Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-22

fred Mr.. Randolph turned to his second, Colonel
Tattnal, and told him that he had protested "a
gainst the hair-trigger. Col. Tattnal immedi-
ately confirmed his appeal, and took blame to
himself for having sprung the hair MIR. Clay
had not received his pistol at this time, and
Mr.. Johnson who was carrying tito him, was
still several steps from him. This untlmeiy
FIRE, though clearly an accident, necessarily
gave rise 10 some conversation, and 10 sPe-
cies of enquiry which was conducted with the
utmost delicaey, but which, in itself, was OF a
nature to be nexpressibly painful 10 gehue-
mans feelings. The fire was quickly ana una
nimously admitted to be an accident; another
pistol was Immediately furnished, and an ex-
change Of shot ensued, very nearly ioge'her'
and happily without effect. | seized the mo-
ment to go in among the parties, and to otter
nv mediation, but nothing could be DONE ana
the seconds were directed to reload the pistols
While this was doing, prevailed on Mr. Kan
dolph TO walk away from his post, and renewed
to him more pressingly than ever my lmportu-
mites 10 agree to some accommodation; out
found him more determined than had ever
seen him, and, for the first time, impatient al
what was saving. The accidental fire OF his
pistol proved upon his feelings He was don-
bly, chagrined at it, both as circumstance sus-
ceptible in itself of an unfair Interpretation,
and as having been the Immediate and dec,S,ve
cause of his firing at MIR. Clay. He regretted
this fire the instant ii was over He felt that 1t
had subjected him to two imputations from
each Of which he knew himself to be free; a
desire to kill MIR. Clay, and a contempt for the
laws Of his own state, and the veXatlon which
he ftl, at finding himself so circumstanced, re-
yived his first determination, and gave his mind
decided bent 70 execute his original purpose,
and receive fire without returning ii.
It was in this interval that he told me what
he had heard since we had parted, and TO which
he had alluded when he spoke 10 me from the
carriage. 1t was to this effect: That he had
been informed by Col. Tattnal, that it was pro-
posed to give out the preparatory * cautiona-
ry words, in such away, as to protract the time
for taking aim. This Information grated harsh
ly upon his feelings. 1t unsettled his purpose,
and brought his mind TO the enquiry, las he
now told me, and as found it expressed in the
note which he had Immediately written in pen
Gil TO apprise me Of iO whether, under these
circumstances, he might not "disabte" his adj
versary? This question was still upon his mind,
and dependent for its solution upon the rising
incidents of the moment, when the accidental
fire of his pistol gave the turn 10 his feelings
which solved the doubt. But he declared TO
me that he had not aimed at the life of MIR.
Clay; that he did no, level SO high as the knee,
not higher than the place for the knee -band-
that his only object was 10 shake him and spoil
his aim-and that he would not have seen him
fall mortally, or even doubltaly wounded, for
all the land that was watered by the King OF
Floods and all his tributary streams. He left
me 10 resume his post, utterly refusing to ex-
plain out Of the Senate any thing that he had
spoken in it, and with The positive declaration,
that he would not return the next fire. then
withdrew little way into the woods, and kept
my eyes upon your brother who now knew 10
be the only person IN danger. | saw him re-
ceive the fire Of his adversary, then level his
own pistol, and discharge il into the air. The
ball had passed through his clothes He in
stantly advanced towards Mr.. Clay, offered his
hand, spoke 10 him cordially, and was met IN
the same spirit. They shook hands; those
hands which the instant before had le,cled the
deadly weapon, and parted kindly. We all did
the same. The concluding scene was one OF
Joy and congratulallon The magnanmous
conduct of your brother had electrified all
hearts, and l am certain there was not one pre-
sent who did not feel the generous emotions it
was calculated 10 excite.
Thus, nv dear sir, have given you the de-
tail Of facts which vindicate the intentions o.
Mr.. Randolph against apparent contradictions,
and proves, that in firing at MIR Clay he had no
design TO kill him, and in selecting VWginia
ground for the duel, he had no intention to yio-
late the laws of that state.
| have the honor TO be, with great respect,
your obedent y faithful servant,
THOMAS II. BENTON.
HENRY ST. GEORGE Tucker, Esq.
Winchester, Vuginia.