The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1844-06-19
From the Young Lady's Friend.
THE DUEL.
BY THE EDITOR OF zIoN's HERALD.

The Rev. Nj was veteran itinerant
preacher Of the West. He related many Incl
dents of his itinerant life. Among them was the
following, which give in bis own words as much
as possible.
About fourmiles from Ms an extensive
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 a
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 mile beyond, met with ano-
ther carriage, containing four persons besides the
driver and fastening on with all speed.
My fears were confirmed and could scarcely
doubt that another scene of blood was about to
be enacted in those quiet solitudes. What was
my duty in the case? knew too we'll the te-
nacty of those fictions and absurd sentiments Of
honor which prevailed in that section of the coun-
try, and which give to the duel a character of
strangely exalted chvalry, to suppose that inter-
ference could be successful, yeti thought it my
duty to rebuke 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 fas-
tened to tree. rode up, attached my horse
near it, and throwing the driver bit of silver re-
quested him to guard him.-While treading my
way into the forest, my thoughts were intensely
agltated to know how to presentmyselfmost sue
cessfully. The occasion admitted Of no delay.
l fastened on and soon emerged into an oval
space surrounded on all sdos by dense woods.
AT the opposite extremity stood the principles,
their boots drawn over their pantaloons, their
coats, vests and hats off, handkerchiefs tied over
their heads, and tightly belting their waists. A
friend and sergion were convorsing with each,
while the seconds were about midway between
them, arranging the dreadful conflict One ofI
the principles, the challenged, appeared not more
than twenty years of age. His countenance was
singularly expressive Of sensibility, but also of
determination. The other had stout, ruhian-
like bearing-a countenance easy but sinister
and heartless, and he seemed impatient to wreaE
his vengance upon his antagonist.
advanced Immediately to the seconds and de-
clared at once my character and object. Gen
tlemen, said excuse my intrusion; am a min
lister of the Gospel. know not the merits of
this quarrel, but both my heart and my office re-
quire me to bring about reconciliation between
the parties if possible.'
Sir replied one of them, 'the utmost has been
done to this effect, without success, and this is
no place to make further attempts
'Under any circumstance, in any place, gem
tlemen,' replied, 'it is appropriate to prevent
murder; and such, in the sight of God, is the
In the name of the law which prohibits tin the
name of your friends, the principals--in the name
of God, who looks down upon you in this solitary
place, beseech you to prevent it at once; at
least, wash your own hands from the blood of
'hese men. Retire from the field and refuse to
assist in their mutual MURDER
My emphatic remonstrance had momentary
effect. They seemed not indsposed to come to
'erms, if | could get the concurrence of the prin-
,ipals.
passed Immediately to the oldest of them.
His countenance became more repulsive as ] ap-
preached him. 1t was deeply pitted with the
smallpox, and there was upon it the most cold
blooded leer ever saw on a human face. He
had given the challenge. besought him by ev-
cry consideration of humanity and morality to re-
call it. Preferred to the youth and nexperence
of his antagonist; the conciliatory disposition of
the seconds; the fearful consequences to his soul
if he should fall, and the whitening remorse which
must follow ifhe should kill the young man. He .
evidently thrsted for the blood of his antagonist
but observing that his friend and the surgon sec
onded my reasonings, he replied, with undissem-
bled reluctance, that he gave the challenge for i
sufficient reasons, and that if those reasons were
he might recall it, but not otherwise.
passed to the other. admonshed him of !,
the Sin he was about to perperate. | referred
to his probable domestic relations, and the allu-
sion touched his heart. He suddenly wiped a G
tear from his eye. yes, SIR said he, 'lhere are
hearts that would break if they knew that was
here.' IrefeTed to my conversation with the /,
seconds and the other principal, and remarked i
that nothing was now necessary to effect recon- Il
ciliation but the retracton Of thc language which /
lad offended his antagonist.--'Sir,' replied he,
planting his foot firmly on the ground, and assu-
ming look which would have been sublime in o
better cause. 'Sir, have uttered nothing but il
he truth respecting that man, and though sink h