Western Union Story | The Lone Ranger (07-09-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – "Western Union Story" | The Lone Ranger (07-09-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Western Union Story | The Lone Ranger
Original Airdate: July 9, 1952
Podcast Release Date: November 11, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Lone Ranger, digitally restored and presented by Andrew Rhynes, dramatizes the historic and perilous effort to build the transcontinental telegraph during the American Civil War. Weaving together fictionalized encounters and actual figures—like President Lincoln, Ed Creighton, and Hiram Sibley—it explores the technical, political, and cultural barriers faced by Western Union as they sought to unite the nation with a single wire, all against the dramatic backdrop of looming civil war and tense relations between settlers and Native Americans.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Rescue and Introduction

(03:05–04:20)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto spot three Indians chasing a desperate rider. They intervene heroically by firing their guns, causing the pursuers to retreat.
• The grateful rider introduces himself as Ed Creighton, a Western Union line builder, who reveals he’s mapping the telegraph route westward.
• Mutual trust is quickly established, foreshadowing critical collaboration.

Quote:

“My mask needn't worry you.” — The Lone Ranger (03:47)

2. The Vision: Linking East and West

(04:20–05:30)

• Creighton explains the confidential plan to build a telegraph from Omaha to San Francisco via the Pony Express route, directly connecting the country’s extremes.
• The primary obstacle: anticipated Indian resistance that could sabotage the line.

Quote:

“Indians. As we move our lines westward, we’ll be at their mercy. They’ll undoubtedly attack our work crews.” — Ed Creighton (04:54)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto offer aid in negotiating with western tribes.

3. The Civil War Looms, Communication Imperative

(06:01–07:22)

• Ed Creighton’s report travels from New York to President Lincoln, who is skeptical but recognizes the telegraph’s strategic value.
• As the Civil War erupts, the importance of instant communication intensifies; the eastern telegraph lines end at Omaha, delaying critical news to the West for months.

Quote:

"Even if your scheme were practical, it would take 10 years to string lines to the west coast. Now go and prove that I am wrong." — President Lincoln (06:55)

4. Hardships on the Plains: War, Hunger, Hostility

(09:30–13:54)

• Scenes cut between war news in Washington and progress on the telegraph line, showing the desperation for national unity and rapid news.
• A pivotal incident occurs when Black Hawk, son of Chief Eagle Feather, is injured after riding into the low-hanging wire, fueling tension and mistrust.
• Ed Creighton, empathetic towards the accident, fears it will incite the tribe against their work.

Quote:

"He, the son of a chief, had been knocked from his horse and sent sprawling on the ground. A loss of dignity was enough to arouse any Indian." — Narrator (13:22)

5. Impending Conflict: Indian War Council

(15:32–17:39)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto witness Chief Eagle Feather blaming white men for poor hunting and failed crops, interpreting telegraph poles as magical implements that chase game away.
• The chief signals an imminent war dance and possible attack on the telegraph crews, demonstrating the cultural and existential clash at play.

Quote:

"White men put trees without branches on plains, drive away buffalo, all game." — Chief Eagle Feather (17:05)

6. Crisis of the Union: Funds, Loyalty, and the West

(17:39–18:54)

• Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, presses Lincoln about the dire state of Union funds. Only western gold and silver could back the Union’s currency, but it’s unclear whether the West remains loyal.
• The telegraph’s completion becomes not just a matter of communication, but of national survival.

Quote:

"Without gold and silver, we’ll have to issue paper money." — Salmon P. Chase (18:36)

7. Negotiation and Diplomacy: Winning Indian Trust

(19:19–21:51)

• The Lone Ranger diffuses tension, convincing Ed Creighton to address the tribe’s hunger crisis. A demonstration of the telegraph’s powers is planned to convince Eagle Feather of its benefits.
• The Lone Ranger explains the wire can bring food, establishing its value.

Quote:

"You’ll be able to prove that the telegraph is the most wonderful white man’s magic they’ve ever seen." — The Lone Ranger (20:28)

8. Demonstration: The Telegraph Delivers

(21:12–22:24)

• Ed Creighton wires a request for food to Fort Kearney; the reply arrives instantly, astounding the tribe.

