The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-08-06
MY FIR ST DU E [.
BY MORDECAI MANASSEII NOAH.
FROM "TnE UNION"

called day or two ago to see my old friend
Colonel Webb, who learnt had arrived at his
residence in Wavcrly Place, from his late cx-
curslon TO the Brandywine. He looked WELL
quite wo!i--his wiliskers were az large and fierce
as ever, with here and there few supernumerary
white hairs, and his spirits if any thing were
more broyant and elastic, as he had accomplish
ed Il certain specific and desirable object by the
issue Of the recent meeting. Over the elbow of
his capacous arm chair reposed pair OF slgniti-
cant crutcLcs. thought Of SIR John Falstati-
"The,c's honor for YOU"
We talked over the adventure in detail, with
congratulations that it was not worse in Its re-
suits as it certainly might have BEEN if the opos-
tie of temperance and the Colonel had both been
the crack! shots they were said to be IN the shoot
ing galleries. Duclling at the present day has
fallen INTO disrepute it never did settle any point
OF honor, and sensible men discard it as incom-
patible with the spirit of the age; yet peculiar
circumstances, as in the case of Webb and Mar
SHALL trive men to such hostile meetings, and it
woulu be fortunate to all parties concerned if the
issue was equally favorable. 1t is much more a.
greeaLloto shtLe Il man firmly by the hand,
than 10 attend lis funeral; and Us to postum
nous praises Of courage, GOODNESS, gallantry, Sc.
in such affairs what are they WORTH who boast Of
such honors; as Shakespeare says,
ale t!,t died last Wednesday,"
1t is said that the apostle of temperance is not
satisfied with the rcs2lt of the duel; lie thinks
that Webb ought to have been killed. and he j.,
GcsriJus OF having another shot at him. If Mr..
N"rehal IS 50 ipnd 81 g ling c c-r, rlzc- kin
self at the head of the Aligllanstans in the Ca
hooI county, Or serve as aid to Ching Ling Chez
sin Of Pekin, and he will have lighting enough for
tie appetite of any moderate man; but Col.
Webb ought 10 be permitted hereafter to cat hi.
tnnSf n b.Fi, ,Iai
he enjoys the best position OF the two and he
should not part with il to jeopardise it by anoth
or meeting. AS Hoyle would say he has all the
honors, but he hns lost the odd trick Talking of
dueiiing, l have always been satisfied that il is
moral, and not physical courage which is the ac-
tive agent IN such matters, and sustans man in
slch trying positions, and this was made mani
fest and strongly impressed upon my mind by
my liIst duel When very young man, and in
high party times, found myself taking the lead
in The Democratic ranks in Charleston, South
Carolina. Impressed with the belief that a diff
ference of political opinion, though warmly ex-
pressed and FIRMLY carried out, did not necessar-
lly impair that good personal feeling and inter-
course which should exist between citizen and
citizen, was in hopes to make converts ard put
down opponents, i'll the most pacific manner;
soon discovered my error, and was given dis
tlIctiy 10 understand, that he who ventures to
bring about important political revolutions in that
section OF the Union, must be prepared to fight
his way IN the world; he who is ambitious to be-
come political leader, must exhibit something
more substantial than mere oratory.
He who would influence and control party
must sustain his doctrines by meeting his oppo-
nents IN the way that gentlemen settle such DIFF
lerences; he must understand and be understood
MS presumed, was what is called Southern
chlvairy; it was all new and most extraordinary
TO me- VINO came from pacific quarter of the
Union. and iclt no disposition at all to carry my
political plans and objects into operations at the
mouth Of the pistol But so it was. Being in
Rome; had TO do what Romans did So hay-
ing offended young sprg of Federalism, by ven
turing respectfully 10 differ with him in relation
to the war with England at great public meet
ing, he gave me notice that he should call me
OUT ielt no apprehension on the subject, con-
Finced That explanations could readily be made,
which would not TAI to prove entirely satisfacto-
fy "ltii reasonable men. So proceeded to the
lLr1,-a ss9 :, bile enjoying vory agreea-
Bile book in a cool and sequestered part of the um-
pie saloon, handsome young gentleman of en-
gaging appearance and address came I'D to me-
and alter two or three formal yet graceful bows,
placed in my hand neatly folded note, written
on velium paper. The note introduced me to
Major Hamilton, since Gen. Hamilton apd Go
vernon tthe State, by the gentleman who had
most unfortunately offended, by differing with
him at the public meeting, and informed me at
the same time, that Major Hamilton would make
the necessary arrangements for the meeting, Sc.
On reading the note | arose and made several
profound bows TO the gentleman, finding that
this was business of very serious importance.
we took oui seats near each other, talked of the
weather, OF war, palmetto forts rice birds, cotton
crops and severable subjects, for was very hap
py 10 make his acquaintance, until the Major in
the most Poiite manner imaginable, reminded me
OF the delicate object of his mission and the ne
cesslty OF reply to the note he had Just deliver
cd. Novice as was in such matters, was still
aware that etiquette required prompt reply,
and assured him, that he should receive an an
swer at an early hour. forthwith called the
leaders of our party together, to consult and de-
termine what was to be done in the premises
They were unanimously of opinion that must
fight; there was no avoiding the responsibility;
the honor of the democratic party required that
should fight; it was the usage ofthe country, and
no leader of party ofsuch high and patriotic
pretensions, could evade an invitation in which
the dignity Of the party was vitality concerned.