The native American., 1838-09-01
From The Louisville Journal

returned to this city, deem it my duty, though
most disagreeabe one, to make concise statement
OF an affair which recently took place at Harrods-
burg between myself and t. p. Moore Nothing
but the fact, that Moore himself in the hone of
avertlng the disgrace which he saw thickennq
ana backenng around his name, has already
dragged the matter before the public, could indnce
me 10 say one word upon the subject. The world
feels little interest in private encounters between
individuals, and am well aware that ne wspaner
IS not the proper place, nor pen the proper in
strument for discussing them
MY readers remember, that r. P. Moore some
years ago, challenged me for certain editorial re-
marks and backed out from the combat because 7
would not consent TO let him fight from behind a
big tree with his gun resting upon peg in the side
OFT. During the last two years have never al
ludedto him directly or indirectly. A few 'days
ago, went to Harrodsburgh, his place of resi-
dence, for the qualification Of my family without
even 50 much as recollection that there was such
being as l. T. Moore in existence. A day or
TWO subsequent to my arrival, couple of friends,
one Of them an eminent and venerable gentleman Of
this city, having had conversation with Moore.
sent me word that the old wounds were still tester.
ing in his bosom, and, that ought to be prepared
Tor an attack from him. | did not believe for mo-
ment that ne really contemplated an attack, vet I
consented, after some hesitation, to follow the adj
vice OF my friends. On Monday, the 18th inst.
the third day OF my visit at the springs, heard
that Moore was on the ground with his coat
pockets pinned up as if he were locomotive
arsenal took such weapons as | deemed pro-
per, and passed near him several times at the
Motel, not expecting or courng an attack, and not
observing any indications Of hostility on his part
except peculiar uneasiness and agitation at nv
proximity. Towards sunset, when sunposed
ne had gone home, retired to nv cottage. nut
OFT my heavier weapons, and lay down to sleep.
IN about halt an hour highly valued friend awoke
me and remarked, that, as Moore was still there.
ought not to shut myself up. concurred with
MN IN opinion, and in a few moments walked out
with him, but SO entirely assured was that M.
had no idea of actually assaing me, that neg
lected TO resume the trusty weapons which | had
put on. Alter walking eight or ten steps from
my cottage door, saw Moore and his friend Geo.
w. Ward coming directly towards me. There.
upon ! stopped and observed his motions. not be-
ing willing to pass him and give him an opportu.
nifty OF shooting treacherously at nv back. but
s'lll deemng It utterly incredible, that he would
assall me there, in the immediate presence Of nv
own family, and of the scores Of men, women and
chlloren, that were constantly passing and repass
ing IN all directions. When, however he o.
Proached within about 25 steps Of me- he stoned.
and, after exchanging few words with his friend
ward drew duelling pistol with extreme aoi-
taon from his pocket. initiated his motion 5v
drawing common pocket pistol, Still, believing
that ne could not be miscreant enough TO sh ot
IN place like that, and well knowino fr,m b;s
appearance, that il he were to shoot fifly times.
shonId be IN no sort of danger. He, however.
hred, instantly returned the shot, his ball strik.
ing the ground within few feet of his own tees.
and nine passing through the branches Of tree
about twelve inches over his head. No sooner
was MS pistol discharged than he threw it upon
'he ground and cried aloud that he was AN uN-
ARMED MAN; anda crowd instantly gathered around
me- ahd' lor rev moments, forciby prevented
me from despatching my assailant. In Tho noa.n
time he called out either to the crowd ~ -
myself "We have exchanged shots without e1ect
let MS be satisfied" and kept repeating IN an I'M
Ploring tone and with the gestures Of desna;r 1T
am unarmed am unarmed | am unarmed y,
lie even stopped to the degradation, known onlv
10 thieves and plckpockets. of throwing open the
bosom OF his vest and holding out the tail of h;s
coat and calling out to the by-standers IN search
nm. In less time than has been occunied hv III.
description adueng- pistol and knife. left IN nv,
manue, were placed in my hands, and the voice of
TREND rang loud and clear through the r,rd-
Ilear the way for another shot" The crowd in
stantly dispersed from between me and Moore
but Mr.. 9. W. Ward, exclaiming, "Will YOU as.
sass'nae an unarmed man." stepped forward to-
INFORM me in season Of the defenceless condition
OF his principal. In the mean time Moore had
stationed himselfbehind the wood work Of a we'll:
ana large number Of my own friends, among
whom were some Of the most respectable citizens
q the State, mplored me not 10 shed the blood of
ING trembling and abject lbeing before me. With
some reluctance yielded to these entreaties--
gave 1. +. Moore the life he had forfeited and
'umby begged-and saw him hurried by few
u his friends from the yard.
AT the moment when Moore was leaving the
pot, heard it buzzed about among few indiyi-
uals that he was willing to have hostile meeting
With me at the Mineral Spring, quarter Of a mile
rom the yard, on the following day at 6 o'clock.
merely smiled at the remark, supposing, of course
hat there could be no possible aathorty for tt
bout an hour afterwards, however. 10 INV nt,er
Mr.. G. W. Ward, who had asked
foore's life for him at my hands, came from tha,
ersonage TO friend Of mine with verbal mes.