Quote:

“Me not see smoke or fire. How message sent?” — Chief Eagle Feather (21:42)

• Eagle Feather’s trust hinges on whether the promised food arrives.

9. Denouement: Success and Alliance

(22:55–24:01)

• As the sun sets, supply wagons appear on the horizon—faith in the “white man’s medicine” is affirmed.
• Hostilities dissolve; the tribe pledges peace and aid to the line builders. The telegraph’s success inspires local tribes to help rather than hinder its completion.

Quote:

“White man’s medicine plenty strong. Plenty good. Me glad masked friend and Tonto come; stop Indians from starting war.” — Chief Eagle Feather (23:49)

“There’ll be no war, Chief.” — The Lone Ranger (23:59)

10. National Victory: The Completed Telegraph

(24:18–27:27)

• The telegraph line is rapidly finished, connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific. President Lincoln receives instant pledges of loyalty and financial support from Utah and California, securing crucial western resources for the war effort.
• The gratitude for Indian cooperation is attributed to “one man… a masked man,” the Lone Ranger, whose legend grows.

Quote:

“If only the telegraph were finished all the way—
It is. Our nation is connected from the Atlantic to the Pacific.”
— Salmon Chase & President Lincoln (26:30–26:33)

“The future will see a truly United States of America, thanks to the efforts of the Lone Ranger.” — President Lincoln (27:27)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hope and skepticism:
  “Even if your scheme were practical, it would take 10 years to string lines to the west coast. Now go and prove that I am wrong.” — President Lincoln (06:55)

• On shared adversity:
  “Americans firing on their own flag. Brother against brother. Father against son. Civil war.” — Tonto (06:41)

• On native suspicion:
  “White men put trees without branches on plains, drive away buffalo, all game.” — Chief Eagle Feather (17:05)

• On the magic of technology:
  “Me not see smoke or fire. How message sent?” — Chief Eagle Feather (21:42)

• On triumph:
  “There’ll be no war, Chief.” — The Lone Ranger (23:59)

• On unity:
  “The future will see a truly United States of America, thanks to the efforts of the Lone Ranger.” — President Lincoln (27:27)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Lone Ranger saves Ed Creighton: 03:05–04:20
• Western Union’s secret plan revealed: 04:20–05:30
• Lincoln discusses the transcontinental wire: 06:01–07:22
• Black Hawk’s accident and Indian anger: 12:52–13:54
• Eagle Feather’s war speech: 17:00–17:27
• Salmon Chase & Lincoln face financial crisis: 17:39–18:54
• Negotiation with the tribe: 19:19–21:51
• Telegraph demonstration: 21:12–22:24
• Food delivery saves the day: 22:55–24:01
• Completion of the telegraph, national unification: 24:18–27:27

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Conclusion

In this classic Lone Ranger adventure, the completion of the transcontinental telegraph is portrayed as a race against time and adversity—bridging not just vast physical distances, but deep cultural and political divides. Through heroism, diplomacy, and technological marvel, this dramatization captures both the spirit and struggles of an era striving for connection and unity, honoring those who brought the “magic wire” and a new era of communication to the young United States.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tahto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Mo.

[Ed Creighton]

Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go, big fellow. Hey, Silver.

[Tonto]

Away.

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[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle were riding east from Salt Lake City along the route that was used by the Overland Mail. They rounded a bend and suddenly they saw three Indians pursuing a rider who spurred his horse desperately in a race for his life.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Tullo. We'll help that man.

[Narrator]

As Silver shod hoofs pounded the plains, the masked man and Totto drew their guns and started firing from the saddle. The surprised Indians turned as bullets streaked close to them. Too close for comfort, they turned their ponies and headed for the hills. Their intended victim drew rein.

[Tonto]

Ho. Ho.

[Narrator]

He turned to thank his rescuers.

[Ed Creighton]

Thanks. Thanks a lot, mister. They almost got your mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

My mask needn't worry you.

[Ed Creighton]

You've proved yourself a Friend Todd and.

