WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:06.000 The Cavalcade of America, starring Ida Lupino. 00:14.000 --> 00:22.000 Tonight, the DuPont Company brings you Abigail Opens the White House, starring Ida Lupino on the Cavalcade of America. 00:23.000 --> 00:25.000 Now here is Game Whitman. 00:25.000 --> 00:32.000 Good evening. 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The temporary capital of the youthful United States is Philadelphia. 01:39.000 --> 01:42.000 And in the home of the President, John Adams. 01:42.000 --> 01:45.000 Very well, Mr. President. Do you feel that way about it? 01:45.000 --> 01:48.000 Good afternoon, Mr. Hamilton. 01:48.000 --> 01:49.000 Good afternoon, Mrs. Adams. 01:49.000 --> 01:50.000 Just a moment, please. 01:50.000 --> 01:51.000 Yes? 01:51.000 --> 01:56.000 I... Mr. Hamilton, is there anything wrong? 01:56.000 --> 01:57.000 Wrong? Why do you ask? 01:57.000 --> 02:01.000 Well, when Alexander Hamilton slams a door and roars at the President... 02:01.000 --> 02:06.000 Oh, I'm sorry. Forgetting my manners is unfathomable. But I didn't know you were out here. 02:06.000 --> 02:08.000 Is there something wrong, Mr. Hamilton? 02:08.000 --> 02:12.000 Mrs. Adams, if you have any influence at all with your husband, you talk with him. 02:12.000 --> 02:13.000 Politics, sir? 02:13.000 --> 02:18.000 No, national honor. Ours. He insists upon a conciliatory attitude toward France. 02:18.000 --> 02:19.000 And you? 02:19.000 --> 02:23.000 I say have war with the French. If they want it, we'll give it to them. 02:23.000 --> 02:29.000 Mrs. Adams, if your husband continues his present policy, he won't be known as the second President of the United States, 02:29.000 --> 02:33.000 but as the man who disgraced his country by a shameful knuckling under... 02:33.000 --> 02:34.000 I don't believe that, sir. 02:34.000 --> 02:38.000 No? Suppose you ask him then, Mrs. Adams. Good day. 02:43.000 --> 02:46.000 John, may I come in? 02:46.000 --> 02:49.000 Of course, dear. 02:50.000 --> 02:56.000 John, I just spoke to Mr. Hamilton. Why does he want war with France? 02:56.000 --> 02:59.000 Oh, Abigail, dear, don't bother your head about that. It's my concern. 02:59.000 --> 03:00.000 And mine. 02:59.000 --> 03:00.000 No, please. 03:00.000 --> 03:06.000 Mine and the concern of everyone in our country. John, why is there talk of another war? 03:06.000 --> 03:12.000 My dear, France is angry. Washington refused to help them in their war against England. They haven't forgotten. 03:12.000 --> 03:16.000 But we couldn't. It was too soon after the war for independence. 03:16.000 --> 03:20.000 I know, but nations aren't apt to consider conditions, only actions. 03:20.000 --> 03:22.000 And Alexander Hamilton? 03:22.000 --> 03:28.000 Wants war. A war to him would be a chance for power. First France, then Spain, march into Mexico. 03:28.000 --> 03:29.000 And you? 03:29.000 --> 03:35.000 I want to talk peace with France. I want to send envoys to reach an agreement. Hamilton and my own Federalist Party are against me. 03:35.000 --> 03:38.000 But a war now would ruin us and France. 03:38.000 --> 03:40.000 I wish you could make Hamilton see that. 03:40.000 --> 03:43.000 John, you must do what you think right. 03:43.000 --> 03:46.000 Right? How am I to know, Abby? 03:46.000 --> 03:48.000 Suppose you send the envoys. 03:48.000 --> 03:56.000 If they refuse permission to speak to the French Directory, it would mean that France considers us too weak and significant to parley with. 03:56.000 --> 04:00.000 If I don't send them, France will take our silence as meaning we want war. 04:00.000 --> 04:02.000 Either way, Abby, I'm bound to do the wrong thing. 04:02.000 --> 04:06.000 John, listen to me. You must do what your conscience says is right. 04:06.000 --> 04:12.000 Yes, again, that word right. When the people think I'm right, they never like me. Perhaps someone more popular... 04:12.000 --> 04:19.000 Oh, no, don't talk like that. Even General Washington refused a third term because of... well, because of attacks on his policies and character. 