Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-01-17
"reminiscences Of a Memor'
able Duel.

dHAS 0aSAs
The celebrated affair of the Leopard and the
Chesapeake, the latter commanded by Commo-
dore lame, Barron. resulted in Barrons trial
and sentence by court-martial, in the proceed
ingsrelative to which, it is eaid, Commodore De-
catur took an active part, and duel was final
" the result at Bladensburg.
When Elliot arrived at Bladensburg, little
knots of boys and men, knowing or guessing
the matter impending, gave him interesting
regard. A group ofnaval officers, particularly,
standing at the tavern, walked out acfoss the
bridge toward the place Of meeting, and con-
cealed themselves within hearing of the pistol
shots. Almost every one among them was
friend of Decatur, and among them were Com
modores Rodgers and Porter, his two colleagues
in the Board Of Navy Commissioners. Barron
followed soon afterwards, walking between his
seconds, Elliot and his friend Latimer. His
face expressed dignity and resolution. He
walked firmly, and the three also descended
into the Valley of Chance.
Decrtur and Barron bowed TO each other
formally. Hambeton stood by Decatur, Lati-
mer by Barron. cambridge and Elliot con-
rerred together, and the former, who had be-
haved fairly and equitably throughout, was
appointed to measure the ground He marked
a line in the sod with his boot, and, placing his
toe to it, stepped ont eight times, yard to
step. marked also the last step as base. -Four
times a mans length, or across your dining
room. that was the distance.
Each second now produced the pistols from
a pair of cases, long barreed duelling 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 seconds.
In like manner Elliot and Bainbridge tossed
for corners. Banbridge won it was Deca.
tur's usual good luck
Commodore Decatur" said cambridge
(which stand do you select ?"
The axis of the two bases ran nearly North
and South oblquely from the brook. Deca'
tur walked to the North, nearest to the water
where he stood few inches lower than Bar
ron. Both threw off their cloaks and stood
confronting each other.
"Genilemen, said Bainbridge, raising his
voice, al shall give the word quickly and az
follows: Present-one-two-th You arc
neither, at your peril, to fire before the word
one. nor after the word three"
Commodore Barron turned his head, his pis.
tol hanging at his side, and said to Commo-
dore Banbridge: Have you any objection
sir, to pronouucing the words in the manner
you intend to give them?"
"None," said Bainbridge and he repeated
the formula precisely as he afterwards gave it
For the first time the antagonists looked into
each others eyes. Sternness and the purpose
to kill lay in both.
81 hope, sir" said Barron, " that when we
meet in another world we shall be better
friends than we have been in this"
al have never been your enemy, sir, ex-
claimed Decatur.
Here Bainbridge walked behind Decatur,
and took his place twelve or fifteen feet to his
left, Hambleton as far on his right
The same positions were reserved by Elliot
and Latimer.
Gentlemen" said cambridge, "make
ready"
The antagonists swung around sidewise, and
looked each other across their right shoulders.
Present"
The two arms went up and each took sight.
"One-two-"
One report rang out. The last word was
deafened BY it. On the word two both pistols
had been simultaneously discharged. There
were two puffs of smoke, and in an instant
Barron was down groaning.
Decatur straightened momement. 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.
The seconds Of both were beside them instant
ly. Decatur was raised by his friends aud
moved to higher ground, near by Barron. He
opened his eyes directly, and said: 81 am
mor,ally wounded, at least believe so: and
wish had fallen in the service Of my count
~"
Barren looked up to them all and said =
Everything has been conducted in the most
honorable manner I am mortally wounded.
Commodore Decatur, forgive you from the
bottom Of my heart"
,I,,-, IL fn tbn Val.