The colored Tennessean., 1865-10-07
AN "4FfiIR' BETWEEN A WHALING CAP
TAIN AND 4 MILITARY OFFICER,


Perhaps some of my readers ma
haze heard Of the story Of the due
between old Captain Lovett, of Ne,
Bedford, and the English officer i
DGmara. 1t has been variously relate
but the only true version is as fol
lows: ra
Captain Zachariah Lovett, afte
having performed several whalin,
voyages to the Pacific, found himsel
IN command Of q small brig belongin,
70 New York on a voyage to Demara
Hfe was 4 worthy man and goo,
specimen Of Yankee sailor-hi
heart was full Of the milk of human
kindness, but he possessed nobl,
splrit-and would neither give no,
take an insult.
While his little brig Cinderella la,
AT anchor in Demarara river. Captair
Loyett one afternoon entered coffee
house where he met with a friend
and they amused themselves by
knocking the balls about in the bill
lard room. Soon after, and before
the game was half finished, some
English military officers entered, one
Of whom, Capt. Bigbee, stepped up to
capt Lovett, who was arrayed in O
very plain, not to say ordinary cos
tune, and with a bullying air demand
ed the table, as himself and brother
officers wished to play a match.
Capt, LOvett gave the red-coated
gentleman a stern look, but replied
with courtesy, that he and his friend
had engaged the table, and would play
out their game, after which, if the
gentlemen wished to play, it was at
their service.
But we can't wait" said Captain
Bigbee, in an insolent tone
You must wait, Them coolly re-
piled Capt. Lovett.
D But we shall do no such thing
exclaimed the surly Briton. 1--WE
came here to play billiards, and we
have no idea Of being disappointed
by 2 couple Of fellows who hardly
know Z mace from cue, or a ball
from pocket 1t will take YOU all
the afternoon to finish the game, so
clear out
Capt. Lovett and his friend played
on.
"Come," continued the officer,
enough Of this-marker place the
balls. Saying which with most
mpudent air, he seized one of the |
balls which Captain Lovett's oppo |
lent had just driven into the pocket.
another which was near
lin.
The matter was growing serious.
apt. Loyett's eye flashed fire, for,
llthough he had mingled q good deal
-mong the Quakers, and respected
hat moral sect for their humility and
nlet demeanor, he was no non-resist
mt man himself He doubled up his
st Of portentious size.
Put those balls upon the table, You
conndrel," exclaimed he imperative
7, land leave the roOm.'
"Who do you call scoundrel. YOU
ankee blackguard I? Do you know
lat you are talking to one of his ma
sty's officers? Take that for your
npudence,'' at the same time suiting
le action to the word, and hitting
apt. L0yett across the shoulder with
&c cue. But in an instant he receiv-
blow on his forehead, exactly !
here phrenologists locate the organ !
eventuality, which would have
lied an OK, and submissively ac-
lowledged the favor by measuring :
5 length upon the floor. =
His brother officers, who were with !,
m, had the good sense to see that :
gbee was to blame-and though /
ey looked rather black at the Yam :
es, they wisely forhore to molest /
EN- further,-but assisted the stun h
q bully into another room, where n
the help Of some restoratives, he h
on recovered his senses. His rage =
q modification at the result Of the Il
lcontre, knew no bounds, and with " u
my bitter oath he determined to &c
re satisfaction. :
Before Capt Lovett left the coffee 10
use, a billet was handed him by m
sut. James, which proved to be a ol
lllenge; q peremptory challenge VI
m Capt Bigbee, in which it was in fo
ted that arrangements should be bee
de for an early meeting, that he sn
ght have an opportunity to wash :
the atfront he had received i'm wi
1t. Lovett's heart blood. no
'aptain Lovett smiled when he saw on
h manifestations of Christian ar,
it. Cd
Tell Capt. Bigbee," said he, s.that 60;
i'll not baulk him. He shall have M
opportunity he SO earnestly seeks. amg, m
lough not fighting man, / am t6f
iiar with the duel laws, and if he mi,
be tomorrow morning on the hin
Of the green Canal, near the Sto
tn quay, rather a secluded spot, Lo
hail have satisfaction to my hearts snc
5ent" ho.
lieutenant James bowed politely wb
Captain LOyett went on board the &c,
lerilla soon after, and ordered his I
!, Mr.. Starbuck, also a veteran linz
to select the two best oyn
oons, have them nicely fitted, as staf tr
opportunity might offer on the har
,ow, Of striking porpoise. Mr.. moi,
ouck obeyed his superior officer, han
alacrity, although he wondered tain
q little why Captain Lovett ex- IN.
a to find porpoises in Demarara nc |;