17761972

[first lines]

McNair:
[Adams stands with the Liberty Bell, lost in thought] Mr. Adams? Mr. Adams? Mr. Adams! Well, there you are. Didn't you hear me calling, Mr. Adams? You could have shouted down something, save me climbing up four flights. A man that likes to talk as much as you do, I think...

[Adams turns and gives McNair a hard stare]

McNair:
What do you keep coming up here for, Mr. Adams? Afraid someone's gonna steal our bell?

[he chortles]

McNair:
Well, no worry. Been here more than fourteen years and it ain't been carried off once.

[he laughs, but Adams is not in the mood]

McNair:
You'd better get yourself back down to Congress, Mr. Adams. They're getting ready to vote, and they said they couldn't settle such an important question without Massachusetts being there.

John Adams:
[sarcastic] I can just imagine. All right, what burning issue are we voting on this time?

McNair:
On whether or not to grant General Washington's request that all members of the Rhode Island militia be required to wear matching uniforms.

John Adams:
Oh, good god.