Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-07-26
From the Spirit of the Times.
An Unexpected Race.

Some years since, was travelling through the
Southern States on business, and driving before a
light sulky celebrated old race horse purchased
in Kentucky. He was supposed to have passed
the period life at which speed could be obtained,
but still full Of fire and spirit.
About eleven o'clock on beautiful autumn
morning. reached Statesburg, South Carolina, at
which place there is very prettily arranged race
course. Ascertaining that the friend l wished to
was absent at the course, witnessing trial of
speed between two rival nags Of the neighborhood
concluded to drive and see the sport. AS ap.
preached, heard, shouts from the course (which
as usual was surrounded by tell plank fence)
indicating that the horses had started, and pushing
my old gray, drove at once through the gate, and
Immediately across the track AS we entered
(horse, sulky and small trunk attached to back of
sulky, and last your humble servant, weighing
abont one hundred and forty pounds,) l heard
shouts from all parts of the field, Get out of the
trackn Get out of the track!!' My attention
at once called to the fact that the horses were
approaching at spanking pace. Pushing across,
drew up short, and wheeled the nag around
attention to him, all on the gu uire as to the
race.
The horses came round at killing pace and
the whole attention of the field was absorbed by
them, when just as they reached the point at which
was standing, was most agreeably or disagree
ably aroused Gust as you may happan to fancy,
Mr.. Spirit) by my old racer taking the bit between
his teeth. and following the nags fast he could
put it down! Recollect my dear sir, that had
travelled over twenty miles that morning. with
sulky and trunk attached, and that was still en-
numbered with these disadvantages but notwith-
standing all, my old singed cat performed some
tall walking, can assure you
This sudden and unexpected start for the purse
without the formality of entering, produced some
excitement on the field you may well suppose, and
What with the shouting and huzzaing, and all the
confusion of ideas consequent upon the sudden
match into which had been so unceremoniously
pitched, T was rather taken aback But soon the
excitement Of the scene, and the generous pace at
which the old fellow performed his work, called
up all the enthusiasm of my nature, and fooled
him with all the skill possessed. Let me say,
BY the way, that the face ofthe country was per-
fectly fiat, and the whole course, both within and
outside of the track was perfect level.
The half mile stretch had been passed over
when was pitched into the race. The next quar-
ter few long strides on the part of old gray was
soon reached, all three horses running neck and
neck, bu. as we came up to the last quarter, my
blood all up, ,re soon made gap, and with loud
huzzas, bets running high in our favour, we came
in nearly ten yards ahead
This was glory enough for one day, you mus,
admit, Mr.. Spirit, for a modest youth who had
never seen the Elephant any farther than his
tusks !.
We were soon surrounded by horse, foot, and
dtagoons,' and concluding that was specuiator
in horse flesh, various amouats were offered for
my old nag--with what success you may readily
conjecture, as had just begun to appreciate his
value.
The judges unanimously decided that had won
the race but as had no, made an entry for the
purse, most modestly declined to accept.
But you may readily suppose. Mr.. Spirit, was
some in them diggings for the nonce, and smiles
sweetly wreathed with tall bouquets of mint were
plentfully showered upon Gnto) me ! South Car
olina hospitality was, as usual, in the ascendent.
Truly yours, PERcY