Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-10-14
=. J. SMITH


RicHNoSp, Oct. 10th, 1856.
To F. j. SMITH, Eso-Dear Sir In accordance with
your request, will endeavor state, briefly posi-
BILE the circumstances within my knowledge connected
with the affair between Messrs. Pryor and Bolts On
"Wednesday, the soth ultimo informed that . card
from b u Bolts, E>q., would appear the following
morning, oh ch might call forth a challenge from r. A
Pryor and was requested wait Mr. Bolts until
ter dark and conduct him to Tree HILL the residence OF
Nc stearns short time alter dark, | met Mr. Bots
aud requested him to proceed down Cary street short,
iy alter overlook him, and drove TO Tree Hill At
this place he remained until the following Saturday
ing. at which time accompanied him private carriage
avoiding the CITY of Richmond to point on the Rich.
moo. fredericksburg aud Potomac Railroad, where We
took the night train for Washington. / with Mr..
Bats ie''m this time until he arrested the ground
near SILVER Spring. During the trip one with
whom ASH acquainted. and satisfied that no clue
coni have been obtained by which could have been
traced On orr arriva at WAshngton-which VA beior.
d"yhgit-we e ek, aud went to inn il George
town-Slere I'D until Monday about two clock
when we lett to meet Mr.. Smith Rockville aud aftr
taxing dinuer al tiat place, point eight
miles distant on another road where he remained
O'clock next morning After waiting ON the road for
short time, at place about three quarters of mile from
the place at me"tng proceeded to the ground which
We reached at twelve minutes before seven O'clock Uy
NV watchI Seven O'Clock the hour appointed for ic
m ctng. am satisfied that alter arrival iu
Washington, none Of Mr.. Bolts friends except
ng% Holman, Messrs. Bryce aud Peasants
Cot PAYNE Who consulted by you at his residence
You aud myself were acquainted with the wherca bouts
aud intended movements of Mr.. Bots und that any
his lrnds had desired the affair through the ia.
Prevention of the police, they had the requisite ufor-
mailo "a have done The whole public kne~ a. much
a. they except that he had lett the CITY During the.
whoc trip, Nc Bolts in excellent health (xceot hi
rheumatic Affection and when he was on the ground
was FULLY competeni physically the weapon he
had selected man in the State Ii has always been
my opinion that man who is careless OF his own life i.
aJo aud that he who is reckless about taking the lite
oiAnother Isl sdrage. While, therefore, do not say
that Mr. Bolts did not feel the responsibilities aud
ties which attached his position lido say that through
Out e whole affair. he conducted himself with perfect
Goodness, aG that at time did he exhibit the slightest
excitement or wavering of purpose. 1t is proper add
that from his youth Mr. Bott has been subject TO attacks
oifheunasul, which has caused slight stiffness OF the
kn"e but he has had attack at hi. the last
SIX weeks aud am not aware that stiff knee is likely
toProIdce any unitness fight duel with the weapon
he had selected must ia tier add that Mr. Bryce Sho
came II Georgetown TO inform Mr. Bolts and myself at
what point should Mr. Smith did not INFORM eth.
er Mr. H. myself ofthe time and place fixed on for the
duel until alter we had entered the State Of Maryland
Very respectfully,