[The Lone Ranger]

I are planning to camp in the hills not far from here. Would you accept our hospitality?

[Ed Creighton]

I'll be glad to.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good. Let's go, Monsely.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Tonto made camp, their guest identified himself as Ed Creighton and explained that he was a line builder for Western Union. During the evening meal, Creighton was sure that he had found two men who could be trusted. He decided to speak frankly.

[Ed Creighton]

I told you, I work for Western Union.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, but why are you here? The telegraph line comes no farther west than Omaha.

[Ed Creighton]

Confidentially, we're planning to extend our line to the Pacific.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh?

[Ed Creighton]

I've been mapping the route for the transcontinental line. I'm on my way back to New York with a report from my boss, Hiram Sibley.

[The Lone Ranger]

What route have you chosen?

[Ed Creighton]

The pony express route from Omaha to San Francisco.

[The Lone Ranger]

San Francisco? A transcontinental wire linking the east and the West.

[Ed Creighton]

But there's one problem, and I'll admit I don't know how it can be solved.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Ed Creighton]

Indians. As we move our lines westward, we'll be at their mercy. They'll undoubtedly attack our work crews. Pull down the poles, cut the wires.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, not if they're friendly. Try to persuade them to fight on your side.

[Ed Creighton]

That's easier said than done.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toddle and I are acquainted with most of the tribes in the West. We may be able to help you.

[Ed Creighton]

Mister, if you would.

[The Lone Ranger]

Count on it. Creighton. When you return with your work crews, your telegraph poles and your wires, huddle, and I'll look for you.

[Narrator]

The next morning, Ed Creighton resumed his journey. He traveled on horseback, on stagecoach, by mule train and railroad. And when at length he reached New York in 1861, he gave Hiram Sibley a detailed report of his trip. Sibley took the report to Washington, where he secured an appointment with the President. When he was ushered into the chief executive's office, Hiram Sibley explained the plans of Western Union. Mr. Lincoln listened closely. Then he shook his head and said, Mrs. Sibley.

[Tonto]

You'll find no trees for telegraph poles on the plains.

[Ed Creighton]

Mr. President, we'll haul our trees to.

[Tonto]

The plains, and as fast as you string lines to them, the Indians will tear them down.

[Ed Creighton]

Indians have burned the homes of many.

[Narrator]

Settlers, but that didn't discourage pioneering.

[Ed Creighton]

We're aware of the difficulties ahead of us, sir, but we believe the job can be done.

[Tonto]

I envy your confidence, Mr. Sibley. I wish I might share it, but the future appears dark. Fort Sumter has been in the state of siege since January. Unless supplies are sent to our men, they'll be starved into surrender.

[Ed Creighton]

The Confederates will open fire if we provision the fort.

[Tonto]

Americans firing on their own flag. Brother against brother. Father against son. Civil war.

[Narrator]

The transcontinental telegraph is vitally important in.

[Ed Creighton]

Time of war, Mr. President.

[Tonto]

I admit that, Mr. Shibley. But war is imminent, perhaps only months away. Even if your scheme were practical, it would take 10 years to string lines to the west coast. Now go and prove that I am wrong.

[Narrator]

In that spring of 1861, the clouds of war were darker than most people reckoned. The rumble of catastrophe began in early April and increased in volume and intensity until the morning of the 13th day. It was 4:30 when artillery belched fire and smoke in shots at Fort Sumter. This was war. Lincoln called out 75,000 mills, factories, railroads swung into action to provision, equip and transport a nation at war. Now, more than ever before, rapid communication was required. Mail carried by even the fastest trains was far too slow. The Western Union telegraph offices, equipped by the magic of science for almost instantaneous communication, were swamped with urgent messages. The lines along the Eastern seaboard and west as far as Omaha hummed with official orders, reports and instructions. The telegraph lines ended at Omaha. Westward news traveled slowly. It was months before Fort Carney, Julesburg, Salt Lake City and Sacramento learned that Fort Sumter had fallen and the nation was marching to war. By that time, Hiram Sibley's transcontinental expedition rolled westward. Wagon trains scattered along the route Creighton had mapped. They carried poles, heavy reels of wire, insulators and batteries to the Plains, mountains and Indian infested wilderness. In Washington, President Lincoln frequently went in person to the telegraph office in the War Department. He often thought of Sibley and his hopes of spanning the nation with the magic wires. As he watched the brass key and the words transcribed by the operators. Mr. President, Jeff Davis is to be.