04:19.000 --> 04:26.000 Now, this is not a matter of personality, my dear old personal vanity. You must realize we are facing a war with France. 04:26.000 --> 04:34.000 Then send the envoys, John. Send them. If we were strong enough to win a war with England, well, we're strong enough to talk peace with France. 04:34.000 --> 04:38.000 Anything that will preserve peace for us will preserve our country. 04:38.000 --> 04:40.000 It will mean an open break with Hamilton and the party... 04:40.000 --> 04:43.000 But it may mean peace when we need it most. 04:43.000 --> 04:48.000 Ha ha. You should be President, Abby. 04:48.000 --> 04:54.000 All right. I'll send envoys. And expect the worst. 04:54.000 --> 04:57.000 Good afternoon, Mrs. Adams. The President's in? 04:57.000 --> 04:58.000 Why, yes, Mr. Hamilton. 04:58.000 --> 04:59.000 May I see him? 04:59.000 --> 05:00.000 Of course. 05:00.000 --> 05:01.000 Thank you. 05:01.000 --> 05:03.000 Mr. Hamilton is here, John. 05:03.000 --> 05:04.000 May I see you, sir? 05:04.000 --> 05:06.000 Of course, Mr. Hamilton. 05:06.000 --> 05:08.000 Abby, will you excuse us? 05:08.000 --> 05:09.000 Certainly, my dear. 05:09.000 --> 05:15.000 By your leave, Mrs. Adams. Mr. President, this is the worst disgrace any nation has ever had to face. 05:15.000 --> 05:24.000 Mrs. Adams, I must talk to you about this house. I was in the kitchen. Mrs. Adams, do you hear me? 05:24.000 --> 05:28.000 What? Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Bresler. What did you say? 05:28.000 --> 05:32.000 Well, why are you looking so, Mrs. Adams? Are you worried? 05:32.000 --> 05:36.000 Worried? Oh, no, of course not. No, everything will be all right. 05:36.000 --> 05:38.000 Well, I hope you're not worried. 05:38.000 --> 05:45.000 There's talk of war in the streets and in the markets. 05:45.000 --> 05:47.000 That's enough of that in this house, Mrs. Bresler. 05:47.000 --> 05:48.000 Oh, I'm sorry. 05:48.000 --> 05:53.000 Now, you run along and get some tea. Perhaps Mr. Hamilton will stay. 05:53.000 --> 05:59.000 And the fine place this house is to entertain. When are we going to that fine new mansion in Washington? 05:59.000 --> 06:02.000 Heaven only knows. I doubt there is such a place. 06:02.000 --> 06:05.000 Well, whatever it is, it'll be better than nothing. 06:05.000 --> 06:08.000 Oh, Mr. Hamilton, will you have some tea? 06:08.000 --> 06:12.000 Very kind of you, Mrs. Adams, but I'm afraid I have no time. 06:12.000 --> 06:17.000 The President has given us very little time. Good day. 06:17.000 --> 06:21.000 Mrs. Bresler, make some tea anyway. The President may want some. 06:21.000 --> 06:24.000 Yes, ma'am, Mrs. Adams. 06:24.000 --> 06:25.000 Well, Abby? 06:25.000 --> 06:26.000 Yes, my dear? 06:26.000 --> 06:28.000 I shouldn't have sent those envoys. 06:28.000 --> 06:29.000 Oh, there's news then. 06:29.000 --> 06:32.000 Yes, there's news. News of the war. 06:32.000 --> 06:35.000 Oh, there's news then. Yes, there's news. 06:35.000 --> 06:38.000 News that's made Hamilton and the others grin behind their sleeves. 06:38.000 --> 06:41.000 Oh, they'll have something to crow about now. 06:41.000 --> 06:44.000 They'll have something fine to put before the people. 06:44.000 --> 06:48.000 They'll make me out a great idiot who bowled to the French in scrape. 06:48.000 --> 06:51.000 I won't hear that talk, John. I won't, you hear. 06:51.000 --> 06:54.000 You'll have to, Abby. That's what they're saying now. 06:54.000 --> 06:55.000 But why? 06:55.000 --> 06:58.000 Because the French refused to see our envoys unless... 06:58.000 --> 07:05.000 Unless we paid a tribute, a bribe, Abby. A bribe so that we could talk to the French Directory. 07:05.000 --> 07:08.000 Oh, no, John. No, they couldn't do that. 07:08.000 --> 07:14.000 But they have. Now I have no recourse but to make a full report to Congress and the public. 07:14.000 --> 07:16.000 And if you do, it will mean war. 07:16.000 --> 07:17.000 There's no alternative. 