At the dawn of the new American nation, delivering mail to settlements in the wilderness was hard and dangerous work. Riders had to travel across the wild and unforgiving land, cutting through thickets and forging swollen rivers. Many boys made the trip once and then quit after finding out what they were up against. So when a boy from New York came to Michigan and insisted that he could make the ride, the postmaster was doubtful. But Augustus proved he could deliver more than just mail.