(gentle music) (orchestral music) (majestic music) >> Commander: At a trot, forward, ho.

(marching music) Forward right about, ho.

Tight at right, boys, right about, ho.

Come on, boys, ho!

Second section, the man on the right, number two, close in, come on.

Pick it up, pick it up.

At a gallop, ho.

To the right, ho.

Group dismount, fall out.

>> William Tender.

>> Here.

>> Kyle Sautel.

>> Here.

>> Jeb Stuart.

>> Yep.

>> George Custer.

>> Yep.

>> George Pickett.

>> Here.

>> Robert Holiday.

>> Here.

>> James Longstreet.

>> Yeah.

>> Carl Rader.

>> Yeah.

>> Philip Sheridan.

>> Here.

>> John Hood.

>> Hey Jim, take a look at this saddle sore.

Do you think that's serious enough to report?

>> I don't know, George, but I'm certainly gonna report mine.

>> You boys can have the cavalry.

Me, I'm gonna apply for the infantry.

I'm tired of playing housemaid to a temperamental mare.

>> That's the first good news your horse has ever heard.

Go on, Gertrude, kiss him for me.

(whinnying) (yelling) >> Stand still you devil.

If you weren't so hard-headed, you wouldn't hurt your mouth.

>> I told you before we started you had that curb chain on too tight.

It's not the first time you've cut his tongue.

>> Did you ever try putting a curb on your tongue?

>> No, nobody else ever tried it.

>> I suppose it takes one of you southerners to handle a horse.

>> Well at least we know how to harness them.

>> You know how to harness Negroes down south too I hear, with a strap across their back, come on.

>> When are you gonna take a punch at him?

>> Huh-uh, too close to graduation.

Besides, if I've waited four years, I guess I can wait another week.

(trumpet music) >> "The breaking up of American union as it now exists "is the basis of my plan, and that destruction "must be made upon the issue of Negro slavery "and on no other.

"The union must then be reorganized "on the great principle of emancipation.

"This object is vast in its compass, "terrifying in its prospects, but sublime and beautiful "in its issue.

"A life devoted to it would be nobly spent or sacrificed.

"If the federal government and its constitution "are opposed to my way of thinking, "the fault is not mine, but theirs, "and I shall continue to oppose them "with every means and every weapon at my disposal."

>> Who wrote that inflammatory rot?

>> A wise man by the name of John Brown.

>> Where'd you get it?

>> That's my business.

If you don't like it, you don't have to listen to it.

>> You meant it for me, didn't you?

>> Take it any way you like.

>> Sure, he meant it for you.

He tried that abolition stuff on me till he found out I came from Kansas.

>> Never mind Bob, come on Jeb, let's turn in.

There's no regulation against a cadet having his own ideas.

>> But there is one against spreading treasonable policies.

>> You find the truth hard to take, hmm?

>> Listen Rader, I know the truth of this problem far better than you do.

The South will settle it in its own time and in its own way, but not through the propaganda of renegades like this John Brown or any of his followers.

>> You mean that renegade line to include me?

>> Look up your oath of allegiance and answer that for yourself.

>> I'll answer that, right here and now.

I've taken a lot from you southern snobs.

For 50 years now, you've been watering your precious family trees with the sweat of Negro slaves, piling up wealth and snobbery until now you think you own the government and the Army, and anybody who disagrees with you is a lying renegade, a rabble-rousing traitor.

You get this from me, Stuart, and all you other Mason-Dixon plutocrats.

The time is coming when the rest of us are gonna wipe you and your kind off the face of the Earth.

(intense music) (thudding) >> Jeb, don't be a fool.

>> Cadet: Stop, let them fight it out.

>> Hold it, Rader.

(intense music) >> Jeb, Jeb.

(thudding) (intense music) (glass shattering) (intense music) >> Attention.

(serious music) >> For some time, I've been aware that a disturbing force has been active among the regiment of cadets.

The exact nature of this subversive campaign and the persons responsible for it have not been fully known to us until this moment.

Stuart, by every rule of the Academy, you should be discharged from the service, and your associates are no less guilty for their part in this outrageous affair.

>> Colonel Lee, any blame in this matter is entirely upon me.

It's my sole responsibility, sir.

>> That's not quite true, sir.

It was my fault.

>> We're all equally responsible, sir.

>> That's right, sir.

That's right, sir.

>> If I believed that you were guilty alone, Stuart, I should have sent for you alone.

As for you, Custer, and the rest of you, you must be taught that lying to protect a friend is sometimes an extremely dangerous practice.

I'm not so greatly concerned about the fight itself as I am about its cause.

All seven of you men have violated the first sin of military conduct, the traffic and violent exchange of political ideas, which are not the affairs of an American soldier.

You must be punished and punished severely.

I shall request of the War Department upon your graduation next week that all of you be assigned to the most dangerous branch of the United States Army, the Second United States Cavalry, now stationed at Fort Leavenworth in the Kansas territory.

That's all gentlemen, you are dismissed.

Now send for Cadet Rader.

>> How can you beat that, Fort Leavenworth, suicide station, Kansas and the Santa Fe Trail?

What a piece of luck.

>> That's it, and the cavalry, active duty, promotion.

Why, we'll all be generals while the rest of these fellas are still shaving.

>> Come on.

That's desolate country, Jeb.

Nothing grows in Kansas but trouble.

>> What are you talking about, I grew up out there, didn't I?

Yeah, wait till I get you boys out there.

Man alive, that's my stamping rounds.

(scuffling) >> These pamphlets were found in your quarters, dozens of them together with a letter written by a member of the Abolitionist party, instructing you to distribute them among those cadets who appear to be sympathetic to their cause.

How long has this undercover activity of yours been going?

>> Long enough.

>> A very clever idea of your fellow conspirators to plant an agent in our midst.

Your dishonorable discharge will be drawn up at once, and you will be given until sundown to remove yourself and your personal belongings from the limits of West Point.

>> Good, (intense music) and you can tell Mr. Stuart for me, that he'd be smart to stay in the Army, right in the middle of it from now on.

>> Announcer: Cadet William Cue, Ohio.

Cadet Martin Evans, Ohio.

(audience applauding) Cadet Arm Amatto, New Jersey.

(audience applauding) Cadet George Custer, Ohio.

(audience applauding) Cadet James Longstreet, South Carolina.

(audience applauding) Cade Philip Sheridan, New York.

(audience applauding) Cadet J.E.B.

Stuart, Virginia.

(audience applauding) Cadet John Hood, Kentucky.

(audience applauding) Cadet Robert Holiday, Kansas territory.

(audience applauding) >> Yippee.

>> Announcer: Cadet Jason Wood, Virginia.

(audience applauding) Cadet George Picket, Virginia.

>> That was my sister, Kim.

>> I thought two years in Boston would make a lady out of you.

>> So did I it just popped out.

>> Announcer: Cadet William Keel, Ohio.

(audience applauding) Cadet Robert Davis, New Jersey.

(audience applauding) >> It is now my great honor and privilege to introduce the Secretary of War of the United States of America, the honorable Jefferson Davis.

(audience applauding) >> Officers and gentlemen of the class of 1854, their welcome guests, and their very proud families, I'll not keep you separated very long, as I myself once sat in your place and endured an interminable address by a very tiresome general.

(audience laughing) But as the Secretary of War of this nation, I have a serious obligation towards each new officer of the Army before he enters into active service, and that obligation is to make clear and definite his responsibility to his government.

We are a new nation among the powers of the world.

Just 80 years ago we were fighting desperately for our freedom, and we're still fighting to keep it.

We are not yet a wealthy nation, except in spirit, and that unity of spirit is our greatest strength.

You men have but one duty, one alone, America.

With your unswerving loyalty and the grace of God, our nation shall have no fears for the future, and your lives will have been spent in the noblest of all causes, the defense of the rights of man.

(audience applauding) (upbeat music) ♪ Let us to our alma mater ♪ ♪ Now give our last farewell ♪ ♪ And when this time shall roll away ♪ ♪ We'll all his praises tell ♪ ♪ We'll all his praises tell ♪ ♪ Come, come, let's gather round the board ♪ ♪ Let each one lend his voice ♪ ♪ We'll make a welcome ring again ♪ ♪ For now we make in joy ♪ (whistle blowing) >> Tickets, tickets, tickets.

Mr. Holiday getting close to Leavenworth.

>> Yeah, it's a shame this tea kettle of yours doesn't go any further.

>> What for?

There ain't nothing to go to.

>> There's half a nation out there, Cap.

Someday, I'll build a real railroad to open it up clear to Santa Fe.

>> For a man who made a fortune out of horses, you sure got a heap to learn.

