Time to Ride the Pony Express

Author's Note: In social studies we had to write about something that happened during the Westward Expansion time. I decided to choose the Pony Express. One of my goals in L.A was to write in a different Point of View. In this essay, I wrote in the point of view of the mail carrier. 

“Alright boy, this will be your last time ever delivering mail along the pony express.” spoke Alexander Mayors. He was one of my many bosses that I truly enjoyed working with, but when the first telegram was sent out, we were shut down (Pony Express Debuts). My other two bosses were William Bradford Waddell and William H. Russell (Pony Express Debuts), and I truly loved working with all three of them. Everyone that worked here was like family to me. We all traveled together; along with the ponies, of course. Today is my last day, but I wish it wasn’t over yet. On my journey today, I will taking mail from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri (Pony Express). I am John, a 15 year old boy, and this is my story.

Thinking back to myself, I remember the first time Mayors had come and asked me to be one of the first 200 riders (Pony Express), and being excited to be one of the first people to work on the Pony Express. I almost felt as if I was on top of the world. Those words had meant so much to me since my family could have used the extra $25 per month I make (Pony Express Debuts).  My family wasn’t very rich and we lived on the outskirt of a tiny little city. We owned a farm so I knew animals really well, especially horses. On the farm, I always was the one to clean the stables and feed the horses. Once I had finished all my chores for the day, my ma and pop would let me ride a few of the horses all over the farm. One horse that I would always ride was named, Brownie. He was a tall, muscular horse, and always friendly. Even though, he was a young horse he was wise for his age. We would do everything together and when I was offered the job as the rider, I knew he wasn’t going to be able to be with me. Every time I think about leaving him on the farm, I know I have to do something for him to come with me.

Besides, I heard that they took 500 of the best horses (Pony Express)around and I knew he could be one. The next day had come and it was March 28, 1860. I was told that the Pony Express was to begin its first day on April 3, 1860 (Pony Express Debuts) so I had to hurry and talk to Mayors. I figured it would be a good idea to ride Brownie to Mayor’s house. Hopefully, I had thought right. Brownie trotted along to Mayor’s house and within an hour or so we were there. I jumped off of Brownie and headed to the door. Mayor’s had opened the door and to my disbelief looked very stressed out. I didn’t have to time to ask any more questions then I needed to so I questioned him, “Hello there Mr. Mayors. I know that is unexpected but I would just like to say that my horse, Brownie, would be a perfect fit for the Pony Express. He is a tall and muscular horse, sir. Would you mind if he could be one the horses?” To my disbelief again, he was thrilled and said “Yes, he can John.” I shook his hand with dignity and pride, knowing that my best friend and I will be going through this together.” 

Today was finally April 3, the first day of the Pony Express. I hopped out of my bed and began my daily routine. After I had finished brushing my teeth, I had to get Brownie ready for the day ahead of us. Once, that was all finished we headed off to Mayor’s house to grab the mail we were to deliver. Brownie was going to have to carry 20 pounds of mail (Pony Express Debuts) along with me. We had arrived at Mayor’s house and had grabbed the mail we were to deliver. The trip was going to take about 10 days and 1,800 miles (Pony Express Debuts). Although, it was 1,800 miles the horses were switched out every 10-15 miles and the riders were switched out every 75-100 miles (Pony Express Debuts). I knew we were prepared for this day and the rest to come. 

Eventually, 18 months passed and now we are here back to present day, the last day of the Pony Express (Pony Express). I had made a total of $450 and was very happy with that. The money had helped my family in many ways. I feel that the money was a good amount since the initial cost was $5 per every half-once of mail (Pony Express Mail). I was very satisfied with the time I had and the journey I had made, although the Pony Express lost over $200,000. This is something I will truly never forgot and hopefully no one ever will. It was the beginning of something new and I hope that America keeps pushing forward with new things.