The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-02-23
A CARD In the early part OF

"A
K. -es-Sthis month accosted MIR. Obadiah w
Langfitt, delegate from the county oil
Brooke, i'll the rotunda of the Exchange in manner
usual among acquaintances and gentlemen. He made
no reply but spit towards portion of the spray
OF his saliva reaching my clothes. Controlling my
impulses compromising the full nature of the act,
but determined to avoid all future misunderstanding
in regard TO il, remarked, "Sir what do you mean?'
He replied, 81 mean that" Regarding physical
conflict reparation for such an insult and reserv
ing to myself ultimate instantly remark ed
Sir this place TO settle this matter You shall
hear from me again."
Certain transactions between Mr.. Langfitt and N.Y.
self rendered reasonable delay my part unavoid.
able They had to be closed before could honorably
act. Other circumstances existed which the follow
ing statement published In three OF the newspaper
of this city, explains:
! aTo THE PuBLIc.---An occurrence In the rotunda
Of the Exchange, recently, with q member of the
House of Delegates, has been represented privately
to my prejudice. -at.-.
Thus far and for reasons growing out of legisa-
tive questions pending and undecided, have for
borne action.
1T only becomes me to ask my friends TO gus-
pend their opinions until my course can be COM
pletely taken and publicly known
ssRichmond, February 8, 1856"
On Monday last the 18th inst. the pecuniary obi
cations under which rested to Mr. Langtitt being
discharged in principal and interest, aud the local
matters referred to being in condition to justify
farther delay nay part, about o'clock P. NJ, Mr.
Ian gift himself received communication, of which
the following is exact copy:
..-.: RICHMOND, Feb. lS, 1885,
O n, Lanaft. ESq-Sr: On greeting you recently
in the rotunda of the Exchange Hotel in this CITY, In
the mode sanctioned by society, you offered me an
unexpected personal insult.
At the time waved any personal combat with you
and at the instant and on the spot, notified you that
should hold you responsible in another way
Circumstances, which it is presumed you under
stand and which have been partially explained in
the public papers, In a card signed by myself, have
until the present period delayed the execution of my
purpose
The time has come for TO demand from
YOU personally the reparation usual among gentle
in such cases for the unprovoked ndignty which
you offered me.
The bearer of this my friend Colonel Walter Har-
rison, is authorized by to receive any communi-
cation from you esubjeet or to confer with any
gentleman selected by you, with reference to the
time place and terms of our meeting on the field
Your obedient servant,
IT,. sHERR4RD CLEMENS.
About the hour of 10 O'Clock, A NJ the next day,
Tuesday my friend received from Mr.. L. himself
communication in reply. The followinsis copy
RrcHMoSp, Va, Feb. Ia, 1856. -
Sherrard Clemens, Esq. :-SIR-Contrary to my first
impression | received a communication from you,
per Colonel w. Harrison. bearing date of this day,
to render satisfaction for insult offered by me
YOU some fifteen days ago. The nature of that in
suit required land by it was expectedt immediate
resentment or IT leaat by the next morning. The
lsnse of time has been so long, that for to
knowledge your right to demand any kind of satlsfac
tim would be to make myself party to your delay
cordine to what understand, being due TO myself
or to any gentleman, / cannot do. You proposition
istherefore declined
Tho subterfuge upon which Mr. Langfitt relies,
and under which he now skulks is the subterfuge of
aereven. f%tt tF Btt ,K~
of my Fl ends and the public.