John Quincy Adams: Now, you understand you're going to the Supreme Court. Do you know why? Ens. Covey: [translating for Cinque] It is the place where they finally kill us.
2
John Quincy Adams: This man is black. We can all see that. But, can we also see as easily, that which is equally true? That he is the only true hero in this room. Now, if he were white, he wouldn't be standing before this court fighting for his life. If he were white and his enslavers were British, he wouldn't be standing, so heavy the weight of the medals and honors we would bestow upon him. Songs would be written about him. The great authors of our times would fill books about him. His story would be told and retold in our classrooms. Our children, because we would make sure of it, would know his name as well as they know Patrick Henry's. Yet, if the South is right, what are we to do with that embarrassing, annoying document, The Declaration of Independence? What of its conceits? "All men created equal," "inalienable rights," "life, liberty," and so on and so forth? What on Earth are we to do with this? I have a modest suggestion. [tears papers in half]
3
Joseph Cinque: [in Mende] What kind of a land is this where you almost mean what you say? Where laws almost work?
4
Joseph Cinque: Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free.
5
John Quincy Adams: We've come to understand that who we are is who we were.
6
John Quincy Adams: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington... John Adams. We've long resisted asking you for guidance. Perhaps we have feared in doing so we might acknowledge that our individuality which we so, so revere is not entirely our own. Perhaps we've feared an appeal to you might be taken for weakness. But, we've come to understand, finally, that this is not so. We understand now, we've been made to understand, and to embrace the understanding... that who we are *is* who we were. We desperately need your strength and wisdom to triumph over our fears, our prejudices, ourselves. Give us the courage to do what is right. And if it means civil war? Then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution.
7
John Quincy Adams: Whoever tells the best story wins.
8
Tappan: They may be of more value to our cause in death than in life.
9
John Quincy Adams: Well, gentlemen, I must say I differ with the keen minds of the South and with our President, who apparently shares their views, offering that the natural state of mankind is instead - and I know this is a controversial idea - is freedom. Is freedom. And the proof is the length to which a man, woman or child will go to regain it once taken. He will break loose his chains. He will decimate his enemies. He will try and try and try, against all odds, against all prejudices, to get home.
10
US Secretary of State Forsyth: The only thing John Quincy Adams will be remembered for is his middle name.
11
[a band of abolitionists approach the outer gate of the prison where the Amistad refugees are being held for trial] Fala: [in Mende] Who are they, do you think? [the abolitionists kneel to pray] Joseph Cinque: [in Mende] Looks like they are going to be sick. Abolitionists: [singing] Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound… Fala: [in Mende] They're entertainers! Abolitionists: [singing] ... that saved a wretch like me... Joseph Cinque: [in Mende] But why do they look so miserable?
12
[the slave fortress in Sierra Leone is being bombarded from sea] Captain Fitzgerald: Fire. Fire. Fire. Take a letter, Ensign. To His Honor, the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Forsyth. My dear Mr. Forsyth, it is my great pleasure to inform you that you are, in fact, correct. The slave fortress in Sierra Leone does not exist.
13
[last lines] Queen Isabella: ¡Qué bonita!
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