Bonanza (1959–1973): Season 4, Episode 7 - The War Comes to Washoe - full transcript
Civil war politics and Little Joe's romance with the daughter of an important Confederate sympathizer bring disagreement and hard feelings with him and Adam, and things don't get any better...
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He hasn't danced with
anybody but her all night.
Do you think it was wise
to invite Judge
Terry here tonight?
All these people
are our friends.
Let's keep the Civil
War out of this house.
Stay off her pretty
toes, will ya, Bob?
What's the matter, Charlie?
Don't you like our punch?
Oh, sure.
Adam, it looks like Little Joe
is rather taken with the
charms of that Southern belle.
Yes, so it would seem.
Punch?
Friends...
we are honored
tonight by the presence
of the distinguished
English Shakespearean actor
Walter Craigsmuir.
And I am fortunate to have
been able to prevail upon him
to recite a short selection
from the performance
which he'll be presenting at the
opera house tomorrow evening.
Mr. Walter Craigsmuir.
Ladies and gentlemen,
mine host, Mr. Cartwright.
As you have
requested... some words
from the immortal bard.
Romans, countrymen...
and lovers.
Hear me for my
cause... and be silent.
That you may hear...
and awake your senses
that you may...
♪ Look away ♪
If there be any man
in this assembly,
- ♪ Look away ♪
- any dear friend of Caesar's.
To him I say...
♪ Oh, I wish I was in Dixie ♪
- Shh. Shh.
- Was no less than his...
♪ Look away, look away... ♪
Don't you have enough
manners to be quiet?
You got something
against Dixie, Yank?
Why don't you get out of here
with your drunken rebel, Terry?
There are just as many
Yankee drunks, Stewart.
You will not bring the
Civil War into my house.
All right, why don't
you come out with it?
Out with it?
With what you're thinking.
Well, that could be
a dangerous request.
I wasn't deaf last night
when you made your
remarks about Morvath.
Joe, I didn't say
anything about the girl...
just about what she represents.
Which happens to be a, a system
based on the enslavement
of human beings.
She doesn't believe in
that any more than you do.
She just feels the
South has a right to,
to work out their own problems.
They don't want
to be dictated to
by a bunch of
Northern politicians.
You mean it wants
to hold onto slavery
for another hundred years?
I mean nothing of the kind.
In either case, Morvath
has nothing to do with it.
Now, Joe, that's not
true and you know it.
She and her father
are bound to the South
and everything it
stands for in the war.
Look, lately you've
been twisting everything
and everybody into
the war or politics.
Now after this, I want you
to leave my girl out of it.
Well, how can I, when
she and her father
are in it up to their necks?
And they'll pull
you in with them
if you, uh, don't
come to your senses.
You know, I'm getting a
little tired of your prejudice
against my girl.
And I'm getting tired
of you being blinded
by a girl when there's more
important things to remember.
What's all this about?
Uh, just trying to
open his eyes a little.
Open his eyes about what?
About Judge Terry.
I'm not marrying Judge Terry.
Now hold on there,
boy. This is the first time
you've mentioned
anything about marriage.
I wasn't sure before.
Morvath and I are
gonna be married.
And I don't care about
her father's politics.
I love her and she loves me.
I think she'd say anything
to get a Cartwright
into the Terry faction.
Uh, don't... cut
it out. Stop it.
That will be enough.
Pa, you know about Terry.
You know Jefferson Davis has
promised him the governorship
of the Territory if it
goes Confederate.
What's that got to
do with Morvath?
Well, I just got
through telling you.
Well, Adam, can't a...
can't a young fella
fall in love with a girl
without the war or
politics coming into it?
Not when it's Terry's daughter.
Hey, Pa.
Oh, Pa, we got a
caller up to the house.
- Who?
- Bill Stewart.
He says he wants to
talk to you, it's important.
Well, tell him
I'll be right along.
Yes, sir.
How about both of you
giving a little thought
to the running of this ranch?
Stop wasting your time on
things that don't concern us.
I think that this war
does concern us.
Now, we've got a ranch to run.
And starting right now
we're all gonna remember it.
We got an offer from
McKeeson in Carson
for 50,000 feet of
undressed timber.
I want you and Hoss to
head north and mark out
the timber for cutting.
Right.
It's about time the
herd was inspected,
so you can pack your
grub and take care of that.
Maybe a couple
of weeks on the trail
will clear your heads,
and cool your tempers.
Now come on.
There's a couple of things
out here I want you to do.
Afternoon, Ben.
Hello, Bill. How are you?
Never better. In
fact, I'm full of beans
and benevolence
this afternoon, Ben.
The Legislature
just gave us the nod.
What nod?
Statehood. They've
called a convention,
to meet in Carson
City next week.
36 delegates from
all over the Comstock
to vote a resolution
to join the Union.
Now... We've divided
up the Territory,
and you're going to
represent the Ponderosa.
Well, wait a minute now, Bill.
You've got the biggest
spread in the area, Ben.
You're entitled
to representation.
Oh, naturally, you'll be able to
vote whichever way you want...
for or against statehood.
But I know you pretty well, Ben,
and I'm pretty confident
that I can count...
Don't be too confident, Bill.
About what?
About the way I'm gonna vote.
Ben, you see what's
going on in town.
Terry's already
lining up delegates
to defeat a
statehood resolution.
He figures to lick
us in the convention,
and then shove us over
into the Confederacy.
That's just so much talk.
Talk, is it?
The law says all statehood
needs is a two-thirds majority.
I've got 23 delegates
pledged to me.
That's one short.
I need your vote, Ben.
And Lincoln needs the silver.
He needs it bad.
Yeah.
Yes, he needs it bad.
And so does Jefferson
Davis, need it bad.
And if neither
one of them gets it,
the war will die
of its own poverty.
Ben Cartwright,
you've got your head
deeper in the ground
than the deepest diggings.
Bill...
this war has nothing to do
with us here in the Territory,
but it's already divided my
sons, one against the other.
I don't want any part of it.
And if statehood means war,
then I certainly don't
want any part of that.
Now, you're gonna have to
find your vote somewhere else.
You're not gonna find it here.
I never thought I'd see the day
that you'd abandon your country.
You don't mean that.
Don't I?
What are you thinking about?
I was thinking about
the dance the other night.
Oh, I'm sorry about
what happened,
but I guess feelings are
running pretty high though.
That wasn't what I was
thinking about, Little Joe.
I was thinking about
the dress Emily wore.
Did you notice it?
Her dress? No.
I didn't even notice Emily.
I understand that dress
came all the way from London,
right through the
British blockade.
Clear across the country.
It was a beautiful dress.
Father said I could order one
from Paris, France next year.
Well, we'll have a party
so you can show it off.
We haven't had a party in
our house in ever so long.
I love parties, Little Joe,
where everyone looks so nice.
The men are all standing
up so straight and proper,
wearing their best clothes.
The ladies can show
off their latest gowns.
We'll have lots of parties.
I might even invite
somebody else, I don't know.
