Springfield Rifle (1952) - full transcript

"Four thousand horses

lost to raiders in three months.

Need for more men to protect herds

desperate. Repeat, desperate.

John Hudson,

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Cavalry."

More men, more men.

There isn't a command in the Army

that doesn't want men.

He'll have to do with what he has.

Well, Colonel Sharpe?

Hudson's tried to reach the railhead

by every route available.

Yet our forces have always

been intercepted by raiders.

Our spring offensive depends

on the strength of our cavalry units...

...and that means horses.

Fort Hedley's in the center

of all the great southwestern herds.

It was your idea to establish

a purchasing depot there.

Now, what are you doing about it?

We've known that the Confederacy

has a well-organized spy system.

They know the importance

of horses to us.

Their men may operate

even in our own fort.

All I was permitted to do was to send

a private detective out there, a civilian.

Everyone spotted him right away.

General, as I've told you many times...

...the only answer to their espionage

is an espionage system of our own.

- Taken it up three times with the Cabinet.

- Don't they want to win?

They won't stand for our men in uniform

being secret agents.

They stand for enemy agents

knocking the war out from under us.

They think spying is beneath the dignity

and honor of an Army man. That settles it.

How do you expect me

to get those horses here?

Colonel Sharpe, there's a war going on

a few miles south of here.

If we are to mount a successful offensive

in the spring and end the war...

...we must have horses.

Thousands of them.

That's why Hudson's out at Fort Hedley,

and why you're chief of planning.

I don't care how you handle it, but don't

come to me with it again. Just get horses.

It isn't that they know

the route that's important.

You can't hide the trail

of hundreds of horses.

But they know in advance

what pass we're going to cross.

That's their advantage.

They don't have to spread their men so thin.

You must have some idea

how the information's getting out.

The whole town's full of people

trying to sell horses and information.

I can't do it all alone.

George, I know, officially,

you're here on a routine inspection.

Unofficially, you're probably

looking for a chance to replace me.

Well, if they don't send me enough men

to do the job, let them replace me.

It'd be much easier

leading a bayonet charge back there.

Mr. Quint, will you excuse us?

I have a confidential matter

to discuss with Colonel Hudson.

Certainly. Certainly, sir.

I wasn't able to get you more men.

But before I came, I stopped at the arsenal

at Springfield, Massachusetts.

Without orders, I may add.

John, some gunsmith is trying

a new idea with the Springfield rifle.

I saw a demonstration that was amazing.

No more muzzle loading.

It operates with a new bridge action.

That rifle can be loaded and fired so fast,

it'll make each man equal to five.

When can I get them?

May be a long time

before they're ready.

- Springfield people experiment in secret.

- Then what good are they to us?

Maybe I can convince them

to let us experiment in action.

If not, I'll have to wait

until they aren't looking.

Can't get them any other way.

In the meantime, I'm supposed

to use magic to get the horses through.

Magic and that incompetent you sent me

who calls himself a detective.

Now I'll let you in

on a little secret, George.

I think we have the raiders

fooled this time.

I've sent the drive out under Lex Kearny,

the new major just assigned me.

He's taking a route those raiders

will never anticipate.

Right over the highest peaks

in the range.

Snow, the year round,

through Grey Rock Pass...

...which is 9000 feet above sea level.

- Major Kearny?

- Yes, sergeant?

That's Grey Rock Pass, just ahead.

I told you we'd make it this time.

What are the orders, major?

Those raiders outnumber us

at least 4-1, Captain Tennick.

Let them have the herd,

make a run for it back to the fort.

That's desertion. Give me the men.

I'll delay them

while you get the horses through.

Captain, we're leaving the herd.

Form up at the rear, now.

Form up at the rear, sergeant.

If I wanted the sergeant

to carry out the order, I'd issue it.

Get in form, captain.

Form up at the rear!

Form up at the rear!

- Is Colonel Hudson alone?

- No. But you can go in, Mr. Quint.

Thanks.

Troop's back, colonel.

You've got another "no delivery" dispatch

to send to Washington.

- Casualties?

- Nope.

Just the herd this time.

Great beginning for the new major.

I thought Kearny could get

the herd through if anyone could.

They told me you're the best detective

the Army could hire.

Why don't you find out

who the raiders are?

First things come first with me, colonel.

I don't care who the raiders are.

I wanna know

where they get their information.

I don't like the way you say that, Quint.

That's my plan, colonel.

If you don't like that way,

you can always make a change.

- Major Kearny, sir.

- Send him in.

Sit down, Lex.

Shall I make my report in front of him?

Don't be bashful, major.

I already made it for you.

Go ahead, Lex.

As instructed, I didn't open the sealed

orders until we arrived at Taos Wells.

The orders said to take the herd

by way of the Dundalk Flats route.

They were waiting for us

on the other side of Grey Rock Pass.

Did anyone have access to the orders...

...from the time you left

until you reached Taos Wells?

No, sir.

After you opened the orders,

who saw them besides you?

Captain Tennick and Sergeant Snow.

After they learned which route,

were they ever out of your sight?

Here and there,

but then I was out of theirs.

Did you get a look at any of the raiders?

- We didn't put up a fight.

- Why not?

- Permission to see the colonel, sir.

- Captain Tennick.

I request a court-martial.

