(PONY EXPRESS.) Waddell, William B. and Russell, William H. Manuscript document signed by both, an agreement to become partners in a bu

(PONY EXPRESS.) Waddell, William B. and Russell, William H. Manuscript document signed by both, an agreement to become partners in a business transporting supplies to "Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Utah." 4 pages on two folio sheets, with an additional docketing leaf, the three joined at the top edge; usual folds. Lexington, MO, 7 March 1857

the partnership agreement to supply the army during the utah expedition. Settle states that the 1854 agreement was "continued by mutual consent" and that "a new one was not necessary" (War Drums, page 49). Nevertheless, Waddell and Russell signed this agreement 10 days after being granted the government contract for all freighting west of the Missouri in 1857 -- an ill-fated deal with long repercussions for the firm. Attempting to supply the army's Utah Expedition in the Fall of 1857, the unprotected supply trains were attacked by bands of Mormon militia, resulting in enormous financial losses for Waddell & Russell. However, it was these losses which led, in part, to the formation of the Pony Express, as the firm attempted to recoup monies owed to them by the government in the form of mail contracts.
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