All language subtitles for The.Horse.Soldiers.1959

Gen. Hurlburt by appointment.

Gen. Hurlburt and Col. Marlowe, sir.

- Steve, come in.
- Hello, Sam.

Col. Marlowe.

- How are you, Cub?
- Steve.

- Gen. Sherman, Col. Marlowe.
- How do you do?

Marlowe, I've been anxious to meet you.

- I'm privileged, sir.
- Sit down.

- This your first look at Vicksburg?
- Yes, sir.

We've been looking at it for 10 months,
and we don't like it.

Colonel, for your benefit,

the war on our side
hasn't been going well.

Not in Washington,
not in the newspapers,

not in the field.

To put it mildly, with less men
and less resources,

the South has whipped us to a standstill.

Now, if I could take Vicksburg,

the whole picture would change,
but I'd have to do it this summer.

Or sit out here another year,
which might cost us 100,000 men.

Might cost us the war.

Which brings this talk
down to their main source of supply.

And a thorn in our side. Newton Station.

Marlowe's worked out the details
of your plan pretty thoroughly.

Let's hear them.

If I get to La Grange right away,
we could leave by Thursday.

- Good. Who would your people be?
- My own 1st Illinois,

along with Secord's 1st Michigan
and Blaney's 2nd Iowa.

We'd be culled down to a short brigade.

Cross at La Grange, down through
Ripley, New Albany, Houston...

- Is there something wrong, sir?
- I know the map, Colonel. Proceed.

Well, the main trick is, no fighting
until we hit Newton Station.

- How much track will you destroy?
- As much as I can get my hands on.

At least enough
to keep them busy rebuilding.

Otherwise, the raid would just be
another horse ride.

All right, Colonel, go ahead.

All the rails, ties, buildings.
All the stock you can get your hands on.

Even if he manages
to get to Newton Station,

he'd be 300 miles dead center
in the Confederacy.

Have you thought how you'd get back?

- Have you, sir?
- Well, I guess I asked for that.

I hate to think of you
sitting in Andersonville Prison.

- It's a hellhole.
- I'd think about that twice too, sir.

Well, Colonel, to your success.

All right, here is La Grange.

We will make 35 miles a day, average.

35? 35. Isn't that stretching it a bit?

It will be the first day, Ned.
I intend to make twice that.

An operation like this,
everything is stretched.

Hold on a minute, John.

Cutting the men's rations
from five days to three...

We'll have to live off the land.
They might as well get used to it.

They seem excited.

There's a rumor they're headed
for Nashville and a parade.

I thought that was a good rumor
to spread, with his help.

- Thank you, sir.
- Well, gentlemen,

I'll have to admit, they had me fooled too.

I was gonna use my leave to do
a little electioneering back home.

You know, shake a few hands,
kiss a few babies.

You see, I'm running for Congress this fall.

Well, there's 30,000 votes
at Andersonville, Phil.

I hope you don't shake any of their hands.

Leaves are being canceled, orders
to reshoe the whole blasted outfit,

and some of them shoes
ain't even shiny yet.

Been trying to figure out what's up.

The big braves have been
sitting there all the morn.

I heard some scuttlebutt
about being pulled out,

for a big parade up North.
I figure we're heading for Nashville.

That's to my liking.

A parade, and then leave.
This war's starting to shape up.

Where's the officers' conference?

Over under that tree yonder, sir.

Thank you.

- My apologies for being late.
- Understood. Sit down, Major.

- I don't believe I know the major.
- I'm sorry.

Col. Marlowe, Maj. Kendall.

- How do you do?
- Glad to know you.

Maj. Kendall has been assigned
to us from headquarters.

The major seems to be out of uniform.

Where are your side arms, Kendall?

If you'll look in the book,
you'll see a surgeon doesn't carry them.

Surgeon? You cut out our artillery.

You cut out our wagons.
Nothing to slow us down.

Now you saddle us
with a doctor and a medical unit?

Regulations, John. Kendall goes along.

Very well, sir. Any questions?

- I'm glad for some action.
- No glory hunting, Richard.

Anything knocks this hat,
it'll be a firefight. Is that all?

One thing. Logan, is Brady ready?

A photograph!
You know, General, I'm running, as I...

Move away. Move back. All right, men.

- Ready for us, Brady?
- Right this way.

Move on out. Move away. Move back.

Colonel. Sit down, Colonel.

- Right here.
- Thank you, sir.

- This all right?
- Sit down, Marlowe.

No hats, please, gentlemen.

That's right. Nice and relaxed.

Now, roses are red, violets are blue,

the camera's looking straight at you.

I must have another!
That man in the white coat moved.

That isn't all he'll be moving.
Sorry, General. Is that all?

That's all. Thank you, Brady.

- All right, men.
- Thank you very much, General.

Move on.

Sit down.

I gather you're not too happy
about my going along.

I hadn't counted on you, that's all.

I can understand your reasons
for trying to avoid a fight,

but you're going very deep
into enemy territory.

What did you intend to do
about your wounded?

I intend to move and move fast.

Those too badly shot up
to carry on will be left

to the clemency of the enemy,
civilian or military.

- Including yourself?
- Naturally.

That's a pretty primitive attitude,
medically speaking.

Well, doctor, war isn't exactly
a civilized business.

Of course, I realize that it gives you
fellas a wider field of opportunity...

- For experimenting, Colonel?
- I didn't say that.

- Mitch.
- Yes, sir.

- Give the doctor a full roster.
- Yes, sir.

Examine every man. Throw out any man,

who in your unchallenged
opinion, of course, is unfit.

Even those who might get sick
a week from today.

I didn't ask to be assigned to this mission.

I'm a military doctor.
I've been ordered to go

and I'm going to do my job,
so get off my back.

Bugler!

- Yes, sir!
- Get me Mitchell.

Sgt. Maj. Mitchell's in the hospital, sir.

- How old are you?
- 32, sir.

Join that group.

Hang on, son. Here we go.

Now, this is gonna hurt worse.

