The Guns of Fort Petticoat

Colonel John Chivington orders the attack on the unarmed Cheyenne and Arapaho at Sand Creek. Hewitt vehemently objects to the plan, warning that it will fuel a cycle of retribution. The briefing seals Hewitt's fate as he becomes a dissenting voice in a war council.

Hewitt is forcibly restrained and confined to quarters after voicing his strong opposition. The act brands him a traitor in the eyes of his Confederate-aligned neighbors. He pays a personal and professional price for standing against a murderous command.

Disillusioned by the massacre, Hewitt deserts the U.S. Cavalry to warn the Texans about the looming threat. He is met with suspicion and hostility as a deserter who once wore the blue. His decision marks the start of a dangerous quest for truth and redemption.

Hewitt returns to Texas with the dead body of a woman murdered by Comanches who are said to be part of the uprising. The corpse becomes undeniable proof that the Indians have joined a broader movement against settlers. The Texans are forced to confront the reality behind rumors and propaganda.

Hewitt organizes a brigade of women and trains them in marksmanship and combat tactics. Armed with rifles and resolve, they begin to redefine frontier defense. His leadership turns unlikely allies into a fighting unit.

The women seize the day and take control of the abandoned mission that becomes their makeshift fort. They answer to Hewitt as a commander-appointed unit, not as civilians. The camp forms the backbone of their resistance against scavengers and Comanche raids.

With the last remaining male compatriot deserting, the Petticoat Brigade fights on with dwindling resources. They fend off scavengers and Indian raiders, strengthening their bond and trust. The unlikely army earns local respect through grit and ingenuity.

In the climactic gunfight, Hewitt and his most vocal critic acknowledge a childhood affection that complicates the mission. The conflict forces a personal reckoning between duty and desire. The moment leaves Hewitt torn between fidelity to the service and the promise of a new connection.

Hewitt faces desertion charges as the court prepares to pronounce a harsh judgment. The case hinges on the credibility of his incredible claims about the Sand Creek rescue. His reputation is on trial as the nation watches.

The commanding general unexpectedly enters the trial and interrupts the proceedings. His arrival shifts the balance and signals that the case is far from resolved. The room buzzes with worried whispers and shifting loyalties.

The Petticoat Brigade marches into the trial, armed and resolute, to protect Hewitt and restore his credibility. Their intervention forces the trial to pause and rethink the charges. Their bold action demonstrates that they will not be silenced or dismissed.

The general orders Chivington to surrender and face his own court-martial while Hewitt's testimony is vindicating. Chivington is relieved of command and held for trial, validating Hewitt's version of events. The victory seals Hewitt's honor and rekindles hope for his Confederate love.