07:17.000 --> 07:20.000 Try again, John. Once more, please try again. 07:20.000 --> 07:26.000 Are you mad, Abby? No, I'll not risk having our national honor muddied again. 07:26.000 --> 07:29.000 I'll not even give the French agents the dignity of naming them. 07:29.000 --> 07:35.000 I'll return an insult by giving them to history simply as X, Y, and Z. 07:49.000 --> 07:52.000 Well, here we are, Abby. This is our box. 07:52.000 --> 07:56.000 Now, John, try to enjoy the play. Forget your worries for tonight, please. 07:56.000 --> 07:59.000 I shouldn't have come, Abby. Here's your chair, dear. 07:59.000 --> 08:02.000 Thank you, my dear. The theater's crowded. 08:02.000 --> 08:10.000 Yes, it is. The audience staring up at us, laughing at me for the French fiasco that I had to make it public. 08:14.000 --> 08:17.000 The play's starting already. Who's that on the stage, Abby? 08:17.000 --> 08:20.000 Fire. I believe it's Gilbert Fox, the actor. 08:20.000 --> 08:26.000 If you please, ladies and gentlemen. If you please, one moment, please. 08:26.000 --> 08:37.000 Ladies and gentlemen, we have the great honor tonight of having with us in yonder box Mr. John Adams, President of the United States. 08:42.000 --> 08:45.000 Abby gave in. They're cheering me. 08:45.000 --> 08:47.000 Stand up, John. Stand up. 08:47.000 --> 09:04.000 Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, tonight, in the President's honor, and to show him that we will follow where he leads, we present a new song, sung to the tune of the President's March, accompanied by the band. 09:06.000 --> 09:15.000 Hail, from your happy land, Hail, you seven-born band, 09:15.000 --> 09:24.000 Who fought and bled in freedom's course, Who fought and bled in freedom's course, 09:24.000 --> 09:36.000 Rallying round our liberty, Peace and safety we shall find. 09:36.000 --> 09:45.000 Don't worry, Mr. President, we'll keep that plan till after they're never forget. You're handling the whole thing just right. 09:45.000 --> 09:49.000 We'll keep the plan, but not one step at a time. 09:49.000 --> 10:04.000 John. 10:04.000 --> 10:07.000 Oh, yes, Abby dear, I'll be through in a moment. 10:07.000 --> 10:14.000 I didn't mean to disturb you, my dear, but I wanted to talk with you. I can't sleep. 10:14.000 --> 10:23.000 Well, no wonder. The excitement tonight, the play, the people at the theater, that song. Oh, Abby, I was afraid they'd hate me, laugh at me. 10:23.000 --> 10:27.000 And the applause, the cheers. You liked them, didn't you? 10:27.000 --> 10:30.000 Of course I liked them. I'm human. 10:30.000 --> 10:31.000 So are they, my dear. 10:31.000 --> 10:36.000 Yes. Well, now, please, dear, there's so much to be done. 10:36.000 --> 10:39.000 There always is when there's a war coming. 10:39.000 --> 10:43.000 Abby darling, what's done is done. I did my best. You know what happened. 10:43.000 --> 10:45.000 But there mustn't be any war. There mustn't. 10:45.000 --> 10:46.000 It's out of our hands. 10:46.000 --> 10:49.000 Oh, no, it's not out of your hands. You're the president. 10:49.000 --> 10:54.000 Listen to me, Abby. You heard the people tonight. They're not afraid of war. They want it. 10:54.000 --> 11:03.000 Yes, yes, they want it. My children reaching out to touch a fire. It looks so beautiful and heroic. No one ever looks ahead to the hurt and agony. 11:03.000 --> 11:06.000 Oh, Abby, you're overwrought. Please go to bed and try to sleep. 11:06.000 --> 11:08.000 I can't, John. Neither can you. 11:08.000 --> 11:09.000 I will when I finish. 11:09.000 --> 11:11.000 No, you won't, and you know it. 11:11.000 --> 11:13.000 What do you mean? 11:13.000 --> 11:18.000 Oh, you're too honest, too good, too true to yourself in the country to let this thing happen. 11:18.000 --> 11:22.000 I tell you they want it. I can't stop it now. France had a chance. 11:22.000 --> 11:24.000 You still have your chance. 