The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-09

~, In CnaTtcS Clly county. As podi
the Samuel J. Pentz. an unlcoked-for
sight OF r. William Hewitt at the wharf,
bound for like dire ,tion as the writer
proved an unexpected pleasure. The
time consumed by the journey down
passed quickly enough during pleasant
discussion OF congenial topics with the
young master Of North Bend Stock Farm
who was taking home a purchase In the
shape Of n rangy blood like chestnut mare
1--WE years old. and called Hilda well
lington. and. as her name indicates
daughter OF Wellington. ont OF Nina
Nan Zant. by Mambrino Abdallah.
While chatting away the boat touched
the wharf at Shirley, the ancient home
OF the Carriers. an heirloom passed from
father to son through successive genera
fions OF the name and still retained by
n mistress who bears the same patro-
nymic The beautiful old homestead bore
a look strangely familiar. though nigh
on 10 twenty years mark the flight OF
time since when. az n boy Just in the
teens. l first beheld the place. Just few
minutes for lingering gaze at the stately
old mansion Of brick. and the boat moves
of The sun lacked but little Of approach
ing the meridian line when my destination
was reached: so bidding n hasty goodbye
10 friend Hewitt, stepped on shore, and
grasped the hand of Mr. Richard II. An
derson, n gentleman rider Of no mean
ability, and winner Of the handsome
trophy offered by Hermitage Riding Club,
of Richmond. in 1873. :or a contest in the
saddle among its members.
A few minutes later n cordial welcome
from the master Of Westover inspired that
home-like feeling so pleasant to possess.
The versatile pens Of many writers have
touched only TO n limited extent the
charms OF this historic old place as IL
impressed me. The mansion. ancient,
grand and stately. of the Elizabethan
style OF architecture. with its red brick
walls snowy-white easements. and inside
shutters Of the same emblematic color,
heightens the beauty Of the carefully
tended lawr, studded with forest trees Of
grand size: while on either side the en-
trance is marked by massive iron gates.
supported by huge piles or masonry.
Facing the mansion and extending east
and west. are long expanses OF flower
beds with variegated hues Of rare beauty.
The grounds. reaching some distance from
the mansion. terminate in an abrupt ter
race. the foot Of which is protected by
a solid wall OF masonry that effectually
resists the inroads of the rushing waters
OF the river.
In the we'll kept garden Is a monument,
which marks the last resting place OF
William Byrd the original owner OF
westover and the founder Of the city OF
born March 2s. 1914, and died August 20,
1744. Farther off in an easterly
direction in a beautiful grove overlook
Ing the sparkling waters Of the James,
a stone slab denotes the grave OF Mary
Byrd, wife Of William Byrd. and by her
side rests her daughter Evelyn Byrd.
around whose memory clings sentimental
traditions peculiarly sad and tender.
II is said she died of a broken heart,
her death taking place on the 18th of
November, 1877, in the Goth year Of her
age. II the sublimity of the scene be
indicative OF peace, then her spirit must
be at rest. and her last sleep has been
sweet, for the blossoms of spring will
fall upon no spot in all that section more
worthy OF their fragrance.
The farm has never directed special at
tention TO the production Of high-class
harness horses, yet In years past sons
and daughters OF Orion, Hetzers Handle
tonian, Startle, thoroughbred son Of
Alarm, and other sires, have roamed its
rich pastures while countless herds OF
fine cattle have found subsistence on the
products Of its broad acres. managed
and brought TO the highest state Of fer
tility by the master head Of the owner.
Nirginian Of the olden time, terse
writer, a profound thinker and possessor
OF enviable executive ability. 1t was on
Tuesday, the one following Easter short
~ after the hour Of midday. that a gay
party OF both sexes sat at lunch in the
spacious dinng-room and slipped from
dainty cups Of china hot chocolate. served
by the accomplished mistress Of West
over, who dispensed the beverage from
Dick Anderson's silver pitcher. a trophy
OF his prowess when a member of the
Hermitage Riding Club away back in
the first seventies. The appetizing re-
past being through with, lingering adieu
10 host and hostess, and our faces were
turned TO the wharf for the return jour
ney. The steamer soon hove in sight,
then touched the landing, when our party
Of four went on board, and the Samuel
]. Pentz moved Off Beautiful old West
over was soon lost TO view. as was Berke-
ley and Shirley, and other relics Of Colo
NAL days on the banks OF the James.
Now ttat General 3. +. Tracy has re-
tired from political life, II is considered
very probable that he will again enter
the ranks Of trottpg horse breeders.
Prior 10 his accepting the position as
Secretary of the Navy he conducted the
well-known Marshland Stock Farm, near
Owego n. Y, and his principal stations
were Mambrino Dudley. 2:19 81. and Ken
lucky wilkes. 2:1 IA. After assuming
cares of State General Tracey disposed
OF nearly all Of his trotting stock at pub
lie auction, reserving only a few mares
and Kentucky Wilkes, who was leased TO
Kentucky Iarties and performing stud
duty in that State. Marshland has been
managed for come years by the Generals
son. Mr.. Frank Tracy. and few very
choice brood mares have been collected.
Kentucky Wilkes has been tSken back
10 his old quarters from the State OF his
nativity, and henceforth will remain at
Marshland. Though not a .arge horse
he IS one OF great finish and style. and
transmits those desirable characteristics
20 most OF his get. His daughter, Virginia
Evans. 2:l5 IA, was recently purchased
by William Rockefeller. OF New York.
for the snug sum OF $1,000, 10 be used for
road purposes, more than double her
worth for track use The price obtaiced
FOR the black daughter Of the old Grand
Circuit veteran OF dozen years ago. is
easily accounted for, being a mare OF
marvellous beauty, finish and STYLE equal
ly at home in single harness or TO the
pole. and with sufficient speed TO vie with
the fastest road horses in the metropolis.
The production OF such a mare as Virginia
Evans only emphasizes the Importance
OF selecting parents liable 10 breed size
style and finish. Such horses usually find
ready Tale at good prices. In the mad
race TO produce speed, other all important
qualifications have been disregarded as
evidenced by the low prices which have
ruled at auction sales for months past.
II would be pleasant TO see General
Tracy start in with the reform move
iheht ana collect a harem OF mares APP
preaching the type OF Virginia Evans
WIN Kentucky Wilkes at the head The
INFUSION or Morgan blood coming through
ms oam gives the style which would 1T