Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-10-04
For the Green Mountain Freeman.
Is HENRY CLAY A DUELlST ?

nearly passed away, and whist we are Pl0P"i"S "
for another still more desperate encounter 1t may u
be we'll to stop and look at few simple facts t
write not for the aspiring politician, or Tor inc
insane partzan who stops not to reason' but mat
PUSHES on in the course he has been pursuing,
whether it be right or wrong. Such men cannot
be reasoned with. Truths, however pungent,
make no impression on their consciences; and
facts. however we'll authenticated, lind no lodg-
ment in their bosoms. But write for those VINO
are governed by religious principle and are seek
ing after truth and right.
A great effort has been made by both parties 10
conceal the bad traits in the character OF their
leaders The wings have been desperate wheneV-
or an attempt has been made to exhibit Mr.. Cay's
real position as duelis Facts are stubborn
things; and in reviewing Mr.. Clay'S life on this
pont. | shall deal with facts which no honest man
will attempt to gainsay.
In the year 1sOs Mr.. Clay and Humphrey Mar
shall were menI6efS of the legislature of Kentucky.
They were personal and political opponents, ex-
ceedingly embittered; and during debate on the
duty of wearing homemade clothes, the personal
abuse between them arose SO high that, at length
Mr.. Clay determined to seek his revenge in blood
He challenged his oppcnent-the challenge was
accepted, and the following rules were agreed on
as the terms of the combat They are good IL
stration of the blood-thirsty spirit that actuated
f the parties.
"Rules to be observed by Mr.. Clay and Mr..
, Marshall, on the ground, in settling the al
, fair now pending between them:
i " ,v;Il tolxa his citation n
= PAGES distant from each other, and will stand as
4 NAV suit his choice, with his arms hanging down
and after the words Attention Fire being given
- both may fire at their leisure
Q. A sn9p or fash shall be equivalent to fire.
II g. 6 If one should fire before the other, he VINO
r fires first shall stand in the position IN which nj
was when he fired, except that he may let his arms
fall by his side
T. a. ga violation of the above rules by either o
,e the parties, (accidents excepted) SHALL sUBJEc'
IT, THE OFFENDER TO INSTANT DEATH.
y 81. B, CAMPBELL.
T. GAINES F. MOORE"
lie The duel was fought little below the mouth c
Id silver Creek, in Indiana after an interval of foul
tx teen DAYS. The seconds, Messrs. Campbell an
ne Moore gave the following official description
n' the fight.
er "Ten steps, the distance agreed upon, was mei
sured off, and each gentleman took his stand. III
NY word being given, both gentlemen fred M
e. Marshal's fire did not take effect. Mr.. Clay su
ad cceded so far as to give Mr.. Marshall a sllg
ny wound in the belly. Preparations were then mat
in for second fire. Mr.. Marshall again fred wit
os- out effect. Mr. Clay snapped, which, agreeat
the to the rules agreed upon was equivalent to I'll
'ell A third preparation was made, when each gent
ms, man stood at his station waiting for the word.
Mr. Marshall fred first and gave Mr.. Clay tie
Ter wound in the thigh. Mr. Clay fred without
ace feet Mr. G. INSISTED ON ANOTHER FIRE We
lsal ARDENTLY, but his situation, resulting from
oes wound, placing him on unequal ground, his
re- FORTUNATE REQUEST was not complied with
is deem it Justice TO both the gentlemen to pronou
len their conduct on the occasion cool, determined
|, it brave in the highest degree"
4 it Thus it appears that Mr.. Clay aimed tn
dis times at fellow citizen with the intent to kill,
d it then insisted 8" gerry ardenty" on another fire,
And it was only on account of his wound that his
ton Fortunate request" was not granted.
like Mr.. Clay's duelling propcnstes did not eXl
ives, themselves very fully again until January
bic, 1926, when member of Congress wrote an {
man Gle for the Columbian Observer publishedin Pc
m as sylyania, charging Mr.. Clay with having mac
bargain with Mr.. Adams to use his influence
F. ect him president on condition that Mr.. G. sh
be appointed secretary; whereupon Mr.. Clay
lished card concluding thus:
w.t. "I pronounce the member whoever he may
O. base and infamous catumniator-G bastard a
p liar; and if he dare unveil himself and own
neel- name, will hold him responsible, as admit
lized self to be- to all the laws which govern and
$ OBJ late the conduct of men of honor"
: w '''U H. CHA
r;,c;. This general charge did not result in duel
in April 1926, John Randolph, on the flot
oo;ol Congress again referred to this in such me
as to call forth a challenge from Mr. Clay, v
,,n,., resulted in duel Two shots were exchf
and it was only by stratagem that Randolph
law ed his life.
nat in '"o" '''1'0 ~
should TOOK "'ore Conspicuous pa '"'" 70 s.
known, or he willing to acknowledge. |
s,,,,o month of February 1889, Hon. w. }. GRAY
,.:- wing member of Congress from Kentucky
the bearer f a challenge from j. w. webb
..:o. Hon. J. Cilley, democratic member of Coz
from Maine for words spoken in debate.
P''IO" Cllley wholly declined accepting the challen:
reasons which were entirely satisfactory t
Graves; but, on consultation with Mr.. CT
ppoint- 1a,on,-;noI - roon;ro Mr. C;nov r. -
,o,.ons ia ,or;tinr and m state. amnnp