This episode rewinds the clock and takes another view of the war. This conflict involves two significant areas of operation. One was the east coast of Mexico, and the second is the west coast of North America. We head back to 1845 and follow the path of a Marine who the U.S. President trusted with a secret mission. Archibald Gillespie is one of the most influential figures in California's conquest, but someone you rarely hear about in the Marine Corps. This episode introduces this Marine and sets the stage for the invasion of California.