Stagecoach Etiquette

The best seat inside a stage is the one next to the driver. Even if you have a tendency to sea-sickness when riding backwards – you’ll get over it and will get less jolts and jostling. Don’t let “sly elph” trade you his mid-seat.

In cold weather, don’t ride with tight-fitting boots, shoes or gloves. When the driver asks you to get off and walk, do so without grumbling, he won’t request it unless absolutely necessary. If the team runs away – sit still and take your chances. If you jump, nine out of ten times you will get hurt.

In very cold weather abstain entirely from liquor when on the road, because you will freeze twice as quickly when under its influence.

Don’t growl at the food received at the station – stage companies generally provide the best they can get.

Don’t keep the stage waiting.

Don’t smoke a strong pipe inside the coach.

Spit on the leeward side…

Don’t lean or lop over neighbours when sleeping.

Take small change to pay expenses.

Never shoot on the road as the noise might frighten the horses. Don’t discuss politics or religion.

Don’t point out where murders have been committed, especially if there are women passengers.

Don’t lag at the wash basin. Don’t grease your hair, because travel is dusty. Don’t imagine for a moment that you are going on a picnic. Expect annoyances, discomfort and some hardships.

[The Case of the Deadly Desperados features stagecoach action in the very first chapters. This Western Mystery for kids aged 9 - 90 is available in hardback, Kindle and audio download. It will be published by Putnam's in the USA in February 2012.]

Trailer for the first Western Mystery, The Case of the Deadly Desperados

2012-12-03 09:22:23

Source: http://flavias.blogspot.com/2011/08/stagecoach-etiquette.html