EDWIN THORNE AND MAMBRINO CHIEF 



him to Washington. If Downing has not started, 

 please hurry him off, as it is possible I will match 

 the Chief against a horse here." 



As Mr. Clay had but recently purchased Ashland, 

 he did not wish to pay all cash, and Mr. Thorne guar- 

 anteed his note. In a later letter Mr. Clay wrote: 



" Our people are disposed to brag and back their 

 brag with money. There are several Canadian stal- 

 lions here, which are small and have no form. If 

 I think I can beat them with Mambrino Chief, will 

 not back out when they banter me." 



"February 26, 1854: I am happy to advise you 

 that Mambrino Chief arrived on Tuesday, although 

 thin, in fine condition. He surpasses expectations, 

 and twenty mares were engaged to him within an 

 hour. Will limit him to 80 mares at $25." 



"March 5, 1854: Mambrino Chief will have 

 earned $2000 before August i. I will breed myself 

 but four mares, one by Lexington, the horse that 

 ran in the $20,000 stakes at New Orleans. There 

 are several thoroughbred mares and fine trotters, so 

 your colt will be a fine one in blood." 



"April 27, 1854: We had quite a display of 

 horses on court day, with Mambrino Chief at the 

 head. There was great anxiety to see him move, 

 but I have adhered to the resolution that harness shall 

 not be put on him until July 4. I want to have one 

 month of green food before I begin to train and test 

 his speed. When I find where he will stop the 

 watch, I will make a banter of from $2000 to $5000 



57 



