Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-09-03
THE TWO DUELS

1t has fallen to our lot, in days when we
thought duelling no sin, if we could be said to
have thought about it at all, to meet with ma
nv. TO know well some, who had killed their
men. We never knew one who lived in peace
after the murder; we know only two who sur
vive, and they are sots.
The first time we were called upon to wit
ness duel was in Augusta, Georgia, in 1929.
We were just entering manhood. The parties
were from our native State. We knew them
both we'll They were stationed at their pla-
ces, and at the word fire, the elder OF the two,
man of promise and place, fell dead. We
saw him-saw his brother who gazed wildly
into his pale face, Just now so full OF lie
saw friends as they hurredly took up his bo-
dy, and bore him onward to his home. And
we saw afterwards the gray-hared father, as
he bent over that body, hot tears falling down
his cheeks, fall as one struck with the palsy,
for his prop, the boy Of his hopes. was taken
! away, and there was no longer happiness tor
him on earth
| But the survivor Business relations bro't
us together; we We're 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 frolicksome in his gaye-
ty. He never spoke of the murder; by an
unuttered, but weII-understood compact, (and
how terribly did this describe the deed y none
ever referred to it. But soon we learned that
he never slept without light in his room :
Soon after we found that he was fast becom-
ing a drupkard, and scarce three years had
passed since the duel, ere he was stricken
down in early manhood, and laid near his an
tagonist in the earth.
But his Death We were present at it, and
never may we witness such another! That
subject-so long kept sealed up by himself
SO long untouched by family or friend-the
murder of his school companion and neig hbor,
was at last broken by himself. &c could not
help it," said he, as his eyes glared upon US,
and his breathing became painful from It's
quick and audible action We knew to what
he referred, and endeavored to direct his tho'ts
into other channels. In vain. &C could not
help it; I was forced into it; could help it ,"
And all this was, in dueling sense, true
He had every excuse man could have to
fight; but when so assured, lie exclaimed
wildly, g 1t will not do murdered him
see him now have seen him as he lay dead
on the field, ever since slew him. My God
My Godr' And mutterng these, and like
sentences, with a shrek such as | never heard
mortal utter, he died.
Another instance. A young Scotchman
came to Charleston, S. c., and settled there.
He gave offence to noted duellist, and was
challenged fought and killed him. He re-
moved afterwards to New Orleans; was en-
gagged in successful business, and was regar-
ded the merriest fellow about. His intimate
friends thought that the murder had made no
impression upon him not one of the relatives
believed he cared anything about it.
In 1884 or '35, he was engaged in large
cotton specuIations News of rise in the
price reached New Orleans, soon after he had
shipped large number of bales to New York
If he could sell, or make some particular ar
; rangement, he could realize fortune. But it
was necessary to go to New York. He jump
ed on board 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 delirium with it. And in that de-
lirium, with terrible anguish and maniac fury,
he spoke Of this deed of death 1t made those
1 of us who heard him, shudder as we listened !
Was his laughter all along forced , Had his
meTment been lip-deep; of the intellect, and
not of the heart? He grew better, and his
physician thought him convalescent. Now
= and then he would start in his sleep, eXclaim,
S ''Take him off me; don't tie his dead body to
ME y but the fever had abated, and we all
: thought he would soon be well. He did grow
Y better, but watching his opportunity, he went
| to chest of drawers. as if for some clothing,
Y stealthlly took from it razor, and drew it
e rapidly across his throat 1t was dreadful
= cash that he made, and would have been fatal
n had not one who was near struck his elbow,
as he was making the attempt upon his life.
Poor man! He knew and had known no
Il peace, since the day he killed his opponent
}, When be thought his end near, he made the
: confession. He felt he said, & as if he was
d a murderer, though no one charged him with
:, the crime''
: And our belief is, that no man who kills
another ever feels otherwise The mark of
Cain is upon him, and he sees it if no other
f. eye does-[ Exchange paper.
: The Count1yman and Clam Soup-A few
e days ago, just defore dinner time, hungry
It looking man entered the Refractory of MI
: Warner-and propounded the usual interroga-
: tory
e Is this the place where they keep Clam
e Soup"
!, Yes, sir, said Mr.. Warner, how much
It will you have"
y Well,' replied the customer, guess I'll
e take three cents worth
Three cents arorth p exclaimed the aston
e ished host; why man alive, where are YOU
If going to put three cents worth You GER
tainly won't pretend to eat that quantity al
: one time +
: " How do you sell it" asked the astonished
IS countryman.
y One cent gallon =
1t well I'll try gallon said the country
o man, as he leisurely took a seat in one of the
e boxes.
Mr.. Warner, who felt in the humor for q
1t Joke, measured ont gallon of Clam Soup
n and had it carried to the customer He com.
k menced devourng it and after several tempo
|, rary suspensions in order to wipe away the
perspiration, and breathe freer, he at length
found the bottom of his soup dish. Mr. w in
qulred of the customer whether he didn't wan
more? He replied negatively, and inquired
of Mr.. Warner--
How in the world do you manage to make
y soup so cheap
r. why said Mr.. Warner, in the spring
n we buy about 100 Clams-put them into ;
i hogshead. of water, and by occasionally throw
ing in few crackers, and sufficient peppe
y and salt, in few weeks have the soup ready
n for use, and can keep it the whole year round!
We'll, now amt that fust rate j? VIVA
do you ask for the receipt