>> Hey Cap tell the boys to speed it up a little, will you?

The last time, I had to get out and help them chop wood for the engine.

>> Well, the first time you rode with me, I had to change your diapers.

(laughing) >> Hey, Cap, where am I going?

>> Looks like you're going to Hades.

>> Just wanted to know.

>> Bob's been telling us about that railroad to Santa Fe for so long now Mr. Holiday.

I'm surprised to learn it hasn't even been built.

>> Oh, that's not our fault, Stuart.

You can't build a railroad over blood-soaked ground like Kansas.

Decent settlers won't use it.

We are losing thousands of pioneers to the Oregon Trail.

>> We heard about the raid at Osawatomie last week.

What is the true situation out here, sir?

>> Well, uh, Kansas is a territory and not a state.

We are ready to join the union, but the big question is whether we'll go in as a slave state or as a free state.

On one side is most of Kansas pro-slavers, people who came from the South.

On the other side are the abolitionist, led by John Brown and his sons.

Between those two elements they have made Kansas a boiling pot of rebellion and massacres.

That's why the Army sent you boys out here to Fort Leavenworth.

>> They say it's a suicide station.

It's quite an honor.

(nervous laughter) Excuse me will you, sir?

>> Surely.

>> You know the first time I saw you at the graduation, I thought of what Napoleon said when he first met Josephine.

>> What was that?

>> He said, "I never knew this savage land "they call America could breed "such perfect beauty in mortal form."

>> Oh, thank you, that's a lovely line.

>> Yes isn't it, George has been using it for years haven't you George, oh I wish I could think of nice things like that to say.

>> You wouldn't like what I'm thinking now.

Uh, you were going to tell me something more about Kansas.

>> Yes, what do you do on Saturday nights for fun here?

>> Well as I remember, half of Leavenworth takes a bath, and the other half gets drunk.

And since there are only two bathtubs in town, things get kind of exciting around midnight.

>> Kit, Kit, Kit.

(throat clearing) >> By the way how did they ever come to name you Kit Carson Holiday?

>> Well, Mr. Carson and my dad were very good friends, and they were so sure I was going to be a boy that they named me before I was born.

>> Oh, I see, well I'm certainly glad they were wrong.

>> Me, too.

>> Me, too.

>> Me, too.

(laughing) >> Hey, conductor.

>> Yeah?

>> What are you gonna do about that?

>> About what, I'll tend to that.

Hey, I thought I told you them Negroes had to ride in the last coach.

>> Their tickets give them the right to ride wherever they please.

>> Now I don't want any trouble with you, mister.

>> Then you'd better leave us alone.

>> Well, I don't know what this country is coming to, tickets.

>> Stop shaking, Hannah.

There's nothing to worry about.

We're only a half an hour from the border.

>> If we don't hurry, they'll be across the border.

>> All right, go ahead.

(intense music) Where are you taking the Negroes?

>> What businesses is that of yours?

>> We're asking the questions.

Are they free or bond?

>> Here are their papers.

See your yourself.

>> Yeah that might mean something if we didn't know who you are.

Well, don't you make a move.

We're taking you and them off of this train while they're still in Missoura.

Now come on, get up, all of you.

(intense music) >> Where are they gonna take us, Mr. Brown?

What are they gonna do with us?

(guns firing) >> Stop him.

(intense music) >> What do you know about this?

>> There's the trouble, Negro slaves.

He was trying to sneak them across the state line.

I'll get that murdering jayhawk over this if I have to hang for it.

>> Who was it?

>> Oliver Brown, one of John Brown's scurvy litter.

>> Deader than a doornail.

Come on you great white greenhorns, give me a hand, there ain't no use spoiling the carpet.

Come on, get him out of the way.

>> Come on, Jeb.

>> Now don't get excited everybody, sit down please.

>> This is what they mean when they call it bloody Kansas.

There will never be any piece along the Santa Fe Trail while John Brown or any of his followers are alive.

(orchestral music) >> Now this is the present terminal.

I have to post them down here to Wichita, get along here across the Arkansas River, along the Cimmaron River, over here to Las Vegas, then on into Santa Fe.

Now that'll be our first section of track, from Leavenworth to Wichita, right over the trail.

>> How soon do you figure to start?

>> Well, the men back east say they are ready to put up the money as soon as we can prove that a railroad through Kansas is safe and will pay.

>> Dad?

>> Yes, Kit?

>> Where did you put the loading list?

>> List, gosh I clean forgot to make one out.

>> That's great, 98 tons of freight ready to roll, and no orders for loading, how did you run this business while I was away?

>> That's why I sent you away, to show you what a skirt was, look at your clothes.

Look at the grease on your nose.

What would your friends in Boston think of you now?

>> Frankly Dad I don't much care.

If you're gonna keep your nose in a paper railway, I'd better keep mine in the family affairs.

Tex, Wendy, Tex, where are those orphan cusses?

What do they think they're getting paid for?

Tex?

(men laughing) Why didn't you tell me?

>> Getting jealous, huh?

Well, I didn't even see Lily when I said goodbye to her.

>> Oh, now, don't start lying to me, you double-crossing buzzard.

I know you didn't buy that there looking glass to see your own ugly mug.

>> I suppose you're figuring on wearing that female distinction belt.

Wait till Lily sees what you brung her.

She'll brain you, if it ain't physical impossible.

>> Why, you ignorant- >> Tex?

Hey, you two where in the name of, will you come here?

>> Hello, Ms.

Kit.

>> Hello, Kit.

>> Hello nothing, are you gentlemen of leisure by any chance interested in employment?

>> Uh, we lost our watch.

>> Yeah, we didn't have no idea time.

>> I ought to give you both your time and throw you out.

Where in the hell have you been?

>> Well, uh, you see, we had to buy these knick knacks.

Well, we sort of got a gal in Santa Fe, Lily, uh- >> Hofstetter.

And what do you mean, we?

I'm engaged to her.

>> Well, who ain't?

>> You setting up housekeeping in Santa Fe, or is this just, uh, gilding for Lily?

>> Oh, uh, she wanted us to fetch her one of them fancy French looking glasses.

Ain't it pretty?

>> What's your answer to that Tex?

(laughing) >> What are you laughing at, you long-eared jackasses?

(laughing) >> Go on, get to work both of you.

Go on, jump to it.

>> You'd better hide that thing, or start wearing it.

(military music) >> I'm going to put you new officers straight from the start.

This is Fort Leavenworth and not West Point.

You were sent here to man a frontier garrison.

Three of the officers you're supposed to be replacing are buried back of the hill in the little military cemetery.

The other four haven't been found yet.

The Regiment of Mounted Rifles has only one job, to keep the peace in Kansas, and we're here alone.

There's no other fort between us and Santa Fe, and we're proud of that responsibility.

We've got a tough reputation in the Army, but they respect us in the West.

See that it stays that way.

>> Order of the day, Lieutenants Longstreet and Holiday, take B Troop and put them through close-order drill.

Lieutenants Stuart and Custer will take eight men as an escort for the freight caravan leaving at noon for New Mexico.

>> Draw the usual supplies, and report to me for final orders.

>> Say, will you keep all those cases of Bibles near the tail board they're only going a short haul.

>> We sure will.

(chuckling) >> Let's go.

(military music) >> Convoy ready sir, we're ready if you are.

>> Good I hope you have a nice, quiet trip.

On any other kind, I lose money.

>> Oh, we'll try and save you that.

>> We'll see you in six weeks sir, with luck.

>> Just keep your eyes open boys, and move fast.

You'll like the scenery, but don't trust it.

>> All right, goodbye, sir.

>> Goodbye, Stuart.

Goodbye, Custer.

(majestic music) >> We'll at least have two men to cover each wagon.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Phil, move all these barrels over there for the next load.

>> All right.

>> Hey, looks like we both got the same idea.

>> Looks that way, how are we gonna work it?

>> Hmm, here I've got an idea.

Let's draw for it.

>> Fair enough.

>> All right.

(mischievous music) >> I got the long one.

>> Hey, wait a minute.

Where I come from, long man loses.

Tough luck old man, here hold my horse.

(muttering) >> By Joe there's something missing.

>> Must be me, hello.

>> Hello.

What are you doing here?

>> Oh playing nursemaid for those wagons, it should be the other way around.

>> Oh the convoy, that's a silly idea of Dad's.

He thinks that man, John Brown, is behind every bush.

>> Well, it's not that I mind so much.

It's being away from you for six weeks just when we're getting started.

>> Started, where?

>> Now look, I've only got a few minutes left, so I've gotta be fast.