11:24.000 --> 11:26.000 Abby, I'll hear no more. Go to bed. 11:26.000 --> 11:31.000 John, listen to me. I can't believe you share your party's eagerness for this war. 11:31.000 --> 11:39.000 And why not? From a man who thought he brought dishonor and disgrace to his country, I find of a man who's popular for the first time, Abby. 11:39.000 --> 11:45.000 Why, why, they've rallied to me. The Federalists support me. To a man. I'm acclaimed a hero. 11:45.000 --> 11:47.000 And for those little things you... 11:47.000 --> 11:57.000 Little things? How can you call them that? How can you realize what it means to a man to be president and know that the people in this party think him a fool and then suddenly to realize that they... 11:57.000 --> 12:05.000 They've gone blind with war hysteria. The bans, the shouting, the cheering. Those are little things. Too little for you, John. 12:05.000 --> 12:09.000 Oh, Abby. Abby, why did you come in here? 12:09.000 --> 12:18.000 My darling, think. Think. Not of those little things, but of the years ahead. Think what war means. 12:18.000 --> 12:20.000 I have thought, Abby. 12:20.000 --> 12:23.000 You've never been more miserable in your life. 12:23.000 --> 12:26.000 You're right. Right as usual. 12:26.000 --> 12:31.000 John, isn't... isn't the future of our republic worth one more attempt at peace? 12:31.000 --> 12:42.000 But even if it is, my dear, Hamilton and the party will never allow it. They've made all plans for war. Washington called out of retirement to lead the troops. Fighting at sea... 12:42.000 --> 12:49.000 But no declaration yet. John, you're president. The people chose you, not Alexander Hamilton. 12:49.000 --> 13:02.000 Yes. Yes, of course. I can send my own envoy without consulting anyone to ask for a fair and honorable peace. 13:02.000 --> 13:05.000 Will you do it, John? 13:05.000 --> 13:26.000 I'm glad you came in here, Abby. I feel as though a great load has been lifted from my heart. 13:26.000 --> 13:28.000 Abigail. Abigail, where are you? 13:28.000 --> 13:29.000 Right here, dear. 13:29.000 --> 13:32.000 Oh, Abby. I've wonderful news. 13:32.000 --> 13:33.000 From France. Your envoy. 13:33.000 --> 13:38.000 No, nothing yet from France. This news is for you. We're moving at last to Washington. 13:38.000 --> 13:41.000 The mansion? It's finished? 13:41.000 --> 13:43.000 After twelve years, yes. 13:43.000 --> 13:46.000 Oh, John. John, it's wonderful. 13:46.000 --> 13:49.000 We'll be lost in thirty rooms, Abby. 13:49.000 --> 14:01.000 Oh, thirty rooms. Oh, now we can give passes, receive foreign ambassadors, envoys. Why, we'll be able to use all our wonderful linens and silverware. And the piano, John. We'll set it up. 14:01.000 --> 14:06.000 Oh dear, I must tell Mrs. Bresler. Mrs. Bresler. Mrs. Bresler. 14:06.000 --> 14:08.000 What's the matter, Mrs. Abby? What's wrong? 14:08.000 --> 14:13.000 Well, you can stop your eternal sniffing at this house now. We're going to Washington. 14:13.000 --> 14:16.000 Glory! To Washington? The mansion? 14:16.000 --> 14:27.000 Finished. Thirty rooms with great shining windows, smooth walls and polished floors. We'll be able to use all the furniture we've had stored away for so long. And the crimson velvet chairs. 14:27.000 --> 14:35.000 All will make it look like a mansion, fit for the second President of the United States. And all the rest to come after. 14:35.000 --> 14:58.000 You are listening to Ida Lupino as Abigail Adams and John McIntyre as President Adams in Abigail Opens the White House on the cavalcade of America. 14:58.000 --> 15:13.000 Sponsored by the DuPont Company, maker of better things for better living. 15:13.000 --> 15:30.000 As the second part of our story opens, Abigail Adams becomes the first wife of a President to occupy the Presidential Mansion in Washington. With her hopes high and her enthusiasm for the new mansion overcoming for the moment the fear of war with France, Abigail enters. 15:30.000 --> 15:48.000 Oh, but Mrs. Bresler, it's not finished. Look, the walls aren't even plastered and the windows, some of them don't have glass in them. Mansion. It's no better than a big barn and a cold one at that. 15:48.000 --> 15:54.000 Thirty rooms, not six of them fit to live in. Look, they're dark and... 15:54.000 --> 15:56.000 Hey, the men are here with your things. 