Original subtitles

NARRATOR: In the 1850s, savage Indian wars were the prime issue

preventing the rich young Oregon territory from becoming a state.

Though many tribes had retreated to reservations,

fierce resistance was still felt in the Rogue River Valley.

Where, proud red men swarmed to drive the white invaders

from the land, continued the defiance.

But, neither red men nor whites

could foretell the ending of the decisive battle,

which was yet to come.

I thought the worst of it was over.

Now, I think this is the worst of it.

Coming back.

You did what you could, kid.

Did I?

It's no crime to lose a battle.

Isn't it?

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Yes, come in.

Yes, Sergeant?

Captain Hillman, is here to see you, Major, with Stacey Wyatt.

-All right Sergeant, send them in. -Yes, sir.

I'm not going to demand an explanation, gentlemen,

just tell me what happened, that's all.

I wish I knew. We did see many Indians.

It was the ones we didn't see.

You're not the first officer to lose a battle with the Rogue River tribe.

But, why? Why can't we beat them?

We've got the guns, the men, the equipment...

But they have the reason, Captain.

And the leader.

Chief Mike!

Chief Mike!

Whose outwitted, out maneuvered and out fought the best men

that the army could send against him.

It's his country, Major.

There isn't a rock, or tree or blade of grass he doesn't know and use against us.

Well, that sums it up all right.

It seems we owe you and your civilian volunteers

a debt of gratitude, Wyatt.

-Again! -Oh, you don't owe us anything, Major.

Your men fought a good fight.

We fought beside them and we only did our share.

Oh, more than your share. Is there anything we can do to repay you?

Oh, there is one thing, Major.

I'd like permission to use the barracks tomorrow to recruit more volunteers.

I'm afraid we're going to need them.

-Permission granted, of course. -Thank you, sir.

Well, gentlemen, tomorrow's another day.

Better get some rest now, both of you.

I'm afraid I can't rest, sir.

I said get rest, Captain.

-That's by way of being an order. -Yes, sir.

Thank you, sir.

I looked for you in your quarters, sir.

The Major sent you to tuck me in, McClain?

It's the Major I'm worried about, sir.

I think both of us are going to miss him.

He's been relieved of his command.

-When did that happen? -He knew it when he talked to you.

Didn't want to tell me in front of Wyatt.

Well, who's inheriting the jinx this time?

The name's Archer, Major Frank Archer, due in tomorrow with the replacements.

Oh, yes, Major Frank Archer.

Rushing in where angels fear to tread.

Well, he's the third sacrifice they've placed on this bloody order.

He has a fine record, sir.

Oh, I know his record.

The boy wonder of the Mexican campaign.

He's never fought Indians, McClain.

Maybe that's for the good. A rule book soldier, something new for Chief Mike.

Just a change of diet.

He's bringing in two artillery pieces with him.

That's a change of diet too.

Artillery?

Well, that could make a difference,

if Chief Mike will hold still long enough for us to get his range.

Just, uh, what do you know about Major Archer, sir?

Ah, the usual talk, by men who've served under him.

And what do they say?

Well, let's not form our opinions second hand, McClain.

Like you say, he's got a good record.

Yes, sir. Good night, sir.

Good night.

Halt!

Major, there's a clump of trees up ahead

and I'm sure I saw something moving.

It might be Indians.

Lead the way, Lieutenant.

-Forward! -(SOLDIER YELLS COMMAND)

Halt!

There's the clump of trees over there, Major.

Dismount! Take cover!

Bring out that canon.

All right, get it down here.

Corporal, load it.

-May I load it, Corporal? -Yes, sir.

Knock that tree down.

A tree, sir?

You heard me, Corporal.

Yes, sir!

Swing it around.

Fire!

(LOUD EXPLOSION)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

Ah, that's quieter now.

Looks like the guests didn't like the party, sir. They all left early.

Sometimes a big bark is more effective than a little bite, Lieutenant.

-No causalities. -Is the column moving out again right away, sir?

Soon as we know it's safe to travel.

-Corporal! -Yes, sir.

Next time I give you an order, don't question me!

Yes, sir!

You know, funny thing, but there for a second, I thought

he was going to say something real nice.

-Sorry, Lieutenant Ryan. -Oh, you got a right to complain, my lad.

The Major just saved your skin by firing one shot,

which gives you the right to speak of him disrespectfully.

(SOLDIER YELLS COMMAND)

Mount!

Forward ho!

-Did you meet the soldiers? -Yes.

Then you have beaten them, for you are safe.

Such matters, do not concern women.

Speak with our Chief.

Come, speak.

Do you run here like frightened antelope, to stand

and stare at your Chief with antelope eyes?

Well?

We bring word to Chief Mike.

