240 Making the American Thoroughbred 



When the horses were brought on the course Mrs. 

 Jackson, pointing to Polly Medley, said, "She is too little 

 to run with the Indian Queen," to which Mrs. Hall (then 

 in her iyth year and small for her age) replied, "Horses 

 are like people, the smallest are generally the smartest." 



When the horses were about to start, a preacher resid- 

 ing in the vicinity happened to arrive and made inquiries 

 for a stray cow. At the tap of the drum Polly Medley 

 took the track and was soon a considerable distance 

 ahead of her competitors. The preacher, becoming greatly 

 excited, mounted the fence and, waving his hat cried out 

 at the top of his voice, "Look at Polly Medley! Look 

 at Polly Medley! Look! she leaves" with an oath 

 "a blue streak behind her." The enthusiastic divine 

 was arraigned before his church, tried and suspended for a 

 time. I have heard this anecdote related by my father, 

 who was present at the race and a witness on the trial. 



The race was succeeded by a splendid ball given by 

 Dr. Barry and his amiable wife, who were famous for 

 their hospitality and sumptuous entertainments. Gen. 

 Jackson, the most graceful dancer and most courtly 

 gentleman of his day, opened the ball with the beautiful 

 bride (Mrs. Hall) as his partner. Mrs. Hall and Mrs. 

 Barry were sisters and they and their families were ever 

 on the most intimate terms of friendship with Mrs. 

 Jackson and the General. 



Grey Medley was, I believe, the first 1 thoroughbred 

 stallion brought to Tennessee. He was bred by Gov. Ben 

 Williams of North Carolina, purchased by Dr. R. D. 

 Barry, brought to Tennessee and made his first season, in 

 the year 1800, at the farm of William Donelson, ten miles 

 north of Nashville, on the Gallatin Road. 



T?H "(**?:> '' >i **/.' 'V")l '- r J^) 7' "J'jt"' 1""'" ' r '" /* i '-}~pt >i-f'<- 'f >-f * ' 



1 See pages 44, 45, and Addenda D. 



