158 The American Tborougbbred 



of Henry; I felt alarmed for the consequence, 

 satisfied that he had thus hazarded all ; I feared 

 that Walden would take advantage of his posi- 

 tion, and by reining in, force him against or 

 inside one of the poles. When they had pro- 

 ceeded a little more than half-way round the 

 sweep, the horses were a dead lap ; when about 

 three-fourths round, Eclipse's quarter covered 

 Henry's head and neck; and just as they had 

 finished the bend and entered upon the straight 

 run, which extends along the back part of the 

 course, Eclipse for the first time was fairly clear 

 and ahead. He now with the help of the per- 

 suaders, which were freely bestowed, kept up his 

 run, and continued gradually, though slowly, to 

 gain during the remaining three-quarters of a 

 mile, and came in about two lengths ahead. As 

 they passed up the stretch or last quarter of a mile, 

 the shouting, clapping of hands, waving of hand- 

 kerchiefs, long and loud applause sent forth by the 

 Eclipse party exceeded all description ; it seemed 

 to roll along the track as the horses advanced, 

 resembling the loud and reiterated shout of 

 contending armies. 



" I have been thus particular in stating that 

 Mr. Purdy made his pass on the inside, under- 



