The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-08-14
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ID II g IN e.
II has fhIlcn to Our lot, in days whom we
thought duclling no sin, if we could be snil 10
have thought about it at all, TO meet with
many, 10 know we'll some, who had killed
their men. We never knew ono who lived
in peace after tho murder; we know only
Two who survive, and they arc sots,
Tho first time VIC wcro called upon 10 wit
moss n duel was in Augusta, Georgia, in 1920.
We wcrc just entering manhood. Tho par
ties were from our native State. We knew
ihcm both well. They Wcrc stationed ut
their places, and at tho word FIRE the elder
Of tho two, n man of promise and place, fell
dend. We saw him fall, saw his brother who
Enzcd wildly into his pale face, just now so
full oflife, saw his friends as they hurricdly
took up his body, and bore him onward to
his homo. And we saw afterwards the gray
Eaired father as he bent over that body, hot
tears falling down his checks, fall MS ono
struck with palsy, for his prop, the boy of his
Eopcs, was taken away, and there was no
longer happiness for him OH the earth
But the survivor Business relations
brought us together; we were his attorney;
and we had to see him at his home, and our
house. In company we saw no change in
him; he was light hearted, almost frolick-
some in his gayety. He never spoke of the
murder; by an unuttered, but well understood
compact, and how terribly did this describe
tho deed, none ever referred to it.-But soon
we learned that he never slept without
light in his room. Soon after we found that
hc was fast becoming drunkard-and scarce
three years had passed since the duel, ere he
nvos stricken down in early manhood, and
Sad near his antagonist in the earth.
But his death we were present at it, md
never may We witness such another! That
subect-so long kept sealed up by himself
CO lOnp untoDphp1 NV fnnniIv frinp1-ibn
murder ofhis school companion and neigh
Dor, was at last broken by himself IL could
not help it," said Inc as his eyes glared upon
us, and his breathing became painful from
its quick and audible action. We knew to
what he referred; and cndcayored to direct
his thoughts into other channels In vain
81 could not help it; was forced in to it;
could help II" And all this was in duel
ding sense, true. He had every excuse man
could have to fight; but when so assured, he
exclaimed, wildly, at will not do murder
ed him-l see him now, have seen him as
She lay dead on the field, ever since | slew
him. My God! My God!" And muttcring
these, and like sentences with shrek such
as l never before heard mortal utter, no
died!
Another instance. young Scotchmnn
came to Charleston, South Carolina, and set
1led there. lie gave offence to noted du-
ollist, and was challenged fought, and killed
film. He removed afterwards to New Or
leans was engaged in successful business,
and was regarded the nlerrest fellow about
His intimate friends thought the murder had
made no impression upon him; not one of
;lis relatives believed he cared any thing about
il.
In 1891 or '35, he was engaged in large
cotton spoculatons. News of rise in price
reached New Orleans, soon after he had ship
ped large number ofbales to New York.
1fhc could sell, or make some particular ar
rangement, he could realize fortune. But II
was necessary to 60 N. York He jumped
on board a steamer, went to Montgomery,
Alabama, and pushed rapidly on by land for
Washington city. Over excitement, brought
on fever, and he was obliged to stop in the
interior of South Carolina.
Full fifteen years or more, had elapsed
Since he had killed his man. For the first
time, he lay on bed of sickness. He had
fever and dclrium with it. And in that de-
sirium, with terrible anguish and maniac fn-
ny, he spoke ofthis decd of death! 1t made
those ofus who heard him, shuddcr as VIC
listened Was his laughter all along, fore
cd Had his mcrriment been lip deep; of
she intellect, and not ofthe heart? He grew
better, and his physician thought him con-
valescent. Now and then he would start
in his sleep, and cxclaim, "'rake him off me,
don't tic his dead body to mo-" but the fever
had abatcd, and we all thought he would
soon be well. He did grow better, but watch
ing his opportunity, he went to chest of
drawers, as if for some clothing, stcalthily
took from it razor, and drew i; rapidly a
cross his throat! 1t was dreadful CASH that
}lc made, and would have been fatal had not
one who was near struck his elbow, rs he
aTas making tho attempt upon his life!
Poor man. He knew and had known no
peace since the day he killed his opponent.
When he thought his end near, he made the
confession. Gle felt" he said Gas fhe was
murderer, though no one charged him with
the crime"
And our belief is, that no man who kills a.
mother ever feels otherwise! The mark of
Cain is upon him, and he secs it if no other
eye d oes.