>> You haven't been exactly slow for a couple of days.

I've never seen such a pair of whirlwinds as you and George Custer.

>> Oh George, poor, old George.

Well never mind about him.

Look Kit, I might as well tell you before I go.

I am completely crazy about you.

>> What?

>> Now wait a minute.

Let me finish, I needn't warn you about Army life.

The pay is bad, I'd never be home.

You'd probably be a widow in two weeks.

>> I see, have you thought of any particular names for the children?

>> Oh be serious, will you?

This might be the most precious moment in our lives.

>> I hope not, not in these clothes.

>> Haven't you got any heart at all?

>> Yes I have, and it's gonna stay right where it is.

I don't know a thing about you, Jeb Stuart.

My brother thinks you are wonderful, but then he was dropped on his head when he was a baby.

>> Well at least you'll let me kiss you goodbye, won't you?

>> Oh well, it's quite an honor but, no thanks.

I, I don't really deserve it.

>> Well hello, say this is quite a surprise.

The Corporal is looking for you, says it's very urgent.

>> Mm-hmm, I'll bet, Kit we'll take this up later, right where we left off.

Now, George don't be long winded.

>> Listen, Kit, we're due to leave in a minute now.

There's something I've got to tell you.

I'm head over heels in love with you.

>> George, you sound just like an echo.

>> Oh Kit, uh, pardon the interruption George.

Kit, there's something I forgot to ask you.

Have I got any real competition?

>> How do you think any girl would answer a question like that?

>> Well, she'd tell me the truth.

>> Then you'd both be crazy.

>> Get going you bull whackers.

Through desert heat and dust, your throats will soon be choking.

♪ Your head's about to bust ♪ ♪ No water when you're thirsty ♪ ♪ And all you get to eat is aromatic antelope ♪ ♪ And sun-baked buffalo meat ♪ ♪ Yippy yi kay yay, ♪ ♪ We may not even live to get our pay ♪ ♪ But even if we don't get paid ♪ ♪ There ain't no job we'd trade ♪ ♪ From hauling freight from state to state ♪ ♪ Along the Santa Fe ♪ ♪ Hauling freight from state to state ♪ ♪ Along the Santa Fe ♪ ♪ Yippy yi kay yay ♪ ♪ There's trouble riding with us all the way ♪ >> Will you think over what I said, Kit?

>> Every word, take care of yourself George.

>> Don't worry about that, goodbye darling.

♪ Yippy yi kay yay ♪ ♪ There's trouble riding with us all the way ♪ ♪ Although we trek and fight and cuss ♪ ♪ The only job for us is hauling freight ♪ ♪ From state to state along the Santa Fe.

♪ >> Want to make a little bet, Kit?

>> Sure, on what?

>> Those two boys, I'll give you three to one I can name the winner.

>> That's ridiculous.

(chuckling) Which one do you want?

(whispering) I'll take that bet.

>> Good.

♪ Hauling freight from state to state ♪ ♪ Along the Santa Fe ♪ (dramatic music) >> I am to instruct all volunteers not to enter Kansas unequipped, nor to display their weapons to public view.

Let that be understood beforehand.

Warn them also- >> Not so fast, Father.

>> Warn them also that our plans must be known to ourselves alone, that they join me in the clear knowledgeable that all traitors to the cause must die, wherever caught and proven to be guilty.

Tell them that we stand by one another while a drop of blood remains.

That under no threats or pressure do we make confessions.

>> All right, that's our camp.

I might as well tell you, when you get this far, you don't turn back.

>> You don't have to worry about us, we ain't the kind that quit.

>> That's fine, just so you keep it that way.

Save all of us a lot of unpleasantness.

>> You've been delayed, was there trouble Rader?

>> No sir, we had to detour when we got to the border.

I picked these new men up in Palmyra, volunteers sir.

Here are their credentials.

>> From Illinois, you've come a long way.

>> And we'll go the rest of it.

We came here to fight slavers, the sooner the better.

>> That's good, we'll put you to work at once.

Kitzmiller, look after these gentlemen.

>> Kitzmiller: All right this way boys.

>> We've received the news we've been waiting for.

We break camp, Rader.

>> Yes, sir.

Attention, get these tents down.

(dramatic music) >> Man: Oliver, he's hurt.

>> I'm all right, where's Father?

>> Father.

>> What has happened to you?

Where are the Negroes you were told to bring?

>> A couple of pro-slavers tried to grab us on the train.

I shot one of them and jumped off.

>> You left four helpless people alone to save yourself?

>> I had to do it Father, it was me or them.

>> You cowardly fool!

(slapping) In the future, obey my instructions.

We leave at once.

(dramatic music) All of you, down upon your knees.

As once you sent the ravens to save Elijah, so now you have delivered into my hands the precious means of continuing thy holy work.

The Lord our God is a great God, a mighty and a terrible, who regardeth not persons nor taketh reward.

The Lord is a man of war.

Thy right hand shall become glorious through power.

Thy right hand, oh, God, shall dash in pieces the enemy.

(jovial music) >> Hey Oscar when we cross the river you watch out for that wagon.

>> Hey Tex, these horses are pretty tired.

When are we gonna make camp?

>> Oh as soon as we cross the river and then we'll be out of danger from both sides.

>> You know Lieutenant I'm sure glad we're leaving civilization.

It's getting too dangerous for a peace-loving man.

>> I run into some of them abolitionists once.

But who is this feller John Brown they talk so much about?

>> Oh as far as I know he's just a dirty, old windbag.

In fact, he's just your type.

>> Either of you ever meet him?

>> No, but two of them fellas he killed at Osawatomie were friends of mine.

>> You mean Jim Doyle and Alan Wilkinson?

>> Yeah, and that's the reason I'd sure like to meet up with this here Mr. John Brown.

>> He's got no quarrel with people like you, Tex.

You'd do much better to leave him alone.

>> Well, you can count me in anyhow.

Even if he ain't harmed no friends of mine, I sure would hate to miss a good fight.

(dramatic music) >> This is wrong Father.

We've never attacked a wagon train before.

We ain't common highwaymen.

You say we have a righteous cause, but this will bring the law down on us like a storm.

>> We recognize no law but the law of God.

You will do as I command.

(dramatic music) Take your men back Rader, wait for my signal.

(dramatic music) (jovial music) (dramatic music) >> Howdy, stranger.

>> Good morning.

Are these Holiday's wagons?

>> That's right, sir.

>> My name is Smith, Jonathan Smith of Newton.

>> Oh well what can we do for you?

>> I believe you are carrying some freight consigned to me.

>> Oh we might be, have you got something to show for it?

>> I have this receipt from the shipper.

>> You've come a long way with an empty wagon, haven't you, Mr. Smith?

Newton's about 100 miles from here.

>> My home is in Newton sir, but my place of business is much closer to the trail.

>> Oh I see, I thought your horses looked pretty fresh.

>> Eight cases of Bibles, that's right.

Come on William, unpack these Bibles for the parson.

>> Jason, bring up your wagon.

>> Get that crate down, I gotta get them Bibles unpacked for the parson.

>> That's a funny thing, I've seen that fella somewhere.

>> That's the way it seems to me.

It isn't the kind of a face you'd forget in a hurry.

>> No, wait a minute, I know, in some magazine, The Atlantic, I think.

>> Well then he's either from Boston or he's a missionary.

>> No there's something else.

>> Been a lot of bad trouble over across the river lately, Mr. Smith.

That murdering skunk, John Brown, is on the loose again.

Better keep your eye peeled for him.

>> Thank you, we shall.

>> This stuff sure is heavy for Bibles.

>> How would you know, you ain't never even saw one.

>> Eh.

(chuckles) (dramatic music) >> Just a minute, I'd like to see those Bibles.

>> Stay where you are.

Put your hands up, and keep 'em up.

(dramatic music) (gunshot bangs) (dramatic music) I advise you to make no move towards your gun.

Bring up the other wagon now then, quickly with those other crates.

>> All right get a move on there, only the ones marked Bibles.

>> Hey Jeb, look, our friend Rader.

>> Well this is a surprise.

And a commission in the cavalry too, huh?

>> I see you've got the commission you were after.

>> Do you know these men Rader?

>> Yes sir, very well, this one Stuart, comes from a rich, slave-owning family in Virginia.

He called you a lying renegade once and I jumped him for it.

>> John Brown, him?

>> John Bro- >> John Brown?

>> I have nothing personal against you men, but I will deal harshly with any interference.

>> I might have known you'd wind up with this outfit.

>> Well, that's one of the troubles with the Army, Stuart.

They don't teach you to think ahead.

They do one smart thing.

