Litchfield enquirer., 1849-11-01


community. A. H. Sewer, then youth
full aspirant, in the first brilliant day
break of his promise, took the same side.
But Wharton Rector, the fiery duelist,
assumed contrary ground. His Grafton
was brief, but characteristic of the man
and the times: L know the people of
Arkansas better than any of you, because
have resided among them longer; and
tell you from actual observation and
experience, that the only path to certain
popularity in this meridian runs through
the arena Of furious fight. Therefore,
Conway must manage to get up fight
But, interposed Col. Ashley, What
f Crittenden should refuse to fight? l
know myself that he is not shot, and
has never engaged in rencounter of the
sort
So much the BETTER replied Rector,
laughing. In that ease there will be no
danger to our man; and besides, If Crit
tenden should back out, he will be utter
! ly disgraced, and we can cowhide him
off the freak with impunity.'
But suppose he should deceive US all,
and prove himself hero?' suggested
Sewer. Suppose that he should &C.
cept, and kill Gen. Conway, who is there
in our party to supply the place Of the
latter?'
'Ihave thought Of that, too respon-
ded Rector, 'and have provided against
it. Conway must throw the Onus Of SEN
ding the challenge on Crittenden, if pos
sible, and then we will have the choice
of weapons, distance, DC. With pistols
at ten PAGES, Conway has not an equal
in the world
This extraordinary advice was adopted
by the meeting, and Conway determined
to act accordingly. The decision of The
caucus might have been considered infa
nous, bat for one fact. The wing meet
ing had resolved on a similar course
which was frustrated, however, by the
manly and chivalrous avowal of Critten.
den, that he would sooner lose his own
life than pass the first insult. unless he
was sure that the other meditated some
undue and lnsidous advantage.
Under these circumstances the debate
began. Crittenden led off in a speech of
Incompatible excellence-mild, witty,
humorous, pathetic, and sublime, by
turns, from beginning to end, and closing
in burst Of fiery grandeur. that liter
ally shook the forest with tempestuous
peals Of applause. For of all the orators
Kentucky ever produced, he was truly
the most Demosthenean. His brother
John j., was as inferior to him in power
and splendid fleet as the Pickering of a
FREELY is to the strong, steady glory Of a
fixed star.
Conway followed, and appeared stran-
geiy embarrassed by the bold logic and
brilliant defamation of his opponent.
He was a politician of fine abilities. but
very far from being a match for the 9th.
err. Besides. Crittenden's illusions were
so lofty. so perfectly courteous. that the
idea of insulting such a rival seemed
shameful and revolving. Accordingly,
in his first harrangue. Conway. although
e xceedingly caustic. did not venture to
employ any positive rudeness.
Crittenden replied in a manner still
m IRE impassioned, but yet abslained
from the use Of language personally Of
fensive to his antagonist He. however
remarked, in conclusion. and his eyes
flashed as he said it, that he trusted no
gentleman would utter words, in heat Of
debate, towards him, such as could not
be tolerated by the code Of honor
Conway took frs like powder at
torch. He bounded TO his feet. and
poured forth on the head Of his opponent
a torrent Of the most bitter and burning
denunciation.
CrittendeN rejoiDed with but . single
sentences Your language, Gen. Conway
admits Of only one answer, and that. you