The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-04-17
THE PRYOR AND POTTER DIFFICULTY


In consequence of the numerous false rumors
which have been industriously circulated through
the Northern press, the undersigned deem it pro-
per to make the following publication. The sub.
joined correspondence took place in consequence
of certain words uttered in the House of Repre-
sentatives between Messrs. Pryor and Potter. Mr..
Hindman, as appears from his memorandum
(marked 4, being compelled to return home, Mr.
keitt received from Mr.. Lander Mr.. POtters first
note, with the understanding that he was to hand
it to Mr.. Miles, who delivered it to Mr.. Pryor. As
Mr.. Lander distinctly stated to Mr.. kett that Mr..
Potter toould not leaCe the District, it deemed
proper, for obvious reasons, and to guard against
interruption in the affair, that one other than
member of Congress should bear the challenge
to hostile meeting an the District to Mr. Potter.
MIR. Chisman, nonresident of Washington, then
assumed the place of acting friend for Mr.. PRYOR.
Mr. Miles advised with him throughout, entirely con-
Cured with him in every step up to the termina-
tion of the correspondence on their part, and has
desired to make this public statement of his posi-
ton. t. 2. CHIsMAN,
WIN. PoRcHER MILES.
Sir: Will you have the kindness to designate a
place, outside the District of Columbia, and the
time, when and where there may be further cor
respondence between usE
have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c.
Hon. John F. Potter. ROGER A. Pryor.
MEMORANDUM.
On to-day, at o'clock and ten minutes, met
Mr.. Potter in one of the sitting of the House
of Representatives and delivered to him Mr.. Pry-
or's first note, copy of which, marked ga, ,4is in
Mr. Pryor's possession. Mr.. Potter opened the
note, which unsealed and read it. | then in
quired at what time his answer would be communi-
Gated; to which he replied that it should be at his
earliest convenience, but perhaps that would not
be before morning. At 5 o'clock, hearing rumors
of a probable arrest of the parties | met Mr. Pot
ter in the same room, and informed him of those
rumors, and also that Mr. Pryor had gone out of
this District to avoid arrest He said that he
would endeavor to avoid arrest but could not
leave Immediately, lest his wife, who was at the
time in the gallery, should be alarmed. At this
same interview [ informed Mr.. Potter that | was
suddenly called home by sickness in my family
and that Hon. L. NJ Keitt would act in my stead.
had previously had notified him of this in writing.
April II, 1860. T.C. HINDMAN.
APRIL IL, 1860
Sir: Your note of this date, received by the
hands of Hon. Thos. G.. Hindman, invites s.cor-
respondence," to be hereafter conducted outside of
the District of Columbia, evidently to avoid on
your part certain penalties imposed by law. | re-
ply that the constitution of Wisconsin allows me
escape from the consequences of such "cor-
respondence" as you seem to contemplate, where
ever it may be conducted. | therefore inform you
that such ''further correspondence you may
wish to make may be delivered to my friend, Col.
+. w. Lander.
l have the honor to be, very respectfully your
obedient servant, JNO. f. Potter,
Hon. Roger A. Pryor.
VIRGINIA, April II, 1860
Sir: In order to be assured that do not misap-
prehend the precise import of your note by Mr..
Lander, beg to inquire if you will accept chal-
!enge from me in the District of Columbia.
have the honor to be very respectfully, &C.,
Hon. Jno. f. Potter. ROGER A. PRYOR.
ArRrL u, 1860.
Sir If there be any ambiguity in my note of
last evening, after the explanation by my friend,
Col. Lander, to your friend, Col. Kett, last night,
and MIR. Chisman to-day, which understand be
made, beg to say that will answer the inquiry
contained in your note of to day when a chalc nge
shall reach me.
have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c.
JOHN F. Potter.
Hon. Roger A. Pryor.
NoTE-Immediaely receipt of the above delivered
the following note with which had been furnished by
Mr.. Pryor in advance T. p. CHIsMAN.
VIRGINIA, April IL, 1860.
Sir demand the satisfaction usual among gen
uemen for tn personal atfront you offered me in
debate and for winch you were pleased to avOw
your responsibility.
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Hon. John f. Potter. ROGER A. PRYoR.
p. s. My friend, Mr.. Chisman, will deliver this
note. RAP
APRIL u, ~ P. NJ.
Hon. Mr.. Chsman-Sir: Owing to my not being
causing him to change his place of meeting,) am
note you have favored ne with for short space
of time, say for few hours.
| am most respectfully, yours, &c.