Most of the time it
will be just you and I.
See, I don't want to share
you with anybody else.
Oh, Little Joe, someday...
I want a large white house
with six tall pillars reaching
clear up to a balcony.
A house like the
one my father tells me
he used to have
back in Virginia.
All right, I'll build
you a house like that.
I've got the perfect
spot for it, too.
Right on the Ponderosa.
It's a... it's a real high bluff
with a view as far as
a man's eye can see.
I'll build a little
road up to it.
Oh, it sounds so wonderful.
I just hope nothing ever
happens to change that.
Hey, now, what could
happen to change that?
I love you more than
anything in the world.
Thank you very
much, Judge Terry.
Lovely color, isn't it?
Well, sir, have we
demonstrated to you
that we can provide
one or two little items
that won't insult a
European palate?
The dinner was superb.
The simple miner of my native
Wales manages somehow
to subsist in a slightly less
ornate manner, I must confess.
But then, your
mines yield silver,
ours merely coal.
And the silver, sir,
is most important.
If we block statehood...
And I think we can...
There'll be no silver for
Mr. Lincoln's war chests.
I gather you're referring
to your Civil War.
Yours as well as ours.
Well, I wonder how in the world
you arrive at that conclusion.
You know how I arrive at it!
You people are praying
for a Southern victory.
Your cotton industry has
got to have a Southern victory
in order to survive!
That's common knowledge.
Well, I must confess it wasn't
common knowledge to me.
But then, I know absolutely
nothing about politics.
I am prepared to
accept your incognito, sir!
My incognito?
Your disguise!
Oh, I know what the word means.
But what, may I ask, am I
supposed to be disguising?
Mr. Craigsmuir, don't make
me spell out every sentence
like a page from
McGuffey's Reader.
We were promised an
agent to work with us.
For the last six months,
we've been expecting that
agent to make his appearance.
An agent here in Virginia City?
Do you think I am he?
Well, aren't you?
Good heavens, no!
I'm an actor, sir.
A strolling player, a mummer.
Don't toy with me, sir.
We're bleeding to death,
fighting for our lives!
The silver under our feet
can stop that bleeding,
but we need help!
If I were this man
you are talking about,
how do you suppose
the people this so-called
agent represents can help you?
Invest in our future.
Invest in the only thing
that can stop this war
with victory to our cause.
The South is impoverished,
crippled, desperate,
but we will win, sir.
We must win.
But we need money for men.
We need money for
arms and ammunition.
With money, we
can block statehood.
With the help that
you people can give us,
we can keep the great silver
treasure of the Comstock lode
from falling into the
hands of our enemy.
Miss Terry, Mr. Cartwright.
How are you, sir?
This rumor, Joseph... is it true
your father won't join
Stewart's delegation?
Yes, that's right, sir.
He's against
statehood at this time.
Well, sir, you
heard, didn't you?
No two-thirds
majority, no statehood.
I'm only an actor, Judge
Terry. Nothing more.
Which reminds me... I
must get back to the hall.
Thank you for an
excellent dinner.
I'm sorry I have
to run like this.
Miss Terry.
Mr. Cartwright.
What's Mr. Craigsmuir's
interest in our problems, Father?
All in good time, my dear.
Peter.
Yes, sir?
Close the door.
I've been waiting for you.
You're going to be late
for your performance.
There are more important
things than a performance.
I have a task for you,
a very important one.
Yes?
You're going to San Francisco.
San Francisco, Mr. Craigsmuir?
That's right.
And when?
Now.
Immediately. At once.
But the curtain goes
up in ten minutes.
Blast the curtain, boy!
I told you this was important.
You know where to take this?
The same place?
Are you sure you won't need me?
Oh, I was able to dress
myself before we met.
I think I still remember how.
I'm depending on you, Peter.
I'll remember, sir.
Good luck to you,
and don't forget.
It's vitally important.
I understand.
Oh, and you remember...
Curtain in ten minutes.
Oh, morning, boys.
- Morning, Pa.
- Morning.
- You all set?
- Yeah, we're on our way, Pa.
Well, I figure it shouldn't
take you any more
than a couple of weeks to
get the tree blazing done.
- Yeah.
- Better move out.
- We'll see you later, Pa.
- Yeah, have a good trip.
- Right.
- Keep an eye out for the Piutes.
Oh, we will.
Morning, Joe.
Good morning, Pa.
Adam leave?
Yes, just now.
About time you
got started, isn't it?
As soon as I finish eating.
Well, I hope you'll
both feel differently
by the time you get back.
I'm gonna feel just the same.
If he doesn't change,
that's his problem.
Don't fly off at me, boy.
Well, then you tell Adam
to keep his mouth shut
about the girl I love.
Don't raise your voice to me.
I have no chip on my
shoulder to be knocked off.
I'm sorry.
Joseph...
I've been in love,
too, in my lifetime.
Now, you think
that she is the
most... beautiful,
most wonderful creature
that ever lived, don't you?
I know she is.
Well, you're wrong.
Your mother was.
Ah, you know...
taking a... a wife
is more than just
taking a woman.
There's her family that
you have to consider, too.
Oh, come on, Pa. I'm
not marrying her family.
But you still can't
forget the family.
And you can't ignore the fact
that there's a hate
festering this country
which is like an open wound.
We're a divided country.
Homes, families,
fathers and sons not daring
to speak their own
minds to one another.
I don't understand.
Yesterday you said we
should stay out of this.
Yes, I did.
All right, then why
is it my problem now?
Before this is over, this war...
it'll be everybody's problem.
Because sooner or later...
Sooner or later, we're gonna
have to make a decision.
And whatever that decision,
we're all gonna
suffer and bleed...
maybe die.
Each one of us is gonna have
to make his own decision, Pa.
I better get started.
Next time we'll hang
you next to Abe Lincoln.
You dirty, gray-bellied...
Come on!
I order this stopped at once!
William Stewart, what are
you trying to do in this town?
Starting riots in the
streets, fist brawls.
I was only hanging up a banner.
In case you've
forgotten, Judge Terry,
free speech is still
allowed in this territory.
I've not forgotten that,
or many other things.
Well, remember that
before you order your thugs
to start jumping on people.
Southerners are
no brawlers, sir.
My son was no brawler.
He was a soldier.
He fought with General Jackson.
He died for the
wrong cause, Judge.
I'm sorry for him.
The wrong cause!
You are the man who's leading
the people to the wrong flag.
Your statehood... it will fail.
It's already a
foregone conclusion
you'll not get
your needed votes.
The Nevada Territory will
go to the Confederacy, sir.
Judge Terry?
I'm afraid I'll have
to disagree with you.
I honor your views, sir.
I know you believe
in them sincerely.
I know how bravely
your son fought.
I've been hoping
that the Comstock
somehow would be
able to keep out of it.
But it looks like we
can't keep out of it.
Doesn't it?
And if it comes to
making up our minds
about going one
way or the other...
Union or Confederate...
I think we'd better go Union.
