Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1868-05-07
A FIELD OF BLOOD.

The soil of Bladensburg, Md has a
bloody record 1t has been the scene Of
many refined murder in days past One
who visits the place now will find the field
green with verdure. which few years
since was trampled by the feet of men ar
rayed in deadly hostility. Here, on a
beautiful grass-plot, surrounded by trees,
forms made after the image of God came
to insult nature and defy heaven.
In 1914, Edward Hopkins was killed
here in duel This seems to have been
the first of these fashionable murders on
this ducling ground.
In 1919, A. T. Mason. United States
Senator from Virginia. fought with his
sisters husband, John McCarty. here
McCarty was averse to fig ghting and thought
there was no necessity for it; but Mason
would fight. McCarty named muskets,
and so 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 Mason's sister in
Georgetown His hair turned white so
soon after the fight as to cause much COM
ment He has since been solicited to act
as second in a duel. but refused, in ac-
cordance with a pledge made to his wife,
soon after killing her brother.
In 1920, Com. Decatur was killed here
in duel by Com. Barron At the first
fire, both fell forward and lay with their
heads within ten feet of each other. and
as each supposed himself mortally wound
ed, each fully and freely forgave the 9TH
er, still lying on the ground. Decatur
expired in few days, but Barron event
ually recovered.
In 1921, two strangers, named Lega
and Sega, appeared here, fought, and Sc
ga was instantly killed. The neighbors
only learned this much from the marks on
the gloves left on the ground. Lega was
not hurt
Tn 1922, Midshipman Locke was killed
here in duel with clerk of the Treasu-
ry Department, named Gibson. The lat
ter was not hurt.
In 1926. Henry Clay fought his second
duel with John Randolph, just across the
Potomac, as Randolph preferred to die. i
killed at all. on Virginia soil. The latter
received Clay's shot and then fred his
pistol in the air. This was in accordance
with declaration made to Mr.. Benton;
who spoke to Randolph of a call the eve.
ming before on Mrs. Clay, and alluded te
the quiet sleep of her child and the repose
of the mother Randolph quickly replied
Il shall do nothing to disturb the sleep o.
the child or the repose of the mother. -
Gen. Jessup was Clay's second. Whcr
Randolph fired be remarked. Il don''
shoot at you Mr.. Clay" and extending
his hand, advanced toward Mr.. Clay, who
rushed to meet him. Randolph showed
Clay where the ball had struck his coat,
and said facetiously, ''Mr. Clay you owe
me coat Thank God," said Clay.
'.the debt is no greater" They were
friends ever after.
In 1882. Martin was killed here by
Carr. Their first names are not remem-
ed. They were from the South.
In 1888, Mr.. Key, (son of Francis s.
Key and brother Of Barton Key, of Sic
kles notoriety.) met Mr.. Sherbon, and
Sherbon said, ''Mr. Key, I have no de-
sire to kill you" ''No matter" said
Key, II came to kill you" Very we'll.
then" said Sherbon, Il will now kill
you," and he did.
In 1915, a lawyer named Jones fought
with and killed DR.. johnson.
! In 1851, r. A. Hoole and A. J. Dallas