The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-09-20

built steam ferry boat, to ply between Eicksburg
and the opposite bank Of the river where the for-
NAL interviews usually took place, for the express
accommodation of the duelists, their friends, and
an interested public 1t is added that the returns
from the investment were large-the fare charged
was twenty-five cents each way. Mr. Prentlss had
scarcely made his brilliant debut at the Nicksburg
bar before plan was set foot to get HIM cut OF
the way 1t arranged that person who, hav-
ing been born and educated gentleman had
thrown himself away and was fast becoming sot,
but who was withal capital marksnan, should
perform this service for the community. His
second bore the challenge. Prentiss quietly read
it, and stated that he would answer it at his own
time and in his own way. Selecting one of his
best shirts, he dispatched it by his body servant
with the following note:
".Sir-I accept your challenge, but with one
proviso-that you appear on the ground In the
accompanying piece of raiment, as it is impossible
for me to fight any one who does not observe the
externals of gentleman
The gentleman withdrew the challenge but kept
the shirt Mr. Prentiss had two duels with Gen.
Foote, which, by the way, were the only times he
ever fought, for the various little episodes with
fists and canes are not to be taken into account.
At their second meeting large crowd had assem-
bled to witness the scene. One shot had been
fired, Foote'S ball flying wide of his antagonist,
while Prentiss pistol missed fire. The parties
were placed at ten PAGES for the second round
pistol in hand, only waiting the word. The in
tense interest of the spectators had drawn them in
two long lines close to the combatants, leaving
only narrow lane for the passage of the balls. An
urchin who had small space to see in the crowd,
had taken tree in the rear of MIR F., and by alert
climbing was rapidly gaining the branches, where
from comfortable seat he might witness the trans
action. Prentss observed him, and said in his
kindest tone, only son you had better look out;
I'm afraid you will be hit: Gen. Foote is shooting
very wild to-day" The remark and the manner
of its delivery called forth round of three cheers
from the bystanders, when, order being restored,
the fight proceeded.
AS he was about to retire one morning towards
three O'clock there was violent rap at the door;
opening it, he encountered man known to him
by sight who was evidently under the influence of
liquor, who demanded immediate satisfaction for
some fancied insult he had received at Mr. P's
hands. Prentiss reasoned with him, suggested
that he should 90 home and sleep on the matter,
and if, after cool reflection, he desired to appease
his honor, he should be satisfied; but the fellow
was immovably set upon fighting then and there
Always disposed to oblige his friends Mr. p. call
ed his body servant Burr, and good humoredly re-
quested him to bring his case of dueng pistols,
and then proceeded with great deiberation to load
them. Giving the choice to the aspirant for duel
ling distinction, he took the other and it was ar
ranged that the parties should take their stands
the piazza in rear of the Office, at eight PAGES
Burr, greatly clated at the thought of his impor-
tant post, to hold the CANDLE that the light
falling through the window, should be thrown d.
recty upon the combatants. When all things
were in readiness, he to count, in loud clear
voice, from to five; the firing to take place at
discretion, anywhere between the first and last
number. Pistol in hand, the men took their stand,
their eyes glancing along the barrels, waiting only
the dreadful word one when the man, fiinging
his pistol to the ground, cried, Prentiss, do You
think I'm such fool as to be fighting you here at
three o'clock, with nobody but niger by? |
thought | as brave man as you are, but
amt; SO let's shake hands and be friends
MIR Prentiss' power over jures is illustrated by
the following incident which occurred in pney-
woods region, not far from Pearl River, in Missis-
sippi He appeared for the defendant in suit
brought for damage, the panel composed of wire
grass people, were thrilled by his marvellous elo-
quence, and despisng the technical forms of the
law, without retiring from the box agreed on their
verdict, which thus delivered viva voce by the
foreman, We finds for lawyer Prcntiss, the plain
tiff to pay the cost"