Walk With You - Scene 20

Walk With You

Scene 20

Dr. Emerson is fired from the Army

The lady of the house on Morgan street.

Music: Brilliant Disguise by Bruce Springsteen

FADE IN:

St. Louis, Missouri - 1842

HARRIET SCOTT (V.O.)

At the Emerson plantation on the outskirts of St. Louis, Doctor and Irene Emerson are discussing their financial situation.

Dr. Emerson has recently been fired from the Army.

They discuss the unthinkable as far as Dr. Emerson is concerned.

The selling of our family to pay their mounting debts.

DR JOHN EMERSON

I don’t know what we are going to do Irene. Our financial situation is getting worst.

IRENE EMERSON

Our slaves are worth more than anything else we own.

Little Eliza is worth thousands of dollars to us.

DR JOHN EMERSON

Irene, they are providing us with money as we lease them out.

I would prefer that we not sell them.

IRENE EMERSON

That is not enough John.

I have needs.

You can understand that I cannot be seen without a new dress this coming Spring.

If you are not man enough I will take care of this.

DR JOHN EMERSON

No Irene, this is my responsibility.

FADE TO - Panoramic view of the dark streets of St. Louis, Missouri near the docks of the Mississippi River. Focus down on a buggy traveling through the narrow streets as it is raining.

CUT TO - INSIDE OF A Horse drawn Buggy

Mrs. Emerson gets out of the Buggy and quickly knocks on the door on the corner of Morgan and Garrison streets. A woman opens the door.

MORGAN STREET WOMAN

State your business.

IRENE EMERSON

I own a slave baby. I wish to sell it.

MORGAN STREET WOMAN

Is the baby with you?

IRENE EMERSON

No. How much is it worth?

MORGAN STREET WOMAN

I need to see it first.

IRENE EMERSON

I will bring it tomorrow.

FADE TO - Panoramic view of the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. Pan down to Henry Taylor Blow house near the Mississippi River.