- Against whom and on what charges?

- Against Major Kearny.

Charges of willful disobedience

of orders...

...and misconduct

in the presence of the enemy.

Quite some charges from a man

I could arrest for insubordination.

Sir, the orders were, "Defend the herd

with force against enemy attack."

Major Kearny ordered us

to desert the herd.

I've known Lex Kearny for a long time.

I was his duty officer at West Point.

He couldn't commit such an act.

I'm sure his reasons for the retreat

were honorable.

I recommend you withdraw your request.

I respectfully decline

your recommendation, sir.

You're certain

you have sufficient grounds?

I'm certain, sir.

Request granted.

Thank you, sir.

Has he sufficient grounds, Lex?

Yes, sir.

He wants these gold leaves.

Charge: Violation

of the 52nd Article of War.

"Neglect of duty and cowardice

in the face of the enemy.

Sacrificing war material, specifically

a vitally needed shipment of horses."

How does the accused plead

to the charge and specifications?

Not guilty by reason of circumstances.

This is his official service record.

"Major Alexander Kearny

was born in Virginia.

At West Point,

before the declaration of war...

...he openly sympathized

with his home state.

At the outbreak of the war, he submitted

his resignation from the Army...

...giving reason as reluctance

to fight against the South.

He later withdrew his submission.

Kearny led a troop

in three engagements this year.

He was removed from his command because

of indecision in the presence of the enemy.

Official comment: Untrustworthy.

To be transferred to duty at Fort Hedley."

Our orders were to defend the herd

and drive them to the railroad.

Kearny's action was in violation

of these orders.

In the face of a far-superior force,

it is my judgment...

...that it was better to sacrifice horses

and save the men.

Then we retreated, leaving the herd

unprotected, without even firing one shot.

Did you hear Major Kearny tell

Captain Tennick he wouldn't fight?

The major said we were outnumbered

4-1, ordered us to the rear.

- That's all, thank you.

- Can I say something?

Certainly, sergeant.

I served with Major Kearny.

He was a lieutenant then,

at the First Battle of Bull Run in '61.

Our troop covered the retreat that day,

and we were the last to withdraw.

We didn't have to be the last...

...but the lieutenant

was stubborn as a mule...

Sergeant Snow.

Let him tell it in his own way.

Well, sir, I never saw such an onerous...

...cuss in my whole life.

But he's certainly no coward.

The whole troop was sighted

for that action, sir.

But the action he speaks of

was a retreat, wasn't it?

Everybody knows we lost

the First Battle of Bull Run, sir.

It was right after I enlisted.

We were out on patrol.

Major Kearny, two mules,

and 10 more of us.

Well, all of a sudden, about 25...

Maybe it was 50.

Anyway, they were Stand Watie's men.

They came charging out of the rocks,

screaming like wildcats, firing as they come.

I gotta admit, I was so scared,

I couldn't fire my gun.

Couldn't even move.

Next thing I know, the major was standing

alongside me, firing and loading.

When he was loading,

he talked to me real quiet.

Major saved my life that day. I know it.

This court finds Major Alexander Kearny,

5th Cavalry, United States Army...

...guilty of gross neglect of duty by reason

of cowardice in the face of the enemy.

Alexander Kearny, you are warned

that you are liable to the death penalty...

...if you trespass upon the grounds

of any United States Military post...

...or reservation henceforth.

Conduct the prisoner through the gate.

Sergeant Snow will give you

a receipt for these, Mr. McCool.

And bring in more next time.

- My spread's not too big, colonel.

- I'll buy all you can get me.

How can they buy stock like that?

That's the sorriest-looking

bunch of jackrabbits I ever saw.

You ain't got nothing to say

about what the Army buys anymore...

...yellow-belly.

Never could understand why you were

particular with us ranchers, major.

Unless you were making sure those raiders

got good, sound horse flesh.

Sir, Kearny's giving the Army a bad name,

hanging around like this.

I know we don't have

jurisdiction over him.

I wish there were some way

to get him out of town.

He'll be leaving soon, lieutenant.

Captain Tennick.

Captain Tennick, I see you haven't got

my gold leaves yet.

You're mighty brave

with that whip, captain.

I'll be back without my whip

when I get my herd through the railhead.

There's something eating that fella.

I'm not so sure he's yellow.

Erin.

What in the world are you doing here?

Hasn't a wife a right

to come and see her husband?

Colonel John wrote me.

I like you in civilian clothes.

What did Hudson say?

Oh, Lex, I don't care

what happened here.

You hated this war in the first place.

You've given enough of

your life to the Army.

Let's just be grateful it's over

for you at last, and you can come home.

You've been gone so long, darling, your son

hardly remembers what you look like.

What does he look like?

You see?

You don't remember him either.

Jamie's grown up.

He's a man.

Yes, and he needs a father.

Erin, I'm not going home with you.

Why?

Until this war is over,

I have to do what I think is right.

Else I'll never be able

to look at you again.

Or Jamie, or myself.

Why don't you trust me?

Men have to do strange things sometimes

that they don't like to tell their wives about.

There's nothing to do

with not trusting them.

When do you want me to go back?

Stagecoach leaves in the morning.

In the morning.

There's another one in a couple of days.

And when you pay your respects

to Colonel John...

...tell him to mind his own business.

