Walk With You - Scene 31

Walk With You

Scene 31

St. Louis, Missouri - 1854

Immigrants from Ireland and Germany flood the town.

Music: The Ash Grove - Welsh Folk Song

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

The Forty-Eighters were Europeans who participated in or supported the revolutions of 1848 that swept Europe.

In the German states, the Forty-Eighters favored unification of the German people, a more democratic government, and guarantees of human rights.

Disappointed at the failure of the revolution to bring about the reform of the system of government in Germany or the Austrian Empire they gave up their old lives to try again abroad.

Many emigrated to the United States. These emigrants included Germans, Czechs, Hungarians, and others.

Many were respected and politically active, wealthy, and well-educated; as such, they were not typical immigrants. A large number went on to be very successful.

SUPER IN

St. Louis Missouri 1854

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

In August, election day riots broke out in St Louis between immigrants and natives. Ten were killed and almost a hundred buildings were damaged.

FADE IN:

The streets of St. Louis are filled with mobs of people.

Between 1840 and 1850, St. Louis continued rapid growth, both in area and population.  The city's population increased five times during this period.

The river traffic increased so rapidly that by 1850 St. Louis was the second largest port in the United States.

This was the Golden Age of river traffic. Eliza and Lizzy would take John Blow down to the docks and watch the ships come and go.

An important factor in the population increase was the influx of large numbers of immigrants, particularly from Germany and Ireland.

The Germans, who fled the revolution in their homeland, settled here in such numbers that by the early fifties, the City ordinances had to be translated into German for their benefit.

In 1854, John Berry Meachum while preaching from his pulpit passed away.

FADE TO - Panoramic view of Washington DC. Zoom in to the Capitol building where the United States Supreme Court is located.

Walk With You - Scene 24

Walk With You

Scene 24

U S Grant

Corpus Christi, Texas - 1846

Music: The Ash Grove - Welsh Folk Song

SUPER IN

Corpus Christi, Texas 1846

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred was the personal servant of Henry Bainbridge. They travel to Texas.

The Mexican War is about to break out.

Inside of Kinney’s Ranch, officers of the United States are having dinner.  The Battle of Buena Vista looms before them.

FADE IN:

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred is serving Major General Zachary Taylor, Quartermaster US Grant, Colonel Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and other officers.

Dred Scott puts a plate of food before Quartermaster Grant.

DRED SCOTT

Gentlemen, your dinner is served.

ULYSSES S GRANT

Good evening. Thank you my good man.

DRED SCOTT

My pleasure Sir.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Grant turns to General Taylor, continuing a conversation.

ULYSSES S GRANT

You are correct General, slavery should not be expanded west than it already is.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred continues to serve dinner. His smile is infectious.

JEFFERSON DAVIS

The Quartermaster is showing true colors of our northern states. He fails to recognize the vital importance of matters to the South.

ULYSSES S GRANT

I agree that I am not familiar with your issues however, I have a understanding of what is moral.

ZACHARY TAYLOR

Gentlemen, I am quite certain this topic should not be discussed here. However,I agree with the quartermaster that this subject should be left only to the lands it occupies on now.

JEFFERSON DAVIS

We of the south will not let that happen  Sir.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred Scott serves Jefferson Davis.

DRED SCOTT

Good evening sir

Davis smile has been reversed. He is visibly annoyed.

JEFFERSON DAVIS

Continue with your business.

ROBERT E LEE

Good evening, this is excellent fare.

DRED SCOTT

Thank you.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred steps more lively around the table

ULYSSES S GRANT

What is your name?

DRED SCOTT

I am Dred, husband of Harriet. I have a beautiful daughter Eliza. Harriet is currently with another child.

It is a pleasure serving you Sir.

ULYSSES S GRANT

Congratulations Dred. Perhaps Colonel Davis can learn from you the manners of the north country.

JEFFERSON DAVIS

My position is the quartermaster is overstepping his bounds.

We should drop this subject before it goes to places that the quartermaster will wish we should not go to.

ULYSSES S GRANT

Colonel I have yet to find a subject that I cannot fully address. I defer to the General wishes here and now.

Colonel rest assured this topic is not an issue that is dropped.

