316 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



Evans's only team ; and, of course, his labor was very 

 severe. Mr. Evans kept him three or four years, or 

 until 1804, when he was sued for debt. Col. John Goss 

 became his bail, took the horse for security, and finally 

 paid the debt, and kept him. Mr. John Goss was not 

 much of a horseman, and therefore took the horse to 

 his brother, David Goss of St. Johnsbury, who was 

 quite a horseman, and made arrangements with him to 

 keep him for a stock-horse. After David had kept him 

 a year, he was so much pleased with him, that he ex- 

 changed a fine mare with his brother for him, adding 

 cash or other property. The horse, in this trade, was 

 valued at one hundred dollars. Mr. David Goss kept 

 him seven years, or until 1811 ; and it was while owned 

 by him that the Hawkins, Fenton, and Sherman horses 

 were sired. Mr. Goss kept him almost constantly at 

 work on his farm, with the exception of about two 

 months in the spring of each year. While his property, 

 although put to hard work, the horse was not over- 

 worked or abused, but was properly treated and cared 

 for. David Goss sold him to his son Philip. Some 

 of his colts about Randolph having grown up, and 

 proved valuable, there was some inquiry for the horse 

 in that vicinity; and he was accordingly taken back to 

 that town. This was in 1811. 



''He was now nineteen years old; and those who owned 

 him at different times after this generally seemed eager 

 to get rid of him, for fear he should die on their hands. 

 Immediately after his return to Randolph, he seems to 



