Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-02-22
A FIELD OF RLoop.

ne SOIL OF blauensDurg, blhrylanu, HAS u
bloody record. 1t has been the scene OF
many refined murders in days passed. One
who visits the place now will find the field
green with verdure, and here and there,
flowers spring from the sod which few
years since was trampled by the feet of men
arrayed in deadly hostility, Here, on
beautiful grass plat, surrounded by trees,
forms made after the image of God came to
insult nature and defy heaven. Here are
rocitals of some OF the duels that have taken
place at Bladensburg:
In 1914, Edward Hopkins was killed here
first of these fashionable murders on this
duelling ground.
In 1919, A. T. Mason United States
Senator, from Virginia, fought with his sls-
ter's husband, John McCarty, here. Mcoarty
was ayerse to fighting, and thought there
was no necessity for it; but Mason would
fight. McCarty named muskets loaded with
buck shot, and go near together that they
would hit heads If they fell on their faces.
This was changed by the seconds to loading
with bullets, and taking twelve feet as the
distance. Mason was killed instantly, and
McCarty who had his collar bone broken,
still lives with his sister in Georgetown. His
hair turned white so soon after the fight as
to cause much comment. He has since been
solicited to act as second in a duel, but re-
fused in accordance with pledge made to
his wife soon after killing her brother.
In 1890, Commodore Decatur was killed
in duel by Commodore Barron. At the
first fire both fell forward and lay within
ten feet of each other, and each supposed
. himself mortallY wounded each fully and
freely iorgave the other, still lying on the
I, ground Decatur expired in few days
: but Barron eventually recovered.
1 In 1891, two strangers named Lega ant
, Sega appeared here, fought, and Sega wa
instantly killed. The neighbors only learn
T. ed this much of their names from the mark
! on their gloves left on the ground. Leg
10 was not hurt
In 1899, Midshipman Locke was kllle'
here in u duel with clerk of the Treasur'
a Department. named Gibson. The latter wa
y not hurt.
it In 1926, Henry Clay fought-his secon
duel-with John Randolph, just across th
lis Potomac, as Randolph preferred to die,
at ell, on Virginia soil, the latter receive
ed Clay's shot and fired his pistol in the al
of This was in accordance with declaratio
e.. made to Mr.. Benton, who spoke to Randolp
of call the evening before on Mrs Ola.
ey and alluded TO the quiet sleep of her chi
to and repose of the mother. General Jessr
all was Clay's second When Randolph fire
ant lie remarked: II do not shoot at you, ii
Clay" and extending his hand, advance
l i! towards Clay, who rushed to meet hill
me Randolph showed Clay where his ball stru
for his coat, and said facetiously: Ola
you owe me coat. "clay replied: 'Thai
lex God, the debt is no greater They we
friends ever after.
In 1889, Martin was killed here by Ca
his Their first names are not remembered
ave They were from the South.
Iu 1888, Mr.. Key (sOn of Frank Key
but brother of Barton Key, of Sickels notoriet
the met Mr. Sherborn, and sherborn said; IN
Key, have no desire to kill you" .
last natter" Key said, came to kill yo'
iver livery well, then," said sherborn, II '
lon' kill you," and he did.
mise In 1888, VIM, Graves, of Kentucky, re
and ming the quarrel of James Watson We
use, and Jonathen Cilley, Of Maine, selected
the nlace for Cilley's murder, but that the |
ties learned that Webb, with two frien
haps jackson, and Morrell, were armed ant
pursuit, and for the purpose of assassina'