“The cholera had broken out at the post, and five or six men were dying daily.”

We had avoided discovery by the Sioux scouts, and we were confident of giving them a complete surprise.

The greatest of all the Sioux in my time, or in any time for that matter, was that wonderful old fighting man, Sitting Bull, whose life will some day be written by a historian who can really give him his due.

General Custer was a close observer and student of personal character.

Excitement was plentiful during my two years’ service as a Pony Express rider.

Having secured my Indian actors, I started for Baltimore, where I organized my combination, and which was the largest troupe I had yet had on the road.

My debut upon the world’s stage occurred on February 26th, 1845.

As a good horse is not very apt to jump over a bank, if left to guide himself, I let mine pick his own way.

I found Spotted Tail’s lodge. He invited me to enter.

Frontiersmen good and bad, gunmen as well as inspired prophets of the future, have been my camp companions. Thus, I know the country of which I am about to write as few men now living have known it.

Major North has had for years complete power over these Indians and can do more with them than any man living.

But the love of adventure was in father’s blood.

Don’t ever say you are sorry for “being caught in the moment”. Because, at that moment, that is EXACTLY where you wanted to be.

My restless, roaming spirit would not allow me to remain at home very long.

But the West of the old times, with its strong characters, its stern battles and its tremendous stretches of loneliness, can never be blotted from my mind.

The Free State men, myself among them, took it for granted that Missouri was a slave state.

After crossing the Smoky Hill River, I felt comparatively safe as this was the last stream I had to cross.

I have decorated your absence with every flower you hate. I end up hating em all.

I think perhaps I will always hold a candle for you – even until it burns my hand. And when the light has long since gone I will be there in the darkness holding what remains, quite simply because I cannot let go.

This heaviness is too much for one soul.

I didn’t love you to seek revenge. I didn’t love you out of loneliness or unhappiness. I didn’t love you for any of the misguided reasons that time might convince you I did. I just loved you because you’re you.

It’s times like this when it’s over a year later and I’m still crying over you that I want to turn to you and say: See – This is why I asked you never to kiss me.

My heart’s been empty since you left – but still I refuse to put up a vacancy sign. I’m just not ready for anybody else to move in yet.

It’s funny how we say a person ‘made’ us when they actually broke us. Sort of like how I say ‘funny’ – but I actually mean sad.

All I’ve ever wanted was a little of your time and a lot of your love.