Maumee City express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1838-184?, 1839-08-10
LAUGHABLE DUEL WITH HAIR.
POONS

| The following account of meeting be-
tween a Yankee whaling Captain and an
English officer Is extracted from Salt Wa
ter Bubbles series of interesting articles,
now published in the Boston Mercantile
Journal:
Captain Zachariah Lovett, after having
performed several whaling voyages to the
Pacific, fouhd himself in command of u
small brig, belonging to New York, on
voyage TO Demarara. He was worthy
man-and good specimen of yankee sal
lor his heart was full of the milk Of human
kindness, but lie possessed noble spirit,
and would neither give nor take an insult.
While his little brig Cinderella lay at an
chor in Demarara river, Captain Lovett one
afternoon entereda Coffee house, where he
met with friend, and they amused them
selves by knocking the balls about in the
billiard room. Soon after, and before the
game was half finished, some English mill
tary officers entered, aud one of whom,
Captain Blgbee, stepped up to captain Low.
ett, who was arrayed in very plain, not
to say ordinary costume, and with bully
ing air demanded the table, as himself and
his brother officers wished to play match.
Captain Lovett gave the coated gentle
man stern look, but replied with courtesy,
that he and his friend had engaged the ia
BILE, and would play out their game, after
winch, if the gentleman wished to play, it
was at their service.
But we can't wait said Captain Big
bee. in an insolent tone.
'You must watt coolly replied Captain
Lovett.
But we shall do no such thing exclaim-
ed the suriy Brton-' we came here to play
billiards, and have no idea of being dlsap-
pointed by couple of fellows who hardly
know mace from cue, or ball from the
pocket. 1t will take you all the afternoon
to finish the game--so clear out
Captain Lovett and his friend played on.
sCome, continued the officer, enough OF
thls-naker place the balls Saying
which, with most impudcnt air, he seized
one of the balls which Captain Lovett's op-
ponent had just driven into the pocket, and
caught up another one which was near
him.
The matter was growing serious. Cap.
tain Lovett's eye flashed fire; for although
|
and respected that moral sect for their humil-
lty and quiet demoanor, he was no non-resis,
tant man himself. He dropped his cue, and
doubled up fist Of portentious size. 'Put
those balls upon the table, you scoundrel,
, exclaimed he imperatively, 'and leave the
ROOM
'Who do you call scoundrel, you Yankee
blackguard! DO you know you are talking
to one Of his majestys officers?" Take
that for your impertinence,' at the samt
time suiting the action to the word and gi
wing Capt Lovett smart wrap across the
shoulders with his cue. But in an instan
he received blow on his forehead exuctl,
where phrenologists locate the organ @
: Eventuality-which would have fe!led an OK
n and submissively acknowledged the favo
: by measuring his length upon the floor.
His brother officers who were with hin
had the good sense to see that Bgbee wa
y to blame--and although they looked rathe
G black at the Yankees, they wisely forbor
It to molest them farther-but assisted tn
v stunned bully to anosher room, where b
the help of some restoratiyes, he soon recC
: vered his senses. His rage and mortifca
ton at the result of the recontre, knew n
bounds, and with muttered oaths lie declare
;. he would have satisfaction.
Il Before Captain Lolett left the coffe
It house, billet was handed him by Leuten
: ant James, which proved to be challenge
peremptory challenge-from Captain Big
bee, in VIII ch it was insisted that arrange
If ments should be made for an early meeting
that he might have an opportunity to was
= . off the adiront he had received, in Captal
u Lovctts hearts blood.
I Captain Lovett smiled when he saw sue
manifestations of Christian spirit. "Te
Captain Bigbee," SAID he, that will nc
y baulk him. He shall have the opportunit
: he so earnestly seeks. Although not
3 fighting man, am familiar with the du,
. laws-and If he will be tomorrow mornin
= on the bank of the green canal, near tn
South Quay, rather secluded spot, h
shall have satisfaction to his hearts cor
: tert.'
: Lieutenant James bowed politely an
o withdrew-Captain Lovett went on boar
f the Cinderella soon atler--and ordered hi
o mate, Mr.. Starbuck, also veteran whal
hunter, to select the two best harpoons
= have them nicely ground, aud iitted--as a
= opportunity might offer on the morrow, Z
striking porpoise.--Mr Starbuck obeye
his superior officer with alacrty, althoug
II lie wondered not little why Captain Loy
d EFT expected TO find pOrpoises in Demarar
river.
u The next morning, as soon as all hand
were called, Captain Lovett ordered til
boat to be manned, and requested Mr., Sta
: buck to take the two harpoons to each
y which'some eight or ten fathoms of rattin
stuff was attac ned, and accompanying hi
on shore. In few moments the bo;
reached the South Quay, where Captai
l. Lovett was met by several OF his country
,e men, who had been attracted TO the spot
c the rumor Of the duel as well as sever
o merchants and other inhabitants of tt
place. They one and all demonstrated wit
,- Captain Lovett for his folly in consentin
to fight with the English military bull
) who was represented as practiced dueli
A. AN expert swordsman, and an unriyalle
l. marksman with pistol, being sure of h
man at twelve PAGES. Captain Lovet
however, did net show the least inclinatc
. to back out-but, Oh the contrary, SCENE
Or more eager for the engagement--'1'll gi,
t. that quarrelsome fellow a lesson said h
= (which will be of service tohm--and whic
he wllnever forget, as long as his name
Bigbee,'