Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-02-17

ouICu ~ hIc D'dHth pdhae hN tbio ls'a'S,
adveftcd to The situation of the banks in
the eastern cities during the year 1915, by
which it appears that oGf' state banks
are in a much better standing than those
banks were at that time. By the reports
received from our state banks, the COM
mittee have ascertained that they have one
dollar for every three dollars in circulation;
and that in this respect they stand on
better foundation than the United States
bank itself. The committee seem TO con-
clude tl;at the pressure experienced in our
monied concerns has accrued solely from
the establishmentofthe United States bank
and that the branches located in this state
ought to be subject 10 its laws. "They
therefore recommend the popriety, should
the branches remain and transact business,
with the state after certain day, Of levy
ing and collecting a tax of fifty thousand
dolls. annually upon each branch. We shall
hereafter give our readers more general
and satisfactory abstract Of this report.
From the National htelligencer, Feb. Is.
If the editor, of this paper could have
believed that their refusal to publish the
following article, which has been furnish
ed to them from highly respectable source,
would have effected its suppression, il is
probable that they would have refused their
aid in giving notoriety TO the circumstances
of a duel. But, because the transaction
has been misunderstood, and this account
will certainly, through some medium, be
presented TO the public if not through this
the editors have determined to publish it.
They have subdued their reluctance with
the less difficulty, because they are persua-
ded no man can read the narrative without
being impressed with horror, of a deeper
and deeper cast, at a practice, which near
ly all men of humane feelings reprobale,
but many are seduced into in defiance OF
their judgment.
COMMUNICATED FOR PUBLICATION.
Reports being in circulation calculated
TO induce belief that the gentlemen who
were the friends Of Gen. A. II. Mason, in
the fatal termination OF his quarrel with
Mr McCarty had been Instrumental in urg-
ing the affair 10 its unfortunate issue-it is
thought proper to publish simple state
ment Of facts: promising, that not even the
nearest relatives of the deceased can more
sincerely regret, than do those gentlemen,
the determination of Gen. Mason to prose
cute this business TO its ultimate result.
|. 1t is we'll known to humber Of Gen.
Mason's friends. that he had resolved on
challenging Mr.. McCarty, in opposition to
all the advice which they gave, and all the
efforts which they made TO dissuade him.
9. One of the two gentlemen who were
the friends of Gen. NJ ason in the field, had,
some time before, made similar exertions 70
dissuade him from the course he intended,
and with similar had success.
3. Before personal interview had taken
place between Gen. Mason and his Sec
onds, his letter, containing positive nstruc-
tons for their government, in conducting
the affair, was written. This letter enclo-
sed communication for Mr.. McCarty.
The letter TO Mr.. McCarty not having
been read by that gentleman, it is only
though necessary tcglve such extracts from
it as show clearly that the determination Of
Gen. Mason was made independently of
any consultation with his seconds. This !
letter is dated Richmond, January 9Th,
1919"
The following are extracts from it.
''Sir: have resigned my commission
for the especial and sole purpose of fighting
you; and am now free to accept or send Il
challenge, and to fight duel. The ublic
mind has bccomc tranquil, and all suspicion
Of the further prosecution of our quarrel ha-
wing subsidized, we can now terminate it
without being arrested by thu civil authori-
ty, and without exciting alarm among our
friends
This effort has been delayed by my
anxiety to effect such an arrangement of
my affairs as my duty 10 my family requi-
red That arrangement Is just etected'-
II am extreme " anxious 10 terminate at
once and forever this quarrel''-
my friends n and = are full |
y authorised to act fer me in every parti-
GUAR Upon receiving from you pledge
to fight, they are authorised and instructed
at once to give the challenge for me, and to
make Immediately every necessary ar
fer the duel on any terms which
J ou may prescribe
The following are extracts from the let