The Shasta courier., 1867-11-23
COU RIER
ALL READY FOR A DUEL.

Our regiment was stationed at Morgan,
Ford. Our Colonel had been shot by ar
Indian guerrilla, and our Lieutenant haC
gone sick, so the command devOlved on onl
Major, whose name was Farwell. He was
a middle aged, dashing fellow, given tC
| social enjoyment, and as a general thing
keeping on pretty friendly terms with those
about him. He was naturally free and easy
fine soldier and strict disciplinarian. He
was kind hearted and generous man
| though with temper tnat led him into error
at times.
Major Farwell had been in command bu
| a few weeks, when he concluded to send fol
his wife to come and stop with him through
the summer. lie had comfortable and com
modious quarters, and there was little dan
ger that the Indians would make another
attack.
| was on the foraging expedition when
Mrs. Farweli arrived but | returned on
the following day, and it was in season tC
attend the party which the Major gave on
the occasion. The staff and line officers. not
kept away on duty, were all present, and Joy
and merriment ruled the hour.
Mrs. Farwell was younger than her hus
band a porty woman, bearing herself with
peculiar grace and dignity, without any
effort at show Or affectation. She assumed
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 of 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 sundrv
bottles of Old Bourbon were included in the
bill Of fare. Towards midnight the ladies
withdrew but the officers were not quite
ady to retire. The Major was in hi CHEST
spirits, songs and stories, with flowing COB
lets. gave US occupation. BY and by pro
posed toast, Mrs. Major Farwell," and
it was drank with three cheers Why in
the world the Major should have taken
offence, l could not comprehend but he did
so, and intlmated thatl had not better make
too free with his wife's name
"Egad," | replied, without stopping to
weigh my words, ." if you must have your
handsome lady as sacred as that, you ought
not 70 havn hronght her out here"
- Captain Willet," he cried, rising to his
feet, " if you breathe the lady's name again,
I'll kick you from my quarters"
| had started up from my seat. when Lieut..
Walker, who was sitting by my SIDE, pulled
me back.
"Zounds," he uttered in a hurried whis-
per, I" don't say another word The old
Majors mad, and he's bit jealous, too.-
Can't you see it'
As Walker spoke, it flashed upon me that
Mrs. Farwell had been very attentive to me.
She had danced with me four or five times,
and had promenaded with me on the
piazza.
But | could not bear such language as
Major Farwell had addressed to me. and in
spite of my friends remonstrance. | retorted
upon him. My blood was heated with
whisky, and | cared no more for the COM
manding officer at that time, than | would
have cared for drummer boy.
BY -, sir" | replied with an oath
which l need not repeat here, "you would
have fine time kicking me outl Perhaps
you had better try it now p
The Major sprang towards me and caught
me by the collar. | thought at the time he
meant to strike but | was subsequently
convinced that he did not, but struck him
upon the cheek with the fiat Of my hand
With kissing oath he drew a 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 nv own quarters.
On the following morning | awoke with
anything but pleasant feeling. and when
remembered what had transpired during the
previous night, | felt wretched enough, |
cursed the wine-cup and whisky bottle, from
the bottom of my heart, and inwardly re-
solved | would touch the stuff no more
Still, was forced to take 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. Bow
ker, entered my quarters. | babe him good
morning. and asked him if he would not take
some breakfast with me-
g Not now," he said, shaking his head,
" have called upon business. All, Cap
tain. this is a bad affair. Do you remember
that you struck the Major last night?"
." Yes, | remember it very well-remem-
ber it too WE'LL -
= lie expects you will make an apology"
pursued the Adjutant.
: And if do not?''
" Then you must fight him."
" You were present, Bowker during the
entire scene?"
" Yes"
Then | wish you TO tell me the truth, fo1
am free to confess that my brain was on a
bit of a whirl last night First: did l, in
my toast to Mrs. Farwell, give him the
least occasion for ill-feeing?"
" ! could see none, Captain but you re
member he had been drinking !"
Exactly-and in that we were even.-
And now-did he not. in the presence of the
whole company, threaten to kick me from
his quarters ?''
- Yes"
I" And did he not lay his hand upon me
before struck him ~
i" ! cannot be positive; but I think he
+" Then said l, drinking the last of my
coffee, g shall make no apology"
You will remember. Captain suggest
ed Bowker, =" that the Major is a dead Shot
and that in the handling of the sword be ha,
no superior"
Il care nothing at all about that know
the temper of our officers, and | know
ha hold as+oap, : I all..,.o