Sequachee Valley news. (Sequachee [Sequatchie], Tenn.) 1896-1952, 1901-06-20


amity was freely predicted from such a
combination. The calamity came to
pass promptly on time, for before the
third quarter post was reached, the bay
horse few the track on the blind side,
struck pine tree and broke his neck
and nearly killed his rider
Shortly after this tho end came, the
curtain was rung down on the great
drama, and our struggle for constitu-
tional liberty as we understood it,
proved to-be in vain.
As Whoeler's cavalry had been among
the first to enter the service, they were
the last to leave it, and, ragged and
reckless to the end, volunteered to the
number of coo, to attempt to escort the
president of the 'storm-cradled nation"
to a place of safety, General Wheeler
was captured and sent North with Mr..
Davis and family, the daring cavalry
man acting en- route as nurse for "Baby
Winnie" who was later to immcrtalize
the name of the Daughter of the Con-
federacy." Tragedy at last reigned su-
preme, and sadly the old rough-riders
wended their way toward their homes.
Among these was Major Austin of
the 9th Kentucky, part OF what was
known as the Orphan Brigade" com
manded by w, c. p. Breckenridge. He
was riding horse he had named Joe
Wheeler" and which had once been
one Of the kings of the turf, but short
ratons and hard service, rather than
age or infrmity had lowered his am
bition, and he now seemed as dispirited
as his master, Passing through Ala
bama they found COED Samaritan in
the person of Aunt Polly Wilson," a
hospitable and wealthy old lady who
lived a few miles from Talladega, and
with her few weeks were spent, rest
and recuperating both man and horse
Here Austin made the acquaintance
OF another rebel cavalryman, Captain
Hill by name, who was a great lover Of
horses, and of rather sporting proclivi-
ties Owning racer himself he was
not long in discovering indications of
speed in Austin's horse, and upon in
quiry was told that in three-quarter
track be had never been beaten.
"Then," said Hill, 81 have a scheme
by which we can make some money.
In the Yankee garrison at Talladega
there is horse which they think can
outrun anything that goes on four legs
| have been thinking of running my
horse against him, but was a little
afraid to risk it, Now, if your horse is
faster than mine, we can draw more
money from these fellows than the
"Corn-fed Government owed us when it
busted"
But" replied Austin, II haven't t
any money, Barring the Mexican dol
lar drew in North Carolina as a years
pay, am about broke.
Never mind about that" rejolned
Hill, 'if your horse can win the race,
Will do the rest"
A test race was arranged in which it
was easily shown that Hills horse was
not even in the same class with Joe
Wheeler" So the next day they re-
paired to Talladega, more with the
hope of winning one more rebel victory,
even if bloodless one and taking some
of the conCeit out of an exultant enemy
than from a prospect of gain. Each
rode his own horse and his old cavalry
saddle. When they stated their bust
ness the Federals were at first disposed
to treat the matter as joke, regarded
as presumption the offer to run that old
rebel cavalry horse against their sleek
racer, and we're eager to bet at almost
any ODDS.
The Colonel in command was consult
ed, and he readily agreeing to see fair
play "if it took the whole garrison, :"
the race was planned for the Saturday
following. The days intervening were
spent in rehearsing Joe in the part he
had to play and he soon demonstrated
his ability to do all that was expected
of him.
When Saturday came Aunt Polly
handed Austin a roll of greenbacks, tell
ing him to put it where it would do the
most good. At first he hesitated about
taking it, but the shrewd old lady said
to him, Il know what you boys are up
to and l am willing to trust to your
judgement"
Arrived at the race track, the Yankee
horse was making magnificent show;
was clad in a fine blanket and was rear
ing and jumping, so eager was he for
the fray, while old Joe seemed to take
things much as a matter of course, and
acted as if he had been there before.
One enthusiastic Yank remarked I'll
you Johnnies expect that old horse to
keep in sight, you will have to tie a
bundle Of fodder to our horses tail. "
Another suggested that they take up a
collection to buy Joe feed Of corn. A
third, however, after looking Joe owe!
critically, said to his comrades, boys
II you don't watch out that old sorrel
horse is going to fool YOU"
After placing Aunt Polly's money
''where it would do the most good" a