American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Group of 10 letters, all but one addressed to Doble, spanning 17 January 1876 through 26 August 1876, accompanied by 9 covers. Multiple correspondents.

Letters provide a glimpse into the intricacies of the horse-racing and horse-breeding world, including matters of speed, prospects, and sales. One "confidential" letter describing a promising mare; a series of three letters from S.W. Granger related to the delivery and prospects of the horse "General Howard," a letter from J.C. Faster discussing the horse "Rip Rap" and its potential to trot at 2:20 during the season; and general letters associated with the quality of other horses. One letter from Faster to another breeder discusses the potential purchase of a horse for $10,000, and references Doble.

William H. Doble, originally of Trenton, New Jersey, was a pioneer of American harness racing and, in his time, one of the most famous reinsman in the world. He began handling and training horses in the 1830s. Later he ran the Eagle Tavern, a favorite resort for turfman and gamblers near Trenton. A city directory for the mid-1850s references Doble as a Grand Circuit driver and horse trainer, and as the manager of the Eagle Tavern premises. He soon gained fame as a driver, breeder, and owner. The Trenton Evening Times obituary for 4 May 1896 notes that at the time of his death at the age of 80, Doble was "probably the oldest living driver of trotting horses and he was the first man to drive a trotter faster than 2:17." Doble's legacy continued after his death with his five sons, all of whom were involved in the horse-racing industry.

[With:] Receipt in the amount of $100 from O.H. Wilson to Albert Paxson "for the Blooded Messenger Mare 'Fanny,'" Philadelphia, 8 May 1861.