Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1852-05-15
A DUEL IN California;.

The National Democrat gives tho following
curious circumstances attending the Broderck
and Smith duel together with some remarks
upon the state Of society in Calfornia
"The circumstances eohuecled with the duel
fought between David q. Broderick, Esq. and
Judge Smith, render L almost as marvellous as
some of the ancient legendary tales and in
some Of its preliminary features il Fingulary u.
uslrative Of California Society.
Il appears that Judge Smith had publicly sta :
ted in a card that Mr. Broderick was soouudrr
a blackguatd. VILLAIN, a liar, and used several
other opprobrious eRilhels respecting him, which
were so grossly ungenlleaanly that according to
the code daeli0, MIR. Broderick could not chal-
ienge Smith, The only alternative let to Mr..
Brodericli, which comported with bis sense Of
dignity was to shoot Smith wherever be met
him, aud to notify him that such was his inleu.
ton, so that he might be armed and fully pre-.
pared for a terrible street encounter Smith
was accordingly informed by Rroderick Of bis
intention, and requested TO atm himself Both
parties were accordingly awaiting the frs; oppur-
taniy TO become the muTderers of each other -
This condition Of things became known to the
friends Of each ofthe combatants, aud the result
was that they also armed TO protec, the respective
champions. The consequence was that groups
ofarmed men were palrolling the streets Cor days
and occasionally fight would come ofl, The
authorities became alarmed; the famous yigi-
lance Committee were summoned for consulta.
ton and action, ifnscessary. The whole public
were highly excited, and an investigation into
the merits ofthe difficulty was had by the friends
on both sides, in which the public generally par>
tcipated 10 a great extent.
.s ,tt l..
mode Of investigation, was that no juslfable
cause seemed 10 exist for the mgentlemanIy and
vilanous card published by smith, and be was
urged TO withdraw the approbrions epilhels, so
far as TO place Mr.. Broderick in a position to
him. leaving the merits Of their quar-
rel untouched, and thus give them an opportunity
10 settle their own difficulties nj twelve PAGES,
and disturb the public peace no longer Smith
Yielded withdrew the most Objectionable ephhets
brought the case within the "code Of honor"
and soon received challenge. The weapons
were siX barrel revolvers-dlstance twelve PAGES
--one or two hundred persons were on the
ground Broderck discovered that bis watch .
was about his person, and supposing that he .
,ould not wear it honombIy, pulled il from his
bandrd tito his second who remarked (
hat gentleman fighting duel were pcrmtied to (
retain their watches, be accordiugy returned il .
o bis pocket. Several shots were fred aud Il I
lally Smiths bah struck Broderick's watch, shat
cred some lrinckeis presented to him by the
Hon Daniel i SiclSjes, Of this city and left his
person uuinlHred
The circumstances, taken IN connection, ren-
Ter the affair almost miraculous. The decision
If BrodericlS's second in favor Of his retaining
lis watch, saved bis life; though strictly speak
ng, he had no right TO wear the article under
uch circumstances.
Such Is brief version of what occurred in
bis affair, as related to US by ONE familiar with
be transaction. A great deal Of The il-ieeiiug
Histing between the two combatants grew out of
Northern and Southern hostility. Judge Smith
a chivalrous Albanian, aud Broderick an
qnally chiyalrous New Yorker. The laws Of
california are very severe against duellers. A
iolalion oflhem dslfanohses man. Ile can.
OF hold office OF vote II he has fought duel OF
ives challenge. Bul there is "bigher law"
lere. which would be likely to be put into ope-
llion, we're a member Of the Legislature to oh
cl 10 another laking his seat fir having violated
le law on duellng, or were one party 10 chal-
Dge another On the same ground Ia ether
ise the obIsciing party would be likely to get
oil through him.