Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-06-06

NAttC otOO0 tilG ~ III
ciPals' their boots dram over their pan
falcons, their coats, rests, and hats off
handkerchiefs tied Ger their heads and
lightly betting Their waists. A friend
and surgeon we're conveFsing with
each, while the seconds were about mid
way between them arranging the dread
tul conflict. Que of the principals, the
challenged, appeared but twenty years
OF age. His countenance was singuIarly
expressive of sensibiIity, but also Of cool
determination. The other had stout
rutfian-like bearing-a coHntenance ea-
sy, but sinister and heartless, aud he
seemed impatient to wreak his vengeance
upon his antagonist.
1 advanced Immediately to the sec
Dads and declared at once my character
and object.
'Gentemen,' said |, sexcuse nv intru-
sion. am minister of the gospel, I
know not the nserits of this quarrel, but
both my heart and office require me to
bring about reconciliation between the
parties, if possible
Sir replied one Of them, sthe utmost
has been done to effect it, without sue
cess, and this is no place to make further
attempts
Under any circumstances, in any
place, gentlemen | replied, sit is appro-
pirate to prevent murder; and such in
the sight OF God,is the deed you are aid
ing. 1t must not be gentlemen. In the
name of the law which prohibits tin
the name Of your friends. the principals
in the name Of God who looks down
upon you in this place. beseech YOU
prevent it at once; at least. wash your
hands from the blood of those men. Re-
tire from the field and refuse 10 assist in
their mutual murder
My emphatic remonstrance had mo-
mentary effect. They seemed disposed
to come to terms if | could get the re-
monstrance Of the principals.
| passed Immediately to the oldest of
them. His countenance became more
repulsive as | approached him TWAS
deeply pitted 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 consideration of humanity
and morality to recall it. referred to
the youth and inexperlence of his antago-
nist-the conciliatory disposition Of the
seconds-the fearful consequence to his
soul if he should fall, and the whitening
remorse which must ever follow him if
he should kill the young man. He evil
IDENTIFY thirsted for the blood of his antag-
onist, but observing that his friend and
the surgeon seconded my reasoning, he
replied with undissembed reluctance,
that he gave the challenge for sufficient
reasons, and that if those reasons were
removed, he might recall it, but not 9TH
erwIse.
| passed TO the other, | admonished
him of the sin he was about to perpetrate.
| referre, TO his probable domestic rela-
tons and the allusion touched his heart.
He suddenly wiped tear from his eyes.
Yes SIR said he, there are hearts which
would break if they knew were here.'
| referred to my conversation with the
seconds and the Other principal, and re-
marked that nothing was now necessary
toeffect reconciliation but retraction
Of the language which had offended his
antagonist. sSir,' replied he, planting
his foot firmly on the ground, assuming
look which would have beeu sublime IN
better cause, Sir, | have uttered moth
ing but the truth respecting that man.
and though sink into the grave, / will
not sanction his yillainous character by
a recantation.'
reasoned with increased yehemence,
but no appeal to his Judgment or his
heart could shake his despel ate firmness.
and left him with fears which have
no doubt he would have shared under
other circumstances. What could 90
furtherl | appealed again to the hrst
principal. but he spurned me with cool
smile. flew to the seconds and entrea-
ted them on any terms to adjust the mat
ter, and save the shedding Of blood. But
they had already measured the ground, &
were ready to place the principals. Sen
tlemen,' said /, TIE blood Of this dread
full deed be upon your souls. have
acquitted myself ofit.' then proceed
ed from the aera toward my horse.
What were my emotions as turned
away in despair What, thought l, must
this duel proceed: Is there no cxpedi-
emf to prevent it1 Ina few minutes,
one or both Of these men may be in eter.
nifty, accursed forever with blood guilt
ness! Car not pluck them as brands
| from the burningf My spirit was IN 9
tumult Of anxiety; in moment and just
as The principals were taking positions,
! was again on the ground. Standing
on the line between them ! exclaimed.
| In the name Of God | adjure you to
stop this murderous work Thrust not,
! IT cannot proceed.
Knock him down. cried the eldest