The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-06-22 00:00:00

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE•

TATTER SALL'S—MoN nAv
Small as the Ascot accounts were, they took up quite as much
time in the settlement as if they had been on the Derby. In the
course of the afternoon a few bets were made on the St. Leger;
and several offers made to back the two favouritesto , but
in g
nothin
done outright about either. 500 even, and 11 10 fifties
twice over, were laid between the two,
Clon havingD the ca
villell:
Ore% Momus was backed at 10 to
andobham and 'Eg
at 1,71 to 1 each; the disposition to bet against the first and last
of the three increasing so much towards the close, that both
gave way a Some of the 25 to I horses were backed fur
p oint.
small sums. Closing prices :
DONCASTER ST. LEGER.
11 to 2 against Colonel Peel's lon (take 6 to 1)
11 to 2 ~ Lord Chesterfield's Don John (take 6to 1)
(off)
11 to „ Lord G. Bentinck's Grey Maus
14 to 1 Mr. H. Coombe's Cobham
15 to „ Lord G. Bentinck's D'Egville ()take 16 to I)
20 to 1 „ Mr. Orde's Charley Boy (off)
25 to 1 „ Mr. Fox's Jenny Jum (taken)
25 to 1 „ Mr. Wilkins's Wee Wrisllie(tand aft off)
1000 to 35 .„ Mr. Thompson's Voltaire colt (taken.)
12 to 1 against Lord Westminster's Albemarle and Mr.
Bowes's Appleton Lad, jointly, (taken.)

JULY STAKES.
4 to 1 against Lord Esetet's Macremma (t and aft off.)

DUEL-BETWEEN LORD CASTLEREAGH AND M.
DE MELCY, HUSBAND OF MADAME GRISt.

(Froth the Morning Post of Monday.)

In every case where a lady's name is brOught before the pub-
lic a censorious world is ready to believe that she is more or less
in fault; but we are truly happy, before describing the particu-
lars of this remarkable duel, to say that not o,ne unkind word
can be directed against the reputation of Madame Grisi. She
has been neither directly nor indirectly compromised; the
hostile meeting took place before she was apprised that any-
thing so unpleasant was in agitation; and the last act of Lord
Castlereagh before taking his ground was to deliver a paper to
the seconds, in which full justice was rendered to her. When
we say "not indirectly" compromised, we use perhaps an
erroneous phrase, for unquestionably the duel was fought on
her account, and to avenge an insult which her husband con-
ceived was directed against her ; but we mean that her conduct
has been .in every respect irreproachable, and that the un-
pleasant affair has arisen, not from her indiscretion, but from
the levity and thoughtlessness of a very young man. Lord
Castlereagh has suffered froth his imprudence, and we regret
personally, for his sake, that the lot has fallen upon him; but
we are not so unobservant of what is passing in fashionable
life as not to feel that something like an example was called for
to stop that idle foppish following of married women which the
young men of London, in imitation of the !twits jaunes of
Paris, are so anxious to introduce. We trust that the lesson
may not be thrown away iu future, and that an honodrable and
fascinating woman may be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of
society without being pestered by the addresses of .those lady-
killers, who have no serious purpose at heart, and who care not
for the reputation of any person,, provided they acquire noto-
riety from the circumstance.
With'these remarks, which we do not think uncalled for by
the particular case, we must inform our readers that the at-
tention of Lord Castlereagh to Madame Grisi had for some
weeks attracted observation. He was ever foremost from the
omnibus box in expressing, his admiration of ber acting and
singing, and in the society into which both were thrown he did
not fail, if possible, to engross hei conversation. This atten-
tion might pass off amid the bustle of a London season without
special notice, if, in addition, the noble lord had not endea-
voured to gain the eye of Madame Grisi, by riding on horse-
back constantly before her house; but this freak, combined
with all the other display, left his conduct without excuse, and
exposed him to the suspicions which have led to a deplorable
result.

