At the gallop, ho!
Fort Laramie
Fort Laramie, starring Raymond Burr as Captain Lee Quince.
Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier.
The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire.
And the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry.
83 men for duty, Hardy and Simmons in the hospital, five men on leave, Captain.
Alright Corporal Mercer, just leave the morning report on the desk.
Yes sir, one of the three new men has transferred out here from Fort Laramie
and been assigned a second platoon sir.
Come in.
Captain Quince, the supply train is on its way in.
Oh good.
Lieutenant Cybert is sending the train on to the quartermaster's depot, but he said he'd be right here.
Alright thanks Jenkins.
Supply train in from the railroad at Cheyenne Captain, all stores as ordered.
Anything to report Mr. Cybert? Cracked hub,
two mules lame, one destroyed, otherwise routine sir.
Your command, have a good time in Cheyenne?
I think they did.
I noticed a few skin knuckles.
Any complaints from the civilian authorities? No sir.
Alright Cybert,
sign out to the quartermaster, water and turn your stock out in the south range.
Dismiss your men.
They're relieved from further duty until...
What's that buggy doing in your train?
Oh I was going to tell you about that sir.
We had a passenger, a lady.
Lady? Mrs. Wendtner, she's the widow of an officer who was stationed here.
Oh that must have been Captain Wendtner.
Said he was killed by Cheyenne. That's right.
Three, four years ago up in Lance Creek.
His whole command was wiped out.
That was before my time.
I wonder what she's doing here.
She didn't tell you? No sir.
Handsome woman.
I take it you enjoyed your trip then Mr. Cybert. Not bad sir.
May I give you a hand ma'am?
Thank you.
Mrs. Wendtner, I'm Captain Quince.
Welcome to Fort Laramie.
How do you do Captain?
Are you the post commandant?
No ma'am, that would be Major Daggett.
We didn't expect you Mrs. Wendtner. Perhaps your letter was delayed.
There was no letter. I told you no when I was coming.
We had, we might have arranged more fit in reception
and better transportation.
This was quite satisfactory.
I rented the horse and buggy in Cheyenne and the lieutenant furnished me a driver.
You were very considerate Lieutenant Cybert.
Thank you Mrs. Wendtner.
Now if you'll excuse me I'll get back the train.
Of course, thank you Lieutenant.
Pleasure ma'am.
If you'll come with me Mrs. Wendtner I'll take you in to meet Major Daggett.
Alright Captain, thank you.
Take care of the horse and buggy Jenkins.
Did you know my husband Captain Quince?
Why yes.
Out here?
That's right.
I don't remember him mentioning you in his letters but it seems to me there was a Quince
in his class at West Point.
Oh I wasn't at the point Mrs. Wendtner.
I was commissioned in the field at Chanandoah.
Up from the ranks.
Oh, I see.
Here we are.
Come in.
Oh Major Daggett this is Mrs. Wendtner.
Just came in with a supply train.
Well this is a pleasure Mrs. Wendtner.
That's right Major.
I'm Philip Wendtner's widow.
Oh yes.
Won't you sit down?
Thank you.
I didn't know your husband myself Mrs. Wendtner but I've been assured that his death was a
great loss to the army.
And more tragic for yourself of course.
It was a horrible thing.
And even worse a terrible unnecessary thing.
He could have been safe in Washington.
I arranged it all with the President himself.
I see.
I could never understand why Philip refused it but he was a stubborn man.
Well he was very popular here I understand.
Isn't that right Captain Quince?
He was a good field officer Mrs. Wendtner.
Perhaps he wouldn't have been happy at some desk in Washington.
Might have been better for him to be a little unhappy and alive today, mightn't it Captain?
That's hard to say ma'am.
Well at any rate we're happy to have you here Mrs. Wendtner.
Sorry we weren't prepared but I'm sure Mrs. Daggett will be able to arrange things comfortably.
You'll stay with my wife and me of course.
Thank you Major.
And perhaps we can use your visit as an excuse to liven things up around here.
We've had very few social activities.
Might even arrange a reception or something of the sort.
Major Daggett I'm not here for social reasons.
Well what I meant was...
Major Daggett I came to get my husband's body.
Mrs. Wendtner your husband's not buried here at the fort.
I know that but you see I want him recovered and taken back east.
I've arranged that he will be buried with full military honors in Arlington Cemetery.
But his grave is a hundred miles from here up on Lance Creek where he was killed.
I've already come two thousand miles.
Another hundred doesn't matter.
I don't think you understand.
That's Indian territory.
Cheyenne and Sioux hunting ground.
