Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-02-08

srATEMENF BY wmscosT JOHNSON.
Being called upon 10 give a statement
Of my knowledge Of ihe circumstances
connected with the unpleasant affair be-
tween Mr.. Weller and Dir. ShrYef.
shall do so 81 briefly Is I can, and TO the
best of my recollection. This is the more
necessary. IS 6nd my name introduced
10 The public journals ia connection in
some degree wi:b il.
gave Mr.. Edward w. Johnston let
ter Of introduction 10 Mr.. Weller, with
whom be was not acquainted.
IN ierslood shat Mr.. Weller declined
the interview which Mr.. Shriser request
ed-and that, al the time Mr.. Weller's
friend intimased that an informal meeting
could bad by the parties: which sug-
gestion Mr.. Johosson submitted to Mr..
Shriver and bis friends for confederation, ;
10 that be could report the result.
Mr.. Sbriver and his friends thought
such meeting desirable, Is one more
regular had been declined: and desired
Mr.. JOHNSON SO 10 report. with the quail.
isation that il should be at any place
where third persons-znen or women,
should NOT be endangered. Mr.. Johnston
stated that il was thought by General
Dawson that some amicaSle understand
ing could be had, and proposed that Mr.
Johnston aud myself should call at bis
room at az hour named. Although per
ceiving no grounds likely for such an ad.
justment, ielt tito be my duty 10 call at
the time appointed.
A conversation Of several hours ensued
without attaining the end; 10 which con-
yersalion no unkind feeling was express
ed. no reflection on any Of the parties;
but, on the contrary. every sentiment Of
kindness and consideration.
General Dawson thought IL the duty Of
the friends to avoid if possible hostile
meeting Of any kind, 10 all of which gen.
efous feeling land Mr.. JOHNSON respond
ed with sympathy and cordialiiy-I at the
same lime stating that could not per.
ceiye on what grounds an amicable adj
.justment could be had. The basis Of such
an adjustment. however. he General
Dawson) thought be could lay down and
explain. lit was something like ihe fol-
lowing: First, II Mr.. Shriver's friends
pleased, they could renew or send chal.
lenge. which be would accept-then il
to be withdrawn for explanations. Mr..
Shriver to admit error in his course as 40
his publication III the Patriot, and impet.
uosity Of remark in the conversation with
Mr.. Weller which caused the conflict +;
then Mr. Weller could explain away the
effects Of bis assault The basis stated
dissented from, because | thought that
>. Mr. ShGivef thought bis course as much
right and justified as Mr. Weller did his.
Z. Under such conviction no satisfactory ex.
planaiioh could~be had. .Tothe question
which General Dawson put to me: What
does Mr.. Shriyer or his friends require
Unanswered, first, meeting on the usual
terms Of duel. This, General Dawson
said, couldnot be had. Then stated
secondly. an irregular meeting, to be a.
greed upon at any place where third per
sons were not endangered weapons equal
10 be named, or either party TO select such
as he might DESIRE. This General Daw-
sonsalso declined. Upon which ! stated
shat the affair must end as it stood, SO RAJ
as was an adviser
General Dawson stated, however, that
il Mr. Shriver desired TO attack Mr. Wei
Ter, he could do it on the street, between
his boarding house and the Capitol. or II
the Rotundo. To this answered that
in the FIRST place. Mr.. ShriVer would like
" be, arrested before be could see MI
Weller in such conspicuous part OF Wash
ington; but, at any rate, | could not b
instrumental in arranging such . hghl
and especially as thought that third an
innocent persons might be in as mucI
danger as lbe parties belliserent. Her
the interview terminated. But it may B
proper for me TO say that Gen. Dawso
] made no reflection on either Mr.. Shriye
or Mr.. Johnston on The contrary, he dis
ed any thing .pf the sort aud express
2tepeatedly, his admiration OF Mr. Shr
Us courage-sa courage so fully prove
ihst he thought he could be justified i
Acceding 10 an adjustment upon th
grounds which Gen Dawson bad propo'
II ed. and which Mr.. Johnston and myse
declined.
i The result Of this interview was repor
ed 10 Mr.. Shriver. aud | Informed biz
thai / would neither advise nor be priv
10 any further hostile steps on his part
Finding. however, that MIR. Shriver pa
purpose 10 attack Mr. Weller at his hr'
meeting with him. and believing that 3
had done every thing necessary 70 Wind
cate his character, i resolved, upon m
own motion, without the knowledge {
Mr.. Shriver or any one. to call on 70
Mayor and have him bound over 10 kee
the peace. This course / thought due
Mr.. Skriver. 10 Mr.. Weller, and eminen
" due 10 the public.
And here must finally terminate 10
connection with an affair which | used e,
ery exertion 10 avoid. and which I coul
not have been induced TO take any pa
ia, either directly or indirectly. ons iro'
the fact that Mr.. Shriver had been swel'
J I. wears constituent and friend and to
be was = stranger in Washington posses
inc 1 character without reprpsch, an MOI
OF unsullied, and whose courage requ'I
no endorsement from me.
WM. COST JOHNSON.
w,su;Esron. FEBRuARa ! 1914.
THE MARKETS.
Ogies ofshs Bsliimars .fHsrisaH.
February 5, S, P. NJ.
4.