Distant Drums

THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN WYATT

I, Lieutenant Richard Tufts, Navy of the United States,

realize the perilous journey accomplished here in Florida,

in the year 1840.

My map told me little about Florida and on my mission.

I knew out there took place the most fierce war in our history,

The war against wild and bloodthirsty enemies ...

The Seminole Indians.

Seven years ago they had crushed our troops

and foiled the strategy of our chief General Zachary Taylor.

I was ordered to serve under his command, that's why I was sailing

My boat skirted the Atlantic coast of the peninsula to a hidden bay.

I climbed aboard a boat that played a key role

in this expedition.

Lieutenant Tufts, the frigate Norfolk.

Go to your report to Captain Quincy Wyatt

His scout will lead you to his "chikee".

This was the beginning of my mission.

The boat hauled ashore traveled inland,

to the largest inland lake called Okeechobee.

Where I hoped but did not expect me to find her

With my guide, I penetrated to the interior

to meet Captain Quincy Wyatt.

We rode westward through an almost impenetrable region

which seemed to offer no obstacle to my silent companion.

Tie them good sailor.

Captain Wyatt life here? - His "chikee" is not far away.

What is a "chikee"?

Never been to Florida? - No.

Y has to see your sword.

A "chikee" is a thatched hut

built on dry land called a "hammock". A house.

You say he lives here? Why is not it the garrison?

Because we are in Florida.

No ! Indian Creek is one of Georgia, one of the men of Quincy.

Hi, Charlie.

Shaking hands with an Indian, it is very tiring.

Sit here.

These Indians feel bad.

They coat of skunk oil to keep insects and flies.

We moved on a course of weird and wonderful water

which wound through lush region.

This land for which we fought so fiercely

A jungle.

Superb!

Mysterious !

Deadly!

Want a little wheat, Lieutenant? The journey is not over.

No thanks.

Do not believe those who say that the Seminoles did not know how to shoot.

Since they buy guns, they have learned and do very well.

Why Captain does he live here?

After what happened, Quincy hates soldiers.

He wants to see his men.

It is not I who will tell you what happened.

In your place, I do not questionnerais Quincy.

Despite myself, my curiosity was aroused.

What kind of officer he was to escape the army he served?

But the burning sun above me made me forget this.

Where the river died between heaven and earth.

An island.

Shimmering like a jewel facing the jungle.

On this island ... the "chikee" Captain Wyatt.

Hello, Hank.

What was I telling you ?

Hello, Gedonia.

It's going to get him.

He wants to know what for.

This is the first time he sees a sword and someone like you.

It's a lovely boy.

Does it belong to the Creek Indians?

He is the son of Captain Wyatt.

I am sorry.

Why be sorry?

Nothing, it's just ...

Where is the "squaw"? I would like to know.

The wife of Captain Wyatt was not a squaw, Lieutenant.

But a creek princess, daughter of a great leader,

and beautiful as a picture. You will not see.

She is dead.

And I saw the man with whom I had to live

the most extraordinary adventure of my life.

Quincy Wyatt,

soldier, marshes,

nobleman, wild!

Watch these two eagles! You see?

Quincy never returns from hunting or fishing without their room.

Hello, Quincy. A guy from the Navy wants to see you.

Tufts Lieutenant, US Navy. - Enchanter, You have not had any trouble?

No. It went unnoticed.

How long do you think it will take to move your boat to the lake?

Before you answer, sir, I want to say that you have my sympathy.

What do you mean ?

Well, my boat is just big enough to hold 40 men.

This is fine, this is the number of men I have left in my company.

40 men to cross Florida and resume a fortress?

It's suicide!

Maybe, but we need to end the refueling Seminole.

As the Indians hold the fort, they have weapons.

Such an attack is doomed to failure.

The fort was built by General Garcia large Spanish military architect.

You can not take less than a brigade.

What you say is alarming, did you say to General Taylor?

No, the Admiral did, and the general was quite rude to him.

The admiral thinks that General drink much.

If he is, he was probably drunk when he devised this mad project.

Too bad you thought that this is a foolish project Lieutenant,

because I am the author.

Regarding my 40 men ...

In the swamp they are worth a brigade.

If you'll excuse me, I change myself and we'll go to headquarters.

Well, I put myself in trouble.

You will see many more, here.

Look at the other side of the lagoon.

This is the beginning of the Everglades ... or the end, if you prefer.

Do you know what's in it?

So deep swamps they can swallow an army.

In fact a fine mess you will be served ..

Your sword fascinated my son.

He would like to have it. - I understand that.

I too have a boy of the same age in Boston.

Do you know what would make him happy? The tomahawk that you wear on a belt.

Your son still has his mother?

Yes of course.

He is lucky ... very lucky.

He loves this little rascal. This is the best thing that he is coming.

If anything happened to him, he would not survive it.

Quickly we went to the headquarters.

I look forward to meet for the first time man

which seeks to end this war once and for all ...

General Zachary Taylor.

Quincy Ready? - Ready.

You can always go back if you want.

Nothing can stop me except the Seminoles.

If you beat them, you will make me a very important general.

That's my intention.

Destroy this strong Quincy and I put myself in motion.

Finally, we will restore peace in the territory.

Rally!

Take care of yourself !

Place here!

Ready for Inspection Captain. - You got the replacements?

The best of the brigade. - They should be.

These stripes are very good on you.

I hope to wear them as well as Corporal Malory done there.

Otherwise you would not have them. - Thank you, Captain.

Glad to see you in the ranks Tibbett.

They came close to scalp me.

Your name ? - James W. Tasher, sir.

You fought the Indians? - Yes, the Black Hole of territory.

Well, no need to ask how you got here.

What name do you respond? - Private Jessup, sir.

How long in the army?

I joined the Fusiliers in Massachusetts, sir.

For 3 years, 8 months and 26 days.

Try to go through with your commitment.

So, Lieutenant, what do you think of them?

They seem to be soldiers, but are not alike.

Maybe not, but the Ocala leader would give a pearl handle each.

And a whole basket to Quincy.

It gives value to your head, to be with us.

So Mohair, you have to complain?

It turns out that yes, sir.

... And the sergeant treats you badly. - How the hell you know Captain?

Glad to hear that all is well, Mohair.

They look fine, sergeant. - Thank you sir.

Let's get moving. - Yes sir.

Wear!

Weapons!

Right, right!

Forward, march!

What do you think of the expedition now, Lieutenant?

I reserve my opinion for when we get there ...

... And return.

Well, we count on your boat for it ... if it floats.

Scouts, go ahead!

In the company of this strange troupe,

I walked by the lake to the point of rendezvous with my boat.

Here we are. Lake Okeechobee, the Indians call ...

"Many waters".

The Seminoles are on the other side, 50 miles.

Well, she seems to float.

Pair, Boatswain. - At your service. Remove the mainsail.

black veil, eh?

The Indians are less likely to view it in the moonlight, I think.

You know mate, we go over and under our plan seems insane.

If we are separated, try to come back here.

The ship will resume tomorrow at sunset. On the way.

While en route.

You feel ?

The Gulf.

If the bay is out there, the fort must be here somewhere.

I did some calculations, we need to be about 8 miles too far north.

Come take a look.

I'd better reconsider my calculations.

Seeing these walls, I'd better reconsider mine.

At nightfall, with some men, I will try to reach the gates.

Others await you open them.

Traffickers of weapons.

With any luck, this evening we will terminate their business.