Amistad1997

John Quincy Adams:
What is their story, by the way?

Theodore Joadson:
Sir?

John Quincy Adams:
What is their story?

Theodore Joadson:
Why, they're um... they're from west Africa.

John Quincy Adams:
No. What is their story?

[Theodore Joadson exhales and looks confused]

John Quincy Adams:
Mr. Joadson, you're from where originally?

Theodore Joadson:
Why, Georgia, sir.

John Quincy Adams:
Georgia.

Theodore Joadson:
Yes, sir.

John Quincy Adams:
Does that pretty much sum up what you are? A Georgian? Is that your story? No you're an ex-slave whose devoted his life to the abolition of slavery, and overcoming the obstacles and hardships along the way, I should imagine. That's your story, isn't it?

[Theodore Joadson smiles and nods]

John Quincy Adams:
[laughs] You and this young so-called lawyer have proven you know what they are. They're Africans. Congratulations. What you don't know, and as far as I can tell haven't bothered in the least to discover, is who they are. Right?