The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-07-18
PERSONAL kENC0UNTRE.

Several weeks ago VIC published, at the re.
quest of personal friend, an account of a
difficulty between r. Burke and e Fowler,
of Monroe county, West Va. We knew nc :
thing about the origin of the difficulty, and
cared nothing about it. We only yielded to
the expressed wish of friend 1t is claimed
by the friends Of Mr.. Fowler, and by that
gentleman himself, that the publication in the
Viryiaian was untrue, and did him an iajus-
tice 10 correct the impression chat may have
been created by that publication, we have been
requested by Mr.. Fowler to publish the fol-
lowing version of the affair. We cheerful
ly do so. But We know no more about the
truth of this statement, than that Of the 9TH
err. We do not wish to do either gentleman
injustice; and we give each the benefit Of his
version Of the afflir. There is certainly a
wide difference, but that is none Of our bust
ness. The following is the statement taken
from the Charleston Coulter:
We stated, few days ago, that apprchen-
sions were felt Of personal difficulty between
two members Of the journalistic fraternity,
at Union, Monroe county. Those apprehen-
sions were based upon the fact that bitter
controversy had been carried on between the
Border Waterman and the Monroe Register,
and that it had reached point beyond which
there could be no progress without personal
collision. Recent events have fully realized
the public anticipation.
On the 10Th instant there appeared in the
Monroe Register violent article, understood
to have been written by Mr.. Burke, editor of
that paper, attacking Mr.. Gilbert Fowler, of
the Border Waterman. Mr. Fowler was alb
sent at the time, but, upon bis return to
Union, addressed Mr.. Burke a note to this
effect: cat five o'clock on Saturday morning,
(22nd Instantly will be on the portico il
front Of the Courthouse, unattended. Ii you
are brave man, you will be there, with a
steady nerve. IF you are coward and polt-
roou, you will skulk and hide.' 1t was de-
veIoped upon the trial, which was subsequent
had, that Mr.. Burke showed the note to a
number Of his friends, and from the general
talk which followed, it came to Mr.. Fowler $
ears, that Mr.. Burke was going to the place
of meeting ahead Of him, SO as to force Mr.
Fowler to advance upon him. At about four
o'clock on the appointed morning. Nlr. Fow-
Ter was at the place luUlCdteu, anu, III et 'ei y
few minutes, Mr.. Burke appeared, advanced
within twenty spaces, fred at Mr.. Fowler two
shots from Dcrringers, threw one Of them at
him. threw stone in the same direction, and
then started to run. Mr.. Fowler returned
the firing from six shooter, which was over
charged and two barrels were discharged at
once. He then pursued Mr.. Burke, and af-
ter short chase overlook hSm and hammered
him over the head with his pistol, which had
refused to revolvc, owing to the catching OF
the cap between the barrel and cylinder
A hand-to baud struggle ensued, which was
continued until the parties were separated.
Both gentlemen we've arrested end held to
bail in bonds of 81 900 to keep the peace, and
81 900 to answer an Indictment 1t appear
ed upon the examination that Mr. Fowler fir
ed four shots. and Mr.. Burke two Neither
gentleman was struck.
We have received our in formation from re-
liable source and therefore give it to the pub
lie Charleston Duly Courier.