Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1853-08-04

to this effect-'That since he had done me
the honor to assure me, he woui be at my
service, whenever | should call upon him.
expected he would meet me at dawn the
next day, near Lowland church, armed with
pistols only Mr.. Mills replied in turn.
aud six letters passed between US, three
from him aud three from myself, the con-
tents of which do not accurately recollect,
for destroyed them, though can repeat
the substance of them The last | receiv-
ed was to appoint meeting in Frgate Bay
The night before the duel made my will
at O'Dounel's, and delivered it to Dr.
Webbe, who put it in his pocket without
reading It. We then adjourned TO the
DOCTORS house, where | went TO bed al
most Immediately. About one 10 the morn
ing heard the doctor rise ! called to
him; he answered me, aud went Out of the
house. When he returned to bed, got up
and sadded horse aud Directing boy
to follow as fast az he could, csllapsd hard
til | reached Notions Bay, where | had
appointed canoe 20 be in waiting. AT
hrst could not perceive the negroes but
on looking round, saw them lying under
sail. They got ready 10 moment, aud
Jumped into the canoe, sending the boy aud
horse round to Bridgewater's. The wea-
Their was very rough and the canoe several
times nearly filled with water. had
phial Of rum with me, which the excessive
cold rendered very acceptable. On reach
ing Frigate Bay | left the canoe aud order
ed the boy TO follow me with the pistols -
sat down under a private hedge, and sent
him forward to watch for Mr. Mills Mean
time, examined tie weapons, aud fresh
prlmed one Of them. Ii was scarcely done
before Mr.. Mills arrived We saluted each
other he alighted Instantly, and primed
both his pistols. While thus engaged and
with his horses head between US, offered
to return the letters he had sent me, demand
ing, in return. mine to him. lie made no
answer, but hastily ordered his boy to lead
away his horse, aud then placing himself
on the defensive, presented his pistol at me
gave the letters TO my boy, with orders to
give them to MIR. Mills should | drop and
then directly presented at Mr. Mills He
observed the motion, aud cried, Stay
stay let me give the letters to the ne
grol winch he did and then resumed his
attitude. We were standing opposite each
other, merely separated BY the road In four
or FIVE seconds fired Mr. Mills exclaim-
ed, Sir, you have killed me l---you have
killed me, srp ! advanced io hun aud
sand, Sir, sm hearty sorry | pray God
t. bless YOU, but | eau stay no louger.'
Hastily desiring his boy to take care OF him,
made Oft ~ the canoe as quick as posi-
Die. Ia answer y my inquiries If Mr..
Mills pistol had snapped, my boy saiu II
did buI for my part, ! neither heard II
snap nor saw the fash. | am obliged to
your honors for the candor and lmpartlallty
shown IN the course of my trial. You, gen.
tlemen of the jury, | must acknowledge,
have acted like upright, honest men. Had
been IN your place. should have returu-
ed the same verdict. have nothing now
to ask of your honors, but that you will al
low me a liille lime to settle my affairs,
AID make my peace with God"
On Saturday the ooh of January, 1863.
thSprisouer was executed at Basseterre,
according to the sentence pronounced
agaInsthm. Thus unfortunate man receW-
good school education, was well read in
Latin, and spoke French hueuily. lie had
made some progress IN mathematical SCI
ence, and was tolerably acquainted with
music His taste IN literature was above
medocrty, and his acquaintance with gem
eral light reading extensive. On the other
hand his judgement was by no meals sound,
and his mind was decidedly unctured with
romance. la either sense of the phrase,
he was very ready writer, possessing great
freedom aud qu;ckness of hand, with much
Auency of expression. HIS manner was
courteous, but linged with a priggsh flip
pancy, which his dlminutiye hgute render
ed more observable.
Aud this man might have been happy;
had May blessings, fair prospects, bright
hopes; all forfeited IN an unguarded hour,
for an angry word
Earthly things says an old author,
" are such as the worst of men may have,
aud the best Of men may be without; yet
he who hath them not may be happy with
out them and he tina, hash them, may be
miserable with them