And I'll mind mine.

That new whiskey, Old Crow.

Pour it.

Pour it yourself, Copperhead.

I'll do the honors.

Another glass, bartender.

- I assume you're treating.

- Help yourself.

Thanks.

To the Union.

He won't drink to that.

I'll bet you 10 he will.

To the Union.

Why didn't you go home with your wife?

Is that any of your business?

I got enough to worry about here

without you.

Maybe this drive will get through,

and you'll have less to worry about.

The drive didn't get through.

I guess maybe you already know that.

A scout brought the word in

about an hour ago.

Over half of them were killed.

- Tennick?

- I don't know.

Troop's back.

Caught two raiders,

they're bringing them in.

The rest of them got away,

but they shot the horses from under two.

See you.

Captain Tennick,

what's that on your blouse, dirt?

Or is that the blood of some of the troopers

who died out there for you?

Are you proud of yourself,

Captain Tennick?

Do you feel like a brave man now?

Lieutenant Johnson, take over the detail.

Go for the guard. Post number one.

Guard detail, over the gate.

Look out, Mr. Kearny, don't come inside.

Arrest him. He's on military property.

The death penalty can go at this,

did you forget?

I did, but you didn't.

Take him to the guardhouse.

Open up, guard.

- Was it bad?

- We can hold out.

They might not hang you

if you tell them what they wanna know.

They ain't gonna hang us.

Give me your belt too.

Tie them together.

Nice, thoughtful friends you got.

- You ain't in on this.

- Get back there.

Just sit tight and you won't get hurt.

This ought to warm

your ivory dome, baldy.

Yeah, thanks.

Feels good on top of my head,

but it don't penetrate. My insides are cold.

I'm about to bust out crying.

You can have these two 10's

if you'll get us whiskey.

What is it, Confederate money?

U.S. Treasury, it's the real thing.

Sure, what's he gonna do with it

where he's going?

Twenty dollars.

One 10 now and one 10

when you bring the whiskey.

Give me the money.

Where's the other 10?

- Right here.

- Stick a bottle through first.

Don't break it, open the door.

Give me that 10

and get back to your bunks.

I will when you give me

the bottle of whiskey.

Do it my way, you won't never get it.

Straighten up.

Drop that gun.

Through the main gate.

No.

Kearny, what are you doing here?

Wait here.

You stay with him.

Good evening.

How come?

- He helped us break.

- Let him tell it.

We shared the same cell, we were gonna

share the same appointment in the morning.

So we shared the same breakout.

- Where's Elm?

- Last time we saw him...

Let him tell it.

I guess he's looking for a horse,

I borrowed his.

Why did you come out here with them?

Well, we just naturally all ran

in the same direction.

You didn't have to run, major.

Once you were off military property

they couldn't touch you and you know it.

Why did you come here?

- Hadn't been for him, we couldn't make it.

- That's right.

You've got 20 miles to cover tonight.

Kind of late, can't we bunk here?

No, the Army's wise

to your little secret now.

This ranch and the town's

off limits to you both.

Water your horses and get going.

Talk.

Well, I came out here to ask you for a job.

Of course, I didn't know it was you.

If I had, I'd ask you for it in town.

So you want a job.

Well, I wouldn't have gone

to all this trouble if I didn't.

What kind of trouble?

Soon as I heard they got raiders...

...I got arrested

and thrown in the cell with them.

None of them seem to stay

in jail too long before.

Well, if you don't wanna hire me, just forget

all about it, and I'll mosey on back to town.

You can't go back, major. Not now.

You're either in or you're through.

Where's Sims and Mizzell?

I'm gonna fix those...

Kearny.

I told you never to run a horse like that.

Look at him. Where'd you get him?

Rented him in town from the blacksmith.

What's so funny?

That's one thing

they got plenty of, is horses.

- And you had to rent one.

- What's he doing here?

I don't know yet.

Rub down those animals

and hit the bunk.

His too?

It's your horse.

Unless you're making him a present of it.

Come along with me, major.

All right, Mr. McCool.

Pick yourself a horse.

And use this outfit.

- Any one?

- Suit yourself.

I'll take the black.

You ain't giving it to him.

You got one horse you can ride,

do you want another you can't?

Morning, Mr. McCool.

How do you like it?

What Yankees wouldn't give...

...to know about this.

It's a wonderful hideout, but you can't

keep these horses here forever.

You joined up just in time

to get the answer to that one, major.

Those horses represent five raids.

There's close to 1000 head

down there.

We're gonna drive them

over the mountains.

From there on, they don't go north,

they go south.

For the right price too.

All right, Pete, stir them up.

Follow me, major.

Come on, Rebs, stir it up!

This ain't no cotillion.

Come on, boys, pack and saddle up.

We're heading south.

Money in the sock, boys.

When I say move, I mean move!

He knows how to handle

those kind real well.

They're no-goods,

deserters and freebooters.

But the boys in gray,

they're patriots like you, major.

Those Southern gentlemen

are great fighters.

There isn't anything they won't tackle.

What's to keep them from breaking out

and going it alone?

After all, there's no corner

on the raiding business these days.

Maybe not,

but there's knowing where to raid.

They're ready.

Men, this is the major that got himself

cashiered out of the Yankee Army...

...for having Southern sympathy

which they couldn't prove.

