Pete Jessup works for Luther Bishop as the main ranch hand. He helps cause problems with the Cartwrights by cutting down trees on Ponderosa land. He finds out that Amy Bishop is secretly meeting with Little Joe and attempts to put an end to it. However his motives to stop the relationship is purely a selfish one as Jessup has always loved Amy and assults her in the barn with the intent to rape her. Little Joe saves her from this act however during a fight with Jessup, Amy is seriously wounded when Jessup throws a pitchfork meant for Little Joe in her direction.