Ellsworth American., 1866-04-20
ri i5cell Il { q Il s.
All Ready for a Duel.

Ford. Our Colonel had been shot bv an
Indian guerilla, and our Lieut.. Colonel
had gone home sick and so the command
dcvolved on our Major. whose name was
Fa.well. He was middle aged, dashine
fellow, given tc social enjoyment, and, as a
general thing, keeping on pretty friendly
terms with those about him. He was
naturally free aud easy-a fine soldier and
II strict disciplnarian. He was kind
hearted aud generous man,th0ugh troubled
with q temper that led him into error at
times.
Major Earwell had been in command
but n few weeks, when he concluded to
send for his wife to come and STAY with
him through the summer. He had com
Portable and commodious quarters. and
there was little danger that the Indians
would make another attack.
was on n fDrag,ns expedition when
Mrs. Farwell arrived; but l returned on
the following dav and was in season to at
tend the party which the Major gave OH
the occasion. The staff and line officers.
not kept away on duty, We're all present,
and Joy and mcrriment ruled the hour.
Mrs. Farwel was younger than her
u
with peculiar grace and dignity, without
any effort or show at atfcctation. She as
su.n"d no needless reserve, but treated her
guests with kindness and consideration,
seemingly only anxious that all should
feel at home and enjoy themselves.
In that far off region the laws Of total
abstinence were not strictly adhered to ;
and on the present occasion we not only
emptied many bottles of wine. but several
bottles of old Bourbon were included in
the bill of fare, Towards midnight the
ladies withdrew, but the officers were not
Iuitcircady to retire. Tie Major was in
the highest spirits, and song aud story,
with flowing g0blets, gave Us occupation.
BY and by, proposed II toast. "Mrs. Maj
or Farwell," and it was drank with three
hearty cheers. Why in the world the
Major should have taken offence, could
not comprehend; but he did so. and in
timated that | had better not make too
free with his wife's name.
"Egad! !" | replied without stopping to
weigh my words, ''it You must have your
handsome lady as sacred as that you
ought not to have brought her ont here
Capt, Willet," he cried, rising to his
feet. "if you breathe the lady's name again,
I'll kick You from my quarters"
BOUNDS !" he uttered, in hurried
wisper. don't say another word The
Majors mad, and he's bit Jealous, too.
Can't you see it J"
AS Walter spoke, it flashed upon me
that Mrs. Farwell had been attractive to
me. She had danced with me four or
five timc., and had promcnaded with me
upon the piazza.
But could not bear such language as
Major Farwcll had addressed to me, and
in spite of my friends remonstrance. |
retortcd upon him. My blood was heated
with whiskcy, and cared no more for the
officer at that time, than l
would have cared for drummer boy.
BY. sir"' replied with an oath.
which need not repeat. 'yOu would have
a fine time kicking me ont Perhaps you
had better try now" :"
The Major sprang towards me and
caugh; me by the collar. thought at the
time that he meant to strike but | was
convinced that he did not
But struck him upon the cheek with the
fiat of my hand
With Kissing oath, he drew pistol
from his pocket, but before he could use
it the Adjutant caught his arm. and three
or four OF my friends hurried me from the
room, and led me to my own quarters.
On the following morning, awoke with
but a pleasant feeling. and when
l remembered what had transpired during
the previous night, felt wrctched enough.
cursed the wine cup and the wniskey
bottle from the bottom Of my heart and ill.,
wardly resolved would touch the stuff no
more. Still, was forced to take Il stiff
hot toddy to steady my nerves; and after
| had dressed myself, sat down to a cup of
coffee. was thus engaged, when our
Adjutant, Mr.. .Bowker,entered my quarters.
badc him good morning, and asked him
t he would not take some breakfast with
me.
"Not now" said he, shaking his head.
Il have called upon business. All, Cap
ain. this is bad affair Do You remem-
Der that You struck the Major last night !"
"Yes. remember it very weli-remem.
Dcr it too we'll" l.
"He expects you will make an apology"
pursued the Adjutant.
And if do not 7"
"Then You must fight him."
"fou were present, Bowker during the
entire scene %
"Ies."