Treaty territory.
Aside from the very real danger my orders strictly forbid any white person to enter
that region including my own troopers.
Perhaps this letter will clear your mind.
You will see it's signed by the secretary of war himself.
Yes I see.
So Major Daggett I shall want to leave for Lance Creek as soon as possible.
You expect me to send you there with a troop escort of course.
The letter says every assistance possible.
It also says within the scope of my orders and with due consideration for your safety.
I'm not worried about my safety Major Daggett.
But I am.
But in a case like this.
There are no exceptions mentioned Mrs. Wintner.
What do I care about a treaty with those savages who murdered my husband.
The treaty was made ma'am to prevent other men from dying the way your husband did.
Captain Quince I'm beginning to understand why these Indian troubles go on and on.
I've wondered about that.
Wondered why you didn't just wipe them out.
I think you're afraid of them.
It's not that easy.
The Indians are people too.
They have rights.
I'm not interested in their rights Captain Quince.
And I'm not interested in your orders Major Daggett.
Am I to understand that you refuse to allow me to go to Lance Creek.
That's correct.
I can't risk your life nor the lives of my men.
And I won't risk a general Indian war.
Very well.
Captain Quince would you be good enough to show me to my quarters.
Of course ma'am.
Jambani right side into the line.
Lights running alive!
Ho!
Company! Company! Ho!
Sergeant Gordon. Yes, sir.
Dismiss the company. Yes, sir.
Company!
Prepare to dismount!
Yes, ma'am!
Fire!
Well, Captain Quince, it's all very impressive.
The parade ground, the drilling.
Yes, it is, Miss Wintner.
Until you remember that in spite of all the military show,
you're still afraid to face the Indians.
Have you completed your tour of inspection?
Yes. Lieutenant Cybert has shown me everything, I think.
It's all very interesting.
Seeing the place that Philip called home
is one thing I'd like explained, however.
What's that, ma'am?
What could possibly have held him here?
What holds you, Captain Quince?
I'm afraid I can't explain it to you, Mrs. Wintner.
I'm sure you couldn't.
May I escort you to your quarters?
Thank you.
I've noticed several men dressed in buckskins
lounging about the store.
The Suttlers, you call it.
Who are they?
Civilian Scouts.
Charlie Reynolds. Will Granby. Pete Hazen.
It was one of them, wasn't it, who found my husband up on Lance Creek?
Yes, ma'am. Pete Hazen.
He led the burial detail back.
I must talk to him sometime.
He's under the Major's orders too, ma'am.
I meant, Captain Quince,
he might be able to tell me things about my husband.
Things a wife would like to know.
Of course, ma'am.
You don't like me, do you, Captain?
I don't know you well enough to like or dislike you, Mrs. Wintner.
But it seems plain to me that you intend to disregard every consideration
to get to Lance Creek.
If you'll excuse me.
Come in.
Captain Quince reporting, sir.
Oh, Lee.
I've just been thinking, Caldwell's due for leave.
Who can we send out to the Clearwater Patrol as replacement?
Is Cybert's too green?
No, no, he'll do. He's come along fast.
All right, good.
Major.
Major, what about Mrs. Wintner?
Well, what about her?
I think she's going to make trouble.
I don't think she can.
I've kept a check of the telegraph office and the mail.
I think she's accepting the inevitable.
I don't.
I think she's determined to go to Lance Creek one way or another.
How can she if I won't let her?
I don't know, but I think you'd better warn the civilian scouts,
especially Pete Hazen.
He wouldn't be that much of a fool.
I wouldn't think so either, but with her, anything can happen.
I believe that.
She's quite a woman.
Oh, by the way, the evening social's all set up for Saturday night.
I'm going to be sending out the invitations today.
Having a small dinner first.
You're supposed to come.
As Mrs. Wintner's escort.
Why me?
You're an inmate of old Bedlam. You're eligible.
There are other bachelor officers living there, cybrids.
Youngsters. She's more your age.
I don't fight at Lee. Nettie's mind's made up.
Only one thing I don't like about your wife, Major.
She's a matchmaker.
I know. She can't help herself.
Hates to see an unmarried officer, especially one as old as you.
After all, Mrs. Wintner is a widow and mighty attractive.
You could do worse.
Major, some women are army, some aren't.
When Phil Wintner came out to Laramie, he came alone.
She seems to fit in fine now. Maybe she's changed.
Women like that don't change.
Just the same you'll escort her Saturday night.
You better present your compliments to her tomorrow afternoon.
That in order, sir?
Tomorrow afternoon, Lee. White gloves.
