The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-08-28
MR.. CLAY AND THE CILLEY DUEL

| The demoniac maliguily with which Mr..
Mr.. Clay ia pursued by such journals the
| New Hampshire Patriot and its kindred oral
defamers throughout the country, impels us
to heap testimony On testimony 10 the fact of
Mr.. CIay's entire innocence of any participa-
ton III the matter save as peace maker and
a friend of Mr.. Graves, whom he wished TO
save from dishonor or Il seemingly inevitable
DEATH
Mr.. Graves, Mr.. King, and all hut Mr.
Wise, who knew anything of Mr. Clay in con-
necIon with this matter, unquaiiediy rep
resent him as anxious throughout for peace
and labOring for reconciliation. MIR. Wise
never attempted to implicate Mr.. Clay till
after he had failed to be chosen Speaker, at
tributed his defeat to Mr. Clay turned against
the Wings, and became especially bitter and
viudictive against Mr.. Clay. Then he made
charges and insinuations which were abun-
dainty refuted by his own previous account
of the matter.
The following statement by gentleman of
undoubted honor who was cognizant of the
affair is another conclusive vindication of Mr..
Clay:
From the Rochester Democrat.
The meeting of Monday evening was the
most splendid and enthusiastic meeting which
has been held during the present campaign.
Our spacious Club House was filled to over
flowing. 1t is capable of comfortably accom-
modating 1900 persons. o. Hastings, Esq.
who has not attended political meeting be-
fore in sixteen years, presided. The opening
speech was made by Charles King, Esq. edi-
tor of the New York American. His subjects
were the Tariff and AnDexation-both ofwhich
he discussed for an hour and a half, with a
clearness and eloquence which riveted the al
tention of the audience, and elected frequent
enthusiastic cheers.
Mr.. King related several facts, in connec-
ton with the Cilley duel, which desrve repe-
tition. Mr.. X. was in Washington at the
time. He dined with Mr.. Graves on the day
the challenge was sent to Cilley; and the
moment be learned the fact, he, with friend
proceeded to Mr.. Clay's lodgings, to prevent,
if possible, the meeting-Mr. Clay seconded
the plans proposed to avert the duel, but be-
fore any project was determined upon for that
purpose, Mr.. Graves came in, and remarked
that any interference on their part. would be
received unkindly by him. Mr.. G. exhibited
the challenge, as it had been written to Mr..
Cilley. Mr.. c. objected to its phraseology,
on the ground that it offered no opportunity
for reconciliation. This, he insisted, should
be done; and wrote, with his own hand, an
other note, which was so drawn that Mr..
Cilley, might, ,Cih honor make an explanation,
and prerent The fatal meeting.
This note, thus modified for this peaceful
purpose, was sent to Mr.. Ciley; but he did
not avail himself of the escape which had been
purposely placed before him. Hehad bloody
minded advisers about him, and they com
PEELED him to accept the challenge. They
also advised hin, to choose the Rife as the
weapon with which the duel should be fought.
There were two reasons for this: 1t was a
weapon with which Cillev was acquainted;
and he was the best shot in Washington
Graves knew nothing about it. In order to
effect his purpose more certainly, DIR. Dun |
can accompanied Cilley, for practice in the
afternoon preceding the duel, and. IN SIR
shots, Cilley cut dOi0n a saplingdt so PAGES!
Mr.. King remarked that, when he learned
that the challenge had been accepted, and n
fles selected as the weapons, himself with Mr.. |
Clay, determined if possible 10 prevent SIR. |
Graves from being able to obtain rife. |
and they had succeeded as they supposed; /
ou, after they retired, DR.. Duncan, who act |