Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-13
" Fun" that was not all Fun-A Bloodless
Duel and its Consequences.

| From the Atlanta New Era.l
A correspondent writing us from Ring
gold, Ga, May 18th, says:
i am informed that in one of the eoun-
ties in the 7th Congressional District the
United States Tax Assessor is a foreigner,
does not speak very correctly the Eng
lish language, is very credulous and re-
markably fond of field sports Some of
the g boys in the village in which the
Assessor resides, knowing his peculiari-
ties, determined, not long since, to have,
at the Assessors expense, a little fun"
In order to successfully accomplish
their purpose, one of "the boys whom
] will call Jones, took occasion to let the
Assessor know there was kind of bird
in the country called "Yelper-stretcher,
very numerous and easily caught The
mode of taking the birds vas explained.
The hunters were to go at night, take
along bag or bags, according TO
the number of birds desired, find the
birds and then place one of the company
down by bag to hold the mouth of the
bag open, while the others went ronnd
to drive in the birds
The night for the sport was agreed on,
the time came, and away to the woods
went the boys and the Assessor. After
travelling some distance the hunting
ground was reached As the sport was
new to the Assessor, and being stranger
he was assigned the duty of holding open
the bag for the (" Yelper-stretchers to
run in A suitable log was found, and
down by it, on his knees, the Assessor
was placed, and instructions given as to
the manner of holding the bag for the
game He was told that when he heard
the boys whistle, he would know the birds
were coming and to remain quiet and |
patient. The boys left the Assessor on
his knees (perhaps for the first time), and |
determined to keep him in that praying |
posture for some time, they returned to
town and went to bed Toward midnight, |
the position of the Assessor being a little |
uncomfortable, and not hearing the long
expected whistle, he returned TO the |
" boarding house with the bag, but
without the birds But the sequel is to
be told
Early next morning, after passing a
feverish and restless night, the Assessor
arose from his bed, and hastily penned
the following note:
Mr. Jones' For your insulting con-
duct to me last night, / demand a gentle
manly apology. In case you refuse, you
O. clock and bring the weapons pistols,
and will furnish the surgeon. Signing
this laconic and explicit note, the Asses
sor speedily dispatched it TO Mr.. Jones.
Here was an unlocked for turn in the
u fun, and it becamea matter of some
Importance to Mr.. Jones, to give another
turn to the affair, and he Immediately re
piled to the Assessor: | have received
rom you very illegal document Ii is
/ high penal offense in Georgia to send
,r receive challenge, and | am unwil-
ing to commit crime against the laws
IF the State. tits illegal and void because
{ has on il no revenue stamp. | do not de-
lire TO be killed, and | have no wish 10
nil you, for then | should have whole
egiment of negroes TO kill, and | think
'ou ought to drop it, and give treat
The Assessor being kindly informed of
lis violation of the law, and doubtless
ceiling his obligation TO Mr. Jenes, he
lastens into town, hunts up all the
boys Mr. Jones included, and gave
rousing' treat, all drinking to their sue
ess in the late hunt for Yelper-stretch- ]
RS. II was thought that here ended the
ficulty, but unfortunately troubles
anne in crowds Not long after the ef
ects of the treat had ceased to be felt,
be Superior Court was in session, and
be Grand Jury made a presentment '
gainst the Assessor for sending a chal
,nge to fight with deadly weapons. But
ne Assessor was not there 10 see ii, and
o one knows whether he will return TO
nswer the charge or return to his ma
We land.