Too many men have died
putting this Union together
for me to stand by
and see it destroyed.
I guess you can count
on the Ponderosa, Bill.
I'll go to Carson, and
vote for statehood.
God bless you, Ben!
I've got my two-thirds!
Morning, Daddy.
Oh, good morning.
Oh, you haven't eaten
any breakfast at all.
I've just had this telegraph.
Oh?
How to do it.
How to use it so that its
value won't be dissipated.
Morvath?
Yes, Daddy.
Joseph Cartwright.
Little Joe? What about him?
Where is he?
He's gone with the
men to check the herd.
He'll be back when?
He ought to be
back this afternoon.
This afternoon.
And his brothers?
Oh, they won't be
back for another week.
They're blazing trees up north.
Daddy, why are
you asking all this?
I want you to come with me.
Come with you where?
The Ponderosa.
Finish your breakfast
and get a bonnet
while I have Gamelial
hitch up the trap.
Daddy, what's in that telegraph?
Ammunition for the battle.
The only ammunition, it seems,
I'm to be issued in this war.
I won't let you use Little Joe
in your war with Mr. Stewart.
My war is not with Stewart.
It's with those men
who are trying to steal
the Territory of Nevada
for the Northern side.
Whatever you call
it, Daddy, I don't care.
I won't let you use Little Joe,
and don't ask me
to help you use him.
Do you think I want to?
Do you think I want to
use my own daughter?
We must win.
Doesn't your brother's dying
have any meaning for you?
Daddy, please.
Then, don't make me
believe that he died for nothing.
This is your war,
too, isn't it, Morvath?
You know it is, Daddy.
Then, if you won't do it for me,
would you do it
for your brother?
And Joseph, too.
Believe me, he will
be much better off
if he declares himself with
us instead of men like Stewart.
I don't know.
I've got to think about it.
No, my dear, you haven't time.
Do you realize how many
boys like your brother
have died while we've
been sitting, talking here?
I'll get my bonnet.
Well, the lost is found.
How you doing, Pa?
- Good, good.
- Oh.
How'd it go, son?
Just a lot of cattle.
Yeah.
How'd you find 'em?
Well, they're not too
scattered, they're getting fat.
Good.
Fences are all in good shape.
Good. How are the men?
- The men are fine, real good.
- Good.
You, uh... you hear
anything from Adam?
No, no, no, n-no, not yet.
He and Hoss are up
in the north section.
They got plenty of
work to do up there.
- Yeah, well, that's good.
- Mm-hmm.
Maybe he won't be so
cantankerous when he gets back.
- Well, Judge, so nice to see you.
- Cartwright.
Nice to see you again, Morvath.
You're looking
prettier than ever.
- Thank you, Mr. Cartwright.
- Hi, Morvath.
- Little Joe.
- It's good to see you, Cartwright.
- Well, thank you.
- Could we have a little talk?
It's most important.
Well, certainly, well, why
don't we go into the house?
I'll clean up a bit.
We can talk.
Morvath and I will be
in in just a few minutes.
Fine.
What's so important?
- Joe.
- Yeah.
I missed you, darling.
I missed you, too, sweetheart.
Hey, what brought
you out here anyway?
Your father is going
to the convention.
I thought he wanted
to stay out of it.
He's not going
to stay out of it.
Joe, he's going to
vote for statehood.
Statehood, huh?
Maybe we'd better get in there.
Before we go in... my father...
I want you to know, he's
doing what he has to do
and what he thinks is best.
You've got all this land
here clear down to the lake.
Now, Judge, you
don't have to tell me
where the Ponderosa's
boundaries lie.
What are you getting at?
Well, just this...
You've got all this land
and only one delegate going
down to Carson City to represent it.
Now, the apportionment
committee says that that's not fair.
Well, I, I think I can
speak for the Ponderosa.
Not you alone, not anymore.
Now, here's a telegraph,
received this morning,
replying to the
committee's request.
The Ponderosa is now authorized
to send two delegates
to the convention.
Now, what does Bill
Stewart think of this?
What Stewart thinks about
it has nothing to do with it.
Well, I... I...
I-I don't quite
understand what...
There are only Cartwrights
on the Ponderosa.
We know that, so pick
one to be your delegate.
There are four of you here.
Well... two of the boys
won't even be back
until after the
convention, and...
And you knew that,
too, didn't you, Judge?
Well, that's not important now.
You read the telegraph.
Yeah.
Yes, I read the telegraph,
and this whole thing is
beginning to smell like a...
Smell like nothing, Cartwright.
We're only asking another
representative of the Ponderosa
to come down to
Carson City as a delegate.
The way he votes
is his own business.
Don't take me for a fool, Terry.
You don't believe
that and neither do I.
You have your beliefs,
Cartwright, I have mine.
And may I remind you
that several days ago
you told me you
honored my views?
May I remind you
that several days ago
you didn't try to come
between me and my sons?
What grounds have you
for such an accusation?
Judge... I'm just
wondering something.
I'm wondering what your son,
who died at the Battle of Keansburg,
would think of you now.
Don't try to shame me with the
memory of my son, Cartwright.
He died fighting
for the same cause
for which I would gladly
lay down my own life.
I'm not questioning
your beliefs, sir,
only the methods you
use in accomplishing them.
Hi.
This should
interest you, Joseph.
Good day, Mr. Cartwright.
Come along, Morvath, quite
a drive back to Virginia City.
Morvath, I'll see you later.
Good-bye,
Mr. Cartwright, Little Joe.
A request for another delegate
from the Ponderosa, huh?
That's right...
and with Adam and Hoss away,
that makes you the
logical candidate, doesn't it?
Well, I don't want
to be a delegate.
I'm afraid you
have no choice, son.
Yes, I do, this is
not my problem.
No...
but it has been
presented to us and to you.
You know this is more
of a problem for me
than it is for anybody else.
I know.
I know.
And when it comes
time for you to vote,
you're gonna have to vote
not because of the
way you feel about a girl
or about me
but because of the way
you feel about the issue.
It's a problem.
But it's also a responsibility.
♪♪
We might as well
make a night of it here.
Dad-burn, I've
seen better places
than this to spend the night.
What could you be doing
that could be more
wonderful than this?
I'll tell you what
I could be doing.
I could be sitting
in Virginia City
with a great, big, ice-cold
beer in front of me, that's what,
or, or one of them roasted pigs
with, with an apple
stuck in its mouth.
Ah, well, I owe you the apple.
Now, if you get some wood,
we can get the beans heated up.
That's what I mean.
Beans.
Adam!
Adam, come here quick.
- Adam!
- Whoa, boy.
Paiutes?
Ain't no doubt about it.
Must have been a hunting party.
You ever seen him before?
I think so.
But if I'm right...
I don't know what
he's doing here.
Why, where'd you see him?
Back in town.
The actor... uh, Craigsmuir.
There's no address on this.
What is it?
And I thought he
was just an actor.
Who?
Craigsmuir.
Well, ain't he?
