The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-06-14
Vicksburg.
Correspondence of the Herald

Correspondence Of the Herald
vicxsBURG, May 29th, 1874
Society aud FdsNion on the Mississppi-S prin g
Inducements in Vicksburg- Dues-Deaths, &c.
My DEAR Sir -
1t Is so long since had the pleasure of address,
ing you, scarcely know whether you will recog-
Mise your old correspondent. | have more than
once within the present month, proposed giving you
sketch of the events passing in our exciting and
warike city, but they have crowded so fast upon
one another, that could not up to this time find
moment which seemed to promise termination 10
the excitement. The month commenced dry and
warm and to this is probably owing the promptness
with which the spring fights commenced.
The season opened with combat between Ma
ior Miller, the United States Marshall, and Majo
Dunn, gentleman we'll known in the South West
az an accomplished teacher of the principles of mi
lltary tactics and sword exercise. The attack was
begun by Major Dunn, in consequence OF some as.
pensions cast upon his character by Major Miller
The parties were separated, but met again and with
pistols, and after shot from EACH Major Duno,
(who received the ball of his antagonist through
the lapel OF his coat) made vigorous use of his
cane, with considerable damage to his adversary
few days afterwards, a duel was fought with rifles
at fifteen PAGES, between Mr.. Thos f.. Robbins and
Mr.. James Downs, in which the latter received a
severe wound in the right breast from the first fire
OF his opponent The cause OF this duel was pub
lcati0n the Sentinel relative to the sale OF some
fifty acres OF the town OF Vicksburg, which were
levied on by the Marshall, Miller, to satisfy udg-
ment owned by S. s. Prentiss, Esq, for $500. The
excessive levy, embracing the best pnrt OF the town.
to pay so small q sum, excited nearly the whole.
population, whose titles were thus likely to be rem
dered doubtful, and ehclted some structures through
the columns of the Sentinel. At one of the articles
in the Sentinel, Mr. Downs, as the agent and re re-
sentative of Mr. Pr, Miss took offence and think
Iug In oscrihe tho tborc in q ~
Robbins, sent that gentleman challenge to meet
hun as the friend and representative OF Mr.. Prem
tlss. The challenge was accepted-the parties mel
the next morning, and Mr.. Downs was wounded al
the first fire. On the following day. DIR. Macklin.
who was Mr. Downs second, attacked, in the
street, Captain Hickey, who was the second of Mr.
Robbins. But Hickey, although he is lame man
and unable 10 walk without great difficulty, happen
ed to be armed as well as DR.. Macklln, and after
severe struggle, shot him in the abdomen from the
effects of which Macklm died the same day.
Hickey was examined and acquitted, having acted
solely in self-deience.
These scenes of bloodshed, produced, as you
may well suppose, much excitement IN our town,
and led to call tor all opposed to such acts of vio-
lence, to assemble at the Court House, and con-
sui upon some means towards d suppre sslon or
prevention of street fights and duelling. The
meeting assembled TIE l4th nstant--it was
both numerous and respectable, and even those
who had been heretofore engaged in hostile en-
counters, joined their voices IN behalf of the auda-
DIE ODJect5 proposed. MIR. hOODlnS among others,
made a speech, and offered resolutions, which
were referred 10 a committee, to form the constl-
tuition and bye laws in accordance with them On
the 9th the adjourned meeting took place, to re-
ceive the report Of the committee on the consttu-
tuition and bye lawsuit | am sorry to have to
say to you, that the proscrlptlve tenor of one OF
more articles Of the constitution, prevented from
becoming members, many, who with earnest de-
sire to prevent and suppress dues and street fights,
could not agree to lend their influence to trammei
and control the public Eress il is to be hoped,
however. that tue constitutions OF Ine SUC1eiy VIII
yet undergo such modification, as to permit all
those who are sincerely DESTROYS of preserving the
peace OF the country to become members.
duel was expected last week between Mr.. AL
len OF Grand Gulf, and Mr.. Hickey of the SENT.
mel. The difficulty grew ont of some remarks in
the Sentinel relative 10 third party, which led to
an angry fecrimination. The affair was amucably
and honoyably sstted by the seconds, VINO have
received much credit for their successful efforts 10
prevent bloody encounter, between two gentle
men, whose relations had been of the most friend
y and Intimate character, and who had served
more than one campaign together In repelling the
nsolent and cruel Mexican from that fertile pro-
vince, which trust Is soon destined to add heI
lone star to the bright constellation which llumes
the glorious flag of our country. The whole cor
respondence was read on the ground, and upon the
announcement of the amicabie termination OF the
controversy, the spec aors, some hundreds in num-
Der, by a loud shout, testified their appreciation.
SANTIAGO.