THE AMERICAN HORSE II3 



The mares were left at home for the very good reason 

 that in battle they are likely to stampede and create 

 a panic through fright. Horses have more nerve. The 

 beat of the drum, the call to arms, the familiar toot of 

 the bugle and horn, and the stirring march of the regi- 

 mental band are music in their ears, and an impulse to 

 their going.' 



Very true, and every soldier has something to tell of the 

 surprising and intelligent faithfulness of his horse in battle. 

 How many I have heard grieve over their loss or their 

 wounds ! They seemed ever bound together in a mutual 

 love, the soldier for his horse, and the horse for his master. 

 During the Civil War in America, General E. Burd 

 Grubb, subsequently ambassador to Spain in 1890, rode a 

 superb black stallion called Malheureux (because he was 

 never married), which carried him safely through many a 

 battle. The winters in camp being very severe, the 

 general soon found that while on outpost duty the warmest 

 place to sleep was close along the belly of his pet. As 

 they lay together, Mai never stirred, except occasionally 

 to lift his head gently, in order that he might get a better 

 survey of his sleeping master. If the general chanced to 

 be awake, 'All right, Mai,' was all he need say, and 

 the devoted animal would suffer himself to sleep again. 

 Mai was one of the pets of the regiment, escaping the 

 enemy's bullets with rare good luck, and living some 

 years after the war to a good old age — ever most tenderly 

 cared for, and sadly regretted at his death. But pray 

 continue. 



'Up to that time the foundation blood of America's 

 best horses was the choicest from England's thorough- 

 breds, which was always kept strongly reinforced by 



H 



