Washington sentinel., 1854-07-22
From the New York Times.
The Meagher and McMaster DIAiculty

We are given to understand that the affair
between Mr.. Meagher and Mr.. McMaster is not
to be considered precisely in the light in which
it stood yesterday. Our statement that Mr..
Meagher had an interview with the editor of
the Journal previous to the assault, was, we
are assured, incorrect. MIR. Meagher, accom-
panied by a friend, called at the Office, saying
that they desired an interview, but he was in
formed that Mr.. McMaster was engaged at that
hour and could not be seen. An appointment
fer another call at IL o'clock was made, but
Meagher being otherwise engaged, failed to ap-
pear, his friend calling to say that he would be
unable to come. The statement that Mr.. Mea
CHER requested the policeman to take himself
and the other party into custody, appears to be
wrong. Mr.. Meagher did not stir from the spot
until arrested by Lieut.. Hicks.
Mr.. Edward Boyle, the friend who was in
company with Mr.. Meagher, publishes de-
tailed statement in the Eoening Post. He
says:
~ think it right to state, that upon sending
in the message to Mr.. McMaster, Mr.. Meagher
did not give his name, it being quite appatent
to him, and to me also, that the clerk was fully
aware of who my friend was. The omission Of
the name was without any design, and simply
owing to the fact of Mr.. Meagher perceiving
At the time that Mr.. Meagher seized Mr..
McMaster the latter was carrying in his right
hand what turned out afterwards to b, heavily
loaded walking-cane. What Mr. Meagher said
to Mr.. McMaster am not in position to
state, being on the opposite side of the avenue
from him. The collision between the parties
continued for four or five Misunderstanding which
no one interfered, the space about them for
several yards being entirely free. Finally Mr.
Meagher succeeded in wrestling the cane from
the hands of Mr.. McMaster, and having Sc
verey used his whip for some seconds, COM
PEELED the latter (McMasters) to take fight
Mr.. Meagher pursued him, and having gained
upon him at the end of the block nearest to
sixth street, Mr.. McMaster drew out a revolver,
and facing round TO Mr.. Meagher prepared to
fire. Before he had time to do so, however,
Mr.. Meagher for the second time sprang upon
him, and throwing his right arm around Mr..
McMasters back, seized the upper part of the
pistol arm of the latter. A violent struggle
took place, during which Mr.. McMaster, point
ing up his pistol towards Mr.. Meagheris left
shoulder, fred. The ball grazed Mr.. Meagher's
forehead, the powder covering the upper part of
his face, and wounding both eyes. Immedi-
ately upon the discharge of the pistol, rushed
up, thinking that Mr. Meagher had been shot,
and putting a stop to the encounter, being well
aware that Mr.. Meagher had no pistol nor other
deadly weapon.
was followed by several people who had |
stood aloof, but before reached the |
parties, Mr.. McAlaster having disengaged him
self from Mr.. Meagher, who had been consider |
ably stunned by the grazing Of the ball, pre-
pared to discharge q second shot, Before he |
could do so, fortunately, Mr.. Meagher sprang
upon him for the third time, and seized him by |
the pistol arm. The crowd having now closed |
round the parties, the pistol was wrested from
Mr.. McMasters by young lad from Jersey
City. Mr. Meagher then felled Mr.. McMasters
20 the ground with blow Of his clenched hand
rhe police Immediately arriving, took both par.
les into custody. What occurred at the police
,ffice is already before the public,