Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1860-04-18
Tho Difficulty Between Mcssrs Pryor and
Potion

About column and II half Of yesterdays Ma
tional lntelligencer is occupied with tho cores
oondence between the Hon. Roger A. Pryor and
the Hon. John /. Potter in relation to their late
threatened affair Of honor" As we have uliea-
iy given the main points involved in thus ''impor.
anr correspondence, rs We don't believe the fate
Of the universe depends giving il to the reader
nj length. we subj u few extracts.
After some preliminary correspondence. Mr. pry
ar (through his friend Mr.. Chismnn,) demands of
Mr.. Potter "thc satisfaction usual among gen,c
men, Mr.. Potter replies by referring Mr.. Pryor
20 his friend Col, Lander, to make tho necessary
arrangements. Now comes letter from Mr.. Ian
der, in which he says:
have 10 state that my principal Hon. John
+. Potter. dlsclaiming the particular rules of tho
code; Will fight Hon, Roger a. Pryor with the
common bowie knife, at sucha place, private room
"r open air, in this District. as we may agree up.
On. at time to be fixed within the next twelve
(l2) hours by you and myself: dist ,ncn four feet
at commencement OF engagement. Two seconds
TO be present to each principal. Seconds restrict.
ed to one naval revolver each. kures OF principals
at equal weight and length of blade. Fight to
commence ut tho word three, 81 Tho chilling of
the tally aud words ~ between principal seconds
10 be decided by turning piece Of money
To this proposition to fight with bowie knives,
Mr., Chsman Mr.. Pryor's lriend) responds:
mot recognizing this vulgar, barbarous and IN
human mode Of settling difficulties rs either usual
among gentlemen or consistent with the notions
OF civilized society, | must, without referring
your communication TO my principal, or even see
ing him. emphaticallv refuse TO allow him to en-.
! gasage in 1t. Whenever your principal will reply
TO Mr.. Pryor's demand in such II wav us NAV seen,
to be consistent with any fair AMI even most ihc-
raj construction of the rules OF the code--whe,h.
! er particular or general shall be most happy
! to communicate to my principal such response
| To this Mr. Lander rejoins that his principal
; dstests and abhors the barbarous and nbuman
: mode of settling difficulties usual among gentle
men" termed dueling lie aids:
i "Called upon by note to reply to your princpal
| he has made his statement. As his friend have
4 presented it. You object to the terms They werc
! such rs would alone enable my principal. who is
I unacqnainled with the usual weapons Of ducsts I,
meet your friend on equal terms lie will not &c
/ out Of This District to fight duel He valves the
usual last resort of the Don-duelistthe assertion
that he viii defend himself wherever assailed lie
even goes 50 far as to be willing to name time
place aud sceapons when at this stage of the alir
you appeal to the strict terms of the code md
express Yourself dissatisfied There il but one re
| suit. disciaim anyrof the scruples which have
actuated my friend, Mr.. potter Differing with
him % much rs q man can in politics. I believe
with him that every American citizen isentitled t,
the full xpression OF opinion. therefore present
myself in bis place, without restrictions"
To Mr.. Lander's offer, Mr.. Chisman replies tina, Mr.
Pryor nor himself have any quarrel with Mr.. Lander
and, therefore respectfully declines to take him as
substitute for his principal MO. terminates thu
correspondence with regret that they have been una
DC TO august the matter between their principals ii