Now, he'll have a chance to prove them.

- Come on, boy.

- Ride by twos.

Major Kearny? My name's Jim Randolph.

Ex-major, please, Mr. Randolph.

Nice to have you with us, sir.

- You're from Virginia, I hear.

- That's right. You?

South Carolina.

You know, sir,

I had you in my sights once.

Used to ride with Stand Watie.

And now, I'm right glad I missed you.

Well, I'm glad you did too.

How come you left that outfit

for this one?

Some of us were sent over here

to join McCool.

I reckon horses are almost

more important than men these days.

- All the rest of you from Stand Watie?

- Oh, no, sir. They come from all over.

Some had their commands smashed up,

drifted out here.

They're all fine folk. Not like Elm's trash.

Aren't there enough of us to work alone?

Do we need big Pete Elm?

No, but we need McCool.

Without him, we'd never know which way

the Yankees were sending their herds.

We ask him how he gets his information,

he just laughs at us.

McCool likes Elm, so that's it.

Sims! Mizzell!

You two still here?

Hightail it over that hill

and roust out the commission boys.

And no drinks. If they're ready for us,

get back here pronto.

You know we've got a feeding problem.

Quicker you get back,

quicker we get rid of it.

We can't sell them dead horses.

Now, get going.

Where's he sending them?

South Fork. Bear Creek.

Some of our people are down there.

They pay off McCool

and take the herd from there.

May I borrow your mirror

when you're finished with it?

I've quite finished, Mr. Kearny.

It's yours.

Why, thank you, sir.

McCool, think I can cut

our feeding problem in half.

See that hill up there? Mizzell?

Post yourself on top

and wait for Sims' signal.

- What signal?

- Let him talk.

Sims, when you get to South Fork,

if everything's all right...

...shine your mirror steady at Mizzell's

position like this for a half a minute.

We'll move the herd on down.

If there's something wrong...

...flick it like this. We'll stay put

till we get your go-ahead signal.

Was that clear?

This means "come on down,"

this means "stay where you are."

Right. Save all that time

riding back and telling us.

- Go ahead, men.

- Any questions?

What if it snows?

I'll send the major down.

He can teach you another trick.

Come on.

Kind of used to giving orders, aren't you?

What's worse, I'm used to being obeyed.

Well, don't overstep yourself, major.

Don't ever ride that horse again.

Easy, boy, now.

Put it away.

Let them fight.

Make him throw away

that Arkansas toothpick, Mr. McCool.

I said, let them fight.

Now you won't ride my horse,

or any other horse, for a while.

It worked, boys.

Mr. Kearny, you're right. It worked.

He gave me the signal to go ahead.

All right, boys, let's move!

Payday's just around the corner. Let's go!

Let's go!

Let's go.

Get going.

Let's go.

Well, they're all yours,

Mr. Commissioner.

One thousand head to take down

to the old Mississippi.

Nine hundred and eighty-four

by actual count, Mr. McCool.

And here, I already have

the money for them.

I was instructed to tell you, gentlemen,

that if you keep these horses coming...

...any offensive the Yankees

might try to start will be smashed.

We'll keep them coming

as long as this good hard cash holds up.

The Army doesn't approve of horses

from an outfit that hires a man like Kearny.

I don't care what the Army approves.

I'm a civilian. A neutral civilian.

I hire who I want. Come on.

What's going on here, captain?

That rancher McCool has hired

the escaped prisoner Kearny.

- He ought to be back in the guardhouse.

- I don't approve any more than you do.

But neither do I approve of the way

you had him arrested. You started the fight.

I would have been forced

to dismiss charges against him.

You tricked him onto the post.

Certainly was no premeditated action

on his part.

You're lucky I didn't

press charges against you...

...for brawling with a dishonorably

discharged officer.

- How many head have you got here?

- Eight.

I got some more

coming off the range Friday.

Seventy-five.

One-forty.

Two-twenty-five.

Four and a quarter.

Six hundred and seventy-five dollars.

- For all eight?

- That's all they're worth.

- Looks like the Army made a deal, major.

- I'll see you at the bar in about an hour.

I've got a little banking and some

personal business to attend to. Come on.

Sir, I'm sorry to see you

in a position like this.

Thanks, sergeant.

Kearny.

You made a grave mistake

in not going home, Lex.

Erin has come back.

Did you write her again?

Your boy ran away from his school.

Mr. Ramsey, Sergeant Poole.

I'm wondering if you and Kearny

can still shake hands.

Let's continue with your report, major.

The raiders are led by this horse rancher

named McCool...

...the one who sells a few horses

to the Army as a blind.

Got nearly hundred men.

A third of them are Confederate soldiers

on assignment for this.

And the rest of them are a bunch

of jayhawkers led by a man names Elm.

The captured horses are kept

in a canyon 45 miles east of here...

...and about once a month,

they run them to Bear Creek...

...where they turn them over

to the Confederate agents.

That's the picture.

Good job, major.

Thank you, colonel. And now, sir, I request

that I be relieved of the assignment.

That calls for an explanation, major.

I consider myself a bad risk.

It'll take just one mistake

to smoke us out.

Colonel, permit me

to speak for the major.

He has a personal problem.

His wife's here.

What's that got to do with it?

Because I had no idea what the effect

of this would be on my family.

