The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-01-01
From the Lady's Friend.
Il he Duel.


NY THE EDITOR OF ztoN'sHERALp& JOURNAL
The Rev. Mr. Nj was n veteran tinerant
preacher Of the West. He related many instances Of
his itlnerant life. Among them the following,
which give in his own words much as possible.
About four miles from N is an extensive
grove, well known the of several fatal du-
els. As passed it morning on my way to my
appointment in that town, perceived horse and
vehicle among the trees guarded by a solitary man,
who appeared to be the driver. My suspicious
Immediately excited, but rode on. About n mile
beyond met another carrage, containing four per-
sons besides the driver, and Fastening with all
speed.
My fears were confirmed, and could hardly doubt
that another Of blood was about to be enacted
in those quiet solitudes What was my duty in
the case? knew 100 well the tenacity of hose ic-
ttious and absurd sentiments of honor which pre-
vailed in that section Of the country and which gave
to the duel the character of exalted chvalry to sup
pose that my interference could be successful yet
thought il WINS my duty to rebuke the sin il could
not prevent it; and in the name Of the Lord would
do It. Immediately wheeled about and returned
with the utmost speed to the grove.
The second carriage had arrived and was fastened
TO a tree. rode up aud attached my horse it,
and throwing the driver piece of silver requested
him to guard him. While threading my way into the
forest, my thoughts were intensely agtated TO know
how to present myself most successful. The occa-
sion admitted Of no delay. l fastened on and soon
emerged into oval space surrounded on all sides
by dense woods. Al the opposite extremity stood
the principals their boots drawn over their panta-
looms, their coats, and hats off, handkerchief
al Hi.
friend and sugeon were conversing with each,
while the seconds were about midway between them
arranging the dreadful conflict. One Of the princi-
pals, the challenged, appeared but twenty years Of
oge. His countenance was singularly expressive of
sensbility, but also Of cool determination. The 9TH
or had stout ruflan like bearing-a countenance |
easy but sinister and hearess, and he seemed impa- |
tient to wrenk his vengeance upon his antagonist.
advanced Immediately to the seconds and de-
Glazed at once my character and object 'Gentle-
men," said |, "excuse my Intrusion. I am n minis
ter of the gospel know not the merits of this quar-
rel, 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 effect it, wi,hou, success and this is no place
to make further attempts
"Under any circumstances, in any place, gentle
men," I replied, ait is appropriate to prevent muir
der; and such, in the sight Of God, is the deed you
are aiding. II must not be- gentlemen. In the name
ofthe law which prohibits tin the name of your
friends the principas-in the of God who looks
down upon you in this solitary place. beseech you
prevent il ut once; at least, wash your own hands
from the blood of these men. Retire from the field
and refuse 10 assist in their mutual murder.'
My emphatic remonstrance had n momentary effect
They seemed not ndisposed to come TO terms, if |
could get the concurrence of the principals. ..
passed Immediately to the oldest of them. His
became more repulsve approached
him. II was deeply pitted with the small pox, and
here upon it the most cold blooded leer ever
Jaw on a human face. lie had given the challenge.
besought him by every consideration Of humanity
md morality to recall it. referred the youth and
Of his anagonist-the concatory dispo-
ton ofthe seconds-he fearful consequ ences to his
oul if he should fall, and the whitening remorse
vhch must ever follow him if he should kill the
'oung man. He evidently thirsted FOR the blood OF
lis antagonist but observing that his friend and the
reluctance, that he gave the challenge
or sufficient reasons and fthose reasons were re-
moved he might recall it, but not otherwise.
| passed to the other l admonished him Of the
in he about to .perpetrate. referred 10 his
robable domestic relations and the auson touched /
lis heart. lie suddenly wiped tear from his eye