194: THE UOIiSE. 



ANSWEK. 



Dear Sir — The bet just decided was made under circum- 

 stances of excitement, which might in some measure apologize 

 for its rashness, but would scarcely justify it as an example ; 

 and I trust the part I took in it, will not be considered as a 

 proof of my intention to become a patron of sporting on so ex- 

 tensive a scale. For myself, then, I must decline the oflfer. 

 For the gentlemen who with me backed Eclipse, their confidence 

 in his superiority, I may safely say, is not in the least impaired. 

 But even they do not hesitate to believe, that old age and hard 

 service may one day accomplish, what strength and fleetuess, 

 directed by consummate skill, has hitherto failed to accom- 

 plish. 



For Mr. Van Ranst I answer, that he owes it to the associa- 

 tion who have so confidently supported him, to the State at 

 large, who have felt and expressed so much interest in his suc- 

 cess, and to himself as a man, not totally divested of feeling, 

 never, on any consideration, to risk the life or reputation of the 

 noble animal, whose generous, and almost incredible exertions, 

 have gained for the North so signal a victory, and for himself 

 such well earned and never failing renown. 



I remain, sir, your most obedient servant, 



John C. Stevens. 

 Wm. E.. Johnson, Esq. 



As Mr. -Van Eanst, in a little work issued from the press, at 

 his instance, entitled, " The History of American Eclipse," has 

 touched upon the comparative powers of the English race- 

 horses, of the past and present day, before I take leave of the 

 subject, I propose, hereafter, to offer a few remarks in reply. 



An Old Tukfmajs'. 