Kearny, all these men have problems too.

Excuse me, colonel,

it's a little different with Lex.

His boy ran away from school because

he couldn't stand the disgrace of his father.

Why'd you volunteer

for this assignment, Lex?

Because I wanted to see

this war ended quick...

...and I thought the idea

of counterintelligence...

...was the best way to help it.

Then get on with this job.

If you don't, you'll spend

your days with a brand on you:

Traitor and coward.

It's in your record. We had it put there.

To reinstate you now would expose us.

I can't change your record back.

Very well, sir.

What do you want me to do?

Find out how McCool's getting

his information to intercept the herds.

How do you stand with him?

About as well as anyone, I think.

But he confides in no one.

If he were removed, could you work

into a position of authority?

- It's possible.

- Then McCool must be removed.

Give me permission

to pick a fight with him?

It has to be done so his contact

won't be scared off.

This is the way.

The Southern spy ring is widespread.

They undoubtedly have a man out here.

We must get to him

and destroy him through McCool.

The best way to do that is on a raid.

- Who's leading the detail on the next drive?

- I am, sir.

Good. Then your job is to kill McCool.

He rides a big pinto.

It's the only one in the outfit.

I'll flash you a signal before the attack

and maneuver him into position for you.

Thanks. I'll get him.

After you're top dog with that outfit...

...if the key man wants to do business,

he'll get in touch with you.

When you know your man,

get word to Poole.

Poole will tell Ramsey,

and Ramsey will send for me.

- Any questions?

- No, sir.

Leave one at a time at intervals

of two minutes. Dismissed.

- Sir, may I be the first to leave?

- Yes, Poole.

Sorry about your boy, Lex.

Wish there were something I could do.

There is, sir. Here's his picture.

You try the recruiting offices

near Philadelphia...

...I think he can be located.

His mother and I will be very grateful.

- lf he's in the services, I'll find him for you.

- Thank you, sir.

What a licking that man's taking.

- He'll stand up.

- I'm sure he will.

Because he has faith. Faith in people.

Faith in a strong Union.

I hope someday his family will understand

and appreciate what he is doing.

I found out just after

I got back to Philadelphia.

The news of you was in all the papers.

I tried to keep it from Jamie,

but his schoolmates...

You know how cruel children can be.

His whole world crashed, I suppose,

and he ran away.

- Where?

- I don't know. I've tried everywhere.

I thought he might have come out here

to you to see if it were true.

Colonel John thinks he may have

joined the Army.

But he's too young, isn't he, Lex?

Drummer, bugler, dispatch runner...

They take them now

if they pass for 15. He'd pass.

Colonel John's tracing all enlistments.

He said he'd do everything he could.

Jamie will change his name.

Wouldn't use Kearny.

Then we'll never find him.

Lex, you've got to do something.

Staying here, what you're trying to prove,

is not worth our son's life. Nothing is.

If you hadn't come in the first place

you might've stopped him.

If you were a good mother,

that's where you'd be. At home. Now.

Kids get scared when they

go out on their own.

He might come creeping back,

and you ought to be there to help him.

What good does it do

to come wailing to me?

With Jamie gone,

I thought I belonged with my husband.

You can't be with me.

I've got things to do right now

which you're interfering with.

Lex, I'm afraid. Please, let me stay.

I've said everything I can say.

I wish you'd go back,

but I can't make you.

Just think, Mr. Kearny...

...I might've plugged you that time.

Been a downright sin.

We ought to be up on the ridge

where we can see the herd coming.

Why be on that ridge freezing?

The lookouts will signal us.

I don't like all this looking-glass

monkey business.

Well, it worked before, didn't it?

It's working now too.

On your horses, men!

Not yet. They're still too far away.

Who says so?

It's a code, Pete. It spells out words.

I'll ride on up there to make sure

of Sims and Mizzell.

All right, stay put.

But be ready to move out.

All right, major. Go ahead.

You go back and signal McCool

to get the men into position.

Sims will flash you when to attack.

Hold!

This is it.

- Assemble at the rear.

- Yes, sir.

Assemble at the rear!

Assemble at the rear!

They must have seen

them stinking looking glasses.

Well, it's a perfect spot for an ambush.

After all, they've had some experience.

They're getting cagey, aren't they?

Well, if this is what they want,

we'll give it to them.

Come on!

Drive them. Move them fast.

Get after that herd!

Catch me a horse.

Dirty double-crosser.

You sure got even with that fella.

They got Mac

because of your looking glasses.

I ought to put a bullet through your head!

Be careful you don't get one in yours.

Now, get after your men! They're scattering

the herd all over the mountain.

Fool, are you all right?

- Yes, sir.

- Can you make it?

Pick up a stray horse

as soon as we've left.

McCool's dead and so is Tennick.

Retreat!

There you are. Count it up quick.

- Next.

- Yankee dollars, Jim.

Send them home to your family.

May come a time they'll be useful.

If you're smart, you'll take them home, boy.

This outfit's finished.

We're not finished. Long as Yankees try

to get horses over the mountain...

...we'll try to stop them.

- You know who Mac's friend was in town?

- No.

But we'll follow the herds to the hills

and take our chances.

You'll get picked off like flies, brother.

Gotta know where they're heading, be there

first with the most. Only way it'll work.