15:56.000 --> 15:57.000 Oh, who are you? 15:57.000 --> 15:59.000 I'm the carpenter, madam. 15:59.000 --> 16:01.000 Well, what have the workmen been doing all these weeks? 16:01.000 --> 16:03.000 We've been waiting for material, ma'am. 16:03.000 --> 16:05.000 And there's no wood in the fireplaces. 16:05.000 --> 16:11.000 Nobody to chop or cut it, ma'am. But what can you expect with us practically at war with France? 16:11.000 --> 16:13.000 We aren't at war. Please, not yet. 16:13.000 --> 16:16.000 If you're the carpenter, why don't you fix the rope? 16:16.000 --> 16:19.000 I've been trying to get at that, ma'am, but there ain't been a chance to... 16:19.000 --> 16:25.000 Well, you could at least have gotten someone to clean. It's filthy. You can't expect the President and his wife to live here. 16:25.000 --> 16:29.000 You can't help it, ma'am. It's the best we could do. 16:29.000 --> 16:35.000 Oh! Be careful with that. Be careful. It's my piano. And you've scratched the floors quite enough. 16:35.000 --> 16:39.000 All right. All right. This is a lot of it. 16:39.000 --> 16:45.000 A lot? Not just a moment. One, two, three... three barrels. Where are the rest? 16:45.000 --> 16:48.000 The rest, ma'am? You see any more, Jeremy? 16:48.000 --> 16:50.000 That's all we had, ma'am. 16:50.000 --> 16:54.000 Oh, no. No, my child and my silverware. They're not here. 16:54.000 --> 16:57.000 They probably got lost or stolen. That's all we saw, ma'am. 16:57.000 --> 17:01.000 Oh, all your lovely silver and silver. 17:01.000 --> 17:04.000 There, there, now, Mrs. Bresler. Stop your crying. 17:04.000 --> 17:06.000 Oh, I'm going straight to the President and tell him. 17:06.000 --> 17:09.000 Oh, no, you're not. He's not to know this. Do you understand? 17:09.000 --> 17:11.000 But your silver, the china... 17:11.000 --> 17:13.000 Mr. Adams, it's not to be bothered. 17:13.000 --> 17:14.000 Abby, Abby, where are you? 17:14.000 --> 17:16.000 Oh, this barn of a place. And now we're robbed. 17:16.000 --> 17:20.000 Stop it. Do you hear? I'm in here, John. The big room in the front. 17:20.000 --> 17:23.000 You go down to the kitchen and make yourself some tea. Go on now. 17:23.000 --> 17:26.000 Yes, but it's terrible. That's what it is. It's terrible. 17:26.000 --> 17:28.000 Abby, this is an outrage, this place. 17:28.000 --> 17:31.000 Oh, nonsense, John. It's new, that's all. 17:31.000 --> 17:33.000 New? It's unfinished. It's so new. 17:33.000 --> 17:35.000 Well, once we get servants from Philadelphia... 17:35.000 --> 17:38.000 Servants? They're none to be had. And I'll not have you doing all this work. 17:38.000 --> 17:42.000 Oh, look, John, here's our piano. Doesn't it make you feel right at home? 17:42.000 --> 17:46.000 Are these all the boxes and barrels we brought? I'm sure there were more. I'm sure. 17:46.000 --> 17:48.000 Listen, dear, do you remember this? 17:48.000 --> 17:52.000 But, Abby, there's something wrong here. Your clothes strung. Where's that? 17:52.000 --> 17:55.000 You always liked this song. Remember. 17:58.000 --> 18:03.000 Abigail, I don't see how you can play in the middle of this cold, stark emptiness. 18:03.000 --> 18:06.000 It's an outrage. It's asking too much of any woman. 18:06.000 --> 18:08.000 Remember what Solomon said, my dear. 18:08.000 --> 18:12.000 A cheerful continence and a merry heart do good like medicine. 18:12.000 --> 18:22.000 Now come along. Sit down and listen. 18:22.000 --> 18:29.000 Mrs. Adams! Mrs. Adams, what are you doing? 18:29.000 --> 18:31.000 Scrubbing the floor. I... 18:31.000 --> 18:34.000 Mrs. Otis is waiting to see you. Who? 18:34.000 --> 18:36.000 Mrs. Otis of Georgetown. 18:36.000 --> 18:39.000 Oh, dear. Help me out quickly. 18:39.000 --> 18:41.000 Oh, dear. Oh, dear. 18:41.000 --> 18:43.000 I've got to go. I've got to go. 18:43.000 --> 18:45.000 I'll see you in a minute. 