The Great Understander

True Life Story of the Last Wells Fargo Shotgun Express Messengers

This is the true life story of Oliver Roberts de La Fontaine, who was the last of the Wells Fargo Shotgun express messengers. Taken from his notes and journals, the book tells of his days in the early West as a rancher, miner, saloon keeper, gambler, and lawman, including his adventures of coming into contact with stage robbers and other lawless persons in California and Nevada. Later in life, Roberts de la Fontaine came to “The Walter Method,” referring to its promulgator—and compiler of this book—William W. Walter as the “Great Understander.”

“In arranging and compiling this true-life story, especial care has been taken to preserve the original wording of the narrative. No attempt has been made to embellish, enlarge or exaggerate the many thrilling experiences related by Mr. de La Fontaine. On the contrary, it is known to me that many of the experiences were far more dangerous and thrilling than explained in the diary, but Mr. de La Fontaine was as modest and good as he was brave and fearless.”