The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-06-11
MISCELLANEOUS.
ON DUELLING.

Of this most abominsble offence against
the laws OF God and man. In either
case the vindictive spirit of both princi>
pals and seconds was SO strong, that the
adverse parties were allowed to FIRE
fspice !-and one gentleman was murder
ed on the spot In the one case the dis
pute originated from some trifling cx-
pressiohs on tho sale Of poney which
ended in MIR. Meredith being shot in
the shoulder. In the other and most "a
tai instance, arising perhaps from still
more trifling cause, at the FIRST sho, MIR.
Blake was wounded in the hip, and at the
second MIR. Burke fell.
This barbarous and absurd mode Of
terminating disputes first originated in
England after the Norman conquest, but
it does not appear to have, at any time,
prevailed to such an extent in this country
as it did at one period in France, where
the first and regular question of each
morning among the Parisirn gallants was,
"Who fought yesterday ?" To what an
extent may not vicious and cruel Gus.
tom be carried, unless restrained by the
arm Of power, or counteracted by the
diffusion of moral and religious princi-
o!es f! This consideration ought to lead
every one carefully TO investigate their
motives to action, and to guard against
any examples the general adoption of
which would be destructive to the peace
and happiness of a country.
Notwithstanding the sanction given to
duelling by men of character and educa-
ton, and even Of religious profession, it
has been Justly dencmintaed absurd, in
human, and wicked.
To dispute and quarrel upon subjects
OF the most trifling nature, is an evil suE-
En'Antiy sr-et and exhihits not only a
weak and frivolous but passionate and
angry spirit but to settle such disputes
by an appeal 20 the sSord or to powder
and ball, is horribly ridiculous, if two
such words may be associated together.
For, it is, in fact, no decision at all -
but a measure without equity, BY which
the innocent and guilty, are placed a.
like in jeopardy, the former as often fall
ling victim as the latter. 1t is absolute
ly impossible that an appeal to arms can
be any real settlement of differences. The
practice is, therefore, IN the highest de-
greeS absurd.
Its inhumanity need not be dwelt upon.
The language which the author of Wa
verify has put into the mouth of Halbert
Glendinning in the monastery, most
forcibly expresses this and the relatives
and friends Of those who have fallen in
such contests can bear an affecting testi.
moDy TO the correctness of the represent
tatioD "Would to Con had submitted
TO the worst insult man could receive
from man, rather than be the Bloody in
strument of this bloody deed !" III
am ct this instant fugitive from my fa>
theirs house, from my mother, and from
friends and / bear on my head the
blood Of a man, who injured me but in
idle words, which have bloodily requi-
ted !"
Nor can II be Necessary that to men
calling themselves Christians, it be prov
ed to be wicked practice ye. how ma
ny duellIsts in ancient and modern times
have probably regarded themselves as
Christians, though their savage rencon.
tres with each other are better commen-
taries on their religious profession. The
effects produced on the minds OF duel.
lists in the contemplation Of the traDsac.
ton, are of the most ubiquitous kind
Hateful in the sigh, Of COP, and sources
Of misery to themselves for the mind
that is occupied by the spirit of revenge,
must be tortured with the pangs OF ran
cour, envy, hatred, and indignation.
The principals in these affairs of hon.
or-men ofliberal education and enlight-
| n-..L :...Il.a. L. - - q. u