124 ORIGINAL SOURCES OF TROTTING BLOOD. 



proofs, both in regard to the facts of importation and ownership, and, 

 in addition, many interesting particulars in regard to the history and 

 character of the animal, the disappointment of the distinguished 

 friend of the horse could only find vent in an effort to demolish the 

 reputation of one Samuel Jaques, who for many years had control of 

 Bellfounder. 



The gentleman through whose efforts the facts concerning the 

 importation of Bellfounder have been given to the public, being a 

 man of intelligence and candor, after communicating to the editor 

 aforesaid what seemed to be all the .materials required to settle the 

 question, and having therefor received what he complained of as a 

 *' sharp criticism," wrote again, "that so much trash and nonsense has 

 been spread before the public regarding Bellfounder, by writers who 

 evidently know nothing whatever of the facts in his history, that I felt 

 it a duty, though at considerable trouble and expense, to place on 

 record, from word of mouth, those truths which otherwise would soon 

 be swept from human research." While this remark was directed to 

 the editor himself, it may be proper here to say that it applies to 

 many others, though in a less degree besides the one to whom it was 

 addressed. Through the kindness of this gentleman I have received 

 a lengthy statement, from which, in connection with his letters already 

 made public, there is presented the following summary of historical 

 facts: 



Bellfounder was bred in the vicinity or district of Norfolk, Eng- 

 land, and was there purchased by James Boott, of Boston, and shipped 

 from Liverpool to Boston in the ship Rasselas, Captain Jackson, 

 arriving in the latter city on the 11th day of July, 1822, as appears 

 from the custom house entry; the entry being sworn to by John W. 

 Boott, brother of the importer, and the value of the horse as per 

 invoice, being stated at three hundred pounds sterling. 



Mr. Levi S. Gould, of Boston, the gentleman to whom the public 

 are indebted for the facts relating to Bellfounder's importation and 

 history, says: 



Who was James Boott, the importer and life-long owner of this horse; and 

 who was Samuel Jaques, Jr., his first manager? Happily, from a lifetime 

 spent in Boston and the adjacent county of Middlesex, I am familiar with the 

 reputation of both these gentlemen. About the year 1775 an Englishman 

 named Kirk Boott settled in Boston, and, fortune favoring, was soon estab- 

 lished as a merchant on State street, in connection with three sons, John W., 

 Kirk and James. About the year 1821 this firm was dissolved. James retired 

 from active business, and with a competency devoted himself to such rational 



