And how am I to know it wasn't a raid by thieves? The cabin was attacked by a war party...

Colonel Munro: And how am I to know it wasn't a raid by thieves? Hawkeye: The cabin was attacked by a war party fighting with the French. They're sweeping south along the frontier attacking farms and Mohawk villages, all the men are stuck here. Colonel Munro: I need proof more convincing than this man's opinion before I weaken the fort's defenses by releasing the militia. Jack Winthrop: Chingachgook had the same opinion about the raid; taken together that's gospel. Your fort will stand or fall depending on Webb's reinforcements, not the presence of the Colonials. Colonel Munro: I judge military matters here, not you. Hawkeye: Your judgment is not more important than their right under agreement with Webb to defend their farms and families. Major Hayward was there, he was at John Cameron's, he saw what it was. Colonel Munro: What exactly did you see Major? Duncan: [glancing at Cora] I saw nothing that would lead me to the conclusion that it was other than a raid by savages bent on thievery. Hawkeye: You're a liar. Colonel Munro: [as Duncan lunges for Hawkeye] Major! [to Hawkeye] Colonel Munro: Montcalm is a soldier and a gentleman, not a butcher. Hawkeye: Easy for you to suppose, it's their women and children on the farms, not yours! Colonel Munro: You forget yourself, sir. Jack Winthrop: We're not forgetting Webb's promise. Colonel Munro: British promises are honored. And the militia will not be released, because I need more definite proof than this man's word. Jack Winthrop: Nathaniel's word's been good on the frontier a long time before you got here. Colonel Munro: This meeting is over, the militia stays. Jack Winthrop: Does the rule of English law no longer govern? Has it been replaced by absolutism? Hawkeye: If English law cannot be trusted maybe these people would do better making their own peace with the French. Duncan: That is sedition! Hawkeye: That is the truth. Duncan: I'll have you beaten from this fort! Hawkeye: Someday, I think you and I are going to have a serious disagreement. Colonel Munro: Anyone fomenting or advocating the leaving of Fort William Henry will be hung for sedition. Anyone actually CAUGHT leaving will be shot for desertion. Now my decision is final. Get out!