[Ed Creighton]

President of the Confederacy.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

North Carolina has seceded. And Virginia.

[Tonto]

South Carolina's withdrawn from the Union.

[Narrator]

Georgia seceded.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee.

[Tonto]

Is the west with the Union? What, Missouri, Utah, California?

[Narrator]

No one knows, Mr. President.

[Ed Creighton]

We haven't heard from the West.

[Tonto]

The nails, even the fastest, are slow. I would that Sibley might accomplish the impossible. But no, even with God's help, there is a limit to what can be wrought by mortal man.

[Narrator]

More and more of Mr. Lincoln's time was spent in the telegraph office of the War Department. Here On a warm July 31, the president waited tensely for the telegraph key to spell out the news of bull run. McDowell was in command of the Union soldiers, and everyone believed the general would win a glorious victory. Suddenly, the quiet key began to pound. Lincoln strolled across the room to stand beside it.

[Tonto]

What is it, Wilson? What's happening at Bull Run?

[Narrator]

It's bad news, Mr. President. The rebels have us on the run.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Our men are retreating.

[Tonto]

Paraguards won the battle.

[Narrator]

Retreat.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

The Rebels have beaten us.

[Tonto]

Our men are running away.

[Narrator]

The day is lost.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

The Yanks are falling back to the Potomac.

[Narrator]

The soldiers came back to Washington, weary, heartsick, defeated. Cartridge powder streaked their faces, and their ears still rung with the sound of gunfire. For many of the boys and men in the retreating army, it was the first taste of enemy shot. Mr. Lincoln was silent as he stood alone in the window of his office, watching the survivors. The wounded and the dead passed through the street. The mighty army of the Potomac was straggling back to the capital with defeat at its heels. Meanwhile, Hiram Sibley's expedition continued west. Ed Creighton was in charge of the construction of the eastern line with a man named Jim Gamble in charge of the western line. Work crews dug post holes and placed telegraph poles along the route traveled by the pony riders at a point between Fort Kearney and Julesburg. The long poles were planted and wire was strung loosely from post to post, hanging about six feet above ground. The weather had been extremely hot. Buffalo was scarce, and other game had disappeared. Three young braves, one of them, the son of Chief Eagle Feather, had spent the day searching for food. They were returning to their vill at sundown, racing their spirited ponies. Black Hawk, the chief's son, was in the lead. As he rode, he looked back over his shoulder, shouting to his companions. Black Hawk was challenging his friends to match his speed, to overtake him if they could. The young warrior didn't hear his friend's warning. Straight toward the line of poles and low hanging wire, he raced. Then suddenly, the wire caught Black Hawk across the chest. He gasped in pain and surprise and fell to the ground. His friends drew rein and hurried to his side, standing with his crew some distance away. Ed Creighton had seen the accident. He had mounted and quickly rode to join the two Indians and their fallen friend. He dismounted and moved to Black Hawk's side.

[Ed Creighton]

I saw you fall. How badly you hurt White man flying. Catch Black Hawk. Knock him from pony. He rode right into the wire. He'd been watching where he was.

[The Lone Ranger]

You go away.

[Ed Creighton]

I came here to help you, son of chief.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not one help.

[Ed Creighton]

You're the son of an Indian chief.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, Black Hawk, Son of Eagle Feather.

[Narrator]

Eagle Feather.

[Ed Creighton]

Great warrior. See here, Black Hawk. I'm sorry you spilled from your horse. He might have broken a couple of bones. Black Hawk. Sir. You go away. I'll help get him back to the village. We help back to village. Tell Chief Eagle Feather what happened to son.

