The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1859-08-17
A Frontier Duel.

The Cincinnati Commercial has letter
giving the particulars of the duel between
Lieut. Sylvester Mowry, delegate from
Arizona to Congress, and Edward f. Gross,
editor of the 'ArizOnian." 1t was fought
az Tubac, in that Territory, on the 8th
ult.
For some time the friends of the parties
had been apprehensive of rencounter,
both gentlemen having INDUCED in mark
ed personalities through the press. Mr..
Mowry, upon his arrival sent a demand
for an apology, which Mr.. Cross declined
making. Mr.. Mowry then demanded sat
isfaction according to the code of honor
recognized among gentlemen. This was
promptly responded 10.
Mr.. George ID. Mercer acted az Lieut..
Mowry's friend, and Captain John Donald
son, I. ). CustOmhouse officer at Calaba-
sas, seconded Mr.. Cross. The challenged
party chose rifles of the Burnside patent,
at sixty PAGES. Mr.. Mowry objected to
both weapons and distance, as contrary to
! the code, claiming that the Burnside rife
| is fancy" piece, not ruleable, without
the consent of both parties, and giving an
unfair advantage to the one accustomed to
the weapon. His second objection was,
that the rule of the code rendered it i'm
perative that the distance with rifles should
not exceed forty PAGES. Lieut.. Mowry
finally withdrew his objection to the weap-
on, and, with the consent of Mr.. Cross.
the distance was fixed at forty PAGES.
The ground selected was in the imme-
diate suburbs of Tubac. The duel took
place about FIVE o'clock p. m. About
thirty spectators were present, compris-
ing nearly two-thirds of the American res
idents within circuit of fifty miles. It
was characteristic frontier spectacle
Every man on the ground was armed with
revolvers and bowie knives and strong par
tsan feelings were manifested. The prin-
| clpals took their stations, and the word
was given by George d. Mercer, Lieuten-
ant Mowry's second. Three shots were
| exchanged without effect. Upon the
fourth round, the cap on Mowry's rifle did
| not explode, while Cross bali vhistled
harmlessly past his antagonist. Mowry
| held his rifle still levelled, as an indication
that he had not had his shot and manv.
not understanding the code, supposed that
he designed trying it again. Several grasp
| ed their pistols as if to shoot him down
| and there were cries of Hold your firel'
| Don't shoot, Mowryv" Meanwhile Cross
stood perfectly calm, awaiting the result.
Mr.. Mercer advanced, when Mowry i'm
'mediately lowered his rife and handed it
to his second. They still claimed their
shot as a right under the code. Mr. Cross
unhesitatingly expressed his willingness
to grant it, but his second demurred AZ
ter comforting with several gentleman fa-
miliar with the code, who agreed with Mr..
| Mowry that he was entitled to the shot,
| Captain Donaldson acquiesced, and Mr..
Cross handing him his rifle folded his
arms, apparently unconcerned, and faced
his antagonist.
At this stage of the proceedings the
spectators became terribly excited. Many
| perhaps majority, thought it unfair, and
some spoke of putting a summary stop to
| the whole affair, but upon learning that
those present supposed to be best acquain-
ted with the duello had declared him en-
| titled to it, they reluctantly fell back
| At the word Of command, Mr.. Mowry
| fired in the air, and declared himself sat
isfed. Cross had stood, with heroic valor,
| directly facing him, not knowing that he
could rely upon his generosity to decline
firing upon an unarmed foe, fully expect
ing death, and yet not nerve trembled
not a single evidence of fear was dis
played. His antagonist was completely
unnamed. Tears sprung into his eyes,
bition. A brave man could not look up
on even q deadly foe thus circumstanced
without feeling a deep emotion.
Mr.. Mercer, MOwry's second, crossed
the field, and taking Cross by the hand,
informed him that Mr.. Mowry, was salts
fed. They started forward to meet Now
~, and after shaking hands, they
stood for some minutes to receive the con
gratulations of their friends. Some one
produced that inevitable "black bottle y
which in the progress of civilization. is al
ways found on the frontiers, and after a
drink all round, the company left the
ground.
As both gentlemen were perfectly cool
throughout, and apparently unconcerned,
you will perhaps be surprised that neither
was struck. Both are good shots, but
there was very strong wind at the time,
making good shooting impossible, espe-
cially with the weapons chosen for this
rencounter. The Burnside rifle weighs
. but I! pounds, is short, and not well bal
, anced. The ball is large slug, should
; think over one ounce in weight They
f will project ball | 900 yards, and like all
guns ranged for long distances, are not
! | well adapted for close shooting. Mowry's
, first shot grazed his antagonists ear, oaus-
1 ing an involuntary dodge, just stperceptible,
. | and Mr.. Cross second shot caused a SINH
D lar movement on the part of Mr.. Mowry
Y The whole community rejoices at the re-
= suit and we hope it will be long before we
1 have another "affair of honor" in our
: vicinity. Very truly yours,