Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1853-01-20

and Jim were sent TO the fields TO select
fat lamb, and Tom was off 10 the river fla
10 catch crabs. No matter what season
was, Bill was hurried away to rake the cree
,, 70, oysters, and Sam had TO slaughter piE
The commo!ion among the poultry also wa
, great upon such occasions. As for the fin
tribe, the weir had already secured suff
cient quantity of them. Such is the bill {
fare on visiting days in the southern part &
Mary land, even at the presen. time. Wha
a pity it is, that the bilious and the agu
should hold their reign Of terror over a Ian
in other respects so blest? There the in
visible malaria from swamps and marshes
silently advancing over hill and valley, s,i
mula,e the enjoymen of life, even Will
destroying its very foundation.
About nine O'Clock, the wind notes of
bugle heard afar of, sounding along the for
est road would announce the approach o
the magnifcen. Colonel; and at length th
numbering old family carriage (importee
from Engand) would make lis appearance
drawn by four stout horses, and attended
by couple of negro out-rideIs, with coach
men and fooiman Of the same sable color
all in their rude, homespun livery, and with
their leather caps and brass buckles and
well creased faces glistening in the morning
sun. Then would follow the ceremoniou.
reception of the host, who, accompanied by
his wife, always on such occasions, me, their
visitors at the yard gate. And cordial though
stately were the greetings that ensued.
1t was not only IN reference 10 visiting
that Colonel Fnzhugh had singular views.
His opinion regarding the demands Of friend
ship was still more unique. la the earlier
days Of that conflict which lasted so long
between the Democratic and Federal parties,
he took an active interest in behalf Of the
former, and more than once, as the choice
of that party, represented the county in the
State Legislature.
1t happened during political campaign
that one Of The federal candidates for whom
The Colonel entertained warm friendship,
Notwithstanding party difference, was un-
svoidabIy absent from meeting at which
he had made an engagement, 10 address The
people. When it came to his friends turn
TO speak, the Colo ell arose in his stead and
delivered quite enthusiastic federal dis
course, concluding by saying iha, he had
men's, iss and had only done FOR friend what
he wopld wish A friend TO do for him, were
the case reversed.
Notwithstanding this closing apology,
ho,-headed young Democrat present. was
so offended al some severe hints which the
speaker he'd given TO his own party, mat he
sent a challenge the next morning. But
c. lionel Fnzhugh, though humorIs', en-
tertaiued some sterling common sense views.
Among these was the opinion that The Pfac-
lice ol duellng was mere murder. and It's laws
an outrage upon civilization. This opinion
was itself singuIarlty, al that time ana
place. 1t was habit on the increase IN The
country al that period, TO settle disputes oy
wha, are so falsely called, the laws "t honor.
He determined, therefore TO make use OF this
occasion to check The disposition towards
this evil habit, by teaching his irascIble con-
panion a lesson, which would not soon be
forgotten.
"Mr c." said the Colonel to the bearer
of the no,e, sit is hardly worth while I" re-
mark, that your friend has selected mos
extraordinary cause Of quarrel. That this
is fact is very apparent Nevertheless,
seeing that he was about to be interrupted,
.far be il from me 10 refuse 10 give sallsfac
lion 20 gentleman, even for an imaginary
offence. | believe that am entitled as the
challenged party, to The choice OF time, place
and weapons! -
"Undoubledly."
81 will meet your friend, then, at six o.
clock tomorrow morning, at 'The Spout
on ST. Leonard's creek"
"But, my dear sir, your selection OF th'
ground is extraordinary. 1t is usual to
gentlemen of Maryland, who have an affaI
Of honor 10 settle, TO cross the Potomac, o
TO visit the Federal District Should W
) fight q, the place you men,lned, we shoul'
, be in danger from The laws"
81 suppose, my dear sir, that Mr.. B., il
: calling meeting of this kind, had not il
view to avoid danger of any description.
3 This was said sarcaslically.) "lf am will
s ing to face the peril Of the laws, ] do no
see why your friend should be scrupulou'
s 1t is useless, however, to argue the pon
!. Y ou have just conceded that have the rigt
n of fselecling the place of meeting. ldefni,e
ly selec, 'rhe Spout at St. Leonard's creel
e If your friend has not we'll considered tn
e possible consequence TO result from m
:. privileges as the challenged party, and full
O prepared himself 10 meet me at all hazard
h he has been too has,y in sending his ca
J. tel"
81 am answered, Colonel Fi,zhugh," sa
e Mr.. c., rather haugh,lly "Mr. B. shall me
d you at the place assigned. What weapon
d shall we bring and 10 whom am relerr'
y as your friend :"
}. "To the latter question, ! answer-Dr.
r As to the weapons-I shall consult ups
i, that subject with my friend, and may, pr
bably, no, be able to let you know my d
y. cision until we NEE. upon the ground"