[Narrator]

Creighton knew Black Hawk had been hurt. The force with which he had hit the wire must have injured his ribs, possibly breaking one or two. But worse than any physical injury was the humiliation Black Hawk had suffered with two of his friends as witnesses. He, the son of a chief, had been knocked from his horse and sent sprawling on the ground. A loss of dignity was enough to arouse any Indian. It would surely arouse the enmity of the Indian chief. That night, a scout named Soda joined Creighton as he stood beside the covered wagon, studying the horizon.

[Ed Creighton]

Look at those hills, boss. Every one of them is alight with engine signifier. I see them, Soda.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

You know what they mean? They mean trouble. Engine trouble.

[Ed Creighton]

I was afraid of this. I wish I knew where to look for them.

[Narrator]

You don't have to look for them, boss.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Those fires are blazing bright enough for anyone to see.

[Ed Creighton]

I'm not talking about fire, Soda. I'm thinking of men. A masked man and an Indian. They saved me from redskins once. And I have a feeling I'll need help again mighty soon.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Sam. Now to continue. The Lone Ranger and Tonto had been near Carson City when they heard that Ed Creighton and his crew were in the west, stringing the wire along the route the line builder had chosen on an earlier trip to the west. The masked man and Toto started east at once, planning to meet Creighton halfway between Julesburg and Fort Kearney. They sighted Indian signal fire. The Lone Ranger and Toto drew rein at the edge of the Indian village. They dismounted and made their way on foot past the wigwams that surrounded the consul ring. They Stopped and stood in the shadows of a wigwam. In the center, they saw Chief Eagle Feather wearing his war bonnet. And the painted warriors of the tribe gathered around the council fire, their attention fixed on the chief. Eagle Feather was spe.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Eagle Feather heap plenty man.

[Narrator]

What's he saying?

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Huddle Indians go hunting, find no food. White men put trees without branches on plains, drive away buffalo, all game.

[The Lone Ranger]

It has been a bad hunting season. The crops have withered in the ground for want of rain.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Eagle Feather blame white man for Indian trouble. Hints say him kill white man tear down poles. Them gonna start war dance.

[The Lone Ranger]

Eagle Feather must not go on the warpath. We'll try to reason with the chief. He'll remember us as friends. Come on, Toto. Let's hope he'll listen to us.

[Narrator]

In Washington, President Lincoln also faced a dilemma. Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the treasury, was in Lincoln's study. And Mr. Chase was discussing money.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Mr. President. Uniforms, weapons, ammunition, food must be paid for. Our treasury is nearly empty. I've tried to bring the matter to the attention of Congress. But the senators do not realize the seriousness of the situation. We need gold and silver desperately. But speculation has driven it from circulation.

[Tonto]

Mr. Chase, I know of only one place to secure more gold and silver. Where, sir?

[The Lone Ranger]

Tell me where.

[Tonto]

The western mines.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

I've thought of them, but we can't depend on the western mines. Indeed, we're not sure that the west stands with us.

[Tonto]

If we can know that California and Nevada and the territories of Colorado, Montana, Washington, Utah will be behind our efforts with all their vast gold and Silver Resources.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Mr. President, we must face reality. Without gold and silver, we'll have to issue paper money.

[Tonto]

There's nothing to back it up. That would destroy the value of our currency. Our money would become worthless paper.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

I see no alternative.

[Narrator]

As the President considered the problems of an empty treasury, Ed Creighton was confronted with disaster of a different sort. He and his crew of line builders were gathered around their supply wagons. Scouts had reported that Eagle Feather's braves were on the warpath. Fearing attack, Creighton spoke grimly to his men.

[Ed Creighton]

All of you men, stay close to the wagon. You stray from camp, you're likely to meet a war party and lose your scalps. Hey, boss, are you giving up the job and turning back?

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Not on your life.

[Ed Creighton]

We're going ahead. We continue setting the poles and stringing the wire. Now, if the redskins want to fight, we'll give it up. That's a tricket.

[Narrator]

We have rifles and plenty of ammunition.

[Ed Creighton]

And we'll pass out extra ammunition. Hank, break open those cartridge boxes. Right, boss.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

It's a mess, man.