There. You'll be all right.

- I got your sick list.
- Good. I'm glad it's a short one.

- We'll let that drain full out.
- I approve of that.

Quite a boil there.

I didn't come to watch you carve.
Why is Mitchell's name on that list?

If you'll oblige, we observe quiet here.

- What's this?
- Hoppy, Col. Marlowe.

How do you do? Just stand in line.
We'll take care of you presently.

- Is he going with us?
- He's a good man. I need him.

And I need Mitchell. He's strong as a bull.

Let me show you something.

Hi, Colonel.

I been trying to tell the doctor
that this is nothing unusual, sir.

No, not for a man with malaria.

There's nothing new about this.

I've seen him ride 40 miles
shivering in his saddle.

- He's had malaria attacks as...
- I'm glad you concur.

Get out of bed. I got whiskey in my tent.

You stay where you are.

I was ordered to take off
the roster any man,

who, in my unchallenged opinion,
was unfit.

He's sick, and he'll stay here.
Those are my orders.

You've read the whole book, haven't you?

Colonel!

We got that fellow
with all them stripes for you.

- Bring him in.
- We hauled him off a railroad train.

Sgt. Kirby reporting.

Besides being slightly drunk,
what's got you riled up?

They got me in town.
Pulled me off of the train.

I was starting furlough.
My first in two years!

They tell me you're good. You better be.

You're replacing the best top soldier.

I expect you to be happy.

I could be happier where I was going, sir.

- Well, you got me there.
- No, sir. You got me here.

- Sir.
- Sir.

March the sergeant to the river
and throw him in.

- Clothes and all?
- Clothes and all.

Pump him full of coffee
until it runs out his ears.

When you come back, come back sober.
You've got two hours.

Parades, Nashville. You could've...

And leave that keg!

You're welcome to it, sir.

Tangle with me, and I'll have your hide.

You're welcome to that too, sir,
if it's in the line of duty.

- Forward, left!
- Forward, left!

- Good luck, John.
- Thank you, sir.

Wait on here a minute.

Wilkie, the sun raises in the east
every time, don't it?

It sure does.

For eight hours, we've been
heading straight this way.

If the sun raises in the east,
then what direction is that?

- It ain't north.
- Of course not. It's south.

Hey, we've been riding
smack-dab into Reb territory.

- Reb country, Richard.
- Yes, sir.

- Send out your scouts.
- Ready!

Forward!

Mount your column.

Column!

Mount!

You gonna call a halt?

Or leave them to the clemency
of the enemy?

Sound recall.

It was just a patrol, sir.
No sign of any major force.

The fact remains, we've been spotted.
Word's out for sure now.

They'll be back here with
everything available, looking for us.

All right, Ned, prepare to turn back.

That's a bad mistake, John.
Splitting the force.

You'll need every man you've got.
Diversion be damned.

We've got to make them think
we all turned back.

Sure. Remember that from now on,
every Johnny Reb with a gun,

is gonna be hiding behind a tree.

And you wanna cut your force
by one-third? John, listen to me.

An old axiom in politics says that
you never split your ballot on...

When the horses are watered and
the men are fed, we'll move out.

Hey, doctor.

These contraband children say
something's wrong at that cabin.

They need a doctor.

All right.

- Are you the doctor?
- Yes, I am.

What happened?

It's Rainey, sir. Rainey of the 1st.

He's dead.

Carry on.

Where's Kendall?

He went over to that cabin
with some young, colored people.

- An emergency, I believe.
- He what?

He went over to that cabin
with some young, colored people.

- Are you the doctor too?
- What? No. No.

Kendall, what the devil are you doing?

We just delivered a baby.

It's a little girl.

You can take care of her now, Granny.

You're gonna be all right.

We've got a couple of
wounded men out there, you know.

No. One's dead.

One's gone, one's born.

It's an amazing process, isn't it?

As many as I've delivered,
it never fails to awe me.

Children, you got a new baby sister.
Go on, take a look at her.

All right, Kendall.

Get back and take care of your wounded.

He'll be all right.
Hopkins knows what to do.

You're not a country sawbones, you know.

You're an officer in the
Union Army, under oath.

I took an older oath before that one.

They didn't seem to have trouble
having babies before you arrived.

I was sent for and asked to help,
and I couldn't turn them down.

As of right now,
you are under officer's arrest.

Insubordination.

Do I still carry out my duties, sir?

From now on,
you'll confine them to the troops.

Very well, sir.

Don't push me too far, Kendall.

Forward! Ho!

Lukey, what are the dogs
raising a fuss about?

Dogs? Well, you know how
dogs make such a fuss.

Soldiers, Miss Hannah. Lots of them.

Soldiers? Well, how wonderful.

Thunder in the outhouse!

Them's Yankees!

Lukey, you go on downstairs
and meet them.

Lukey, do you hear?

Here.

Come here, girl.

Come on, come on.

- Who lives here?
- Why, Miss Hunter.

- Miss Hannah Hunter lives here.
- I want to see her.

- Col. Marlowe, Union Army.
- Yes, sir.

Put that gun away.

Sorry for this intrusion, but...

It isn't that. It's just that I never

prepared myself to see that uniform
within the walls of this house.

We no more wish to be here
than you do to have us.

Why, that's gallantly spoken, Colonel.

And no matter what our differences,
I fear I'm forgetting the amenities.

- Welcome to Greenbrier.
- Thank you.

Lukey, take the gentlemen's hats.

Sgt. Kirby.

- Sergeant.
- Ma'am.

Shall we make ourselves more
comfortable in the rose room?

No, thank you, ma'am.
We'll only stay a moment.

You and your men are riding on?

No, we will bivouac
in your woods for the night.

Sleeping on the cold, cold ground.

When is this awful, wasteful,
terrible struggle going to end?

Brother against brother...

And I must tell you that during our stay,

no one will be allowed
to leave the premises.

And wherever would we go, Colonel?
I'm sure you must agree

that this war makes
loneliness for everyone.

