The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1854-06-22
TFrom the Knickerbocker Magazine.
MY DUEL WITH CAPTAIN ELLIOTT.


"My duel with Captain Elliott, said
the Doctor, lighting fresh cigar, "took
place during the war with Mexico. But,
before 1 proceed, must give you short
account of my previous history.
Elliot and had been rivals and enemies
from our very boyhood. We were edu-
Gated atthe same public school, Before
Iarrived, he was the pet, the hero, the
Napoleon, SO to speak, of the school; the
leader alike in study, in sport, and IL mis-
chief. He was aproud, imperious, overbear-
ing boy, though with many generous and
endearing qualities; and, out Of school his
word was law with the boys, as much as
that of the teacher was in school.
When arrived, however, being about
his own age, a lad of considerable spirit, |
refused to submit to his authority; and
there being many malcontentsin the same
school, who secretly disliked him, they
one by one enrolled themselves under my
standard and we were thus divided into
seperate factions Numberless were the
pitched battles which we,had, as the per-
sonal conflicts for supremacy; numberless
were the bloody noses and cracked crowns;
numberless the reprimands and even more
tangible infections by the teachers. Elliot
and I were, in fact, always at variance,
always crossing each other, agreeing in
nothing except in hating each other, cor
daily.
When he left school he went to West
Point, and to the Medical College, and
we lost sight of each other for some years.
In due course of time, cmmence pract-
icing as physician; but finding 1t did not
pay very well, and being besides of a
somewhat rowing and adventurous dispo-
eition, applied for and obtained the ap-
pointment Of army surgeon, and was i'm
mediately ordered to Fort.
I had been there but short time, when
the commandant, brave old Gurley, whom
some of you doubtless remember, died oi
fever. An officer, of the name of Elliott
was appointed to succeed him; and you
may Judge of my modification when
found it was my old enemy, Much as il
CALLED my pride, l was obliged here tc
submit to his authority; but | did it, 1 as
sure you with very bad grace.
Elliott was essentially changed since
had last known him; the impetuous, over
bearing boy, had become grave, quiet
reserved man, who could if he chose
render himself very agreeable compan
ion, but who seldom took the trouble to dC
it. Many Of the officers, however, ant
all the men. liked him very much; bu
there appeared to be an impossible barrie
fixed between him and me. dislike hi
reserve, which | attribute to pride; and h
complained of my boisterousness as b
pleased to call it. He did indeed, max
sua.. efforts to conciliate me at first, bu
seeing l repulsed them, he withdrew him
self behind the entrenchments, and treat
ed me ever after with acoolness absolutel
freezing.
Things were in this state, when an un
Gle of Elliotts with his wife and daugh
ter, stopped for short time in the vicini
ty of the fort, on their way to Washing
ton. The daughter, Miss Eveline, was
charming young lady, and every unmal
ried man in the garrison Immediately fe
in love with her. 1t would weary you t
eaumerate the pic-nics, the water-partit
the drives and balls that were given
honor of her. a good-humored rivalr
prevailed among us for her preference
and the bets were taken as to whethe
Davis of Jones or the doctor had the be;
chance.
For myself | was, I DO think seriousl
in love with the charming girl. To /
sure she did not give me much encourage
ment, but tried to encourage myself.
rode with her, walked with her, dance
with her, and kept by her as much as
possibly could, | saw that Elliott scoB