They teach you never to turn your back on an enemy without first making sure he's harm- (whip cracking) (intense music) >> Stop this, we'll not saddle ourselves with a killing just to satisfy your personal quarrels.

>> One more murder won't mark you any deeper then you are now, Mr. Brown.

>> I intend to be a marked man.

Back to your horse, Rader.

Back to your horses, all of you.

I have given you fair warning.

You can keep your heads, or lose them, as you wish.

Move on.

(dramatic music) >> You saw what was in those cases, George.

>> What?

>> Contraband, rifles and ammunition.

>> Gosh, then we've been delivering Bibles with triggers on 'em.

>> Let's take a chance, everybody take cover and open fire.

>> Dismount, keep cover.

(guns firing) (dramatic music) >> Stop, stop, cover the wagons and move back.

We mustn't lose any more men.

(gunshots) >> Get back.

(gun shots) >> They're running, they're getting away.

>> No they're not, we're going after them.

>> Hey wait a minute, they outnumber us three to one.

>> Well if it makes you nervous don't count them.

Come on.

(intense music) Everybody mount and follow me.

>> Everybody mount!

(military music) >> Come on shag tail, here's where I get you a medal.

Forward!

(military music) >> Get those wagons out of here.

Come on, quickly!

(intense music) (guns firing) Use your whip Jason, use your whip.

(dramatic music) (guns firing) (victorious music) >> I couldn't help it, I didn't do anything.

>> It's all right son, nobody's gonna hurt you.

Who are you?

>> Jason Brown.

>> Brown, are you one of John Brown's sons?

>> Yeah yes, but I never did anything.

He made me go along, I never killed anyone.

I swear it, I'm getting out.

I'm quitting, you've got to take me with you.

>> All right bring a horse up George.

>> Bring up the horses.

>> We'll have to carry him back.

(dramatic music) >> The boy is badly hurt.

>> It's his father's madness, really striking home now.

>> Jeb there's a purpose behind that madness.

One that can't easily be dismissed.

>> George you've seen the middle on a compass haven't you?

It's got a whole card to swing around in, but it always wobbles back to the north.

>> What are you driving at?

>> Just this, I've always known where your sympathies lay.

But it's never affected our friendship, and it never will.

But it isn't our job to decide who is right and who is wrong about slavery, any more than it is John Brown's.

>> I guess you're right, Jeb.

I'm sorry.

(jovial music) >> That's the most dog-gone fun I've had since we got hemmed up with them Injuns.

>> Yeah well next time we're shooting at a common enemy, you let me do the shooting.

>> Boy my gut's as dry as a powder horn.

(crunching) >> Get up, you busted Lily's looking glass.

When she looks at herself in that, she'll think she's a 100 years old, or more.

>> Of course, we're aware that firearms are contraband in Kansas.

Do you think we'd have accepted those boxes as freight if we'd known what they actually contained?

>> Well I'm just asking that's all.

Doesn't it seem strange to you that Dr. J. Boyce Russell, the most prominent religious leader in America, should be sending rifles marked as Bibles to John Brown?

>> How can I control the marking of crates?

We once received three tons of gunpowder, marked bird seed.

>> Well, then you'll have to examine every crate you haul.

>> What?

>> For all we know, this contraband may have been slipping through for months.

>> Jason listen son, you've got nothing to be afraid of if you'll be honest with us.

Now I want you to answer my question truthfully.

Did your father ever mention this shipment of rifles when he discussed his plans?

>> Not to me he never confided in me, just Fred and Oliver.

>> Fred and Oliver?

>> My brothers.

>> Where are their headquarters?

>> I don't know where they went, they have a dozen places.

I, I don't know.

(dramatic music) >> All right kid, don't worry about it.

>> Officer: These guns are no mistake.

Anyone with the best interests of Kansas at heart can tell you that.

No bandy-legged, bush-whacking soldier can talk like that about the Holidays.

We've got as much interest in Kansas as the United States government, and a darn sight more investment.

We were here before the Army came, and by Godfrey, we'll be here when you are gone.

If you think you can- >> Sir.

>> Well, Stuart, what did you find?

>> Very little sir, the boy is either too badly hurt or too frightened to talk.

>> We leave immediately, have them sound assembly.

>> Yes, sir.

(dramatic music) >> Was that you called me?

>> A goll-darn, bandy-legged bush whacker, now go on.

>> He says he talks with God at night, but God doesn't tell people to kill one another, does he, miss, he's a, he's a good man in a lot of ways, but he's changed since Osawatomie.

Those people he killed, they got down on their knees and begged him for their lives, but he struck them with a sword, him and Rader and Kitzmiller, I was there.

I saw it done, I tried to stop them, but they pushed me aside, yes that's how it was.

>> We're starting at once.

I'll take the first troop west to Tecumseh.

Stuart, you and Custer will take the first platoon of B Troop and search thoroughly from Clinton to Dutch Henry's Crossing, is that clear?

>> Yes, sir.

>> These your orders.

Find John Brown and bring him back here, alive if possible.

His force is well armed now and strong in numbers.

We also suspect that new volunteers are drifting in from the east to join him.

Be on the lookout for them as well.

Retire to your respective troops.

(trumpet music) >> What's that, they've caught some more of us?

>> No one's been caught Jason not even you.

You've committed no crime to be afraid of.

>> I'm sick of being afraid.

I'm sick of hiding like a hunted thing.

I want to walk free like other people.

>> You will Jason you're safe now.

>> No I'm not, not as long as he keeps killing and thinking that he's right.

He can't be right can he miss?

>> I don't know, his reasons may be right, Jason.

They may even be great and good reasons, but what your father is doing is wrong, terribly wrong.

And he'll keep on repeating that wrong as long as he lives.

>> Then, then I'll never be free of him until one of us is dead, I know that now.

My life don't mean anything, but if he dies, maybe this whole scheme of his will die with him.

I'd rather have it that way.

His life, even if he is my father, against many thousands, I'm gonna tell you where to find him.

>> Oh Jason, I'm not trying to find- >> I'm gonna tell you anyway.

In the house of Schuber Morgan, Palmyra, that's where they went, that's their headquarters.

Tell the soldiers.

(panting) It's better that way, his life, against many thousands.

>> Soldier: Hey, grab those saddles.

(intense music) >> Jeb.

>> Hello, darling.

How is he?

>> It's very serious.

I left the doctor with him.

>> Poor, little devil.

>> Jeb, he told me everything, the whole nightmare of his 15 years, even the place where his father is now.

He said he wanted me to tell the soldiers.

>> Where?

>> Palmyra, at the house of a man named Schuber Morgan.

>> Schuber Morgan, Palmyra, I wonder if that's the truth?

>> Jeb I'm frightened, that boy is crippled for life, and that man on the train, he died for a principal.

And a man killed him for a principal.

One of them is wrong, but which one?

>> Who knows the answer to that, Kit?

Everybody in America is trying to decide it.

>> Yes, by words in the East and by guns in the West.

But one day, the words will turn into guns.

Oh, Jeb, can't it be stopped now?

Can't the slaves be freed before it's too late?

>> It will be stopped, when we hang John Brown.

Then the South can settle her own problem without loss of pride of being forced into it by a bunch of fanatics.

>> Oh Jeb, what does pride got to do with human life?

>> Kit the two things kind of come together down south.

You can't pry them apart not even with guns.

I hope that's gonna be the same way with us.

(romantic music) >> Uh-oh that's me all over, clumsy Custer, or can I get in on this, too?

>> Yes.

>> Sure, sure, looks like you're in on it.

Don't miss much do you?

>> No I've seen you work before, son.

That's where I learned.

Just credit one more to my account, Kit.

I like to let the interest accumulate.

Well, goodbye.

>> Goodbye, George.

(trumpet music) >> Kit, I, don't be long, Jeb.

>> No, no.

>> Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

>> Kit remember this, will you?

I love you, put that in your little bonnet and keep it there until I come back.

>> I'll remember.

>> Goodbye.

>> Hey, Lieutenant.

>> Hello, boys.

>> Hello, Lieutenant Jeb.

>> Sir, I want you to keep an eye on Kit for me while we're gone, will you?

>> Heck no, we're gonna hunt John Brown with you.

>> What?

>> Yeah, we come to join up.

Who do we see?

>> A couple of flat-footed rum-pots like you in the Army?

Why you'd get lost, boys you'd better go home and sleep it off, so long.

(trumpet music) (military music) (somber music) >> Jeb, Jeb!

(military music) Jeb!

(military music) He's dead, if you find John Brown tell him.

>> We'll try to find him, goodbye.

(marching music) >> Kit once when you were about this high, Tex and Wendy brought home a wolf cub with a broken back.

