From VB-321, Reel 47, Journal of Watervliet Church Family, kept by D.A. Buckingham

This day, we have witnessed a barbarous doing,
Too cruel to talk about much;
Yet, the laws of our country should notice
And sharply chastise such a wretch.
A man, driving westward, with horse & with carriage
When opposite the end of our lane
The horse being worried, so long he had journey'd
He balked, as if never to move onward again.
The man fell to beating & kicking & bruising
The creature outright, and most cruel!
But all was in vain, --:the creature so stubborn
Caused of barbarous deeds a renewal.
But finding his blows, his kicks & his curses
Did not start the creature ahead
He took off the harness, and led the horse onward
To the woods, where now he lays dead.
For sure, the old tyrant, to end his abuses
Did there cut the animal's throat,
There left it, and onward afoot he then started,
As if it all cost but a groat.
Such deified actions and dealings.
The justice of God will y.et meet,
And he in his turn be chastised
When his works will himself also beat.
The end of this matter I cannot relate it
For how 'twill come out there's no knowing.
The man went away, leaving waggon & chattals
Seeking means to again be agoing.


15 October, 1846