The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1853-05-12

by Major Lewis Mr.. Peake, Ia gentleman resi-
ding in the neighborhood,) the author of the
.'Recolleotions," and groom, were returning
from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Having
halted fora few moments, the General dismoun-
ted, and upon rising in his stirrup again. the
Narragansett, alarmed at the glare from fire
near the roadside, sprang from under his rider,
who came heavily to the ground. Our saddles
were empty in an instant, and we rushed up to
give our assistance, fearing he was hurt it was
unnecessary. The vigorous old man was upon
his feet again. brushing the dust from his clothes;
and. after thanking for prompt assist
ance, observed that he was not hurt, that he
had had very complete tumble, and that it
was owing to cause that no horseman could
well avoid or control; that he was only poised
in his stirrup, and had not yet gained his sad
die when the scary animal sprang from under
him. Meantime all of our horses had gone off
at full speed. 1t was night, and over four miles
were to be won ere we could reach our destina-
tiOn. The chief observed that, our horses
had disappeared, it only remained for us to take
it on foot, and, and, with manly strides, led the
way. We had proceeded but short distance
on march, as .dismounted cavaliers, when
eur horses hove in sight. Happily for us, some
of the servants of Mr.. Peake whose plantation
was hard by, in returning home from their Ia
bour, encountered our flying steeds, captured
them, and brought them to We were speed
lily remounted, and soon the lights at Mount
Vernon were seen glmmering in the distance.
1t pleased Providence to permit the beloved
Washington to live to witness the fruition of his
mighty labours in the cause of his country and
mankind, while his success in the calm and hon
CURED pursuits of agriculture and rural affairs
was grateful to his heart, and shed the most be-
nign and happy influences upon the last days at
Mount Vernon.-Custis Recollcctions and Priuate
Memoirs of the Life and Character of Washington.
The Hippodrome.
M Franconi last night gave full dress re-
hersal to the members Of the Press and other
invited guests, in anticipation of the opening Of
his vast establishment to the public on Monday
next T5ere were several hundred gentlemen
present, who seemed to be highly pleased with
the performances. The Hippodrome is at the
junction of Broadway and Twenty-third street,
covering several acres of ground with its amphl-
theatre of seats and enormous tent-like roofing
of CANVASS. The race course occupies about
thirty feet in width nearest the boxes, and the
centre is laid out like park, with grass plats,
bread paths, fountains &c. Five large pyramids
of gas burners, in the centre, with rows of lamps
I,sI.o -i---slo-
light than is agreeable to the eye.
The seats very comfortable, and the place
is excelently ventilated, that it can hardly
fail to be cool and pleasant resort on summer
nights We don't know how many persons and
animals the company comprises, but they must
number hundreds. The performances last night
consisted mainly of equestrian exercises. First
was a race by five female riders; then equilibria
tions by Marin and Sylvestar; then race with
riders standing, &c. company OF monkeys
and ponies then took the course, creating much
merrment. NJ. Franconi's dancing horse-a
magnificent tanimal-performed his part to great
satisfaction, and kept time and tune wonderfully
for horse. The ostrich race was not properly
DONE owing to some unavoidable defects, though
the comical appearance of the birds-a species
of three story Shanghae-kept the audience IN
constant laughter.
After spirited chariot race in Roman style,
came the Tournament, princely pageant, got
up with much care, and bringing back most
vivid recollections of Sir Walter Scott's descrp-
ton Of the field of Ashby de la Zouche. After
this came posturings; steeple chase by five
ladies' very exciting the wonderful, but rather
too startling balancing act of the Siegrist broth
ers; chariot race with four horses abreast; the
conclusions being race of a dozen thorough
bred horses wiahout riders. The great extent
of the course makes a race here something like
n matter of fact, as amply testified by the
excitement with which fine riders were hniled as
they few along the end where most of the audi
encc were located.
Atth close of the exhibition, Nj. Franconl
was called forward, and briefly returned his
thanks for the attendance and interest manifest
ed The resources of this immense estaohsn-
ment will permit great variety of perfor mances
beyond those above indicated, and there can be
little doubt that the Hippodrome will be pro-
minent feature in the amusements of the Metro
pslis during the summer season-perhaPs per-
manently.-N. Y. Tribune.