The new white leader of the soldiers has come.

Yes, the fire signals have already told me.

He has brought forth many soldiers.

Our eyes have seen them.

How many soldiers?

More than we have met before, at one time.

-Did you attack them? -Yes!

Did you kill them?

No, not one.

-Why? -New white Chief has new and terrible weapons.

What manner of weapons?

Guns! But guns such as we have never seen.

Guns so big, that horses must pull them.

Many men must fire them.

Rifles which take a hat-full of powder.

Which shake the earth with their voices...

Which knock down the trees, with one bullet from these guns.

Whole forests fall!

Whole tribes perish!

All this you have seen?

My own eyes have beheld it.

You saw a tribe perish?

No.

You saw a forest fall?

No. But I did see a tree fall.

-This I swear. -And you, you saw a forest fall?

No. But I also saw a tree fall.

And I also.

Each of you then, has seen a single tree fall.

Then perhaps many eyes, having seen one tree fall,

have multiplied it into a forest.

Tell me, what did you do?

We were frightened. We ran.

From a falling tree?

From the great rifle!

You can't know how it was. It was thunder and lightning!

It was fire and death!

You are brave warriors, both of you.

I believe you.

We must make a prayer to the Great Spirit,

that the new white Chief will not fire these great rifles against us again.

Now we must tell the women.

How many were killed?

Come speak.

Who among your number fell before the great rifle?

-None! -We are all here.

You have been as children who run before the thunder.

Now hear me!

A big noise often stands on small legs.

This is not to my liking, this talk of great guns which shoot down trees.

But we are not children. We are men!

And the new white Chief is not a demon, but a man like ourselves.

Go call the chiefs in the council.

-How 'bout it Roy? -Ready to collect your kiss

from Brett McClain for being a big, brave volunteer?

Now wait a minute!

I ain't rushing into this thing. I got to think it over.

All right, I thought it over.

Let's sign. (LAUGHING)

Boy, that kiss then better be worth it.

Oh, man!

(MEN CHUCKLING)

(LAUGHING)

MAN: Hold him up. Ho him up.

Whoa! (LAUGHING)

Better take it little easier, Brett.

Let's try and keep these men on their feet, anyway.

All right now, who's next?

Looks like I am, Stacey.

Sis Pringle!

Oh, now don't tell me you're joining up?

Fiddlesticks! I've come to sign up for three recruits.

They couldn't get here on account of helping Pa with the plowing.

But they want you to know, that they'll be here with you, Stacey.

Well, they'll be mighty welcome, Sis.

Manning...

Wesley, Clement Pringle.

Three marks, one after each name.

Guess it's legal enough.

Legal? 'Course it's legal.

They're my brothers, ain't they?

'Course I guessed they missed out on the best part of the signing up...

Losing out on them kisses, honey.

I think I can save three for your brothers, Sis.

That's mighty sweet.

But say, maybe I got a better idea.

How about me collecting them kisses right now from Stacey here

and I could sort of pass them on to my brothers.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Fair enough, suits me. Come on, Sis.

This one's for Manning. This one's for Clement.

And this one's for Wesley.

And that one's for me.

I'm going to run home right now and ask Papa if I can join up for him.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Gentlemen, you all know I'm a man of few words.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Well, anyway, I just want to say,

it does my heart good to see the brave men of this community,

taking up arms against our mutual enemy, Chief Mike.

ALL: That's right.

But I guess you all know who's done more than any man among us

to wipe out the scourge of these blood thirsty savages.

You've proven you know it, by signing up with him.

And I'm proving I know it, right here and now,

with $1,000 in gold to buy ammunition and equipment for you boys

who joined the volunteers today.

And that's all I've got to say.

-What do you got to say, Stacey? -Come on, Stacey!

Come on, Stacey!

Let's hear from you.

Well, folks, uh, we, certainly can use this.

Well, I just want to thank Matt Parish for it.

-Well, I guess that's all I've got to say. -(ALL TITTERING)

Well then, who's next?

MAN: Ah, me, Stacey.

-If you promise not to kiss me. -(ALL LAUGHING)

Here you are, Kohler.

Oh, bless you, Sarge.

I knew you wouldn't forget us poor boys who got stuck with duty today.

Just so you don't forget what you're here for, Kohler.

-Don't worry, Sarge. I got my eyes peeled. -Good.

-Say, McClain... -Yeah?

How does it feel to have all the boys collecting kisses

from that pretty daughter of yours?

Ah well, one kiss won't do any harm,

no more than that one cup of rum.

But, if I see any of them coming back for seconds,

that's when I'll start acting like a father.

It's them! The replacements are coming!

(ALL CHEERING)

Bugler, let's give them a welcome.

-Replacements? -Maybe a new commander. Come on.

