The Pony Express

Jeremiah: a young boy who watches his father every day, taking notes for his future. He was only 10 but had the enthusiasm of a 19 year old. He loved watching his dad, thinking,"That's what I'll be doing in a few years. I'll be the best mail deliverer ever!" It was one thing for him to say it as a little kid, but his family wondered if he'd actually go through with it. Jeremiah would talk about the delivering mail all day everyday. He loved with a passion, yet he wasn't even doing it yet. His parents wished and prayed that he'd still be this passionate about the pony express when he turned 19.

Tomorrow was Jeremiah’s 19^th birthday and that’s when he would start working for the Pony Express. They hired about 200 riders, so he was sure he’d be one of them. They also had about 500 of the finest horses. He was so excited to finally begin his life; tomorrow was the beginning of the rest of his life. Jeremiah knew it was a long journey of about 2,000 miles in about 8 days, so he packed accordingly.

Today was the day, the day his life truly began. Today was his 19^th birthday and he started the mail business, the pony express. Their journey went from Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California. Throughout their journey, Jeremiah knew that they had to pass through Native American territory and he hoped that wouldn’t be an issue. He wanted no harm to the Native American’s, but he knew they didn’t know that.

The person in charge of everything was just telling them some facts they would need to know about the business, “the letters are written on very thin paper, so be sure not to rip them! Also, mail is very expensive now-a days, about $10 per ounce. Make sure you collect all of the money!” After the leaders speech, we set out on our 8 day trip. They started out on bumpy roads and fields, then came the forest. Jeremiah was nervous to enter the woods, afraid that a Native American would shoot an arrow through him for no apparent reason. He slowly entered the woods, being very careful and keeping an eye out for Native Americans. He was half way through, then three quarters and then he was leaving. He went though without any problems. Jeremiah was lucky, although he knew next time his luck might be different.

At the end of his mail journey, he ended up in Sacramento, California, a place he’s never been before. He liked getting out of his home town; where he was born and where he’s been ever since. Jeremiah loved his new job and knew he wanted to do this for the rest of his life. Although he knew it could be dangerous going in the woods on the Native American’s territory, he thought it was worth it. He’s wanted to do this since he was 10 and he wasn’t going to let his father down now. He would make his father proud if it was the last thing Jeremiah did.