TBE TROTTINQ-BOESE OF AMERICA. 359 



Dexter's next engagement was tliat famous one against 

 lime, in wMcli the latter was backed against him at $5,- 

 000 to $1,000. Mr. Alley undertook that he should beat 

 2m. 19s., and took the bet twice over. The horse was to 

 be allowed three trials if he required as many. He was 

 also matched two races with Gen. Butler, to wagon, one 

 of them mile heats, three in five, and the other two-mile 

 heats. These were to be trotted in October, after the time- 

 race should be determined. Dexter was never better than 

 during his preparation for this time-race. He was alrealdy 

 in condition, and it did not take a great deal of work to 

 keep him there. I had to see that he did not make new 

 flesh, and that was about all that was required. We did 

 not give him a high trial, but contented ourselves with the 

 knowledge that he had his speed, and was in order. 



At first, the betting was at nearly as heavy odds as the 

 main stake ; but afterwards no more than three to one could 

 be obtained. We felt a good deal of confidence ; for I re- 

 lied upon the thorough bottom he had always shown in 

 finishing, even from his very first trial, when he came into 

 my hands the fall that he was five years old. My opinion, 

 declared before the race to a confidential friend, was, that he 

 could perform the feat, even if he made a break; and I 

 thought that if he had every thing in his favor, and rated 

 right through as he might possibly do, he would just about 

 trot the mile in 2m. 15s., or 2m. 16s. We had once thought 

 of selecting the Centreville Course for this race ; but it was 

 finally deemed better to take the Fashion Course. On the 

 evening before the race, things looked favorable, but the 

 track was dry and lumpy. Mr. Crocheron went to work 

 with his usual energy, and gave it " a good watering. After 

 this it was brushed. 



There was considerable wind on Tuesday tnorning ; but 

 we waited until well on into the afternoon, when it went 

 down, till it was somewhat calm. This was what I -had 

 hoped and expected. Many years of experience of the 



