Eclipse and Henry 163 



example ; and I trust the part I took in it will not be consid- 

 ered as a proof of my intention to become a patron of sport- 

 ing on so extensive a scale. For myself, then, I must decline 

 the offer. 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 fleetness, directed by consummate skill, has 

 hitherto failed to accomplish. 



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

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

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

 success, and to himself as a man, not totally divested of feel- 

 ing, 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." 



This graceful declination on the part of Mr. 

 Stevens ended forever the public rivalry of 

 Eclipse and Henry. That the Southerners did 

 not believe that their horse had been defeated 

 strictly upon his merits is evidenced by the quick 

 return challenge sent by Colonel Johnson. Sir 

 Henry was compelled to return to Virginia with- 

 out having opportunity for revenge upon his dis- 

 tinguished Northern rival. 



