New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-04-19
T0TiY 1oeliiefit sefvaTIt. 977
WIZ. P0RCHER NILES.
The Potter and Pryor D,meuity.
DgrARrnEyr or srArE,

The following is the version in Republican quar-
tiers of the belligerent correspondence between
Messrs. Pryor and Potter, as reported by the
Washington correspondent of the New York Her
aid:
1t is understood that after MFR. Potter replied to
MIR. Pryor's first note that he would receive any
message that might be sent him in the district, Mr.
Pryor asked him if he would accept challenge,
to which Mr.. Porter replied that he would inform
him whenever challenge reached him. Mr.. Pryor
then sent him challenge, to which Mr.. Potter re-
Piled referring him to Colonel Lander to make the
necessary arrangements. These terms as proposed
by Colonel Lander to Mr.. 7. p. Chisman were,
that Mr.. Potter, though disclaiming allegiance to
the code, would fight Mr.. Pryor in any place, in
doors or out, in the District, with bowie knives.
This was declined on the ground that the weapons
were barbarous and inhuman, and not usual among
gentlemen. To this Colonel Lander replied that
Mr. Potter detested the whole system OF dueilng
as barbarous and inhuman, but being called to ac-
count for the exercise of free speech on the floor
of the House he consented, not being accustomed
to the usual weapons Of the duelist. to meet him
in a wav that would place them equal terms,
and to name the time, place and weapons But as
the weapons named by Mr.. Potter were objected
to, Colonel Lander, without MY. Potter's know
ledge, rendered himself to Mr.. Pryor without re-
strictons which was also declined on the ground
that he had no quarrel with Col. Lander.
The correspondence between the friends Of sir.
Potter and Mr.. Pryor did not close till this morn
| ing. It cannot be published until Mr. Chsman,
1SSt1
| and his consent obtained
The policy of both parties in the Potter and
Pryor affair to be to keep the correspondence
back and not rush to print There is also some talk,
on the part of Pryor Of reopening the correspond
| ence, either for the purpose of obtaining fight
with Potter or Lander, or some kind Of settlement
which will be alike honorable to both parties.
1t was anticipated until late in the evening that
the correspondence, which is somewhat elaborate
| and spicy would be furnished for publication.
| The main points in it are as follows
First-Several notes passed to determine whether
the challenge should be given and accepted in the
/ District Mr. Potter ignoring the Southern code by
4 refusing to leave the District and stabshing one
of his own by not leaving it.
/ Second-The challenging party went to Virginia
Il from which they dated their notes and gave the
challenge, which was received and accepted by
the challenged party in the District.
Third-Potters ultimatum was sent to Pryor las
night, about o'clock, announcing that he would
fight with bowe-knives, in room or in the oper
air, within twelve hours That the principal:
should take their position within four feet Of eaci
other; that the battle should commence at giyeI
word which should be announced by one OF tht
seconds; that each second should stand in the rea
of his principal, armed with Colt navy pistol Y
! see fair play. #
Fourth-At about IL o'clock Pryor's second, Mr.
Chisman, whose adviser was understood to be Ser
! ator Hunter, returned an answer, declining tn
I terms and denouucing them as barbarons.
Fifth-Mr. Lander the second of Mr.. Potter, in
mediately replied that if the Bowie knife was ba
| barous he believed the whole code OF homer ?
less so, and in order to accommodate the gent
man he would waive the barbarity, and offer hir
self as substitute for his principal which act VI
1 not known to MFR. Potter. Mr.. Lander, 1T is nnde
stood, offered to fight in such way as would !
? satisfactory to the opposite party.
4 4 In this tilt Col Beal, of Pennsylvania, Unite
IA States Engineer, acted as the friend of Col: La
e der. Mr.. Chisman, the friend of Pryor, replied
e this act of courtesy on the part OF Lander, IN,
], neither he nor Mr.. Pryor had any, quarrel VIII
a him, and they must decline meeting him. :,
$ And here ends the correspondence. This La
note of Mr.. Chisman was received BY Col. Landt
:, n tempt to reopen the subject it is said that
u Potter will not permit it, as Mr., Chisman, actin,
e for Pryor, announced that it must close in his moi
I declining to accept the proposal Of col. Lande
\ faction now is by a street attack, which Pottt
a | will not shrink from.