Tomorrow is American Independence Day and I thought I’d share this with you. Without a doubt this has to be among my Top 10 TV moments – and an awesome piece of history.
Watch this short clip of when a nervous John Adams (who later became the 2nd President of the United States) met “mad” King George III of Britain:
The acting I think is superb by both actors. John Adams is played by Paul Giamatti and King George III by Tom Hollander.
I quite like the way Tom Hollander portrays King George with his cold and almost terrifying stare (perhaps an early sign of the King’s “mental illness”?).
Here is what John Adams said to the King (as also shown in the above video):
“The United States of America have appointed me their minister plenipotentiary to your Majesty… I think myself more fortunate than all my fellow citizens, in having the distinguished honor to be the first to stand in your Majesty’s royal presence in a diplomatic character; and I shall esteem myself the happiest of men, if I can be instrumental in recommending my country more and more to your Majesty’s royal benevolence, and of restoring an entire esteem, confidence, and affection, or, in better words, the old good nature and the old good humor between people, who, tho separated by an ocean, and under different governments, have the same language, a similar religion, and kindred blood.”
Probably the best part of the dialogue between these two great men is when King George brings up the subject of France (an old enemy of Britain). Here is what John Adams wrote:
‘The King then asked me whether I came last from France, and upon my answering in the affirmative, he put on an air of familiarity, and, smiling, or rather laughing, said, “there is an opinion among some people that you are not the most attached of all your countrymen to the manners of France.”
I was surprized at this, because I thought it an indiscretion and a departure from the dignity. I was a little embarrassed, but determined not to deny the truth on one hand, nor leave him to infer from it any attachment to England on the other.
I threw off as much gravity as I could, and assumed an air of gayety and a tone of decision as far as was decent, and said, “that opinion, sir, is not mistaken; I must avow to your Majesty, I have no attachment but to my own country.”
The King replied, as quick as lightning, “an honest man will never have any other.”‘
(source: JOHN ADAMS’ AUDIENCE WITH GEORGE III AS THE FIRST AMERICAN MINISTER)
Gotta memorize this for when I meet you
Hi Kumar. Haha, nice one! I have to get ready my wig then! :)) cheers. Alessio
I would suggest that an honest (and wise) man, an man with integrity to his fellow human beings, should put away such things that would separate us.
A quote from a astronaut – “Funny, I can’t see any borders from up here.”
After all, surely there is no doubt that these people no longer serve the majority??
Liked the video clip.
Adams was a grovelling Bastard.! lol 🙂
If you ever get the time, check out the movie: ‘The Madness of King George’ [no doubt on DVD]
Played by the late great Sir Nigel Hawthorn.
Yes, The Madness of King George” is a truly great film, very touching.
As for the US, it’s not very united now….being split apart by a bunch
who want to go backwards in terms voting access, treatment of women, etc.
A very unkind group of people swathed in piety.
The US political system as given to us by the “Founding Fathers” with its federalist approach is not working. We are not one country anymore. Frankly, TX and similar states SHOULD secede. Many of us would not miss them at all..
I must avow to your Allesioness, I have no attachment but to your country’s Treasuries.
http://www.golemxiv.co.uk/2013/07/nsagchq-the-new-praetorians/
Enough said….
“John Adams, America’s first ambassador, said to my ancestor, King George III, that it was his desire to help with the restoration of “the old good nature and the old good humor between our peoples.” That restoration has long been made, and the links of language, tradition, and personal contact have maintained it. ” This was a statement from Queen Elizabeth II regarding John Adams.
Heidi – that is well observed. Yes actually it is true that Queen Elizabeth did mention those words of John Adams when she visited the USA. Cheers!