The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1854-08-11
DueiinE-COOlnes in the Field.

In the Masters House." tale of South
crn life, there is description OF duel, which
is evidently from the life, that is remarkable,
not only for the vivid manner i'll which it Is
given, but also as a display of the highest
courage.
The reader must understand that Mildmay.
from his quiet habits, rested under the impu-
tation in the public mind that he would not
fight and furthermore his opponent was to
draw his fire. and then " shoot him down. =
When the parties arrived on the field, the de-
Scription goes on as follows
The principals were at their places, their
weapous in their hands. Colonel Lee, CHR.
Morton's sccOnd) had tho ordering Of the pre-
liminarics, and with professional solcmuity,
asked
Gentlemen, arc you ready?'
1--WE are ready was mutually replied.
Then, gentlemen" said Colonel Lee with
a loud voice, upon my repeating again the
question, Are you ready? you are to answer
Yes | shall then say Firc-one-two-
three"
At this instant Mildmay, who was standing
with his rifle in the hollow of his arm, to the
establishment of all present, dropped the butt
upon the ground and said:
Col. Lee, desire some information
Gen. BledsOc, (Nlidmays second.) who was
now of course compelled to be silent spccta-
tor, felt a sickness come over him when Mild
may appeared thus so unnecessarily to inter-
rupt the proceedings, while Il look of sarcastic
significance passed between Mortons friends,
Rna~oLen,p "hiopUiIDS, -Mlldmav gong 10
faint :"
What is it, sir?" said Colonel Lee, impa-
ticnty, at the same time turning to the ques-
toner.
"DO l understand Alright, Colonel Lee, said
Mildmay, with an affcctedly slow emphasis,
that can fire at any time between the counts
of 'one-two-three 2?
"YOu can, sir :" said Col. Lee waving his
hand with authority.
Upon hearing which, Mildmay very slowly
between the thumb and fore-tinger of his right
hand, without speaking, signted that he UNI
dcrstOod the arrangement, and instantly asSu-
med his proper position.
General BlcdSoe, whose confidence in Mild
mays frmness had been so terribly shaken by
what appeared to be his Inexperienced utter
ruptiOn, instantly caught the deep intent of
Mildmay's question, and the reason of his APP
parent desire to fortify his finger against the
possibility of slipping Oh the trigger it flashed
upon him like lightning, that it was all to de-
range MOrtonS calculations about his mild
Nays making quick fire, and General Bled-
soc, whose heart, moment before, was near
collapsing with fear, with thrill Of admira-
ton, could now with difficulty refrain from
falling on Mildmay's neck and bursting into
tears.
Both Morton and Aildmay now felt con-
scious that the instant of action had arrived
for they simultaneously and courteousy raised
their weapons, as if presenting arms. Colonel
Lee again in solemn voice asked
Gentlemen, are you ready?'
The cOnbatauts simultaneously answered,
We are
Colonel Lee then said "Gcntlcmcn, fire
one"
The mineral had hardly escaped the lips of
Lee, before the crashing sound of Mildmay's
rifle echoed far and wide, and Morton, with
his weapon undischargcd, sprang perpcndcu
larry i'll the air, and then fell numbering to the
earth !; for an instant his body trembled like
an aspen leaf; he cssayed to raise himself, and
amid gurgiiny sounds, could be family diStill-
guishcd the words "Oh, my witc-my chill
drenr y and then, with a long-drawn sigh, he
fell back-a corpse.
Mildinay, still standing in his place, gazed
sadly at the group now kneeling about the life
less form OF the once splendid Morton and
then, handing his weapon to the General, who
could scarcely conceal his exutation at the
result, he mechanically moved towards his
horse.