Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-03-23

stances of the affair, as nearly as we could learn
from the evidence presented at the time and since,
were briefly these, Mr.. Ciey made some remarks
in his place which gave offence to Col. Webb of
New York, who sent him challenge by Mr..
Graves of Kentucky. Mr.. Cilley declined accept
ing it on the ground that he did not consider Webb
a gentleman; or, to use his own words, he "chose
not 10 be drawn into any controversy with Col.
Webb" stating ''that he meant no dsrespect to
Mr.. Graves" and that he "entertaned high res
pect and the most kind feelings for him." This
answer and explanation seems to have been salts
factory to Mr.. Graves until he had an interview
with Mr. Clay, at whose suggestion the answer
was requested of Mr.. Cilley in eUriting, with the
admission that he considered COL Webb Il gentle
man. This, of course, Mr.. CiIley refused to do,
as would three fourths of the community if they
their hearts.
Another interview took place between Mr..
Graves and Mr.. Cilley, and we ind in letter
from Mr.. Clay to Henry A. Wise, dated Feb. %,
1942 an admission that he ''sketched draft in
my (his) o,cn hand acriting'' Of challenge, which
The terms fixed were such that there could be no
compromise unless Cilley admitted that Webb was
gentleman, or in other words, unless Mr.. CilIey
would brand hmSeIfas a base liar.
1t will doubtless be recolIeced by some of our
readers, that Henry A. Wise, while standing in
his place, during the last Congress, stated, in sub
stance, that Graves was altogether averSe to the
DUEL but was urged to send the challenge by Mr..
Clay. Mr.. Wise stated that Mr.. Clay induced
him to accompany Graves, as his second, against
his better judgment-that he drafted the challenge
with his own hand, and so fixed the terms that
nothing but the death of one of the parties or an
acknowledgement by Mr.. CilIey that Webb was
gentleman, could conclude HE combat. Mr.. Clay
knew that Mr. Graves wa IAN excellent marksman,
and that the death of Cifsy was almost certain
Having arranged everythingto his mind, he retir-
ed to his room to await the result. In vain did
poor CilIey try after several shots had been ex-
changed, to have the matter settled without the
shedding of blood! lii vain did he despairingly
exclaim, L" now they must thirst for my blood r'-
The snare was set by skilful hand and there was
no escape.
But why did Mr.. Clay feel such an interest in
this affair." Was it because Mr. Ciey had COM
mitted such an objectionable ofence..in refusing to
admit, contrary to his conscientious convictions of
truth, that the notorious James Watson Webb
was a gentleman, that no Misunderstanding
but his hlood-could atone for it? No, there is
not a man of common sense who believes it. Was
not this the reason MIR. Cey though young,
was a remarkably smart man and a powerful
speaker. lie had too much of the blood of his
Revolutionary father in his veins to cover before
even southern despots. He had, short time be-
fore this, commented upon Mr.. Clay's hireIing
connection with the United States Bank and the
ludicrous change in his opinion of the constitution
ality of National Bank, with characteristic bold
ness and severity. He was a troublesome a1rLh-
crn man. 1t was doubtful whether he could ever
he "brokcn in'' by southern overseerS, and Mr..
CLAY could not endure his scorching eloquence.-
From that day he was doomed man. A leaden
argument must stop his mouth. Hence, accord
ing to Mr.. Wises statement, without exposing
his own life, he made tools of Wise and Graves
to accomplish his destruction. Slavery and duel
ing had prepared his heart for deeds that com
mon villains dare not NEEDLE with" Perhaps
am more keenIy sensible of the satanic cruelty OF
this tragcaI scene from the fact that was in
Thomaston, the place of Mr.. CiIley's residence.
when the shocking news of his death reached his
family As has been ntimated, Mr.. Cilley vas a
remarkable, promising, able young man; the most
able, influential man Of his party in the State OF
Maine. He had been very popular speaker OF
the House Of Representatives of that State-sus'
tanned good moral character and as a citizen
was universally respected. But it was in the do
nestle circle that he appeared to the best advan-
tage. His wife, the daughter of Esq. Prince, OF
the same town. was one of the most lovely women
on earth, and his little children were remarkably
interesting, affectionate and promising. The rea-
der can better imagine than can describe, the I'M
utterable, indiscrbable anguish with which this
lovely, happy circle was distracted and overwhelm-
ed when intelligence came that the husband and
father had been murdered by gang of honorable
ruffians. The community was thunderstruck.-
The exccratons of all parties, upon Mr. Wis
especially, were unmeasured, for it was always
admitted that Graves was only a tool in the hands
of others This nfamy Wise must have horne a
lone had he not charged Henry Clay with instigat-
ing and urging the affair on to its fatal lernina-
ton; and if we mistake not, he threatened to show
the original challenge in Mr.. CIay'S own hand
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