Don't run off, Brett.

Just when I got you all to myself.

Come on, Mr. Wyatt, aren't you interested in the new replacements?

I've seen replacements before.

Got a friendly kiss left over for an old recruit?

You're not that old.

Besides, would you be satisfied with a friendly kiss?

Would you?

I wouldn't know.

Unless it happened.

(ALL CHEERING)

Welcome, Major!

Major Wallach, I'm Frank Archer.

We've been waiting for you, Major, and these replacements.

Uh, that artillery looks mighty good to us.

You a...

You arrived sooner than we expected.

So I assume, Major.

Seems that you've been lucky.

Lucky, Major?

Yes.

Apparently you didn't meet Chief Mike.

No, not personally.

But we were attacked by Indians this morning on the military road.

Attacked?

Did you sustain any casualties?

No, Major.

Is that what you mean by "lucky?"

No, not exactly.

When do you wish to assume command, Major?

My orders say I'm to take command immediately upon arrival.

The command is yours, Major.

Lieutenant Ryan!

Get rid of that rum!

All military personnel clear this area.

Parade inspection in 30 minutes.

And replace that sentry.

Yes, sir.

Major Archer.

Yes, what is it, mister.

I'm, uh... I'm afraid this is mostly my fault, sir.

Oh!

And who are you?

The name's Wyatt, Major. Stacey Wyatt.

Yes, I've heard of you, Wyatt, and your irregulars.

You've been doing a good job.

Thank you.

Now you see, sir, uh, Major Wallach gave us permission

to use this barrack today for recruiting and...

All well and good Wyatt, I'd have done the same.

Thank you, sir.

However, I might have reminded you

that this barrack is part of a military installation.

And if you use it as a recruiting station,

you might do well to conduct your recruiting in a military manner.

Yes, sir. Sorry, if I...

We'll say no more about it.

Glad to know you, Wyatt.

I've been advised to lean heavily

on your knowledge and experience in this territory.

With your permission, I intend to do so.

STACEY: Anytime! Happy to help.

(SCOFFS)

(STACEY CHUCKLING)

What's the matter, Brett?

-Looks like you just stood inspection. -Yes.

-Tell me Stacey, am I improperly dressed? -Hmm?

Oh, don't let him scare you, honey.

He's only a man.

Well, I suppose.

Do you think he knows it?

Captain Hillman reporting as ordered, sir.

Very good, Captain.

Hardly recognized you without your cup of rum.

Yes, sir.

You're officer of the day, Hillman.

So I hold you responsible for the conduct

of the military personnel here.

If you have an explanation for the unmilitary appearance of this post,

I'd like to hear it.

I'm afraid I have no explanation, sir.

Well, at least you're honest.

I'd guess that you're also extremely well-liked by your men.

Well, thank you, sir. I...

Don't thank me, blast it! Blame yourself!

Remember this,

an officer's efficiency is weakened by every man who likes him personally.

The instant personalities enter into a military organization,

discipline goes out of the window.

May I say something, sir?

Carry on.

Things aren't quite the same here as elsewhere.

This is a beaten outfit.

You can't hold these men together with hate, only with friendship.

The only reason we stick together here,

is because we're all in the same boat.

Misery loves company, is that it?

You might put it that way.

All right.

But there's going to be an end to self-pity here, Captain.

Nobody's going to have time for it.

As for you, I can't break you in rank.

But I can assign you new duties.

New duties, sir?

Yes.

Henceforth, you are to be in complete charge of the pack mules.

But that's no job for an officer!

No, but it's a job for you, Hillman.

And you better make a good job of it too.

Because I'm not trusting soldiers to an officer

who feels sorry for himself and his men.

That's all, Captain.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant!

Notify Lieutenant Hayes that he is to relieve Captain Hillman as OD.

Yes, sir.

And get this office looking like a military headquarters, not a cyclone cellar.

Yes, sir. Is that all, sir?

-That's all for now. -Uh, the troops are ready for inspection, sir.

Very well.

Uh, one more thing, sir.

The ladies have planned a dance tonight, in your honor.

You and all the men are invited.

Those you can spare, of course.

Convey my appreciation and my regrets, Sergeant.

But tell them that this is a military garrison. Not a social canteen.

All troops are confined to post, until further notice.

Yes, sir.

Man, look at them boots shine now.

The next time the Major casts them eagle eyes on them,

the glare's going to blind him, I hope.

Yeah, the Major sure is trying to make a name for himself.

Yeah, carved on a head stone,

that's where he's gonna to make it.

Hey, where did you all get that bottle, big boy?

What, you mean this little old bottle of hair tonic?

Ain't no use worrying about your hair, Kohler.

It's all going to come off in one wax

as soon as Chief Mike gets a squint at it.

