Literary Las Vegas: William Post

Las Vegas writer William Post grew up in Colorado City, Texas. After going to college at Texas A&M, he served in the U.S. Navy and then became a land surveyor for the Southern Pacific Railroad. His work took him to the wilds of New Mexico, Arizona and California. Information gleaned from his travels to Vicksburg, Miss., and Gettysburg, Pa., can be found in the Civil War novel “The Gray Fox.”

Roy Fox delivered horses all over Virginia and its bordering states for his family’s elite horse ranch.

When the Civil War breaks out, the 17-year-old is asked to use his knowledge of the area’s terrain to carry messages to Confederate leaders. His elusiveness in evading Union capture earns him the title “The Gray Fox.”

Excerpt:

Junior said, “My boys are the backbone of this horse ranch, I would have to shut down if you take them. I will be able to furnish hundreds of horses and mules to the army, but if you take my boys, I’ll just shut down the ranch until the war is over. So make your choice.”

The major rubbed his chin and said, “Okay, but I want that young boy who delivers horses. You won’t need him as we will be picking up the horses at your ranch. I hear he knows Virginia and the surrounding states better than anyone. We need him to run messages to our generals. I was talking to a man in town and he said that boy has the fastest and smartest horse in America. He won’t be in combat, but he will be essential to the war effort.”

“Will he be an officer?” Junior asked.

“No, our messengers are all enlisted men,” the major answered.

“Well, this one will be a lieutenant, because you are not only taking my boy, but also the best horse on the ranch.”

“You’re a hard man, Fox, but I will commission him as I don’t have time to stand here and argue with you.”

“I can assure you, he will be worth his weight in gold.”