New-York tribune., 1884-01-26
PRI.uITTTE LONG ISLAND RACING.
THE NEWMARKET COURSE ESTABLISHED By COVER
NOR NICHOLS IN 1865.

The earliest races in the Northern States were
established at Hampstead Plains (now Garden city, by
Governor Nichols in 1865 year after the capture of
New-Amsterdam ami its conversion into New-Iork.
This part Of Long Island first settled 10y people from
the NcwHayen Colony. TO whom the Undulating plain
sixteen miles long and four broad totally devoid OF trees
and covered with long rank ass object of pro
found wonder. They supposed that it incapable OF
cultivation. that the soil turned up by the plought
porous that 1t would hot retain water. The agri-
cultural scientists who from New Haven believed
that trees cOnd grow there and that stones sank TO
unknown depths rs In quicksands. But there was no
doubt that the grasses nutritious and the plains be
great grazing common for the inhabitants of the
township. When they first badc good-by to Ncw-Hayen
and settled in the neghborhood Of these plains Long
Island claimed by both Massachusetts, and Virginia
and also by the Dutch OF NewNetherands, and as Gov
ernor stuyvesan Insisted upon tax and tribute hey were
paid for two rcasons-One that he had the military
force at hand to compel payment the other that in 1Gl7
be obtained quclaim for the plains from Taka-Pacha
sachem OF the Massapeaks and other Indians who had
rights or alleged them
But in 1864 Governor Nichols quietly seized New
York in the Of Charles H. and thenceforth Long
Island insoparabo from Mannahatan." At that
time Brooklyn only fishing station. less popuous
than Galilee near Long Branch, and Hempstead the
place OF consideration the island Governor Nichols,
hearing Of the natural phenomenon of this vast trecless
plain, for so It deemed went to visit it and was
taken with its fitness for Being fond of
that sport he chrstenedit Salisbury Plain after the place
in England where Sonchcngc stands, and where the
Gaelic fortress Of Old sarum still remains and estab
shed track for trials OF speed. which he called the
Newmarket Course He gave silver cups to be for
We learn from pamphlet published about that time
the Three Bibles I'm Popes Hoad Alley, London, writ
ten by Daniel Denton who may have been related the
Rev. Mr. Denton, OF New-Hayen, who OF the
emgrants to Hampstead Plains. He says Toward the
middle OF Long Island lyeth plain sixteen miles long
and four broad upon which plain very fine grass
that makes exceeding good hay and Is very good pasture
for sheep other cattel; where you shall find neither
stick stone to hinder the Horse heels endanger
them in their Aud year the best horses
the Islands brought hthcr try their swiness and
the swest rewarded with silver cup. two being an
nualy procured tor that purpose" It Is than pos
sibe that OF these cups still oxtant Long
Island for Jolly Colonel Nichols encouraged racing. like
hearty gentleman until he was killed some ten wears
acrward In the sudden onslaught by which the Dutch
rctook New Amsterdam. which. however they ceded
amlcaby the British shortly afterward If any
these prizes should be still In the possession OF Long
Island gentleman is 10 be hoped that he will permit its
exhibition Governor LOyelace maintained the races.
changed the prizes ordering subscriptions be
taken up OF all such DESTROYS of running for
crown OF silver or the value thereof In wheat All the
colonial governors continued these races which became
exceedingly popular They We're great source Of rev
the East River race days and doubt charged
enormous fares for in 1882 Governor Montgomery had
act passed regulating the ferry between New-York
and the villageof Brooklyn. and established the
"A
hog fourpencc; a sheep lamb. thrcepence; wagon
cart five shilngs and for every person grains OF
sevil pillar Mexican plate or twOpence in bills of
credit Always provided that sucking child,
remnant OF goods or other small goods which woman
carries IN her apron or man or boy under his arm,
ahall be free"
market probably fled during the Revolution but
the races carried with the greatest spirit by the
British. who. read, had actually heard of them IN
England. such was their renown. Brooklyn probably
owes development 20 the enemy for in the struggle
for Our liberties the English had their wagon trains.
backsmiths and armOrcrs shops established there. and
coming over the river to have fish dinners mt the
tavern which place bOased In The Royal Ncr York
Gazette OF August g. 1881, there Is advertisement TO
this effect: Gentlemen that lovers of fox hunting
are requested 10 meet NJ LOOsecys Tavern Ascot
Heath on Friday morning next between the hours OF
aud q. pack OF hounds Will be there Durposely IA
uia 0f their abilities This must have been drag
bag fox hunting in August Il anomaly Breakfast
ing and rcishes until the commence. At o'clock
will be run for elegant saddle, etc. valued az least
twenty pounds. for which upward or twelve gentlemen
will ride their horses At II match will be- rode by
two gentlemen horse for horse. At match for thirty
guineas by two gentlemen who will ride their
horses"
After the evacuation by the British forces the Hemp
stead continued with great brancy until the
establishment OF the Union Course at Jamaica in 1921,
and the formation Of Jockey Club or 200 members who
subscribed 92O each annually for purses It at this
course that Eclipse the Northern horse beat Henry the
champion OF the South in three straight heats four miles
each the winner making the heats IN 1887, 149, S24
Aud here the NewJersey mare Fashion beat Boston the
virginia horse, In two fOur-milc heats for 100000
Boston ugly horse and ran very unhandsOmey at
times 10 Is generally conceded that he the
best horse OF his time. The Union killed the
old Newmarket at Hampstead, and the plain is
now being covered with cottages, colleges cthedrals.
trees and maTkegaTdens the memory of the old time
races Is fast fading into tradition When
pause think for while II II hard 70 believe that all
the beauty aud galantry and wealth 9nd official pOmp OF
Colonial times gathered at these races, Whlch are now
Ouly "A ia