The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-11-09

lation to the approaching duel, and at ono
} commenced one of those delightful crit
cisms in which he was wont so enthusias
tically to indulge.
After pause, Col. Tatnall remarked
"Mr. Randolph, l am told you are deter
mined not to return MIR. Clay's fire;
must say to you, my dear sir, if l am on
ly going out to see you shot down, yol
must find some other friend"
Mr.. Randolph remarked that such wa.
his determination. After much converse
ton on the subject, l induced Col. Tat
nall to allow Mr.. Randolph to take his own
course, as his withdrawal as one of his
friends might lead to very injurious mis-
constructions. At last MIR. Randolph,
smiingly said
"Well, Tattnall, 1 promise you one
thing. if l see the devil in Clay's eye, and
with malice prepense he means to take my
life, may change my mind,"-a remark
L knew he merely made to propitiate the
anxiety of his friend.
Mr.. Clay and himself met at four O. clock
the succeeding evening on the banks of the
Potomac. But he saw no "devil in Clay's
eye" but man fearless, and expressing
the mingled sensbility and 6rmness which
belonged to the occasion.
| shall never forget this scene so long
as | live. 1t has been my misfortune TO
witness several duels, but never saw one,
at least in IFS sequel, so deeply affecting.
The sun was just sinking behind the
blue hills of Randi h's own Virginia.
Here were two Of the most extraordinary
men our country in its prodigality had pro-
duced, about to meet in mortal combat.
While Tattnall was loading Randolph's
pistol, | approached my friend, believed
for the last time. l took his hand, there
was not in his touch the quickening OF
one pulsation. He turned 10 me and said
Clay is calm, but not vindictive. hold
my purpose, MIR Hamilton, in any event,
remember this"
On handing him the pistol, Col. TAFT
nall sprung the hair trigger. Randolph
said
" Tartnall, although am one of the best
shots in Virginia, with either pistol or gun,
yet | never fire with a hair trigger be-
sides, have thick buckskin glove on,
which will destroy the delicacy of my touch,
and the trigger may fly before I know
where am"
Put from his great solicitude for his
friend, Tattnall insisted upon hairing the
trigger On taking position, the fact turn
ed out as Mr. Randolph anticipated his
pistol went off before the word, with muz-
Lle down.
The moment the event took place, Gen. |
Jessup, Mr.. Clay's friend, called out that
he would instantly leave the field with his
friend if it occurred again. Mr.. Clay at
once exclaimed that it was entirely an ac-
cidcnt, and begged that the gentleman
might be allowed to 90 on On the word
being given, Mr.. Clay fired without effect. |
Mr. Randolph fired his pistol in the air.
The moment Mr.. Clay saw that Ran
doIph threw away his fire, with gush Of
sensibility, he instantly approached Mr.. |
Randolph, and said with an emotion nev-
er can forget
al trust in God, my dear sir, you are
untouched; after what has occurred,
would not harm you for a thousand
worlds r'
Deeply affected by this scene, 1 could
not refrain from grasping Mr.. Clay by the
hand, and said
my good sir, we have been long sepa-
arated, but after the events of to-day, l feel
that we must be friends forever" ~ His
torical Recolections Of Virginia.