(ambient music) - I didn't come across freedom, I worked for it.

I worked as hard as I ever worked in my life and I earned it.

- My family, my house, they are everything to me.

- [Male Voice] We ain't never gonna be free.

You ain't no better than them white men.

- This house holds the proud memories of my grandfather, the honorable Benjamin Chew.

- [Male Voice] And this is my house.

- [Male Voice] Mr.

Pierce has granted me the liberty to go to see her once.

- [Many Voices] The liberty to go to see.

The liberty to go to see.

The liberty to go to see.

- [Male Voice] The liberty to go to see.

- Welcome to Cliveden.

I am James Smith, a former slave and free man.

I was employed by the Chews starting in 1819 for most of my adult life and I will be your guide through some of our stories.

- Michael.

- [Michael] Yes, master.

I'm right here.

- I told you to bring my case 10 minutes ago.

- I know and I'm sorry, master.

I had to-- Never mind that now.

Bring it there.

- What's happened, sir.

- I'll need some clothes.

Not much, this won't take long.

I will leave all of my formal clothing here.

- Okay and will you require all of these books-- - Michael, no we do not have time for all of those books.

- Will the trip be a short one then, sir.

- I've been giving orders to go to New Jersey for a short time.

The Iron Works.

I've been assured I'll be safe and you will go with my wife and children to Philadelphia.

Now go.

- Why, sir?

- I'm being sent there because of my involvement with England.

- What are you referring to, master?

- The colonies in England, Michael.

The each want me completely on their side.

Never mind that.

Do you understand what I need you to pack now?

- It's just, sir, you said New Jersey is safer.

Are we in danger here?

- Perhaps, but not yet.

- Then why are you leaving?

You're the master here?

(laughing) - Apparently, not at the moment.

We must finish preparing.

- Does it pain you, sir?

To be forced to separate from your family and everything?

- Yes.

Yes, it does.

- Well, we're take good care of them for you, sir.

- My family and my house, they are everything to me.

Now they're being taken from me.

Why do I have to be dragged into this war?

I tried to stay out of it.

It's those damn patriots.

I told them.

I told them exactly how to handle all of this but instead of listening, they start throwing tea into the harbor.

Oh and if that wasn't enough, they try to sink the whole ship.

- They be fighting for their freedom.

- And what about those of us who want to keep our freedom, keep our property, and keep out of the fight all together?

What happens to us, to us free men?

Whether the war is won or lost, we will be the ones who have to pay.

England takes (audio drop).

The patriots are fighting for something that they already have.

And now because of that, I don't feel free.

Not when I'm being taken from my own home.

I don't feel free.

- Not many of us do, sir.

- Go finish preparing, Michael.

Now.

- Harry.

- [Harry] Yeah.

- [Michael] We're moving tables and chairs from the upstairs bedroom.

Come on now, don't got too much time.

- [Harry] Alright.

(somber jazz music) - Master Chew was a practical man.

He did not act without great thought.

He was careful in his investments.

As a judge, he had to listen to both sides of every case.

- Our colonies are on the precipice of separation from Mother England.

They think they're creating a new society full of opportunity, justice and liberty.

- Now at home, in the privacy of his bedroom, alone with his thoughts, he must be prosecutor, defendant, as well as judge.

- Maybe I should just let go of England.

But then, I would be an outcast, completely alone, much like I am now.

- Master Chew was banished to a very nice house in Union Forge, New Jersey, along with his number one client, the last royal governor of Pennsylvania, John Penn.

He was there for seven months.

His family sent to the townhouse in Philadelphia.

The British took advantage of an empty house and took up residence in Cliveden.

They used this house as their fort during the battle of Germantown.

They ate all of the food and the animals and stole the horses, and then the war was over.

- The old man did.

How do you get arrested for treason and come out richer than you were before the war?

- [Michael] What do you know?

- I know, after the battle, this house was so shot up, master Chew didn't say he had enough money to fix it.

(Michael mumbles) Moved down to Whitehall.

Then he made it out the townhouse.