Well, if that's the way it's gonna be,

there's no use of me worrying about this bottle.

Hold it, Kohler!

We have to do this in military fashion.

You tell him, Major.

You're at attention, soldier.

Yes, sir!

You're a disgrace to the uniform!

Button up. No pants on!

This is no Hanley.

Man, if that ain't Major Archer

right down to the starch in his underdrawers.

Pour at arms.

Can't pour it, it's rum.

You're at attention.

Rum arms!

Prepare to drink!

-Drink up! -SOLDIER: Attention!

Sergeant.

-Is Stacey Wyatt still on the post? -Yes, sir.

Ask him if he can meet me in my office in 15 minutes.

Yes, sir.

Mop it up, soldier.

And I said mop it.

Not drink it.

No, that trail's no good either.

It's been overgrown for years.

And we can't ford the river at this point.

The current's too fast.

Rapids are right here.

Well, I guess that's about all, Major.

Except for one thing.

What's that?

You can't pin Chief Mike down on any man.

Even a good one.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Come in.

Yes, what is it, Sergeant?

I'm afraid its trouble, sir.

Indians?

Almost as bad, sir. It's...

It's my daughter.

The ladies of the settlement have sent her here to see you.

FRANK: See me?

Oh!

Oh, about my keeping the men from their dance.

Yes, sir, they're...

They're as mad as wet hens.

(CHUCKLING)

Cheer up, Major. You can't win every battle.

All right, Sergeant, send her in.

Yes, sir.

Uh...

Just one more thing, sir.

Uh, I hope that you won't think anything that she says to you...

That I...

Well, I... I mean, uh...

She... She has a mind of her own, sir.

I understand, Sergeant. Send her in.

Yes, sir.

Uh, Brett, the Major says to come in, please.

I don't expect you to change your orders, Major.

But, I want you to know the ladies went to a lot of trouble,

just for you.

So, I consider your orders not only unnecessary and unfair

but also extremely ungentlemanly.

FRANK: I'm sorry you do.

Sorry to spoil their plans.

But it seemed to me that my men needed lessons in soldiering not dancing.

And you forget, Major, this is the frontier, not West Point.

Well, if it were West Point, Miss McClain, it might be different.

I've only fought on frontiers.

Unfortunately, I've...

I've never been to West Point.

Well, then you should know that a fighting man needs time to live between battles.

He also needs to learn how to stay alive during battles.

It's better for a man to come back to a woman than

kiss her good bye and never come back.

You surprise me, Major.

I'd have thought women had no place in your plans at all.

It may also surprise you to know, Miss McClain that...

That my own mother was a woman.

(DOOR OPENING)

Major, two Indians are approaching the fort under a flag of truce.

Thanks, Sergeant.

Now, Miss McClain, if you'll excuse me.

I told you honey, he's a hard soldier.

Yes.

Did you ever notice what blue eyes he has?

We bring a message from Chief Mike

to the new Chief of the white soldiers.

Speak your piece.

These are the words of Chief Mike.

Three days from this day, you will come to Table Rock, with but 10 of your soldiers.

You will come with no weapons of war to talk the terms of peace.

Time for talking is past.

There are no terms but these.

Your Chief will lay down his arms,

surrender himself and his Braves to me.

Or I shall kill them like the wild animals of the forest.

Your voice rings louder than those who came before you.

But in death, your voice will be as silent as theirs.

I take your words to my Chief.

And he will answer them with guns.

And if I should meet him with two guns for each one of his, what will he do?

Why then, each of his guns will fire twice.

Lieutenant,

notify all the officers to report to my headquarters immediately.

Yes, sir.

You're not the most tactful man in the world, Major.

I've already heard your views on my social graces, Miss McClain.

Do you also intend to lecture me on military matters?

Oh, I don't claim to be a military expert, Major.

But when a man wants to talk to me civilly,

I generally don't slap him in the face.

-You think that's what I've done to Chief Mike? -Well, didn't you?

Look, I'm under orders.

But I don't know why I keep explaining these things to you.

I... I don't know just why...

Well, unless it's... I just don't know.

Well at least that's something you're not sure of.

Just the same, I'd like to conduct this campaign in my own way,

-with your permission. -I won't say another word.

-Fine. -Except...

That's another word.

Except when you're fighting an enemy,

you could use a few friends on your own side.

Look.

I'm here to win a war, Miss McClain, not to win friends.

And I don't need friends to do it. I need soldiers!

Well, I certainly can't fight Chief Mike,

while I'm fighting with you all the time.

All right. I'll call a truce if you will.

Fair enough.

See, I'm not so hard to get along with.

Mmm, but I'm not one of your soldiers.

You think I haven't noticed the difference?

Easy, Major.

