The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1822-10-22

4
nearest border ofwhich was seventy miles
distant, aud attsinabIe ouly by one Of the
worst roads in the Union. From intelli-
gence procured on the spot, Il was evident
that under ordinary circumstances, his
friends, after meeting in that State, could
not have returned to ), Carolina, before
the evening Of the 9Th while by the delay
demanded, they would not have been de-
taiged beyond the morning ofthe 9Th. SO
much M mere argument, for what could IN
itself he more impairment, than to set the
eonrenttnce of his friends in competition
with the grave considerations urged by his
antagoniu He pretended, that there
would be less danger ofintelruplion, on the
day appointed, than ON the next. Spch
was moi the Atate OF the case, unlesz he had
done something TO produce it. The lapse
Of one cay coAd have made no materiai
difference, and If any, would rather have
diminished than increased the proh-bili
ttes Of interruption, BESIDES he VAS ex.
pressly told, that We did net consider him
responsible for the acts of third persons j;
that II the inhabitants distracted our NEE
ting on the ifth, times and places enough
would still remain for the satisfaction de
Inanded. VIII Mr.. MDnlli. have the
goodness 10 reconcile his argument on this
head, with The general declaration in his
address " to the pubIc,' of having recei-
we'd unquestionablc information, that no
efforts would be made to prevent the NEE
ting at the place originally designated" !?
Col. MOnigOmcry's note of the lst Sept.
clearly exposes the shallow bubble OF a
presumption, that the parlie, were prepar-
ed al the time originally appointed. Mr.
MDuiGc's reasoning on dat point would
have been precisely as valid if | had broken
an arm or leg on Sunday; since all pre-
vlons presunlptions would just as much
have remained in that event, as after the
actual occurrences, which were not less
notorious 10 him tnan myself. In his last
communication We were informed, that If
he thought 1t necessary, I've might urge Oh
his side stronger reason than any, which
could possibly br advanced on mine. This
is amusing enough. lie had already stoop-
ed from the sublime d'gn!y Of his TN
| questionable right SO far az 10 aGduce ar
gnmchts, and those Ufthe fInsiest texture :
II he had better, why we're they not pro-
duced! lie would have preserved more
Consistency by assigning no reasons ut all,
than by commencing Il discussion, and then
declaring that he would prosecute il no fur
Their, though his strongest argument was
stlll IN reserve. Such conduct only esin-
ces the niatuation of that petty craft,
which turns 50 often in its flight, az 10
longer to perceive when ii crosses its own
track.
But II seems that assuming a lofty tone,
he would not be forced from the position
he had assuned-instcad of honestly run
nng, he fancicd he should be able to strut
out OF danger lie violates his engage
Inents IN the grossest manner, refuses any
ndcmniiication, and wlnn his paltry So
pilIsms are reiuted, will not produce his
strong reason because he deems il upneces-
sary. This Is what he calls determine
tlon-not to he forced from his position
Yes bis position was that of a cowardIy
qulbbler, and he ,ras determined neither
To he forced nor persuaded from if. II
theTe lad been one principle Of honour or
courage III his bosom, it must have brea
awakened 10y the last communication of
'"i. Montgomery. We did net then think
so meanly OHM, as to suppose itwould be
Intellectual. particularly request the rca-
der to examine that note, and if after peru
sing IT, he can acquit Mr.. M'Dullie, have
nothing further to say.
Had suffered imputatons so calling as
those which were cast upon my antago-
INST, and countcnanced al least by unden-
able Facts, should have made any sacrifice
rather than run the risk of losing an OBJ
porlunIly To indicate my character. But
the world has not denied me the possession
ot so common quality as personal firm
ness-no person has disputed my courage
but Alr. NJ Duilia himself, who is evidently
a very great connoisscur and high author-
~ IN such matters. My object was aot to
gain reputation but 10 cEasiise vulgar IN
so'ent and did not choose Ia be sn ind,ed
oUt OF The necessity and llshtiul means oil
accomplishing the purpose. 10 this con
summation however Mir. N 'Duifir was de
eldediy aNerse; for next morning Wide still
IN expectation of hearing from him, we
saw the "young Ho,apuT of the South
returning to Grcen,illr. arrived ne1t day
at the same place where he still remained
rs if waiting for his stamp, and immediate
~ pacardcd him on the Court House, in
the following terms:
GreenrWe, 9Th Sept 1892.
" Mr.. George M'Dulle having virtually
denied me the satisfaction demanded OF
him, and which he promised to give, pro-
nounce him an eqnirocating scoundrd and
base cOWard.
WIN. CUMMING"
When this gentleman is called coward
his first thought is always Of his inkstand
accordingly one or two hours after, he pIa-
ced under my posting the following pre-
cious handful, Of which would not have
altered single word, had been admitted
to consultation with the evil genius By
whom it was inspired
81 CONTINUOUSLY offered Col. Cumming
the satisfaction due to n gentleman ,vban