1776 (1972)

Jonathan Moore: Dr. Lyman Hall (GA)

Quotes 

• John Adams : [singing in the empty hall]  Is anybody there?... Does anybody care?... Does anybody see... what I see?

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Yes, Mr. Adams, I do.

  John Adams : Dr. Hall, I didn't know anyone was...

  Dr. Lyman Hall : I'm sorry if I startled you. I couldn't sleep. In trying to resolve my dilemma I remembered something I'd once read, "that a representative owes the People not only his industry, but his judgment, and he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion."

  [He smiles] 

  Dr. Lyman Hall : It was written by Edmund Burke, a member of the British Parliament.

  [He walks to the tally board and changes his 'nay' vote to 'yea' on independence] 

• [During the vote to debate the resolution on independence] 

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Mr. President, Georgia seems to be split right down the middle on this issue - the people are against it, and I'm for it.

  [laughter] 

  Dr. Lyman Hall : However, I'm afraid I'm not quite certain whether representing the people means relying on their judgment or on my own. In all fairness, until I can figure that out, I'd better lean a little on their side. Georgia says nay.

• John Dickinson : Tell me, Doctor, where do you stand on the question of...

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Independence?

  John Dickinson : Treason.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : I've no stomach for it.

  John Dickinson : Ahh, then be careful not to dine with John Adams. Between the fish and the soufflé, you'll find yourself hanging from an English rope. Your servant, sir.

• Dr. Lyman Hall : Excuse me.

  McNair : Uh, yes?

  Dr. Lyman Hall : I'm Dr. Lyman Hall, the new delegate from Georgia.

  McNair : I'm Andrew McNair, Congressional custodian. If you'll be wanting anything at all, just holler out "McNair" as all the others do, and there won't be too long to wait.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Uh, where does the Georgia delegation belong?

  McNair : Oh, they mill about over in that corner, near the two Carolinas.

• Caesar Rodney : Tell me, sir, would you be a doctor of medicine or theology?

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Both, Mr. Rodney. Which one can be of service?

  Caesar Rodney : By all means, the physician first. Then we shall see about the other.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : [laughs]  I shall call at your convenience, sir.

• Caesar Rodney : [Wilson taps his cane]  Oh, Judge Wilson, forgive me, but how can anyone see you if you insist on standing in Mr. Dickinson's shadow?

  Caesar Rodney : [Caesar Rodney introduces Wilson to Dr. Hall]  James Wilson, also of Pennsylvania.

  James Wilson : Sir.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : An honor, sir.

• Dr. Lyman Hall : Good lord, sir, do you have the honor to be Dr. Franklin?

  Dr. Benjamin Franklin : Yes, I have that honor. Unfortunately, the gout accompanies the honor.

• Dr. Lyman Hall : It's after 10:00. I was told Congress convenes at ten.

  McNair : Well, they'll be wandering in any time now, sir, with old Grape 'n' Guts leading the pack.

  Dr. Lyman Hall : Old who?

  Stephen Hopkins : [offscreen]  McNair!

  McNair : Grape 'n' Guts.

  Stephen Hopkins : [entering]  'Nair, fetch me a rum.

• Joseph Hewes (NC) : Tell me, Doctor, where does Georgia stand on the question of independence?

  Dr. Lyman Hall (GA) : I'm here without instruction, Mr. Hewes, able to vote my own personal convictions.

  Edward Rutledge (SC) : And they are?

  Dr. Lyman Hall (GA) : [seeing them all looking at him]  Personal.