The Shasta courier., 1866-10-06
Captain Scott.

In COL Marcy's interesting work, Thir-
ty Years of Army Lille on the Border, pub
llshed by the Harpers, the author gives the
following sketch of Capt. Scott, the hero of
the well known coon story
Like other boys, young Scott was very
fond Of visiting places of amusement, such
as horse races. trainings. town meetings,
etc., and as be was good rider, he was
sometimes solicited to ride races by the sport
ing fraternity of that section.
In those days (before the time of horse
fa!rs) horse racing was looked upon by the
New Englanders as most immoral and
pernicious practice, and young Scott was
never allowed to make his appearance at
such places with his fathers consent.
Upon one occasion an unknown horse
was brought to Bennington by some sports
men, who offered large wagers upon his run
ming against any other horse that could be
produced. Now certain Deacon b
of that place, was the owner of several fine
horses, and among them was one that was
considered very fleet; but those disposed to
contest the wager confdentially offered on
the strange horse were perfectly we'll aware
that Presbyterian deacon could not openly
sanction and give countenance to such
diabolical immortality; yet those who knew
him we'll verify believed if there was any
one trait in the Deacon's character that was
net in strict accordance with the require
ments of the church and the sanctity of his
ecclesiastical functions, it was the weakness
he manifested for owning the feetest horse in
the country.
The men proposing to take up the gauntlet
so defantly thrown out by the hackers of the
new horse. entered the Deacon's favorite
horse, but with the express stipulation that
the race should come off in the night time,
and should be kept profound secret, except
to those directly interested. The terms hav
ing been satisfactorily arranged, Martin
Scott was selected as tile jockey for the Dea-
cons horse /; and on the night designated for
the contest, he stole verv quietly into the
stable, and mufling the horses feet, led
him out and took him to the race track
The Judges were then posted, the riders
mounted and the horses were off. 1t was a
single straight dash of mile, and both
horses were put to their speed, and kept con-
stantly down to their work from the word
go But as they approached the coming
out place, the strange horse began to gain a
little on his antagonist, and at this moment
of interest and excitement to all parties con.
cerned, it looked as if the Deacon's horse was
to be beaten, when suddenly from behind q
board fence near the track jumped up Deacon
B. himself, who, in very loud and
excited manner, screamed out: ' Put the
whip to him, Martin put the whip to him,
l tell you ~ Martin was perfectly astound.
cd and almost paralyzed at this unexpected
aPparition, but. with nervous desperation, he
made several vigorous wel-timed applications
of his whip. which caused the horse to re-
double his efforts and win the race by half
L. -. Il IL L.. 70
ment of the moment, took off his hat and
gave lusty cheer; but instantly afterward
recollecting himself. and considering the lu-
dicrous role he had been enacting in this
somewhat farcial performance he assumed
an indignant air, and approaching Martin,
who was holding the horse in great trepida.
tion, said. Martin Scott. you young repro
bate, you have stolen my horse, sir, and,
stable, and give him good rubbing down,
III report you to your father, sir !''
With the exception of the money he ex-
pended in horses, dogs and guns. which were
always of the very best description, Captain
Scott, as l remarked before. was very econ
omical in his own personal expenses he,
however did great deal towards support
ing several members of his family who were
not very we'll to do in the world, and con.
tributed literally toward this worthy object
during his whole life. Upon one occasion,
after he had been absent in the far West for
quite number of years, and had accumu-
lated considerable sum of money, he OBJ
tanned furlough for the purpose of revisit.
ing his friends in Bennington. lie had left
there poor farmers boy, and he resolved to
make respectable appearance on his return.
He owned two of the finest horses that have
ever seen. and negro boy for whom he paid
five dollars a pound, and whom be subse
quently set free.
Captain Scott was seated in a beautiful
new gig, drawn by his magnificent white
horse followed by Jack dressed in livery as
an outrider, and mounted on his thorough
bred horse, Dandy, and the rear of the cor
tege was brought up by some twenty full
blooded dogs of various breeds and descrip
tions. In this order he drove through the
quiet streets of Bennington and halted at
he.vilage inn. where great crowd of in
quistive citizens were soon assembled, all
manifesting the keenest anxiety to learn the
name of this distinguished stranger. No
one, however, recognized him as he entered
the house and took his seat by the window.
He did not remain long before he saw his
brother passing with yoke of oxen, where
uDOn ne went out ana acCOSteQ blul, saying,
You have a very fine pair of oxen there,
sir do they belong to vou?' His brother.
not recognizing him, answered that they were
very good cattle. but belonged to one of his
neigh5ors, and that he was not able to pur-
chase them.
The Captain then inquired what they
could be bad for, and when his brother men,
toned the sum, he took out his purse, hand
ed him the amount, telling him that he liked
his appearance So much that be had would
make him present of the oxen. This most
extraordinary liberality as,onished his broth.
er, who could hardly believe it possible that
a man should show such munifcence to
stranger. He. however, took the money,
and expressed his profound gratitude to his
benefactor.
The Captain then asked him where he
lived, and remarked that he would, if be had
no objections, like to make him call. to
which his brother replied that be rented a
small farm near by, and that it was only BY
the most rigid economy and industry that be
could manage to support his family and pay
his rents, but that, of course. he would be
glad to receive visit from one who nao
shown such generosity to him. he tnen IN
ouired of his brother what price the owne.
put upon the farm, adding that ne oeheveo
he should like to present him with that also.
His brother now looked attentivsly o. ni"'