GEORGE WASHINGTON´S DONKEY WAS FROM ZAMORA

VOCABULARY: MULE MARE MINING AS STUBBORN AS A MULE Welcome to the history, welcome to the legend, welcome to Zamora. Come with us and listen to very old secrets, amazing adventures and beautiful princesses. And today: … GEORGE WASHINGTON´S DONKEY WAS FROM ZAMORA. On the 26th of October in 1785, George Washington received a donkey from Zamora as a gift from Spanish king, Carlos III (the 3rd ). But let's start the story. George Washington, the first president of the USA loved Spanish mules. The mules were very important in agriculture, mining, transport, exploring the territory, the army and to build a country. And, in order to get a mule, you have to cross a donkey with a female horse, a mare. And they have good horses, but American donkeys were very small. So, after the American Independence War, George Washington asked the Spanish king for a couple of donkeys, because they were known to be very tall, strong and very good at creating mules. But exporting donkeys was forbidden in Spain, because they were very important in the army on those days. And if you broke the law you will suffer a death penalty. Then, Carlos III (the 3rd ) sent two donkeys from Zamora to George Washington, with the idea to have a good relationship with the first president of the new country which was The United States of America (The USA). As the journeys were very dangerous, the donkeys travelled in two different boats; and the first boat disappeared in a hurricane. The journey lasted 8 weeks and the second donkey arrived in Gloucester in Massachusetts the 26th of October in 1785 in a boat called The Ranger. This donkey was called Royal Gift, and his assistant was called Pedro. Pedro Téllez and Royal Gift, the donkey, walked 65 kilometres from Gloucester to Virginia, where Pedro met the general Thomas Crossing. He told Pedro that Royal Gift should get on a wagon to go to Virginia, but Pedro, as stubborn as a mule, answered that a donkey should never travel by wagon, so they walked 830 kilometers more to Virginia. That journey lasted two months and finally George Washington could receive his donkey from Zamora. Who gave Pedro Téllez a pair of new shoes. That was the only present to Pedro Téllez. As soon as Royal Gift was in North America, he was crossed with the best mares from The USA and George Washington could have gorgeous mules for their army. Do you think Felipe VI (the 6th) should send another donkey from Zamora to the president of the USA this year? What was about Pedro Téllez? Did he come to Spain or did he establish in The USA? Some people wanted the 26th of October to be the Day of the Mule. Do you think is it a good idea? Do you know the donkeys from Zamora? This was our legend today, GEORGE WASHINGTON´S DONKEY WAS FROM ZAMORA. Come to Zamora and live your own legend.