Take a look at that.
What, what do you
make of this, Adam?
Conspiracy.
Conspiracy?
All that talk about cotton?
Yep.
Who'd want cotton bad
enough to do something like this?
British textiles.
They've already
got their privateers
trying to run a Union
blockade off Charleston,
and it's no secret they
want the South to win.
They need that cotton to
keep their mills operating.
Yeah.
According to that letter,
there's, there's
somebody right here
that's willing to guarantee
'em that the South will win.
That's right... Money,
guns, and ammunition.
And men.
I never thought Judge
Terry would go this far.
Aw, now, come on, Adam.
How do you know for
sure it's Judge Terry?
I don't, but I know
someone who does.
Hello, Joseph,
I'm glad to see you.
Was wondering
when you'd get here.
- Mr. Cartwright.
- Terry.
Is Morvath here?
Oh, yes, yes, she's
been expecting you.
She's resting in her room.
- Ben, there you are.
- Hello, Bill.
Welcome to Carson City.
We're going to make
history here Wednesday.
Hey, uh, we're going to have
a little get-together
in my room...
You know, all the
pledged delegates.
You got here just
in time to be in on it.
Come on along, and bring
the youngster with you.
Oh, he's not
pledged yet, Stewart.
Are you, Joseph?
No, sir, that's right.
My vote isn't committed yet.
To anybody?
No, not to anybody.
That's honest enough, boy.
Make up your own mind.
Little Joe.
It's good to see you.
We were wondering
when you'd get here.
We were just going
upstairs to see you.
I'm sure you two have
much to talk about.
Blazes, Ben.
The boy isn't going to
vote against us, is he?
We found your man
a couple of days ago.
The Piutes got him.
Dead?
He was very young.
Unfortunately, a lot of young
men are dying these days.
These are difficult times.
Yeah.
And fellers like you are
trying to make them worse.
I don't think I quite
understand you, sir.
Then let me try.
Who was this letter to
and, what's more important,
who was it about,
and just who are you?
I could say I'm...
just a strolling player,
an actor, man of the boards,
but that wouldn't satisfy you.
Nope, sure wouldn't.
Then let me just say
the people I represent
need the South's cotton
to keep their mills rolling.
Enough to foster war?
Oh, that's a very
moral approach,
but, then, you don't
need that cotton.
Who were you trying
to make the deal with?
I'm sorry, I can't
tell you that.
Well, I'll tell you
what I can do.
I can break you apart.
Well, he could, you know.
All right, it's not of
great importance now.
My value here is gone.
Your man is Judge Terry.
Well, looks like you
were right all along, Adam.
We just had to be sure.
And now we are.
The statehood delegates
would be glad to hear this.
Gentlemen, I'm
afraid you're too late.
Statehood will be defeated,
and Nevada voted
into the Confederacy.
Well, after they hear
what we've got to say,
I wouldn't be so sure.
It won't matter now,
thanks to your brother.
What do you mean by that?
Why don't you go to the
convention and find out?
Let's not go in yet.
Somebody's after my vote
every time I stick my
nose out of the room.
Well, they're just
trying to be helpful.
They must think I need
an awful lot of help, then.
Joe... you're on the
delegate list as uncommitted.
That's right, I am.
Have you decided which
way you're going to vote?
I'd like to say I have,
and have it over and
done with, but I haven't.
Just can't decide yet.
Pretty hard decision
for me to make.
I'm sure of that, darling.
I can just imagine what
you've been going through.
I'm also sure you
know how I feel,
and how much it means to me.
It's already cost me a brother.
I'm committed, Little Joe.
I've taken a side.
I just hope we're
both on the same one.
You know I've considered that.
I'll do the best I can.
Please remember...
just like my pa says, I must
vote the way I think is right.
Well, he's right, of course.
Thanks for understanding.
Well... it's time.
I guess it is time, isn't it?
Remember...
whatever happens
in there, I love you.
I know that.
I just hope when this is
all over, you'll say it again.
Now's the time, Ben.
Do you know yet how
your boy's going to vote?
The chips are down;
they're going to call our hand.
Bill, the decision is
not mine... or yours.
Where does he stand?
I don't know, Father.
I'm sorry.
He must stand with the South.
A pass is required
to enter the hall, sir.
I have something to
say to these gentlemen.
I'm sorry, I can't allow...
Gentlemen! The
convention will come to order!
Gentlemen!
I have something to
say to this convention.
I'm sorry, sir, but
nobody can speak here
without proper
credentials as a delegate.
Now, with your
approval, gentlemen,
the clerk will
now call the roll.
Gentlemen, it's important,
and I think you should hear it
before you vote.
That's right!
Mr. Chairman, this
man is not a delegate.
I demand that he be
removed from the hall.
Gentlemen, please!
The convention is in order!
It'll only take a moment.
Or is this convention
afraid to hear the truth?
Poll the delegates!
We can't wait all day!
If there's any
further interference,
I'll have the sergeant-at-arms
handle the situation.
Mr. Chairman,
my son asked a question
which deserves an answer.
Is this convention
afraid to hear something
which may be of
vital importance to it?
He has a right to be heard.
Not here, he hasn't.
He says it's important.
It's a Yankee trick.
Hey, now, wait a minute!
I'm a delegate.
I have credentials.
My brother says it's
important, I believe him.
I think we should hear him out.
If it's vitally important.
My brother and
I found this letter
on a dead man's
body on the Ponderosa.
It was written by one Walter
Craigsmuir, an actor whom
some of you may remember
has been appearing
in Virginia City for the
past several weeks.
What are we waiting for!
I say begin the vote!
It reads... "I have
been assured...
"that given our support
"in terms of money
"rushed from San Francisco
to Carson City for men,
"guns and ammunition,
"the Nevada Statehood Convention
"can be stampeded
"and the Territory
enjoined to the Confederacy.
"As this would
ensure Union defeat,
"through depriving Mr. Lincoln
of the wealth of the Comstock,
"and thereby ensure
a continued flow
"of cotton to British mills,
"I would recommend
we do business
on the terms suggested."
Signed... Craigsmuir.
Who assured him?
This convention
has the right to know
the answer to that question.
Gentlemen, that man...
is Judge David Terry.
That's true.
I do not deny it.
But what I did, I did
because I had to do.
And I'm proud of it.
I believe in my cause,
and I'll fight to win it
with any means I know, and
by every strength that I possess.
Is there any man here
whose faith in his cause
is so small that he
will not seek victory
in a similar manner?
No! We will never
subscribe to that!
Because we have
faith in what we believe.
We honor it.
We will not destroy it by
justifying any and all means
to gain our ends!
Hear! Hear!
Judge... you took
too much on yourself.
You went too far.
Let's vote.
Gentlemen, the clerk
will now poll the delegates.
So long, Ben.
I'm sorry, Morvath.
I'm sorry, too... for all of us.
But especially for him.
What do you think he'll do now?
Well, with Nevada
joining the Union,
he'd like to go
back to Virginia.
