Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-04-30

1t is believed that il he does Sprague will
shoot him dead. Public opinion here, il
cannot be denied, goes with the Rhode
Islander. People are all asking what Mr.
Abbott will do? It is felt that If he does
not do something, after his brave words
he will be exactly at the place where the
laugh comes in. Tt is also felt that he viii
be constrained to try to carry out his words
and that if he does he will be killed. Or
the whole, tragedy is expected, unless
some unromantic justice binds him over tc
keep the peace.
A correspondent of the New York Herald
gives the following version of an interview
with Senator Abbott
INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR ABBOTT.
Leaving Sprague's abode your cores
pondent next proceeded to the lodgings Of
the good looking, large chested and belllg
erent Abbott. Senator Abbott has his
rooms on Thirteenth street, near E, in G
comfortable looking house, where he re-
ceives his friends with something like the
old Southern frankness and geniality.
When your correspondent was ushered in
to the Senator's presence he found him en-
sconced in an easy chair placed by an open
window commanding a view of all the pass
ers on the street. His position suggested
the idea OF general On the lookout, for
he was so placed that he could easily ascer-
tain who might be approaching his citadel.
His countenance was serene and his man
ner showed not the least sign of apprehen-
sion. He looked as if he expected the lion
of Rhody might come, but he did not care
a-well, fg-whether he did or not. Close
by the Senator, and reclining In rocking
chair, perfectly at his ease, was gentle
man of color, who evidently enjoyed the
friendship and esteem of Mr.. Abbott The
colored gentleman enjoyed the glorious
privilege of Senatorial condescension. Di.
rectly opposite MIR. Abbott was specta-
cled gentleman named Martin, who was
white.
"Walk in, Mr.. - said the Sena-
tor sc take seat, SIR" motioning to a
sofa.
81 find it is unnecessary to ask you one
question, at all events" said your CORES
pondent, inspecting the Senator closely to
discover any wounds or marks of recent
combat.
"What is that, sir % Intercepted the
Senator.
Correspondent. Whether you are still
safe and sound, and in the land of the liv-
ing.
Senator, (smiling). Oh. see your mean
ing. Yes, Sir. l have not been entirely
demolished yet.
Correspondent. The city has been full
of startling stories to-day, and one of them
credits yourself and Senator Sprague with
a duel.
Senator, Laughing heartily Indeed,
sir e?
Correspondent Yes, Senator, and what
is more, you were shot all to pieces.
Senator, Qaughingl. Well, sir, I am
glad to find myself put together again.
Correspondent. Then I am to under
Senator?
Senator. Precisely, sir. No collision
has occurred, sir. But-(and here the Sena-
tor became serious-this much I want un-
derstood by Senator Sprague and his
he must make a retraction,
as broad as the implication, that am
puppy, or whatever else it was he applied
to me in his remarks Yesterday. I am no
duelist, as I said in my personal explana-
ton last night, but I can suffer no man
with impunity to call me puppy dog
He must either retract, sir, or I will
put him upon public disgrace, which will
follow him through life. I came from q
State where people are not in the habit of
insults. The people of my State
would think very strangely of me were L
to submit tamely to the affront of Mr..
Sprague or any other man.
Correspondent. A good deal of the old
is left in North Carolina yet, SEN
ator ?
Senator. Yes, sir. That kind of chiv-
airy, at least, remains. In the town where
I live I am known as one who is not in the
habit of allowing anybody to insult him.
They know we we'll there, and know that
lie lo~ Isl,
wise affronts me, that man has either to
apologize or fight.
Correspondent. What is your town
Senator
Senator. Wilmington. Mr.. Martin there
pointing to the white gentleman opposite)
knows what the people in that town think
about such matters. Why, sir, if were to
lie under this insult, my people would
turn me out of the State whenever might
show my face there.
Correspondent. Have you seen Sprague
to-day, Senator ?
Senator. No, sir have not. I have
remained here most of the day, expecting
hat gentleman or some of his friends would
send some message, but up to this moment
have not received a line Or call. When
found Sprague had left the Senate &C
FUSED him of skulking away, and naturally
thought he would take some notice of that
Expression to-day but, as L said before,
ne has not.
Correspondent You say you have re-
,eived no message from him but have
you sent him any communication
Senator. Not yet.
Correspondent Do you intend to do so
RETRAcT1oN TO BE DEMANDED ON sArUR-
Senator do, sir. I shall wait patiently
until tomorrow. Then, not having heard
from him. / shall address him short note
calling for retraction. If he makes re-
traction, all right. don't want to proceed
any further. But if he declines, then I
must see to it that other satisfaction is ten
lered me. You see the position he would
nave placed me in. He had the last say
With the public, leaving me branded as a
puppy-a mongrel puppy. I did not feel
disposed to let the matter SO rest. [ felt
Justified in calling public attention to the
remarks of Senator Sprague, and 6eman-
led public retraction as broad and full
IS the imputation. That was my object in
asking an opportunity for a public ex-
olanation. Had Sprague been present
when the opportunity was offered last night
should have asked him aloud in the Sen
III l. L. IL -