Also, I must commandeer most of the
grain and horses if you have any.

You will be paid, Miss Hunter,
for everything. In Union greenbacks.

We will not bother you any longer.
Good evening. Kirby!

By your leave, ma'am.

Why, what's got hold of you?
Talking like a field hand:

- "You alls" and "we alls" and...
- Yankees!

Some kind of show, Colonel.

Well, I've heard about them,
but I didn't believe it.

I received my commission from the
governor of the state of Michigan.

What's the question?

Well, the question is this man's
authority in his present position.

As usual, I'm trying to present
the grim facts of life.

Secord doesn't understand
that coffee tastes better

if the latrines are dug downstream
instead of upstream.

How do you like your coffee, Colonel?

- Secord, you ought to have...
- Oh, my.

Colonel! Col. Marlowe!

I am forgetting my manners.
Why, how I ever.

Well, I don't believe
I've met these gentlemen.

Miss Hunter, Col. Secord.
Maj. Gray. Maj. Kendall.

- Gentlemen.
- Ma'am.

I'm just so scatterbrained.

Poor Papa and Mama must be
turning over in their graves at me,

not extending what little bit of
hospitality Greenbrier can offer.

At least I can invite you
and your officers to dinner.

- No, we have no right to...
- I insist.

There's three capons that have to go
anyhow, what with our grain

being reduced like you mentioned.

So you sort of brought it on yourself,
didn't you?

Speaking for myself, ma'am,
we'd be delighted...

Very well, thank you.
Hot food is pretty hard to turn down.

- Splendid. How many can I count on?
- Would five or six be...

Not at all. Perfectly wonderful.
At 9:00, gentlemen?

- Col. Secord.
- Of the 1st Michigan, ma'am.

- Maj. Gray.
- Ma'am.

- Maj. Kendall, isn't it?
- I'm afraid I'll have to regret, ma'am.

It's not of my choice, I assure you.
At the moment, I'm under arrest.

We will all be glad to accept
the invitation, Miss Hunter.

Ma'am?

You dropped your handkerchief.

- Care for more, Col. Secord?
- Oh, no, thank you, ma'am.

Col. Marlowe?

- No, thank you.
- Come now, Colonel.

A man with a great big frame like yours

can't just nibble away
like a little old titmouse.

Let's... Gentlemen, please be seated.

Now, what was your preference?

The leg,

or the breast?

I've had quite enough of both, thank you.

What a shame.

Anyone else like something more?

- No.
- No.

Gentlemen, be seated.

And I must warn you too.

There's no coffee, and dessert
was just out of the question.

Sugar is $150 a barrel.

"And yet

"your fair discourse
Hath been as sweet as sugar

"Making the hard way
Sweet and delectable"

Amazing. How perfectly charming.

- A little something of your own?
- No, ma'am. Richar. d ll.

- By profession, I'm an actor.
- How fascinating.

Why, Maj. Ken... Your cigar.
Gentlemen, please be seated.

Maj. Kendall a doctor,
and Col. Secord almost a congressman,

and you an actor.
And now all military men.

Such a waste of talent.

But, of course, Col. Marlowe,
I imagine you are a professional soldier.

No, prior to this insanity,
I was a railroad engineer.

Why, how thrilling.

To think of being able to steer
one of those huge things

just a-puffing and a-steaming
and a-ringing that little bell.

Not quite. My job was in
the construction of railroads.

Why, my, such brilliant minds.

Poor little me just barely
squeezed through,

Miss Longstreet's seminary
for young ladies.

How did you manage to remember
all those books in college?

I didn't.

I started driving rail spikes
at 10 cents a day and found.

And now I must ask you to leave us.

We're taking the privilege of using
this room for an hour or two, if we may.

Of course, but wouldn't you
much prefer using another room?

- The study, perhaps?
- We're quite comfortable here.

Well, I'm sorry, but I must be rude
and explain. You see, Lukey and I,

we must be in the fields
by 5:00 in the morning.

Gentlemen, go ahead and
light your cigars. And all of this...

- Allow me.
- Thank you kindly.

All this and the dishes must be done
before she can get to bed.

- Now, am I being too inconsiderate?
- Of course not, ma'am.

- May I?
- Of course.

This way, gentlemen.

- I thought it was a charming dinner.
- Allow me, ma'am.

- Why, thank you.
- Lovely dinner, ma'am.

- Post this room.
- Yes, sir.

- I hope you'll be comfortable here.
- Yes.

- Now, if you wish to light a fire...
- No, it's fine.

- Some brandy, then?
- No, thank you. No brandy.

Well, are you sure there's
nothing more that I can...

Oh, yes.

Doctor, no need for you to be part of this.

Perhaps Miss Hunter would show you
some of the beauties of Greenbrier.

Of course, if the doctor has any interest...

- He'd be pleased to.
- Very well. Come, then, doctor.

I noticed a lovely garden outside.
Shall we take a stroll?

Why, of course.

You gentlemen must be
comfortable in your heavy uniforms,

but I feel a definite chill in the air.
It's me and my thin blood.

Would you excuse me
while I fetch a shawl?

- Miss Hunter.
- Yes, major?

- I'm afraid I'll have to go with you.
- Upstairs? With me? Why, major.

- You're only going to get a shawl.
- Well, of course, but in these parts...

You'll have something
to tell your grandchildren.

This is war, and Greenbrier
happens to be a military installation.

Then I don't suppose
there's any real harm,

- being that you're a doctor and all.
- That's right.

Lukey, bring some brandy
to my sitting room, please.

Well, I hope you'll be
comfortable here, major.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hey! Where you going with that?

- Miss Hannah asked for this brandy.
- Yeah, yeah, for the major.

We never give our top-ranking
officers anything to drink

out of an unlabeled bottle
unless somebody tastes it first.

- Is that what you does? Test things?
- Certainly. See that second stripe?

That means I'm official taster
for majors on up.

Here's La Grange.

We've come down here
approximately 80 miles.

We're headed for Newton Station.

