The Washington times., 1894-10-03
SAT NEXT TO NELLIE BURRILL.
4 Virginiau Declares Howgate and His
Charmer Have Been In Washington
Since the Formers Flight


Charmer Have Been In Washington
Since the Formers Flight.
81 am quite sure that Capt Howgate has
been in Washington since his defalcation was
discovered. knew Miss Burrill we'll by sight,
and on one occasion several years ago, but
since the fight, ate at the next table to her in
an eating saloon on Pennsylvania avenue"
Thus spoke E. r. Merry, of Fairfax county.
Va, when he was in the city few days ago.
The beautiful black horses, which formed
part of Capt Howgate's stable during his
palmy days in Washington, were purchased
from Mr. Merry. who related to TIMES re-
porter the following interesting incidents
connected with the sale Of the first of the
noble animals TO the then gallant and popular
Army officer:
Il do not exactly know" said Mr. Merry,
show Capt. Howgate became aware of the
fact that l had the horse for sale, but, at any
rate he sent for me to come to the Signal
Office and see him. l did so, and took the
horse along, tying it in front of the office
while l went inside Capt. Howgate took
look at the animal and said Just leave him
with me for two or three days, and ii like
him will pay you for him"
There was not at that time the faintest ru-
NOR that Captain Howgate was doing any
thing wrong, but l declined to accede to this
proposition.
''iWhy. what is the matter?' said the cap
tain. 1 am responsible. l own a whole
block of houses.
THAT makes no difference, replied
''If you want my horse and you pay me
for him, you can have him. OF course, | am
willing to let you go with me TO try him, but
/ must drive.
"'Well, why won't you let me try him for
two or three daysg urged the captain.
''Since you ask me for the facts, l replied.
81 will tell you (there were half a dozen
messengers and others sitting around, but l
thought | might as well tell him the
truth: Captain, a few nights ago l saw
you out Fourteenth street, and you had a
brick in your hat; in other words, you were
drunk. You had fallen back in your buggy
and the lines were lying on the dashboard,
while the horse was trotting along just where
it pleased to 90. Ii you should attempt to do
that with this horse there would be funeral
inside of forty-eight hours, and you would be
the corpse.
Capt Howgate became very indignant, but
/ did not care. He had asked me for the true
reason why did not want to risk my horse
with him and told him. We made no deal
and left the office.
~ had driven down the Avenue but a short
distance when one of Capt. Howgates mes
sengers overlook me, and told me that the
captain wanted to see me again. l went back
and he told me that if would 60 to Thomp-
sons book store, near the corner of Pennsyl-
vania avenue and Fifteenth street. and get
printed form of bill OF sale he would take the
horse and pay me my price, 1925. | tried to
get the form he had suggested, but found that
there was no such thing in existence, and
went back and told him so. He then decided
TO take the animal on simple guarantee and
receipt, and. after these were made out, paid
me the money.
subsequently he bought the mate of the
horse for $3.50 from me. The pair were per-
fectly matched in every particular, and at
tracted much attention on the Avenue, es-
pecially when Capt. Howgate and Nellie Bur-
rill were behind them"