Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-05-19
The recent North Carolina Duel

4 correspondent Of tho Boston journal gives
the following account of the duel recently fought
by Mr.. flnnner and DIR. Wilkins of Wilmington,
n. G. which resulted in the latter being killed on
the third shot:
Al meeting held here Wilmington by the
Democratic party Dir. Wilkins in speech de-
nounced tho American candidates as being 'mer
chants who would not hesitate to hazard the
health Of the town 10 snve make dollar for
themselves" Tho next day Mr.. l. II. Flunncr
who is at present Que of the board and is onudi-
date for ra election, published u card in the Her
AID in which he stated that this was gross Ii
bel on the merchants of the town, and the author
knew such statement To- be entirely false. DR.
wilkins Immediately sent him n challenge which
he accepted, aud the parties proceeded in the
nex, train to Marion $. c., to settle the matter as
usual in such oascs.
Arriving at the ground the distance was meas
ured of ficn paces) and the parties 6rcd,lh ball
of wilkins brushing the hair on Fhnner's cheek,
while Flnnner's bullet wens over wilkins bend.
AT this moment DIR. Mcltne, who acted ns sur.
genn both parties made an effort to arrange the
difficulty but without success; aud at the next
fire Flnnnor's ball went through wilkins hat
A consultation was then hed for some time. Mes
srs. Corvan and A1car-.Nlr Planners friends pro.
posed that the newspaper article should be
sounded 10 give Mr.. Wilkins mn opportunity
TO explain or disclaim any personal intentions in
his speeeh hut Mcssrs. Waddell and Walker.he
friends of wilkins, rejected the proposition, aud
directed the pistols to be reloaded and Planners
second told him nothing would satisfy his oppo-
neni and lac must either kill him or fall himself
AT the next fire, Wilkins fell, shot through the
lungs, oxclaimng-"l am dead man," and sur
vved but few moments.
Ile was buried yesterday in now rural GENE
terry, mile or two out of the town, followed by
the largest number "f persons that were ever seen
here Mt a funeral. Tho survivor aud seconds hayo
all returned hone they have been pointed out to
me and are all fine looking young men, tut have
mournful look,
Mr.. flanners quite young man,only 81 years
Of nge but silll one If the most prominent mrr
chants he has been very successful in business,
is reported quite wealthy, and generally esteem.
ed think he isju-t6ed by the general voice Of
the community. am told he feels the part he
has taken in this trngcal affair very keenly. but
is engaged in his usual business to day.
DIR. Wilkins is stated to have been young man
of very brilliant parts and requirements, but de.
toient IN practical energy. He had Just returned
from six months tour in Europe, having visited
the Crimea aud spent some time with the allied
army there was reported TO be an ercelient shot
and of great courage; he was about 30 years ul
age, unmarried but leaves three sisters who ARE
in great trouble for their loss, Both parties arc
natives of this State. The parties had always
been on intimate terms, aud the matter could have
been arranged even up to the last moment, as M
bad feeling seemed to really exist between them
but for the obduracy of their friends