Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1830-02-18
From the Boston Commentator.
THE DUEL.


At the mencement of the last war,
,younp man, a native vi Vermont, who had
Graduated at one Of our Universities, posses
sing Abilities rather above the common order,
although ditfdent and retiring in his manners,
and being without employment, resolved TO JOIN
the army in defence OF his country. He was
of a respectable family, and had acquired
Iarge circle OF friends, by whose instrument
.lity be obtained n commission. During his
leisure hours he INDUCED III field sports, anu
was known 10 be the best shot in the NEG
hood He had often, however, expressed his
adherence Of duelling. and no one supposed
mis- opinions arose from cowardice. but from
his ideas of Justice, and moral obligation Soon
aner he received his commission, the corps TO
which he was attached was ordered TO our
northern fsontieT, and by application 10 his du
ties he soon made himself respected as an oil
iicer and gentleman. Owing TO his natural
reserve and religious disposition, he did moi
minsle with his brother officers so often as they
wished aud from some harmless jests, at first,
which were received with indifference on his
mart, they were emboldeued 10 insolence in so
much that after some time lie became the butt
of his fellows Nevertheless, he lad Oh AIMED the
friendship Of many OF the officers especially the
surgeon of the regiment, whom he highly es
teemed THIS surgeon, who had remarked
with some degree of interest the insults which
his friend had received and passed unnotsed
smoke 10 him respecting his orbearance, and
observed to him that as an officer if he persis.
ted in thai kind Of conduct, he would be con
sidered unfit for The staten he held besides
making hmseIfthe jes, and laughing stock of
both ofiic RS and men. On which he observed
10 tie surg on, that he should conduct as became
a mao Oh all occasions.
He soon found, however, that q e friendship
of him the most esteemed began 10 subslde, the
insults Of the officers to increase. and that he
must Throw up his commission, or be branded
vii the name OF coward, If he remained In the
service Al the next cornwall meeting at
which most Of the officers were present, after
the repast the conversation naturally led o hose
topics on which military men are most inclined
90 converse The observations became pointed q
personal, & of their moiiy es no one could doubt
The most consp cuous IN his insults, was
young ensign, VINO was reprlmanded by our hero
in such severe terms, thai he took offence, and
sent him challenge without leaving the table
Whereupon his friend the surgeon, told him
there was no alternative but TO accept, aud Of
fered his services as a second. He did SO the
arrangements were made on The spot to meet
the following morning.
When the parties arrived on the ground, il
was DECIDED thai lhey should hre together. Al
the first fire. Lieut.. q fired in the air, and the
ball of bis antagonist passed him hHrmleH-
The Ensign insi ted upon second trial, TO
~hchLieut. 6. did not object which terminate
as the first, excepting slight flesh wound re-
celved by Lieut. q, The Ensign, still not be-
ins satisfied demanded one trial more on
which Lieut.. q. whose patience va, nearly ex
hausied, consented, and observed TO the parties,
That he had fulfilled the laws Of honor 10 the
letter, and respect for himself would not allow
lnrther torbearance; then lurning 10 Ensign |
L. SAID TO him, | never yet have missed my
mark-your time has come" They fired-the
Dali OF Lieut.. G. pierced the hear. of his oppo-
nent. and he never breath-d more. The survi
Vor, with his friend the su geon, returned to the
mess-room, where all the, officers of the regiment
were assembled waiting the result, and walking
up 10 the table, without word from the party,
wrote challenge directed 10 any rffcer in the
regiment, from the colonel to the lowest ia com
MISSION, and placed it before them. There was
silent, solemn pause for some minutes. No
one dared TO accep ii on which Lieut. G. drew
MS commission from his pocket, tore II in pieces,
when ne threw on the table, aud left the ser /
wee OF MS country, aGd the company OF those
VINO Could moi estimate The character or feelings
Oh an honorable man