Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-08-26

Mr. Wise and his two friends lett Browns
Hotel, Washington, d. C., at p o'clock, ~ NJ,
on Saturday, August Goth, proceeded by the
way of Glcnwood Cemetery 10 a point one mile
and half beyond Rock Creek Church, at which
place finding none Of the other party, they
passed on TO the nearest point Of the Maryland
line, taking care to station scntincis at each OF
the two forks of the road between Tie two lat
ter mentioned places. These sentinel, were in
Strllctcd to direct the carriages OF the other
party when they should appear.
The first named party was on tho ground at
about four o'clock, y. N. because OF some
misunderstanding as TO the exact place Of rem
devious, the challenging party did not arrive
until 81 o'clock, 4. NJ.
Mr.. Did was accompanied by DR.. JuniuS
Archer, Of Chesterfield county, Va, and Hon,
James A. Seldom, Of Goochand county. Va
I Mr.. Wise was accompanied by Col. }. I.uciu>
Davis, of lIcnrico county, Va, and Col. Warm
cr I. Taliaferro .Jr Of Matthews county, Va
Each principal WIS also attended by SIR
geon.
The second, proceeded to select and measure
the ground Dir. Archer then expressed re-
crct that the hour of meeting had been delayed,
the sun having risen, the glare Of light would
he very painful to Mr.. Olds eyes, which were
much diseased. and DR.. Archer suggested that
the terms OF the lnel should be varied in such
manner AS to secure Mr.. Old Il position which
would place his back 70 the sun.
Col. Davis reported this suggestion 10 his
PRINCIPAL. Mr. Wise desired Col. Davis to ac-
cede TO the suggestion. This advice met the
approval of Col. Davis, who Immediately
,irniiicd to Dr. Archer his own CO.
incidence, and that of his principal, with DR.
, Archer's suggestion. Col. Davis then remark
ed TO the following effect: 81 suppose. gentle
men, we toss up for the word; do wc:" Col.
! Davis understood Mr.. Olds friends to assent.
! Col. Talialcrro afterwards protested against
the course adopted; he thought this would
weld an advantage TO tho other party, and
that no second ought to assume the heavy re-
snonsibility OF such Il concession. Col. Davis
replicd that he was willing at any time to take
the place of his principal; that, lie was assured,
the nature of the positions would not, in any
event. seriously obstruct the vision Of his prln-
cipal: also that he desired his principal to as
, sumo moral position Of generosity TO his adj
vcr>ary for which so favorable an opportunity
now offered This conference WAS, ot course,
held apart from the other party.
| Col. Davis then announced to DR.. Archer,
that. in consequence Of Col. Taliaierros Oh
lection, he felt called ON to reconsider the Us
sent lust given to DR.. Archcrs SUGGESTION
DR.. Archer replied that in case the suggestion
were adopted, he was ready to yield TO Col.
Davis the right to give the word. Col Davis,
regarding Col. Taliafcrros objection us virtual
| ~ overrucd by Mr. Wise, then announced to
the other party that he felt authorised to ac-
ccde to the suggestion Of DIR. Archer, and that
he. Col Davis, assumed the whole response
biity Of such assent.
The seconds then proceeded to inspect and
load the pistols in the presence Of all parties;
After which. Col. Davis explained and repeated
distinctly the manner IN which he should give
the word The principals were then placed IN
position and armed Mr.. Old held his pistol
down-Mr. Wise held his up. The seconds
then took positions on each side OF the line Of
fire. facing each other, and at equal distances
from the principals.
Col. Davis gave the word The principals
fired simultaneously between the words "one
and "two"-both without effect.
Col. Davis asked whether further satisfaction
was demanded:
Mr.. Odds second replied as follows:
being the challenging, and. as he CONSIDERS
the aggricvcd party, my principal can make no
protIar or adjustment; but suspend the cial-
! lcngc to allow the opportunity to the o'her
party to make any, if desired
To which Mr. Wise dictated the following
answer:
81 not only believe, but am fully convinced
that | am the agsricvcd party; that the chai-
/ lengc which have been forced to accept was
unnecessarily given. can make no proposal
| for adjustment which have not already made
To which Mr. Odds second replied:
! MY principal can only renew his challenge
| and demand another fire.
! The principals holding weapons, and princi
pals and seconds taking positions, as before,
! Col. Davis again gave the word. Mr. Wise
/ fired frst-shortly after the word "one"-Mr.
Old firing Immediately afterwards. Both fires
\ ,,-ara ;nefEactnal