Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-09-06
The s.(illey Duel"

The s.('illey Duel"
It is strange, with tho facts cloar before
them, that a continued endcavor is made by our
opponents to charge Mr.. Clay with the early death
of the unfortunate CiIlcy. What he did in that
again was dono to stop tho shedding OF blood.
All that he said was for peace.
Mr. King, of New DIRK. a man OF high ana IN
Improbable character, was prlvy to the whole
affair." He thus narrates the facts.
He (Mr. klng) dined with Mr.. Graves on the
day the challenge was sent to Cilley; and tho mo-
mont he learned the fact, he with a friend. pro-
cccdcd to Mr.. Clays lod gngs, to prevent, if pos
slbe tho meeting. Mr. Clay heartily seconded
the plans proposed to avert duel. but before any
project determined upon for that purpose, Mr.
Graves came in, and rema rked that any inter
ference on their part would be received unklnd-
ly by him. Mr.. G.. exhibited the challenge as It
had been written, to Mr.. Clay. Mr.. Clay object
cd its phraseology, the ground that it offered
opportunity for reconciliation. This he lnsis-
ted should be done; and wrote with his own hand,
anoth or note, which drawn that Mr.. Cliley
might with honor make an explanation, and pre-
vent the fatal meeting. This note thus modified
for this peaceful purpose, was sent TO Mr.. Cley;
but he did not avail himself Of the escape which
had been purposely placed before him. He had
bloody minded advisers about him, and they COM
peed him to accept the challenge. They also
advised him to choose the Rifle as the weapon
with which the duel should be fought. There
were two reasons for this: 1t weapon with
which Ciev was acquainted; and he the
best shot in Washington. Graves knew nothing
about it. In order effect this purpose more cor
tainly, DR.. Duncan accompanied Clley, tor prac-
tico. IN the afternoon preceding the duei' anu IN
six shots, Cillcy cut down sapling at 80 PAGES
Mr.. King says, when he heard the challenge
had been accepted, and rifles selected as the
weapons, Mr.. Clay himself determined if possible
tn from bel 1hlo
a ri1o, and they succeeded they supposed !;
but after they retired. DR.. Duncan. who acted as
one of Cicys friends, tauntngy sent his rifle TO
Mr.. Graves, with the MESA &c that no time need
be lost for want of rifle. OF this message Mr..
King and Mr.. Clay entirely ignorant. They
had retired with tho conviction that meeting
could not take place at the time designated
Between and O'Clock however, next NOR
ming, Mr.. King was called and informed, that
Graves and Cilley with their friends had gone
out. MIR. X. Immediately proceeded to Mr..
| Claws lodgings, He'd him up and after few
moments consultation, Mr.. Clay wrote notes to
two of tho District Justices, informing them of
what was going on, and requesting their immcdi-
| ate intcrposition. These notes carried by
Mr.. King and K. Johnson of Baltimore-the war
rants obtained, and the proper officers in
company with these gentlemcn, proceeded to
search for the combatants. in two directions
But unfortunately they could not be found, and
tho duel took place.
To show that Mr.. Ciey's friends conf
dent in his skill, bets offered in the House
of Representatives by Locofoco, that at the
time named, Graves was dead man or, as it
! was said, 1.-The turkey was shot, Not man
believed that Graves would escape; for all knew
tho perfection of CiIlcy's skill with the rifle
But he fell, and Graves escaped and his blood
rests upon tho heads of his friends, who pushed
him INTO the fight, notwithstanding tho means of
escape opened to him by Mr.. Clay, whose efforts
TO prevent the meeting were unceasng, from the
moment the facts came to his knowledge. Yet
with these facts before them. Mr.. Claws enemies
fendishly connect him with this fatal affair!
With the history Of this unfortunate affair before
them, have no fears of the decision of the
people.