Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-06-14

There is certain individual in Massachusetts,
who Iejoces in the nickname of the "Western
Railroad Jockey" or more commonly the "Great
w estern," man who is half horse and whole
Yankee. He is the keenest chap in trading nags,
that was ever raised in New England, and sscanny
Yorkshire" could not produce his match at "takn'
in the flats" The name of this excellent man at
length reached the ears of another adept in the
same profession living some where up on the Yer
mont line, equally skilled in horse flesh and the
tricks of trade, but not equally renowned When
the northern Nimrod-for he was quite sporting
character-heard Of his rivals reputation, and par,
ticuarly Of his boast that he could s'pck up any
white man living" his pride was seriously hurt,
and hearing that the "Great Western" was to be
at particular spot on certain day, he determin-
ed to be there with nag of his, TO measure his
strength with the redoubtable jockey.
Accordingly, in anticipation of the "meet," he
began training and feeding worthless horse that
rejoiced in the heaves ''Some-if not more" and
by dint of careful grooming and generous stable
diet, succeeded in making the animal look as fine
as llly-blrd on plum tree" as the 'Corinthiap'
would say. So he determined t, take the Ger thur"
down, by easy stages, to the place of rendezvous
When near the village our friend dsmounted, went
into the bushes, and there occupied some time in
changing his toilet. He went into the "covern
looking like slap-up sporting gent he came out
of it the most verdant looking Juvenile that ever
ate gingerbread at a country muster. His hair was
combed smooth behind his ears he had donned
genuine white wool bell-top; the great pewter dol
lar buttons on his coa-wast were nearly I'D TO his
shoulder blades, and his home-spun blue trousers
were tucked into the tubes of pair of astounding
hide boots. Reaching the village tavern, he
dismounted and hitched his horse in shed near a
huge wood pile laid in for winters consumption
In thoh or hnf ,,plf t
mixed company, indulging in horse talk and rum
and molasses. Our hero gazed and listened, and
put in a word or two occasionally, which attracted
the attention Of the "Great Western" to him as
fitting subject wherein to exercise his transcendent
commercial talent. He accordingly offered to treat
"Green I'm" to the beverage the company were
imbibing.
At first the "Green I'm" didn't like any thing
but cider-'cept fourth of July and muster. bur he
was prevailed on 10 ''tTy little New England -
and began "course of sprouts" very fairly.
BY the operation of the third horn, he let on that
he had ''come down on business for the old man,
and he'd rode the old mans horse, dreadful nice
crittur."
The "Great Western" wanted to see him, and
the pair adjourned to the wood shed. The Great
Western was much struck with the appearance of
the horse, and after satisfactory examination ask
ed Green 'Un what he'd take for him."
ole amt for sale, mister" answered Greeny.
"The old man sets all creation by him. Raised
him himself The crittur was foaled eight years
next gress."
"But supposiDg was to give you a dreadful
nice horse Of mine and thirty dollars boot"
81 dassn't look at it cap'n. If I was to sell that
are crittur, dassn't never go TO hum agin. Let's
go into the house, cap'n--ips as cold as Jerusalem
out here How muck did you say?"
"That black horse there, and forty dollars!"
"That black Of yourn is pooty good old boss
that's fact was lookin' at him fore cum in
faint no use talkin' bout it iho-I can't do it no
how"
"Does he draw wellP'
"Seen him rot up hill before load Of wood
Just as easyr"
"Well," said the Great Western, "what do YOU
say to my horse and si1ty dollars boot?"
"Lead us not into temptation as the Deacon
says: Gee Whitaker! Darn if hain't most
mind to run the risk. Darn if | hain't" he added
| firmly.
"But look here, my friend" said the Grea
Western, "you must first satisfy me Of his sound
ness. Hitch your crttur to that big log" pointing
| to the largest in the pile, "and if he can draw il
round the wood pile, III stand my Offer"
The Green I'm accepted the challenge, and the
horse was put before the log and started. Now hi
knew very well that if the "crittur" was driver
round the pile with steady pull, the "heayes'
would soon show themselves, and nothing but ex
quisite tact could enable him TO "pick up" his ri
val. Accordingly after pulling few feet, he stop
! ped the horse and began pattlng him.
"He is dreadful nice boss, and he knows =
| Poor fellow, IF the old man was TO SEQ this here
-JeTushot wouldn't catch it,v