The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-08-18
THE CODE.
"reminiscences of Memorable Duel,

lie c6ltaDrdt0u dIIdlT VI Tie deOpdIO
and the Chesapeak, the lattercommand-
ed by Commodore James Barron, re-.
suited in Barron's trial and sentence
by the courtrmartlal, In the proceed
ings relative to which it is said Com
modcre Decatur tbok an active paft;
and duel was finally the result, at
Bladensburg. A correspondent of
the Chicago Tribune describes the af-
fair as follows
| When Elliott arrived at Bladens-
burg little knots of boys and men,
knowning or guessing the matter inn
pending, gave him interesting regard.
A groupe of naval officers, particular
\ ly, standing at the tavern, walked out
across the bridge toward the place of
meeting, and concealed themselves
within hearing OF pistol saots.f AF
most every one ofthem was a friendto
decatur, among them were Conmos
dore Rodgers and Porter, his two cob
leagues in the Board Of Navy Com
missioners. Barron followed s5on. af3
terward, walking between his second
Elliott, and his friend, Iatirier. His
face expressed dignity and resolution.
He walked firmly, and they three also
descended into the Valley of Chance.
| Decatur and Barron bowed to each
other formally. Hambleton stood by
Decatur, Latimer, by Barron, Balm
bridge and Elliott conferred together,
and the former who had behaved fair,
ly and equitably throughout, was aps
lpointed to measure the ground. He
marked line in the sod with his boot,
and, placing his toe to it, stepped out
eight times, yard to step, marking
also the last step as a base. -Four
times mans length or across your
dining room, that was the distahte. :.
Each second now prodticed the pis.-
tolls from pair of eases, long barreE,
led dueling weapons, of fine finish and
bright steel, silver mounted. They
were charged and rammed in the old
style, and presented to each principal
by the second. During all this time
no word was said except by the sec
ond. ;.9r -
In like manner Elliott and Baif1-
bridge tossed for corners. Bainbridge
Won; it was Decatur's usual good
luck !
Commodore Decatur" said Balm
bridge, (which stand do you select ?"
The axis of the two bases ran near
ly North and South, obliquely from
the brook. Decatur walked TO the
North, nearest the water; where he
stood few inches lower thai BarT6fi
Both threw off their cloaks and stood
confronting each other. ,' .sa a.'}
Gentlemen" said Bainbridge, rails
ing his voice, "I shall give the word
quickly and as follows: Present
one-two-three. You are neither at
your peril to fire before the word one,
nor after the word three" "2u..il' ~ u
! Commodore Barron turned his head,
his pistol hanging at his side, and said
to Commodore cambridge:
'Have you any objection, Sir; to
pronouncing the words in the manner
you intend to give them ?''@!-:-ri.i,
| ''None," said Bainbridge, and he.
repeated the formula precisely as he
afterwards gave it: For the first time
the antagonists look into each others
eyes. Sternness and the purpose to-
kill lay in both. 81 hope, sir" said
Barron; ''that when we meet in anoth;;
er world; we. shall be better friends
than we have been in this" Ss'.''':
81 have never been your enemy
sir" exclaimed Decatur. e3a... :,
Here Bainbridge walked behind
Decatur and took place twelve or fif-
teen feet to his left, Hambleton as far
on his right. The same positions
were reversed by Elliott and Latina
4 er. - .... ......t,. ~.
t'Gentlemen," said Bainbridge, :
"make ready"
The antagonists swung round side1-
wise, and looked at each across their
right shoulders. s.ns'
"Present~ I,.-..
The two arms went up and each
took sight.
One report rang out. The last word
was deafened by it. On the word
two, both pistols Lad been simultane4
ously discharged. There were two
puffs of smoke, and in an infant Bar
ron was down groaning. i'...'
Decatur Strengthened up amoment;'
pinched his lips, dropped his pistol,
and the color went out of his face.
He drew his right hand to his side.
Then he fell to the ground speech
less: 81, - 20
The seconds of both were beside
them instantly. Decatur wasTaised'
by his friends and moved to higher
ground, near by Barron. f'L
He opened his eyes directly and
said: : 81 am mortally wounded, at
least I believe so and wish / had
fallen in the service of my country"
Barron looked up to them all andt
said
"Everything has been conducted in'
the most honorable manner. / ami
mortally wounded. Commodore De-
catur, forgive you from the bottoml
of my heart" if,5
Immediately down the pathway top
the Valley of Chance came many gem
tlemen, all friends of Decatur-Rodg-
.ers, and Porter, and Bolton, two doc
tors, Bailey Washington and Trevitt5
Gen. Harper and other, friends or
idlers. 1 a.sA u ,asg,satl