You nursed it for weeks but it finally died with its head in your lap.

You cried for days, but it just a wolf cub.

It would probably have grown up to be a killer, like its father.

(military music) >> What has being flat-footed got to do with riding a horse?

>> Calling me a rum pot is what hurt me.

I ain't had a drink since noon.

(intense music) >> All right, get the sledge.

>> Yes, sir.

(dramatic music) (crunching) >> It sure is expensive salt pork, Mr. Morgan.

>> Not the way we get 'em.

Flip them over and stack 'em in the barn.

>> Yes, sir.

>> This looks like the best shipment we've had yet.

I wonder what Rader is worked up about.

Him and the old man have been arguing for an hour.

>> Looks like another job for us if Rader thought of it.

>> A West Point education is a wonderful thing.

>> Yeah, if you can collect on it.

>> Yeah.

>> I signed up because you promised to pay me.

I've trained this rabble gang of yours into a solid, fast-moving unit of fighters.

I've taught 'em how to use these new rifles, how to follow orders, and take a town in army fashion, but I haven't received a red cent in three months.

Now what about it?

>> Mr. Rader, I enlisted you on the recommendation of friends in the East who said you would work for the cause.

You have done your job well.

I have no complaint up to now, but our plans are ahead of any personal greed.

If you feel otherwise, you are free to get out, but you must decide here and now.

I want only loyal men around me.

>> You have no argument with my loyalty.

I proved that at Osawatomie and every other town we've raided, but you hired me as a military expert at a set price.

And I'm only asking what's rightly due me.

>> And I say that you will receive it in time.

Only let me think in peace.

My son is a prisoner in the hands of our enemies.

Even now, he may have a rope around his neck, an innocent boy who never fired a gun in anger in his life, while I stand here, powerless to save him.

>> All right I'll wait, well what's our next move?

>> The Bible has said, "an eye for an eye "and a tooth for a tooth."

Tomorrow at daybreak, we will destroy Delaware Crossing.

(military music) (excited cry) >> Lieutenant Jeb.

>> Group, halt.

Well, what the- >> Well, the Major sort of turned us down too but here we are Lieutenant Jeb.

>> What do you mean, trailing us halfway across Kansas?

>> Well we don't want you to get lost.

You see I know every wrinkle of this here country just like my own face.

>> Well, you should, it's just as dirty.

I've got a good mind to get a couple of mules and strap you on the back and send you home.

>> A fine-looking pair of soldiers you make.

>> Well all we need is some of them pants and a cap, and then of course, if some soldiers just our size get killed, why- >> All right get back to the end of the column.

Go on before I get that mule.

>> We don't have to obey no orders.

>> Since we ain't in the Army.

>> But we will.

>> Yeah.

(whooping and yelling) >> Wait till Kit hears about this, she'll skin 'em alive.

>> That's if they've got any skin left.

(intense music) (military music) >> Who did this?

>> John Brown.

>> How many men did he have with him?

>> Around a 100, maybe more.

>> How long since he left?

>> Three, four hours, we lost count of time.

>> Oh you're the man that had the run-in with one of the Browns on the train.

Is this in revenge for that?

>> Yes, we're free staters here.

Brown always knew we'd get him someday, if he didn't get us first.

>> Well I'll leave you some men to help you bury your dead.

They'll see you back to Leavenworth.

>> We don't want any help, this is our fight.

We don't want you or nobody else to finish it.

I'm gonna take care of John Brown myself.

>> Get on your way, soldier, we've got work to do.

>> I know how you men must feel about this, but my orders are to break up all armed forces, yours, John Brown's, or anyone else's.

I'm sorry but if you organize under arms, I won't be able to draw a line between you.

>> That suits us, if it's got to be.

>> What did you find out, Kitzmiller?

>> A troop of cavalry from Fort Leavenworth are headed this way.

>> Ignorant fools.

Shubel, we're moving camp.

Round up all your men, get the wagons ready to roll.

Just food and ammunition, we're traveling light and moving fast.

>> What about the Negroes?

We can't take all of them.

>> We're not taking any of them.

(singing) My children, the hour of deliverance I promised you has come.

I am leaving Kansas now to continue God's holy work.

>> Group: Hallelujah.

>> "For Gideon took 10 men of his servants "and did as God had said unto him, "and it was so that he did it by night, "when the men of the wicked city "arose early in the morning.

"Behold, the altar of Baal was cast down."

>> Please Captain Brown, what does that mean?

What you gonna do with us?

>> It means that you are free the first of many millions to whom I shall give freedom from slavery.

>> Does, does just saying so make us free?

How are we gonna live, get food and shelter?

>> There are many good people in Kansas who will give you work and protection.

From now on, you must fend for yourselves, as other free men do, my work here is done.

>> Glory bless God, we's free.

The captain done kept his word.

We's free, we's free, we's free.

(people singing) >> You know, if John Brown has 100 men, we'd better send a runner back, bring up the rest of the troop.

>> Better do it tonight.

I'm going into Palmyra, George.

>> You alone, don't be crazy, Jeb.

That town is full of jayhawkers.

They'd shoot you on sight.

>> Well, I'll have to take a chance on that.

I'm gonna get some other clothes, take a couple of men, and go in and do some scouting.

I'll try to send you back word.

>> Good luck.

>> Say do you two fellas still want to join the Army?

>> Huh?

>> I've got a job for you, it's no picnic.

It's pretty dangerous, but I think you're the fellas for it.

What do you say?

>> Do you mean we're gonna have a real cap and a uniform?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Well, we might have to be buried in them, but it sure sounds like a deal.

(intense music) >> The law has got nothing to do with it.

We came here to join John Brown because he's a leader and a fighter.

The whole thing is going to be settled right here in Kansas.

We came here to fight slavers, didn't we?

The only way to fight 'em is with guns.

(crowd yelling) >> They sure giving you a good looking over in this here man's town.

>> Yeah, I feel just like I was taking a bath in a bathtub without no sides on it.

>> The only kind of a tub you ever was in.

>> Say who could I talk to in this kind of a town without arousing suspicion?

>> The town barber.

>> That's right.

Any time a barber can't talk to a stranger, he's liable to go crazy.

>> The town barber?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> That's it.

(banjo music) Howdy, boys.

>> Howdy.

Pretty good-looking horse for this part of the world.

>> Yeah, Kansas is all right for men and dogs, but it's pretty hard on women and horses.

Say, look at that brand.

>> That's an Army horse.

>> Maybe he just bought him from someone.

>> No, they don't sell 'em.

Nobody rides that brand but a soldier.

You keep your eye on him till I get back.

>> You still got that creepy feeling about this place?

>> I don't know whether it's that or these here chiggers, but something is creeping over me.

>> Why don't you scratch and see if it goes away?

>> Yeah, I reckon that is all it was.

>> Say, I've got it now.

We was on the same train a couple of months ago when that fella got killed.

>> Uh-huh, you've probably got me mixed up with somebody else.

>> No siree, I never forget a face although I was a little drunk at the time.

>> Well, there you are.

The fella you saw probably had two faces.

Been in Palmyra long?

>> Oh just a couple of weeks, this ain't no town for barbers.

The fellas that ain't trying to hide their faces for some reason or another are too mean to spend the money.

>> Yes I've heard you've got some pretty tough customers here.

>> I'll say, I'm afraid to shave half of them, afraid they'll get up and cut my throat.

>> Say did you ever run across this famous, what's his name, John Brown?

>> Sure he came in here once.

Strange-looking man with a hint mark on his throat.

>> Hint mark, what's that?

>> Oh, it's an old barber superstition, a little, red line that runs all the way around here.

Anybody born with that mark is bound to be hung.

>> Is that so?

Say, I haven't got one, have I?

>> Not yet maybe.

>> Well, well.

>> Keep your hand away, get it.

This was quite an idea Stuart, you coming in alone first to look around, or is this one of your agents?

I ain't ever laid eyes on him before.

I swear it, I, I don't know him from Adam.

>> What were you up to?

>> Well, it's your move.

You figure it out.

>> My next move is plain enough, didn't they teach us how to handle spies when we caught 'em red handed?

>> Same treatment for renegades, wasn't it?

>> When you catch 'em.

This will make you quite a hero, Stuart.

The class of '54 will turn out in a body for your funeral.

They may even hang your picture in the West Point Library.

>> There's worse places to hang.

>> Get him out of here Rader, we're wasting time.

>> Just having a last few words with an old classmate of mine, and I had them coming to me.

Come on, get up.

(intense music) I'm gonna give you a good look at what you came to see.