[Ed Creighton]

You're covered, mister. Get your hands up close to your guns. You heard me. This man's a friend of mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Creighton. Easy said it before.

[Ed Creighton]

Mister, I'm glad to see you. We're having Indian troubles.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. Tunnel and I were in Eagle Feathers Village. Tado's there now taking care of Black Hawk. He persuaded them to wait for two days before attacking.

[Ed Creighton]

Thanks, Tono.

[Narrator]

For me, mister?

[Chief Eagle Feather]

That'll give us time to send for reinforcements.

[Ed Creighton]

We'll be able to get more men to help us fight.

[The Lone Ranger]

That isn't the reason Tono asked for the delay. Creighton, is your line working from here to Fort Kearney?

[Ed Creighton]

Yes, but Fort Kearney's two days travel from here.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Indians are hungry. In order to stretch the food on hand, Eagle Feathers rationed his people. Each member of the tribe receives enough to sustain life. But even that will be cut off in two days when their supplies are exhausted.

[Ed Creighton]

Well, I didn't know things were that bad in the village. We'll be glad to help.

[The Lone Ranger]

By helping them, you'll help yourselves.

[Ed Creighton]

You mean that we'll be able to win their friendship?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. And you'll be able to prove that the telegraph is the most wonderful white man's magic they've ever seen. After a demonstration, they'll believe that it's a power for good.

[Ed Creighton]

Just tell me what to do, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll bring Eagle Feather and a few of his men here.

[Narrator]

When the Lone Ranger returned to the Western Union workmen at daybreak, he brought with him Chief Eagle Feather and four braves. The Indians wore war paint and their eyes were flinty with suppressed anger as they looked at the men whom they blamed for their misfortunes. But they had promised the masked man to powwow in peace. They intended to keep their word. They watched silently as Creighton connected a battery box and small brass instruments to the slender wire.

[The Lone Ranger]

What him do you and your people use fire and smoke to send messages? That right? Well, my friend is about to send a message. His words will be carried many miles to a great city.

[Narrator]

The watching Indians tried hard to conceal their superstitious fear. As Creighton began to send a message, their fear was increased. Many folders. When a few moments later, the shining instruments began to sound with no one standing near. As the reply to Creighton's request came from Fort Kearney.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

What happened?

[The Lone Ranger]

A reply to my friend's message.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Me not see smoke or fire. How message sent.

[The Lone Ranger]

The words travel through the wire. Chief Eagle Feather might be interested in knowing the message you sent.

[Ed Creighton]

I asked for several wagons of food for the chief and his people.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

How food get here?

[Ed Creighton]

In wagons from Fort Carney.

[The Lone Ranger]

They should arrive in two days. When it comes, you and your people will know that the white man's medicine is strong and good.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

If medicine good, why it throw Black Hawk from pony?

[The Lone Ranger]

This telegraph wire was hanging about six feet from the ground. Black Hawk didn't see it and ran right into it.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

We wait and see how medicine work. We wait today. If food not come, Eagle Feather and braves go on warpaths.

[Narrator]

The pow wow ended. Eagle Feather and his men returned to the hills where they watched the crew on the plains below. The first day passed and the sun rose on the second. From time to time, Ed Creighton sat down at the telegraph instrument and checked the progress of the wagon train with men who were stationed on the line between this point and Fort Kearney. Chief Eagle Feather watched the horizon and with him the Lone Ranger. It was nearly sundown when the grim.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Faced chief said, white man lie to this chief. Food not come for Indian.

[The Lone Ranger]

The sun hasn't set, Chief Eagle Feather. There's still time for the wagons to come.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

When sun go down, my people fight tear down white man's medicine. We.

[Narrator]

As the chief spoke, the big wagons came into view. The Lone Ranger saw them and smiled. Chief Eagle Feather saw them and stared in wide eyed amazement in camp with his men. Ed Creighton saw them and shouted, There it is, boy.

[Ed Creighton]

The wagon train from Fort Kearney.

[Narrator]

We don't have to fight the redskins.

