The Republican journal., 1870-03-17
Florida Correspondence Fort Gaines Mirror
TERRIFIC BATTLE OF BEASTS.

The perigrnatiOnS OF shoWmen are peset
with numerous difficulties while pursuing
their daily avocations in this our southern
country, which, with the usual winter rams,
heavy roads, and fording of streams, makes
lit very difficult for the managers to make
good the promises of the agents. Such was
the case with John Robnson's Circus and
Managerie few days since
While performing in Tallahassee, Fla, 1t
was mentioned to Mr.. J. F. Robinson, Jr.,
that he might expect some difficulty in pass
inc through long and dismal swamp be-
tween that place and Quincy, on account OF
1.-The large number Of alligators which infested
the ford at this particular locality, and who
are at this season of the year very ferocious,
and on the watch for any unfortunate mule
or horse that may become entangled in the
numerous roots, quick-sands and holes, which
abound at the ford; bur he replied, as the
agent had already made the arrangements
for him to 90 through and it was not his
nature to turn back, he had nothing left but
to follow trusting to his previous good for
tune in getting thus far. The result OF his
decision, although anticipating some difficulty
was far more serious than he anticipated.
At 3 O'Clock P. NJ. on Tuesday, Jan. 25th,
Prof. Lewis Huston, who had charge Of the
animals. started with the elephant Empress,
the large Bactrian camel. the beautiful Ara
bian white camel, fine thoroughbred mare
and colt, and two spotted coach dogs, to
make the trip to Quincy, although repeated
ly warned not to attempt the passage OF the
swamp in any other than daylight. He, how
ever, went through. Before approaching
the ford an occasional below or roar was
heard, betokening that the inhabitants Of
the locality had not retired for the night, and
a sudden plunge and plash in the water
| would Hapoto fhot tho onprny were the
alert for mischief.
The elephant would every few steps throw
her trunk aloh, emitting at the same time a
loud screech of defiance, the camels uttering
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 water of the ford, Houston
determined upon the immediate passage
through. before the alligators had time to
summon their crew.
Bidding the elephant enter she stepped
boldly in, at the same time lashing the water
furouslv with her trunk, the camels horses
and dogs following close in the rear. He
had passed two-thirds Of the way when a
sharp yelp Of pain from one Of the dogs and
his sudden disappearance denoted that the
swamp fiends were at work, and before he
could collect his thoughts the other dog went
under with a 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 a fearful roar was
heard from the large Bactran camel, who
had at that instant been attacked The wa
ter seemed alive with alligatnrs The roar
ing. believing and screeching of elephant
camels and alligators were terrific. They
would throw their ponderous Jaws open and
tear huge pieces Of flesh from the poor cam
ell, while the poor brute would utter heart
rendng means and cries for relief
In the meantime the elephant was not idle.
Ever solcitous 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 the assailants, succeeded 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 shrill
scream or neigh, which seemed to come from
several rods behind Upon rushing down
the stream a few yards a terrible scene was
presented to his view. 1t would seem that
the denizens of the Chattahooches swamp for
miles around had become cognizant of some
extra attraction at that particular point on
this night, and had started for the rendezvous
and upon reaching the scene Of action had
unexpectedly encountered both food and OPP
position at the same time, for simultaneous
with the meeting Of the colt they met their
pursuers and an awful battle ensued
Several times it seemed as ifthe colt would
escape and regain the shore, so busy were
the alligators in destroying each other; but
lust before the poor creature would reach the
land some monster, more ravenous than
brave, would leave the melee, pursue and
drag it back iuto deep water, and finally it
became exhausted and fell an easy prey to
the fearful reptiles, while Prof. Houston
stood looking on with blanched and terrified
looks, wholly unable to render the least assis-
lance, threatened with a terrible death should
he even attempt it.
AS he turned to retracc his steps toward
the place where he left the remaining animals
he counted the cost. He had made the pas
sage, but q terrible sacrifice. He had started
with an elephant, two camels, two dogs, and
two horses. He came out with an elephant,
one camel and one horse. The camel was
valued at $1,000, and very rare. The col;
Mr. Robinson had repeatedly refused 81, 00O
for. 1t will be many a long year before Mr..
Houston will forget the horrors of passing
through Florida swamp at night.