Battle of New Orleans Page #4

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Jackson unfurls a MAP of the southern U.S. on the table.

ANDREW JACKSON:

Our orders are months old. If the

British have indeed moved here -

(points to Pensacola)

They will most certainly move here.

JOHN COFFEE:

New Orleans.

ANDREW JACKSON:

The key to the Mississippi and thiscountry’s future freedom.

(MORE)

9.

ANDREW JACKSON (CONT'D)

If the British take the River, they

will surround us on all sides. And

with this “proclamation”, a

declaration to turn our citizens

against us -- I’ve seen it tonight

in that tavern, these men have the

constitution of a hot house flower.

The people will fall if we let

them, not to say anything of the

British sending the same Indians

we’ve defeated against us. We must

march onto Pensacola immediately.

Furtive glances around the room. That was unexpected.

JOHN COFFEE:

Sir, while I principally agree, the

men are tired. We’ve fought many

battles and travelled many miles -

ANDREW JACKSON:

And I was there for all of them,

General Coffee, lest you forget.

DANIEL ADLER:

At least send word to Washington -

ANDREW JACKSON:

Or Philadelphia or New York or

wherever the government now sits

and wait three months for a reply?

If so there will be tea down our

throats by New Year.

DANIEL ADLER:

Perhaps. But Mobile is between

Pensacola and New Orleans, General.

Let us gather, rest and prepare,

then we will fight. It’s the most

prudent course of action.

ANDREW JACKSON:

Wars, like women, Lieutenant, are

rarely won with prudency.

And as the men realize their stay here will be short-lived -

ANDREW JACKSON (V.O.)

My dearest Rachel -

INT. BOARDING HOUSE - ROOM - MORNING

Jackson in his dressing clothes. He writes a letter.

10.

ANDREW JACKSON (V.O.)

I write with apologies, my belovedwife, for circumstances have

changed and we must delay ourinevitable reunion.

EXT. STAGING GROUND - DAY

Jackson’s men preparing to MARCH. They are not happy.

ANDREW JACKSON (V.O.)

The British have moved onto Florida

and I have no recourse but to move

them out. The men, of course, are

disagreeable, but our duty does notcare for our disposition.

Jackson rides through the yard. The soldiers are respectfulwith their greetings, but there’s clearly no love lost here.

DANIEL ADLER:

(as Jackson passes)

Old Hickory bastard.

EXT. SPANISH GARRISON - DAY

In Pensacola. The BRITISH and SPANISH FLAGS fly at the sameheight over the stronghold. COLONEL EDWARD NICHOLLS (36)

confers with COMANDANTE FERNANDO GARCIA (54) behind the wall.

ANDREW JACKSON (V.O.)

I wish only to be with you and thechildren again, but Colonel EdwardNicholls, a British scant of a man,

a fly, has made that impossible.

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