The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-05-30
A "REMINISCENCES OF OUR
SHELL ROAD.

The famous old horse Jackson, by Gray Eagle,
which was SO much admired by our turfmen of
twenty-five years ago, was celebrated not 80
much for his speed as for his great powers OF
endurance. In travelling long distances he was
sure to overcome almost any rival, no matter
how swift-footed he might be. He is known to
have made the best time from the city to the
Lake that has ever been recorded, having trotted
the entire distance in twenty minutes.
There were many horses in the city that, for
short distance, could easily vanquish the famous
old horse, 80 it was the policy Of his driver to
tire out the other horse before giving rein to his
own. On one occasion resident Of our city,
accompanied by friend from distance, deter
was very excellent driver, and having several
times ridden behind Jackson, was1amiliar with
his points.
As they were travelling leisurely along towards
the Lake, they suddenly heard the chatter Of
horses hoofs behind them, and in such rapid sue
cession as to give rise to the conviction that the
driver of the approaching vehicle was determined
to pass them. Our friend, who was driving,
warned his comrade not to look back, as he did
not desire to let the other party know that they
were cognizant Of his intentions. All the time,
however, he was urging Jackson to his utmost
speed. determined, il possible, to keep the lead
Nearer and nearer came the pursuer, and
louder and louder became the clatter Of his
horses feet. At length, despite every Effort to
avoid it, our friends were made aware that they
were about being passed. Soon the foe was
| alongside, and the nose Of gray horse wai
| visible just beside the buggy. BY degrees tbs
horse itself was seen, and ths n q negro driver
perched upon the drivers seat of oh horrors
. hearse, IN which was splain plank coffin. con
tanning the body Of some poor pauper, who wal
thus being hurried to his grave.
! As soon as our friends became aware that they
had been overtaken and passed by vehicle hold
ing corpse, they felt in anything but q pleasan
mood and they continued their drive to the lax
in almost perfect silence. The horse turned ou
by the halfwsy.house, going to what was thei
the Potters' Field. 1t was afterwards ascertainet
that the team was the properly of Mr.. job.
Quirk, who was at that time an undertaken in GU
| city.
When told Of the circumstance, he said tina
the horse drawing the hearse was an old rac
horse which had been taken from the turf som,
time before, on account Of age and weakness
and not being stylish enough for a better hearse
was put to drawing the one generally used 70
paupers' funerals.
1t seems the negro driver took every occasion
to compare the speed OF his horse with that q
any he might meet on the road.
He never seemed to mind the fact that insid
the hearse was coffin bearing the dead body Z
q fellow being, and was wholly oblivious of tn
fact that it was constantly pitched about frou
one side Of the hearse to the other. Although
SO many years have passed since then, our friend
recollect distinctly the adventure, and ofte
allude to their race with Death.