One campaign at a time.

My orders are to wipe out Indian resistance, once and for all.

Peace talks and compromises have always ended in failure.

Now that's true, Major.

But those failures haven't always been the fault of the Indians.

I appreciate that, Wyatt.

But now the only way to end a fight is to win it.

Say the fighting does stop, what then?

Oregon will become a state.

And that's so important, I won't risk it on any compromise.

But you're a civilian, Wyatt.

If you and your volunteers don't care to follow us, it will...

No, we won't follow, Major. We'll be there beside you.

Right or wrong, we'll try to keep you from taking a worse licking

than you would without us.

Fine.

So I say, we'll fight Chief Mike as he's fought us.

From behind rocks and trees.

No full scale attack.

We have the whole United States Army behind us.

Chief Mike has only his tribe.

Man for man, we can last longer than he can.

-And that's how we'll beat him. Come in! -(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Dispatch from headquarters, sir.

Lieutenant Ryan and I will lead the first patrol in the morning.

That's all, gentlemen.

Wait a minute!

Forget everything I've just said, gentlemen.

Seems we're not professional soldiers after all, but amateur diplomats.

New orders.

I'm to attempt to secure peaceful settlement.

That'll be all.

Wyatt.

Can you get to Chief Mike?

I can try.

Than tell him I'll meet him at Table Rock, unarmed, on his terms.

All hostilities will cease pending the outcome of this council.

He has my word for it.

All right.

Let the talk begin.

Not from your tongue but from your heart.

Many times we have talked with the white Chiefs,

and no two of them talk alike.

Among my people there is but one Chief.

And so we wish to speak with the true Chief.

Are you then the true Chief?

Among my people, the people themselves are chiefs.

I speak for them.

Were you also speaking for them to my Braves at the fort?

I thought I was.

Now, I find I was wrong.

That's why I'm here.

No white man before you has had the courage to say he was wrong.

You speak truth, I believe you.

Then believe this,

you're people and mine, can live together in peace,

if we lay down our arms.

Our hearts are sick with fighting,

but we dare not lay down our arms.

Then don't.

But test my words.

Take thirty days, give me your answer then, not now.

Thirty days.

During that time, you'll stay where you are,

on the north side of the Rogue River.

We'll stay south of the Rogue.

No one will cross over.

So no one will fight.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

But at the end of thirty days,

you must decide to lay down your arms and make peace.

Or to make war.

Atumari.

Asini.

Speak!

I say what Asini said with his dying breath,

"We were killed without cause by white men, not two hours ago."

There can be no peace built on promises.

If one of my men is harmed, your Chief will die.

We came unarmed and in peace.

We know nothing of these... These murders.

But the truce still stands.

Now go!

Go, the council is finished.

What are you waiting for?

We go when you release our Chief.

I take your Chief with me.

If we return safely to the fort, he will return safely to you.

Thanks, Hillman.

For a second there, my back was bare as a baby's bottom.

They've got Chief Mike!

They've got Chief Mike!

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Is it really Chief Mike?

That's him, all right.

What happened, Major? Run into trouble?

Nothing we couldn't handle.

We'll take that Indian off your hands, Major.

-Yeah, we know what to do with him. -Yeah, get a rope!

(MEN CLAMOR)

Quiet! Settle down!

This man's a military prisoner.

Call him anything you like, Major.

He's a murdering savage.

Let's get him, boys!

Come on, let's get him.

Guards, shoot the first man to lay hands on this prisoner.

Now listen, all of you.

Two Indians were killed today, by white men.

I don't know who did it, yet.

But, it was no accident. It was planned.

Planned to destroy the peace talk at Table Rock.

Could have cost the lives of our men.

We took this man as hostage, to save our own skins.

Promised him freedom if we got back.

Well, we did get back.

You're free to go.

This isn't just any Indian, you're setting free, Major. He's a war Chief.

Without him, the tribe is like an army without a General.

Think it over.

It's been decided Wyatt.

Go!

We will test this peace of yours for thirty days.

But if war should come, let me say this to you now.

You are a true Chief and a worthy enemy.

I would kill you with regret.

Close the gate.

Clear this area.

day patrol?

-Yes, sir. -Good.

Now remember, you are to make sure that no Indians are breaking the truce

by crossing the Rogue.

Right, sir.

Meanwhile, Wyatt will still maintain a liaison between the patrols and the fort.

For any changes, he'll contact you.

-(KNOCK ON DOOR) -Come in.

All right, McClain, move out and good luck.

Goodbye Sergeant and good luck

(DOOR SHUTS)

Sit down, Miss McClain.

Tell me, Major, is this peace with the Indians going to last?

Well, it's lasted this morning.

But you don't believe in it, do you?

