Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-10-01

IL
10 The. Editor of Tho South. a
The communication below was prepared ac-
cording to date, the daylafter the meeting be.
tween Messrs. Wise and Clemens. 1t was,
however, withheld for reasons satisfactory to
myself Inow request its insertion.
deem itunnecessary tomake any addition
or comments, as I do not think any can doubt
the justificationto of Mr.. Clemens inisending the
challenge. The Justification for his subsequent
course, as that of myself, must be decided upon
according to the facts shcre submitted.
l. Very respectfully, C.IRvne.sli
s. A GARD.
# R1cHMoND, 18th September, 1868.
Having heard various rumors with reference
to the difficulty between the Hon Sherrard
Clemens and o. Jennings Wise, Esq, and con-
ceding the justice of criticism upon the seconds
in allowing the exchange of four shots, in the
absence Of q knosols,lge Of facts, deem it but
proper to give, the epublic those facts, and to al
low them to decide upon whom rests the re-
sponsibility of the result.
On the. 18th of September, at the request
OF Mr. Clemens, / delivered to Mr.. o. j..
Wise a challenge, which was accepted, and
for arrangements was referred to Mr. r.
Z. Chlsman: The challenge was based upon
an editorial in the Enquirer, which Mr.. Glenn
ems regardedaS deliberate. insult BY arrange.
ment, the parties were to meet at or near sun
rise, at the Fairfield Race Course, on Friday, the
18th, and both parties had the liberty of select
ing one outside friend in addition to surgeon.
Before tho hour fixed the parties were on the
held. Mr.. Pryor was requested by Mr.. Clemens
to go with him, and consented to do so, with the
understanding that he would have no connec-
tion with the matter whatever, and that he might
be useful In the event of Mr.. Clemens being
wounded or to effect an accommodation. Mr..
Geo Ritchie was upon the field MS the outside
friend OF Mr.. Wise, accompanied by DIR. ----
as surgeon. DIR. .--was the surgeon of Mr..
Clemens As soon as convenient and without
any propositions of amicable adjustment by the
friends of either party, the distance (ten paces)
was measured by the seconds, and the pistols
loaded. Before rehearsing the word as to be
given, the principals were brought together,
each exchanging the ordinary salutations. They
were then put. in position and weapons handed
them. Mr.. Irving, who had won the word, then
gave 1T IN the usual manner, whereupon both
principals fired deliberately, but without
effect Mr.. Pryor then came forward, and,
remarking that both gentlemen had yindicated
their honor, asked if the affair could not be
settled without proceeding farther. Mr.. Irving
replied that he desired an adjustment if con.
sistent with the honor of Mr.. Clemens and as
evidence of that feeling, he withdrew the chal-
lenge for the time. Mr.. Chisnan asked to see
Mr.. Wise, and returned with the reply from Mr..
Wise that if the challenge was withdrawn, and
Mr.. Clemens satisfied it was all right and that
they would leave, the field; but, if withdrawn
for explanation, Mr.. Wise declined all explana.
tions of his article, as he honestly believed every
word ofit Mr. Irving then said that as cxpla-
nations were refused, Mr.. Clemens badln hon
orable option but to demand another fire, and
the seconds proceeded to load. After the sec
ond tire without effect, Mr.. Irving again with
drew the challenge, and proposed to refer the
whole matter to the friends of the parties upon
the field, and announced his entire readiness to
abide their decision. This proposition was un:
iderstood to meet the approval of both Mr.. Ritch
ie the outside friend of Mr.. WISE MS also of his
surgeon. It was, however, rejected by Mr..
Wise. Still desirous of adjusting the matter,
and an from that feeling, disregarding punctilio,
Mr Trying requested Mr.. Rltchie to ask Mr..
Wise if no accommodation was possible Mr..
Richie returned, after conversing with Mr.
Wise, and stated that theretwas7 nonc.o. ,EaEi /
ts Mr. Irving then demanded the third fire which
was also without effect Mr.. Pryor then pro-
posed the following terms of accommodation,
which were read to Mr.. Wise, who remarked
in reply, that it was matter for the seconds to
decide. Mr.. Ghismdh, the second of Mr. WISE
then declined TO Signythe paper.3 Here is the
statement as drawn up by Mr.. Pryor:
''Alessrs. Wise and Clemens having met and
exchanged shots three times, in our opinion
their honor is entirely vindicated, and insist
that they be Withdrawn from the field by their
seconds"
Accordingly they were withdrawn by their
respective seconds. - .e'lt2 - iss'ii
r This proposition was understood to have re-.
.ceived the concurrence Of both Mr.. Wise's sur
gcon and Mr.. Ritchio3 After its rejection Mr.
Irving stated to Mr.. lGhisman that he withdrew
Mr.: Clemens from the field, and would appealto
the public; and that in SO doing he intended no
reflection upon him, but, as matter Of course;
would be willing to assume such responsibilities
10 otherslas might attach to such plblication.-5
The parties were preparing to leave the field when
Mr.: Clemens heariug the. facts from his surgeon,
and the beliefthat the result of such ppbljca
3tion would involve Mr. Irving in collision with
Mr.. Wise, came forward and protested against his
withdrawal under such circumstances, and ap-
pealedito MrlIrving. oscontinne his services
After some conversation with Mr. Clemens, Mr..
Irving agreed to continue as his friend, and the
Challenge was renewed. "
The fourth fire being inevitable at this stage,
Mr. Pryor stated in the presence of the other
party, that the affair had goneifar enough, and
that hei%0uld notifarther c6nntenance itheimat-i
tei; byihis3presence and retired from the field:
e On the, fourth fire Mr.. Clemens vas shot
through the thigh, and fell.
Such are the facts, which I am confident no
friend ofeither party " contradict Thespub-.,
.lie can5deEide .upoDiwhom the esponsibil-
ity of this continued prosecution of the affair to