The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-10-02
From New Orleans, in steamship Catawba-John Cox al
Mr. Saulet.
The Wise and Clemens Duel la Virginia.
STATEMENT FROM ONE or THE SECONDS.

Having heard various rurnors with reference TO tho df
hcui'y between the Hen sherrard Clemens and Jcn
nngs Wise Esd, and, conceGing that justice OF
csm upon the seconds ia allowing the exchange of four
shots the absence Of knowledge OF facts deem i,
but proper TO give the public those facts and allow
them 10 decide upon whom rests the responsibility of the
result.
On the 10th Of September at the request of Mr. Gle
mems, delivered TO Mr. o. J. Wise challenge, which
was accepted and for arrangements was referred 10 Mr.
7 7. Chsman. The challenge was based upon an eli,o
rial In the Enquirer, which Mr. Clemens regarded dc
lbcrac insgt BY arrangement the parties were ~ nice
sunrise, st the Fairfield Race Course, Fri
day, the l.th and both parties had the liberty of select
ing outside friend IN addition surgeon Before the
hour axcd the parties the field. Mr.. Pryor
requested by Mr. Clemens to with him. and consented
20 Go with tho understanding that he would have
connection with the matter whatever and that he might
be useful IN the Mr.. Clemens being wounded
10 effect accommodation Mr. George Richie upon
the neld the outside friend Of Mr. wss, accompanied
by Dr - ~ surgeon. DR.. - was the surgeon Of Mr.
Clemens. As convenient, and without any propo-
siiols OF amicabc adjustment by the friends of either
ps. S sss the en n,ns o, sas ars n
henrsing the word to be given the principals
brought together, each exchanging The ordi.
weapons handed them. Mr.. Irving, who had won
the word, thea gave q IN the usual manner
effect Mr. Pryor then forward, and, remarkng
that both gentlemen had indicated their honor asked
the affair could not he settled without proceeding further
Mr. living replied that Inc desired adjustment IL
sent with the honor VI Mr.. Ceincns, and evidence II
that feeling be Withdrew The challenge ior INC time MI
ply from MIR Wise that " the challenge WITHDRAW
aud Mr. Clemens satisfied, was All right AMI that they
would leave the field, but II Withdrawn ior explanation,
Mr.. Wise declined all explanations of hts article, as hc
honestly believed every word Of ~ Mr. Irving then sii
that ne explanations refused, Mr. clemens hal
honorable option bu TO demand another Ere and the
combs proceeded u load After the second IRE without
effect Mr. Irving again withdrew thc challenge ami pro.
posed 10 refer tie whole matter o. the friends Of the par
ties upcn the hcd, and announced bic entire readiness 70
abide their decision THIS g.cpost,on was dsrssod 70
II Mr Wise, also Of his surgeon II was however
iectcd ~ Nj wse. SIN DESTROYS o. ng the matter,
requested Mr. Richie 10 ash Nr Wise II accommodation
possible. Mr.. Richie returned, after conyersug with
Mr.. WISE and stated that there
Mr. Irving then demanded the third Orc. which also
without effect. Mr. Pryor then proposed the following
terms "a accommodation, which we're real 70 hr. Wee
who remarked IN reply that q matter for tho C
conds to decide Mr.. Chisman, tho second Of Mr. wse,
then declined 20 sign the paper Here The statement ~
awcssfs wise ard Clemens having met and exchanged
shcts three times, in opinion their honor y entirely
yindca,el, and We mss, that they be Withdrawn from
the field by their seconds"
Accordingly they were withdrawn BY their respective
sc-oIds
Of both Mr. wiscs surgeon and Mr. Richie.
After it, rejection Mr. Irving stated 70 Mr. Chsman TIA,
he withdrew Mr.. Clemens from the neld aud would az
peal 10 the pubc and that doing he intended
Election upon him. bat, matter Of course would be
willing 10 assume such responsibility 20 others might
attach 20 such publication The parties preparing TO
leave the nd when Mr. Clemens, hearing the facts FROM
hs surgeon and with the belief that the result OF such
publication would involve Mr. Irving IN collision with Mr.
Wise, came forward and protested against his withdrawal
under such circumstances, and appealed 70 Mr. Irving 70
continue hs services. After some conversation with hr
Clemens Mr. Irving agreed 10 continue rs his friend and
the challenge was renewed.
The fourth IRE being inevitable nj this stage Mr. Pryor
stated the Of tho other party that the affair
had gone far enough and that nc would not further coun
ienancc The matter by BIS presence and retired from the
Gcld
ON tho fourth drc Mr.. Clemens was shot through the
thigh. and fell
such tho facts, which Tam confdcn, friend Of
either party viii contradict The public decide upon
whom rests the responsibility o. tbs continued p.osesa
the affair serious result Whatever the con-
SEQUENCES feel the Consciousness of having done every
thing that gentleman could do 10 Accommodate tho
matter G. IRVING.