Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-12-26
nj S c f L l. A n ECU S.
From the Young Lady's Friend.
THE DUEL.
BY THE EDITOR OF zIoN's HERALD AND
JOURNAL.


The Rev. Mr.. NJ was a veteran
itinerant preacher Of The west. He relates
many incidents of his itinerant life.
Among them was the following which
give in his own words as much as possible.
About four miles from n is an
extensive grove, well known as the scene
Of severe fatal duels. AS | passed It one
morning on my way to my appointment in
that town, ! perceived horse and vehicle
among the trees, guarded by solitary
man, who appeared TO be the driver. NV
suspicious were Immediately excited, bu, |
rode on. About mile beyond | met an
other carriage, containing four persons be-
sides the driver, and Fastening with oil
speed.
My fears were confirmed, and | could
scarcely doubt that another scene Of blood
was abou, 10 be enacted in those quiet SOL
i;ude'. What was my duty in the case!
knew too well the tenacity Of those fic-
titious and absurd sentiments Of honor
country, and which gave 10 the duel a cha
racter Of exalted chivalry, TO suppose that
my liner eTeaces could be successful, yet
thought it was my duty to rebuke the sin
if could not prevent it; and in the name
Of the Lord would do it. Immediately
wheeled about and returned with the ut
most speed to the grove.
The second carriage had arrived and
was fastened to tree. | rode up, attached
my horse near it, and throwing piece Of
silver, requested him to guard him. While
,ptn thn
thoughts were intensely agi.atcd TO know
how to present myself most successfully.
The occasion admitted of no DELAY. has
tened on and soon emerged into an oval
space surrounded on all sides by dense
woods.
At the opposite extremity stood the prin-
cipals, their boots drawn over their panta-
looms, their coats, vests and hats off, hand
kerchefs tied over their heads, and tightly
betting their waists. A friend and sur
geon were conversing with each, while the
seconds were about midway between them,
arranging the dreadful conflict. One of
the principals, the challenged, appeared
but twenty years of age. His countenance
was singularly expressive of sensibilty
but also Of cool determination. The other
had stout, ruffian like bearing-a coun-
tenance easy but lister and heartless,
and he seemed impatient TO wreak his ven
geance upon his antagonist.
| advanced immediately to The seconds,
and declared at once my character and OBJ
ject Gentlemen said |, EXCUSE my in
trusion. | am minister Of the gospel. |
know not the merits of this quarrel, but
both my heart and my Office require me
TO bring about reconciliation between the
parties, if possible
Sir replied one Of them, the utmost
has been done to effecti', without success, and
this is no place to make farther attempts
Under any circumstances, IN ally
place, gentlemen replied. il is appro-
pirate to prevent murder; and such, in the
sight Of God, is the deed you are aiding.
|, mus, no, be, gentlemen. In the name
of the law which prohibits tin the name
OF God who looks down upon you in this
solitary place, beseech you to prevent it
at once; at least, wash your own hands
from the blood of these men. Retire from
the field, and refuse to assist in their mu-
tual murder
Nv emphatic remonstrance had mo-
mentary effect. They seemed not indis-
posed TO come 10 terms, il | could get the
concurrence Of the principals.
passed Immediately TO the Oldest OF
them. His coun,enance became more re-
pulsive as approached him. II was deep
iy p;t,ed with the smallpox, and there was
upon il the most cold blooded leer ever
saw on human face. He had given the
challenge. besought him by every con-
sidera,ioE OF humanity and morality to re-
call it. | referred 10 the youth and mex