Colonel William Tavington quotes from The Patriot (2000)

Colonel William Tavington

General, what is this?

Prisoner exchange. He has eighteen of our officers.

Colonel William Tavington

Who is he? I recognize him.

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.

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.

He has shown no aggression here. Hence he cannot be touched.

Colonel William Tavington

Has he, now? [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.

Benjamin Martin

...Before this war is over, I'm going to kill you.

Colonel William Tavington

Why wait?

Benjamin Martin

Soon.

Colonel William Tavington

This town has given aid to Benjamin Martin and his rebels. I wish to know his whereabouts. So, anyone who comes forward may be forgiven their treason. [silence] Very well, you had your chance.

Wait! This man gives Martin and his men supplies!

Quiet!

He brings them to Black Swamp!

He's a liar!

You damn fool!

In the marsh, by the old Spanish mission!

Colonel William Tavington

This man here?

Yes.

Colonel William Tavington

The Black Swamp, you say? By the old Spanish mission. Thank you very much. Shut the doors!

But you said…we'd be forgiven!

Colonel William Tavington

And indeed you may! But that's between you and God.

Ready to fire the town on your orders, sir.

Colonel William Tavington

The town? Burn the church.

There's no honour in this.

Colonel William Tavington

Didn't you say that all who stand against England deserve to die a traitor's death? Burn the church, Captain.

Colonel William Tavington

Kill me before the war is over, will you? It appears you are not the better man.

Benjamin Martin

You're right. [picks up a loose bayonet…] My sons were better men. […and slits Tavington's throat with it]

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?

Colonel William Tavington

Perfectly, my lord.

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 swelled his ranks, without which this "Ghost" would have disappeared, and I would be in North Carolina or Virginia by now!

Colonel William Tavington

In my defense, my lord...

Lieutenant General Cornwallis

Oh, enough, enough! [contemptuously] Fine soldier you are, bested by a bedtime story.

Lieutenant General Cornwallis

My reputation suffers because of your incomptence! That man insults me!

Colonel William Tavington

Quite impressive for a farmer with a pitchfork, wouldn't you say?

Lieutenant General Cornwallis

I want you to find that man. I want you to capture him.

Colonel William Tavington

The man has the loyalty of the people. They protect him. They protect his family. They protect the families of his men. I can capture him for you. But to do so requires the use of tactics that are somewhat... what was the word your lordship used? "Brutal", I think?

Lieutenant General Cornwallis

Go on.

Colonel William Tavington

I am prepared to do what is necessary. I alone will assume the full mantle of responsibility for my actions, free of the chain of command, rendering you blameless. However, if I do this, you and I both know that I can never return to England with honor. What, I wonder, is to become of me?

Lieutenant General Cornwallis

When this war is over here in the colonies, the new aristocracy... [unrolls a map of North America] will be landowners. [Tavington glances at the map]

Colonel William Tavington

Tell me about Ohio.