Have you had any word on the
enemy strength?

No, not a word. Whatever it is,
we're obliged to take it on.

- Good. Maybe we'll see some action.
- Maj. Gray, this is not play-acting.

- Here's your brandy, sir.
- Thank you.

- And it's all tested.
- Tested?

By the man downstairs with those
tester stripes. For majors on up.

Yes, Sgt. Kirby.

- He really tested it, didn't he?
- Yes, sir. Twice.

- Lukey?
- Yes, Miss Hannah.

Excuse me, sir.

...been very lucky...

...all the action we can handle getting
back to La Grange...

That is the next piece
of information, gentlemen.

We're not going back to La Grange.

- We're what?
- We're not going back north.

We're heading down here,
straight south, through to Baton Rouge,

- to join up with the Union forces.
- All the way?

- When did you decide that?
- It's the best way. It's the only way.

John, it is 300 miles from
Newton Station to Baton Rouge.

And it is 300 miles from
Newton Station to La Grange.

Only the Rebs will have been closed in
behind us, ready to chew us to bits.

So we'll go out the way
they least expect, south.

It's suicide. Is it possible your orders
could have been misinterpreted?

The only duty I have is to get as many
of these men back alive as I can.

I still must protest. And I want that
on the record for Gen. Hurlburt.

- It is impetuous mass suicide.
- It's on the record, but get this.

Unless enemy action allows you to
take my place, that's the way it is.

Blow Newton Station off the map,
then through to Baton Rouge.

There will be no change. Understand?

- All right, John, you're in command.
- Now, let's go over it again.

Straight through to Baton Rouge.
We will not turn back.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.
Was the brandy satisfactory?

- Excellent. Won't you join me?
- Goodness, no. I never touch spirits.

My papa taught me that a girl ought to
keep her wits about her at all times.

- Your father raised a smart girl.
- You're just being sweet.

- Would you like to see the garden?
- Didn't you forget your shawl?

Why, Lukey.

Now, Lukey,
you take that tray downstairs

and go on about doing what
you have to do.

I remember the first time I tried spirits.
The Governor's Ball in Jackson.

And my escort, Alan Lovelace from
Biloxi, well, he gave me a mint julep.

Lovelace boys are very handsome,
but fast, if you know what I mean.

If I could tell you the thoughts

that went on in my mind
after that one julep... My, oh, my.

I'd rather know the thoughts
going on in your mind right now.

- Kendall, what in the name of...
- Sorry we have to interrupt.

Ask them what they think
your chances are

of blowing up Newton Station
and getting to Baton Rouge.

- Are you drunk?
- Unfortunately, no.

They were listening upstairs.

Makes a pretty good stethoscope.

Don't feel too guilty.
I was slower to catch on than you.

Where were you, Kendall?

A gentleman thinks twice before
peeking into a lady's bedroom

but sometimes it pays off.

Looks like she's made a fool
out of both of us.

You know something? You have
put me to quite an inconvenience.

At least I've accomplished something.

I don't suppose I could accept your
word of honor not to discuss this.

I don't hold to honor with Yankees.

Exactly. So the whole state
of Mississippi will be alerted.

So could you possibly suggest
what I should do?

She was getting on your nerves.
Now's your chance to shoot her.

- Kendall, one more word out of you...
- Go ahead, shoot us. Shoot both of us.

You'll never get away with
your filthy, murdering plans,

Mr. Colonel Marlowe.

You Yankees and your holy principle
about saving the Union.

You're plundering pirates, that's what.

You think there's no Confederate Army
where you're going?

Do you think our boys
are asleep down here?

They'll catch up to you,
and they'll cut you to pieces,

you nameless, fatherless scum.

I wish I could be there to see it.

If it happens, Miss Hunter, you will be.

All right, fire's out. Hurry it up.

- Hurry it up.
- You heard him, ma'am, move it.

You're an excellent rider, Miss Hunter.

Interesting country, isn't it?

I'm more interested in why you
confiscated my dead father's clothes.

Well, they're our cadets.

- Scouts.
- Scouts?

Spies, you mean.

It's a wonder they don't crawl along
on their bellies like snakes.

You'll find out what happens
to spies down here.

My personal experience
with spies is limited.

- I've only known one...
- Do you mind, Major?

I prefer to ride alone.

Ma'am.

Miss Hannah!

All right. Column forward, yo!

Back in line, doctor.

Well.

Colonel, these lady's drawers
are almost dry.

Yeah.

Getting a little chilly?

Don't tell me
you're concerned about my health.

If I give back your clothes, will you
promise not to run away again?

I would, ma'am. There's a point where
pride becomes impractical.

If you could look at yourself, you'd agree.

Very well.

I do wish to keep my health.
I shall not try to run away again.

- Your word of honor?
- My word of honor.

- To Yankees?
- To Yankees.

- Cross your heart?
- I gave you my word!

All right, Lukey,
help Miss Hunter with her clothes.

I'm glad you're being sensible.

You were beginning to worry me.
From a medical standpoint.

Thank you, doctor.

I wish I could be of further assistance,
but fortunately you Southern people

have your own help.

Attention!

Eyes front!

Rebs, sir.

Top of that riverbank.
Full brigade coming fast.

Horse, foot and artillery, sir.
It ain't militia neither.

- How far?
- Ten minutes.

All right, get out of sight.
Get in those trees.

Enemy patrol.

- Take cover and choke up.
- Yes, sir. Bugler!

Not bugler, you idiot! Hand signals.

I'm sorry. Yes, sir.

Enemy across the river, sir.
Move out, keep quiet.

Why doesn't he stand and fight?
He's got a full brigade.

Easy. Take it easy.

Come on. Stop it. Stop it.

Hannah!

Hey, help over here!

- Let go.
- You don't have to kill her.

- I've got 800 men out there.
- Get some water.

Looks to be all clear
across the river, Colonel.

Yeah.

How many men does it take
to keep one lone female quiet?

Colonel.

The prisoner would like a word with you.

Yes, Miss Hunter?

