The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1860-04-25

When at this stage of the affair you
appeal to the strict terms of the code and
express yourself dissatisfied, there is but
one result. I disclaim any of the scru,
pies which have ectuated my friend, Mr.
Potter. Differing with him as much as
man can in politics, / believe with him
tina! every American citizen is entitled to
the free expression of opinion. 1, there
fore, present myself to you in his place,
without restrictions. l have the honor to
be, most respectfully,
F. W. LANDER.
Inasmuch as Mr.. Potter was unac-
quainted with the weapons casual among
gentlemen" bis second differing with
him in politics as much as any man can"
offers to stand in Potter's place. This
Mr.. Chisman declined, as neither he nor
his principal chad any qaarrel' with Mr..
Lander. Mr.. Lander wrote another note
to correct misapprehension Of Chisman
in regard to Potter defending himself.
Among other things he says:
Il beg to assure you, without consult.
ing with my principal. that he will pro-
tect himself with honor whenever assail.
ed"
Here the correspondence Of Mr.. CHS
man and Lander closed. On the next day
Chsman published card of which the
following is the important portion:
In further explanation of Mr.. Pryor's
position in the controversy with Mr.. Pot
ter, l deem it proper to make public the
following notes, which, though never de-
iivered, nave an essential bearing On the
transaction. The first note was handed
to me by Mr.. Pryor, in Alexandria, and
at his urgent entrea'y l agreed, against
my own Judgment, to deliver it to Mr..
Potter. but which, on reaching Washing
ton, in deference to the earnest and uuan-
imous remonstrance of the Hon. Messrs
Lamar, Keitt and Miles, determined to
take the responsibility of Withholding:
VIRGINIA. 12 O'Clock, April 49,
SIR,-I avail myself of the earliest
moment after q report from my friend,
M. Chisman, to send You this note.
In consequence of the impossibility of
communicating with me, my friend has been
compelled to proceed without conference
in the several stages Of this controversy.
He has acted in ICY behalf, from the high
est impulses Of honor, and in obedience
to the rules which govern the conduct of
gentlemen in the settlement of personal
difficulties. Nevertheless, cannot abide
his decision y u
Protesting against the terms of combat
you offer-1st because they do not afford
me the satisfaction usual among gentle
men" which you engaged to accord me
by your acception of my challenge; 2dly,
because they are induman, asrocious, and
repugnant to all the sentiments of civil
lied community; 3dly, because, by reason
of your greatly superior size and strength,
they deny me every condition of equal en-
couuter--never,heless l do accept your
terms, and will fight you as you propose.
My friend, Mr.. Chismar is authoriz
ed to arrange the details of time and
place.
Before concluding must assure you
that in the use Of every weapon save one
the pistol-yeu have at least as much
experience and expertness as myself
To this note require reply in your
own name.
have the honor to be, very respectfully
ROGER A Pryor
| Hon. JeHN F. POTTER.
MIR Pryor, on returning to Washing
ton, being unable to find a friend who
would carry the above note, handed me
the following, which 1 agreed to deliver
J to Mr.. Potter:
APRIL A, 1860
| Sir: seize the earliest opportunity
after my return to this city and an exam.
ination of the correspondence between Mr..
Lander and Mr.. Chisman, in reference to
the difficulty between US, to respond to the
intimation conveying in your seconds
| last note.
Although your proposed terms of COM
bat were rejected by my friend without
conference with me, ye. have no alter
native now but to submit to his decision.
find, however, in your rather significant
and emphatic proclamation of q purpose
to defend yourself against attack, some
faint possibility of settlement of the con-
troversy between US. Acting on that sug-
gestion, l beg to inform you that if you
will. within three hours, name particular
time and desiglats some place, out of the
thoroughfares end most frequented por-
tions ofthe city-vith view to escape
interruption and to avoid injury to other
pe:sons-I will afford you ali opportunity
to redeem the vaunt with which you par.
ade your resources of self defence.
Your obedient servant,
| ROGER A. PRYOR
My friend Mr.. Chisman, will deliver
the note. X. A. r.
Hon. JOHN F. POTTER.
When on my way to deliver the above
to Mr.. Potter, to my surprise 1 was au'
thoritatively inform ed that he had been ar