ZACHARY TAYLOR

I order both of you to refrain from a continuance of this subject matter now.

DRED SCOTT

I am sorry for being the cause of this dispute Sirs. Please forgive me.

ULYSSES S GRANT

Unnecessary, you have done nothing that you need to apologize for Dred

JEFFERSON DAVIS

The quartermaster is louder and bolder than his position dictates.

ULYSSES S GRANT

I will address the Colonel at a later date. Undoubtedly will be more like me that will settle it properly perhaps at the Colonel's front door.

Although I suspect he will not be home to receive our welcome.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

After serving dinner, Dred retired to the office of Henry Bainbridge. Finishing the Major’s business Dred and Bainbridge discussed briefly of all things, his wife.  

The Major took out a piece of paper and pen and told Dred to tell him his thoughts. He would write them down and mail the letter to his wife. I still have that letter close to my heart

DRED SCOTT

Dear Harriet:

If only I was with you at this special time. If you get this, please tell me how you are. How is Eliza my darling daughter?

Major Bainbridge is at Kinney’s Ranch near the border of Texas. He says that we are about to go to war with Mexico.

I served dinner last night. An officer named Jefferson Davis was dark and distant to me. He spoke of what is not good to hear.

I did not trust him at all

An officer was named US Grant. I asked him what the US stood for, he said his given name was Hiram Ulysses. His friends gave him the US, that is what he has gotten used to. An officer next to US called him Uncle Sam.

When US spoke I can see fire in his eyes. He had a fearless quality about him that made me think he was bound for good things.

He told me that he did not want to participate in this war about slavery.

I told him about my Harriet in St. Louis and a daughter that I loved. He told me of a girl in St. Louis named Julia that he planned on marrying, he loved her as much as I love you.

I Love you and wish I was with you my love.

Dred

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred witnesses the Battle of Buena Vista. Zachary Taylor becomes a national hero and later becomes President.

Fade to: Panoramic view of Jefferson Barracks.

Walk With You - The Story of Dred Scott and the Blow Family of Virginia - Scene 23

Walk With You

Scene 23

2017

Presidential Candidate

Nauvoo, Illinois

Boiler explosion on the Mississippi River.

Music: Dueling Banjos by Arthur Smith

FADE IN:

Nauvoo, Illinois - 1844

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred and I and their daughter Eliza travel the long journey south from Minnesota territory on the Mississippi River towards St. Louis.

Its evening, the stars light up the sky. The only sound is that of the giant paddlewheeler quietly meandering down the river.

The Scott's are alone in the back of the boat, the only place they are permitted, beside their space to sleep near the boiler below.

Their master, Irene Emerson, has summoned them to St. Louis. If they had any desire to escape this trip would be the perfect time.

Dred is comfortable as a slave. It is the only life he has known. He fears what would happen if he would have to fend for himself in a white man's world.

However, he is deeply in love with Harriet and their baby girl. He knows her wishes which is a certain amount of freedom as they experienced in the northern territories.

Harriet understands that their family is subject to sale by their owner at any time. A fact that she conveys to Dred.

HARRIET SCOTT

Dred, we need to talk about the future of our family. Our togetherness and Eliza's future is in Irene Emerson's hands. She is not a kind lady.

DRED SCOTT

I know that Harriet, but we are in good hands.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

It is a clear day, the Scott's are on the outside deck. They are enjoying the scenery with majestic trees lining the shores of the northern portions of this mighty river. The paddlewheeler engine seems to be getting louder.

The scene shifts to the evening. The Scott's are below in a small room near the engine. The loud constant sound of the engine is causing Eliza to cry.

The boiler of the Paddlewheeler is overtaxed and about to blow up.

HARRIET SCOTT

That noise is getting louder Dred!

DRED SCOTT

Oh God Harriet it does not sound good.

HARRIET SCOTT

What is happening Dred?

DRED SCOTT

Harriet take Eliza above. I will get our stuff and meet you shortly.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Dred gets the Scott’s belongings just as the boiler explodes. The paddlewheeler is torn apart and starts to sink.

Harriet and Eliza made it off the boat safely but are in the water. Harriet is clutching Eliza.

