The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-08-13
MISCELLANY OUS.
From the Mercantile Journal.
AN "AFFAIR" BETWEEN A WHALING
CAPTAIN AND A MILITARY OFFICER.

of the story of the duel between OH captain
Lovett of New Bedford, and the English office
i'm Demerura Ii has been variously related
but the only true version il as follows
| Captain Zachariah Lovett, after having per
| formed several whaling voyages to the Pacific
| found himself in command OF small brig be
| longing to New York on u voyage to Dcmerara
| He was n worthy man and u good specimen
| of Yankee sallor-his heart was full of the
milk of human kindness, but he possessed no
BILE spirt--and would neither give nor take al
insult
While his little brig Cinderella lay at anchor
in Demerara River, Capt. Lovett one aiternoor
entered Coffee House, where he met with {
friend-und they amused themselves by knock
ing the balls about in the billiard room. Soor
after, and before the game was half finished
some English military officers entered, one o.
whom, Capt Bigbee, stepped up to Capt. Lovet
who was arrayed in u very plain, not to say or
binary costume, and with bullying air demand
ed the table, as himself and his brother officers
wished TO play match.
Capt. Lovett gave the red. coated gentleman n
stern look, but replied with courtesy, that he g.
his friend had engaged the table, and would
play out their game after which, if the gentle
men wished to play, it was at their service
But we can't wait, said Capt. Bigbec, in an
nsolent tone.
you must watt cody replied Captain Lovett
'But we shall do no such thing exclaimed
the sury Briton-'we came here to play billiards
and have no idea OF being disappointed by a
couple of fellows who hardly knowa mace
from cue, or bah from the pocket. 1t will
take you all the afternoon to finish the game-so
clear out.
Capt. Lovett and his friend played on.
Gomez continued the officer, senourh of this
marker; place the balls Saying which, with
most impudent air, he seized one of the balls
which Capt Lovett's opponent had just driven
INTO the pocket, and caught up another one
which was near him.
The matter was growing serions. Captain
Lovetts eye flashed ire-for although he had
mingled good deal among quakers, and re-
spected that moral sect for their humility and
quiet demeanor, he was non resistant man
himself He dropped his cue, and doubled up
the table, you sconndrcl,' exclaimed he iinpera-
lively, 'and leave Tie room.
Who do you call scoundrei, you Yankee
blackguprd Do you know you are talking TO
one of his m0jesty's officers ? Take that for
your lmpertInence, at the same time suiius the
action to the word and giving Captain Lovcit Il
smart rap across the shoulders with his CITE
But in an instant he received blow on his fore
head exactly where Psychologists locate the or
gan Of Evenluaty-Which would have feed
an OK, und submSsivev acknowledged !he ia
vor by measuring his length upon the floor
His brother officers, who were with him, bad
the good sense to see that Bighee was to blame
--;snd although they looked rather black at the
Yankees, they wisely tOrbore to modest them
lurther-but assisted the stunned bully 10 nnoth-
er room, where, 10y the help of some restoratives
ne soon recovered his senses. His rage and
modification at the result of the recontre, knew
no bounds, and with many bitter oath he de-
cared he would have satisfaction.
Before Captain Lovett left the coffee house,
billet handed HIM by Lieutenant James,
which proved to he challenge-a perenIptory
chulIenge--irom Captain Bisbee, i'm which il
vas insisted that arrangements should be made
for an early meeting, that he might have all OPP.
portunity TO wash off the aflront he had receiv-
ed, in Capt. Lovett's hearts blood.
Captain Lovett smiled when he saw such
manifestation of Christian spirit. Tell Captain
Bighee,' said he, that l will not baulk him. He
shall have the opportunity he so earnestly seeks.
Although not fighting man, l am familiar
with the duel aws-and if he will be tomorrow
morning OH the bunk of the green canal, near
the South Quay, rather secluded spot, he shall
have satisfaction to his hearts content
Lieutenant James bowed politely, and with
drew. Captain i.ovett went on board the Gin
6erelIa soon atter--and ordered his mate, Mr.
StarbucS, also veteran hale-hunter, to select
the two best harpoons, have them nicely ground
and ftted-ns an opportunity mig Int offer on the
morrow, of striking porpose. Mr. Star uck
oieyed his superior officer with alacrity although
he wondered not little why Captain Lovett
expected TO find porpoises in Delnarara river
called, Captain Lovett ordered the boat to he
manned, aud requested Mr. Starbuc< to take the
Two harpoons, to each of which some eight or
ten fahoms of rafting stuff were attached. and
accompany him on shore. In ii few moments
the boat reached the South Quay, where Capt
Loyelt was met by several Of his countymen,
who had been attracted to the spot by the ruuor
of the duel, rs well several merchants and
other inhabitants of the place. They one and all
demonstrated with Captain Lovett for his folly
in conserving to fight with the English military
list--an expert swordsnan. and an unrvalled
marskman with pistol, being sure of his man
at twelve PAGES. Capt Lovett, however, did not
show the least inclination to back OUTPUT on
the contrary seemed more eager for the engage
ment-'l'll give that quarrelsome fellow les
son. said he, (which will be of service to him
and which he will never forget, as long as his
name is Bigbee.'
The challenger, with his forehead ornament
ed with large patch to cover the impression
left by the Yankee knuckles, and his swollen
eyes dimly twinklmp with anger and mOrtifica-