18:45.000 --> 18:47.000 I'll see you in a minute. 18:47.000 --> 18:49.000 I'll see you in a minute. 18:49.000 --> 18:52.000 Oh, dear. Help me out quickly. 18:52.000 --> 18:54.000 Where is she? I told her to wait in the oval room. 18:54.000 --> 18:57.000 Good afternoon. Oh, dear. 18:57.000 --> 18:59.000 Good afternoon, Mrs. Otis. 18:59.000 --> 19:03.000 I thought I'd drop in and take tea with you. 19:03.000 --> 19:05.000 But I guess I'd better go. 19:05.000 --> 19:07.000 Oh, no, no. Please stay. 19:07.000 --> 19:10.000 You seem to be engaged. 19:10.000 --> 19:13.000 Excuse me, Mrs. Otis. Mrs. Breeslip, prepare tea, will you? 19:13.000 --> 19:15.000 Yes, ma'am. I'm here. 19:15.000 --> 19:18.000 The servants are gone, Mrs. Adams? 19:18.000 --> 19:21.000 They were never here, Mrs. Otis. They were none to be had. 19:21.000 --> 19:25.000 Oh. Do you do all the work here, Mrs. Adams? 19:25.000 --> 19:28.000 Well, Mrs. Breeslip helps, but she can't do it all alone. 19:28.000 --> 19:32.000 But surely the wife of our president shouldn't be scrubbing floors. 19:32.000 --> 19:35.000 You were scrubbing, weren't you? 19:35.000 --> 19:37.000 Very well, too, don't you think? 19:37.000 --> 19:41.000 I suppose so. I wouldn't know. 19:41.000 --> 19:43.000 Shall we go into the next room? 19:43.000 --> 19:46.000 Oh, now, really, Mrs. Adams, I think I'd better go. 19:46.000 --> 19:48.000 I'm sure you have so much to do. 19:48.000 --> 19:50.000 Yes, I have quite a lot to do. 19:50.000 --> 19:52.000 When I finish scrubbing, I have to wash the windows. 19:52.000 --> 19:54.000 What few there are. 19:54.000 --> 19:57.000 I see. Well, I have other calls to make. 19:57.000 --> 20:01.000 Of course. I hope you won't find the other ladies quite so busy. 20:01.000 --> 20:05.000 I'm sure I won't, Mrs. Adams. Good day. 20:05.000 --> 20:08.000 Good day, Mrs. Otis. 20:08.000 --> 20:12.000 I'm afraid, Abby, dear, that wasn't quite diplomatic. 20:12.000 --> 20:14.000 Oh, oh, John, you heard. 20:14.000 --> 20:17.000 I heard, but there's something more important now. 20:17.000 --> 20:19.000 The French minister, he's here, here in the mansion. 20:19.000 --> 20:22.000 The French minister? When did he come? 20:22.000 --> 20:24.000 Not two minutes ago. I had to tell you, and I've got to get back to him. 20:24.000 --> 20:25.000 I can't keep him waiting. 20:25.000 --> 20:27.000 Well, does that mean your envoy was... 20:27.000 --> 20:31.000 Well, I don't know, but just the fact that he called here is good. 20:31.000 --> 20:33.000 I had to tell you, dear, you first. 20:33.000 --> 20:38.000 Oh, John, John, if there were only some way we could entertain, a banquet. 20:38.000 --> 20:41.000 The French place a great deal of importance on elegance and pomp. 20:41.000 --> 20:42.000 Yes, but not here. 20:42.000 --> 20:45.000 Banquet? Why not? 20:45.000 --> 20:46.000 What? 20:46.000 --> 20:49.000 Nothing. Nothing. Now, get off with you, and John. 20:49.000 --> 20:50.000 Yes, my dear. 20:50.000 --> 20:54.000 Walk slowly, very slowly. Don't let him see you've been hurrying. 20:54.000 --> 20:55.000 Yes, dear. 20:55.000 --> 20:58.000 Oh, bless you. Mrs. Bresler, Mrs. Bresler. 20:58.000 --> 21:00.000 Yes, yes, Mrs. Adams. 21:00.000 --> 21:03.000 Mrs. Bresler, tonight we're going to have a banquet. 21:03.000 --> 21:07.000 Yes, ma'am. Banquet? Why? Where? 21:07.000 --> 21:08.000 Here. 21:08.000 --> 21:09.000 What? 21:09.000 --> 21:10.000 Close your mouth, Mrs. Bresler. 21:10.000 --> 21:15.000 But we can't. It's impossible. No servants, no silver, no decent china. 21:15.000 --> 21:17.000 Oh, it'll be a disgrace. 21:17.000 --> 21:18.000 Go to Mrs. Otis. 21:18.000 --> 21:19.000 Mrs. Otis? 21:19.000 --> 21:23.000 Yes. Take her silverware, her china, and her servants. 21:23.000 --> 21:26.000 Tell her the government is commandeering them for this evening. 21:26.000 --> 21:31.000 And if she objects, tell her it'll be her one and only chance to meet the French minister. 