MUSIC
KNOCKING
Oh, Captain Quince.
Afternoon, Mrs. Daggett.
I'd like to present my compliments to Mrs. Wintner.
Why, yes, of course, Captain.
Only, well...
What is it, Mrs. Daggett?
Well, it's very strange.
But last night, Carolyn asked not to be disturbed this morning.
Said she wanted to sleep late.
But when she didn't come out, even for luncheon, I got worried.
So a few minutes ago, I knocked and looked in her room.
She's not there, Captain.
She didn't sleep in her bed last night.
Captain, where are you going?
To the settlers, Mrs. Daggett. You better tell the Major.
MUSIC
Lee, what do you make of it?
It's very simple, Major. Mrs. Wintner was last seen last night.
Pete Hazen left sometime before dawn with two loaded pack mules, two horses,
one rigged side saddle.
He left this at the settlers for you with a $20 gold piece.
I guess it's his resignation.
Didn't want to get arrested for disobeying orders.
You're right.
They're on their way to Lance Creek. They've got at least 11 hours start.
They've got to be stopped.
Yeah, if they're still alive.
How long will it take you to get B Company ready?
Too long. Besides, a full company up there will mean war.
You think you can get a small detachment through, five or six men?
I can try.
If we're caught, we might be able to talk our way out of it.
They can't be moving very fast.
I'd say I could catch them about halfway.
All right, Lee, take the men you want and an extra amount for each.
Rations for four days and 200 rounds of ammunition.
50 rounds will be enough, Major.
If we have to fight at all, it won't matter how much ammunition we have.
MUSIC
FIRE CRACKLING
GRUNTS
I've lost their tracks, Captain.
There. There, over there, of course.
Oh, yeah, that's it.
I'd never have believed it, Captain.
Two days from the fort, almost to Lance Creek, and they're still ahead of us.
I underestimated that woman. She's tougher than I thought.
She sure must be.
Captain. Yep.
And they've seen us. They've stopped.
Hold.
He's went in there. How do you do, Captain?
She gave me an awful lot of money, Captain.
More than I'd ever seen in one piece.
Yeah, that's what I figured.
You're not going to stop me now, Captain.
Mr. Hazen says the graves are just over that ridge there.
Ms. Wintner, we're going to turn around right here
and head back to the fort as fast as we can make it.
Do you have any idea of the danger? Captain.
Up there on the hill.
Yeah, I see.
Right in circle, signaling.
Why, that's an Indian. It is, Ms. Wintner.
Oh. Captain, what are you going to do?
Might as well go on up to Lance Creek.
Do what the lady came to do.
This is it. Right over there.
This one.
Just this?
That's it.
You're sure?
His insignia will be inside the rocks.
It's so quiet here.
So peaceful.
Right now it is.
Get his spade, Jenkins.
Yes, sir.
I'm going to go get it.
I'll be right back.
Captain, I'm going to go get it.
Okay, Jenkins.
Yes, sir.
Ms. Wintner,
you sure you want to go through with this?
What do you mean, Captain?
Why, it wasn't time for a proper burial.
I see.
Did they do anything to him?
Cheyenne always do.
You may proceed.
All right, Jenkins.
Ms. Wintner,
why don't you wait over there?
Captain Quince, I'm not a schoolgirl.
I came this far, I can stand to watch.
All right.
Pete.
Pete, who was this?
That there was Sergeant Takerbury, Captain.
One with a red mustache, Captain.
And a laugh you could hear clean across the river.
Yeah, I remember.
And that one there was Lieutenant Williams.
Captain, is that the Lieutenant Williams
my husband used to speak about in his letters?
I expect so.
They were friends.
All these men were his friends,
men who lived with him,
fought with him,
died with him.
He wasn't alone, Ms. Wintner.
They're all buried here where they fell.
I see.
Mr. Jenkins.
Ma'am.
Stop digging for a moment.
Captain, you don't want me to do this.
Why?
I...
I don't think your husband would care about being buried
in Arlington Cemetery.
Why? Tell me, Captain Quince.
You knew him.
What was he like out here?
Like any other man, not very different.
He liked it.
Like the country, the men,
like the job.
He was willing to die here, if necessary.
Are you trying to say that he came here to get away?
That he didn't want to go back home?
He didn't care about me?
He never talked about you, Ms. Wintner.
Captain, all I want to do is take him back...
back to a hero's grave.
He's in a hero's grave.
Nothing you or I can do will add to that.
You think I'm a selfish woman.
I was thinking only of myself, of my pride.
Only you can answer that, Ms. Wintner.
On the ridge, Captain.
