Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1838-12-01


were not familiar to Lawrence for he had been
raised in a christian land where they were looked
upon with adherence. But he now living IN
a country where the people thought differently
where, should he not demand the satisfaction OF
the duelist, it would least be presumptive ev
dence of the truth of the charge which had been
alleged against him. Goaded on by sense OF
the injury which had been done him, conscious too
that the practice of the country pointed out but
one remedy, and more especially encouraged by
that description of men of wi ich have just made
mention, who spend their time in explaining the
principles of honor, and settling the prc!lunaries
of the fight. he was induced to send his challenge,
which to prove to this people whether hewas
guilty or innocent. The challenged party hav-
ing the choice OF weapons chose the rifle at % pa
The weapon was one with which Lawrence
was entirely unacquainted, as was EVIDENT not
only from his admissions, but from the awk-
ward manner Of his using it on the field; while 1t
was familiar to his adversary, who on a former
occasion had proved his skill IN its use by killing
his man. Notwithstanding this odds against the
injured person, the parties met. Both fired a.
bout the same instant, and Lawrence fell. The
ball of his adversary had passed through the upper
part of both his thighs, but without fracturing
either of the bones. The other party stood IN
injured. The wound in this instance might not
have proved mortal, but the sensitive soirit Of
Lawrence had received far deeper A rag
ing fever was the consequence of bodily suffering
and mental languish, which finished What the false
accuser had begun.
few days after the parties met, number oil
persons following, with measured steps and slow,
small vehicle, which was intended TO answer the
purpose of a hearse, showed that the remains oil
poor Lawrence about to be consigned to theii
long home. 1t Is TO be hoped that when the du
ellst visits the melan choly spot, where there Is
nothing TO disturb the solitude of the place, he
will be admonished of his errors over the grave
of the fallen, and while he INDUCES the better feel
Ings OF his nature, will resolve never TO raise
arm against his fellow man, in what the worle
miscalls the field Of honor. On the night follow
ing the day of interment, public meeting of the
citizens was held, TO express their regret for The
fate of Lawrence, and their opinion fihe causes
which led to his destruction There was feel
ing manifested on the occasion, that did honor t
the meeting. But il seemed 10 Il mockerv 0
all sorrow, TO see those who were the principa
authors of the catastrophe, or who at least nigh
easily, and should have prevented it, taking
leading part in the proceedings of the meeting
and acting as Chief mourners over the fate Of tn
fallen.
Resolutions were passed expressing the entr
conviction of the meeting Of the Innocence
the deceased. as we'll as others condoling wit
unfortunate son. If am correctly informed, i
the feeling language Of scripture. she tn
!, only son of his mother, and she widow.
, in the hour of her trbuation and sorrow, to lear
that her son died in defence of his honor; and
=, so, let me too add, that she has greater cause
lament over his misfortune than his guilt.
however, the author of his ruin escaped for tn
present, retributive justice did not sleep toreve
Scorned by all, but rather 4 false accuse
than murderer, he sought to hide himself in Sa
Antonio de Bexar, frontier town upon the eds
of the mountains. Here he soon got into a qua
rel; for it seems he lived in brois. He found Il
Y person with whom he had the present difficult
quietly sitting at the dinner table, unconscious
e but not unprepared for, danger. He deliberate
o aimed and discharged pistol at the head of h
: adv ersary, which would have taken effect had
e his arm been disturbed, by who opportune
5 interfered. Like all towards, when he found
= had missed his purpose, he fled. The assai
:, was close upon his steps, and following him in
his room by breaking down the door, blew out +
l. brains.