The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-07

DER and such, in the sight of God is the deed you
are aiding In the name of the law which prohib-
lis it--in the name Of God, who looks down upon
you in this solitary place. beseech you to prevent
1t at 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 momentary
effect, they seemed not indisposed to come to terms
if could get the concurrence of the principals.
Ipassed immediately to the Oldest Of them. His
countenance became more repulsive as approach
ed him. It was deeply pited with the smallpox,
and there was upon it the most cold blooded leer
ever saw on human face. He had given the
challenge Ibesought him by every consideration
Of humanity and morality to recall it. lreferred
to the youth and inexperience of his antagonist;
the conciliatory disposition of the seconds; the
fearful consequences 10 his soul if he should fall,
and the whitening remorse that must follow him
If he should kill the young man. He evidently
thirsted for the blood Of his antagonist, but obser-
wing that his friend and the surgeon seconded my
reasonings, he replied, with undissembled reuc-
tance that he gave the challenge for sufficient rea-
SONS, and that if those reasons were removed, ne
might recall it, but not otherwise.
| passed 10 the other. admonshed him Of the
sin he was about to perpetrate. referred to his
probable domestic relations, and the alluson touch
ed his heat He suddenly wiped tear from his
eve. ssYes, sir" said he, "there are hearts that
would break if they knew was here" Ireferred
to my conversation with the seconds and the other
principal, and remarked that nothing was now
necessary to effect reconciliation but retraction
of the language which had offended his antagonist
ssSir," replied he, planting his foot firmly on the
ground and assuming look which would have
been sublime in better cause, Sir, have uttered
nothing but the truth respecting that man, and
though sink into the grave, will not sanction his
villainous character by aretraction."
| I reasoned with increased vehemence, but no
appeal to his reason or his heart could shake his
desperate firmness, and left him with tears which
have no doubt he would have shared under other
circumstances. What could do farther! | APP
pealed again to the first principle. but he spurned
me With cool smile. flew to the seconds and
entreated them on any terms to adjust the matter
and save the shedding of blood. But they had
already measured the ground, and were ready to
place the principals ''Gentemen," said /, 1.-THE
blood Of this dreadful deed be upon your souls.
have acquitted myself of it." l then proceeded
from the area toward my horse.
What were my emotions as turned away in
despair! What! thought I must the duel proceed! I!
Is there no expedient to prevent it' In few
minutes, one or both Of these men may be in eter-
nifty, accursed forever with bloody outlines
Can not pluck them as brands from the burning'
My spirit was in tumult of anxiety; in moment
and Just as the principals were taking theirlposi-
tions, was again on the ground. Standing on
the line between them, exclaimed, "In the name
of God abjure you to stop this murderous work.
i It must not, it can not proceed" "Knock him
down." cried the elder duelist, with fearful i'm
precaton. "Sr," exclaimed the younger, 81
appreciate your motives, but demand of you to
interfere no more with our arrangements" The
seconds seized me by the arms and compelled me
to retire But warned them at eqery step. Ne
yer before did feel so deeply thevaue and hazard
of the human soul. My remarks were without
effect, except in one of the friends Of the younger
principal "This is a horrible place. said he,
'sI can not endure it, and he turned away with me
from the scene. pt aaH
SHOW for it," cried one of the seconds, as they
, returned, 'sTake your places" Shudderingy
, fastened my pace to escape the result
"One--two--," !" and the next sound was lost il
{ the explosion of the pistols! "Oh, God" shneket
r voice of agony. Turned round The younge
principal with his hand to his face, shrieked again
; quivered and fell to the ground. rushed to him
With one hand he clung to the earth, the finger
penetrating the sod, with the other he grasped hi
. left Jaw, which was shattered with horrid wound
turned with faintness from the sight The charg
had passed through the left side of bis mouth
crossing the teeth, severing the jugular vein an
passing out at the back part Of the head, layin
open entirely one side of the head and neck Il
this ghasy wound, amid blood and shattered teeth
he had fixed his grasp with tenacity which coul
1 not be moved. Bleeding profusely, and convuls
ed with agony, he lay for several minutes, the mos
. frightful spectacle / had ever witnessed. Tn
countenances of the spectators expressed a con
sclous relief when twas announced by the surgeo
that death had ended the scene. Meanwhile tn
/ murderer andhis party had left the ground. st
4 One Of the company was despatched on m
horse to communicate the dreadful news to III
. family. The dead young man was cleansed Of hi
9 blood and borne Immediately to his carriage.
, accompanied it. II stopped before small bu
elegant house. The driver ran to the door an,
: raped An elderly lady opened it, with franti
agitation, at the instant when We were lifting TIL
Il ghastiy remains from the carriage She gased 70
moment as II tbunder-struek, and iell fainting il
the doorway. A servant took her into the parlor
and, As wepassed with the corpse into rear room
| observed her extended on sofa, pale as her hap
less son. We placed the corpse on the table, witt
} the stfened hand still grasptng the wound. whe'
} young lady, neatly attired in white and with