(dramatic music) >> We can't afford to take chances, sir.

He was sent here as a spy.

It's my advice to get rid of him.

>> Let's string him up.

>> Yeah, and right away.

>> What did you hope to achieve by coming alone to Palmyra?

>> The Army has orders from Washington to bring you to trial.

I hoped that if I came face to face with you first, a lot of unnecessary bloodshed might be avoided, for your men and mine.

>> Were you innocent enough to think that I would surrender myself to you without a fight?

>> I hoped that you might consider yourself innocent enough to do that.

Half of the people in America believe in your theory.

A lot of them even condone your methods.

That will guarantee you a public trial.

>> I'm not on trial, but the nation itself.

Are you too stupid and blinded by a uniform to see what I see, a dark and evil curse laying all over this land?

A carnal sin against God can only be wiped out in blood.

>> But why in blood, the people of Virginia have considered a resolution to abolish slavery for a long time, they sense that it's a moral wrong, and the rest of the South will follow Virginia's example.

All they ask is time.

>> Time, time?

For 30 years, I have waited for the South to cleanse its soul of this crime.

Since childhood, I have been possessed with the fire of correcting this wrong.

I have tried peaceful agitation.

As God is my witness, I tried.

Peaceful means failed long ago.

Now I shall force a decision by bringing both sides into armed conflict.

Letters, words, talk, the time has ended for that.

Strength and action are wanted now, not a voice crying in the wilderness, but a David, armed with the power and the glory.

>> David had a son, hadn't he?

>> A son, yes Absalom, who deserted his father and went over to the enemy.

What are you trying to tell me, Stuart?

>> And Absalom died because he feared his father.

>> Jason is dead, so be it.

My son has paid for the sins of this world with his life, as once did the son of God.

It shall not be in vain.

>> Whether you kill me or not, the Army will crush you all in the end.

>> My advice to you is to find peace with your maker.

>> Now the big one, sit down.

>> I never liked barbers no-how.

>> Now spill out, you little petty-run weasel, or I'll cut your throat, where'd he go?

>> I swear I don't know, boys.

Well they take him out that way.

>> Who took him?

>> Three fellas, one of them was Oliver Brown.

>> Do you see this razor?

Well, I'm keeping it, and if you've moved a hair when we get back I'm gonna strap it on your liver and barbecue your carcass, now you stay where you are.

(intense music) >> Back east for me.

(dramatic music) >> I have called you all together as witnesses to hear my words.

An enemy to the cause has entered our midst, stealthily and by night, with the purpose of planning our destruction.

The hand that has never failed us has come once again to our protection.

It is not with malice or revenge that we take this man's life, but in just retribution as befits all enemies of mankind, all enemies of God.

>> Ready, sir.

(dramatic music) (gun shots) >> Get back, get back, move away from that door.

>> Cover those windows, move around the barn.

(intense music) Get to the back door!

>> Hold on there, Captain.

>> Get down from there if you don't want to get killed.

>> We's coming, boss.

>> That white man talk like he's a friend.

(intense music) >> Lookie here.

>> Get in the back, quick.

(intense music) (fire crackling) (military music) (fire crackling) >> Let him burn, move all the wagons!

>> Man: Get away from the barn.

Get those wagons over.

(fire crackling) (intense music) (military music) >> Take cover behind the wagons.

(intense music) (gun shots) >> There's Oliver, first Jason now him, do you want to fight on John?

>> As long as breath is in me.

(intense music) (guns firing) >> Sound the charge.

(trumpet music) (intense music) (guns firing) >> You all right, sir?

>> Jeb.

>> After them George, don't let them get away.

>> Mount up.

(intense music) (military music) >> Ouch that's too tight Manny.

>> Don't tell me how to do this, boy.

I've been wrapping white folks all my life.

When they was babies, I wrapped one end, and when they growed up and took on too much corn liquor, then I wrapped the other end.

>> Oh, so what made you leave home?

>> Well, old John Brown said he was gonna give us freedom, but shuckins, if this here Kansas is freedom, then I ain't got no use for it no sir.

>> Me neither, I just want us to get back home to Texas and set till kingdom come.

(triumphant music) >> Dismount and fall out.

Well, we had a nice ride, both ways.

>> He lost you, huh?

>> He and a few others got away in the hills.

>> I think I hit one Jeb, you ought to have heard him holler.

>> Heard him holler, you jug head?

That was me, you shot my hat off.

>> Well it won't matter much, he's broken for good.

From now on, he'll find every man's hand against him.

>> Nothing will ever break the force of John Brown Jeb, not even death.

>> No, you're wrong, George.

He's finished, his force is broken forever.

(dramatic music) >> Why hast thou afflicted thy servant, oh, Lord?

Wherefore do I not find favor with you?

Why hast thou laid the weight of all these people upon me?

Yes, this is the sign for which I have waited, oh, Lord.

This is your command, the burning bush.

Let there be no peace in all this land until we have revenged ourselves upon thine enemies.

As once you smote the Philistines, smite now the fury of thy wrath upon these blind, misbegotten fools.

I shall be thy right hand.

I, John Brown, shall be the sword of Jehovah.

(dramatic music) >> Take a good look gentlemen.

The beginning of the railroad to Santa Fe.

These rails are gonna stretch their way right across the old trail, right over Kansas, down into the territory of New Mexico.

Someday, we can tell our grandchildren that we opened the doors of America to the great Southwest, won't we, Kit?

>> You just built your railroad.

I'm not guaranteeing anything.

>> Yeah, the end of John Brown was our beginning.

Maybe it'll cost a lot more blood and grief, but it's gonna be worth it.

>> Dad, can I ring the bell on the first train?

>> Yeah and blow the whistle.

That'll be a day you can live for, Kit.

>> Oh, won't it?

(happy music) ♪ Come fill your glasses fellows ♪ ♪ And stand up in a row ♪ ♪ To singing sentimentally ♪ ♪ We're going for to go ♪ ♪ In the Army there's sobriety ♪ ♪ Promotion's very slow ♪ ♪ So we'll sing our reminiscences ♪ ♪ Of Benny Havens, oh ♪ ♪ Oh, Benny Havens, oh ♪ ♪ Oh, Benny Havens, oh ♪ ♪ We'll sing our reminiscences ♪ ♪ Of Benny Havens, oh ♪ (audience applauding) (jovial music) >> Congratulations, boys.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> That was excellent, I didn't recognize the song.

Where does it come from?

>> It's an old Army song of farewell.

These young men have all been promoted and were ordered back to Washington.

>> That's splendid.

>> You lucky devils.

I had to wait 10 years of my captaincy, and I also followed tradition by proposing to my wife the same night.

(chuckling) >> Wouldn't you like some refreshments?

>> Yes, I would.

>> Good idea.

>> Well, I think I'll run down to the stable.

My horse threw a shoe this morning.

I'll see you later.

>> I'll go with you.

Maybe I can find it.

(jovial music) >> What did you have to go and lie for, telling the Major we was the best barbecuers along the Santa Fe Trail?

>> I just mentioned it sort of casual.

How did I know he was gonna take us up on it?

>> Wait till he starts eating this.

He won't take us up.

He'll take us up and out.

>> You think it's gonna be hard chewing, Tex?

>> Well, I don't know, I still got a hunch we should have skinned it first.

We took the horns off of it, didn't we?

>> What is a captain's pay Jeb, $38?

>> Huh-uh, $40.

>> $40 a month.

(whistling) Say, that's enough to get- >> Go on, get what?

>> Well you know, this and that, what are you planning to do with your extra pay?

>> Exactly the same thing as you are, son.

Want to draw straws?

>> Not this time, this means too much.

>> Well, how are we gonna handle it then, take turns?

>> I don't trust you southern boys in the moonlight.

>> All right, let's ask her together.

>> Hey.

>> Wait a minute.

>> What is this, you luna- >> Come on.

>> Just come along, and just listen.

>> There you are, George has got something to ask you, Kit.

You have the floor, George.

>> Well I don't know just how to start, Kit, but there's an old Indian woman who hangs around the fort and tells people's fortunes.

She's supposed to be a wonder at it and, well- >> Yes, George?

>> Well, she said I'm going to get married soon to a very beautiful girl.

>> Did she, George, that's very nice.

>> Pretty slick opening remark.

>> Kit, were you ever by any chance a blonde?

>> Why, no, not even as a baby.

>> Are you sure, this old woman has never been wrong before.

>> Absolutely sure.

>> Well, maybe she's still right, there's a whole lot of beautiful blondes in the world, George.

Let's ask her.

>> Let's.

>> Wait a minute, Kit, are you in love with him and not with me?

>> I guess I am George.