Waited out the war, moves back in to the townhouse, and he's with the Continental Congress helping to write the Constitution.

Money everywhere.

More power than he had before the war, and he brought Cliveden back.

That's gonna be me some day, wait and see.

- [Michael] Wait and see, okay.

Come on, we better finish unloading the wagon.

- [Harry] Alright.

- In this house are unforgettable traces of the battle of Germantown.

All scars proudly showcased by the Chews.

Life after war goes on.

It's 1804 and the Chews are back in residence.

Many slaves worked for master Chew on his plantations in Maryland and Delaware.

When they had a request, they might be allowed to send a letter.

Here's a letter from the slave Joseph.

When matters of the heart are brought up, and no financial loss of property is at risk, master Chew might show leniency and mercy.

December 5th, 1804.

- Dear sir, this comes to inform you that Ms.

Betsy Smith hath broke up housekeeping and has sold all off.

My wife has been sold to Mr.

Hollinsworth in Baltimore for five years.

Since she's went there, Mr.

Pierce has granted me the liberty to go to see her once.

The liberty to go to see.

(many voices chant "The Liberty To Go To See") Which I esteemed is a very great favor.

Be so kind sir, to take this consideration.

We have been man and wife this 11 years, and I wish to be more convenient to her.

I was told by sundry gentlemen in Baltimore when over there, that if it was your pleasure to let me go over there this ensuing year, they will allow you very generous wages.

I flatter myself that my mistress will grant her approbation for this request.

And you both may depend upon it that I will endeavor to behave myself, so I hope you shall never have reason to repent the favor granted me.

Write me as soon as you see proper respect in this matter for I am uneasy in my mind, being so far distant from my wife.

Give my humble respect to my mistress, hoping that yourself, my mistress, and all the children are well.

- [Both] I am dear, sir, slave Joseph.

- I don't know how it worked out for him.

Wouldn't be the first time Mr.

Chew did something that turned out to be merciful, as well as profitable.

I eavesdrop while master Chew's slave catcher, himself an enslaved African, argues with Harry, an enslaved worker, who prepares to start his journey toward freedom.

- [Michael] Harry, Harry!

Where do you think you're going?

- Why you scare me like that?

- Because I found out what you was gonna do.

- I ain't tell nobody except for-- - [Benjamin] Michael.

- I'm ready master Chew.

- Here are your letter and ownership papers.

You bring Harry back and they'll be something in it for you as usual.

You tell that runaway if he returns to me as my property, without subjecting me to further trouble or expense, all that has passed will be overlooked, and he will be treated from the time to come with the kindness and humanity due to him.

If not-- - I understand master Chew, and I'll get right on it.

- See that you do.

- He's gone.

Look at you, shaking like a leaf.

- Thank you for not-- - I found out you was gonna leave?

- And I ain't coming back.

- Stay, Harry.

There ain't nothing for you out there.

- Freedom's out there.

There ain't nothing here.

- Look, if you stay, like the man said, none of this never happened.

Leave and I'm gonna have to hunt you down.

- You ain't doing nothing but Chew's dirty work.

He done turned you against your own kind.

There's folks out there who will help me.

Black folks, free black folks in Philadelphia.

I just gotta get to them.

All I gotta do is make it to Pastor Island and Bethel's Church.

Let me be the one you let go.

- Talking crazy, Harry.

Allen ain't but two cents from being a slave, a Chew slave at that.

But he's past it.

He bought and paid for his freedom and his church.

I'm gonna get there too.

Philadelphia's six miles down the road.

It'll take you days to get there.

Days of ducking and dodging every coach and wagon you see.

- [Harry] I'll make it.

Let me go.

- [Michael] It's my task to keep you here.

- It's your task to betray your brother.

- I don't got a choice.

- You don't got a choice?

You don't got a choice?

- Master Chew made me the slave catcher.

- You got the papers to keep your safe.

All you had to do was not come back.

All you had to do was carry that with you until you're some place where no man can own you, some place you're free.

Come with me.

- I can't.

If I go, master Chew will send out the bounty hunters.

I don't get off easy like you.