And what about you?
I must go with him.
You understand, don't you?
I understand there's
a war between us.
Wars end sometime.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
is brought to you in
living color on NBC.
He hasn't danced with
anybody but her all night.
Do you think it was wise
to invite Judge
Terry here tonight?
All these people
are our friends.
Let's keep the Civil
War out of this house.
Stay off her pretty
toes, will ya, Bob?
What's the matter, Charlie?
Don't you like our punch?
Oh, sure.
Adam, it looks like Little Joe
is rather taken with the
charms of that Southern belle.
Yes, so it would seem.
Punch?
Friends...
we are honored
tonight by the presence
of the distinguished
English Shakespearean actor
Walter Craigsmuir.
And I am fortunate to have
been able to prevail upon him
to recite a short selection
from the performance
which he'll be presenting at the
opera house tomorrow evening.
Mr. Walter Craigsmuir.
Ladies and gentlemen,
mine host, Mr. Cartwright.
As you have
requested... some words
from the immortal bard.
Romans, countrymen...
and lovers.
Hear me for my
cause... and be silent.
That you may hear...
and awake your senses
that you may...
♪ Look away ♪
If there be any man
in this assembly,
- ♪ Look away ♪
- any dear friend of Caesar's.
To him I say...
♪ Oh, I wish I was in Dixie ♪
- Shh. Shh.
- Was no less than his...
♪ Look away, look away... ♪
Don't you have enough
manners to be quiet?
You got something
against Dixie, Yank?
Why don't you get out of here
with your drunken rebel, Terry?
There are just as many
Yankee drunks, Stewart.
You will not bring the
Civil War into my house.
All right, why don't
you come out with it?
Out with it?
With what you're thinking.
Well, that could be
a dangerous request.
I wasn't deaf last night
when you made your
remarks about Morvath.
Joe, I didn't say
anything about the girl...
just about what she represents.
Which happens to be a, a system
based on the enslavement
of human beings.
She doesn't believe in
that any more than you do.
She just feels the
South has a right to,
to work out their own problems.
They don't want
to be dictated to
by a bunch of
Northern politicians.
You mean it wants
to hold onto slavery
for another hundred years?
I mean nothing of the kind.
In either case, Morvath
has nothing to do with it.
Now, Joe, that's not
true and you know it.
She and her father
are bound to the South
and everything it
stands for in the war.
Look, lately you've
been twisting everything
and everybody into
the war or politics.
Now after this, I want you
to leave my girl out of it.
Well, how can I, when
she and her father
are in it up to their necks?
And they'll pull
you in with them
if you, uh, don't
come to your senses.
You know, I'm getting a
little tired of your prejudice
against my girl.
And I'm getting tired
of you being blinded
by a girl when there's more
important things to remember.
What's all this about?
Uh, just trying to
open his eyes a little.
Open his eyes about what?
About Judge Terry.
I'm not marrying Judge Terry.
Now hold on there,
boy. This is the first time
you've mentioned
anything about marriage.
I wasn't sure before.
Morvath and I are
gonna be married.
And I don't care about
her father's politics.
I love her and she loves me.
I think she'd say anything
to get a Cartwright
into the Terry faction.
Uh, don't... cut
it out. Stop it.
That will be enough.
Pa, you know about Terry.
You know Jefferson Davis has
promised him the governorship
of the Territory if it
goes Confederate.
What's that got to
do with Morvath?
Well, I just got
through telling you.
Well, Adam, can't a...
can't a young fella
fall in love with a girl
without the war or
politics coming into it?
Not when it's Terry's daughter.
Hey, Pa.
Oh, Pa, we got a
caller up to the house.
- Who?
- Bill Stewart.
He says he wants to
talk to you, it's important.
Well, tell him
I'll be right along.
Yes, sir.
How about both of you
giving a little thought
to the running of this ranch?
Stop wasting your time on
things that don't concern us.
I think that this war
does concern us.
Now, we've got a ranch to run.
And starting right now
we're all gonna remember it.
We got an offer from
McKeeson in Carson
for 50,000 feet of
undressed timber.
I want you and Hoss to
head north and mark out
the timber for cutting.
Right.
It's about time the
herd was inspected,
so you can pack your
grub and take care of that.
Maybe a couple
of weeks on the trail
will clear your heads,
and cool your tempers.
Now come on.
There's a couple of things
out here I want you to do.
Afternoon, Ben.
Hello, Bill. How are you?
Never better. In
fact, I'm full of beans
and benevolence
this afternoon, Ben.
The Legislature
just gave us the nod.
What nod?
Statehood. They've
called a convention,
to meet in Carson
City next week.
36 delegates from
all over the Comstock
to vote a resolution
to join the Union.
Now... We've divided
up the Territory,
and you're going to
represent the Ponderosa.
Well, wait a minute now, Bill.
You've got the biggest
spread in the area, Ben.
You're entitled
to representation.
Oh, naturally, you'll be able to
vote whichever way you want...
for or against statehood.
But I know you pretty well, Ben,
and I'm pretty confident
that I can count...
Don't be too confident, Bill.
About what?
About the way I'm gonna vote.
Ben, you see what's
going on in town.
Terry's already
lining up delegates
to defeat a
statehood resolution.
He figures to lick
us in the convention,
and then shove us over
into the Confederacy.
That's just so much talk.
Talk, is it?
The law says all statehood
needs is a two-thirds majority.
I've got 23 delegates
pledged to me.
That's one short.
I need your vote, Ben.
And Lincoln needs the silver.
He needs it bad.
Yeah.
Yes, he needs it bad.
And so does Jefferson
Davis, need it bad.
And if neither
one of them gets it,
the war will die
of its own poverty.
Ben Cartwright,
you've got your head
deeper in the ground
than the deepest diggings.
Bill...
this war has nothing to do
with us here in the Territory,
but it's already divided my
sons, one against the other.
I don't want any part of it.
And if statehood means war,
then I certainly don't
want any part of that.
Now, you're gonna have to
find your vote somewhere else.
You're not gonna find it here.
I never thought I'd see the day
that you'd abandon your country.
You don't mean that.
Don't I?
What are you thinking about?
I was thinking about
the dance the other night.
Oh, I'm sorry about
what happened,
but I guess feelings are
running pretty high though.
That wasn't what I was
thinking about, Little Joe.
I was thinking about
the dress Emily wore.
Did you notice it?
Her dress? No.
I didn't even notice Emily.
I understand that dress
came all the way from London,
right through the
British blockade.
Clear across the country.
It was a beautiful dress.
Father said I could order one
from Paris, France next year.
Well, we'll have a party
so you can show it off.
We haven't had a party in
our house in ever so long.
I love parties, Little Joe,
where everyone looks so nice.
The men are all standing
up so straight and proper,
wearing their best clothes.
The ladies can show
off their latest gowns.
We'll have lots of parties.
I might even invite
somebody else, I don't know.
Most of the time it
will be just you and I.
See, I don't want to share
you with anybody else.