The husband .of 111-lame Grisi, M. Gerard de Melcy, a
French gentleman of good family, is nal% person to tolerate
experiments of this nature; and having reason to believe that
the young viscount meditated something more decisive than
making sweet eyes in public, or galloping in Regent-street,
took measures to stop them at the threshold. In consequence of
his precautions a letter (on Tuesday or Wednesday last, we are
uncertain which, addressed by Lord Castlereagh to Madame
Grisi, came into his hands before it could reach the lady for
whom it was intended. The letter, happily for Madame *Grisi
and the future repose of her husband, bore internal evidence of
her honour, for it was the first declaration of a young man who
affected to be desperately in love, and had no reference to any
anevher, ragement given by or to any circumstance which
covid touch her reputation. It was such a letter as any weak
youth might address to the most virtuous and distinguished
lady in society.
M. de Mecly did communicate the circumstance to his wife,
but he instantly went to the residence of the noble lord with the
intention or demanding satisfaction. Lord Castlereagh was not
in town—he was at Ascot M. de Melcy repeated his visit on
the following day, but his lordship had not yet returned ; and
then M. de Melcy, without consulting with a friend, addressed
a note to Lord Castlereagh informing him that his letter was
intercepted, and calling for the only reparation that it was in
the young nobleman's power to give. Lord Castlereagh re-
turned from Ascot on Friday • and, finding the card and letter
of M. de Melcy at his house, lost not a moment in waiting on
that gentleman, and offering to give whatever satisfaction was
required. He commenced the observation by stating, in a
manner worthy of his rank, and the chivalric character of his
family, that he was alone to blame, and that be had not received
the most distant encouragement from Madame Grisi. He then
expressed his deep regret at the consequence or his imprudence
and in the most handsome manner stated his readiness to make
whatever apology the circumstance of the case called on him to
give. M. de Melcy, in reply, stated that an insult to his wife
could not be settled by any verbal excuse ; that it could only be
atoned for by a hostile meeting, and he called on the noble ford
to name a friend who would be prepared to act on his behalf.
Lord Castlereagh, thus pressed, and feeling that, as a man of
honour, nothing further in the shape of a conciliation-could be
done, gave the name of Mr. Bentinck, at White's Club, as the
perion in whore hands his character would be placed. M. de
Melcy lost no time in calling to his aid a French gentleman, M.
Cottreau, to whom he for the first time opened all the circum-
stances of the case. M. Cottreau put himself without delay into
Communication with Mr. Bentinck, and both these gentlemen
seeing; as men of the world, that a reconciliation was impossible,
proceeded to settle the basis on which the hostile meeting should
take place., But at the very first step a difficulty presented
self arising out of the difference which exists between the laws
of duelling in France and in England. In France the challenger,
or the person aggrieved, has the right to choose time, place, and
Weaplans; while in England custom has given that privilege to
the challenged. M. Cottreau, on behalf of his friend, was de-
sirous that the sword should be appealed to, while Mr.' Bentihck
was equally anxious that pistols should decide the quarrel. M.
Cottreau was not diipoied to yield, Until being assured that
Lord Castlereagh was not accustomed to swords, he waived that
point, but still claimed hie right of fighting with the pistol in
the manner that weapon is resorted to in France. Our readers
are aware that the French practice is to place the antagonists
at 40 paces distance, and to give them the privilege of walking
up to fixed points eight paces from each other, and of firing
either before or after arriving at these pointl, This M. Cottreau
insisted on in consideration of his abandonment of the sword
but Mr. Bentinck very properly told him, that he could not
answer for public opinion if a duel so fought was attended with
any fatal result, and he prayed M. Cottretru to agree to the old-
faahiened English mode of equal.chance, at 12 paces distance.
114: Comeau struggled hard for his right, but he agreed at length
to submit himself to the customs of this country, and he under-
took on behalf of M. de Melcy, to fight with pistols, EA the word
of command, at 12 paces.
These preliminaries being all arranged, the hour of meeting
was fixed for Saturday morning, at half-past font. o'clock.
Both the gentlemen were in readiness; but, previous to that
hour, another discussion arose between the seconds as to the
pistols that were to be used, when it was, after a long debate,
arranged that the parties should not use those with which they
had been accustomed to practice, and that two pair should be
t iken at hazard from a gun-shop. This circumstance delayed
for some hours the proposed meeting, as it was impossible, so
early in the morning, to procure arms; and it was not till 10
o'clock that the principals were in a condition to take their
ground.
At that hour they mot at Wormwood Scrubbs, one surgeon
being in attendance. They were placed at 12 paces distance,
and instructed that the words to be given were-," Gentlemen
are you ready? Fire," accompanied by the dropping of a
handkerChief.
Previously to the signal, Lsaid Castlereagh performed a most
gallant act, which stamps his reputation as a gentleman for
ever. He caused his second to deliver into the hands of M.
Cottreau, with full permission to use it when and how he pleased,
a paper signed by him, declaring in Pie most solemn manner,
on the word of a man perhaps about to appear before his CRE-
ToR in a few minutes, that Madame Grisi had not in the
slightest manner encouraged his attention, that her conduct
was in all respects irreproachable, and that he had never re-
ceived a letter from her or corresponded with her before.
Nothing could exceed the gallant bearing of both the prin-
cipals, when thus placed in mortal defiance of each other.
Lord Castlereagh looked as if all the high courage of his noble
race beat in his veins, while M. de Melcy acted with a coolness
and sang froid that excited general admiration. The word was
'given and the signal dropped. They raised their pistols at the
same instant. M. de Melcy carried his in a manner by which
a surer aim is taken, but by which the person is wholly exposed,
while Lord Castlereagh bore his in the form which gives some
protection to the chest, but which is less effective in attack.
They fired at the same instant. Lord Castlereagh's ball did not
take effect, while M. de Melcy's passed through his antago-
nist's right arm next the wrist, across the waistcoat, grazing
the skin of the chest, and leaving a track of blood. The noble
lord was staggered by the blow, but in a second he shook off
the faintness, and received the attentions of his friends with
composure. It was feared at first that he was mortally wounded,
as the train of blood across the chest was a formidable symptom ;
but it was soon found, that though his wrist was severely injured,
his life was not in the least endangered. Most probably he was
saved by the position of his arm, for if the hand had been di-
rected straight before him, the ball would have been lodged in
his breast. As it was, he has received a very severe wound,
which, it is to be hoped, will be attended with no serious result.
Mr. Bentinck, on seeing the condition of Lord Castlereagh,
declared that, as his friend was wounded, the affair could not be
carried further. "Not for the present" added M. de Melcy,
who had left his ground to give assistance to his wounded ad-
versary. Mr. Bentinck hoped that the matter would altogether
be at an end, for that the honour of M. de Melcy was fully sa-
tisfied, and the written declaration of Lord Castlereagh must
be a sufficient vindication of Madame Grisi. M. de Melcy said
he was not desirous of carrying his resentment any further.
His wife had been insulted by a declaration being addressed to
her. He had taken on himself the defence of his wife—ample
satisfaction had been given—and he was ready to declare that
he would carry the affair no further. _ .

