THE SECOND CHALLENGE. 193 



two hundred yards, when he again fell in the rear, and gave up 

 the contest. 



Thus terminated the most interesting race ever run in the 

 United States. Besides the original stake of $20,000 each, it 

 was judged that upwards of $200,000 changed hands. 



In this last heat Sir Henry carried 110 lbs., being two 

 pounds over his proper weight ; it not being possible to bring 

 Arthur Taylor to ride less, and although a small horse, and 

 wanting twenty days of being four years old, he made the 

 greatest run ever witnessed in America. 



Time, this heat, 8 minutes, 24 seconds. 



Thus the three heats, or twelve miles, were run in 23 min- 

 utes, 50f seconds, or an average of Y minutes, 57 seconds each 

 heat ; or 1 minute, 59 seconds per mile. 



Notwithstanding this defeat, the Southern sportsmen contin- 

 ued to be inspired with so much confidence in tlieir horse, that 

 they offered to renew the contest for a much larger amount, as 

 appears by the following challenge and the answer thereto, 

 which I give as connected with the event. 



To John C. Stevens, Esq. 



Long Island, May 28, 1823. 



Sir — I will ran the horse Henry against the horse Eclipse 

 at Washington city, next fall, the day before the Jockey Club 

 purse is run for, for any sum from twenty to fifty thousand dol- 

 lars ; forfeit ten thousand dollars. The forfeit and stake to be 

 deposited in the Branch Bank of the United States at Washing- 

 ton, at any nameable time, to be appointed by you. 



Although this is addressed to you individually, it is intended 

 for all the betters on Eclipse, and if agreeable to you and them, 

 you may have the liberty of substituting at the starting post, in 

 the place of Eclipse, any horse, mare, or gelding, foaled and 

 owned on the northern and eastern side of the JSTorth River, pro- 

 vided, I have the liberty of substituting in the place of Henry, 

 at the starting post, any horse, mare, or gelding, foaled and 

 owned on the south side of the Potomac. As we propose run- 

 ning at Washington city, the rules of that Jockey Club must 

 govern of course. 



I am respectfully, yours, 



William R. Johnson. 

 Vol. I.— 13 