Just a minute, men.

Captain Spencer has the right idea...

...but I believe he's going about it

the wrong way.

If we sit tight here and have patience...

...McCool's friend will let himself

be known to us.

Whoever he is, he must know

that Mac trusts us.

Especially Pete here.

And he'll get in touch with him.

Meantime, Pete and I will continue

at the ranch near town...

...and sell a few horses to the Army.

But keep quiet about McCool being dead.

Informers scare easy, and he may never

show his nose here again.

- And I think we ought to give it a try.

- That's right, men.

Me and the major got the same ideas.

We ain't quitting.

You can't make money like this

no place else.

All we can lose is a little time, boys.

Thank you, Mr. Kearny.

We're with you, of course.

All right, come on.

Step up here and get your money.

Count it out.

Sir, will you take a look over there?

Where's McCool?

Down in Texas,

bringing back a string of mustangs.

We're kind of taking care of things

while Mac's gone.

- I see. How many?

- Dozen head.

Four hundred and twenty...

...four-eighty...

...five-sixty...

...seven-twenty...

...eight hundred and forty...

...nine hundred...

...nine-fifty...

...ten hundred and sixty-five dollars.

All right.

Sergeant Snow,

give the receipt to Mr. Elm.

Anybody talk to you?

Me neither.

This idea of yours ain't working.

Give it a chance.

We already lost one herd.

First thing you know,

we'll be losing another.

May be all right for you la-di-da boys

from the South...

...to be hibernating around camp

like a bunch of she-bears.

But it ain't easy for me to keep my men

from hightailing out of there.

What are you doing in there?

Found one of McCool's maps.

He's made penciled crosses

where he intercepted every one of the herds.

Ain't that nice.

The Army's coming!

If they think they got something on us...

- We'll give them a welcome.

- Put those guns away.

Let me handle it.

How do you do, sir.

Sit down.

So McCool's dead.

Where'd you find out about that?

McCool would never go to Texas.

His business is all here.

- Listen, Mr. Army, if you're trying to...

- Wait a minute, Pete.

I thought McCool had taken you two

into his confidence before he was killed.

Maybe he did.

If he had, about 500 more horses

would be in Confederate hands today.

Did McCool have a map around here?

- Well...

- Not that I know of.

Well, he had one like this someplace.

How much did I pay you

for that last string?

- Ten hundred and sixty-five dollars.

- Forget the 10.

Let's just deal with the last two digits:

Six and five.

Notice on the map, the longitudinal sides

are all numbered from one to nine.

The latitudinal, the same.

Now, let's take our numbers...

...the longitudinal six

and latitudinal five as coordinates...

...and see where we cross.

Right about here, isn't it?

And where are we?

- Yellow Rock Pass.

- Exactly.

That was the route taken

by the last herd.

Well, I'll be.

You've been telling us all the time.

Remember when I bought your horses?

The price never came out in round numbers.

That was because the last two digits

had to indicate the route of the drive.

Simple, but effective.

I advised McCool to take someone

into his confidence...

...in case anything happened to him.

But he wanted to play it alone.

Well, partner, we're in business again.

Yes. You better get up to the canyon

and tell the men we've made contact.

But no names. This is our deal.

Right, major. You and me's the brains.

- He has his uses.

- Yes, so I understand.

I didn't like telling him,

but I couldn't speak to you alone...

...without making him suspicious.

And my own men too.

What are they thinking now?

That I'm stirring you up

to bring in more horses.

I was careful to visit

several other ranches today.

Lex, I can't tell you how glad

I am to have you with us.

Wasn't sure of you at the court-martial.

And I was afraid that Erin

might influence you.

But when you refused to go home

and stayed on with McCool...

I feel for you with Erin.

I know what she means to you.

- Is she still in town?

- Yes, but don't worry.

I put out a tracer for your boy.

When he's been located, at least Erin

won't be staying close by.

And after the war, well...

...bitterness loses its taste,

many things are forgotten.

- I hope so.

- I must go.

Can't stay too long.

We'll work well together, Lex.

Oh, by the way...

...there's a shipment coming in.

A new kind of rifle.

The South could make good use of it.

When the time comes, I want you to

organize a little raid on our supply wagons.

I'll be glad to, sir.

John Hudson, their key man.

It's hard to believe, isn't it?

I might be able to get his ledger.

It'll have entries of all his purchases...

...and correspond with the

locations on that map.

Yeah. There's a better way

to do it, I think.

Kearny, get horses,

bring them for Hudson to buy.

I'll be at corrals when he names his price.

When you have the receipt, I'll arrest him.

If he has a ledger,

that'll be so much the better.

Take him to Washington,

confront the staff...

...with the proof that the only way to

fight espionage is with counterespionage.

I'll bring some horses with Elm,

and you can arrest him with Hudson.

Right.

Before I left Washington, Halleck

gave me high-command opinion...

...on organizing a group like ours.

They laughed at the general.

Said since counterespionage

wasn't in the dictionary...

...it seemed ridiculous to try to create

something that couldn't be defined.

Well, we're defining it for him.

And in great big capital letters.

- Any questions?

- Yes, sir.

What about those rifles you said you had

brought in the hard hardtack boxes, sir?

I packed them that way. In case the wrong

man got to snooping. Lucky, isn't it?