[Ed Creighton]

This will put him on our side.

[Narrator]

The Western Union men escorted the wagons to the Indian village. Bonfires were built and for the first time in many weeks, the Indians had food enough for everyone in the tribe. Chief Eagle Feathers stood in the console ring with the Lone Ranger and Ed Creighton. Creighton said, this is the first of.

[Ed Creighton]

A series of wagon trains, Chief. We'll keep you supplied with food till the dry spell's ended and you have crops enough to feed your people.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

No this Chief, no. White man's medicine plenty strong. Plenty good. Me glad masked friend and Tonto come stop Indians from starting war.

[The Lone Ranger]

There'll be no war, Chief.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

That right?

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Narrator]

Now what, Ed?

[Ed Creighton]

Now we'll go back to work, mister. And I hope you'll stay with us till the job is done.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tottenham will be nearby, but from now on it's up to you and your men.

[Ed Creighton]

From now on you'll see real speed, mister.

[Narrator]

Word of the power of the telegraph Spread rapidly among the western tribes. As the work progressed, the Lone Ranger and Tato found increasing numbers of Indians ready to help make white man's medicine. There was an abundance of manpower to cut and trim trees, haul them into position and set them firmly in hose. August passed, and then September, the line was extended to South Pass and Fort Bridger. While Jim Gamble's crew strung wire from San Francisco, Sacramento, Carson City and Fort Ruby, Creighton and Gamble raced to close the gap linking the line from east to west. In New York City, Hiram Sibley maintained telegraphic contact with Creighton and with President Lincoln in Washington, he reported to the President how the friendship of the Indians had been won. And then one day in October, the President was in the War Department telegraph room with Salmon Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury. Both men were hollow eyed from worry and lack of sleep.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Mr. President, here is an intelligence report. That is the realization of my worst fear. The rebels have sent agents abroad to enlist the aid of England and France. England and France are sympathetic to their cause. The Confederates are capitalizing on that sympathy. They're trying to borrow European gold.

[Narrator]

Mr. President.

[Tonto]

Yes, what is it, Wilson?

[Narrator]

Messages are coming from the west, sir.

[Tonto]

From Omaha?

[Narrator]

No, sir. From far beyond Omaha. Here, sir. This is from Utah.

[Tonto]

Utah? Let me have it.

[Narrator]

There are other messages coming through. Lincoln took the message, and as he read it, Secretary Chase saw the rugged face relax. The president looked up, and there was new hope in the eyes that had known anxiety and troubled grief.

[Tonto]

Mr. Chase, you were worried about the Confederates finding financing their war effort with foreign gold. Sir, we shall finance the Union with our own gold and silver.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

But, Mr. President, how.

[Tonto]

This message is from Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. It says, Utah stands firm with the Union.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Gold and silver from loyal Utah.

[Narrator]

Here are other messages, Mr. President.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Mr. President. With Utah, we are assured of the support of that territory west of Omaha. As far as California.

[Tonto]

Yes, Mr. Chairs.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

If only the telegraph were finished all the way.

[Tonto]

It is. Our nation is connected from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

California, sir. How? Where?

[Tonto]

This message is from Chief Justice Stephen Field in California. He says that California pledges her loyalty and her resources to the Union.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

Then the telegraph has been extended to California. But it cannot stand. The western Indians are hostile. They'll tear down the poles, cut the wire.

[Tonto]

Yes, that's what I thought. But Mr. Sibley informed me that the friendship of the Indians has been won.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

But how?

[Tonto]

Mr. Sibley reported that one man was responsible for winning the cooperation of the Indians. A mask man, sir.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

I've heard of a mysterious mask rider in the West. He's helped several officials in the government before.

[Tonto]

He's helped us again.

[Chief Eagle Feather]

To think of it a nation united. Now, sir, if the Confederate States of the south were back with us, they.

[Tonto]

Shall be, Mr. Chase. The struggle may be long, it may be bitter, but with the aid of Western resources, we are assured of victory. The future will see a truly United States of America, thanks to the efforts of the Lone Ranger.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Tonto]

Sam.