Clay Stafford was born in New Orleans, he was the first born to Marie Cartwright. Unfortunately for her, when Clay was born she was told he was stillborn. Clay's grandparents took him from her and told Marie he'd died so she wouldn't pursue him. When Clay was old enough to ask about his mother he was told she was dead. Clay arrives in Virginia City looking for a job. He pays particular attention to Little Joe. The Cartwrights have come to recruit people for a round up but the mines pay more & Ben is struggling to hire people. Clay chooses to join the round up.