The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-08-14


have rejoiced at the strong expression OF
Gisapprobation which the late duel be-
tween Mr.. McDufiic and Col. Cunning,
ifas called forth against the practice gen.
orally, and particularly against those cir
cumstances of elaboration and apparent
spirit of revenge, which accompanied
the one in question (; so strong, however,
has been this disapprobation, that the
community has not stopped to inquire,
whether there were any circumstances
which properly distinguished the degree
OF censure which ought to be attached
to the respective parties. The excite
ment having in a great measure subsidized,
1t may not be improper now to make the
inquiry were both equally in fault! Has
each shewn equal thirst for tho contest,
equal thirst OF revenge, and equal disre-
gard for the me diation of friends? We
believe that just and discriminate censure
would have greater effect in suppress
ing the practice, than such as has been
bestowed. We have been furnished with
a copy Of the correspondence which took
place on the offer of mediation by gentle
men Of the greatest responsibility, Just
before tho meeting of the parties, and
which is referred to in The recent state
ments that have appeared in the papers,
which induces US to believe that the par
ties were actuated by spirit wholly dis
similar.
Mr.. M'Dufiie's answer to the applica.
ton is marked with calmness and mo-
Iteration which do him the highest honor,
and if he has acted throughout with the
same temper. he has received from the
Pablo, III its indiscriminate censure, the
greatest injustice. A copy of this cor,
responGence we subjoin. Mr.. M'Dufie-
We understand, received the first insult.
by being personally, and without provo.
cation, attacked in one of the Augusta pa
pers; he was The challenged harty, ant
his friends were anxious to have the diff.
ference adjusted by reference to mutual
friends, to which he (Mr. McDuffie) was
al all times ready to accede; but his an.
tagonist positively and peremptorily re.
fused to consent to such reference. II
10 this be added the means resorted to h,
col. Cunning or his friends to revive IN.
contest, we cannot think that the public
Reproduction, in making no discrimination
has been directed by spirit of Justice
1t is not our intention to apologize for.
or palliates the offence of MIR. M.Duffie'
we aim only at truth and right. With
those who are engaged in the violation OF
the laws, and the higher obligations OF
morality, we would subject Mr.. M.Duffie
to the full odium merited by his offence /;
but to give its proper weight to the pub,
ic sentence, wewould airport on its award
according TO the true merits of those a.
gainst whom ii is directed.
The following are copies ofthe letters
OF the gentlemen who attempted the me
diation between col. Cunning and Mr..
M'Duffie, and their replies:
To Col. Cunning and Mr. MsDu6e.
AUGUSTA, JUNE l, 1892.
Gentlemen-We take the liberty.
which we hope you will pardon. of ad
dressing you upon subject not only in,
teresting to yourselves, but III which
your country feels deep interest such
an interest as is highly honorable to you
both, and which you cannot learn with
indifference Oh treat with disregard. I,
is this deep interest which has been all
ready and distinctly expressed from va.
rious quarters Of the highest respectabi
lily, and in which we participate largely
that will furnish an apology TO you, we
fatter ourselves, for our addressing YOU
on painful subject-you will. no doubt,
perceive that this communication has re.
ference to the affair OF honor, which is
understood to be pending between YOU.
and which has excited the greatest anx.
iety among your numerous friends, and
indeed in a very large portion oc our
common country. With an assurance of
our perfect respect and regard for you
personally, will you permit us to be the
interpreters of the public feeling and
wishes, and 10 iDterpose in this business,
SO far as to eDdeavor by our best Offices
to put an end 10 the subsisliDg contro.
versy, and, if possible, to reconcile the
discordant feelings which exist between
you! We are persuaded that your dis.
pute can be honorabIy adjusted, if you
will permit gentlemen friendly to both of
you las we profess ourselves to be) t.
examine and consider the subject i'm dis.
pute, and to decide thereon. We, there.
fore, call upon you for ourselves, and in
behalf OF vast numbers of the respectable
citizens Of Georgia and South Carolina,
and we may justly add, Of the U. States,
10 consent to submit your controversy to
the examination and decision Of five or
more gentlemen Of the most distinguish
ed character, designated by yourselves.