Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-03-08
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 1888.
THE PARTICULARS OF THE
DUEL.

The facts in relation TO the duel between
Mr.. Graves of Kentucky, and Mr. CiIey of
Maine, are beginning to become known, but,
as might be expected, great many contra
dictory rumors are in circulation.
have authentic sources Of information not
generally accessible; and will give you a
brief history of the affair.
When Mr.. Graves took the challenge of
Col. Webb to Mr.. Ciley, they had a long
conversation together in perfectly friendly
terms. Mr.. Cilley declined receiving the
note of Col. Webb, stating that he was not
answerable for words spoken in debate. Mr..
Graves asked if that was all, and whether he
made any exception to tho character and
standing Of the challenger? Mr.. Cilley re-
piled, that he made none but relied on his
privilege as a member of the House. Mr..
Graves said that was perfectly proper, and
he had nothing to object oit; and at the
same time he reminded Mr.. Cilley of the pro-
priety of having this answer in writing. For
this end he accordingly wrote note to Mr..
Cilley, rcciting the conversation above stat
ed, and requesting Mr.. Ciley to say, if those
were not his reasons for declining to accept
the challenge. Mr.. Cilley replied, agreeing
to the correctness of the statement, as to his
intention of relying upon his privilege; but
as to the statement respecting Col. Webb,
declined either to admit or deny it. Upon
this Mr.. Graves addressed another note to
Mr.. Ciley, informing him that his first an
swer was not satisfactory; and requesting
him to be more explicit as TO that part Of their
conversation respecting Col. Webb. Mr..
Cilley returned an answer declining to make
any further explanation, and expressing on
unwillingness to be catechsed upon that
point All this occurred on Thursday. On,
Friday, Mr.. Graves wrote n challenge to Mr..
Cilley and gave it to Mr.. Wise to deliver
Mr.. Wise retained it the greater part Of Fri
day forenoon, taking care, however. to let
MIR. Cley know that challenge was to come,
but giving him al opportunity to make fur
ther explanations if he saw proper. About
noon the challenge WAS delivered.
1t was accepted late on Friday evening"
The time, place, and weapons were in the
choice of Mr.. Clley, and he selected rifes,a
eighty yards distance, for the weapon, noon
the next day as the time, and for the place, IA
spot in Maryland, near Rock Creek. Mr..
Graves,-though he was not accustomed to
the use of the rife,-agreed to these terms,
provided he could obtain rife in time.
The whole day on Friday, Mr.. Ciley, in
company with his friends, was engaged in
practising with the rifle. lie is said to have
used one belonging to Mr.. Duncan Of Ohio,
who is a great shot, and who was one Of the
chief advisers in this matter. Mr.. Ciley was
an excellent marksman. His success in fir
ing at mark on Friday was very great, for
it is said that he repeatedly hit, at eighty
yards, the size of dollar. His friends were
elated with his skill and fattered him with
the idea, that he would certainly kill his op-
ponent at the first fire.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Graves and his friends
were busily employed all Friday evening, in
hunting up life to be used the next day.
But this was weapon not easy to be found,
and they continued their search, with SO little
success, the next day, that in the morning
they found themselves obliged to send note
to the friends of Mr.. Ciley, informing them
that it might be necessary to postpone the
meeting.
This was immediately construed by the
friends Of MIR. Cilley into a backing out on
the part Of Mr.. Graves, and reports to that
effect were instantly circulated. About ten
o'clock, probably by way Of taunt or bravado,
Mr.. Wise, the friend of Mr.. Graves, received
tpo notes rendering him the use Of two rifles,