The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1843-11-16

putes at the muzzle of the pistol. Public
opinion, since that time, together with The
provisions of the law, have frowned upon
these sanguinary exhibitions, and now
reason, good sense, and good principles
have erected barriers against duellng,
which, except on extraordinary occasions,
are sufficiently powerful against such out
breaks. Still, there was lurking suspl-
cion in the public mind that l would not
fight. That had not the least lncllna-
ton 10 shoot or be shot, was an undoubled
fact but that under any circumstances l
would not fight at all, was not true.
Without being what was called consti-
tutionally brave, and never willingly
rushing into danger-without in the
most distant manner, being either bull
ly or a braggadocio-I, nevertheless,
felt that | had moral courage enough to
resent a positive insult, and was ready,
in a good cause, to submit to what So
ciety considered an honorable mode of
redressing an injury. Still labored UNI
der suspicion until at length, a person
who was not a politician, determined to
ascertain whether there was good and
sufficient ground for this opinion, picked
up small quarrel with me upon some
trlfling cause, and sent me a challenge
to meet him, coupled with the very
cheering intelligence that he could
neither accept explanation nor apology.
So here was challenge Of the most
positive character there was no evad-
ing it under existing circumstances the
challenger was a person Of no conse-
quence, still he was of good family,
and possessed a good character All
those who wanted fight assured me he
was a gentleman, although | wished
from the bottom Of my heart, that ma
ture and habit had made him loaler of
the first water; neither the cause nor the
man were of sufficient Importance for
the risk no political eclat conld posi-!
bly, arise from such meeting. Still
there was no getting rid of ii, and | &C
cepted the invitation.
The dear public was all agog again /;
there ac@s to be fight after all My
friends who had hitherto stood sponsors
to my bravery, surrounded me with un-
abated confidence, My Opponents sheer
ed and prognostlcatcd that | should yet
" creep out of it.2 felt cool and de-
termined; | would submit to no insinua-
tons of such character, and made all
The necessary preparations. | was rath-
er ind derenl 10 the result. [ had no
property to leave, no will 10 make, no
family to provide for; might be Gu! of,
it is true, a! an early period, and full OF
promise, bat it was not of my seeking.-
Come what might, this meeting was 10
AXE place. My friend, Gov. Geddes
lent me his carriage and horses, and a
case of fine hair triggers. My surgeon
was engaged, and the whole city was on
he qui cice for the duel slept that
light at the house of friend, and several
had assembled there TO sit
up with ne and talk over the matters, and
make arrangements for the morning
Sitting up with a person about to fight
luel is something like sitting up with a
lead man all was solemn and grave
10 wilticsms, no attempt TO keep up fic-
itious spirits. They all talked as if some
important event was on the tapis. threw
myself on the bed 10 lake short repose.
md fell into perturbed sleep. was
eStess and uneasy, tossed to and fro
lideous dreams and speclrcs Aoaled in my
| was awakened by hear
ng the servant below grinding coffee
Wy friends were whispering together in
he alcoye. | felt wrelched-my lips |
we're parched, and my head feversh and |
onfused. ] arose at dawn, and took a
up of strong coffee, and all things being
eady, we got into the carriage and St!
fl for the field of honor. 1t was beau
fu! mornlng-lhe air was pure and bal
amc-the eastern 81 ~ was streaked with
range lius, and the mist was fading from
he hils-the birds were singing, and the
all pines were Waverng gently 10 the
nornlng breeze. The world never look.
d more beautiful
" The morn, in russell mantle clad,
Walked DER the dew Of yon high Eastern hiP'
SHAKESPEARE.
And | was probably about 10 quit this
World, SO fresh, and gay, and beauleous-
n the season of youth, with every bright
nd encouraging prospect before me; not
y fell disease, or decay ofna!ure, or sud
en- visitation Of Providence-but victim
, what was called honor. | was either
. kill man who had never wronged me,
r meet death at his hands, without hav.
ng ever wronged him. What madness,
oily, and Inaluation Yet tyrant Gus.
I'm had stamped the impress of chivalry
pom such appeals, and they could no! be
vaded. | pulled from me several heavy
ighs, as these and similar thoughts pas
ed through my mind. felt no fear
felt sorry for myself; feltlhe same re-
,rel that should have felt for another
'erson in my situation. The carriage
rove on RAPIDLY. and nv friends regarded