Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-01
to the foot Of the hill leading 70 the (}overn.
meut Insane Asylum, where this very peculiar
roar was again very distinct.
STANpHDr At x,av~

roar was again very distinct
srAxYxpk At xioHr.
Inc thought at once entered my mind a 70
me probability Of the old horses having broken
through the fence. Putting whip to our horss,
winch. by the way, happened 10 Be very gen.
We one, We thought to reach the scene Of the
disorder - soon as possible; but a the peculiar
roar which seemed to come over tho brow Of
~ .ne nun IN waves grew more and more distinct
~ began 70 % question what would bscoms
OF u.s. IL the stampeding animals were on the
road 70 washington, a. 1t would be sure death
LOT rs to be caught by this stream OF Frantic
animals Driving as rapidly a. possible, We had
arrived at point about half way from the bot
tom 10 the top Of the hill when the head Of the
column appeared on the brow and began 10
Ihunder down the wide sxpanse Of roadway.
TOT us 70 stop, go on, or turn and drive the
otner way was in either case almost sure death.
aad the whip and reins, and looking 70 the
leit discerned . deep rayins into which Il
occurred to me could force our horss and
merely save him and such portions Of our
wagon as were not destroyed by the plunge ~
wen a. our own lives. A short stroke Of
the whip and vigorous pull on tho left rein
sent our old gray plunging down the declivity.
Zach OF us sprang FOR our lives from the wagon
and escaped without serious injury. The mad
dened stream of brutes were Just upon us-one-
half . second more delay and We would have
been trampled to death by the thoroughly
panic-stricken animals, which, by the thousand,
were madly plunging down the hill toward the
river: As we cleared the road and went down
into the ravine our horse fell and the wagon
was upset, but no very serious damage was done
to either Gaining an eligible position, from
which TO view the galloping. neighing, snort
Ing herd discerned an officer in full uniform
riding madly in the line and seemingly en-
firely absorbed in the task before HIM.
at once shouted to him, What horses are
those?" but without turning his head the words
came floating back to me on the midnight air,
ID il know" and disappeared in the mad
Perhaps few Of those who read this ever saw
a nerd OF horses under similar conditions.
They were, to say the least, any thing but hand
some brutes in their normal condition, but
under the terrible nervous excitement which
now seemed to possess each and every one of
them, they appeared to be transformed into
thoroughbred Kentucky racers. With heads
and necks elevated, nostrils and ewes distended
and springiness to the leap which would have
done credit to Tenbrook OF Harry Bassets in
thelr palmy days, 1t may well be said that the
stampede of the 5000 horses WAS a rare sight.
On they rushed. down through the little village
OF Unlontown to q point where the road on tho
south side Of the Anacostia leaves the main
thoroughtare, Here division took place, .
portion Of them keeping on and crossing the
Navy Yard bridge to Washington. Hundreds
trying to run through the river were soon
swamped in the mud and drowned, but BY far
the larger number took the road to the right
and passed on toward Eladensburg and finally
dispersed In small squads throughout .
greater portion Of lower Maryland lighting
our horse and wagon, we were soon at the
depot, where another peculiar spectacle was
presented.
RACE IN TIE CORRAL.
1t seemed that when the break through the
fence was made about $50 Of the animals took
the road which led to the issuing corral, the
superintendent Of which heard them coming
and at once opened the gates, through which
they passed. This corral was built with long
rows Of stables radiating in every direction
from circle. Inside of this circle stood a
large mess house, leaving a roadway around il
OF about forty feet wide. As soon as the horses
had passed in the gates were closed and here
commenced probably the most unique race on
record Never stacking their speed they com
menced to run from right to left around the
house, and despite all that could be done, con-
tinued their mad career for q full hour and
half. 1t appeared that nothing but death would
stop them; but finally, by mutual consent, they
gradually ceased their wild chase and became
reasonably quiet. The net result of the whole
analr was loss to the government of about 400
head of horses
Business at the depot did not cease with the
war, but was continued for about two years as
an aid to the final disposition OF animals and
other war material. Finally the buildings were
sold at auction and removed and the farm re-
stored to Its owner. who, l believe. had a long
and vigorous controversy with the government
as to damages for occupancy and material al
ieged to have been absorbed. including the
field OF corn heretofore alluded to.
Giesboro' Point is a conspicuous instance Of
the completeness with which great ana Inn
portant war depot, costing millions Of dollars
and furnishing employment for years to thou
sands of laborers, can pass entirely out OF
sight and leave no indication whereby the
stranger may even guess of the proportions or
Importance OF its mission in the great war Of
the rebellion.