The Mule: A Treatise on the Breeding, Training, and Uses to Which He May Be Put

In Short

This is a nineteenth-century manual dedicated to the welfare and management of the mule. Written by a man with thirty years of field experience, it provides a rigorous critique of the era's brutal treatment of these animals, especially within government army trains. By detailing proper methods for breaking, feeding, shoeing, and medical care, the author argues that humanity toward the animal is not merely a moral imperative but a pragmatic necessity for economic and military efficiency. It remains a fascinating historical window into the logistics of mid-1800s American life.

The Story

The narrative begins as a plea for reform. The author, writing from Washington in 1867, observes that while the mule is the "great friend of man" in war and peace, it is also the most abused animal in service. He posits that the widespread perception of the mule as "stubborn" is a fabrication born of human ignorance. Mules do not refuse to work out of malice; they resist when they are in pain, confused, or frightened by the "unmerciful" behavior of incompetent teamsters.

The arc of the book follows the life cycle of a working mule. It starts with the colt, emphasizing the importance of early trust-building and gentle handling. From here, the scope widens to the systemic failures of the government’s military transport operations. The author recounts his own experiences—such as a grueling 1858 march to Utah—to highlight how young, untrained mules are prematurely broken by exhaustion and improper gear. He argues that the government loses countless animals annually, not because of the animals’ inherent weaknesses, but because of a lack of certification for teamsters and the use of poorly designed bits and collars that cause lasting physical injury.

As the text progresses, it moves from philosophy to technical instruction. The author breaks down the anatomy of the mule's suffering: the "split mouth" caused by thin, wire-like bits; the "poll-evil" triggered by bad handling; and the various diseases, such as glanders or stringhalt, that are often aggravated by neglect. He offers detailed, practical guidance on how to fit a collar, how to shoe a hoof properly to mimic nature, and how to use a wagon-brake to prevent the chaos of locking wheels on hills.

The story concludes with an analytical look at the records of the Washington Depot, providing tables of data that quantify the death and loss of animals. The author presents "portraits" of celebrated mules, illustrating how some animals, despite horrific conditions, show remarkable endurance when properly cared for. The final chapters act as a diagnostic reference, guiding the reader through the identification and non-invasive treatment of ailments. The overarching message is clear: the mule is a creature of immense potential that is only ever as "good" or "bad" as the person holding the reins.

How It Unfolds

The moral imperative The author establishes his central premise: the mule’s perceived stubbornness is a direct response to human cruelty. He insists that kindness is the most effective tool for both the animal’s comfort and the owner’s profit.

The systemic failure The focus shifts to the government’s transport trains, where incompetent teamsters and ill-fitting gear cause widespread destruction. The author argues that the military should require certifications for those tasked with managing these animals.

The anatomy of abuse A technical deep dive follows, explaining how improper bits split the mouths of mules and how poorly fitted collars waste the animal’s health. These sections provide specific, actionable advice on dimensions and materials for a humane harness.

The reality of the trail Drawing on personal experience in Utah and the Pacific Northwest, the author debunks myths about the mule’s unlimited endurance. He provides evidence that overworking animals, especially under the pressure of poor leadership, destroys their utility.

The veterinary guide The final portion functions as a medical manual, covering everything from the symptoms of glanders to the treatment of sore tongues. The author emphasizes natural remedies and the avoidance of harsh, "imaginary" cures.

The People

The book centers on two distinct classes of individuals. First is the "competent teamster," a rarity in the author’s estimation, who treats his animals with patience, understands the mechanics of a harness, and knows when to stop to water his team. Standing in his way is the "ignorant teamster," a common figure in government employ who treats animals with the whip, values the sound of a cracking lash over the health of his team, and possesses no knowledge of basic grooming or handling.

The "Government" acts as an indifferent, often negligent overseer, represented by the boards of officers who design faulty equipment. The author acts as the bridge between these groups, serving as a seasoned mentor who has spent thirty years observing the consequences of their interactions. By the end, the author emerges as a staunch advocate for the mule, attempting to turn the reader—whether they be a private owner or an army official—into a more informed, empathetic guardian of these animals.

In Its Own Voice

"Popular opinion of his nature has not been favorable; and he has had to plod and work through life against the prejudices of the ignorant."

The author describes the reputation of the mule in the book's opening, suggesting that the animal's negative perception is a result of human bias rather than the animal's own nature.

"The young, unbroken mule cannot be made to understand what you are whipping him for."

This appears in a chapter regarding the breaking of young colts, emphasizing the futility and cruelty of using a whip as a primary training tool.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for systemic empathy. The author asserts that the treatment of "dumb animals" is a direct reflection of a society's intelligence and morality. By linking the suffering of the mule to the inefficiency of the government, he moves the conversation away from sentimentality and into the realm of civic duty. He asks the reader to consider that the "stubbornness" of the world often stems from those in positions of power who lack the knowledge or the patience to manage the resources entrusted to them. It is a treatise on the necessity of expertise, the danger of unchecked authority, and the fundamental belief that efficiency is best achieved through stewardship rather than force.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in agricultural history, logistics, or the daily reality of the American frontier will find this book deeply rewarding. It provides a granular, unsentimental look at the infrastructure of the mid-19th century, revealing the immense reliance the nation placed on pack animals for its expansion. The writing is direct, authoritative, and occasionally sharp, capturing the voice of a man who has seen too many animals suffer and is determined to stop it through sheer force of instruction.

Readers should be prepared for the realities of the period; the book is a technical manual for a time when animal labor was a central concern of national survival, and it does not shy away from the graphic details of injuries and disease. While the language carries the formal, sometimes repetitive cadence of 1860s prose, the author’s warmth toward his subjects shines through, particularly in his detailed descriptions of the "celebrated" mules he has known. It is a rewarding read for anyone who appreciates the quiet dignity of a well-tended animal and the value of expertise earned through years of hard, honest work. You will likely walk away with a much deeper appreciation for the intelligence of the mule—and a healthy suspicion of anyone who insists that a whip is a necessary tool.