(banging upstairs) - I know I'll be fearing for my life every second.

I know it won't be easy.

But I'll be a free man.

- Look, get back to work.

Don't cost master Chew no money or no grief.

Last time, Harry, last time.

- Can't.

- [Michael] You mean you won't.

- I'm gonna get my freedom and I ain't never coming back.

- We ain't never gonna be free, Harry.

- You ain't no better than them white men.

You ain't nothing but a Judas to your own kind.

- I'm doing what I have to do.

- It's not like I got a choice.

If I don't got my freedom, I don't got nothing.

- Look, I won't hold you here.

I'll say I don't know nothing about where you went.

But when master Chew sends out the bounty hunters and catches you and beats you, don't you say nothing about me giving you this chance, Harry.

- Thank you.

Thank you, thank you brother.

Maybe I'll see you again some day.

Maybe then, you'll be a free man too.

God bless you.

God bless you.

- Generations of us called Cliveden home.

When Ben Junior died, he left behind his wife Cathryn and their eldest son ran her affairs.

He was also a Benjamin.

Benjamin the third.

But around here we called him Bad Ben.

Eventually, after Cathryn died, the executors pushed Bad Ben out and the youngest daughter of Ben Junior, Ms.

Anne Sophia Penn Chew came and took over.

Ann came here and modernized Cliveden, adding on the addition to the back of the house, putting in that door where the window used to be.

Ben Junior left his youngest daughter $16,000 which almost $400,000 in your money.

She used it to buy Cliveden and restore it.

She also hired on a staff of indentured servants, mostly girls from Ireland who, by her accounts, were more troublesome than slaves.

But they were cheaper.

- You know, you must always use the servant staircase to keep our esteemed guests comfortable.

Why then do I see you using the main staircase so frequently?

I will not stand for you running amuck through my house with no care for my dignity or that of my family.

This house holds the proud memories of my grandfather, the honorable Benjamin Chew, and his struggles during the revolution.

It is my duty to ensure the grandeur and legacy of Cliveden is kept in tact.

I don't understand you, Hanna.

I gave you more responsibilities because you were doing well.

And now, you are overbearing to the other servants and you are disinclined to obey directions.

I paid for your passage to America and this is how you thank me.

- Guess so.

- That was a rhetorical question.

I could dismiss you.

But I have not made my money back on your indenture.

A disappointment.

Sam and Mary are coming to live at Cliveden and I need all hands at the ready.

Everything must be perfect to my nephew gets here.

- Yes, lady Ann.

- [Ann] I'm going out.

Have the laundry done by the time I return.

- Yes, lady Ann.

(scoffs) - You best keep it down.

She can still hear you.

Everyday it's "Yes, lady Ann".

"I know, lady Ann."

"Straight away, lady Ann."

"Whatever you need, lady Ann."

I am sick of it.

I do everything for that woman and still, does it matter that I roll my eyes.

I thought she wasn't looking.

- Well, if you'll just calm down for a moment-- - James, I take care of her day in and day out, and what do I get for it?

She says you're insolent.

She's mean.

Am I not allowed one little tiny expression of displeasure?

Why?

Because I'm a servant and if I don't do what she asks, then I get punished.

- It could be worse.

- Worse?

I've given my life to serving her and this is the thanks that I get.

- You misbehave, you get a lecture.

Slaves down south, talking back could mean death.

- I am not a slave.

Surely, I deserve better treatment for my labors.

- Oh you are not a slave.

You only have to listen to a lecture or two or three.

I knew a slave on the plantation where I grew up who could not learn to hold his tongue, but when the overseer was finished with him, he could.

- I haven't my family in 13 years.

My indenture was sold just as a slave is sold.

I haven't seen my family since I left Ireland.

- But you have found a better life here, yes?

Slaves are sold, it's seldom better.

- I suppose.

But when will I be free to do as I please?

- You can buy your freedom, like I did when I was your age.

- Well, how did you come across freedom?

- I didn't come across freedom.

I worked for it.

I worked as hard as I worked in my life and I earned it.

- My indenture's 27 years.

