The weekly Arizona miner., 1870-04-23
Ghr >a aliner.
A Battle With Alligators.

an attack made upon lnehapeIle oy salli5a- tors, in one of the large swamps in that State, recently:
 The peregrinations of showmen are beset with numerous difficulties while pursuing their daily ayocations in this our southern country, which with the usual winter rains, heavy roads, and iording of streams makes it very difficult for managers to make good the promises of their agents. Such WIS the case with John RObinsOn's circus and menagerie few days since. While performing in Tala hasse, Florida, it was mentioned t0 Mr. J. r. Robinson, Jr., that he might expect some difficulty in passing through the long and dismal swamp between that place and Quin- cv, on account of the large number ol alliga- tors that infest the ford at this particular locality, and are at this season of the year very ierocious, and on the watch for any unfortunate mule or horse that may become entangled in the numerous roots, quicSsands, and holes which abound at the ford; but le replied, as the agent had already made the arrangements for him to go through, and 1t was not his nature 10 turn back, he had nothing left but 10 follow, trusting to his previous good fortune in getting thus far. The result of his decision, although anticipl- ting some difficulty, was far more serious tban he anticipated.
 At 3 o'clock D. m, on Tuesday, January 25, Prof. Lewis Houston, who has charge of the animals, started with the elephant Elm press, the large Bactrian camel, the beautiful Arabian white camel, a fine thorough bred mare and colt and two spotted coach dOgsf to make the trip to Quincy, although repeat edly warned by Mr. J. r. Robinson, Jr., not to attempt the passage of the swamp in any other than daylight He, however, went through. Before approaching the ford, an occasional below, or roar, was heard, betok ening that the inhabitants of the locality had not retired for the night, and q sudden plunge and splash of 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 camels uttered low moans, while the horses almost refused to stir, and stood trembling with fear, while the dogs kept up an incessant bowling. Approach ing the water of the ford, Houston deter mined 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 flashing the water furiously with her trunk, the camels, horses, and dogs following close in her rear He had passed two thirds of the way, when sharp yell of pain from one of the dogs, and his sud- den disappearance, denoted that the swamp fiends were at work, and before he could col feet his thoughts, the other dog went under with long death howl He now began to look for his own safety, and calling the ele- plant, commanded her to turn. As she did so, a fearful roar was heard from the large Bactrian camel, which had at that instant been attacked. The water seemed alive with all'gators. The roaring, believing and screech ing ot the elephant, camels and aligators was terrific. They would throw their ponderous jaws open, and tear huge pieces of flesh from the camel, while the poor brute would utter heartrending groans, and cries for relief In the meantime, the elephant was not idle. Ever solicitous for the welfare of her keeper and companions, she had, at the moment of seeing them safely landed on the opposite shore, rushed back to the assistance of her friend, the camel, which by this time was nearly gone, and creating the greatest furore among her assallants, succeeded in bringing the head of the camel to the shore, that DOT tion being all that remained of the poor animal.
 h the confusion that ensued, Houston did not mss the colt until warned by shril ohiSasi VI nSiSH. WHICH seemed To come from several rods below. Upon rushing down the stream few yards, a terrible scene was pre- sentcd to his view. It would seem that the denizens of Chattahochee 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 op position ut the same time-ior, simultaneous with the meeting of the colt they met the pursuers, and an awful battle ensued. Sey eral times it seemed as if the colt would escape and reach the shore, so busy were the alligators destroying. each other; but just before the poor creature would regain the land, some monster, more ravenous than brave, would leave the melee, pursue and drag it back into the deep water, until finally It became exhausted, and fell an easy prey 10 the ieafnl reptiles. Prof Houston stood looking on with blanched and terrified looks wholly unable to render the least assistance threatened with terrible death should he even attempt it As he turned to retrace his steps towards the place where be left the remaining animals, he counted the cost He had made the passage, but at a terrible sac nhce. He came gut with an elephant. one camel and one horse. The camel was valued at SoVOO, and very rare. The colt, MT. Rob- lnson had repeatedly refused Sl GOO for. It VIII be many long year before NIT. Houston will forget the horrors of passing through n Florida swamp at night
 
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