The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1844-07-04
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE DUEL.

,henticiiy. Ills noble example proof OF
ministerial failhfnlness, and dreadinl
exhibition of murderons inla'nnllon, with
its heart recdmg calamity, ana oil dlVihe
retributlon
The Rev. Mr. NJ, was a veteran
itincra,e preacher of the West, lie rela1'
ed MANY incidents of his i,inerate life
Among them was the following, which
give in his own words a. much as possible.
About four miles from N, is an eX-
tensive grove, we'll known as the scene OF
several fatal duels. As passed it one
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 were Immediately excited, but
| rode on About a mile beyond, | met
another carriage, containing four persons
beside the driver, and Fastening with all
speed. =,
NV Fears we're confirmed, and | could
scarcely doubt that another scene OF blood
was about to be enacted in those quiet
soltudes. What was my duty in the case!
| knew too well the tenacity of those tlctl-
tious and absurd sentiments OF honor
which prevailed in that section OF the
country, and which give to the duel a
character of elevated chivalry, to sup
pose that my interference could be Success
full yet | thought it was my duty to re-
buke the sin if 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 tree. rode up, attach
ed nv horse near it, and throwing the dri-
yer piece Of silver requested him to guard
him, While threading my way into the
forest, my thoughts were intensely agltaed
to know how to present myself most sue
cesslully. The occasion admitted ofno
DELAY. FASTENED on, and soon emerged
into an oval space surrounded on all sides
by dense woods, AT the opposite extrem-
ily stood the principals, their boots drawn
over their pantaloons, their coats, vests,
and hats off, handkerchefs tied over their
heads and lightly betting their waists. A
friend aud surgeon were convcrsln9 with
each, while the seconds were about mid
way between them, arranging the dreadful
conflict. One of the principals, the chal-
lenged, appeared but twenty years OF age
His countenance was sngularly expressive
of sensibiIity, but also ofcoo de'ermlna-
ton. The other had stout rullin-Ilke
bcaring-a countcnance easy but sinister
and heartess, aud he seemed impatient to
wreak his vengean ce upon his antagonist.
advanced immediael TO the second ,
and declared at once my chacter and object
Gentlemen said |, excuse my intrusion
am minister Of the gospel ! know not
the merits of this quarrel, but both my
heart and my office require me to bring a
bout a reconciliation between the parties,
if possible
Sir replied one of them the utmost
has been done to effect it, without success
and this is no place to make further at
temp,s.
Under any circumstances, in any place
gentlemen | REPLIED 1T is appropriate to
prevent murder; and such, in the sight OF
God, is the deed you are aiding. 1t must
not be, gentlemen, In the name Of the
law which prohibits tin the name Of
your friends the principals-ln this sol
iiary place. beseech you to prevent it al
once: at least wash your own hands from
the blood of these men. Retire from the
field and refuse to assist in their mutual
murder.
My emphatic remonstrance had mo-.
men,ary effect. They seemed not indis-
posed to come to terms if could get the
concurrence orlhe principals.
Ipassed Immediately to the oldest of
them. His countenance became more re-
puIsve as approached him. 1t was deep
ly pited with the small pox, and there was
upon it the most cold-blooded Ieer | ever
saw on d human face. lie had given the
challenge bcsought him by every con-
sidera,on of humanity and morality to
recall it, referred to the youth and in
experience of his antagonIsts-the conciIi-
atory disposition of the seconds-the fear
full consequences to his soul, if he should
fall, and the whitening remorse which must
ever follow him if he should kill the young
man. lie evidently lhrsled for the blood
ofhis antagonist, but observing that his
friend aud the surgeon seconed my reason
ing lie replied with undissembled reluctance
that he gave the challenge for sufficient
reasons and if those reasons were removed
he nigh, recall it, bui not otherwise.
passed to the other. | admonished
him of the sin he was about to perpetraie.
referred to his probable domestic rcIa-
lions, and the aluson touched his heart.
lie suddenly wiped tear from his eye
Yes, sir said he, there are hearts which
would break if they knew | was here ]
referred TO my conversation which the Sec
onds and the other principal, and remarked
all that was now necessary to effect re-
Cancellation but are,ractlon OF the language
which had offended his antagonist. Sir,
replied he, plating his foot firmly on the
ground, and assuming look which would
have been sublime in better cause, Sir,
have uttered nothing but the truth re-
spectng that man, and though | sink in
to the grave, will not sanction his VILLAIN
ous char,ctpr hy n rptraciiOn