Billy Richardson ; From the West Virginia Mountains came the early morning mail.

voice ; -41- Collected by Raymond W. Whittier For M.C. Parlor Transcribed by Raymond W. Whittier Sung by? Irene Sargent West Fork, Arkansas December 9, 1960 Reel 303 Item 18 Billy Richardson From the West Virginia Mountains came the early morning mail. Old number three was west bound, the fastest on the rail. He pulled right into Hinton, was a junction on the line, With his bawlin', mountain engine, left Hinton right on time. Billy Richardson at Hinton was called to take the run. To pull the fastest mail train from there to Huntington. His fireman in reported for duty on the line, And giving his train orders, left Hinton right on time. Said Billy to the fireman it's I would happy be, If I could die while pulling a train like number three. I'd like to die on duty, right in my cab so free, While pulling to Montgomery on westbound number three. Said the fireman then to Billy, you know you're old and grey. Tour name is on the pension list, you should retire someday. Said Billy to the fireman, the truth I'm telling you. I must die right in my engine cab and nothing else will do. While pulling down Hew River came westbound number three. By Thurman and by Cotton Belt no danger could he see. His head then struck a mail train while pulling down the line. He'll never make his run agian to Huntington on time. He pulled the fastest time freight, he pulled the U.S. Mail. He pulled the fast excursion to the music of the rail. He lost his life on duty, right in his cab so free, While pulling to Montgomery on westbound number three. How ladies if your husband is a railroad engineer, You know his life's in danger and death is ever near. You know he loves you truly and when he's by your side, Remember well that his next run may be his farewell ride. ; Funding for digitization provided by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Happy Hollow Foundation.