whip it and beat it 'til you break its spirit? I tell you, that document is a masterful expression of the American mind!

• Joseph Hewes (NC) : Tell me, Doctor, where does Georgia stand on the question of independence?

  Dr. Lyman Hall (GA) : I'm here without instruction, Mr. Hewes, able to vote my own personal convictions.

  Edward Rutledge (SC) : And they are?

  Dr. Lyman Hall (GA) : [seeing them all looking at him]  Personal.