As a soldier, I believe that peace is something you have to fight for Miss McClain.

I hope I'm wrong.

Well then let me ask you something else, as a woman.

Yes?

What are you afraid of, Major?

Oh, I'm not talking about Indians or anything you can fight.

I mean things you can't fight.

Such as?

What makes it so hard for you to unbend and act a little like a human being?

What are you afraid of?

Not of you, Miss McClain, if that's what you mean.

You know...

I'm beginning to think, maybe you are human, after all.

If that's a compliment, thank you.

Good morning!

Hey, Major.

Oh, Brett.

What's wrong? You've been trading insults with the Major, again?

Mmm-hmm.

I just called him a bad name.

What was that?

I called him a human being.

(CHUCKLES) That was a mistake.

Well, don't get mad. I'm only agreeing with you.

Listen, remember that story about the tin soldier?

Oh, yes.

-He didn't have a heart. -That's right.

You're a big girl now, right?

Too big to care about tin soldiers.

I'll think it over, Stacey.

Two days, not a sound nor a sight of them red-skins.

What do you make of it, Sergeant?

Well, it's peaceful.

That's what we wanted, isn't it? Peace!

(NEIGHS)

That's the trouble. Too much peace. Too much quiet.

Three weeks like this, it's got me jumping.

Yeah, keep it to yourself. You'll be getting me jumpy.

McClain!

What is it, Wyatt?

Up here.

Well, what happened?

Indian war party attacked the settlement. Massacre!

Brett.

Tell me Stacey, what about Brett?

They took her, alive.

-Good heavens! -But there's still a chance, McClain.

-What chance? -There were only six Indians, renegades, full of fire water.

The Pringle boys recognized some of them.

I know where they'd take her.

-Where? -Across the river, I'll show you.

I can't give a command to cross the river, without orders.

Even for Brett.

But these are orders, McClain.

From Archer, he's leading troops here himself, less than an hour behind me.

The Indians have attacked the settlement. We're crossing the river.

Lead the way, Wyatt.

You men, remain here.

No sign of Brett.

She could be in one of the tepees.

-Unless... -If we attack, they'd kill her first.

Can't give them time for that.

Our only chance is surprise.

Charge in fast and shoot to kill. There's only six of them.

I'm sorry you can't go with us.

This is my fight too, McClain.

Brett means a lot to me.

But, you have orders to report back.

I'm still a civilian.

I'm going with you.

You'll do more for Brett by going back and leading Archer here.

All right, McClain.

Good luck!

SOLDIER: Charge!

(GUNSHOTS FIRING)

Search the tepees.

(GUNSHOT)

(GUNSHOTS CONTINUE)

All are dead! Get their horses and rifles!

But something has happened to him, I know it has.

Wyatt was to have contacted the patrol at day.

We should have word from him soon.

But they are seven hours overdue, right now.

Well, I appreciate your concern but military decisions

are based on facts, not emotions.

You're right, Major.

I should know that. I've lived at an army post longer than I can remember.

It's just that sometimes it's hard for a woman to think like a soldier.

If we have no report from Wyatt by morning

and he still hasn't returned, I'll lead the search myself.

Thank you, Major.

I rode away and never looked back.

Well, it was easy, Matt.

Guess anything's easy, if you don't look back.

Now you're being realistic. The future belongs to us.

To the men who are strong enough to take it.

It's a big territory, Wyatt.

It's rich and amongst us, we own it.

Pane here, the lumber. Saunders, the fur trade.

Taylor, the cattle. And the mines belong to me.

Slice your pie any way you want it, Parish.

But remember this,

I'm the one who's lined your pockets.

I'm the one who blocked statehood, by keeping the Indian wars alive.

We know that, Stacey.

I played three sides against each other.

Indians, soldiers and my own volunteers, while you got fat.

You've been paid, Wyatt. What more do you want?

Twenty percent of every dollar you make. All of it.

How long would any of you last under federal law?

I stand with you, or you fall and you know it.

Maybe you think you don't need me.

We need you, Wyatt.

Have you heard from McClain, Major?

I thought you had word.

No sign of the patrol. What's happened?

That's what we mean to find out.

Let me ride along with you, Major, I won't be in the way.

You know better than that, Brett. I told you before.

FRANK: Those aren't peace pipes they're smoking.

HILLMAN: No, sir.

Those are war signals.

-Hillman! -Yes, sir.

-Don't look now, but I think we've got company. -Where?

In the trees behind you.

I can't tell how many.

Let me find out.

All righty.

Take Reed and Hanley.

Reed. Hanley.

(GUN COCKS)

Oh, don't shoot, Captain.

Oh, Brett!

I asked the Major's permission to ride along.

Don't you see, I've got to know what's happening

I understand. I just hope the Major does.

