Alvarez Kelly

Alvarez Kelly, a Mexican cattleman, is contracted to deliver a large herd to the Union Army in Virginia. He accepts the assignment, knowing it will require long, difficult travel and careful logistics. The contract sets the mission's stakes and compels him to assemble the crew and resources needed for the journey.

Kelly leads the herd on a grueling three-month trek toward Virginia. The group faces harsh weather, rough terrain, and the strain of moving thousands of head of cattle over a long distance. The arduous drive establishes the endurance and leadership required for the mission.

As the expected delivery window passes, Kelly discovers he is ten days late. The news creates pressure from Union authorities and Major Stedman, who demand timely delivery. The delay threatens the contract and Kelly's professional standing.

Major Albert Stedman informs Kelly that the herd must be diverted to rail transport instead of continuing by wagon. The target is a plantation in Virginia about 30 miles south of Richmond. He offers a new arrangement that pays only one dollar extra per head.

Kelly agrees to the rail plan, recognizing it as the faster route to salvage the deal. He begins coordinating with rail workers and planning the handoff from road haulage to train shipment. The shift marks a major turning point in how the cattle will reach the Union forces.

The cattle are gathered and loaded onto rail cars bound for the plantation. The operation requires careful handling to prevent injuries and losses during the transfer from wagon to train. The crew works under pressure to meet the tightened timetable.

The herd travels by rail toward Virginia, a faster route that reduces transit time but introduces new risks in a wartime landscape. Maintaining the cattle's condition amid the moving train and potential disruptions tests the crew's discipline. The journey represents a pivotal transition from land to rail logistics.

The train nears the plantation's location, roughly 30 miles south of Richmond. Kelly and the crew prepare to offload the herd and integrate it into the plantation's supply network for the Union army. The proximity to the destination raises the stakes and focuses attention on a successful handoff.

At the plantation, Kelly negotiates with overseers and schedules the cattle's transfer into the Union supply chain. The handoff demonstrates the practical challenges of mass livestock delivery under war conditions. The plantation becomes a critical link between the drive and the army's needs.

The revised terms are settled, including the extra payment of one dollar per head. Despite the rough path to get there, the cattle are now placed to move toward the Union lines. The contract's survival depends on the success of this final leg of the delivery.

The shift from overland to rail logistics highlights the fragility and adaptability of supply chains during war. Kelly's ability to pivot under pressure demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness. The operation underscores how logistics can determine a campaign's effectiveness.

With the rail route established and the herd on track, the mission continues toward final delivery to the army. The story emphasizes grit, improvisation, and the harsh realities of Civil War logistics. The outcome now depends on the unfolding events across war-torn Virginia.