Fackeln im Sturm - Folge 12: Mein bester Freund

President Davis is desperate over the situation. Orry shares this emotions, but he also thinks about his home. But Davis arks Orry to go to the front, where every soldier is badly needed.

Four years of war have changed America forever. Over a half-million men and boys have died on the battlefield. Grant and Lee are deadlocked at Petersburg and both Sides pray for an end to the nightmare.

Davis.......................... (in thoughts) It doesn't seem so matter now. All those weapons destroyed. Oh, good Lord, how we could've used those guns. - Oh, forgive me, I haven't been sleeping well lately. (1)

Orry............................. I understand.

Davis.......................... Sherman is exacting a terrible price from South Carolina for leading the way into Secession. You must be worried about your family there.

Orry............................. Yes, there's been no communication with Charleston since the rail lines were cut, and that was weeks ago.

Davis.......................... We have one small chance, Orry.

Orry............................. Lee is facing almost double his number of troops. And Johnston has an even worse situation in North Carolina.

Davis.......................... Yes, I know. But if Lee can slip away from Grant's army and join up with Johnston over the Carolina border, both armies combined might be able to defeat Sherman. Then it could head north and meet Grant on something like equal terms. (2)

Orry............................. That'll take a lot of luck, Sir. And all the skill Lee can muster.

Davis.......................... It's an outside chance at best, I know, but the only one we have. Lee is set on trying it as soon as the roads are dry enough for him to move. He's gonna need every good man that we've got left.

Orry............................. Yes, Sir.

Davis.......................... May you serve him as well as you've served me and this government. (3)

Orry............................. Goodbye, Mr. President.

Davis.......................... God go with you, Orry.

Director's error: When Orry talks with Davis for the last time, he wears a reddend wound plain to see on his left cheek, which he has received from a piece of wood used by Bent in the previous fight. When he talks to detective Haller shortly after that, the wound has apparently been forgotten. But when he is standing at the paraphet next to Charles (the Battle of Petersburg), the wound has returned to his cheek.

(2) Historical: Ths was Lee's strategy in fact, but it couldn't be executed due to the exhaustion of his army, the overpowering strength of the Union and the lack of supply trains captured by the enemy, ultimately leading to Lee's surrender. Shortly after that, Johnston would also surrender to Sherman in North Carolina.

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12.03 - Unsuccessful Detective

Start 4.54, Length 0.56

Participants:

> Brigadier General Orry Main, CS

> Emos Haller, detektive

Location opening: Richmond, in the streets

Location scene: Richmond, Haller's office

Bevor going to the frint, Orry has to learn that the Pinkerton detective has been unable to locate Madeline.

Haller.......................... Come in, General. I assume you read my final report.

Orry............................. It's only final when you find my wife.

Haller.......................... Sir, you have received a dozen detailed reports. Your wife has simply disappeared.

Orry............................. You have to keep trying. You must have missed something.

Haller.......................... Sir, I can't make a career out of one case. I have other clients.

Orry............................. (grabs him) But I don't give a damn about your other clients. I just want you to find my wife.

Haller.......................... General, I know how you feel, especially with the war and all.

Orry............................. (releases him) I'm sorry. I just can't give up. Please.

Haller.......................... I'd do what I can.

Director's error: The opening for the scene at Haller's office shows a line of houses in Charleston, even though the scene is located in Richmond. This would not be a problem, but the same buildings were used for several other scenes taking place in Charleston. Examples: The colums at the entrance on the left side (Dock Street Theater) are adjecting Miles Colbert's law office, and the wood-paneled house in the background is where Charles takes over his son at war's end. The column entrance itself is used as entrance of the "Stockwood Hotel" in Richmond for the ball with President Davis in 1861.

Opening to detective Haller, Richmond Charles takes over his son, Charleston

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12.04 - Madeline In Need Of Groceries

Start 5.50, Length 0.54

Participants:

> Madeline Main (no text)

> Statists: refugees

Location: regufee camp in Charleston

Madeline has great difficulties to procure groceries for help to the refugees she attends. At the time, she can only provide water soup and small pieces of bread.