A lesson on the Pony Express

"While I am in the employ of A. Majors, I agree not to use profane language, not to get drunk, not to gamble, not to treat animals cruelly and not to do anything else that is incompatible with the conduct of a gentleman. And I agree, if I violate any of the above conditions, to accept my discharge without any pay for my services."

Wow! That is an oath that was sworn by the Pony Express riders when they accepted a job. Can you imagine signing an oath like that today? This could be a good idea for our leaders of today.

I have never thought much about the Pony Express other than just seeing them in movies or television shows. But, recently I was watching an old western and it was about the Pony Express. It sparked my interest so I did some research and what I found was very interesting. I would like to encourage you, if you enjoy history as I do, to read for yourself some of the things I have learned as this column will not permit all the details.

I knew it was a mail service, but I never knew how it worked. I learned it was founded by William Russell, Alexander Majors, and William Waddell In April 1860.

In 1860, there were about 157 Pony Express stations that were approximately 10 miles apart along the route. This was just about the distance a horse could travel at a gallop before tiring. I might add that horses have also played a big roll in the history of the world.

At each station stop, the rider would change to a fresh horse taking only the mail pouch called a 'mochila' which means pouch or backpack. It could hold 20 pounds of mail and 20 pounds of other items. These could include a water sack, a Bible, a horn for alerting the relay station master to prepare the next horse, a revolver, and a choice of a rifle or another revolver. The riders rode night and day.

Mail was delivered from St. Joseph, Missouri across the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Sacramento, California then back to St. Joseph all on horseback.

I am always amazed at the great, courageous people who developed this great country of ours and the struggles they had to face with none of our modern day conveniences. Actually, it boggles my mind to think how they performed and accomplished the things they did. Seems as though before I can accomplish anything, I have to have things near perfect, which, of course, is impossible.

These young men faced many hardships. Some of the worst were Indian attacks and ambushes. It was very dangerous and hard work. In fact, one famous advertisement read..."Wanted: Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Takes my breath just to think of the courage these young men had.

How hard it must have been for those who had families. The heartbreak of never seeing their sons, brothers, or grandsons again. Seems to me as though young men have always sacrificed for our country in one way or another. Like the young men of all our wars who have left behind their whole world to defend our country and to protect our freedom as well as the freedom of others. They have stepped up to serve not knowing if they will ever step foot on our hallowed ground again or see their loved ones. Or if they do, with all the battle scars they carry for the rest of their lives . If not physical, the mental and emotional torment they must live with.

The Pony Express was just one phase of the beginning of our magnificent country. It ended in October, 1861. Our people were and still are very courageous.

My heroes in this column are the young people, both male and female, who have given us the world as we have known it for many years. We must all stand for what is right and good to keep our homeland "home of the brave and the free."

Until next time, see ya somewhere in a "korner."

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