1 62 The American Thoroughbred 



confidence in their 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 : — 



"Long Island, May 28, 1823. 

 " To John C. Stevens, Esq. 



"Sir: I will run 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 dollars ; forfeit ten thousand dollars. The forfeit 

 and stake to be deposited in the Branch Bank of the United 

 States at Washington, at any namable time, to be appointed 

 by you. 



" Although this is addressed to you individually, it is in- 

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

 and them, you may have the liberty of substituting at the start- 

 ing post, in the place of Eclipse, any horse, mare, or gelding, 

 foaled and owned on the northern and eastern side of the 

 North River, provided, 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 running at Washington City, the rules of that 

 Jockey Club must govern of course. 



" I am respectfully, yours, 



"William R. Johnson." 



Afiszver 

 " Dear Sir : The bet just decided was made under cir- 

 cumstances of excitement, which might in some measure 

 apologize for its rashness, but would scarcely justify it as an 