I was supposed

to steal those when they arrived.

That's how I got them, but we'll upset

your plan. Thank goodness they're here.

The firepower in these Springfield rifles will

multiply the strength of our garrison by five.

It'll give us the equivalent of 250 men.

We'll outnumber

the raiders and outfire them.

Any further questions?

The major won't be

the first to leave today.

Your son's been found,

Lex, safe and sound.

He'd enlisted under

the unusual name of John Smith.

Held at Chestnut Hill recruiting station.

- You'll want to tell your wife, I know.

- Yes, sir.

Erin.

- Erin?

- Lex?

Yes.

Honey.

Jamie's been found.

And he's safe, and he's well.

How do you know?

I can't tell you, but he was at Chestnut Hill

recruiting station a few miles from home.

- Did Colonel John tell you this?

- No.

Please don't ask me any more,

but it's true, believe me.

What do you think I ought to do?

Go home to him, of course.

The stagecoach leaves in the morning...

...and you'll be home within a week.

That's what I thought.

You'd do anything

to get rid of me, wouldn't you?

- Erin, you don't think...

- Yes, I do.

I'd put nothing past you,

the way you've acted...

...none of your friends understand you.

Even Colonel John

won't talk to me about you.

- Erin, listen to me...

- Let go of me. Now get out.

And don't come creeping back

to me with any of your tricks.

I'm staying here until Colonel John

tells me my son's been found.

I hope it'll be soon.

I hope many things will be soon.

Get out.

Get out!

- Mrs. Kearny to see you, sir.

- Oh, send her in, sergeant.

Yes, sir. Mrs. Kearny.

I was thinking about you

this moment, my dear.

I've just received a long,

official document from Washington.

Which translated into one sentence says

"Young James Kearny has been found."

Oh, Colonel John.

Well, he's in the best of health.

Army grub seems to agree with him.

- So it's true.

- Well, what's the matter, Erin?

Lex came to see me last night

to tell me Jamie's been found.

I didn't believe him. I sent him away.

How did Lex know about Jamie?

I don't know, he wouldn't tell me, that's

one of the reasons I didn't believe him.

He acted so strange,

so mysterious about everything.

That's why I came to you.

I thought you could see him, talk to him...

...and get him to stop

this thing he's doing, whatever it is.

Erin, you worried for weeks

about Jamie, didn't you?

It didn't help matters any, did it?

He was found, and all your worries

were for nothing.

Now, you know what I'd do

if I were you?

I think you

ought to go home to your son.

This is a man's world out here,

and you don't belong.

But just remember this...

...people don't always act

the way you expect them to.

It doesn't mean that they aren't

fond of you or they don't love you.

It simply means they may have a star to

follow that's stronger than any personal tie.

Colonel John, I don't know

what I would have done without you.

Now run along, my dear.

- Good morning, John.

- Good morning, George.

- When did you get back?

- Last night.

It was late,

I didn't want to roust you out.

I congratulate you

on that herd getting through.

Everyone in Washington is elated.

- It was a surprise, wasn't it?

- It certainly was.

Mind if I use your telegrapher?

I'd like to wire General Halleck.

Well, help yourself.

- Ramsey?

- Yes, sir.

Colonel.

I was just getting ready

to bring you some horses.

Yes, I know. You almost had me,

didn't you, Lex?

I'm afraid I don't understand.

You were out to get me, but by a

rare stroke of fortune, I got you first.

It's the accidental things that sometimes

change the course of history, isn't it?

For instance, if you hadn't told Erin

that Jamie had been found...

...our positions might be reversed.

- I still don't understand.

- You made a mistake.

Your information about Jamie could

only have come from George Sharpe.

And he made a mistake too.

He called Ramsey by name, when by

all odds, he should never had known him.

What does all this prove, colonel?

Nothing. But I got curious.

I took Ramsey riding with me yesterday.

We happened to run on to Pete Elm.

As you said, he has his uses.

Ramsey talked.

One of the things he admitted was that they

know nothing about you in Washington.

You're doing this thing alone.

Against orders.

All you've got to do is get rid of me,

and you're in the clear?

Yes. Raise your hands.

Stand up.

Face that wall.

Open that door.

Colonel Sharpe?

Yeah. And that gin-pot bartender...

...and your trooper friend

Ferguson are pushing up daisies.

- Just like you're gonna be if l...

- Hold it, Elm.

I'm sorry this had to happen, Lex.

Good men fall when mistakes are made.

Nothing gained,

and all of them dead now.

You're in an unusual predicament.

One that can be of great service to me.

You're a Northern agent,

but nobody's alive to prove it.

With your record, everyone believes you

are a Southern agent.

I'll have to hang you for that

in the morning.

That and the murder of Colonel Sharpe.

Then our clever Mr. Quint

can report to Washington...

...that the rebel spy ring

has been smashed...

...and its leader, you, executed.

That will leave me free

to go on taking your horses.

And when the spring comes, instead

of the North mounting an offensive...

...it'll be the South.

I'm sorry, Lex.

Get going.

Are they starting the drive today?

Kind of wish you were in them hills

to stop it, don't you, Copperhead?

Open up the door, guard.

I'm supposed to ask you

if there's anything you want.

Is there anything you want?

- Let's get at it.

- Turn around. Hands behind you.