I'm not here to complain
about what you did.

It was your duty as you saw it,
and you did it.

- Sorry you had to break your word.
- I gave my word not to try to run away.

- Not to cry out for assistance.
- I suppose there's a fine point there.

- Give me your word on that too.
- I'll do that. Here and now.

When it's time to testify against you,

I'd be handicapped
with a broken jaw, wouldn't I?

I'd say so. Is there anything else, ma'am?

One slight item.

My constant companions there.

I don't know how it is up North,
but down South, there are times

when Southern women feel
the need for privacy.

You two.

We was respectful, real respectful, sir.

You said it was all right just as long
as we could see the top of her head.

You told them that?

- Well, other arrangements...
- Then there's one more item.

I suggest you see a doctor.

Over there in that barn. Come on.

We was bushwhacked, Colonel.

All right, smoke them out.

Hold your fire.

Hey, there!

We're Confederates,
but we ain't hostile. Honest.

- Drop your weapons and come out.
- Yes, sir.

Coming.

Hey, Virgil, come ahead on.

They's real Bluebellies.

Watch it, Colonel.

Just the two of us, cap, and one captive.

Howdy, cap. Jackie Jo and me is sorry
about popping away at you people.

We thought you was more sheriff deputies.

What have you got against
sheriff deputies?

- That's a good one, Jackie Jo.
- That's a slick one.

We just love sheriff deputies.

They're deserters from
the Confederacy, sir.

- The lowest swine bred.
- I take it you're the sheriff.

Capt. Henry Good body, retired.
Acting sheriff of Rowena County.

I was about to apprehend
these rats for hanging.

But we bushwhacked you,
you old goat, didn't we?

That we did, Jackie Jo, boy.

Tell them about us, Capt. Goody-O.

- Don't you dare touch him again.
- Miss Hunter.

You. You call yourself a man,
treating with that scum.

That man is our enemy.

One word from you of any kind
and he will be shot. Understand?

That's right, cap.

Can I help you?

I'm perfectly capable of
getting on by myself.

You need attention. Doctor,
will you look to our good friend's ear?

Sorry, but I got a weak stomach.

Otis, see what you can
do for our new recruit.

Hard to explain the man, isn't it?

Take care of this man.

Gunshot wound, sir.

You aim to stick that thing
through to the other side?

I seriously doubt it would have met
with any obstruction.

Sergeant, give me a couple
of those good cigars.

Hey!

- Did it hurt, Virgil?
- Yeah, it burns.

This'll make you feel better.
We'll have a little talk.

Did you come through Newton Station?

Sure did.

- Any troops there?
- Not no more.

The Alabama 6th was, but it moved on
to Vicksburg with the Georgia 10th.

- The 10th was our old outfit.
- It was. That's right.

Guess there aren't any troops
within 30 miles now.

- 60, at least.
- 62.

Vicksburg, you say?
That's where we're headed for.

Looks like we're in for a little fight.
Thanks, fellas.

- Untie the sheriff.
- High on the hog, Virg.

Looks like you Yankee boys
do all right with the women.

Yes, sir, captain, and that's a pretty
towheaded one you got there.

- Hi.
- Howdy, missy.

- Hi, missy.
- See what I told you about up North?

- Sergeant, your gauntlets.
- A pleasure, sir.

Hi.

Hi, missy.

Hey. Hey, missy!

- Remove the prisoner.
- Are you gonna shoot him personal?

Let Jackie Jo do it.
He's the best dang shot I ever seen.

I once saw him shoot
a runaway Negro slave woman

right through the eyes...

Tie them up.

I leave them in your hands. Pistol.

- Yes, sir.
- It's loaded.

With the compliments of
Miss Hannah Hunter of Greenbrier.

- Thank you, sir.
- You are welcome, sir.

Satisfied, Miss Hunter?

Your sense of justice
does surprise me a little.

Justice? Those men would have
been excess baggage.

I don't trust them any more
than I really trust...

- Than me.
- That's right.

- Five minutes to water, Richard.
- Yes, sir.

Yes, ma'am. Hard man to understand.

Hi, gals!

- Yankees!
- Get out of here!

Get out of town!

Get out of town!

You dirty Yankees! Get out of here!

- Go home!
- Get out of here!

There's the bank up the street.

- Jonathan...
- Sorry, ma'am.

Mustn't talk to the prisoners.
We got a nice room for you.

And a nice, hot bath waiting.

You can change your clothes and rest.
We got a lot of work to do.

- You're not gonna burn the town.
- Just war supplies.

Cotton, railway equipment.
Contraband, ma'am.

Contraband, that's me, ain't it?

Column, halt!

Dismount!

- Neatly done, Richard.
- Thank you, sir.

- The full garrison?
- Every last man, sir.

They gave up without a struggle,
like Caesar to Cleopatra.

Not a struggle, huh?

- Kirby.
- Sir.

- Set up headquarters in this hotel.
- Be a pleasure, sir.

- And close the bar.
- Yes, sir.

Well, John, shall we set
about the day's work?

I'm gonna love setting a torch
to this nest of Rebels.

Prisoner!

Rebel Colonel, sir.

Yes, sir?

Why is the contraband in those warehouses
and on those cars on the sidings?

The property of the Confederate States
of America is not contraband, sir.

Let's look at it from my side, Colonel.

Johnny! Johnny Miles.

- You know the Colonel?
- We're old friends.

Last time we served together
was on the Platte, fighting Indians.

Sorry about the arm.
When did that happen?

I want neither your solicitude
nor to recall our association.

Have I your permission to retire, sir?

Take him away.

I can't figure a man like Miles
giving up that easy.

He's West Point, tough as nails.

Maybe losing that arm
took a lot out of him.

The man I knew could lose both
and try to kick you to death. Hoppy.

- Did you picket this whole area?
- Well, yes, sir.

Colonel!
There's a Rebel train coming in, sir.

Secord! Winters!

This bar is closed!

Well, it must be a supply train.
Rolling right into our laps.

