The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-10
STATEMENT.

Nu2I1oS Aluk anu R0VcTuy JOuLo<N has@SN~~
Mr.. Clay himself who certify, his request, as fol
STATEMENT.
On Friday, 23d February, 1899, going down about
S O'Clock to the parlor, which with part of my
family and some friends from New York occupied al
Gadsby's and whore was then assembling a party
of gentlemen whom we had invited to dinner | met
on the staircase MIR. Graves, who, as well Mr.
Wise, wore to be of the party. To my question
where Mr.. Wise was, Mr. G. said he was not com
ing and thea informed that challenge had pass
ed between himself and Mr.. Cilley that it had been
accepted that MIR. Wise was arranging the prelimi-
nares and that both desired to be excused from din
ing with Mr.. Graves then went away. | was
greatly shocked at what he had told for, although
had heard rumors that at the request of Mr. Webb,
Of New York, Mr. Graves had called on Mr.. Ciley
for explanation of language used by that gentlemen
In alusion to Mr. Webb, had also heard and GER
tainly believed the matter was adjusted.
at once, on entering the parlor, took Mr. WeoD
aside and stated what had passed between Mr. Graves
and myself Mr.. Webb appeared greatly surprised
and distressed and at said the meeting must be
prevented He beckonod to Mr.. Reverdy Johnson,
one of our guests and the matter having been
planned to him. it was agreed that Mr.. johnson and
myself should Immediately call MIR. Clay, and
ask his assistance arrest the hostile proceedings
We Immediately went to Mr.. Clays lodgings, and
there found MIR. Graves seated with him. express
ed my qualification at the circumstance, and COM
menced explaining the object of our visit, when Mr..
Graves rose to leave the room, saying, as he went
out, that he could permit no interference with any
thing that touched his honor Mr. johnson and N.Y.
self then represented to Mr. Clay, in the strongest
manner we could, the enormity OF permitting two
gentlemen to fight in quarrel that did not concern
them, and appealed to him, not less a friend of
Mr. Graves than out of regard to Mr.. Webb-who,
told him, felt that it would be the deepest wrong
and injury to him that others should peril life in his
cause-to aid us in arresting the duel
Mr.. Clay replied in substance that he saw how he
tAl M A-l o,.lkn ~
ought not he said to have been consulted but hav-
ing been, the honor of his friend, who the cha-
lenger, might be compromised by any advance on his
Mr- Clays) part to arrest the progress of the affair
He either showed to explained to us the cores
pondence OF the challenge and acceptance, and the
terms, &c, and assured that the meeting could
take place the next day, Mr.. Graves had rifle,
and that next morning we could have enough time
for interference, we chose to interfere. 1t was
past six O'Clock in the evening, and we left Mr.
Clay, saying would keep him advised of our pro-
ceedings. Mr.. Johnson and myself then went to MIR.
Wses lodgings in the hope of ascertaning his views
an to the possibility of an amcable adjustment of
the quarrel. He was out We left either note or
our names, with message that would call again
at O'Clock. We did call again at the hour, but
without finding Mr.. Wise. Hardly knowing what
step to take next after good deal of discussion, and
relying upon the belief that the meeting would not
take place the next day, we determined to wait for
the morning. ssl si.l} ls 4.
AT an early hour on Saturday, was aroused from
my bed by Mr Webb, who told me he had certain
information that Messrs. Graves and Cley had gone
OUT and conjuring me to aid him in preventing any
catastrophe. ! dressed in all haste, and went to
arouse Mr.. Johnson from his bed, and both proceed
Cd at once to MIR. Clays lodgings That gentleman
was not yet up but upon bearing names, desired
us to come into his bedroom. When informed that
the parties had gone out no declared it impossible,
and sent his servant instantly for Mr.. Graves. The
answer was, that Mr.. Graves had gone by the early
train to Baltimore. The same answer was returned
in regard to Messrs. Crttenden and Menefee, who
also boarded in the same house. This made it clear
that Mr.. Graves and his friends had gone out, the
alleged trip to Balti nore being merely cover Mr.
Clay seemed greatly distressed and perplexed and
after consultation a. to the best mode of yet
venting the DUEL posslble-for which he seemed as
earnest were--he -sug4estAd that Gen. Mercer
or Mr.. Key, both, should be seen without delay
Immediately left his apartment jumped into hack,
and rode to Gen. MERGERS lodgings near the Capitol
Gen. Mercer instantly entered into my views, and
declared himself ready to go forthwith before ma
gistrate either of Virginia Maryland-for 1t was
supposed the parties would 60 out Of the District
and take out writ which he would himself accom-
pany the officer and see served. The first thing
therefore, to ascertain possible the route ia
ken by the parties. was about to start on the In
quiry, when Mr. Waddy Thompson of South Caroli-
ma, came in. The matter was explained 10 him,
think by Gen. Mercer and he at once declared there
was no reason for such duel, and that he would
himself if he could find them, go to the ground anc
insist there should be fight. He then got into The
carriage with me- left him at one of the boarding
houses, where he expected to obtain some informa
ton. on my part called at several places with tn
same view All effort was unavailing and the result
is known. did not see MIR. Johnson again that morn
ing, and never, to my recollection, spoke with Mr.
Clay afterwards in relation to the duel.
CHAS KING
New YORK, FEBRUARY 4, 1872
have carefully examined the statement of Mr.
Charles King, transmitted to me in his letter of thu
4th instant and, at his suggestion, give my recollec
ton of the circumstances to which it refers Ever.
thing preceding our two interviews with MIR. Clay
and occurring at those interviews is perfectly fresl
in my memory, and, with few immaterial particu
lars which will mention, precisely such as detail
ed by Mr.. King
First. At neither interview were we shown tn,
written challenge and acceptance, the terms of tn
duel but had them explained to us only by MIR. Clay
Second. In the mornIng after the first interview
was not originally aroused from my bed BY Mr.. King
~ is his recollection, but when sent for by him wa
hurnedly preparing to leave my chamber in conse
quence Of having some minutes before, received
note from Mr.. Wise, enclosing me letter addresses
to the gentleman inviting him. apoogising for not at
tending public dinner to take place that evening
the EuIaw House, in Baltimore and where severa
members Of Congress, including Mr.. Graves as wei
a. himself were expected. The note to me state
that the matter of which he said was aware-mean
ing as understood, the duel between Messrs. Grave
and CilIey-caled Mr.. Graves and himself at one
from w ashinRton and made it impossible for either
be in Baltimore. Although it did not inform me tina
the meeting TO take place that day, so inferred
and resolved Immediately on seeing Mr.. King, an
with him to use every effort could to avoid catas
rophe which we thought was, upon every account, 8
much to be deprecated. Al soon as we met, we wen
at once to Mr.. Clays lodgings, and what took Plac
there according to my recollection, set forth by MI
K with perfect accuracy. Mr.. Clays surprise a
discovering that the duel was, in all probability, to &C
that day. evidently great as ours had been
and his desire arrest it manfestly sincere ant
ardent as ours. To say nothing of his name
throughout the interview, this most abundant.
proved by tho means he advised Us to pursue.