Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1858-07-24
An EXPLANATION.

of Massachusetts publishes the following ac-
count of the recent difficulty between himself
and DIR. Gwin of California:
"Thc difficulty between Mr.. Gwin and my
self occurred about 10 o'clock Thursday evening,
June 10. His challenge was received by me
few moments past 10 o'clock Friday morning.
At o'clock | sent him my answer, declining to
accede to his request. About 3 o'clock Mr..
Seward came to my scat and said that he had,
on his own responsibility, consulted Mr.. Gwin
with view to mutual explanations of the diff
culties between us that he should not tell me
what Mr.. Gwin had said, nor should he repeat
my words to him but he could assure me that
Mr.. Gwin desired the amicabe adjustment of
the affair." and he wished to know i'll would per-
nit him to consult with that gentleman, with a
view to mutual explanations. told Mr.. Sew
ard in reply to his suggestions, that | had no
ill-will toward Mr.. Gwin, although he had of
fercd me an unprovoked insult which had re-
PEELED in a manner to put the grievance upon
him that he had his remedy, although l had
refused to accept his challenge but was will
ing to adjust the affair." if it could be honorably
brought about; but would not consent to be
placed in false position, to help Mr.. Gwin out
of the position had placed him in.
" Mr.. Seward saw Mr.. Gwin, and then brought
me letter he had drafted, opening a cores
pondence with that gentleman with view to
an adjustment. at once declined to- sign il, or
any other paper which should make concessions
in advance. Mr.. Seward then saw Mr.. Gwin
and brought me paper ofmutual explanations
which declined to assent to. Several papers
were then drawn up by Mr.. Seward and by 9TH
or Senators. who were anxious 10 have the mat
fer settled but would not assent to any of
them. When the Senate adjourned late that
evening nothing had been accomplished.
"On Saturday morning, when the Senatcmet.
tbc subject was again taken M. and several ma
pers were drawn up. but | would not consent to
Sion amy manner which mnde any preliminary con-
crssions. or explanations. or apologies. Sew
oral Senators. MIR. OWNS friends and nv friends.
messed unon me the settlement of the difficulty
They deemed the affair an unfortunate one.
They said that Mr.. Gvin felt himself oprrieyed.
that he had soupht mode of settlement which
had dnclin,d and that he would mako ma
rrorosi,;on Inn, tha, could do 60 Mr. Toouhs
Nr Wade C;en. TIouston and Mr. Bcniomip
whom, / cons,ltcd cncb and all toid mo cnmld
make 70 Mr. Gvin the silnplc nroposition 10 re-
fer the subject To a conference committee. These
gentlemen assured me that | could make this
nronosi,ion 70 him with the greatest pronricty.
| oyovcd my readiness durino the whole dav 10
sord IN him that nronos;tion but would M,
maLo am, cvnlonat;ons in advance and in his
was sustained bv my friends
Late in the dav. Mr. Seward sent for me IN
meet him and Mr. DAVIS in the Secretorv,s
room al So. and stated IN them that while
| did NOT acknowledge the code of thc duelst
and would NOT resort IN the code of the hullv
I would hermit no man 70 insult me- that wb;ie
would renrl ANY, assault as nromntly as would
if accented thr code Of the dncl;st I would NOT
shield myself from tbe full Observation-Disclosures of
nv words and acts by rejecting the code.
IL EXPRESSED nv Willingness to refer the