>> Are you gonna marry him?

>> Oh, wait a minute.

I can handle this proposal from now, son.

Kit, do you really mean that?

>> You haven't asked me anything yet.

>> I wonder if I said the wrong thing.

>> Hmm-mm, it couldn't have been more perfect.

Now where is that Indian?

(dramatic music) (woman speaking foreign language) >> Well, what did she say, Kit?

You know the lingo.

>> She says that this is one of the last times we'll all of us be together as friends.

(laughing) >> Now ask her something sensible.

Who is gonna be the first general?

(women speaking foreign language) >> She says that one day you all be famous men, great in battle, but bitter enemies.

>> What, Pickett, Hood, Custer, Sheridan, Longstreet, and me, enemies?

Now I know she's crazy.

>> Where did you ever pick up this old faker, George?

>> I can tell better fortunes than that with tea leaves.

>> Well, we might as well get our money's worth.

Ask her what we're gonna fight about.

>> Yeah, who's going to start it?

(women speaking foreign language) >> Well, what's this, too ridiculous to tell?

>> She says the fight has already started.

Somewhere in the east, a man is lighting a torch, now at this very moment and two of us will help to kill him.

But none of us can stop him.

(intense music) (laughing) >> Here is where I would attack first, the arsenal at Harper's Ferry.

Give me only 100 good men, Dr. Russell, well armed and God-fearing men who believe in the cause.

I will lead them through Virginia, rouse the thousands of discontented slaves who will flock to join us, then sweep down through the South, through the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi.

Then, with the entire nation in a state of chaos, we can dictate our own terms.

>> Have you considered the Army, Captain Brown?

Surely, they will be after you in full force within a few hours after your first attack.

>> Let them come, Dr. Russell.

Let them try to stop me.

I have studied that country for years.

It's full of good hiding places, natural forts where large forces of brave men can defy pursuit indefinitely.

Mr. Rader will go ahead of us and scout the town.

>> Yes, sir.

>> With his knowledge of military methods and our great advantage of surprise, we can outwit the Army at every turn.

>> Captain Brown, this plan of yours is mad.

Worse than mad, it's high treason.

>> Such a brazen attack would lead to civil war.

>> Exactly, that is exactly what I want.

>> Is it your wish then to destroy the union?

>> My answer to that is yes.

To the devil with the union, we've got to fight sometime.

It might as well be now.

Gentlemen, I came here to Boston at great personal risk.

There is a price on my head of $10,000, so my time is precious.

You have given me much help and encouragement up to now, but all that we have done in Kansas and elsewhere will be wasted unless you see it through to the glorious end.

>> How much money will you need?

(intense music) >> We now possess the guns, ammunition, pipes, a complete store of supplies.

The place and the hour are set, Harper's Ferry, daybreak, Monday, October the 16th.

We must strike with two forces, suddenly with complete surprise, and then move rapidly through Virginia.

You men all know what will be demanded of you.

>> Soldiers: Yes, we're with you, Captain.

(intense music) >> It's Rader, he made good time.

>> Well, what did you find, speak up.

Is anything wrong at Harper's Ferry?

>> No, the town itself won't be any trouble.

There's a bridge of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to be blocked, and we've got to cut that telegraph line to Washington.

>> What about the government arsenal?

>> It's guarded by only two men.

Here, I made this rough map of the place.

>> Good, excellent, this is precisely what I wanted.

We must first take some hostages from the town.

That will prevent an attack by the civilians, then we'll move directly on the arsenal.

>> There's something else.

>> What?

>> I want to settle our account.

Back in Kansas, you promised to pay me what's due when you got the money.

>> How dare you demand a settlement of a private matter with the nations hour of deliverance not three days off?

>> That's putting the cart before the horse, isn't it?

I've done a job for you nobody else could do.

>> So I was right at Palmyra.

The cause itself means nothing to you.

>> I'm only holding you to your word.

>> Are you indeed, have you forgotten so quickly my methods of disloyalty?

>> I haven't forgotten anything.

But you've got the money to pay me, and you can't afford not to.

>> Then let me add this to your memory.

(thudding) I haven't waited 30 years to bargain with a rogue at the final hour.

(intense music) (gentle music) >> Hiya, this is the kind of Army life I like.

Did you ever see me waltz?

>> I've heard of it, but this ain't no Santa Fe shakedown.

Hold it, you in high society now, come on.

>> May I have your invitations, please, gentlemen?

>> What's them?

>> Them's them little white cards.

We ain't got no invitations, Joe.

Can't we get in on our uniforms?

>> No sir, not unless you wants to go right out on 'em again.

>> Oh, we're the fellas who cleaned up Kansas.

Ain't you ever heard of us?

>> Sorry sir, but we don't need no cleaning.

>> Good evening.

(gentle music) >> Hello, handsome.

>> Oh, hi, Jeb.

>> My, you're a dream tonight.

>> How's the party?

>> I don't know.

She hasn't come out yet.

Who are you waiting for?

>> An old friend of mine promised me a surprise tonight, a night I'd remember the rest of my life.

>> Yeah, you don't know any girl here but Kit, you know.

>> I, I'm not talking, maybe you don't rate quite as high as you think you do, Captain Stuart.

>> Hello Kit, you look wonderful.

>> Thank you.

>> Say, George was just telling me you have promised him the biggest night of his life.

>> Where do I come in?

>> You don't.

I'm very fond of George.

>> Thank you, Kit.

I haven't told you this, but we have a deep understanding.

>> Wait a minute Kit, are you serious?

What is this?

>> I'm going to take care of George for the rest of his life.

>> Kit.

>> That is if he's the man I think he is.

>> Oh Kit I have my faults, but I can be as faithful and loyal as any man that ever lived.

>> We'll soon see, now wait here, both of you.

>> Tough luck son, I guess we can't all have charm and good looks, too.

>> Custer I hope you're joking, or you're not gonna have either.

>> Oh, don't take it so hard.

I mean this is something that could happen to- >> Shut up.

>> Charlotte, I want you to meet Captain Custer and Captain Stuart.

This is Charlotte Davis.

We were schoolmates together in Boston.

>> It's a pleasure, Ms. Davis.

>> Thank you, Captain.

>> Yes, indeed, a great pleasure.

>> I've heard so much about you, Captain Custer.

>> Me?

>> Mm-hmm.

Well, I, uh, well, that is, I mean, uh, well, uh, well, that is- I, uh- >> Shall we dance, Jeb?

>> Yes, of course.

Who is she?

>> That's the blonde, the one that George was promised by old Sit in the Mud.

>> Oh I see, well, she's pretty nice.

Don't you think?

(waltz music) >> Left wheel, company halt, present arms.

Prepare to scoop.

(slurping) >> Yes, sir?

>> Yes, sir.

About face, company, forward march.

Eyes right, right wheel.

>> Well there I was, right out in the middle of Kansas, facing 500 crazy fanatics, heavily armed, and me with only 15 soldiers.

>> Good heavens Captain, how terrifying.

What did you do?

>> I sized up the situation at a glance, dismounted, and walked straight toward 'em.

>> Not, not alone?

>> My dear young lady, there comes a time in every soldier's life when he must stand or fall alone, and if you knew the Army, you'd understand that he who hesitates is lost.

>> That is simply wonderful, Captain.

>> Oh, it was nothing, really.

(audience applauding) >> Will you come and meet my father, Captain?

>> Oh, I'd be delighted.

Is he in the government service?

>> Yes, but I think he'll lose his job in the next election.

>> Oh, that's too bad.

Say, he should be in the Army.

You know, politics don't bother us.

>> He'd rather go fishing anyway, Father.

>> Hello, Charlotte.

>> Hello, Colonel Lee.

>> My dear.

>> Father, I'd like you to meet Captain George Custer.

>> Oh but of course, I met the captain at West Point when he graduated, didn't I?

>> Yes, sir.

>> How are you, Custer?

>> I'm fine, Colonel Lee.

>> We've heard good things about you, congratulations.

>> Yes, the captain has just been telling me how he put down the trouble in Kansas by himself.

>> Splendid job, my old man, splendid, wasn't there also a chap named Stuart, uh, Jeb Stuart, connected with that campaign?

>> Stuart, uh, yes, sir, he was around.

Shall we dance?

(waltz playing) >> Left turn, about face, march.

>> Jeb.

>> Go away.

You have danced with your sister once already.

>> I don't want her I want you, come on.

>> Hey, you can't leave me stranded alone in the middle of a ballroom.

>> Be quiet, Bill, Bill, take over this detail, will you?

>> Oh, may I?

(waltz music) >> Are you drunk?

