Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-04-01

place this letter before the Public: but 1t you
think it necessary in your vindication, | repeat
again 1t is at your service.
With sentiments of the highest regard and
consideration, am, very sincerely; YOU, most
Hon. HENRY CLAY, Washington.
STATEMENT.
On Friday, 22d Of February, 1893, going
down about five O'Clock to the parlor, which l,
with part of my family and some friends
from New York occupied at Gadsby's. and
where was then assembling party of gentle
mer whom we had invited 10 dinner, met on
the staircase Mr.. Graves, who, as well as Mr..
Wise, were to be Of the party. To my question,
where Mr.. Wise was, Mr.. G. said he was not
coming, and then informed me that chai-
lenge had passed between himself and Mr..
Cilley, that it had been accepted, and that Mr..
Wise was arranging the prcIiminares, and
that both desired to be excused from dining
with US. Mr.. Graves then went away. was
greatly shocked at what he had told me-; tor,
although had heard rumors that, at the re-
quest of Mr.. Webb, of New Ycrl'. Mr. Graves
had called on Mr.. CilIey for explanation OF
language used by that gentleman 10 a'uslon to
Mr.. Webb, had also heard, and certainly be-
lieved, the matter was adjusted.
at once, on entering the parlor, took Mr..
Webb aside and stated what had passed be-
tween Mr.. Graves and myself Mr.. Webb
appeared greatly surprised and distressed, and
at once said the meeting mus: be prevented
He beckoned to Mr. fbayna been Of
ed to him, it was agreed that Mr. Johnson and
myself should Immediately call on Mr.. Clay
and ask his assistance TO arrest the hostile pro-
ceedings. We Immediately went to Mr.. Clay's
lodgings, and there found Mr.. Graves seated
with him. expressed my qualification at the
circumstance, and commenced 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 my
self then represented to Mr.. Clay, in the
strongest manner we could the enormity Of per-
hitting two gentlemen TO fight in quarrel
which did not concern them, aud appealed TO
him, not less as friend of Mr.. Graves. than
out Of regard to Mr.. Webb-who we told him,
felt that it would be the deepest wrong and in
Jury 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 was situated. Mr.. Graves had con-
suited him. He ought not, he said, 10 have
heen consulted but having been, the honor
of his friend, who was the challenger, might
be compromised by any advance on his, Mr..
Clay's part, to arrest the progress Of the affair.
He either showed to, or explained to US the
correspondence of the challenge and accept
ance, and the terms, &C., and assured us that
the meeting could not take place the next day,
as Mr.. Graves had no rifle. and that next NOR
ming we could have enough time for interfe-
renee, if we chose to interfere. 1t was now
past six o'clock in the evening, and we left
Mr.. Clay, saying that we would keep him adj
vised Of our proceedings. Mr. Johnson and
myself then went to Mr.. Wise's lodgings, in
the hope Of ascertaining his views as to the
possibility of an amicable adjustment Of the
quarrel. He was out. We left either note
or our names. with message that we would
call again at o'clock. We did call again at
the hour, but without finding Mr.. WISE
Hardly knowing what step 10 take next, after
good deal of discussion, and relying on the
belief that the meeting would net take place
the next day, we determined to wait for the
morning.
AT an early hour on Saturday, was arous-
ed from my bed by Mr.. Webb, who told me
he had certain information that Messrs. Graves
and Cilley 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 proceeded at
once to Mr.. Clay's lodgings. That gentle
man was not yet up, but, upon hearing our
names, desired us to come into his bedroom.
When informed that the parties had gone out,
he 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 return
ed in regard TO Messrs. Crittenden and Meme
fee. who also boarded in the same house.
This mace it clear that Mr.. Graves and his
friends had gone out, the aledged trip to Bal
timore being merely a cover. Mr.. Clay SEEM
ed greatly distressed and perplexed, and after
some consultation as to the best mode OF YET
preventing the duel, if possible-for which ne
seemed as earnest as we were-ne suggesteu
that Gen. Mercer Or Mckay, or oelh, snouso
be seen without delay. Immediately left
his apartment, jumped into hack' a1o rooe
to Gen. MERGERS lodgings, near the Capitol.
Gen. Mercer instantly entered into my views
and declared himself ready to GO forthwith be-
fore magistrate, either Of Virginia or Mary
land-for it was supposed the parties would
90 out of the District-and take out writ,
which he would himself accompany the officer
and see served. The first thing, therefore,
was to ascertain, if possible, the route taken
| hv the partics. | was about to start on the
inquiry, when Mr.. Waddy Thompson, Of =;
| Carolina, came ia. The matter was explained
to him, / think, by Gen. Mercer ana ne g
once declared there was no reason ior sucn !,
JnaI. and that he would himself, If he could
6n.l them. 90 to the ground and insist there
j shonld be no fight. He then got into the car
r;aoe with me. left him At one OF the board
;ny houses. where he expected to obtain some
| information. l on my part called at several
places with the same view. All effort was
| pnayailing, and the result is known. did
not see Mr.. Johnsoa again that morning, and