The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-09-29
A CARD.
RICHMOND, 18th September, 1858.


Having heard various runors with reference to the
difficulty between the Hon. Sherrard Clemens and o..
jennings Wise, esq, and conceding the justice of cri
csm upon the seconds in allowing the exchange of
Shots in The absence Of knoOide Of facts deem it but
proper to give the public those facts and to allow them
to decide upon whom rests the responsibility of the
suit W% r
On the 10th of September at the request of Mr. Glenn
ems, delivered to Mr. 0, J. Wise challenge which
accepted and for arrangements referred to Mr.
T. p. Chisman. The challenge was based upon edi-
toal in the Enquirer, which Mr. Clemens regarded de-
berate insult BY arrangement the parties to meet
at sunrise at the Fairfield course Friday,
the I7th and both parties had the liberty of selecting
outside friend in addition to surgeon Before the hour
fixed the parties on the field. Mr.. Pryor
qucsed by Mr.. Clemens to 60 with him. and consented
to do So, with the understanding that he would have
connection with the matter whatever and that he might
be useful in the event of Mr. Clemens being wounded
to effect accommodation. Mr.. George Rtch also was
upon the field the outside friend Of Mr. Wise,
panied by DR.. -- surgeon. DR.. the
surgeon of Mr. Clemens. AS soon as convenient, and
without any propositions Of amicabe adjustment by the
friends Of either party, the distance en paces
ured by tho second and the pistols loaded Before
hearsng the word to be given, the principals
brought together each exchanging the ordinary sauta-
tions. They then put I'D position, and weapons
handed them. Mr. Irving who had won the word, then
gave in the usual manner whereupon both principals
fired deliberately, but without effect.
Mr. Pryor then forward, and remarkng that both
gentlemen had yindcated their honor, asked if the affair
could not be settled without proceeding further Mr..
Irving replied that he desired adjustment if consistent
with the honor of Mr. Clemens and evidence of that
feeling he withdrew the challenge for the time Mr..
Chisman asked to Mr.. Wise, and returned with the
reply from Mr. Wise, that If the challenge with
drawn, and Mr.. Clemens satisfied it was all right, they
would leave tho field but if withdrawn for explanation
Mr. Wise declined oil explanations Of his article he
honestly believed every word Of it. Mr.. Irving then
said that explanations refused, Mr. Clemens had
honorable option but to demand another fire. and the
de u,,rAr al fnl lAod
After the second fire without effect Mr.. Irving again
Withdrew 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 understood to meet the approval Of
both Mr. Mtchie the outside friend of Mr.. Wise also
Of his surgeon. 1t was however, rejected by Mr., Wise
Still desirous of adjusting the matter and that feel
ing disregarding p.actho, Mr. Irving requested Mr.
Richie to ask MIR. Wise If accommodation posi-
BILE. Mr.. Richie returned, after conversng with Mr.
Wise, and stated that there was none.
Mr.. Irving then demanded the third fire, which
also without effect. Mr.. Pryor then proposed the follow
ing terms of accommodation which read to Mr. Wise
who remarked in reply, that it matter for the
onds to decide. Mr.. Chsman, the second of Mr.. Wise
then declined to sign the paper Here is the statement
as drawn up by Mr. Pryor: t.&
Messrs Wise and Clemens having met and exchanged
shots three times in opinion their honor entirely
vindicated and we insist that they be withdrawn from
the field by their seconds.
Accordingly they were withdrawn by their respective
seconds.
This proposition understood to have received the
of both Mr. Wises surgeon and Mr. Rtchie
After its rejection Mr. Irving stated to Mr. Chisman that
he withdrew Mr. Clemens from the field and would APP
pca to tho public and that in doing he intended no
reflection upon him. but matter of course would be
willing to such responsibilities to others might
attach to such publication.
The parties were preparing to leave the field when Mr.
Clemens hearing the facts from his surgeon and with
the belief that the result Of such publication would in
volve Mr. Irving in collision with Mr.. Wise, came for
ward and protested against his withdrawal under such
circumstances and appealed TO Mr. Irving to continue
his services After conversation with Mr. Clemens
Mr. irving agreed to continue his friend and the chal
lenge renewed.
The fourth fire being inevitable at this stage Mr. Pryor
stated in the presence of the other party that the affair
had gone far enough and that he would not farther
enance the matter by his presence and retired from the
field. 5
On the fourth fire Mr. Clemens was shot through the
thigh, and fell.
Such the facts, which am confident no friend Of
either party will contradict The public decide upon
whom rests the responsibility Of the continued prosecu
ton of the affair to serious a result Whatever the
consequences feel the consciousness of having done
everything that gentleman could do to accommodate
the matter Respectfully
The Portland (Me) machinsts getting famous for
the quality of their work The Argus speaks OF sugar
n. \ -. n