Sweet dreams, Copperhead.

At trail. Right, left, face.

Forward.

Detail, halt!

We'll have to go in with you, sir.

- You'll all be court-martialed for this.

- Yes, sir. Follow me.

Get in the wagon.

- Go to the warehouse.

- Sir, our plans were to go north...

...into the hills.

- We gotta stop the drive...

...before it's shot up.

Follow trail of the herd.

- Major Kearny...

- There's new Springfield rifles...

...in the warehouse.

Enough for the troop.

If we get them in time,

we'll have a chance.

Never exactly doubted you, sir.

That raw deal they gave you at your

court-martial gave us a pain in the collar.

Where do you suppose it gave me a pain?

What's going on around here, major?

We can't figure it out.

It's lucky for me

you figured out what you did.

There's no time to go into details...

...but I'm working to uncover

the rebel spy leader.

And the trouble is it turned out to be our

own commanding officer Colonel Hudson.

- Colonel Hudson?

- Yes, but he'll be taken care of.

We've got to stop an ambush and keep

the lieutenant's men from being cut down.

What can the six of us do, sir?

If these rifles are everything Colonel Sharpe

hoped for, we'll have plenty of firepower.

No more muzzle loading. Breaks open at the

breach like this. Cartridge is inserted here.

When fired, it ejects the empty.

Load and fire in a matter of seconds.

That's all there is to it.

Let's get moving.

What are you doing here, Private Larsen?

Oh, mess sergeant sent me down

to pick up some rations.

- See Sergeant Snow and Kearny?

- Prisoner?

Yeah, the prisoner Kearny.

He's escaped.

No, sir.

- Who's that from back there?

- Me, sergeant.

I'm just wrestling the hardtack boxes.

I'll take beans any day.

Horses to gallop!

Watch out for yourselves!

Hold them.

Bring the rifles down.

Sergeant, Lieutenant Johnson.

It's like we had all our trouble for nothing.

We're too late.

Maybe not. First go over and straighten out

Lieutenant Johnson about me.

Sir, we were coming to help you.

- Major Kearny's in command.

- Major Kearny?

Yes, Major Kearny, lieutenant.

If you want that one bar on your shoulder

to turn into two...

...I suggest you hear me out.

Sir, the lieutenant may not believe him.

We might as well be going back anyway.

We won't be going back, Olie.

- I'm sorry we weren't in time, lieutenant.

- What are your orders, sir?

Equip every man that can ride

with these new rifles.

We're going to the south fork of Bear Creek

and get your herd back.

Dismount.

- Riley, get the rifles and ammunition.

- Yes, sir.

Sergeant Snow, lieutenant,

come with me.

Seems like everybody's here today.

There's Colonel Hudson

with my green jacket.

Now, this is the only way they can get out,

and we can catch them in our crossfire.

You go back and bring up the first section

on this side.

You deploy the second section

on the far side.

And a shot from me will be the signal

to open fire.

Colonel, instruct your men

not to shoot at Colonel Hudson.

I want him brought back

with every hair on his head.

- Yes, sir.

- Yes, sir.

How'd you let a thing like that happen,

colonel?

Kearny had help. Probably on his way

to Washington right now.

My usefulness at the fort is finished.

Well, it would take about a week

to plant someone in your place.

Can't let the Yankees have horses.

There must be a couple hundred men

up there.

Somehow they got hold of

those new Springfield rifles.

I guess Kearny didn't go to Washington.

We'll have to wait until dark

if we're going to get out of here.

Cease fire!

Cease firing.

- Cease firing.

- These things get hot, sir.

- Hold your fire.

- I feel like a whole army, sir.

- Hold your fire.

- We got them trapped all right, major.

They can stay under cover

of those trees all day...

...and they can slip out tonight.

We got to smoke them out of there.

That's right, major, we'll smoke them out.

With your permission, sir.

- All right, sergeant.

- Hamel.

Torch some brush,

and we'll put it on the wagon.

It's gonna be a beautiful fire, major.

They'll be coming out soon.

- Get your men ready.

- Yes, sir.

You should have let me finish Kearny

when we had him.

I can't say I disagree with you, Pete.

Your hindsight is great.

It's Colonel Hudson.

Why don't you shoot me

and be done with it?

I need you for living proof

that five good men didn't die in vain.

Present!

Major Kearny...

...sometimes it may appear

that the Army is blind...

...to new methods of operation.

That's because we are dealing with

countless lives placed in our trust.

Fortunately, in times of emergency...

...men arise with a brand of courage

and fortitude...

...that go far beyond the call of duty,

and you are one of these.

And so were Colonel Sharpe,

Captain Tennick...

...and those other brave men

who willingly sacrificed their lives.

Major Kearny...

...you have been returned to duty with the

commendation of the general...

...of the Army of the Republic.

And I'm recommending

that you be transferred...

...to head the newly-formed Department

of Military Intelligence in Washington.

However...

...the most important accomplishment

that came out of this entire operation...

...was your successful demonstration

of an experimental weapon.

You proved on the field of action...

...its superior effectiveness

over our older firearms.

And as a result, the Springfield rifle

has been made standard equipment...

...of the United States Army.

I'm sure it will play a large part

in ending this war...

...and bringing peace and unity

back to our country.

Right forward! Form right!