The Sweetwater forerunner. [volume] (Sweetwater, Tenn.) 1867-1869, 1868-10-08
Duel in the Southwest.

Colonel T. L. Thorpe draws upon his long ex-
perience in the Southwest for some interesting
stories about dueling, which are published in
the august number of Harper's Monthly. He
tells OF Il descendant of General Philip Schuyler
who, some thirty years ago, while travelling in
that section, was set upon by an outlaw. lie
says:
The mans name was Gamble; he had COM
mitted innumerable murders, and defed arrest
or punishment. He had been repeatedly warn
declared an outlaw, and large reward was then
offered for his arrest. Schuyler was a stranger,
and at the time was waiting at the village tavern
for the mail stage. To lOiter away the time he
was with number of the villagers sitting at a
table amusing himself with conversation, and
indulging at the time in fits of laughter.
Suddenly the party was interrupted by yell
almost as loud as steam whistle, which was
followed by volley of braggadOcio cpithets
and the general inquiry, "What the people
around the table we're making all that noise
about?
The parties in the locality turned pale as they
recognized the redoubtable Gamble, for they
saw there was mischief in his frenzied eye. The
outlaw having delivered himself of the opinion
that every man present was u sneak and cow
ard, ended with deliberately discharging q
mouthful of tobacco spittle upon the polished
boot of Schuyler, who was the only person in
the room who could, by external appearance, be
pronounced a gentleman. The rude men who
witnessed this congratulated themselves that the
blow had fallen upon q helpless traveller, and
that in the skirmisling and catastrophe that
must follow, they could make their escape.
To Schuyler this insult was electrical, and
arising with indignation he demanded of Gam
bic, (of whose history at the time he knew
nothing y
"Did you Intentionally spit upon my boot ?''
eyes, and Ill do the same for your face the
next time"
But before he could carry his disgusting
threat into execution, Schuyler struck the out
law such blow on the chest that the rufhar
went Keeling against the side of the wall. In
another instant the parties closed with each
other and rough and tumble fight ensued, il
which each party attempted in vain to use theil
knives.
The spectators formed ring and looked as
coolly on as if it was dog fight.
If Gamble was killed they got clear of thu
terror Of the vicinity if the stranger, what diff
ference did it make to them The fight contin
ued without seeming damage, until both parties
separated for moment from exhaustion; bu
as they were about to renew the contest thC
landlord intcrfered, and suggested that both mer
be shut up in q dark room, each armed with re
yOlver and bowie knife, and be thus left in {
quiet way to fight it out "like gentlemen"
The proposition was received with cheers, ant
Gamble, especially, endorsed the proposition
Schuyler was silent, but showed himself reso
lutte and fearless as tiger. When the duelistl
were placed on the opposite sides of the room
by the landlord, and as he was about to disap
pear, the bravo said /:
"Major, have iulep ready for me in ffteer
minutes"
Schuyler said "If fall, you win find on ny
person silver watch and fifty dollars in New
York money. Bury me decently and keep wha
remains above necessary expenses for YOU
trouble"
The landlord then retired and locked the door
the bar-rOom spectators hanging round the out
"