The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-07-16
THE LEFT-HANDED DUEL.
ANEcDoTE OF BRANCH T. ARCHER, OF TEX

ANEcDoTE OF BRANCH T. ARCHER, OF TEXAS.
In the fall of 1880, Mr.. Archer was a
young Virginia lawyer of some note
Going TO Powhattan Court House on busi-
ness, he accidentally met General Crump,
a small, sharp featured gentleman, with
piercing dark eyes, thin lips, and nose
like the eagles beak. was cool, sarcastic,
and singing as wasp. There might be
read the history Of dozen duels in the
sneer that writhed like snake in its coil
around the corner of his mouth, as every
! separate word issued through his teeth
with shrill menacing hiss. He never
seemed to forget one instant that he was
the most famous DEAD SHOT in Virginia.
In conversation with Crump about suit
in which they were opposing counsel, the
latter made offensive remarks, or insinua-
tons, of which Mr.. Archer desired an ex-
plan alton.
81 have no explanation to make," said
Crump. and he set his keen eyes upon the
other. as if he would slay him with
glance. The look was quasi murder.
Archer threw his entire soul into one
sentence
Then | demand of you to retract the
insinuations you have made against my
motve:"
81 shall add fifty more of the kind be.
fore retract that" said Crump, with
sneer, and turning on his heel he remark
ed: 81 am going to my room at the hotel
to wait for your communication, if you
have any for me-
Colonel Archer's friends gathered in
clusters around him. entreatng him that
he would not sacrifice his life TO the bullet
of duellist whose aim was sure and dead
ly. But he would not be persuaded--he
would punish Crump or perish in the at
tempt. A formal challenge was soon pas
sed and accepted, and the meeting was
arranged 10 transpirc at sunrise the next
morning, on the summit OF hill two miles
west of Powhattan Court house. At the
same time and place designated, great
throng collected to witness the combat.
Crump and Archer had both arrived at
daybreak, and saluted each other coldly
through the pale haze Of twilight. With
the golden glimpse Of the sun, the prnci-
pals were stationed in position by their
seconds; and all hearts in the multitude
vibrated with strange feelings. almost fear.
so determined and deadly were the coun-
tenances Of the two foes, although the ex-
preston on their faces, individually, were
very evident. Crump's visage wore the
scorching sneer Of devil. sure Of his
prey, but the blue eyes Of Archer seemed
surcharged with the lightning Of manly
wrath. The word being given, the two
pistols roared simultaneously; Archer's
bullet grazed Crump's left temple, but his
own right arm fell shattered TO his side.
aha! | have winged my game!'' cried
Crump, in tones of mocking triumph.
"Yes! but | have still wing remaining
at your service!" shouted Archer, shaking
his other arm. in The face of his enemy,
and demanding an additional round.
.a1 Again the weapons of death were load
ed, and the parties took their places
Archer must have been suffering an agony
of pain. Beads Of cold water rolled from
his forehead; the blood streamed down
from his wounded arm, and stood in pud-
dies about his feet; his features were white
as marble, so white that he might have been
mistaken for a ghost; and, indeed, there