(PONY EXPRESS.) Waddell, William B.; Russell, William H. and Majors, Alexander. Manuscript document signed by each, an agreement to bec

(PONY EXPRESS.) Waddell, William B.; Russell, William H. and Majors, Alexander. Manuscript document signed by each, an agreement to become copartners in "outfitting persons, teams or trains across the plains." 3 pages on 2 folio sheets, blue paper, joined at the top edge; usual folds. With a postscript dated 10 April 1855, signed by each, amending the agreement to establish a "dry goods, grocery and outfitting business at Leavenworth City." Lexington, MO, 28 December 1854

the foundation agreement creating the progenitor of the pony express. In 1854, Quartermaster General Thomas Jesup revamped the Army's system for hiring civilian contractors to transport military supplies. Instead of hiring the contractor with the lowest bid on a job by job basis (as had been done since 1848), a single two-year contract was granted to a civilian firm for all western and southwestern freighting. "[N]o single experienced individual or firm of contractors in western Missouri was financially able to handle such a contract alone. Thus the new plan drew together the three men in the freighting business who, together, were best qualified . . . By this comprehensive agreement the signatories launched one of the most brilliant enterprises in the history of the West"--Settle, War Drums, pp 39-40.
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