In 1891, 5000 Union soldiers reinforce the fort at Concordia, Kansas, and Colonel Theodore Monteith receives word from Washington that he has been promoted to General. He has a brief ceremony where Major Wainwright pins his new insignia on his uniform. "I hope this won't make you start acting like the last general I followed on this campaign, sir," Wainwright says to him, laughing.General Monteith replies, "I trust that you will keep me honest, Mr. Wainwright". Wainwright smiles and shakes his head. "I'll do my best, sir". As Wainwright turns to leave Monteith's office, the general says, "That's all I'll ever ask of you, Major". Once alone, General Monteith opens the orders that came from Washington with his promotion. These orders detail the 25,000 men who are being moved under his command, who are to be used in the general assault on Topeka planned for June 1st.