Oh, Little Joe, someday...
I want a large white house
with six tall pillars reaching
clear up to a balcony.
A house like the
one my father tells me
he used to have
back in Virginia.
All right, I'll build
you a house like that.
I've got the perfect
spot for it, too.
Right on the Ponderosa.
It's a... it's a real high bluff
with a view as far as
a man's eye can see.
I'll build a little
road up to it.
Oh, it sounds so wonderful.
I just hope nothing ever
happens to change that.
Hey, now, what could
happen to change that?
I love you more than
anything in the world.
Thank you very
much, Judge Terry.
Lovely color, isn't it?
Well, sir, have we
demonstrated to you
that we can provide
one or two little items
that won't insult a
European palate?
The dinner was superb.
The simple miner of my native
Wales manages somehow
to subsist in a slightly less
ornate manner, I must confess.
But then, your
mines yield silver,
ours merely coal.
And the silver, sir,
is most important.
If we block statehood...
And I think we can...
There'll be no silver for
Mr. Lincoln's war chests.
I gather you're referring
to your Civil War.
Yours as well as ours.
Well, I wonder how in the world
you arrive at that conclusion.
You know how I arrive at it!
You people are praying
for a Southern victory.
Your cotton industry has
got to have a Southern victory
in order to survive!
That's common knowledge.
Well, I must confess it wasn't
common knowledge to me.
But then, I know absolutely
nothing about politics.
I am prepared to
accept your incognito, sir!
My incognito?
Your disguise!
Oh, I know what the word means.
But what, may I ask, am I
supposed to be disguising?
Mr. Craigsmuir, don't make
me spell out every sentence
like a page from
McGuffey's Reader.
We were promised an
agent to work with us.
For the last six months,
we've been expecting that
agent to make his appearance.
An agent here in Virginia City?
Do you think I am he?
Well, aren't you?
Good heavens, no!
I'm an actor, sir.
A strolling player, a mummer.
Don't toy with me, sir.
We're bleeding to death,
fighting for our lives!
The silver under our feet
can stop that bleeding,
but we need help!
If I were this man
you are talking about,
how do you suppose
the people this so-called
agent represents can help you?
Invest in our future.
Invest in the only thing
that can stop this war
with victory to our cause.
The South is impoverished,
crippled, desperate,
but we will win, sir.
We must win.
But we need money for men.
We need money for
arms and ammunition.
With money, we
can block statehood.
With the help that
you people can give us,
we can keep the great silver
treasure of the Comstock lode
from falling into the
hands of our enemy.
Miss Terry, Mr. Cartwright.
How are you, sir?
This rumor, Joseph... is it true
your father won't join
Stewart's delegation?
Yes, that's right, sir.
He's against
statehood at this time.
Well, sir, you
heard, didn't you?
No two-thirds
majority, no statehood.
I'm only an actor, Judge
Terry. Nothing more.
Which reminds me... I
must get back to the hall.
Thank you for an
excellent dinner.
I'm sorry I have
to run like this.
Miss Terry.
Mr. Cartwright.
What's Mr. Craigsmuir's
interest in our problems, Father?
All in good time, my dear.
Peter.
Yes, sir?
Close the door.
I've been waiting for you.
You're going to be late
for your performance.
There are more important
things than a performance.
I have a task for you,
a very important one.
Yes?
You're going to San Francisco.
San Francisco, Mr. Craigsmuir?
That's right.
And when?
Now.
Immediately. At once.
But the curtain goes
up in ten minutes.
Blast the curtain, boy!
I told you this was important.
You know where to take this?
The same place?
Are you sure you won't need me?
Oh, I was able to dress
myself before we met.
I think I still remember how.
I'm depending on you, Peter.
I'll remember, sir.
Good luck to you,
and don't forget.
It's vitally important.
I understand.
Oh, and you remember...
Curtain in ten minutes.
Oh, morning, boys.
- Morning, Pa.
- Morning.
- You all set?
- Yeah, we're on our way, Pa.
Well, I figure it shouldn't
take you any more
than a couple of weeks to
get the tree blazing done.
- Yeah.
- Better move out.
- We'll see you later, Pa.
- Yeah, have a good trip.
- Right.
- Keep an eye out for the Piutes.
Oh, we will.
Morning, Joe.
Good morning, Pa.
Adam leave?
Yes, just now.
About time you
got started, isn't it?
As soon as I finish eating.
Well, I hope you'll
both feel differently
by the time you get back.
I'm gonna feel just the same.
If he doesn't change,
that's his problem.
Don't fly off at me, boy.
Well, then you tell Adam
to keep his mouth shut
about the girl I love.
Don't raise your voice to me.
I have no chip on my
shoulder to be knocked off.
I'm sorry.
Joseph...
I've been in love,
too, in my lifetime.
Now, you think
that she is the
most... beautiful,
most wonderful creature
that ever lived, don't you?
I know she is.
Well, you're wrong.
Your mother was.
Ah, you know...
taking a... a wife
is more than just
taking a woman.
There's her family that
you have to consider, too.
Oh, come on, Pa. I'm
not marrying her family.
But you still can't
forget the family.
And you can't ignore the fact
that there's a hate
festering this country
which is like an open wound.
We're a divided country.
Homes, families,
fathers and sons not daring
to speak their own
minds to one another.
I don't understand.
Yesterday you said we
should stay out of this.
Yes, I did.
All right, then why
is it my problem now?
Before this is over, this war...
it'll be everybody's problem.
Because sooner or later...
Sooner or later, we're gonna
have to make a decision.
And whatever that decision,
we're all gonna
suffer and bleed...
maybe die.
Each one of us is gonna have
to make his own decision, Pa.
I better get started.
Next time we'll hang
you next to Abe Lincoln.
You dirty, gray-bellied...
Come on!
I order this stopped at once!
William Stewart, what are
you trying to do in this town?
Starting riots in the
streets, fist brawls.
I was only hanging up a banner.
In case you've
forgotten, Judge Terry,
free speech is still
allowed in this territory.
I've not forgotten that,
or many other things.
Well, remember that
before you order your thugs
to start jumping on people.
Southerners are
no brawlers, sir.
My son was no brawler.
He was a soldier.
He fought with General Jackson.
He died for the
wrong cause, Judge.
I'm sorry for him.
The wrong cause!
You are the man who's leading
the people to the wrong flag.
Your statehood... it will fail.
It's already a
foregone conclusion
you'll not get
your needed votes.
The Nevada Territory will
go to the Confederacy, sir.
Judge Terry?
I'm afraid I'll have
to disagree with you.
I honor your views, sir.
I know you believe
in them sincerely.
I know how bravely
your son fought.
I've been hoping
that the Comstock
somehow would be
able to keep out of it.
But it looks like we
can't keep out of it.
Doesn't it?
And if it comes to
making up our minds
about going one
way or the other...
Union or Confederate...
I think we'd better go Union.
Too many men have died
putting this Union together
for me to stand by
and see it destroyed.
