Washington sentinel., 1854-07-26
From the Spirit Of the Times.
Dueling-C0Olness ON the Field.

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From the Spirit Of the Times.
Dueling- on the Field.
We perceive the circumstances attending
the duel in Charleston, S. c., between La Gree
and Donnavan, are widely and deservedly
quoted, as evincing remarkable determination
and coolness. The second was about giving
the word, when Donnavan discovered little
clump of grass near him, and by which he
supposed La Gree could line him he very de-
liberately drew his knife from his pocket and
cut down the grass; after which the second
gave the word, "Gentlemen, are You ready 2"
AT this moment La Gree informed Mr.. Donna
van he was not holding his pistol proper, to
which Donnavan replied coolly, "Does that
suit you, Mr.. La Gree?n The second gave the
word again, "Gentlemen, are you ready?" to
which both responded in the affirmative. La
Gree fired instantly after the count one, and
missed, when Donnavan shot his antagonist
down, killing him instantly.
In the masters House. a tale Of Southern
life there is description of duel, which is
evidently from the life, that is remarkable, not
only for the vivid manner it is given, but also
as 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, bis 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 principles were at their places, their
weapons in their hands. Colonel Lee, Mr..
Moreton's second, had the ordering of the pre-
asked
Gentlemen, are you ready?"
"We are ready I" was mutually answered.
"Then, gentlemen said Colonel Lee, with
loud voice, "upon my repeating again the
question, Are you ready !? you are to answer
Z Yes l shall then say, fire, one--two-
At this instant Mildmay, who was standing
with his rife in the hollow of his left arm, to
the astonishment Of all present, dropped the
butt upon the ground, and said:
"Colonel Lee, desire some information"
General Bledsoe, (Mildmays second,) who
was now Of course compelled to be silent
spectator, felt q sickness come over him, when
Mildmay appeared thus so unnecessarily to in
terrupt the proceedings, while look of sar-
castle significance passed between Moreton's
friends, Beauchamp whispering, Mildmay's
going to faint"
/" "What is it, sir?1 said Colonel Lee, impati-
emily, at the same time turning to the ques-
toner.
"Do understand Alright, Colonel Lee" said
Midway, with an affectedly slow emphasis,
" that can fire at any time between the counts
Of one-two-three.
/" You can, sirr' answered Colonel Lee, way.
ing his hand with authority.
Upon hearing which, Mildmay very slowly
stopped down, and pinching up some dry dust
between the thumb and fore-fnger of his right
hand, without speaking, signi6ed that he un-
derstood the arrangement, and instantly as
sumed his proper position.
General Bledsoe, whose confidence in Mil
mays firmness had been so terribly shaken, by
what appeared to be his illopportuned inter-
ruption, instantly caught the deep intent of
Milmay's question, and the reason of his appa-
possibility of slipping on the trigger; it flashed
upon him, like lightning, that it was all to de-
range Moreton's calculations about Mildmay's
making quick fire, and General Bledsoe,
whose heart, moment before, was near col
lapsing with fear, with thrill of admiration,
could now with difficulty refrain from falling
on Milmay's neck and bursting into tears.
Both Moreton and Mildmay now seemed eau
scious that the instant of action had arrived
for they simultaneously and courteously raised
their weapons, as if presenting arms Col.
Lee again, in solemn voice, asked:
Gentlemen, are you readyT
The combatants simultaneously answered.:
ave arel" Then said Col. Lee:
Gentlemen-FIRE-one-"
The numeral had hardly escaped the lips of
Lee, before the crashing sound of Mildmay's
rifle echoed far and wide, and Moreton, with
his weapon undischarged, sprang perpendicu-
lary in the air, and then fell numbering to the
earth; for an instant, his body trembled like
an aspen leaf; he essayed to raise himself and,
amid gurgling sounds, could be family distin.
guished the word: My wife-my childreni' and
then, with long-drawn sigh, he fell back-a
corpse.
Mildmay, still standing in his place, gazed
sadly at the group now kneeling about the life
less form of the once splendid Mr.. Moreton;
and then, handing his weapon to the General,
who could scarce conceal his exultation at the
result, he mechanically moved toward his
horea