Arkansas true Democrat., 1859-04-13
Number 27.
The Ferocious Duel with Kevs Brother

ooeA with htCs oAISl4oAt
 correspondent of city paper who signs himself " An Ex-Nidshipnlan of the J- \. Navy" thus describes the duel ir winch brother of the late Phlip Barton Key lost his life in q quarrel with Lurt. Sherburne, 23 years ago. The wli... sayS:-
 The duel in which young Key lost his life, was fought in the month of June, 1886, on a vacant lot of land lying between the Capitol at Washington and the Navy Yard. The day was intensely warm; and just as the fight was ended, there rose one of the most trightful thunder-storms lever witnessed This rendered the bloody af- fray the more remarkable. At about eight o'clock in the morning, l was called on by friend of young Key, who informed me that a duel was to be fought; and he eager ly solicited me to interfere, and if possi- ble, prevent it. replied that l would in- terpose to the best of my ability, though l certainly had no especial interest in either party.
 1 inquired of my informant if it were not possible that he had been misinformed? He replied there could be no mistake about it; for young Key had, the day before, bor- rowed the duelling pistols of the Hon. Henry A. Wise, and that everything had been arranged. l at once called on MT. Wise, and asked if he had loaned his pis- tols to any one? He replied that he had That young gentleman had solicited them for the purpose of practicing, and that he had loaned them but was confident that al 4o lo added: |" am sure l would not loan them to a youth for any such purpose"
 Still, being urged by my friend, I in stantly repaired to the locality, where it was said the duel was to he fought. On our arrival, we found young Key and his antagonist, Sherburne, on the ground. l believe that a shot had already been ex- changed; but of this ] am not certain
 Key and Sherbune were both 1nidship- men in the United States Navy; and their cause of quarrel as well as 1 can remen- Der, originated whilst both were on the Cuoan station, ani had its origin ia the ward-yoom. t had nothing to to win women.
 Sherburne was a native of New Hamr- shire; young man of merit; ex. .eedinglv modest, and opposed to dueling from cou- scientious considerations. He endeavore to effect reconciliation but Key was il exorable. Sherburne, am very sure, frel once in the air, refusing to seek the lie of his antagonist. This produced no effect o1 Key, He insisted that the fight should proceed. Sherburne then said to his e. cond, If he will not accept any accom- modation, l will certainly kill him." At the next fire, Key fell mortally wounded a ball having passed entirely through his lungs and chest, producing infusion of the heart.
 Sherburne, accompanied by his friend and surgeon, Dr. H., with the consent of the friend of Key and his surgeon, approached the dying youth; asked his forgiveness; ani rendered him his hand. He was repulse with the spirit of a demon; and indignant'v bade him be off. Away! away!' exclaim- ed Key, in the voice of death; $ leave m9 1 came not here to whine and whimper; ] came here to fight; to be avenged; to main tain my wounded honor! The chance have been with you; and I die-leaying to you my last and eternal erecration and deJi, ancet" In five minutes after he was a | corpse.