The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-10-14

three days after Colonel c Cummings fms,
discharged at the place originally appoint-
ed. In answer il was stated thai. "as
Colohel Cumming has been exposed to
continual interruptions since his arrival
near the line, while his antag@is, has
been at rest, he requires one more day
TO be prepared" Some time previous 10
this, one ofmy friends was informed b, a
North Carolina magistrate, tia, he had
seen me shoot, and had incidcptIy men
toned it to Col. Cumming, stating tina, il
he shot as well as did, we should both
be killed. He further informed nv friend.
that Colonel Cumming particularly asked
him it shot quick, and that BIO had in
formed him that shot as quick as the
Fash of powder, or something to that cf-
feet. at once perceived the object of
| the delay, and why it was that Col. Gums
ming could not compose his nerves in
| three days and nights. Several letters
! passed on the subject of the pos,ponment.
Wien my friend stated emrhatically, Mr..
N'Duthe has made the appointment, il
is for your principal to conform or not.
As this is done IN the exercise OF an UNI
questionable right, he Is determined not
TO be forced from the position he has as
sumed. 1t is the last appointment he will
| make. Fit were necessary, Mr.. M'Duf.
he could give as strong reason for in
sisting on the meeting tomorrow. as can
| possibly be given by Col. Cumming, for
the postponment if it be an aecomno.
dation, the hour may be changed from six
to seven, provided notice thereof be given
Tonight"
At eleven o'clock at night VIC were
walked up by messenger, bearing ano-
Their letter, urging me to '.review nv de.
termination - which was of course not
noticed. We remained next morning
until two hours after the time appointed,
and Col. Cumming did no, make his ap-
pearance. From the foregoing Facts, all
OF which can be established by judicial
evidence, deemit scarcely necessary to
| anticipate the public voice, by promo unc-
ing Colonel Cumming q coward. He
has shrunk from contest of his own
seeking, upon grounds, that in themselves
d'sprove his title to be considered man
OF firmness * courage. The interruption
: OF his practice for a few hours, or even
day, is unworthy OF a moments considera-
tion ; more especially as he has at least
two or three months the start of me in
practising. For myself, it is pparant,
that in fixing the day and place. have
manifested disposii ion to carry the spirit
OF accommodation as far as could, with
out submitting to the absolute dlcta,ion of
my antagonist, Ii is known TO have been
she opinion of a majority OF the community
in which col Cumming resides,as well Of
that in which reside, that when he sent
his second challenge, he was unworthy of
my notice, and tina, | ought not 10 have
accepted it. In this differed from them
IN opinion, and felt bound to act accord
ingly. But should have manifested in
excusabIe Indifference to the opinicx Of
my fellow citizens, if had gratutiously
granted to Col. Cumming an advantage
not demanded by the principles that re-
guiate such contests and which ceurte-
~ " ou!d not require me TO extend, even
toan honorable and magnanimous antago-
MIST. GEO. M,DUFFIE.