Come on.

I only hope your father has better judgment than you have, Miss McClain.

If you were a soldier, I'd have you court marshaled.

If you were a child, I'd take you over my knee.

As it is, I'll have to take you along, for your own safety.

Thank you, Major.

Only because I can't spare our soldiers to take you back.

-Hillman! -Yes, sir.

McClain's patrol crossed the river.

I bet they had some reason for it, sir.

McClain had orders not to cross.

Look, not a sign of Indian ponies.

These were all made by cavalry shoes.

Dug in deep as they entered the river, moving fast.

What does it mean?

I guess the Indians opened fire on McClain from across the river,

and he decided to go after them.

Strike the colors. We'll ford the river under a white flag.

-Yes, sir. -Captain!

If anything should happen to me, don't stop to fight.

Get this girl and these men back to the fort.

-Yes, sir. -And Captain,

just do as well as you did with the pack mules.

-You made them look like soldiers. -Thank you, sir.

You've made soldiers of a few mules yourself, sir.

Good luck.

Couldn't... Couldn't any of them have escaped?

This never would have happened if they'd obeyed my orders.

Wouldn't it, Major?

Just what do you mean?

My father was too old and experienced a soldier

to do anything but obey orders.

You wanted war from the beginning.

Brett, you don't know what you're saying.

I'm saying, you deliberately ordered an attack,

so you'd have an excuse to fight the war you wanted.

Well, you've got your excuse. Now go on and finish what you started.

We're pulling back to our own side, before it's too late.

BRETT: It's already too late.

But if you're afraid Major, Stacey Wyatt won't be.

Maybe the volunteers will fight.

Brett! Brett!

Get the men back. I'll catch up with you later.

Now you're going to listen to reason or...

(SCREAMS)

(GUN CLICKS)

(MAN SCREAMS)

My heart is sad that we meet again like this.

For the crimes you have committed against my people

are punishable by slow and painful death.

I spare you that,

as you once spared my life.

Now I owe you nothing. Debt is paid.

Believe me when I say that the peace was broken against my will.

It matters little that I believe you.

Your soldiers have crossed the river and my people have made their choice.

We are gathered here to fight.

The other tribes await our example.

Then they too will rise against the whites.

You and your woman will be given horses.

The next we meet, will be in a battle to the death.

Chief Mike has gathered his tribe into this valley, gentlemen. A war.

We have no choice, we'll have to fight them.

Oh, but you're the man who came here to wipe out the Indians, Major.

Isn't this what you wanted?

Yes, but I know now, Wyatt, that both sides are fighting in self-defense.

I've never heard of a war where neither side was the aggressor.

It's no secret, Wyatt, that there are men who oppose statehood for Oregon.

Wouldn't it serve their ends to prolong hostilities?

But meanwhile, Chief Mike believes that we attacked first.

So by morning we are liable to be under attack ourselves.

We're not waiting for it.

As you see this valley is protected on all sides by steep walled cliffs,

a natural fortress, with only one entrance.

This narrow pass opening on to the road.

From here, Chief Mike can strike against us again and again,

until the last white man is driven out of the territory.

-But, if we attack through this pass... -Suicide!

Chief Mike has chosen his position well,

but he still doesn't realize what the artillery can do.

He's out of artillery range from this side of the river.

But from this elevation, our guns can reach him,

by firing over the cliffs from behind.

Hillman,

you'll cross the river here, moving along the old military road.

You'll take the artillery and just enough soldiers to man them.

Yes, sir.

It's 5:00 a.m.

You'll need at least four hours to get into position.

You'll set up here.

-You'll start your barrage at exactly 9:00. -Yes, sir.

The rest of the men will come with me.

Well, there's one thing in our favor.

The Indian Gods don't permit them to attack before dawn.

By that time, we'll have massed our strength across the river,

opposite this pass.

When the first war party comes out,

we'll drive them back. We'll keep Chief Mike pinned in,

until Hillman can start his barrage.

Do you plan to leave the settlement unguarded, Major?

No, that's your job, Wyatt.

The volunteers will hold the settlement, in case this plan should fail.

Any more questions?

All right gentlemen, let's get to work.

Still more than two hours before Hillman can get into action.

We haven't seen one Indian yet.

No, but they've seen us.

We can expect the first assault any time now.

We'll have a surprise for them.

(GUN COCKS)

Kohler, don't tell me you're drinking water?

The Major said take a full canteen,

but he didn't say full of what.

-Here they come. -Don't shoot! Wait for the signal.

(INDIANS SHOUTING)

Ready!

Fire!

(GUNSHOTS)

Yahoo! We held them in that time!

Hey, Kohler, give us...some...

Chief Mike was just testing our strength.

