A Ride With A Mad Horse In A Freight-Car 1898   By: W. H. H. (William Henry Harrison) Murray (1840-1904)

In "A Ride With A Mad Horse In A Freight-Car," author W. H. H. Murray takes readers on a thrilling and captivating journey through the wilderness. Published in 1898, this travelogue serves as a testament to Murray's incredible storytelling ability and keen observations of nature and human behavior.

What sets this book apart is Murray's distinct writing style. He effortlessly weaves together vivid descriptions, emotional insights, and philosophical musings, creating an immersive reading experience. From the very first page, readers are transported to the heart of the untamed wilderness, feeling the rush of the wind and the scent of the woods.

At the center of the narrative is Murray's own personal experience of hitching a ride on a freight-car, alongside a wild and untamed horse. This daring adventure becomes not only a physical challenge but also a metaphorical reflection on life's unpredictability and the quest for personal freedom. The gripping tale unfolds with excitement and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to know what happens next.

But "A Ride With A Mad Horse In A Freight-Car" is more than just a thrilling travelogue. Murray seamlessly incorporates a deep reverence for nature, emphasizing the need for preservation and conservation. He paints a vivid picture of the wild landscape, showcasing its beauty and highlighting the importance of preservation for future generations. Through his eloquent prose, Murray elevates the book beyond a simple adventure story, making it a call to action for readers to protect and cherish the natural world.

Moreover, Murray's astute observations of human nature add a layer of depth to the narrative. As he encounters individuals from diverse walks of life during his journey, he reflects on the human condition and the interplay between society and the wilderness. He prompts readers to ponder their own place in the world and their relationship with nature, leaving a lasting impact.

While some readers might find the book's language and writing style dated, it is undeniably a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate in the present day. Murray's prose possesses a poetic quality that harkens back to a bygone era, lending an air of nostalgia and romanticism to his words.

Overall, "A Ride With A Mad Horse In A Freight-Car" is a remarkable book that transcends its time. W. H. H. Murray's ability to transport readers to the heart of nature, blend adventure with philosophy, and craft an enduring call to preserve our environment sets this travelogue apart. Whether a lover of wilderness, a seeker of exhilarating stories, or a contemplative soul, readers will find themselves deeply moved by this captivating tale.

First Page:

It was at the battle of Malvern Hill a battle where the carnage was more frightful, as it seems to me, than in any this side of the Alleghanies during the whole war that my story must begin. I was then serving as Major in the th Massachusetts Regiment the old th, as we used to call it and a bloody time the boys had of it too. About 2 p. m. we had been sent out to skirmish along the edge of the wood in which, as our generals suspected, the Rebs lay massing for a charge across the slope, upon the crest of which our army was posted. We had barely entered the underbrush when we met the heavy formations of Magruder in the very act of charging. Of course, our thin line of skirmishers was no impediment to those onrushing masses. They were on us and over us before we could get out of the way. I do not think that half of those running, screaming masses of men ever knew that they had passed over the remnants of as plucky a regiment as ever came out of the old Bay State. But many of the boys had good reason to remember that afternoon at the base of Malvern Hill, and I among the number; for when the last line of Rebs had passed over me, I was left among the bushes with the breath nearly trampled out of me and an ugly bayonet gash through my thigh; and mighty little consolation was it for me at that moment to see the fellow who ran me through lying stark dead at my side, with a bullet hole in his head, his shock of coarse black hair matted with blood, and his stony eyes looking into mine... Continue reading book >>