Alexandria Gazette

A RACE

Extract from a Letter to the Editor of the Charleston Courier, dated Augusta, Dec. 6, 1840.

No occurrence of interest came under my observation, with the exception of being, in common with the rest of the passengers in the cars, a witness of a most exciting race, which came off between the locomotive and a fine black gelding, which was got up without previous concert, but was not therefore the less interesting.

When within about two miles of Aiken, we came up with two young gentlemen on horseback, one of them mounted on a really fine looking gelding, the other on the back of a bay nag. The black horse showed a disposition not to let the cars precede him, and his rider, nothing loth, gave him the rein. Off they went, the road running parallel with the rails, and but a few yards apart. The locomotive puffed and groaned and kept up a good stroke, but the black gelding struck out gallantly, and kept his ground, regardless of mud or water, tempering his pace as the locomotive accelerated or lessened its speed, appearing determined to reserve his powers, until the final struggle for the victory was to be made. At times, where there was no curve, the engine would shoot a trifle ahead, but the rowelled heel of the rider of the black nag would then be applied, and the noble animal would respond to the touch with the utmost readiness, and the lost ground would be instantly recovered. The result was, that the gelding took the race, amid the cheers of the passengers in the cars, whose feelings were enlisted on their own gallant steed. The rider of the gelding appeared as much gratified as if he had won a purse of gold, and patting his favorite on the neck, exclaimed in a tone of exultation,—"You may talk of your locomotive as you choose, it can not beat my horse, Doctor."