Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1873-05-09
President Grants Farm-His
Horses and BIOOded Stock,

Horses and BlOOded Stock,
The St. Louis Democrat" of Tuesday
contains the following account Of visit Of
the President, Mrs. Grant, and quite large
party to the Dent farm:
"After short run the Dent farm was
reached, and the excursionists alighted at
Grant station. Gen. Griersou Joined the
party here. President Grant, escorting
Mrs. j. NJ. Harvey, and followed by Mrs
Grant and Gen. Harvey, Immediately pro.
ceeded to the stables and made an inspection
of the stock. The cattle were first inspect
ed and herds Of Holsteir and Aldernsy
stock examined But the General was ca
ger to get to bis horses and did not tarry
very long here The horse-barn was next
visited, and the choicer inmates led out for
their owners inspection. As the beautiful
and well groomed horses were brought frem
their stalls, Gen Grants eyes went over
them rapidly, and he pointed out their fine
points to Gen. Harvey and others of the
party. There were twenty horses in the
stable-four yearlipgs, three two-year olds,
two three.year olds, two stations, four and
Eve years old one four.year old, and eight
common horses. All were in the most per
feet condition, their sleek skins elistoping
as they were led out
'Mr. William Elrod, the superintendent
of the farm, seemed to be as proud of he
horses as their, owner. and their appearance
would indicate that they were in no danger
OF suffering from want of care. The blood
ed stock received special admiration. Among
them were Risdyk Hamtletonian stallion,
five years old, raised by the President. and
evidently prime favorite, to judge from
the careful manner in which he was exam
iued by him. The new Long Island horse,
Peacemaker, a recent accession to the stud,
not yet four years old, and having a record
of ESQ without asy training. was very much
admired Cinderella. three year old colt
by Flying Cloud. and Bashaw Maid, three
years old, and raised on the farm, are mates.
and are magnificent horses. Beauty, a four
year old, of Ethan Allen stock, Flora,
two-year old colt by Legal Tender, aud
Belle. two year old Hambletonian, COM
pleted the list of the particular favorites.-
These were led up and down the stable
yard to the great satisfaction of the Presi-
dent aod his visitors. Bashaw Maid and
Cinderella we're hitched up, the Pre- sident
took the ribbons, and accompanied by Mr..
D. R. Garrison, started out for short drive.
The mares stepped off elegantly, and charm
ed every one who saw them by the beauty
and freedom of their movements AMI fine
action. The driver handled them as though
he enjoyed it. The party watched the
course of this branch excursion with much
attention, but the roads were too crooked
and in such condition that it was not prac-
ticable to let the animals out too much.
Meanwhile Mrs. Grant paid visit to the
house, visiting Mrs. Elrod, and then es-
corted by Capt G. w. Ford, took stroll
over some Of the more familiar portions of
the farm, recalling many "reminiscences Of
the days of her girlhood. The gentlemen
who tarried at the stable inspected some We
ry admirable pencil sketches of Bashaw and
Cinderella, which were executed by sol
der at the arsenal The President soon
returned from his drive, which must have
been tr6e muddy from the appearance of
his back, as there was more mud sticking
to the Presidential form than has been able
to find lodgment there in both of his cam.
paigns.
"The members of the party strolled
around to the station, on the cars and else
where, while General Grant engaged Mr..
Elrod in private conversation about lomes.
tic affairs In pasture between the sta
bic and the house was seen Mary one of
the first horses General Grant bought He
paid So, 500 for her and mate. She is now
SO stiffened up from hard driving as to be
useless, and council was held over her.
The President thought she had better be
killed, but on learning that Mr.. Elrod had
disposed Of her, he acquiesced. Mr.. Kier-
nan, chief farrier and instructor in that
branch ut the arsenal, has treat ed this horse
before, and she passes into his hands now
He thinks he can get her up again.
''At 1:90 O'Clock the party took the train
and soon reached Carondelet. Here they
were transferred to train on the Iron
Mountain road, consisting Of the Presidents
car and beautiful passenger car. and
landed at the depot. The President and
Mrs. Grant, together with the ladies and
several gentlemen Of the company took
carriages, but the greater part of the ex-
cursionsts walked up to the residence Of
Hon. Henry 7. Blow"