Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-04-16

Col. F. w. LANDER
WASHINGTON, April 10, 1905 In.
Sir L received your last note at half past seven
O'Clock this morning. In it you reiterate your
assertion that your principal shall not meet Nj
Potter with bowie knives, making assurance
doubly sure.
Ihave to correct an impression have apparently
conveyed In my last letter-an expression also re-
1crred TO in your note. 1t appears that my state
ment that Mr. Potter valves the usual last resort
OF tue non-duellist-the assertion that he will de-
Tend himself wherever assailed'-has led you to
DeleVe that he will not defend himself if as
saulteu. This is a IN stake. IL for the time he
waived the mere assertion, and placed himself
SO lar as ne could, at the disposal Of Mr.. Pryor
In regard to personal combat. by no means be-
lleve that he will not defend himself
peg 10 assure you, without consulting with
my principal, that he will protect himself with
duty to inform you that Hon. John F. Potter did
not know OF my Offer to appear for him
me iurther remarks of your letter being mere
expressions Of opinion upon mod of adjustj no
difhculties the Propriety of which we are not dis
cussing have nothing to offer in reply
l nave the honor to be, most respectfully,
Ho'- L. l.. CHIsMAN +. w. LANDER.
CARD FROM Mr.. CHIsMAy
In further explanation of Mr.. Pryors position
In the controversy with Mr.. Potter [ deem i,
which, though never delivered, have an essen.
tial bearing on the transaction. The first note
was handed to lie by Mr. Pryor in Alexandra
and at bis urgent entTeaty agreed, against nv
own judgment, to deliver it to Mr. Potter bn,
which, on reaching Washington in Difference 10
the earnest and unanimous Temonstrance of the
Hon Messrs. Lamar, keitt, and Miles, | deter
mined to take the responsibility Of withholding:
VIRGINIA. II O'Clock April Is. 1863
Sir: avail myself of the earliest moment after
report from my friend, Mr.. Chisman to send
you this note
In consequence of the impossibility of commu-
nlcatlng with me, my friend has been compelled
to proceed without conference in the several
stages OF this controversy. He had acted in my
behalf from the highest impulses of honor, and
In obedience to the rules which govern the con-
duct OF gentlemen in the settlement of personal
diticulhes. Nevertheless, cannot abide his de-
CisiOn.
Before formally accepting your terms of combat,
must repel the lntlnlation conveyed in the note
OF your friend, Mr.. Lander to the effect that am
seeking In some way to restrict Your liberty OF
speech as Representative. 1 do not question
your privileges in that regard | only intend to
vlndicate my own character against an ssDersjon
which you interpolat.d without warrant in the
official report Of the debates in the House of eprc-
sentdtlves, and for which you refused any apology
Protesting against the terms of combat You
oner-lst because they do not afford me the Stsat-
lsfactlon usual among gentlemen which YOU
engaged to accord me by YOUR acceptance of my
challenge; IDLY, becaus" they are inhuman, afro
cious' ana rePugnant to all the sentiments of a
civilized community; 3dy, because, bv reason of
your greatly superior size and strength they DENY
me every condition of equal ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
less, do accept your terms, and will hit YOU as
you propose.
My friend, Mr.. Chisman. is authorized to ar.
range the details of time and place
Before concluding, must assure you that in the
use OF every weapon save one-the pisto-you
nave at least as much experimental expertness az
myself.
TO this note require reply in your own name
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
ROGER PRYOR.
MIR: Pryor, on returning to Washington. being
unable to find friend who would carry the above
deliver to Mr.. Potter:
APRIL II, 1860
Sir: seize the earliest opportunity after NV re-
turn to the city and an examination of the CORES
Pondence between Mr.. Lander and Mr. Chisnan
In reference to the di f.iculty between u.s. to re.
spond to the intimaton conveyed in your second J,
last note.
Although your proposed terms of combat were
rejected by my friend without conference with
me, yet have no alternative now but TO submit
to his decision. / find, however, in your rather
significant and emphatic proclamation of q Dur
pose to defend yourself against attack some fain;
possibility Of a settlement of the controversy be
tween MS. Acting on that suggestion. | beg to in
form you that if you will, within the next three
hours, name particular time AMI de 8 gnate some
place, cut Of the thoroughfare frequented
portions OF the city-with a view to escape inter
ruptlon, and avoid injury To other persons-I will
anord You an opportunity to redeem the vaunt
with which you parade your resources OF self
defence. Your obcdient servant
ROGER A PRYOR.
My friend, Mr.. Chisman, will deliver this
Hon JOHN F. POTTER.
When OH my way to deliver the above tn AR
Potter. to my surprise | was authoritatiyely in.
formed that he had been arrested and mt nnda,
bonds to keep the peace. After this. / couId al
course present no such communica on to him
Il. II. CHIsMAN.