>> Well if I'm not, I ought to be, I've just seen enough to knock anybody down.

>> What are you talking about?

An old friend of yours is outside, and he asked me to bring you to him.

It's real, I almost touched it.

>> What are you doing here?

>> I came to find you.

I know what you think of me, Stuart, that I'm no good.

Well, maybe you're right, but maybe I've got something to tell you that will change your opinion.

>> You'll have a hard time doing that.

>> Suppose I told you that I left John Brown three hours ago with a well armed force of men, not very many miles from where we're standing?

>> I'd say you were out of your mind.

>> All set to strike at Harper's Ferry on the Maryland-Virginia line sometime tonight, with reinforcements of over 1,200 men expected before daybreak from Pennsylvania.

Brown plans to arouse the slaves, first in Virginia and then throughout the South, in open rebellion.

The telegraph wires will be cut, and he'll block the railroad.

And then at daybreak, they rush the arsenal, take thousands of weapons with the idea of arming the Negroes.

Well, that's the situation, gentlemen, move for move.

I don't know, you may be able to get there ahead of them, but if you do, you've got to move fast, tonight.

>> It's fantastic.

Our secret service has reported John Brown to be out of the country.

>> Well, I ought to know where he is.

I've been with him every day and every mile since we left Kansas.

>> Colonel: Then why have you informed on him?

>> Don't forget, Colonel, I was in the service once.

I was young, and I made a mistake.

I didn't know that then, but I do now.

I guess some of the things we learned at West Point stay on inside of us a lot deeper than we realize.

Anyway, I couldn't stand by and see my country torn apart by a madman like Brown, I had to come here.

This was something a lot bigger than myself.

>> Couldn't have been the size of the reward you will get for turning him in, could it?

>> I said why I came here, and that's the truth.

But I am entitled to any reward.

I am even willing to go back there and rejoin him tonight just in case he gets suspicious or changes his plans.

Now what more proof do you want than that?

>> I believe him because it's too dangerous not to.

>> How soon can you start, Colonel?

>> We'll be ready to leave in an hour.

The officers are all here.

>> Call them at once and proceed with all speed to Harper's Ferry.

>> Do you have your orders, Captain Stuart?

>> Yes sir.

>> Jeb, what is it, what's happening?

>> John Brown, get the little Davis girl to take you home, will you, darling?

>> But, why, but- >> I'm sorry.

I can't explain now, no time.

Try to keep the others calm.

Tell them there's nothing to be excited about.

Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

(dramatic music) >> There's no more worry on that score.

>> You say no train is due until well after daybreak?

>> No sir, not until 8 o'clock.

I rode within 10 miles of Washington to make sure.

>> What kept you so long?

>> I had to take a side road both ways.

>> Oh Shubel, Townsley, get your men, block the railroad bridge.

We meet below the arsenal at daybreak.

Kitzmiller, go to the town with 20 men and get the hostages.

You know the ones.

>> Yes, sir.

>> The rest of you men, follow me.

(dramatic music) >> Drop your guns.

(dramatic music) >> Captain, we've got enough guns here to arm a 1,000 men.

>> And plenty of powder and bullets.

>> Stack those guns and ammunition near the door, ready to haul them.

>> Hurry up, boys.

Get 'em out there.

>> The men from Pennsylvania will be here within the hour.

>> This isn't an arsenal, it's a fortress.

We could stand off the whole Army here.

>> What about the prisoners, Captain?

>> What is the meaning of this outrage?

Why have you broken into our homes and dragged us here?

Who are you?

>> I am John Brown of Kansas.

>> John Brown.

>> You are prisoners of the provisional government of the United States.

If the citizens of Harper's Ferry attempt any interference, I shall use you as I see fit.

Otherwise, you will be peacefully released when we depart.

We must adhere to our schedule to the precise minute.

We will leave here at 10 o'clock, and by nightfall we shall be 35 miles into Virginia.

>> What about the men from Pennsylvania, sir?

>> They are late in arriving, we cannot wait.

>> Wouldn't that be taking a long chance?

No word of us is gonna leak out until tomorrow, maybe even two or three days, and then we'd be 1,500 men.

I don't see that there's any reason to hurry.

>> That sounds sensible.

>> I disagree.

I'm anxious to get out of here, and time is our most valuable weapon.

>> You're in command sir, but that's been the fatal mistake to many an expedition, my advice is to wait.

(gunfire) (intense music) >> Some of the townspeople are firing at us, just a handful of them with old shotguns.

We can clean 'em out in five minutes.

>> Idiots, why do they fight us?

Can't they understand?

(guns firing) (intense music) What is your name?

>> Brewer.

>> If you value your life and those of your fellow townsmen, you will do as I say.

>> Yes.

(guns firing) (intense music) >> Stop firing, you are endangering the lives of your friends.

John Brown promises that if we leave the arsenal in his hands, he will harm none of us.

>> No run down to us, we'll cover you, quick.

(intense music) (gun shot) >> Stupid cattle, can't they understand we're here on a righteous cause?

Their interests are also ours, the good of a whole nation.

We'll leave a lesson at Harper's Ferry for the rest of the South to profit by.

Wipe out those fools at the foot of the hill.

(intense music) (guns firing) Cease firing, we're moving into the hills.

Take all the weapons and ammunition you can carry with speed.

It's well passed noon.

We can wait no longer for the Pennsylvanians.

(intense music) (telegraph clicking) >> "80 citizens of Harper's Ferry killed, "33 wounded by John Brown's invaders, in open rebellion."

>> It's from the second post at Frederick, Maryland.

"The road to Harper's Ferry is blocked.

"Unable to get through."

>> "Jefferson guards and the Winchesters "under Lee's command passed through "upper Phil an hour ago.

"They will be the first to arrive at the ferry."

(military music) (intense music) >> What are you watching, Rader?

>> The north road, sir.

>> The north road is over there.

This is the Washington turnpike.

>> Well, I thought our men might circle the town- >> That was not their orders, help with the wagons.

>> Yes sir, but don't you think we ought to wait another half hour, it might be that- (trumpet music) >> Every man inside, bolt the doors, man the holes.

(intense music) (military music) (dramatic music) >> What did you say, there's no cause to hurry.

Wait.

>> Yes sir I did.

I thought we had time.

>> Stuart.

>> Yes, sir?

>> I want you to take this under a white flag to John Brown.

>> Right, sir.

>> There is to be no parley, yes or no.

If it's a refusal, wave your hat to us.

>> Right, sir.

>> Hang onto this, will you?

>> Captain Brown, they're coming up the road with a flag of truce.

(intense music) >> Open the door.

(intense music) >> You're John Brown of Kansas?

>> I am.

>> We've met before, I think.

>> And thanks to Mr. Rader, we now meet again.

>> This is Colonel Lee's formal demand for your surrender.

>> Once more, sir, you overrate your strength in supposing that I can be taken against my will.

>> That's your final answer?

>> It is.

We'd prefer to die here.

(intense music) >> Prepare to surround them.

>> Take Troop B to the right at a gallop, Troop A to the left at a gallop.

Forward at a gallop, ho.

(military music) (trumpet music) (guns firing) Bring the right flank into position.

(intense music) (guns firing) (trumpet music) (cannon firing) Attack with C Troop on the left flank.

>> C Troop, advance.

(military music) (gun and cannons firing) Prepare battering ram.

>> Keep firing.

(intense music) >> Forward.

>> Forward!

>> Forward.

(trumpet music) (military music) (guns firing) >> All of you, keep on firing.

(intense music) (diabolical music) >> No.

>> Oh, Judas betrayed him for a handful of silver.

>> Don't.

(gun shot) (guns firing) (intense music) >> Cease firing.

(trumpet music) (rhythmic drumming) (shouting orders) (rhythmic drumming) (gentle music) Don't Kit, he was born for this.

>> I'm not crying for him, Jeb.

I see something else up there.

Something much more terrible than just one man.

>> Have you any last words, John Brown?

>> I am only walking as God foreordained I should walk.

All my actions, even the follies leading to this disaster, were decreed to happen long ages before this world began, but I cannot remember a night so dark as to have hindered the coming day or a storm so furious as to prevent the return of warm sunshine and a country at peace.

I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land can never be purged away but with blood.

I let them hang me.

I forgive them, and may God forgive them, for they know not what they do.

(dramatic music) >> So perish all such enemies of the union, all such foes of the human race.

(military music) >> Before this company, and there to have given and pledged their truth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring and by joining hands, I pronounce that they are man and wife.

United forever with ties that no man shall break asunder nor the years disturb.

Whose shining paths shall run together from this day hence, unto eternity.

(dramatic music)