I guess you can count
on the Ponderosa, Bill.
I'll go to Carson, and
vote for statehood.
God bless you, Ben!
I've got my two-thirds!
Morning, Daddy.
Oh, good morning.
Oh, you haven't eaten
any breakfast at all.
I've just had this telegraph.
Oh?
How to do it.
How to use it so that its
value won't be dissipated.
Morvath?
Yes, Daddy.
Joseph Cartwright.
Little Joe? What about him?
Where is he?
He's gone with the
men to check the herd.
He'll be back when?
He ought to be
back this afternoon.
This afternoon.
And his brothers?
Oh, they won't be
back for another week.
They're blazing trees up north.
Daddy, why are
you asking all this?
I want you to come with me.
Come with you where?
The Ponderosa.
Finish your breakfast
and get a bonnet
while I have Gamelial
hitch up the trap.
Daddy, what's in that telegraph?
Ammunition for the battle.
The only ammunition, it seems,
I'm to be issued in this war.
I won't let you use Little Joe
in your war with Mr. Stewart.
My war is not with Stewart.
It's with those men
who are trying to steal
the Territory of Nevada
for the Northern side.
Whatever you call
it, Daddy, I don't care.
I won't let you use Little Joe,
and don't ask me
to help you use him.
Do you think I want to?
Do you think I want to
use my own daughter?
We must win.
Doesn't your brother's dying
have any meaning for you?
Daddy, please.
Then, don't make me
believe that he died for nothing.
This is your war,
too, isn't it, Morvath?
You know it is, Daddy.
Then, if you won't do it for me,
would you do it
for your brother?
And Joseph, too.
Believe me, he will
be much better off
if he declares himself with
us instead of men like Stewart.
I don't know.
I've got to think about it.
No, my dear, you haven't time.
Do you realize how many
boys like your brother
have died while we've
been sitting, talking here?
I'll get my bonnet.
Well, the lost is found.
How you doing, Pa?
- Good, good.
- Oh.
How'd it go, son?
Just a lot of cattle.
Yeah.
How'd you find 'em?
Well, they're not too
scattered, they're getting fat.
Good.
Fences are all in good shape.
Good. How are the men?
- The men are fine, real good.
- Good.
You, uh... you hear
anything from Adam?
No, no, no, n-no, not yet.
He and Hoss are up
in the north section.
They got plenty of
work to do up there.
- Yeah, well, that's good.
- Mm-hmm.
Maybe he won't be so
cantankerous when he gets back.
- Well, Judge, so nice to see you.
- Cartwright.
Nice to see you again, Morvath.
You're looking
prettier than ever.
- Thank you, Mr. Cartwright.
- Hi, Morvath.
- Little Joe.
- It's good to see you, Cartwright.
- Well, thank you.
- Could we have a little talk?
It's most important.
Well, certainly, well, why
don't we go into the house?
I'll clean up a bit.
We can talk.
Morvath and I will be
in in just a few minutes.
Fine.
What's so important?
- Joe.
- Yeah.
I missed you, darling.
I missed you, too, sweetheart.
Hey, what brought
you out here anyway?
Your father is going
to the convention.
I thought he wanted
to stay out of it.
He's not going
to stay out of it.
Joe, he's going to
vote for statehood.
Statehood, huh?
Maybe we'd better get in there.
Before we go in... my father...
I want you to know, he's
doing what he has to do
and what he thinks is best.
You've got all this land
here clear down to the lake.
Now, Judge, you
don't have to tell me
where the Ponderosa's
boundaries lie.
What are you getting at?
Well, just this...
You've got all this land
and only one delegate going
down to Carson City to represent it.
Now, the apportionment
committee says that that's not fair.
Well, I, I think I can
speak for the Ponderosa.
Not you alone, not anymore.
Now, here's a telegraph,
received this morning,
replying to the
committee's request.
The Ponderosa is now authorized
to send two delegates
to the convention.
Now, what does Bill
Stewart think of this?
What Stewart thinks about
it has nothing to do with it.
Well, I... I...
I-I don't quite
understand what...
There are only Cartwrights
on the Ponderosa.
We know that, so pick
one to be your delegate.
There are four of you here.
Well... two of the boys
won't even be back
until after the
convention, and...
And you knew that,
too, didn't you, Judge?
Well, that's not important now.
You read the telegraph.
Yeah.
Yes, I read the telegraph,
and this whole thing is
beginning to smell like a...
Smell like nothing, Cartwright.
We're only asking another
representative of the Ponderosa
to come down to
Carson City as a delegate.
The way he votes
is his own business.
Don't take me for a fool, Terry.
You don't believe
that and neither do I.
You have your beliefs,
Cartwright, I have mine.
And may I remind you
that several days ago
you told me you
honored my views?
May I remind you
that several days ago
you didn't try to come
between me and my sons?
What grounds have you
for such an accusation?
Judge... I'm just
wondering something.
I'm wondering what your son,
who died at the Battle of Keansburg,
would think of you now.
Don't try to shame me with the
memory of my son, Cartwright.
He died fighting
for the same cause
for which I would gladly
lay down my own life.
I'm not questioning
your beliefs, sir,
only the methods you
use in accomplishing them.
Hi.
This should
interest you, Joseph.
Good day, Mr. Cartwright.
Come along, Morvath, quite
a drive back to Virginia City.
Morvath, I'll see you later.
Good-bye,
Mr. Cartwright, Little Joe.
A request for another delegate
from the Ponderosa, huh?
That's right...
and with Adam and Hoss away,
that makes you the
logical candidate, doesn't it?
Well, I don't want
to be a delegate.
I'm afraid you
have no choice, son.
Yes, I do, this is
not my problem.
No...
but it has been
presented to us and to you.
You know this is more
of a problem for me
than it is for anybody else.
I know.
I know.
And when it comes
time for you to vote,
you're gonna have to vote
not because of the
way you feel about a girl
or about me
but because of the way
you feel about the issue.
It's a problem.
But it's also a responsibility.
♪♪
We might as well
make a night of it here.
Dad-burn, I've
seen better places
than this to spend the night.
What could you be doing
that could be more
wonderful than this?
I'll tell you what
I could be doing.
I could be sitting
in Virginia City
with a great, big, ice-cold
beer in front of me, that's what,
or, or one of them roasted pigs
with, with an apple
stuck in its mouth.
Ah, well, I owe you the apple.
Now, if you get some wood,
we can get the beans heated up.
That's what I mean.
Beans.
Adam!
Adam, come here quick.
- Adam!
- Whoa, boy.
Paiutes?
Ain't no doubt about it.
Must have been a hunting party.
You ever seen him before?
I think so.
But if I'm right...
I don't know what
he's doing here.
Why, where'd you see him?
Back in town.
The actor... uh, Craigsmuir.
There's no address on this.
What is it?
And I thought he
was just an actor.
Who?
Craigsmuir.
Well, ain't he?
Take a look at that.
What, what do you
make of this, Adam?
Conspiracy.
Conspiracy?