I never saw a supply train
without guards before.

They wouldn't be too alert
in their own territory.

- Where'd you pick up that Colonel?
- Telegraph office.

- Telegraph office?
- Yes, sir.

All right, Secord, you know what to do.

Get those horses under cover! Spread out!

- Flip that wagon! Come on!
- The wagon!

Come on!

Get that bale off of there! Watch the back!

Come on, heave! All together now!

Let's go! Get that barricade going!

Keep down out of sight.
Cover from the inside.

- Sir?
- No, I don't need it.

- Back.
- Come on, let's go!

- Everyone's ready for action, sir.
- Thank you.

Fire!

I didn't want this. I tried to avoid a fight!

That's why I took up medicine.

- Look at that idiot!
- Johnny! Johnny Miles!

- Cease fire! Cease fire!
- John!

- All right, move him out.
- Move this man out.

Let me be of assistance.
I'm a physician. Dr. Marvin.

Maj. Kendall. We appreciate your help, sir.

This man is next.

Go get some air.

- I can help.
- Get out!

Get him out of here.

Blue, go get ice, all you can find.

- I'm going.
- You too. You help him. Quick!

- How long you gonna be, Kendall?
- Take a look. We just started.

- I need a definite answer.
- I can't give you one.

I've got a job to do, too, you know.

At least five hours.

Colonel.

Colonel.

Hello, trooper.

I'm Hoskins.

Bud Hoskins. K Company, sir.

- You don't know me, I guess, but...
- Sure, I know you. Good soldier.

You just lie easy, son.

I put my hand down there, and it's all...

- Well, it's...
- Just lie still.

You'll write my ma, Colonel?
She'd love it if you...

You'll be writing her yourself before long.

No. No, I know.

- And I'm scared, Colonel.
- There's nothing to be scared of.

No, I'm all right. Just hold on to me, sir.

And write my ma.

I'll be in your debt forever.

Aren't you proud?

Yes, I'm very proud of that boy.

- Report.
- Three dead, 18 wounded.

Demolition's proceeding as ordered.
And the bar is closed.

The bar is open!

- Get some laudanum.
- There is no more, sir.

All right.

Get her ready!

Come down out of there, buster,
unless you want to go up with it!

There goes a half a million dollars'
worth of railroad equipment.

That's how I make my living,
building railroads.

Railroad's been destroyed for eight miles!
So the South...

John! John, what are you doing?

John, wait a minute!

- John!
- Get out! No critters in the hospital!

- Listen to me!
- And I can do it to Colonels too!

Get out of here!

When we move out, give your people,

wounded, a lot of liquor.

I'd do that anyway.

Here. Take this.

Steady you down.

I've never seen it this way before.

I was with my father when he died.

But he died peacefully.

Without pain.

That was lucky.

For both of you.

Go ahead, Kendall! Have a field day!

What do you mean, "field day"?
He's fighting to save men's lives.

Men's lives or the reputation
of his profession?

What? You can't be serious, Col. Marlowe.

Well, have it your way, ma'am.

But medicine is the most noble
and unselfish...

Sure. Noble profession, noble oath.
Lanterns held on high.

So high they won't admit
they're groping for...

But you're...

- You're unfair and...
- Unfair?

There was a girl not much older
than that boy in there.

I wasn't unfair then, understand,

because they used a lot of fancy words

that an ordinary section hand
wouldn't understand.

So I held her down
while two of them worked on her.

I trusted doctors then. Believed in them,

because I was in love
and I didn't want to see her die.

A tumor, they said it was,
and it had to come out right away.

So they stuck a leather strap
in her mouth,

so she could bite off her screams
while they cut away to get in there.

And what did they find? Nothing!

They were sorry, sure.
They'd made a mistake.

They had something to talk about
before their next experiment.

But what about me?
They left me begging her not to die!

I lost my wife.

I didn't kill either one of them.

Must have been crazy or too conventional.

Quite a speech.
Guess I'm feeling my liquor.

All right, get that kerosene in there!

Hurry it up! Come on, get going!

- Thank you, doctor.
- You're welcome, ma'am.

Thanks, Hank.

- Well, we almost fooled you.
- Almost.

You'll never make it, Hank.
They're already closing in on you.

Bedford Forrest is sniffing at your heels.

You're headed straight
for that prison at Andersonville.

There's nothing we can do
to help you there. The South is starving.

Jonathan, all I'm doing
is practicing medicine.

Old iron-head does all the thinking.

He thinks pretty good. West Point?

No. Section hand.

- How are Susan and the kids?
- They're fine.

In Vicksburg.
I suspect you'll be seeing them soon.

Nice try, Jonathan. Nice try.

See you in Vicksburg, Hoppy!

- Goodbye, Hoppy.
- Goodbye, doctor.

I want to thank you for all I've learned.

I shall endeavor to get home alive
as many as I can.

You're a good man, Hoppy.

And after this thing is all over,
if we don't meet again,

be sure and finish medical school, huh?

I shall make a point of it, sir.

Goodbye, doctor, and good luck.

Thank you, doctor, for all your help.

Vicksburg. They're headed
southwest to Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge.

It's Baton Rouge, Major. Tell Gen. Forrest.

Yes, you can.
Now, I'm on the board of inquiry.

I know exactly what can be done.

Now, he has no right, even as a...

- Phil.
- Yes, John?

I'm sorry about what happened
back at Newton Station.

Forget it, John. Forget it.
You were under a strain.

But since you brought it up,
you know, I'm an older man than you.

What's more, I'm a politician.

Now, we've knocked over Newton Station.

A glorious thing on my... On our records.

But now is the time to head north,
back to La Grange while...

We're committed, Phil, and that's that.

Stubborn. Stubborn!

Can I have some of that liquor
to swallow, doc?

You haven't got a good enough
excuse. How'd this happen?

I was chopping down one of them
telegraph poles back there in Newton.

The dang ax ricocheted right onto my leg.

- An old rusty ax!
- It ain't nothing.

Nothing, huh? Almost blood poisoning.