21:31.000 --> 21:41.000 I think you'll get what we need. 21:41.000 --> 21:55.000 John, is that you? 21:55.000 --> 21:56.000 Yes, Abby. 21:56.000 --> 22:01.000 I've been waiting for you. Come, sit here at the piano with me. 22:01.000 --> 22:03.000 Anything wrong, dear? 22:03.000 --> 22:04.000 Just this. 22:04.000 --> 22:05.000 What is it? 22:05.000 --> 22:07.000 The latest outrage. 22:07.000 --> 22:08.000 Oh. 22:08.000 --> 22:12.000 Yes, Hamilton has published this letter about me calling me a traitor. 22:12.000 --> 22:17.000 Look at the title. Concerning the public conduct and character of John Adams' Esquire. 22:17.000 --> 22:22.000 But why, John? Why should he do that? 22:22.000 --> 22:29.000 Because it seems that our banquet with the French minister and my actions have deprived the party and Hamilton of their war. 22:29.000 --> 22:35.000 Well, what do you care what they say? You prevented war at a time our country needed peace desperately. 22:35.000 --> 22:38.000 Do you know what this letter means? Do you know what this tack will do? 22:38.000 --> 22:42.000 Yes, I do. You won't be reelected, is that it? 22:42.000 --> 22:44.000 That's it, Abby. 22:44.000 --> 22:50.000 Well, then let it be that way. You and I, we'll go back to Massachusetts, to Queens. 22:50.000 --> 22:57.000 But, Abby, everything I tried to do for my country will be swept away. All my principles forgotten. 22:57.000 --> 23:03.000 Oh, no, my dear. No, you've left the country a legacy of peace. That will never be forgotten. 23:03.000 --> 23:06.000 It was forgotten two months after the peace treaty was signed. 23:06.000 --> 23:10.000 Only because people are still too close to it to realize the true value of your action. 23:10.000 --> 23:11.000 I hope you're right, Abby. 23:11.000 --> 23:18.000 I know it. Oh, listen, John. I'll go back to Queens a bit for you, and I'll get the house ready. 23:18.000 --> 23:22.000 Then we can take up our, well, our private lives again. 23:22.000 --> 23:24.000 Private? 23:24.000 --> 23:32.000 Abby, either Jefferson or Burr, will win the election, and no matter which, I'll wager our son John Quincy will be humiliated. 23:32.000 --> 23:38.000 He'll be recalled as minister to Prussia, but I won't let them damage the name of Adams anymore, Abby. I'll recall him myself. 23:38.000 --> 23:42.000 Yes, John. 23:42.000 --> 23:51.000 Will people remember me as the fool who dishonored his country, or the president who saved it from war? 23:51.000 --> 23:56.000 Remember this, my dear? Hail Columbia, happy land. 23:56.000 --> 24:00.000 Yes. My one brief moment of popularity. 24:00.000 --> 24:11.000 Oh, John. Knowing what is right for your country and doing it, no matter what the cost, is a far better thing than a few moments of cheering and popularity. 24:11.000 --> 24:14.000 But people forget and only remember the bad. 24:14.000 --> 24:21.000 No. No, it took strength and courage to do what you did, and someday America will know it. 24:21.000 --> 24:29.000 Thank you, my darling, for this moment. Thank you for all the happy moments in here. 24:29.000 --> 24:38.000 You made this a home, Abby. Not a mansion, a show and pomp, but a home. 24:38.000 --> 24:41.000 I'm sorry you'll have to leave it, Abby. 24:41.000 --> 24:47.000 Well, it doesn't belong to us, John. It belongs to America now. 24:47.000 --> 24:52.000 It will still be a home, my dear. A home for those who will follow us. 24:52.000 --> 25:11.000 And may God give them all the wisdom and courage to do what is right, always. 25:11.000 --> 25:18.000 And Abigail Adams left the presidential mansion, and immaculate and beautiful as the White House is today. 25:18.000 --> 25:24.000 It has never been more lovingly and tenderly cared for than when she was its housekeeper. 25:24.000 --> 25:28.000 Only in America could the wife of the highest governing officer be a housekeeper. 25:28.000 --> 25:32.000 Only here could a housekeeper give advice to the highest governing officer. 25:32.000 --> 25:37.000 For it is in America that the will of the common people is supreme. 