Although Paul Revere is better known due to the epic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Bissell was the subject of the less well known “Ride, Israel, Ride,” an epic poem by Marie Rockwood of Stockbridge.
Israel Bissell (1752–1823) was a patriot post rider in Massachusetts who brought news to American colonists of the British attack on April 19, 1775. He reportedly rode for four days and six hours covering the 345 miles from Watertown, Massachusetts to Philadelphia along the Old Post Road, shouting “To arms, to arms, the war has begun,” and carrying a message from General Joseph Palmer which was copied at each of his stops and redistributed
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Bissell
Izzy gets no respect.
345 miles on a Thoroughbred is kicking some serious ass.
The Pony Express riders out here changed out quarter horses after 10-15 miles sometimes, depending on the terrain.
Flat out in the dark is some balls to the wall stuff...
Good thing horses see better than I do at night.