The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1870-03-04
Florida Correspondence of the Fort Gaines
Mirror
ANaExoITING SCENE.

Mlfrof.J
ANEEXoITING SCENE.
an Elephant and too CamelS attacked bv
AHiodtorS in Florida. Scamp Terrific
Battle and death Of One Camel, t,oo Doqs
and a Colt.
The peregrinations of showmer arc
Deset WITH numerous difficulties while
pursuing their daily avoeations in this
our southern country, which, with the
usual winter rains, heavy roads, and
Iording OF streams. makes it very diff
cult Tor the managers TO MAXI good tue
promises OF the agents. Such was the
case with John Robinson's Circns and
Menagerie lew days since. While
performing in Tallahassee, Florida it
was mentioned by Mr.. j. +. Robinson.
Jr., that he might expect some difficult
W III passing through a long and dis
maj swamp between that place and
quincy. on account OF the large num-
Der OF alligators who infested the ford
at this particular locality, and who are
at this season of the year very terocious.
ana on the watch for any unfortunate
mule or horse that may become entan-
gled In the numerous roots. quicksaads
and holes which abound at the ford: but
ne replied, as the agent had already
made the arrangements for him to 90
through, and it was not his nature 10
turn back, h. had nothing lett but to
follow, trusting to his previous good
fortune in getting thus far. The re-
xnlt OF his decision: aiii.nn@h antioinat-
Ing some difficulty, was tar more seri-
Gus han he anticipated.
A 4
JANUARY rs. Prof. Lewis Houston, who
mas charge OF he animals, started with
the elephant Empress, the large Bac-
Irian camel, the beautiful Arabian
wliite camel, a fine thoroughbred mare
ana cot. al d TWO spotted coach dogs.
to make the trip to Quincy, althoupp
repeatedly warned by Mr. j. F. Robin
SON r. net to attempt the passage of
She swamp III any other thar by day
light. lie, however, went through
Before approaching the ford, an occa-
SIGNAL below or roar was heard be-
tokening that the inhabitants of the To-
cality had not retired for the right. and
sudden plunge and splash in the wa
ter would denote that the enemy was
on the alert for mischief. The ele-
phant would, every few steps, throw
ler trunk aloit, emitting at the same
Time loud screen of defiance. the
eamels uttering low means while the
horses almost leiused to stir and stood
rambling With fear, while the DOGS
Kept up an incesSant hewIin9. An
tie water OF the ford. Hous-
on determined upon the immediate
passage through before the alligators
rad time to summon their crew. ]
RlfIUinV th9 al ~ ,.,rx..
,ed boldly in, at the same time lashiiig |
he water fnriously with her trank. tIle |
'amels, horses and dogs following close
u the rear. He had passed twostbiras
II the way when sharp yelp of pain
rom one OF the dogs, and his sudden
ilsappearance denoted that the swamp
lends were at work. ard befnre he
ould collect his thought the other dor
vent under with a long death howl
lie now began TO think OF his own safe
y. and calling to :he elephant COM
landed her to turn, as she did. M
'ar1al roar WAS heard from sthe large
'actrian camel, who had ut that in
ant been attacked. The water seem
alive with aligators.
The roaring believing and screechino
elephant, camels and alligators we're !.
rrlhc. They W. nd ,hruw their nom
trous Jaws open and tear huge pieces
ilrsh from the camel, while The Door
ute would utter rending groans and
les tor relief. In the meantime the
ephaht was not idle. Ever solicit
us ior tile welfare of her keeper and
III pahions, she had. at the moment of
eng them safely landed upon the on E
site shore. rushed back to the assis-
nee OF her friends the camel, who by II
Is time Was nearly gone, anu ny ere >
ing The greatest Juror amung her as :, ~
succeeded in Bringing the head !
ine camel TO the shore, that portion =
lng All That remained Of the poor an \
n the confusion that ensued, Hous- u
uiu not miss the colt until warned 40
shrili scream or neigh which SEEM VI
10 come from several rods below !.
'oi rushing down the stream a few IA
'ds, terrible scene was presentcG &c
MS view. lt would seem thai this I''
mems OF Cilattahooche. swami for pt
es abound had beco ME cogiizant nj re
ne extra attention at that particular ia
nj "a this night. and had started for III
rendezvous, and upon reaching the Ju'
lie OF action had unexprctedlv an, SIT
Inferred both TODD and opuosilion NJ ye
same time-for simultaneous with thi
meeting OF tile colt. they met their 20
suefs, and an awful battle ensued an
eraI times 1t seemed as if the coli
10 escape and regain the shore. so pal
were the alligators in DESTROYING oar
ottier; but just before tue poor
eufe would reach the land. snmo
ster, more ravenous than brave
10 ieaVe the melee, pursue and dag ~. a
'ck iiito deep water, until finally + I'm
me exhausted and fell an easy prev be
ie fearful reptiles, while Professor exc
SION stood looking Oh with blanch. ana
M terrified looks, wholly unable CAV
lIuer the least assistance. threat Inn
"iih terrible death should he ION
attempt at As he turned 10 re- whi
MS steps towards the place wIlsrp p
eit he remaining animals. he NJ
TED the cost. He had made the INV
&c, but at a terrible sacrifice, III. e.iv
our with all elephant, one camel thor
' ne morse. The camel was valued is cl
oJo and very rare. 4 he colt Mr.. then
lsoh mad repeatedly refused 81 900 to
IL VIII be many aalong year be. Mr..
ar. Houston will forget the hor- 00o
passing through Florida swamp littl,
polit
A EEW MOVEMENT. nv