The Sun.
London, England, 1829-08-22 00:00:00

MARYLEBONE

A stripling came before Mr. HOSKINS, about two
o'clock yesterday afternoon, whose agitated frame
denoted that he was under the apprehension of
something dreadful; and after declaring himself to
be deeply in love with one Miss Dowler, he told
the Magistrate he had just received a challenge by
the twopenny-post to fight a duel on Sunday morn-
ing next, at Chalk-farm, with his rival, young Mr.
Earnshaw, the watchmaker, of Holborn. It was
very shocking to be obliged to fight a duel, but
much more shocking to be told that Miss Dowler
hated him, and considered him a good-for-nothing
fellow. " Here is the letter, Sir," said he, " and
if you will condescend to read it, you will see my
situation."

" Friday Morning.

" Sir,—l have lost no time in answering four
note I got late last night, in which you ordered me
not to pay my addresses to Miss Dowler; and like-
wise you challenge me to fight you a duel on Sun-
day morning next.
" I acknowledge that I am a novice at fighting
duels, but in such an honourable cause as that of
fighting for myself and Miss Dowler, which I ac-
knowledge I tenderly and sincerely love, and there-
fore will sooner lose my life than think of parting
with her. I am determined to punish your pre-
sumption for saying that she has vowed she loved
you, and last night she told nte it was false, and
said you was a good-for-nothing fellow, and she was
a great mind to fight you herself.
" Perhaps, Sir, you think that you are sending a
challenge to a fool or a coward, that would not ac-
cept it; but you will not find that person in me, for
I have been practising pistol shooting for this last
three months. I think, therefore, that I can shoot
such a booby as you, and your seconds afterwards.
I am, Sir, determined ,to accept your challenge; I
will therefore meet you at Chalk-farm at the time
appointed with my seconds. I shall bring pistols
with me, and you can do the same. Mine will be
loaded with grape-shot and a bullet.—l am yours
till then,

F. EAINSHAW.

" P.S.—I am determined to conquer or die for
my dear Betsey. I will have blood for blood,
therefore do not fail to meet me, or you must take
the consequences.—Holborn."
The letter bore the Holborn post-mark, and was
directed " To T. Mason, at Mr. Stewart's, carver,
40, Windmill-street, Tottenham-court-road.

Mr. HOSKINS told him it was a challenge accepted,
and not given; and asked him if he had interfered
with Mr. Earnshaw, or sent him a letter.
" Never, Sir," he replied. " Some one has writ-
ten in my name to give him a challenge."
Mr, flositiNs—Theii, if it is explained, you have
nothing to fear. You are not obliged to meet him
at Chalk-farm.

The applicant declared his life was in danger,
and, after dwelling upon the terrors of grape-shot
and a bullet,

Mr. HOSKINS ordered Webster, one of the officers,
to bring Mr. Earnshaw before him in the eveniug.
Webster went off immediately with a peace-
warrant, and Mr. Earnshaw, jun., (not Eainshaw,
as written in the challenge,) appeared in the eve-
ning at the office. He was acquainted with the
young lady in question, and had for a short time
kept company with her, but the letter was not in
his handwriting,and he said he knew nothing about it.
Mr. HOSKINS concluded it to be a hoax upon
both the parties, and he_ dismissed the case.