- You're lucky I saw you limping.
- Oh, doc.

What are you putting on there? Dirt?

No, tree moss. Ordinary green mold.

It has some sort of healing agent,
I imagine.

You imagine?

I don't imagine the results, Colonel.

This is an old Cheyenne Indian cure.

Cheyenne Indian cure.

Green mold. Tree moss.

Now, you keep this on.
Report any soreness to me.

Lukey!

- It's all right.
- What for they shoot me?

Get my bag.

- She's gone, ma'am.
- No.

Are you all right, Miss Hannah?

I brought you a little bitty piece of candle.

We'll have some hot water
for you in the morning.

Look here, I found a piece
of looking glass for you.

Thank you.

I hope you'll be able to get some rest here.

You must know how we feel, ma'am,
about Lukey.

How much we regret,

how sorry I am

that in some way we were the cause of...

- Lukey isn't asking for that.
- I wish I could let you go.

If I gave you a horse and turned you loose,

would you promise not to
tell anybody our plans for 24 hours?

It's too late.

It's too late for all of that.

No more promises.

No more anything now.

I'm sorry.

Truly sorry.

Dunker.

- That leg was all right yesterday.
- It was. This morning it got all swole.

- I had to tear my trouser leg.
- Where's the poultice?

Well, it started in to itching, sir,
so I just yanked her off.

It's a sign it was beginning
to heal, you fool.

Come in here or you're in trouble.
Brown, lend a hand.

Over there.

- Coffee?
- Thanks.

Report.

That's Salt Springs, all right, sir.
Nary a soldier in sight neither.

Just some old women, couple of salt mills
and a school for little boys.

- Burn the salt mills.
- Why show ourselves?

We've been pretty lucky so far.

You call that coffee?

Can't pass them up.
Salt's as valuable as ammunition.

We'll bivouac here
and hit them in the morning.

All right. You're the boss.

- What's going on?
- Doctor's working on Dunker's leg.

Hey, doc, can I have another shot?

- Take another pull.
- Thanks, doc.

That's good store liquor, doc.
Who hit John, huh?

- I gotta take it off, Dunker.
- What did you say?

I've gotta take your leg off.

You... You've gotta what?

Poison's gone too far.
You'll be dead by morning.

Well, what can come of me after that, doc?

Huh? One leg?
What can come of me after that?

We'll rig a sling and leave you
with the closest civilian care.

Civilian care. And then comes
prison next, huh? Andersonville?

Is that what happens to me?
Andersonville?

Quite possibly.

Well, that's a hell of a tough choice
for a fella to have to make.

- Ain't it? Well, tell me. Ain't it?
- It's gotta come off.

All right.

You just fire away.
But before you start sawing,

give me some of that chloroform stuff.

- You put me out, doc.
- I'll give you what I got.

Bite this. Give me a hand here.
Pull him down and hold him down.

God.

God. God.

It's the column that raided Newton Station.

That Vicksburg report was just a feint.

A brigade of cavalry
was due here for reinforcement.

- They won't get here till late today.
- What you're suggesting is extreme.

- My oldest boy here is only 16.
- Damn it, sir!

I beg your pardon, Colonel...
I mean, Reverend...

I've got a boy in my battery that's 14.
I've got a man that's 72. This is war.

I can lob shrapnel and grate them critters.
It'd raise Cain with their animals.

A little show of force and perhaps we can
hold them off till the cavalry gets here.

- Cadet Maj. Boxdale?
- Sir.

- Assemble your battalion.
- Every man, sir?

- The entire complement.
- Calhoun and Fisher have the mumps.

Scratch them from the duty roster.

Well, you heard the lieutenant.

Inform the corps we shall move at dawn.

- Thank you, sir.
- Thank you, sir.

Attention!

Cadet Maj. Boxdale,
you may move your column forward.

And God bless you.

Right shoulder,

arms!

Right face!

Cadets,

forward march!

Hut, left!

Reverend, my boy Johnny,
he's all I've got left.

First his pa, then his uncles,

his brothers, now him.

He's all I have left, Reverend.

I'm not gonna let him go.
I'm not gonna let him go.

Cadet Drummer Buford,
you are relieved of duty.

No, Ma, no!

I'd save a little of that for Dunker.

I just lost him.

You lost Dunker?

Well, you lost us a good man.

Blood poisoning. Amputation.
Shock to the heart.

I wouldn't have had to amputate
if he'd done what I said.

If. If. Maybe. Perhaps.
What's the matter, medicine man?

That's all, section hand! I've had you!
Strip your blouse!

I think you're right.

Come on. Orderly! Horses! Hurry it up!

Johnny!

Johnny Buford!

Johnny!

- What are the rules going to be, Colonel?
- Make up your own...

You said no rules, Colonel.

On your feet, croaker.

Fire, Peter!

Fire, Paul!

Fire, Paul!

- Get them untied!
- Artillery fire, sir. Hidden battery.

Why, those are children.
They're schoolboys.

Them's just some kids
from a military school.

But they keep coming.

Sound assembly.

Well, at least that holy Joe ain't no kid.

Halt! Front rank only!

Forward march!

Front rank,

halt!

Front rank, kneel!

- Ready!
- Miss Hunter, I...

Aim. Fire!

Rear rank, forward march!

Rear rank, halt!

Kneel!

Ready. Aim.

Fire!

What do you want? A field hospital?

Yes, what are you going to do?

All due respect,
I'm gonna get the hell out of here.

Bugler, sound recall!

I told you to take care of this woman!

I got me a prisoner.
What do you want me to do with him?

Spank him!

- On the bottom?
- Where do you think?

You dirty Yankees!

Hold it, Colonel! Hold on!

- Report.
- Rebs got the whole road blocked.

- How many?
- A full regiment of regulars, sir.

They got artillery,
and they're digging in along the road.

The thing to do is fight our way back
and head east.

- Haven't you seen that dust?
- Dust?

Yeah. Cavalry.
Been following us for three hours.

Colonel?