The seconds then having stated in the usual form that the
principals had conducted themselves fairly and honourably,
Lord Castlereagh received every assistance at their hands. He
was carried to the house of a peasant, and there was attended
by the surgeon who witnessed the proceedings. He was removed
to town in the course of the afternoon, and was, when we last
heard, going on as favourably as could be expected.
We cannot close our account of this remarkable affair with-
out bearing full testimony to the gallant conduct of both the
principals, and to the gentlemanlike feeling with which the
seconds performed their unpleasant duty. We commend Mr.
Bentinck for refusing to fight with swords, or in that measured
murderous manner of walking up to a given point, as practised
in France, and we admire the behaviour of M. Cowttarsearutgihnt
waiving those peculiarities, and of placing his friend on terms
of perfect equality. Not a word can be said against the duel or
the manner in which it was conducted. M. de Melcy
in not accepting a verbal apology in a case where the honour of
his wife was concerned, and Lord Castlereagh fully atoned for
his youthful indiscretion by the declaration which he made be-
fore the duel, and by the readiness with which he submitted to
the demands of an angry husband. It is only to be hoped that
the event will be attended with good fruits, anti that young
will in future be more cautious in pursuing notoriety at the men
eexn-
pease of married women.

The answer duritig yesterday to the numerous inquiries at the
residence of Viscount Castlereagh, in Chapel-street, Park-lane,
was that his lordship was doing as well as could be wished.
The Marchioness of Londonderry drove up. as early as twelve
o'clock to see her noble step-son, who is attended by Dr.
Forbes of Argyll-street, and Mr. Walker. The ball of the
noble lord's antagonist, M. Gerard (le Melcv, passed through
the fleshy part of his right arm, near the wile, which it severely
injured, but it (lid not, as stated by a contemporary, graze his
chest and leave a track of blood. His lordship, we unders\and,
disclaims having fired at M. de Melcy ; he says that he dis-
charged his pistol in the air. M. Cottreau, M. Gerard de
Melcy's second was among the inquirers after his lordship's
health on Monday. He was able to see a few of his intimate
friends yesterday, among whom was the Hon. Henry Thomas
Liddell, M.P. The noble lord is not such a very young man as
has been stated ; he is in his thirty-third year, and has sat
eleven years in parliament for the county Down.

It is stated that Mr. Daniel W. Harvey, M.P., has been
offered•and declined a consulship in the United States.
AN AMERICAN STEAMER CReSSING TII ATLANTIC.—The
Richard Anderson, Lucas, which left Charleston on the 27th
ult and arrived at Liverpool on Tuesday, reports that on the
Bth instant, in let. 46, long. 30, she passed the City of Kingston
steamer, from Baltimore, for London, miler canvas.—{The
steamers which start from the United States do not seem to
make very flourishing passages, when they let.sailing vessels
pass them on the way. It is something like the old•story of the
Stockport stages, which pedestrian travellers would not patrunize,
because they were in a hurry.

Zbe tibtrpool g:-.tantiarb.

FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE 22, 1838•

&Tr The Publication of the STANDARD commenced this morn-

in g at 5 o'clock.

Thu UNITED STATES.—By the arrival, on Wednesdalf
of the Sheridan and the Columbus, we have received co-
pies of the New York papers to the 2d instant. The
latest arrivals from England when these packets Ballot
from New York were, from London May Ist, from Li-
verpool May 2d.
These papers contain an account of a disgracefol
tack upon a British steamer, called the Sir Robert Peel,.
which was lying at anchor on the American side of the
St. Lawrence. The vessel was set on fire by fifty armed
and masicert men, who are vutpcnted to have been citi-
tens of the United States. This fresh insult to the Bri-
tish flag was likely, however, to be avenged by Colonel
M'Nab, who had forthwith marched towards the place
where the vessel was destroyed, which was within a few
miles of French Creek. No lives were lost on the oc-
casion, but one 'than was severely burnt. The following
extract will explain the motive in which this act of vio-
lence is supposed to have originated

(From the Albany Argus of June 1.)
Extract of a letter from Geo. C. Sherman, District Attorney.
Watertown, May 30, 1838.
To his Excellency Wm. L. Marcy.
Dear Sir,—l have this moment received by express, from 14;
Davis, Esq., custom-house officer at French Creek, a letter 0'
which the following is a copy, and the information therein cur
tamed may be relied upon as correct :
" Clayton, May 30, 1839'
"Sir,—Last night, the British steamer Sir Robert Peel, r,
boarded near this place, by about 50 armed men in disguise:
the persons on board driven on shore, and the boat set on fire
and wholly consumed. You are requested to aid the proper'
,
authorities in the affair, or to advise the proper course to °
taken.

"Respectfully, yours,
"G. C. Sherman, Esq." " H. Davis&
I have this moment learned that Capt. Armstrong had core- •
wand of the Robert Peel, against whom, it is said, the refugee:
had an old grudge. He resided in this village during the lee
winter, and was charged as being a spy upon their operatiW;
I mention this circumstance as authorising the belief that,titi
act has proceeded from the patriots, or refugees, on this siO• r. •
No person, to our knowledge, was recognised as having bee;
in this outrage, but individuals residing at French Creek hs
been missing for several dais. A portion of the Sir Robert, '
is said, was owned by a citiien of Ogdenburg.
From Jason Fairbanks, Deputy Marshall:
"I intend immediately to repair to French Creek with vri
Carrier, the collector, and an officer authorised to call O.
the militia if necessary. A letter has just been received
befrtc)
French Creek calling for a force to protect them from
burnt to-night, as a measure of retaliation.
"All is excitement here; and a rumour is afloat that 11,
arrangements of the pirates were to make a simultaneous ad°
upon eight different boats at different places."
With respect to monetary affairs little change seems t°
have taken place at New York. Manifestations of 213"'
early and general resumption of cash papments' were Pre-
valent throughout the union. We subjoin the state of,
the money market and exchanges:—

(From the New York Daily Express, June 1.) land°
EXCHANGE—FOREIGN.—Up to yesterday, Bills on Dag
sold at 1071 to 108—but as the packets did not sail it left CO,n
$l,
derable purchases to be made to-day. The repeal of the Tiler
sury Circular and the announcement that the United Stte,
Bank would resume specie payments, has had an imp:ofoot!
effect to carry up Exchange nearly one per cent. Many 01
first bill drawers declined sales at 1084, at which, however, there'
were some transactions. On France, Bills stood at 5,30, cr_h
is a little better.
MONEY.—The financial condition of our affairs bad gra-
been
there gettingw
betterasa dc
andeid
decided
better
change.
all the week, until yesteorfdtabYae.
when
The virtual repeal,,.no
Treasury Order, in the Senate, and subsequently in the 1-I°,-Fir.
had a very favourable effect. The advance on cotton in L'l"
pool, also contributed to help the market. Yesterday, h°i:/;
ever, when the letter of Mr. Biddle, was received, announc
his determination to resume specie payments, and to establiari
a Bank in New York, there was an immediate revival; 8..,
monied and business men felt an increased confidence that bausla
'l'
let
has would be restored to its former channel. Money
has been the past week, more abundant, and the Banks vrill
out with more freedom. Stocks have all jumped up PI con
quence of the state of things that exist. wing
THE TOBACCO CROP.—Unfavourable accounts of the gra
crop begin to come in from various parts of Virginia and M. bs.rl;
land ; which, however, should be received with caution till
old crop now in the market is disposed of.

CANADA.—By the Columbus we hai;e received M
(real papers to the 30th of May, and Quebec papers to
the 28th of May. They bring us the pews of Lord Dar-
harn's arrival in the Hastings. The following are ex^