Col. Harry Burwell Quotes in The Patriot (2000)

Col. Harry Burwell: This is not a war for the independence of one or two colonies, but for the independence of one nation.

Capt. Wilkins: Tell me, Colonel, what nation is that?

Mr. Howard: An American nation!

Capt. Wilkins: There is no such nation, and to speak of one is treason.

Mr. Howard: We ARE citizens of an American nation! And our rights are being threatened by a tyrant three thousand miles away!

Benjamin Martin: Would you tell me please, Mr. Howard, why should I trade one tyrant three thousand miles away for three thousand tyrants one mile away? An elected legislature can trample a man's rights as easily as a king can.

Col. Harry Burwell: Captain Martin, I understood you to be a patriot.

Benjamin Martin: If you mean by patriot, am I angry about taxation without representation, well, yes I am. Should the American colonies govern themselves independently? I believe that they can, and they should. But if you are asking me, am I willing to go to war with England? Well, then the answer is most definately NO!

Col. Harry Burwell: I'll help you bury him.

[referring to Martin's recently killed son]

Benjamin Martin: I'll bury him.

Col. Harry Burwell: My wife Alexandria is with child, my first. I fight for that child... Benjamin nothing will replace your sons, but if you come with us you can justify their sacrifice.

Benjamin Martin: Why?... Why do men feel they can justify death? Is it arrogance or...

[voice trails off]

Benjamin Martin: I have long feared, that my sins would return to visit me... and the cost is more then i can bear.

Col. Harry Burwell: Benjamin, we have a chance. Green and Dan Morgen are down from Virginia. If we win this next battle victory in the war is within our grasp.

Benjamin Martin: Go then, seek your victory. I'm a small issue to it.

Col. Harry Burwell: You're wrong Benjamin, you matter to your men, and to others as well. Your victories and... and your losses, are shared by more then you know. Stay with us. Stay the course!

Benjamin Martin: I have run my course.

Benjamin Martin: I have seven children. My wife is dead. Now, who's to care for them if I go to war?

Col. Harry Burwell: Wars are not fought only by childless men.