The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-07-24
nom De DubIln lnirer.ily .Maga.L.e.
IRISH DUEIIsTs =" SIXTY YEARS SINCE

IRISH DUElISIS- ~" SlAll lEAho SiNNI"
Among the duelists of the south Of ireland, at The
close of the last century, were several whose deeds
are still talked Of One Of these was Pat Power Of
Daragle lie was fat, robust man. much dlstn-
guished for his incompetence, and genefaiiy seen
with a glowing ri face He on one occasion fought
with hre-eating companion, ehlled DOB bFIScoe
when taking aim he still had friendship for him. ana
would show il ; so he only shot of his whskers ard
the top Of his His pistol was always at The SER
vice OF another who had less inclination touse 1t
and when friend Il his declined challenge, Power
Immediately took it up for him. When the Duke Of
Richmond was IN the South Of Ireland, he knghted
many Iersons without much regard to their merits or
claims Ia Waterford he was particularly prousc
of his honors in this way. Among his knights were
the recorder, the paymaster OF regiment, and
Lieutenant Power was in a coffee house couyersing
with a gentleman he accidentally met, ard the tOp.c
of conversation the new knights, He abused
them all, but particularly a fellow called b,
beggarly half pay lieutenant" The gentleman turn
ed pale and in coBfiis Immediately left the coffee
room. Z" Do you know who that is ~ asked a per-
son present. No, (said Power / never saw him
before" That's Sir j. B. whom you have been
abusing" " In that case, (said Power, with great
unconcern, | must look after my viii, SO
he Immediately proceeded to the Office of T,
Cooke, an eminent attorney, sat down upon
desk stool, and told him Immediately TO
draw his will, as he had no time to lose The
will was drawn and executed; and then he asked
what was the cause Of his hurry. He explained the
circumstances, and said he expected TO iind mes
sage al his house before him. Never fear,n said
Cooke, the knight is Engiisipnan, and has too
much sense to take notice Of what you have said"
Cook prophet the terror Of Powers name
was sufficient TO satisfy the Engshman for the in
suit
When travelling in England, he had many encour-
tiers with persons who were attracted by his brogue
and clumsy appearance. On one occasion, groupe
of gentlemen were sitting in box at end Of the
room, when Power entered at the other. The repre-.
sentative of Irish manners al this time on the Eng
lsh stage, a tissue Of ignorance, bunders, and
absurdites, and when a real lrshnap appeared of
the stage he always supposed 10 have the charac
teristc Of his Glass; and 10 be fair butt for fal-
cule. When Power took his seat in the box, the
waiter to him with gold watch, with gentle
mans compliments, and request TO know what
O'Clock il was by it, Power took the watch, ald
then directed the water to let him know the person
that sent it; he pointed out one of the groupe Pow
err rang the bell for his servant, and greeted hun %
bring his pistols and follow him. He put them under
his arm, and with the watch in his hand walked
to the box aud presenting the watch, begged to kno
to whom II belonged When one willing Q
it, he drew his own silver from his fob, aud
presented it 10 his servant desiring him TO keep IT
ard putting up the gold one he gave his name tud
address, and assur d the Cockney he would keep
safe till called for. Ii was never claimed
On another occasion he ordered supper, and Wine
waiting for II he read the newspaper. At,er soac
time, the waiter laid two covered dishes the table
aud when Power examined their contents, lac ioUut
they two dishes Of smoking potatoes. lie
asked the waiter to whom he was indebted for ,Hch
goS fare, and he pointed to two gentlemen ~ the
opposite box. Power desired his servant TO attend
him, and directing him in Irish what TO do, h, quietly
made his supper oil the potatoes 10 tie great amuSe-
ment Of the Englishnen. Presently his servant ap.
peared with two more covered dishes, OF which
he laid down before his master and the other before
the persons in the opposite box. When the covers
were removed, there was found in each loaded ps-
toll Power took up his and cooked it, telling Of
the others 10 take up the second, assuring him hcy
were at very proper distance for lose shot, and IT
one fell he was ready 10 give satisfaction 10 The
other The parties Immediately boltcd without
waiting for second invitation, and with him, several
persons in the adjoining box. As they were al 40
too great hu ry to pay their reckoning, Power pad
II for them along with his own.
Another of these distinguished duellists was a SIR
Cow Ryan He shouted along the streets Of Car
rick on-suir, "who dare say Boo and whoever uH
say so, called out to answer for it The feat
another, the celebrated fighting Fitz erald, s..
still well remembered in Dublin. lie made j.
practice TO stand in the midd Of a narrow crossing
IN dirty street, so that every passenger you'd .-
forced either 10 step into the mud or jost!e him
passing. II any had the boldncss 10 choose The ai-
ter, he was Immediately challenged.