Deacon here says he knows
this country real good, don't you?

Preaching the gospel, singing the praises
of the Lord hereabout for years.

It might be a good idea to pray now.

Deacon used to smuggle runaway slaves
north out of here through the swamp.

The underground railway?

Do you think you could smuggle us
out of here south?

Wait a minute, John! Wait a minute.

That swamp's full of quicksand,
cottonmouths...

The Garden of Eden had its serpents too.

Follow me, brother Colonel, through
the swamps all the way to the River Amite.

Lead kindly, Lord.

All right. Get yourself
a couple of fresh horses.

By the right flank...

Take cover.

Come on!

Forward! Forward!

Keep it coming!

Come on! Come on, come on.

Move out! Move out!

Come on, boy.

Come on, boy.

Keep moving! Keep moving! Come on!

Keep moving!

Stay awake there, kid!

Keep moving. Pick up your feet.

John...

- How far do you figure to Baton Rouge?
- 40 miles.

Keep alive in there.

- You want me to apologize now or later?
- For what?

- Keep moving!
- Never thought you could do it.

You know, John,

I've given up on running for Congress.

You know, with this on my record,

by George, I can be governor.
Governor of Michigan.

You can name your job.
Railroad commissioner...

I wouldn't make campaign promises
until we get there. Join your regiment.

It's my duty, medically speaking, to inform
you some men may make it on their knees.

We've been 20 hours without a stop.
They need a rest.

I've got eyes, Kendall.

Also, if we run into a fight,
they may not be...

That is all, doctor.

Thank you, sir.

- Column, halt.
- Column, halt!

- Woodward!
- Yo!

First squad, scout the bridge.

First squad, forward, yo!

I don't know if you've heard.

Your people are about an hour behind us,
coming fast.

I've heard.

We're going on to Baton Rouge.
We'll leave you here.

Your own kind can take care of you.

I'm sure they can.

Yes.

I'm sorry for the hardship

and the humiliation that we've...

That I've caused you.

Get her out of here!

Recall!

Throw her in that cabin!

Come on, Miss Hunter.

Looks like they got us in a trap.

Knock on 'em!

Give us some cover!

All right, keep moving.

Capt. Woodward, move!

Leave me alone.

I'm all right. Leave me alone, would you?

Easy.

Get Col. Secord right away.

Not that way. The other door. Report.

It's alive with Rebs, sir. I seen two cannon.

Couldn't wait to see more.

- Infantry?
- Wood's full of 'em.

- Join your troop.
- Yes, sir.

Cut his boot off.

- Nobody's cutting that off...
- Cut his boot off.

Take a good, stiff jolt.

Those are $20 boots, trooper.

- Get him some water.
- Who, me?

Take A Troop, that reverend
or whatever he is,

and find a ford,
some way across that river.

Flank 'em. Take a bugler with you.

And, sir, thank you for the opportunity.

We've ridden into a trap.
They want us to cross that bridge.

It'd be like going through a funnel.

We've accomplished our purpose.

There's nothing disgraceful
about an honorable surrender.

Get back to your troop.

Keep them under cover.

You mean you're going on?

Get out of here!

You're not going far with that in you.

You're taking your own sweet time
about cutting it out of there.

You're not the only wounded man here.
Get me my bag.

Now, this is going to hurt a little.

Go on with it, Kendall.

Keep that leg stretched.

Probe, please.

Are you having fun?

You're lucky.

You may not believe it, Colonel,
but I bought you some time.

Couple of hours?

Maybe more.

Thanks.

- 1st Michigan in position, sir!
- 1st Illinois in position, sir!

I'm all right.

Get cracking.

God almighty, here he comes.

Mount up.

You heard me, Kirby. Mount up.

You heard what the Colonel said!
Mount up!

Let's go! Come on!

Mount up!

Get up on those horses, boys!

Up!

Colonel?

The deacon found a place to ford.
The men are in position now.

Thanks.

Cover our rear.

- See how much time we've got.
- Yes, sir.

Where's your horse?

It's back in the swamp, sir.

Lips dry?

Yes, sir.

But my bugle ain't.

Uncase the colors.

You heard him.

- You know your orders?
- You're not fit.

Let me lead this charge.

With a success like this,
I could land in the White House.

We'll probably all land in the...

Shut up and get back to your regiment!
Bugler!

Sound charge!

Fire one!

Fire two!

Company, follow me!

You're hurt, sir?

Blow... Trumpet, blow.

He can't give up.
Maybe it's crazy, maybe it's brave.

But don't ask me to explain it,
because nobody can.

Come on. We're gonna have
a lot of work to do.

Bugler!

Blow recall!

- You got any more?
- Here.

Got any more?

- No.
- Come on. Give us some more here.

How much longer, sergeant?
Sergeant major.

Pretty near ready, sir.
Boys, hurry it up! Lay it in there!

Yeah, knock on it! Knock on it!

Come on out!

Get out of there! Get out of there!

Can those men be moved?

They're all critical.

May I speak to them?

I'd rather you didn't. They gotta be quiet.
I've given them all the laudanum.

Lousy finish for good men. There's bound
to be a medic with that Reb column.

- Get your horse.
- I can't count on that.

You mean you're staying?

- Medicine's where you find it.
- Even in Andersonville?

Even in Andersonville.

I wouldn't blame you if you slap it away.

Shake hands?

- Doctor!
- Yeah?

Major Gray.

Coming. The next doctor you see,
when he takes that bandage off...

Yeah, I know, tree moss.

So long, Croaker.

Take care, section hand.

You're tired.

You've helped a lot. Thanks for it.

Poor way of being grateful
after what I've put you through.

You better be going.

Guess I...

Guess I'd better.

Look, Hannah Hunter,

thank God I won't be the cause
of hurting you anymore,

because it happens I'm in love with you.

Tell her the rest when you get back.

- One of your own, sir.
- Get going.

Colonel, they're right on my tail.

Doctor, could our regimental surgeon
be of any service to you?

I'd be grateful.