Yeah, they didn't waste any time.
Must have been a hunting party close.
They're coming down.
Must be 30 at least.
Doesn't give us much chance, Captain.
It's important to keep calm, Ms. Wintner.
Very important right now.
What have I done?
Bringing you men here to this?
We may be able to get out of it yet.
Talbot, keep those horses under control.
When they get a whiff of those Indian ponies.
Ms. Wintner, what are you doing?
If anything's going to happen,
I want his grave just the way it was.
Jenkins, help her.
Sergeant Gorse.
Yes, sir.
Watch her.
Stay right behind her.
If the Indians attack, you know what to do.
Yes, sir.
Don't miss.
What do you think, Hazen?
Can't tell yet.
There's still a bunch.
They ain't hurrying, but they ain't going to be friendly.
No, we're uninvited guests.
Can't expect much.
They're down and stringing out.
Can't stop them.
Right across the only way out.
Well, they won't come any closer to the graves.
Cheyenne custom.
Respect for the dead.
Even the dead they killed.
We're safe as long as we stay right here.
How long can we stay, Peaked?
Captain, we might try cutting up over the ridge.
The minute we break and run, we're finished.
I'll go out to them.
Might as well all go, Captain.
There'll be no defending ourselves anyway.
All right.
Miss Wentner.
Looks all right now, doesn't it, Captain?
Yes, it does.
Well, ma'am?
Don't worry, I'll be fine.
Good.
Now, everybody will move slowly forward, leading your horses.
Move easily.
Don't show any fear or excitement.
It's Little Bear, Captain.
At least he can talk some.
Won't have to use sign.
That's right, Captain.
I'll do the talking, Hazen.
Sure.
Greetings to Little Bear.
Let soldier give promise.
Stay off Cheyenne hunting ground.
Why you come?
We come in peace, not war.
We don't want trouble with the Cheyenne.
They don't want trouble with us.
Treaties say you stay out.
I know that.
I made them come.
The white lady came to find the grave of her husband.
A warrior killed in battle here.
She wants to take his body back to his home, to Washington.
What warrior?
The little captain.
The captain with the yellow hair.
Yeah.
That one great warrior.
Captain, these are the Indians.
That's right, ma'am.
Little Bear, the Cheyenne had great warriors killed here, too.
But the Cheyenne could take their dead away to their proper burial place.
Will Little Bear allow us to take this warrior with us
and leave the hunting ground in peace?
Better leave spirit of dead in peace.
In Washington there is a place to bury great warriors with much honor.
She will take him there.
Better leave dead buried.
All right, Captain.
We'll leave him.
He's right.
I know that now.
Phillip is better off here in his hero's grave.
All right, ma'am.
Will Little Bear allow us to leave the hunting grounds in peace?
Go.
Thank you, Little Bear.
All right.
Everybody mount up.
Easy.
We'll move out now before he changes his mind.
Sergeant Gorse, how does it look behind?
They're turning away.
I figure it's all right.
We'll keep the horses that walk just the same for a while.
Yes, sir.
Captain, thank you.
What for, Mrs. Wintner?
It was probably your presence that saved us and what you said.
No, I mean for teaching me a lesson.
Not me, Mrs. Wintner.
Let's say this country out here.
It can teach you a lot of lessons.
Maybe I was wrong about something, too.
What?
Just something I said about people not changing.
Just something I said.
You know, we keep moving.
We might be able to make the Daggett Social Saturday night.
Fort Laramie is produced and directed by Norman MacDonald
and stars Raymond Burr as Lee Quince, captain of cavalry,
with Vic Perron as Sergeant Gorse.
The script was specially written for Fort Laramie by John Dunkle
with sound patterns by Bill James and Ray Kemper.
Musical supervision by Amerigo Marino.
Featured in the cast were Virginia Gregg, Jack Moyles, Harry Bartel,
Jack Crouchon, Helen Klebe, Joseph Cranston, and James Nusser.
Company, attention!
Dismiss!
Next week, another transcribed story of the Northwest Frontier
and the troopers who fought under Lee Quince, captain of cavalry.
Half a loaf may be better than none at all when you're bargaining for bread,
but every Sunday, the Edgar Bergen Show calls for a happier arrangement than that,
for each half of the Edgar Bergen Show seems somehow to be better than the other half,
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Enjoy all of the lighthearted antics of Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy,
Jack Kirkwood, Effie Klinker, Mortimer Snird, Gary Crosby, Carol Richards,
and the famous Edgar Bergen Endtable Discussion Group.
They'll all be with you again over most of these same stations every Sunday night.