25:37.000 --> 25:43.000 The wisdom of cobblers and butchers and foundrymen and housekeepers is as great as their numbers. 25:43.000 --> 26:12.000 It is only in America that great men know the value of little people and that little people become great men and women. 26:12.000 --> 26:15.000 Here is Gaine Whitman speaking for DuPont. 26:15.000 --> 26:19.000 Most common metals are attacked by corrosion. 26:19.000 --> 26:24.000 Did you ever notice a railroad track when the trains haven't been running for a couple of days? 26:24.000 --> 26:29.000 The gleaming steel becomes red with rust. All of us know rust. 26:29.000 --> 26:34.000 But there are other kinds of corrosion attacking other metals beside iron and steel. 26:34.000 --> 26:37.000 Corrosion is worse in some climates than in others. 26:37.000 --> 26:44.000 It's pretty bad where the weather is hot and humid, for instance, or near the ocean where the air is very moist. 26:44.000 --> 26:49.000 But corrosion goes on everywhere and all the time, day and night. 26:49.000 --> 26:52.000 Wherever you use metal, you must fight it. 26:52.000 --> 26:57.000 One of the best ways to combat it is to give it a prime coat of paint. 26:57.000 --> 27:03.000 You've seen a steel bridge with blotches of red or orange paint on it, looking as if it had the measles. 27:03.000 --> 27:07.000 That's primer paint put on to retard corrosion. 27:07.000 --> 27:12.000 In the future, you'll be seeing yellow as well as red and orange. 27:12.000 --> 27:20.000 For DuPont zinc chromate, which is bright yellow in color, has been added to the list of primer pigments by chemical science. 27:20.000 --> 27:25.000 DuPont zinc chromate helps form a corrosion-resisting paint film. 27:25.000 --> 27:30.000 It neutralizes the acids formed when a coat of ordinary paint breaks down 27:30.000 --> 27:35.000 and brings about the formation of an invisible protective film on the metal, 27:35.000 --> 27:40.000 which greatly decreases the natural tendency of steel to rust. 27:40.000 --> 27:47.000 The standard tests for primer paint, along with standard tests for just about everything else manufactured in the United States, 27:47.000 --> 27:54.000 from petroleum products to welding rods, are those of the American Society for Testing Materials. 27:54.000 --> 28:01.000 We take this means of congratulating the men and women of the ASTM on their new headquarters in Philadelphia, 28:01.000 --> 28:10.000 and we wish them all success in their continuing effort to see to it that the most reliable products made anywhere 28:10.000 --> 28:17.000 are those of American manufacturers, products among which we are proud to include our own DuPont 28:17.000 --> 28:21.000 Better Things for Better Living through chemistry. 28:21.000 --> 28:30.000 Music 28:30.000 --> 28:36.000 Next week, the DuPont cavalcade brings you Robert Young in Mr. Pullman's Palace Car, 28:36.000 --> 28:44.000 the dramatic story of George Mortimer Pullman, who changed train travel from a trying experience to a pleasurable pastime. 28:44.000 --> 28:48.000 Be sure and listen next Monday to Mr. Pullman's Palace Car, 28:48.000 --> 28:54.000 the story of the first sleeping coach starring Robert Young on the cavalcade of America. 28:54.000 --> 29:10.000 Music 29:10.000 --> 29:14.000 The music for the DuPont cavalcade is composed and conducted by Robert Armbruster. 29:14.000 --> 29:18.000 Tonight's cavalcade was written by Priscilla Kent. 29:18.000 --> 29:23.000 Ida Lupino may currently be seen in the Warner Brothers picture, The Man I Love. 29:23.000 --> 29:28.000 Featured in the cast with Ms. Lupino was John McIntyre as President Adams. 29:28.000 --> 29:35.000 This is John Easton inviting you to listen next week to Robert Young in Mr. Pullman's Palace Car 29:35.000 --> 29:41.000 on the cavalcade of America, brought to you by the DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware. 29:41.000 --> 29:46.000 Music 29:46.000 --> 30:15.000 The cavalcade of America came to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the national broadcast.