Democratic banner., 1850-01-28
THE DUEL.

had left their dinners to be eaten by the Ameri-
cans, when it camped for the rear to come up.
That afternoon portion OF the Texas cavalry
occupied vacant lot near the Plaza. While
drawing water atone OF sN.ss ellis, which at first
was supposed 10 be ppisoatsA . dispute arose be-
twesnt1o young neh named Barclay and Rogers.
At sundown, 10 Rogers's surprise, he received
challenge, written Oil apiece Of dirty paper in
lead pencil. Rogers had no paper to write a re-
ply on, but told the bearer Of the challenge that
he had no intention Of wounding the feelings Of
his old messmate, and begged he would accept
his verbal explanation az an apology, which he
did, and expressed his full satisfaction and his
pleasure at terminating the difficulty so happily.
The next day. however, Rogers was astonish-
ed at receiving another communication from an
officer in the artillery, stating that Rogerss re.
ply was not satisfactory to Mr.. Barclay, and de-
manding ,rritten apology. Rogers was on duty
that day, but as soon as relieved he mounted his
horse and rode to the tent of infantry friend to
consult him and to ask his assistance in the affair.
Rogers related his story and told his friend that
after what had passed he never could consent to
give written apology. ~ fear them" said his
friend, slight cannot be avoided; but wait here
a moment, and will ride over and see your adj
versarys second, Lieut.. X the artillery officer"
After the lapse of half an hour Rogers friend
returned and said: "Well, fear the meeting
must take place; can do nothing, ard besides
regret to inform you that from the delicacy Of my
situation cannot act for YOU in this matter; hut
Lieut.. r. requests me to ask you the favor TO call
on him tomorrow, as he thinks he will be able
to arrange the difficulty.
The brave and generous Lieut.. r. was the
pink Of chivalry Of the American army. He was
slways appealed to BY his brother officers in af-
fairs Of honor, and bis decision was received as
final. The next day Rogers gallopped to Lieut..
RS tent, and was kindly received. After glass
Of wine. they talked the matter over, but could
not agree on settling the difficulty.
at is strange" said Lieut.. r., "you admit
you intended no offence, and have said so; why
not put il in wshiusf" - -
"for the very cause" replied Rogers. "that
the verbal explanation was deemed satisfactory
and accepted; and now should feel il dishon-
or TO be forced into measure which | conceive
not warranted or necessary"
"Weli, then," replied Lieut.. R., ''name the
hour and We will meet you---weapons, / sup
pose pistols"
"No," replied Rogers, ''dOuble barreled shOt-
guns---we are both good at it---thrty steps; but
! have no friend 10 aci for me. Now am sure
you will not compromise the honor Of either OF
US, SO act for US BOTH"
| ~ will," said Lieut.. R., after having reflect
ed moment, ION one conditiOn---that you will
obey me implicitly in every particular. / pledge
in the least particular and all ask Of you, is to
pledge me your word that you will obey me to
the letter."
"Agreed," said Rogers, lyon are the friend
Of US both, and there can be no dishonor in any
action you may take" s-
II "Well," said Lieut.. R., imeet us on the bank
of the river, (the Rio Alsmo,) quarter of a
mile above camp, tonight at 8 o'clock, for the
moon will then be some hours high, and we will
there settle the affair.""
Thus they parted. Twilight soon spread her
gray mantle over the earth, the sky was bespan-
lgled by few bright stars, while the watch fires
for miles peered through the gloom and shed a
lurid light around thousands Of tents which were
stretched for some three miles from Marin to
the bank Of the river.
The hum Of thousands Of voices and the stir
of busy preparation for the coming morrow had
lgradually grown fainter and fainter, while the
moon poured down flood Of silver light on the
scene as the appointed hour drew near. Rogers
mounted his horse, passing outside the lines, and
rode asshc appointed spot. His adversary, Bar
clay, and Lieut.. R., were already on the ground.
Dismounting, Rodgers with his gun on his shoul.
der, approached the latter, who whispered in his
ear, "Miud what / say, and obey me implicitly;
you may be sure all will be right.
The distance was stepped Oft, and the parties
were stationed at their places. It was lovely
night; the moon beams danced on the ripping
waters and as they trickled on their way, their
sweet murmur was heard, deeply impressive
with the stiffness Of the hour. There was sol-
emn beauty sthept tbe surrounding scene which
seemed to cals forth the no6lssi the most rhilan.
thropic feelings of man. A sentiment Of sorrow
and regret seemed 10 prevail that the meeting
had taken place---but il was then too late. The
barrels Of their weapons glistened in the silver
light, and in a few moments they were to risk
the chance of being hurried into eternity, while
one gave the other or received from him salts
faction for his wounded honor. They had been
placed at the present, when Lieut.. R., walking
of at distance midway between them, said,
|"Gentlsmen are you rssdyP" "Yes," was the
response of both. Atths next word, which each
thought was big with one or both Of them. to|
their surprise the voice of Lieut.. r., was heard
ringing on the air: "AdvanGe fifteen paces."-.-
They accordingly advanced until they met
|"Shske hands, said Lieut.. R, in most imper-