Harriet is a strong lady who finds a large piece of wood to hold on to and use as a raft. The current is drifting them towards the shore where people are waiting to help them with blankets and food.

Harriet and Eliza make it to shore where several Mormons from the city of Nauvoo attempt to comfort them.

Joseph Smith, the Mayor of the city heard the explosion. He rides with his brother Hyrum to the water’s edge. They attempt to give aid to the survivors.

HARRIET SCOTT

Thank you kindly for your generosity. Where pray tell is my husband.

JOSEPH SMITH

We will find him for you mam, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?

HARRIET SCOTT

My name is Harriet. Harriet Scott.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

Hours go by with no sign of Dred. Just after nightfall as Harriet and Eliza are warmed by a fire, Dred appears out from some nearby bushes. He is cut and bruised but in relatively good shape considering what he is gone through.

DRED SCOTT

Harriet!

HARRIET SCOTT

Dred, I thought we lost you. You had me so worried.

The couple hug each other for an extended period of time.

Harriet and some of the people of Nauvoo nurse Dred’s wounds.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

The next morning Joseph Smith reappears.

JOSEPH SMITH

Well Mr. Scott, I am glad that you are well. Once you are able to, would you and your family please join my family for some dinner. Our house is up this road. The people taking care of you all will show you the way.

DRED SCOTT

Thank you kindly, sir. I believe we will be able to come tonight. Who do I owe my heartfelt thanks to?

JOSEPH SMITH

My name is Joseph, Joseph Smith. You are near our city called Nauvoo. We shall talk more when you are rested.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

We are seated a large table with Joseph Smith, his wife Emma, and their children. This is a rare occurrence for the two slaves who generally eat at meager quarters.

JOSEPH SMITH

Mr. Scott, I am glad to see that you and your family are improving tonight.

DRED SCOTT

I thank you and the people of your town for the help you have afforded me and my family. We will be eternally grateful for all your kindness.

JOSEPH SMITH

It is our pleasure to assist all God's children when the need arises. Mr. Scott, your family is welcome to stay here. If you like it here, you can stay as long as you like.

DRED SCOTT

Thank you kindly for your offer Mr. Smith.  We must be returning to St. Louis, our master is waiting

JOSEPH SMITH

Mr. Scott, the only master you have to answer to is the one above who decided to let you and your family live today. I beg you reconsider.

DRED SCOTT

My wife Harriet agrees with you Mr. Smith but I am not sure. If we stay with you we will surely be hunted down. Mrs. Emerson would not allow us to escape.

JOSEPH SMITH

The almighty has given you a free will Mr. Scott. It is unfortunate and a sin that this woman whom you speak of as a master has seized it like a thief in the night.

Most certainly your master will have to account for his indiscretions in the afterlife. In the meantime, the choice is yours, we are here to help you Mr. Scott and your family.

HARRIET SCOTT

Thank you Mr. Smith for talking sense into my husband.

JOSEPH SMITH

I am running to lead these here United States. When I am elected I will make it a point to free all the slaves in the country. I shall compensate the Mrs. Emerson's for their losses. Please keep this in mind Mr Scott.

HARRIET SCOTT

Mr. Smith, I hope you win. We need more brave man like you to stand up to Irene Emerson.

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

After the dinner, we are getting ready to get some rest. As our daughter sleeps the topic of their families freedom resurfaces.

DRED SCOTT

Harriet, I have learned today a valuable lesson. My views of about my freedom lack courage. The type of courage that you shown here today in the water saving our little one's life.

You and Eliza mean a great deal to me. More than my life and the comfort I have with this meager existence that can be snatched and taken away from us at any time.

HARRIET SCOTT

Dred, what are you saying?

DRED SCOTT

Harriet, I believe you are right that we should make every attempt to seek freedom. Not only for us but for our daughters sake.

HARRIET SCOTT

Dred, I am so glad that you feel this way. What shall we do.

DRED SCOTT

When we return to St. Louis I will ask Mrs. Emerson if we can purchase our happiness.

HARRIET SCOTT

I do not have a good feeling about that lady.

FADE TO - Panoramic view of the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri.