We all know that ‘History’ on Bonanza was kind of a relative thing.
Yet when things like the Civil War and other issues of history were discussed;
I think some of the strongest episodes were filmed. War is a knotty
question. Sadly one with which every generation must struggle.
My gratitude and thanks to the actors and crew that brought a dream
to life. My gratitude and thanks to David Dortort in allowing us fans to share
something special. Thank you for creating a world in which we can play and
sometimes pose the hard questions.
Prelude to War
By Marcia Lee
2-11-03
Something caused Ben Cartwright to leave his account books and get up from
his desk to meet his son at the door. Adam had just returned from town
where he had been ordering supplies and picking up the mail. Adam’s
face was solemn as he extracted the territorial newspaper from a large stack
of papers and letters. Suddenly finding it hard to breathe Ben took
the paper, reading the headline.
“So it’s come.” His voice was little more than a whisper.
“When Lincoln was elected, was there any doubt?” Adam said.
Anguished Ben strode over to the big fireplace to stare into the flames.
An expression of deep sorrow crossed his face as Adam watched his father try
to deny the inevitable. It was the middle of the day, but Adam headed
for the drink cabinet. He figured that they both deserved one.
Ben took the whiskey his son gave him and downed it with one gulp.
He was almost pleading as he faced Adam. “But we can stop it!
It doesn’t have to come here!”
“Pa . . .” Adam sympathized with his father but they both knew that
Adam would enlist to fight for the Union. And that it was almost certain
that Little Joe would enlist to fight for the Confederates. As for Hoss,
Adam wasn’t sure. It was his hope that Hoss would elect to stay home.
Ben tossed the paper into the fire. The flames promptly took hold
of the newsprint. The paper curled up, turning to black ash and char but
the headline was the last to go—“Beauregard Attacks Fort Sumter!”
“Lincoln has called for troops, and seven more states have seceded.”
Adam’s voice was quiet as they both stared at the burning paper.
“Which ones?” Ben’s mind was turning in circles as he vainly sought
a way to keep his family intact.
“Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.” Replied Adam.
“That makes eleven confederate states.”
“It’s such a waste!” Ben’s hand clenched, shattering the glass in
his hand.
“Pa!!” Shocked, Adam reached out for the wounded hand, wrapping it
in his bandana.
Furious Ben jerked away from his son. Blood from his hand spattered
the stones of the hearth. “I can stop you! I can forbid you!!”
Adam simply looked at his father. His hazel eyes had gone hooded and
dark. Ben’s eldest son turned and strode into the kitchen seeking the
first aid kit. Ben stared after him. Adam quickly returned.
“Sit down Pa.” Adam guided his father to the old blue chair next to
the fire. Ben was numb and silent. The ticking of the grandfather
clock sounded loud in the great room of the Ponderosa as Adam quietly bandaged
his father’s hand. Adam poured them both another whiskey.
“I agree with you Pa, war is evil.” Adam took a seat on the low table
in front of the fire. “But don’t you see? That’s why I have to
go.”
Ben refused to understand. “You don’t have to go son, you have a choice.”
“President Buchanan frittered away any chance of compromise. You know
that as well as I do Pa.” Adam said bitterly.
Ben stared down at the amber liquid in his glass. He was forced to
agree with Adam that the outgoing President had been largely ineffective against
the Secessionists in Congress. Lincoln and the new Republican Party
had little choice if they intended to keep the Union together.
“War is willful killing and destruction.” Adam continued,
“That’s why men of honor and principle must take a hand. To save life
and stop the destruction—when we can.”
Ben felt his heart in his throat. He felt a peculiar parental mix
of pride and fear at watching his son make a hard risky decision. It
seemed like only yesterday that he had held Adam in his arms as a little
baby.
Adam took the drink out of his father’s bandaged hand, “Please say
that I have your blessing.” Adam asked softly.
For a long moment Ben couldn’t trust his voice. “Of course son.”
Ben said roughly, pulling Adam close for a long hug.
After a long moment Adam lowered his head to rest it on his father’s shoulder.
“Thanks Pa.” Adam whispered.
“Your mother would have been so proud of you.” Ben could feel the tension
drain from his son’s body.
“You think so?” Adam broke away to sit down. His own voice was
none to steady.
“Yes I do.” Ben quirked a smile as he picked up his drink. “Actually
she would have a lot to say about this war.”
“She must have been a special lady.”
Dark chocolate colored eyes met golden hazel ones in perfect accord.
With their drinks they silently toasted each other and an absent, lady love.
“Listen—son you’re not going as a private.” Ben said, suddenly full
of plans, “Let me write to Colonel Williams at Fort Laramie and get
you commissioned.”
“Ah Pa . . .” Adam coughed, embarrassed, “I’ve already talked
to him.”
“You’ve already . . . ?”
“He said that with my experience running the Ponderosa for you that he could
easily make me a Captain.”
Ben fought down a confused stab of fear and pride. “I should have
known that you’d been making plans.”
“I learned from the best!” Adam toasted his father with a grin.
“Har—rummph.” Ben coughed.
“Listen Pa.” Adam said solemnly, “I also plan to be counting on your
prayers too.”
“Every day my boy.” His father promised. “Every day.”
The End
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