Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-03-12
For the Green Mountain freeman.
An Eastern Shore Duel
BY urNRY HIGHLAND GARNET.


their rage when excited towards their slaves shol
often pant for the blood of those whom they deign
call their equals.
Thep power Of the gospel will have achieved anot
great triumph, when it shall so expose the wickodrl
and folly of this perncious practice as to cause
Punishment from the human race. Too long ha
been tolerated among civilized men, and too long
law makers smiled at its bloody garments.
And Why should life thus wantonly be thrown av
Why are so many blooming youth, and men Of
years, cut off in the season when fair hope ST
around them? Why arc so many mothers, and 10
sisters and wives called to put on the tokens of md
ing, and weep for murdered sons, brothers, and
bands? am answered, " the laws of honor den
the sacrifices and they must be made" This is G
cally the language of many of the slavedealers of
land who are the most dishonorabe men in the ma
The cruel knives and pistols, the weapons Of
warfare are purchased with money which has u
wrung from the aching hearts Of helpless woman,
little children. have long sought to know what f;
ing of a reasonable mind, such cold b9odcd mur
can satisfy. Perhaps small insult, real or suppos
has been received-a challenge is sent, and accept
A word of explanation might adjust the difficult
But this blind, false notion of honor will accept of
apology, or explanation. The time is appointed
will is made-the nearest, and dearest friends are
norant of the dreadful transaction which is about
take place. o might these men Of honor pause tt
moment, and look upon their peaceful heartlsto1
and feast upon the joy of those hoping family cir
which are soon to be made desolatc. The groun
measured--ten PAGES! There they stand only ten|
ces from death and hell The pistols are cooked,
word is gven-the powder explodes--a horrid sh|
pierces the air, and the blood streams from the ta
victim. Now, for the love of God come near frie
of mankind, and look upon honor The victor sta
pale and trembling. His foe is dead. The lips
gave the imagined insult cannot say 81 am sorry
offended you" nor can his eyes behold him.
people call the murdered man fool, and the murdt
by his proper name.
Among the most famous duelists on the East
shores" of Maryland, there lived several years ag
man of wealth by the name Of Wright, commonly c
ed " Bob Wright" This gentleman had been
cessful in many duels, and finally met with vio1
death himself His last rencontre was with ta1
keeper. Mr.. Wright considering himself insulted
this individual, deliberately drew his pistol, whereof
the tavern keeper fled into an adjoining room.
Just as lie closed the door after HIM, Mr.. Wright
charged his pistol, and the ball striking the edge of
doc, scattered the splnters in every direction. Il
moment the frightened man returned to the barry
with rifle, and sent obullet through Wrights he
and thus terminated his bloody career
Mr.. Wright had flyorte slave named Moses,
always accompanied his prohigate MASTER and
doubt but That his fidelity saved the duelist from
earlier death. THIS slave, and a gentleman by
name Of Knight were the best friends of this reel,
man Mr. Knight also had t trusty servant whom
called Zoph These two slaves initiated the mar
of life which was led b. their more intelligent,
therefore more guilty masters So Moses and z
were scrupously men of honor
Moses remarked one day in TIE presence of u
that his master was a better man than Mr.. KniEh
Zeph took great offence at this insult and infor
his master of its nature and asked his advice to
f course he had better pursue in relation to it.
7 eight the rascal y screamed Knight. al will
r it." said Zeph. ale shall have my life or will
his. VIII you please sir, write me challenge"
The request was readily complied with, and the
vile man of honor received further assurance that
., should have MS masters aid, as second. Mr.. Kn
y mounted his horse repaired to the residence of
Wright, and laid the note before him. He quiz
4 read it, and the fire flashed in his eyes. The du
arose, and asked Mr. Knight to excuse him, and rel
ed to another room, and rang the bell for Moses.
est down, Noses" said Wright at appears
you have had difficulty with Zoph, and he has
you challenge"
"a challenge" replied Moses, with tremb
G voice, "what shall do, Master"
e "What shall you do! why, kill the internal SC,
Y drel. Mr. Knight is his second, and will be you
and will give weapons that will make daylight S
y through him."
With a mournful voice, Moses said DWELL ma
G I'll do it"
: The acceptance of the challenge was written in
< name of the slave, and handed to Mr., Knight
weapons were to be e-plstols-distance SIX pi
time one week. The extraordinary news spread
, and near. Moses went about lis work and had
to reflect upon his course BY the way, he was a v
disposed fellow and had it not been for his master
had never been found in an attitude warlike. Al
! thought Of his wife and children, and his God G
drops of sweat stood upon his noble forehead,
tears filled his large and generous eyes. But it
E too late He had great desire to retrace his
, steps, But he feared the wrath of his master, and
scorn and contempt of Zeph Every day did M
90 to the orchard, and practice with hispstol. b.
was all uphill business, for he was aboring under
4 heavy load of an injured conscience The mem
. Bile day at last arrived At an early hour the gro
was covered with some five hundred jovia special
waiting to see the poor creatures murder each ot
1t was In the latter part Of June, and more bea
full day never shone upon the fair Easter Shore. 1
ry body was merry but Moses, and even he appea
so when he was brought to the point.
3, "Come, MASTER" said Moses, " let us get there
,Ily." Two horses were brought up to the door,
each mounted, and started for the field of battle.
they approached the ground, Moses saw the fer
covered with men, and boys, and many ladies W
seated in their carriages, The men of war aligh
and 1ynre greeted nv the spectatora aq the Invi