Year: 1873

Ihe weatner Yesterday afforded fine opportunity
to lovers OF nautical sport OF witnessing the match
race between Eben Losee, the Atlanta champion
and David Roche, the Nautilus boy.


These well known Oarsmen were backed by thelr
respective friends to row match on the Harlem
River OF three miles with turn, for prize OF sl0O


The water chosen for the race was on that part
OF Harlem River that lies between the Harlem rail
road bridge and some distance south OF High
Bridge.


The little steamer Catiin waited at the foot Of
Harlem Bridge to receive on board number Of
gentlemen interested one way or another in the
contest.


A short time before the Catlin cast loose from
her moorings, pools OF various values were speed.
lily knocked down to q few adventurous individuals
who had money to risk. At irst the odds, to the
extent OF about twenty five per cent, were freely
taken in favor of Roche, but towards the close OF
the betting, as the steamer was approaching the
starting point OF the race, Losee's friends betted
strongly Ia favor OF their man. One little pool OF
backer OF LOsee at SIS.


AS the Catin steamed up to the starting point,
@ ahe absence was quite oi any
generally, such as might be expected on the
occasion occasion Of o. somewhat remarkable race
healthy ripple on the water the river was in
splendid condition for the sport.


AS the contestants leisurely took up their
respective positions 1Or the race, 1t might be
noticed that Losee was the heavier man OF the
TWO, Roche appearing to be somewhat youthful in
appearance and light Oi build. Losee had the New
YORK SIDE and Roche the Westminster margin OF
the river.


The signal to start was given at thirty-nine min
utes after i've O'Clock, and away they went with a
spirited squirt from both boats At every vigorous
stroke the champions drew up their neither limbs
like tarantulas On the move, and kicked them out
after the manner OF O frightened frog in mill
pond. Their arms showed q nexlpillty in the
management or their oars that was surprising.
They feathered with delightful precision; neither
OF the men seeming 10 raise drop Of spray during


Losee, at the outset, seemed nervous and looked
determined 70 win. Roche appeared to take the
thing very. coolly the whole time Both men
began to steal ahead OF his opponent the very
steadiness and Donchalance OF Roche gave conf
dence to his friends. On the outward stretch
Losee hugged the New York shore, while Roche
maintained his course nearly In the middle OF the
river. Much anxiety was felt lest either OF the
boats might foul OF any of the struggling small
craft that seemed to monopolize the river and the
race as far as they could. Approaching McComb's
was apparently three or four boat ene this ahead
the steamer Water Lily came bowling along down
stream through the bridge, and for a moment it
amidships by the bows or run under the wheels OF
the Water Lily. The collision was dexterously
AVOIDED a., by ~ Losee who managed MS craft with
THIS little incident was made the best OF by the
persevering Roche, who pulled maufully sturdy
stroke and dashed through the Dam Bridge
abreast OF his competitor. At this critical mo-
ment bets were freely given and taken Tor and
against both rowers. Even now Roche was some
what the tavorite with the betting men on the
Catlin.


On dashed the two skiffs with their tOiling oc
cupants; the Catlln at short distance In their
wake. Approaching the flag boats, which marked
the turning point, 1t was hard to discern whether
LOsee or Roche was in the lead. One or two per-
sons were heard to remark that Roche was the
first to turn the boat. 1t was closely contested
race so far.


On the homestretch, approaching McComb's
Bridge, Losee commenced TO haul ahead, and from
that on increased the water between him and
Roche. This time Losce kept his boat more nearly
in the middle OF the stream.


AS the rowers shot past the Catlin 1t was
perceived that Losee was still pulling his best
stroke, while the imperturbable Roche held on to
the same steady pull he had started with.


Alter passing McCombs bridge on the return for
the winning point it was conceded that Losee was
the winning man. He wOn as far as could be
judged OF from the Catlin, by a'good 200 yards.


The time made by IOsee was % Km., which, all
things considered Is not so bad, considering that
he pulled S6-foot boat, and, seemingly, not very
light one.