The Iowa patriot. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1839-1839, 1839-08-29


should 8 be made for an early meeting,
that ne might have an opportunity tc
!. wash OFT the affront he had received
IN captain Lovett's hearts blood.
Captain Lovett smiled when he saw
such manifestations Of Christian
spirit. ''Tell Captain Bigbee," said
he, sthat will not baulk him. He
shall have the opportunity he SO ear
nestly seeks. Although not a fight
ing man, | am familiar with the duel
laws-and if he will be tomorrow
morning on the bank Of the green ca
nal, near the South Quay, rather Sc
cluded spot, he shall have satisfaction
to bis hearts content.''
Lieutenant James bowed politely,
and withdrew.-Captain Lovettwent
on board the Cinderella soon after
and ordered his mate, Mr.. Starbuck,
also veteran whale-hunter, to select
the two best harpoons, have them
nicely ground, and ftted-as an OPP
portunity might offer on the morrow,
OF striking aporpoise. Mr.. Starbuck
obeyed his superior officer with alac-
rity, although he wondered not lit
tie why Captain Lovett expected to
find porpoises in Demerara river.
The next morning, as soon as all
hands were called, Captain Lovett or
dered the boat. to be manned, and re-
quested Mr.. Starbuck to take the two
harpoons, to each Of which some eight
or ten fathoms of rafting stuff were
attached, and accompany him on
shore. In few moments the boat
reached the South Quay, where Capt.
Lovett was met by several of his
countrymen, who had been attracted
to the spot by the rumor of the duel,
as we'll as several merchants and 9TH
er inhabitants Of the place. They one
and all demonstrated with Captain
Lovett for his folly in conserving to
fight with the English military bully,
who was represented as q practised
duelllst-an expert swordsman, and
an unrivalled marksman with a pistol
being sure of his man at twelve PAGES.
Capt. Lovett, however did not show
the least inclination to back out
but on the contrary seemed more ca
ger for the engagement-ssPll give
that quarrelsome fellow lesson," said
he, switch will be of service to him
and which he will never forget, as
long as his name is Bigbee.''
The challenger, with his forehead
ornamented with large patch to COW
er the impression left by the Yankee
knuckles, and his swollen eyes dimly
twinkling with anger and mortifca-
ton through two huge, livid circles
accompanied by his second, soon
made his appearance. He was follow
ed by servant with a pistol case,
and an assortment Of swords. He
bowed stiffly to Capt. Lovett-and
1t. James, approaching the Yankee,
asked him if he was willing to fight
with swords-s'If So" said he, 81 be-
lieve we can suit you. We have
brought with us the small sword, a
neat gentlemanly weapon-the cut
and-thrust, good in melee, and which
will answer mdiaerently we'll in du-
el--and the broadsword or cutlass,
which is often preferred by those who
are deficient in skill in the use of arms.
My friend, Capt. Bigbee, is equally
expert with either. You have only
to choose. AS the challenged party,
you have an undoubted right to select
your arms.'
''Of the privilege am we'll aware"
replied Captain Lovett, sand mean to
avail myself Of it. | shall not fight
with swords"
81 expected as much," resumed
Lieut.. James, ''and have brought with
me a beautiful pair Of duelling pistols,
withlong barrels, rifle bores, and hair
triggers What distance shall mea-
sure OFF,
Slight paces.'
''Only eight pacesr' cried Lieut..
James, little surprised. 20, very
welle'-and he measured it of, and
placed his man at his spot. Then adj
vancing to Captain Lovett, he pre-
sented him with pistol.
81 do not fight with pistols!"
'sNot fight with pistols after hav-
ingrefused to fight with swords. What
brought you here then?o
"To fightr' shouted Lovett in a
laundering voice, which made the Bri-
fish officers start. 81 am the challeng-
ed party, and have right to choose
my weapons, according to the laws
Of the duello, all the world Overland
you may rely upon it / shall not Sc
lect weapons with which am not ia
miliar, and with which my antagonist
has been practising all his life. Such
proceeding on my part, is not only
not required by the rules of honor,
which after all, is mere chimera, but
would be contrary to all the dictates
of common sense. No---1 shall fight
with the weanOns of honorable war