I'll die of old age before I pay it off.

- Be grateful.

She doesn't whip you or beat you and you can get away with misbehaving a little.

Work hard for your freedom.

Buy your way out of this place.

- I will.

So James, how come a free man works as if he were a slave?

- Girl, I am 71 years old.

Me and my wife is too old to change.

My children are grown.

The Chews are a fine family and they treat me well.

I'm too old to start over again.

You on the other hand-- - I understand.

- Keep freedom in your heart.

- I will, thank you.

(distant shouting) Oh no, it's Bad Ben.

- Oh no, does he have a knife.

The last big set to, I had to help Ms.

Ann to Douglas's boarding house down the hill.

I'm too old to do that again.

- [Hanna] He looks unarmed.

- Stall him while I go warn Miss Ann.

- By myself?

- I'll be back quick as a wink.

Now go.

Go!

- [Ben] Ann, I know you're in here.

- You don't belong here.

Not when she's not home.

- Where is she?

- To whom are you referring, sir?

- You know damn well, Hanna and you will refer to me as Mr.

Chew.

- Lady Ann is in town shopping for home furnishings and she'll be back shortly.

- They all blamed me for squandering father's inheritance.

I wish Henry, Elizah and the others could see what our sister Ann is running things.

More like throwing our funds into the fire.

I should've remained executor of father's will.

- (scoffing) Do you mean in the way that you're pilfering funds and keeping this place looking like a rundown tenement?

- Hold your tongue, servant.

If it were up to me, you'd all be back starving on that pathetic little island where you came from.

- Cliveden is hers now.

She bought it back fair and square, so I suggest you leave before she returns.

- Why does she waste so much on this place.

No one comes to visit her anyway.

- Lady Ann holds this house prosperity, appearance and reputation above all else.

She's preparing for her nephew Sam and his family.

- What is this?

- Lady Ann has invited them to come stay with us.

She can hardly await his arrival.

- This is preposterous.

- Lady Ann plans on extending the foyer, building a main pathway from the house, redoing the kitchen, the windows, the carpeting and the floors.

Much of this upon the request of her dear niece-in-law Mary.

- How dare she make demands that further diminish my inheritance?

- Who's inheritance?

Well, well, brother.

Hanna, take these up to my room and put some water on.

- Yes, lady Ann.

- Thank you for entertaining our guest.

- [Ben] I knew this would happen.

- What?

You must be more specific, dear eldest brother.

- Why do you put on this farce?

You are not father, you are not his son.

- But I am the head of this household and owner.

- Well, I have come to reassert my position over this family and father's will.

I want my share of the inheritance and you have no right to keep that from me.

- Shall I put a dent in him lady Ann.

- No.

You shall not.

I respect my family too much to injure even the most scurvy members.

You made the house miserable when you lived here.

You lied to mother and prejudiced her against the rest of us.

You are stripped of your power as executor.

You have no right to your share in father's will.

It explicitly says that anyone falsely interfering in the requirements laid down in the will, their rights will be annulled.

Yours were.

You may leave now.

- But this is my house.

- Not anymore.

Cliveden belongs to me now.

You were officially evicted.

- This house will be mine, Ann.

Ann, this is my house.

- My working days will soon be over, God's will be done.

- I am asking you my Almighty God in heaven to give me guidance in what I am about to do.

Wonderful, loving God.

Please help Ms.

Harriet in her fight for me.

You led your children out of the desert, gave them your son.

Please, catch me as I fall.

Prevent me from gaining my freedom with my death.

When I fall, will that make me free?

I can't go back.

I'd rather die than go back to Mr.

Carroll.

Nothing but misery if they take me back.

I need more time.

Burgess will be here in a few days.

What can Ms.

Harriet do to save me?

Weeks.

Just a few weeks more in this house and freedom will be mine.

That is the law.

Please Lord, let me hold freedom in my hands.

If I can't travel, he can't take me back.

Yes.

Jump now or go back to the whip.

And Mr.

Carroll.

I choose freedom.

I choose freedom.

I choose freedom!

(shrieking) (slow, stirring string music)