The Patriot

Lieutenant General Cornwallis: His Majesty, like history, judges us not only by the outcome of the war, but the manner in which it was fought. Colonel William Tavington: My lord... Lieutenant General Cornwallis: We serve the crown, and we must conduct ourselves accordingly. Surrendering troops will be given quarter; these brutal tactics must stop! Colonel William Tavington: Is it not enough, my lord, that I have never lost a battle? Lieutenant General Cornwallis: You serve me, and the manner in which you serve me reflects upon me! I would've thought that a gentleman from a family as esteemed as yours would understand that. Colonel William Tavington: My late father squandered any esteem in which we were held, along with my inheritance. I advance myself only though victory. Lieutenant General Cornwallis: You advance yourself only through my good graces. These colonials are our brethren, and when this conflict is over, we will reestablish commerce with them. Do you understand, colonel? Co

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Benjamin Martin: I've just read into the mind of a genius. Cornwallis knows more about war then any of us could ever hope to learn in a dozen lifetimes. His victories at Camden and Charleston were perfect. Perfect. The thing is, he knows that... and perhaps that's his weakness. Gabriel Martin: Sir? Benjamin Martin: Pride. Pride's a weakness. Major Jean Villeneuve: Personally, I would prefer stupidity. Benjamin Martin: Pride will do.

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Gabriel Martin: If we win this war, a lot of things will change. Soldier Occam: What will change? Gabriel Martin: They call this the New World. It's not. It's the same as the old. But we have the chance to build a new world. A world where all men are created equal under God. Soldier Occam: Equal... sounds good.

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Colonel Tavington, why, after six weeks, am I still here in Middleton Place, attending a ball in South Carolina, when I should be attending balls in North Carolina? First, the theft of my personal baggage, including my memoirs, on which I've spent countless hours; then half the bridges and ferries between here and Charles Town burned. Colonel, if you can't protect our supply lines against militia, how do you intend doing so against the colonial regulars, or the French when they arrive? Colonel William Tavington: My lord, they won't fight like regulars. We can't find them. Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Colonel, they're militia! They're farmers with pitchforks! Colonel William Tavington: They're rather more than that, I'm afraid, my lord. Made so by their commander, this "Ghost". Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Ghost, ghost, ghost... you created this "Ghost", Colonel. Colonel William Tavington: My lord? Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Your brutality has swel

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Now we come to the matter of specific targeting of officers during engagements. You must know that in civilized warfare, officers in the field must not be accorded inappropriate levels of hostile attention. Benjamin Martin: To your opinion, what are appropriate levels of hostile attention? Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Colonel, imagine the utter chaos that would follow from leaderless armies having at each other. There must be gentlemen to command, lead, and- and, where necessary, restrain their men. Benjamin Martin: Restrain them from, say, targeting civilians. Women, children and such. Lieutenant General Cornwallis: That's a separate issue. Benjamin Martin: No, no. I consider them linked. And as long as your soldiers attack civilians, I will order the shooting of officers at the outset of every engagement. And my men are excellent marksmen. Lieutenant General Cornwallis: Very well. Now, let us move on to... Benjamin Martin: Prisoner exchange. Lieutenan

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0

Colonel William Tavington: General, what is this? Brigadier General O'Hara: Prisoner exchange. He has eighteen of our officers. Colonel William Tavington: Who is he? I recognize him. Brigadier General O'Hara: He is the commander of the militia. Your "Ghost". [Tavington draws his sword and advances on Martin.] Stay that sword, Colonel! He rode in under a white flag for formal parley. Colonel William Tavington: This is madness. Brigadier General O'Hara: If you harm him, you condemn our officers. Colonel William Tavington: General, with respect, sir, he's killed as many officers in the last two months. Brigadier General O'Hara: He has shown no aggression here. Hence he cannot be touched. Colonel William Tavington: Has he not? [to Martin] You! So you're the Ghost, are you? I remember you! On that farm, and that stupid little boy! [Martin turns around] Did he die? Hm? [Martin walks up to him] You know, it's an ugly business, doing one's duty. But just occasionally... it's a real pleasure. B

The Patriot (2000 film), CC BY-SA 4.0