Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-04-06
live TO the testimonies of gallant, gener-

alive TO the testimonies of gallant gener-
Gus and feeling spirit.
The night before the duel, Mr.. Randolph
sent for me in the evening. found him
calm, but in singularly kind and confiding
mood. He told me that he had something
on his mind to tell me. lie then remarked,
Hamilton, have determined TO receive
without returning Clay's fire; nothing shall
induce me TO harm hair of his head;
will not make his wife q widow, or his
children orphans. Their tears would be
shed over his grave, but when the sod of
Virginia rests on my. bosom, there is moi,
in this wide world, one individual to pay
this tribute upon mine." His eyes filled,
and resting his head upon his hand, we re-
manned some moments silent.
! replied, "my dear friend" flor ours
was sort of posthumous friendship, be-
queaihed by our mothers,) II deeply regret
that you have mentioned this subject TO
me, for you call upon me to go to the field
and see you shot down, or to assume the
responsibility, in regard TO your own life,
in sustaining your determination to throw
it away. But on this subject mans own
conscience and his own bosom, are his best
monitors. will not advise, but under the
enormous and unprovoked personal insult
you have offered Mr.. Clay, cannot dis.
suade. ! feel bound, however, to commu-
nicate TO Col. Tattnal your decision" He
begged me not to do SO, and said, che was
very much afraid that Tattnal would take
the studs, and refuse to 60 out with him."
l however sought Col. Tattnal, and we
repaired, about midnight, TO Mr.. Randolph's
lodging, whom we found reading Millions
great poem. For some moments he did
not permit us to say one word in relation
to the approaching duel; and he at once
commenced one of those delightful crti-
cisms. on a passage of this poet, in which
he was wont so enthusiastically to indulge.
After pause, Col. Tattnal remarked, "Mr
Randolph, am told that you have deter
mined not to return Mr.. Clay's fire; must
say to you, my dear sir, if am only to go
out to see you shot down, you must find
some other friend" Mr.. Randolph re-
marked that it was his determination.
After much conversation on the subject,
} induced Col. Tattnal to allow Mr.. Randolph
) TO take his own course as his withdrawal
as one of his friends, might lead to very
injurious demonstrations. At last, Mr.
Randolph, smiling, said, "well, Tattnal,
promise you one thing. if see the devil in
Clay's eye, and that with malice prcpensc
! he means TO take my life, may change my
mind" A remark knew he merely made
J to propitiate the anxietes of his friend.
: Mr.. Clay and himself met at 4 o'clock
the succeeding evening, on the banks OF
) the Potomac. But he saw mo devil in
Clay's eye" but man fearless, and ex
! pressing the mingled sensibility and firm
3 ness which belonged to the occasion.
shall never forget this scene as Ions
I live. 1t has been my misfortune to wit
E ness severa! duels, but never saw one, a
), least in its sequel so deeply affecting.
! The sun was just setting behind the blu,
r hills of Randolph's own Virginia. Herr
: were two of the most extraordinary mel
c our country in its prodigality had pro
duced, about to meet in mortal combat
| Whilst Tattnal was loading Randolph
2 pistol / approached my friend, believed
: for the last time; took his hand; ther'
e was not in its touch the quivering of on
: pusation. He turned to me and said
l. CLAY is calm but not vindictive. holt
+ my purpose, Hamilton, in any event; re
: member this" On handing him his pistol
y Colonel Tattnal sprung the hair trigger
II Mr.. Randolph said, "Tattnal. although an
e one of the best shots in Virginia, wit,
i either pistol or gun, yet, never fire wit,
E the hair trigger; besides, | have thicl
n buckskin glove on, which will destroy tn
delcacy Of my touch, and the trigger may
n fly before i know where | am" But
e from his great solicitude for his friend
= Tatnall insisted upon hearing the trigger
g On taking their position, the fact turne,
: out as Mr.. Randolp phi anticipated; his pistc
# went off before the word, with the muzze
!. down.
!. The moment this event took place, Ger
I, Jesup, Mr.. Clay's friend, called out that h
would instantly leave the ground with hi
n friend, if this occurred again. Mr.. Clay a
c once exclaimed it was entirely an accident
e and begged that the gentleman might b.
&c allowed TO 60 on. On the word bein
D given, Mr.. Clay fired without effect, NJ
n Randolph discharging his pistol in the ali
lie The moment Mr.. Clay saw that Mr.. Raj
N dolph had thrown away his fire, with
N gush Of sensibility, he instantly approache
sr Mr.. r. and said, with an emotion neve
r. can forget IL trust in God, my dear 81
it you are untouched; after what has occurre,
h. | would not have harmed you for thor
- sand worlds" Deeply affected by tn
o. scene, could not refrain from grasping NJ
ic Clay by the hand, and said, MY good 81
4. we have been long separated, but, after II
I'd events of to-day, feel that we must /
Oh friends forever" We haze been so.
IS do not know. that should have referre
Mt to this transaction, if did not believe th