Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-03-12

day, because, having understood that MIR Graves
had met with d'heulty I'm getting ride, l did not
| know that he had obtained one. had no right 10
| know the time and place Of the meeting OF the par
ues l only regretted my Ignorance OF it because,
had known II, | could have advised where the
police might have been directed TO arrest the parties
and prevent the duel.
My belief is that never saw the terms according
20 which the combat was to be conducted. prior to
the duel, although think they were stated and ex-
planned TO nae, probably by you. MIR King thinks
they were shown read by me to him. Mir John
son, who was present, does not agree with him in
Johnson's- But do not regard il os of the least
consequence. had no hand in their preparation.
That was tho work OF one or both Of the seconds.
When, on the day preceding the duel, Mr. Graves,
~ company with you, came to my room, was in
formed that no had determined to challenge MIR
Chey, and he showed me the challenge which he
nau Drawn Upon reading Il, thought IL closed
the door TO accommodation, stated that objection
and sketched draugh, in my own handwriting
which would admit of an amicable adjustment
For from my first knowledge of the affair to the
hour oil its fatal termination believing that the diff
terence ought to lie settled, chung the hope ola
friendly adjustment OF IL. What became of the
sketch drew do no, know. I did not see the
challenge which was actually transmitted. refer
TO the statement in MIR ravcss letter on this branch
OF the subject, in which entirely agree with him.
did not know thnt Mr. Graves bore n note from
Colonel Webb TO MIR Cilley until after the del,ye-
-
him verbal answer. In that stage Of the transac-
ton, for the first time. Mr. Graves communicated
the matter 10 me, and concra' ulated him on the
fact of that answer beng perfectly satisfactory, aud
such as TO abscve him from al obligation TO pursue
the affair further This has probably escaped MIR
Graves recollection, bu; add it, being within
my own. On convers'ng together. We 10th agreed
that, 70 guard against future misunderstanding and
msrerresentation, Il was desirable that MIR Ci ley
should pa, IN writing what he had verbally answer
ed. That Mr. Graves said, he had no doubt would
be readily donc BItan unfortunate n, sunderland.
ing arose between the parties TO the terms or ma.
'n'c OF the verbal answer, which terminated in the
challenge.
have NJ recollection OF having seen their cor.
responJerce between the verbal answer Rnd the
challenge. u was net conducted under my advice
u any person asserts thatl saw II, should be un.
Wiling To contradict him, So uncertain is my me.
mory abont 1t. have no doubt that, IT | Oil not
see 1t, was Informed OF It's purpott ut the tune |
suggested medication OF the challenge.
Any communication which was made 10 me COZ
cernng the affair, was received by me with roget.
was sorry that 1t was Lio,ched to me 4; all; but
MIR Graves was my friend, my colleague IN Con-
sress. and my mes smate, ard | could rot decline
receiving from linn any communication touchin. his
honor md interest, which he might think prop.r
10 make. Aud admit without any reservation
whatever, that all the points OF the controversy
respecting which lie atked my opinion, gave il 10
him iresly, according 10 the best " my Judgment.
And now, having made such answer to your
""NS NN'HN NSNS'aiSs nlct VIII dtI u Jew 90
seryatons more.
In consequence of slight injis position, I did
no; leave nv house during the day Of the duel |
never saw the arms with which the part es fought
Not having been on the ground Of combat, can.
not be held responsible Tor ANY Of The occurrences
there.
have Lever joined in any eensure OF You for the
part you bore IN the consict. os for your conduet
pres'ous 10 4, or on The srounl. On the cohi-ary
| was glad that the honor and lie Of my f,end
were under the care of one that regarded ~ CON.
peient 10 guard both. | never hesitatcd TO believe
that you served him with zeal and fidelity, without
any departure from tie line Of honor towards his
lameuted antagonist
10 the investigation in the House OF Representa-
lives which snsued ai;er the fatal Catastrophe no AZ.
tempt was made 10 implicate me. None was made
IN the subsequent publications under your sisne-
iure, 10 which il gave rise During all tina, time
and until recently, you stood in amicable relations
10 me. You have, without any cause known 10 me-
thought proper 10 establish different and inimicai
relations between Since this change and dur
ING this session O! Congress. IN the manner to which
have already adverted, fer the first time within
my Knowledge, the attempt hns Geen made TO fix
the blame and responsibility Of the duel upon me-
Whether you have originated or been accessory TO
this attempt, your heart can best tell and the pub
lie can best Judge.
am, with proper respect and consideration,
Your obedent servant.
The Hon. II. a. WISE. II. CLAY.