All that talk about cotton?
Yep.
Who'd want cotton bad
enough to do something like this?
British textiles.
They've already
got their privateers
trying to run a Union
blockade off Charleston,
and it's no secret they
want the South to win.
They need that cotton to
keep their mills operating.
Yeah.
According to that letter,
there's, there's
somebody right here
that's willing to guarantee
'em that the South will win.
That's right... Money,
guns, and ammunition.
And men.
I never thought Judge
Terry would go this far.
Aw, now, come on, Adam.
How do you know for
sure it's Judge Terry?
I don't, but I know
someone who does.
Hello, Joseph,
I'm glad to see you.
Was wondering
when you'd get here.
- Mr. Cartwright.
- Terry.
Is Morvath here?
Oh, yes, yes, she's
been expecting you.
She's resting in her room.
- Ben, there you are.
- Hello, Bill.
Welcome to Carson City.
We're going to make
history here Wednesday.
Hey, uh, we're going to have
a little get-together
in my room...
You know, all the
pledged delegates.
You got here just
in time to be in on it.
Come on along, and bring
the youngster with you.
Oh, he's not
pledged yet, Stewart.
Are you, Joseph?
No, sir, that's right.
My vote isn't committed yet.
To anybody?
No, not to anybody.
That's honest enough, boy.
Make up your own mind.
Little Joe.
It's good to see you.
We were wondering
when you'd get here.
We were just going
upstairs to see you.
I'm sure you two have
much to talk about.
Blazes, Ben.
The boy isn't going to
vote against us, is he?
We found your man
a couple of days ago.
The Piutes got him.
Dead?
He was very young.
Unfortunately, a lot of young
men are dying these days.
These are difficult times.
Yeah.
And fellers like you are
trying to make them worse.
I don't think I quite
understand you, sir.
Then let me try.
Who was this letter to
and, what's more important,
who was it about,
and just who are you?
I could say I'm...
just a strolling player,
an actor, man of the boards,
but that wouldn't satisfy you.
Nope, sure wouldn't.
Then let me just say
the people I represent
need the South's cotton
to keep their mills rolling.
Enough to foster war?
Oh, that's a very
moral approach,
but, then, you don't
need that cotton.
Who were you trying
to make the deal with?
I'm sorry, I can't
tell you that.
Well, I'll tell you
what I can do.
I can break you apart.
Well, he could, you know.
All right, it's not of
great importance now.
My value here is gone.
Your man is Judge Terry.
Well, looks like you
were right all along, Adam.
We just had to be sure.
And now we are.
The statehood delegates
would be glad to hear this.
Gentlemen, I'm
afraid you're too late.
Statehood will be defeated,
and Nevada voted
into the Confederacy.
Well, after they hear
what we've got to say,
I wouldn't be so sure.
It won't matter now,
thanks to your brother.
What do you mean by that?
Why don't you go to the
convention and find out?
Let's not go in yet.
Somebody's after my vote
every time I stick my
nose out of the room.
Well, they're just
trying to be helpful.
They must think I need
an awful lot of help, then.
Joe... you're on the
delegate list as uncommitted.
That's right, I am.
Have you decided which
way you're going to vote?
I'd like to say I have,
and have it over and
done with, but I haven't.
Just can't decide yet.
Pretty hard decision
for me to make.
I'm sure of that, darling.
I can just imagine what
you've been going through.
I'm also sure you
know how I feel,
and how much it means to me.
It's already cost me a brother.
I'm committed, Little Joe.
I've taken a side.
I just hope we're
both on the same one.
You know I've considered that.
I'll do the best I can.
Please remember...
just like my pa says, I must
vote the way I think is right.
Well, he's right, of course.
Thanks for understanding.
Well... it's time.
I guess it is time, isn't it?
Remember...
whatever happens
in there, I love you.
I know that.
I just hope when this is
all over, you'll say it again.
Now's the time, Ben.
Do you know yet how
your boy's going to vote?
The chips are down;
they're going to call our hand.
Bill, the decision is
not mine... or yours.
Where does he stand?
I don't know, Father.
I'm sorry.
He must stand with the South.
A pass is required
to enter the hall, sir.
I have something to
say to these gentlemen.
I'm sorry, I can't allow...
Gentlemen! The
convention will come to order!
Gentlemen!
I have something to
say to this convention.
I'm sorry, sir, but
nobody can speak here
without proper
credentials as a delegate.
Now, with your
approval, gentlemen,
the clerk will
now call the roll.
Gentlemen, it's important,
and I think you should hear it
before you vote.
That's right!
Mr. Chairman, this
man is not a delegate.
I demand that he be
removed from the hall.
Gentlemen, please!
The convention is in order!
It'll only take a moment.
Or is this convention
afraid to hear the truth?
Poll the delegates!
We can't wait all day!
If there's any
further interference,
I'll have the sergeant-at-arms
handle the situation.
Mr. Chairman,
my son asked a question
which deserves an answer.
Is this convention
afraid to hear something
which may be of
vital importance to it?
He has a right to be heard.
Not here, he hasn't.
He says it's important.
It's a Yankee trick.
Hey, now, wait a minute!
I'm a delegate.
I have credentials.
My brother says it's
important, I believe him.
I think we should hear him out.
If it's vitally important.
My brother and
I found this letter
on a dead man's
body on the Ponderosa.
It was written by one Walter
Craigsmuir, an actor whom
some of you may remember
has been appearing
in Virginia City for the
past several weeks.
What are we waiting for!
I say begin the vote!
It reads... "I have
been assured...
"that given our support
"in terms of money
"rushed from San Francisco
to Carson City for men,
"guns and ammunition,
"the Nevada Statehood Convention
"can be stampeded
"and the Territory
enjoined to the Confederacy.
"As this would
ensure Union defeat,
"through depriving Mr. Lincoln
of the wealth of the Comstock,
"and thereby ensure
a continued flow
"of cotton to British mills,
"I would recommend
we do business
on the terms suggested."
Signed... Craigsmuir.
Who assured him?
This convention
has the right to know
the answer to that question.
Gentlemen, that man...
is Judge David Terry.
That's true.
I do not deny it.
But what I did, I did
because I had to do.
And I'm proud of it.
I believe in my cause,
and I'll fight to win it
with any means I know, and
by every strength that I possess.
Is there any man here
whose faith in his cause
is so small that he
will not seek victory
in a similar manner?
No! We will never
subscribe to that!
Because we have
faith in what we believe.
We honor it.
We will not destroy it by
justifying any and all means
to gain our ends!
Hear! Hear!
Judge... you took
too much on yourself.
You went too far.
Let's vote.
Gentlemen, the clerk
will now poll the delegates.
So long, Ben.
I'm sorry, Morvath.
I'm sorry, too... for all of us.
But especially for him.
What do you think he'll do now?
Well, with Nevada
joining the Union,
he'd like to go
back to Virginia.
And what about you?
I must go with him.
You understand, don't you?
I understand there's
a war between us.
Wars end sometime.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