The Van Buren press., 1859-12-16

He begged me not to do so, and said he
was very much afraid that Tattnal would
take the studs and refuse to go out with
him" / however sought Col. Tattnal,
and we repaired about midnight to M.
Randolph's lolging whom we found read.
ing Milton's great poem. For some mo-
ments lie did not permit us to say one word
in relation to the approaching duel /; and
he at once commenced one OF those delight
ful criticisms on a passage Of this poet, in
which nc was wont SO enthusiastically to
indulge.
After pause Col T;ttnal remarked.
Mr.. Randolph, am told you have de-
termined not to return Mr.. Clay's fire. 1
must say to you, my dear sir, If am only
to go out to see you shot down, you must
find some other friend"
Mr.. Randolph remarked that it was his
determination After much conversation
on the subject, induced Col. Tsttnal to
allow Mr. Randolph to take his own course
as his withdrawal as one .of his friends
might lead to very injurious nlisconstruc-
tons. AT last Mr.. Randolph. smi-
ling, said /: "Well, Tattnal. promise you
one thing il l see the devil in Ciay's eye.
and that with malice prcpcnse he means to
take my life. l may change my mind" A
remark knew he merely made to propiti-
ate the anxicties of his friend
Mr.. Clay and himself met at o'clock
the succeeding evening, on the banks of
the Potomac. But he saw "no devil in
Clay's eye, but a man fearless, and express
sing the mingled sensiDility and iirmncss
which belonged to the occasion.
| shall never forget the scene as long as
! l live. 1t has been my misfortune to wit
ness several ducls, but | never saw one, at
least in its sequel, 50 deeply affecting.
The sun was u,t setting behind the blue
hills OF Randoiph's own Virginia. Here
were two of the most extraordinary men
our country, in its prodigality, had produc-
ed, about to meet in mortal combat. While
L nal was loading Randolph's pistol, l
| took his hand there was not in iss touch
the qriyerihg Of one pulsation. He turned
| to me and said, "'Clay is calm but not vim.
dictive. l hold my purpose, in any event
remember this" On handing him the pis-
| tol, Col. Tattnal sprang the hair trigger
Mr.. Randolph said, "Tattnal, although I
/ am one of the best shots in Virginia, with
either pistol or gun, yet never fire with
a hair trigger besides havca thick buck
skin glove on, which will destroy the deli
cacy OF my touch, and the trigger may fly
| before know where am." But, from his
great solieitude for his friend, Tatinal insist
ed upon hearing the trigger. On taking
their position, the fact turned out as Mr.
Randolph anticipated his pistol went of
before the word with the muzzle down
| The moment this event took place, Gen.
Jessup, Mr.. Clay's friend, called out that he
would Instantly leave the ground with his
friend if this occurred again. Mr.. Clay at
once exclaimed it was entirely an accident.
and begged that the gentleman might be ell
lowed to go on. On the word being given
Mr.. Clay fired without effect, Mr.. Randolph
discharging his pistol in the air. The mo-
ment that Mr. Clay saw that Mr.. Randolph
had thrown away his fire, with gush of
sansioiity he instantly approached .Mr. r.,
and said, with an emotion | never can for
get, " trust in God, my dear. sir, you are
untouched after what has occurred would
not have harmed you for a thousand worlds.
Deeply affected py tie scene, ! could not re-
irain from grasping Mr.. Clay by the hand,
and SAID =" My good Sir, we have been long
separated, but after the events of to-day, 1
| feel that we must be friends forever" We
hrye been so.