Sign the Pledge - Carry the Mail
In today’s world, the idea of making a pledge has been nearly lost. Although in my little part of the world kids still say the Pledge of Allegiance at school. But in the days of old it was quite a different story. Pledges were part of signing on to many jobs and a part of all or most all government jobs, regardless of what level of government the position might be.
Before hauling their first bag of mail for the Pony Express each rider read, or had read to him, the following pledge.
“I do hereby swear before the great and living God that during my engagement with Russell, Majors, and Waddell, I will under no circumstances use profane language; that I will drink no intoxicating liquors; that I will not quarrel or fight with the other employees of the firm; and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful in my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers. So help me God.”
After signing the pledge each rider was given a Bible with a handshake and sent on their way.
The Pony Express lasted but 19 months, but hundreds of books, (Amazon lists 2,350), movies, and television shows featured the Pony Express mail delivery.
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| The Pony Express gathered up the best horses they could find. But no Mares as shown in the photo |
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