The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-09-19
BARRINGToN's PERSONAL SKETCHES.


We give belowan anecdote from this worl,
which furnishes aF large fund of genuine wit
and humor as ant publication which has re.
Gently appeared.--BaIt. Gaz.
An unfortunate duel took place between
brother of Sir Jonih and Lieutenant MKen-
zle. In those day., in Ireland, a meeting was
the inevitable consequence of the most trifiino
discussion, or rather the hottest disputes arose
out OF the most trfiing subjects. In this duel,
MIR. harrington was shot dead, not by his prin-
clpal, but by captain, afterwards the celebrat-
ed general Gillespie, the second Of M'Kenze.
Gillespie was tiled for the murder, and acout-
ted, IN consequence of the friendly interfer-
ence OF the sheriff. who packed the Jury. The
jury were chailensedln detail by the friends of
the barrlster, but tae other party out-mangu-
vered them. The result was as has been stated
On the evening pf trial. second brother,
II. French Barringbn,-a gentleman of con-
siderable estate, and whose perfect good tenn
per, but intrepid and irresistible impetuosity
when assailed, were well known-the latter
quality having been severely felt in the coun-
try before,-came to me. He was, in fact,
complete country gentleman, utterly ignorant
OF the law, its terms and proceedings; and as
| was the first of my name who had ever fol-
lowed any profession (tbe army excepted) my
opinion, as soon as became counsellor, was
considered BY him as oracular; indeed, aues-
tons far beyond mine, and sometimes beyond
the power otiny person existing, to solve was
frequently submitted for my decision bv our
neighbors in Ehe country.
Having 0lled me aside out of the bar-room.
my brother seemed greatly agitated, and in
formed me tlRt friend of ours, who had seen
the jury list, declared that it had been decided
ly packed = concluding his appeal by asking
me what he ought to do told him he should
have chalIa1IraA tho That
opinion, Jonah" said he, "and vii! do it now -
adding an oath, and expressing degree OF an
lmatlon whith | could not account for. | ap-
prsed ecS1 that t2st It was now too late, it should
He said no more but departed instantly, and
| did not think again upon the subject. An
hour after, however, my brother sent in a Sec
ond request b see me. | found him to all APP
pearance quie cool and tranquil. {" have
done it, by - cried he exultingly,-'"t
better late than never !" and with that he pro-
dueed from lis coat pocket long queue and
handful of powdered hair and curls. See
here" continued he, e" the cowardly rascalw
"E Heayensr cried French are you mad?'
G'Mad I" replied he, no, no, followed your
advice exactly. went directly after left you
to the grand ilry room to challenge the array,
and there challenged the lead of the array,
that cowardly Lyons he peremptorily refus-
ed to fight me so I knocked him down before
the grand jury, and cut off his curls and tail
see there they are-the rascal and my broth
er Jack has gone to fog the sub-sheriff
81 was thunderstruck, and almost thought
my brother was crazy, since he was obviously
not in liquor at all, but after some inquiry,
found that, he took the words in their common
accoptaton He had seen the high sheriffcom
ing in with a. great array and had thus con
ceived my suggestion as to challenging the ar
ray was literal; and, accordingly, repairing t.
the grand jury dining room, had called the higl
sheriff aside, told him that he had omitted chal
longing him before the trial, as he ought t.
have done according to the advice Of counsel
but that ii was better late than never, and tina
he must immediately como out and fight him
Mr.. Lyons conceiving my brother TO be intoXi
Gated, drew back, and refused the invitation il
a most peremptory manner, French then col
Jared him, tripped up his heels, and putting hi
foot on his breast, cut off his side curls an,
queue with carving knife which an old wait
er named Speeding (who had been my fathor'
butler, and liked the thing) had readily brough
him from the dinner table. Having secured
his spols, my brother Immediately came off ii
triumph TO relate to me his achievement"