Next attack will be worse.

All right, sir.

-Here it comes. -(GUN COCKS)

(SHOUTING)

Fire!

(GUNSHOTS)

(GUNSHOT)

(HORSE NEIGHS)

(GUNSHOTS CONTINUE)

(GUNSHOTS)

(GUNSHOTS)

Guess we're awaiting slow death.

-I'd rather be on the firing line with Archer. -Wonder how they're doing?

If Archer's plan works, he stands a good chance of ending any resistance.

Why didn't you stop him?

Stop Archer?

Don't be funny, Matt.

He left me in charge, gave me a job to do.

I try to interfere now, the army and the volunteers would both see through it.

And what if he wins?

If I know Chief Mike, he won't win.

Hey, look! There's your answer.

It's McClain! He's hurt!

Lead the way, Wyatt, I got to get Brett.

(CROWD MURMURING)

So whether he wins or loses, we can still play it smart.

There are other tribes that will fight, given reason enough.

(DOOR OPENS)

Get up, Stacey! You've got an appointment at the river with Archer.

-He gave me orders to stay here. -Orders can be changed.

You should know that, Stacey!

Just as Archer's orders to my father were changed

when you led him across the river.

Maybe you better explain that, Brett.

It's time you started explaining.

You should have made sure all the soldiers were killed, in your trap.

My father's alive, and he's here.

Well, it looks like it won't do any good talking to any of you.

I'll do my talking with Archer.

You too, Mr. Matt.

So until my father saw me, he thought I was dead.

Wyatt has told him the Indians had taken me.

All right, you heard the charges, Wyatt. What have you got to say?

Well, between you and me, Major,

McClain's a sick man. He's out of his head.

This isn't between you and me, Wyatt.

If it were, I'd take off this uniform and make you talk.

But I'm the only man, who can keep you alive long enough to face trial.

There's not a place in the territory you could hide.

Indians, soldiers, settlers, you betrayed them all.

With them knowing it, you wouldn't live out the day.

It's twenty five minutes till 9:00, Major.

At 9:00, Hillman starts the barrage.

Tell Chief Mike the truth and we may be able to get his tribe onto safe ground.

At least their lives won't be on your conscience.

I've told you everything I know.

Maybe you'll talk on the other side of the river.

At least you won't have long to make up your mind.

You've got twenty five minutes.

Give me the white flag.

Tell the men to hold their fire.

The river runs red with the blood of your people and mine.

Why should our voices speak when theirs are silent?

We must speak quickly or more will die.

I bring you proof that my soldiers did not break the peace.

What proof?

This man, he lied to my soldiers. Said you had attacked.

Then persuaded them to attack you in reprisal.

These are words not proof.

You have exactly fifteen minutes

to lead your tribe out of here, across the river.

Even now, my artillery is trained on this valley.

In fifteen minutes they'll blow it off the map.

I have heard of your great rifles which knock down trees.

But guns which can shoot through mountains are beyond belief.

You want me to lead my people to where your soldiers lie and wait.

I'm trying to spare your people.

I ordered my guns to fire, before I knew the truth.

Now, it's too late to stop them.

The truth is, Major, you did order the attack. I carried out your orders.

Among my people, when the word of a Chief is challenged,

he must kill the challenger in combat

or admit that he is no Chief.

Trial by combat.

When it is over, only one voice will speak.

That is the voice we will listen to.

Fair enough.

Since there is no other way to convince you in time to save your lives,

I agree to your test.

For your sake, I hope it won't take long.

What weapons will you use?

These. Because I still want him alive,

to answer for his crimes.

Let the trial begin.

(GRUNTS)

(GRUNTS)

(GROANS)

All right, just stop! Stop, I'll tell them!

(PANTS)

I lied to the troops, made them attack.

But Matt Parish planned it.

You have made the crooked tongue speak straight.

You must hurry, this place is a death trap.

He is guilty by your law, he is dead by mine.

Quickly, gather the people. We cross the river.

(HORSES APPROACHING)

(ALL CHEERING)

Where's Wyatt?

Dead, Parish!

Indian justice is quick. But ours is just as sure.

This man is as guilty as Wyatt. Arrest him!

(LOUD EXPLOSION)

You've done it! You've beaten Chief Mike!

No, we won a battle, but not against Chief Mike.

I'm glad we haven't beaten him.

I was right about you. You are human.

You'll soon find out Brett, how right you were.

(EXPLOSION CONTINUES)

You are a great and honorable Chief.

You've saved not only my life, but the lives of my people.

We have called down the thunder to proclaim the truth of your words.

From where the sun now stands,

we will fight no more with the white men.

NARRATOR: In 1859, by Act of Congress,

the territory of Oregon was officially admitted

into the union of the United States of America.