The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1870-03-17
An Exciting Scene.

| "A FLORIDA lCttcf says L ne per1Srlnat1ons
of showmen are beset with numerous difheul
ties while pursuing their daily ayocations il
this southern country, with the usual winter
rains and heavy roads, makes it very difficult
for the managers to make good the promises
of the agents Such was the case with Johr
Robinson's circus and menagerie few days
since. While performing in Tallahassee, Fla,
it was mentioned to Mr.. J. f. Robinson, Jr.
that he might expect some difficulty in pass
| ing through long and dismal swamp between
that place and Quincy, On account of the lars {
number of alhgators who infested the ford
at this particular locality, and who are at this
season OF the year very ferocous, and on the
watch for any unfortunate mule or horse that
may become entangled in the numerous roots,
ouicksands and holes which abound at the
ford ; but, he replied, as the agent had al
ready made the arrangements for him to 60
| through, and it was not his nature to turn
| back, he had nothing to do but to follow,
trusting to his good fortune in getting thus
far The result of his decision, although
anticipating some difficulty, was far more Sc
rious than he expected o
At 3 o'clock, p. M, on Tuesday, January
25th, Prof. Lewis Houston, who has charge
of the animals, started with the elephant
Empress and the large Bactrian camel, the
beautiful Arabian white camel, fine thor
oughbred mare colt, and two spotted coach
dogs, to make the trip to Quincy, although
repeatedly warned by Mr.. Robinson, not TO
attempts the passage Of the swamp in any other
time than daylight. He, however. went
through. Before approaching the ford, an
occasional below or roar was heard, betoken-
ing that tie Inhabitants of the locality had
retired for the night, and sudden plunge
and splash in the water would denote that the
enemy was on the alert for mischief. The
elephant would, every few steps, throw her
trunk aloft, emitting at the. same time loud
screech Of defiance, the camcls utterng low
means, while the horses almost refused to
stir, and stood trembling with fear, while the
dogs kept up an incessant bowling. APP
preaching the ford, Houston determined upon
the immediate passage through before the
alIigators had time to summon their crew.
Bidding the elephant enter, she stepped
boldly 10. at the same time flashing the water
furiously with her trunk, the eamels, horses
and dogs following close in the rear. He had
passed two thirds of the way, when sharp
yelp of pain from one Of the Digs, and his
sudden disappearance, denoted that the swamp
fends were at work, and before he could col
lect his thoughts the other dog went under
with long death howl. He now. began to
think of his own safety, and calling to the
elephant, commanded her to turn, as she did
Soon fearful roar was heard from the large
Bactrian camel who had at that instant been
attacked. The water seemed alive with ALI
gators The roaring, believing and screech-
ing of the elephant, the camels and the ALI
gators we're terrific. They would throw their
ponderous jaws open and tear pieces of flesh
from the camel, while the poor brute would
utter cries of relief In the meantime the
eepant was not idle. Ever solicitous for the
welfare Of her keeper and companions, she
had, at the moment Of seeing them safely
landed upon the opposite shore, rushed back
to the assistance of her friend the camel, who
by this time was nearly gone, and by creating
the greatest furore among her assallants, sue
ceeded in bringing the head of the camel to
the shore, that portion being all that remained
of the poor animal.
In the confusion that ensued. Houston did
not miss the colt, until warned by a shriil
scream or neigh which seemed to come from
several rods below. Uupon rushing down the
stream few yards, a terrible scene was pre-
sentcd to his view. 1t would seem that the
denizens of Chattahoohie swamp for miles
around had become eognizant Of some extra
attraction at that particular point on this
night and had started for that rendezvous,
and upon reaching the scene of action had
unexpectedly encountered, both food and op
position at the same time-for, simultaneous
with the meeting of the colt, they met their
pursucrs, and an awful battle ensued Sew
eral times it seemed as if the colt would es-
cape and regain the shore, so busy were the
allieators in destroying each other; but just
before the poor creature would reach the land,
some monster, more ravenous than brave,
would leave the melee, pursue and drag it
back into deep water, until finally it became
exhausted and fell an easy prey to the fearful
reptiles, while Pref Houston stood looking
on with blanched and terrified looks, wholly
unable to render the least assistance, threaten
ed with a terrible death should he even at
tempt it, As he turned to retrace his steps
toward the place where he left the remaining
animals, he counted the cost. He had made
the passage. but at a terrible sacrifice. He
came out with an elephant, one camel and one
horse The camel was valued at SIS 600, and
very rare. The colt Mr. Robinson had re-
peatedly refused 81 900 for. It will be many
long year before Houston will forget the horrors
Of passing through Florida swamp at night.
What is SANDER.
'Tis an assassin at the midnight hour urged
on by envy, that, with footsteps soft steals on
the slumber of sweet innocence, and with the
dark drawn dagger of the mind, drinks deep
the crimson current of the heart It is a