Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-20
A Duel I'm ISII Between Kentuckian
and an EngIlshman.


From the Louisville Coufier-J ournall
In 1911, when the muttering thunders
of impending war between the United
States and England we're rumbling ever
the hills and along the valleys Of Ken
lucky, the episode hereinafter detailed
by correspondent Of the Western Cit
gen occurred, and was published 10 that
paper in 1912. We COPY it only as a
curious incident of that momen.ous era.
As the Anglo-Amerioan Alabama ques-
tion is bringing about rumors Of war, it
may be interesting to reprint this account
of the relative pluck Of Mr.. Bulls and
Uncle Sans boys: aai sed1 o.its5
f PARIS, Ky. February IS, 1872.
On the lst of November, 1911, James
Allen, OF Kentucky, and the subscriber,
met with Thomas Fuller, an Englishman,
and his company, at small branch be-
tween the United States Saline Salt
works and Fort Masssck Making stop
at that place, Messrs. Allan and Fuller
/ entered ints conversation which led to
a very serious rencounter. After learn
ing the name, nation and residence of
each other, Fuller asked Allen if the
Kentuckians we're anxious for war with
England. Allen replied They are
warm for il" Fuller said "They needn't
be, for one Eoglishman could drive five
Kentuckians. Allen thought one Eng
lishman couldn't drive one Kentpokian,
and was willing, as one Of each was
present, TO test the thing on the spot.
Fuller was willing also, "if it could be
done in an honorable wsy-he wanted to
fight with pistols, standing about one
pace apart" Alien said Kentucky was
ready. Finding Allen in earnest, Fuller
suggested he thought it too savsge-like
to stand so near each other, and prefer
rcd leaving it to seconds. Kentucky
was still willing. That proposition was
accepted aud the preliminaries settled.
Fuller remembered here be had
wife near Pittsburg, and before he
fought he would 90 aside and write
few lines to her, SO that if any
accident happened she might know it,
He went, and in short tune returned,
ready for action. The combatanta were
stationed, the word given, and both fired.
Fuller fell, having received q ball in the
left breast but not appearing to be
much hurt, be proposed another round.
They proceeded to FIRE again. Fuller
again fell, and was found to have re-
ceived the second ball in his left breast,
within an inch of the first. Allen was
surprised to fad the balls had not taken
effect, and suspsoting some stratagem,
protested be would kill Fuller on the
spot unless he would fight again or
acknowledge himself coward. Fuller,
rather than smell gunpowder again,
-" would submit TO anything" His Jacket
was then unbuttoned, and, to the aston.
ishment of the heholdeys, Dutch blan.
ket, il eight folds, and one quire of
paper, opened aud spread under the
blanket, both between bis waistcoat aud |
shirt, were discovered, and, upon lifting
up the blanket two balls were found |
having penetrated the eight folds of the
blanket and lodged in the paper.
His breast, Notwithstanding the fortifi- |
cation, was much bruised and black, and |
he appeared considerably injured.
Allen received no material ipjury-the
frst ball struck between bis feet, and the
second grazed the skin on the side of his
head. r--.-.rf
Thus ended contest which proved the
superiority Of the Kentuckian, and ex-
posed the hoasting, imperious English
man to eternal contempt aud disgrace.
The subscriber was the second of Mr..
Allen and is willing to attest the truth of
The facts above stated. he is now on bis
way home, which is on Brush creek, in
he State of Ohio. JOHN Ross.