Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-09-21


Forth, near the Castle of Barnbougle. All the
preparations were made in the most approved
manner by the young Duke of Lenox, who had
been the friend of Bruntfeld in France. On a
level space, close to the iset, 4 space was marked
off, and strongly secured by Il pa!ling. The
spectators, who were almost exclusively gentle
men, (therabLle not being permitted to approach)
sat upon rising ground beside the enclosure,
while the space towards the sea was quite clear.
At one end, surrounded by his friends, stood the
laird OF Earnbouge, a huge and ungainly figure,
whose features displayed Il mixture Of ferocity
and hypocrisy, in the highest degree unpleasing.
At the ether, also attended by host of family
allies and friends stood the gallant Henry Brunt-
field, who, if divcstcd of his armour, mi ht have
realized the idea of Q winged Mercury. A seat
was erected close beside the barras for the Duke
of Lcnnox and other courtiers who were to act
as Judges and at little distance upon the sea
lay small dcckcd vessel, with single figure on
board.
After ali the proper ceremonies which atten-
ded this strange legal custom had been gone
through, the conlbatants advanced into the CEN
tre and planting foot to foot, each with his hea
w sword in lis hand, awaited the command which
should let them loose against each other in
combat which both knew would only be closed
with the death of the one or other. The eaword
being given, the fight commenced Moubray,
almost at the first pass, gave his adversary cut
in the right limb, from which the blood was seen
to flow profuscly. But Bruntfcld was enabled,
by this mi:hap, to perceive the trick upon which
his adversary chiefly depended, and by taking
care to avoid it, put Moubray nearly hors de COM
bat. The fight then proceeded for a few minutes,
without either gaining the least advantage over
the other Moubray was able to defend himself
pretty successfully from the cuts and thrusts OF
his antagonist, but he could make no impression
in return. The question, then, became one OF
time. 1t was evident that, if no lucky stroke
should take effect beforehand, he who first became
fatigued with the exertion would be the victim.
Moubray felt his disadvantage as the elder and
bulkicr man, and began to fight more desperate
ly and with less caution. One tremendous blow,
for which he seemed to have gathered his last
strength, took effect upon Bruntteld, and brought
him upon his knee, in stupified state; but the
elder combatant had no strength to follow up
the effort. He reelcd towards his youthful and
sinking enemy, and stood for a few moments
over him, vainly endeavoring to raise his weapon
for another and final blow.-Ere he could accom-
plish his wish, Bruntfeld recovered sufficient
strength to draw his dagger, and thrust it up to
the hilt beneath the brcastplate Of his exhausted
foe.
The murderer of his race instantly lay dead
beside him, and a shout of joy from the specta-
tors hailed him as the victor. At the same in
stpnt scream of more than earthly note arose
from the vessel anchored near the island; a lady
descended from It's side into boat, and rowing
to the land rushed up to the bloody scene, where
she fell upon the neck Of the conqueror, and
pressed him with the most frantic eagcrness to
her bosom. The widow Of Stephen Bruntfeld
at length found the yeprnings of twenty years
fulflled-she saw the murderer Of her husband,
the slayer of her two sons, dead on the sward be-
fore her, while there still survived to her as noble
child as ever blessed mothers arms. But
the revulsion of feeling produced By the event
was too much for herstrensth or, rather, Provi-
dence, in its righteous Judgment, had resolved
that so unhoIy feeling as that of revenge should
not be signally gratitied. She expired in the
arms of her son, mumuring, "Nunc dimiths,
Dominic" with her latest breath.
The remainder Of the tale of Bruntfeld may
be easily told. Attera decent interval, the young
Laird of CraighouSc married Catherine Moubray
and as tire king saw it right to restore that young
lady to property originally forfeited for service
to his mother, the happiness Of the parties might
be considered as complete. \ long life Of pros
perity and peace was granted to them by the
Kindness uf Heaven and at their death they had
the satisfaction Of enjoying that greatest of all
earthly blessings love and respect of nu
merous and vrtuous family
The :ale of Bruntiield is founded upon facts.