Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1873-07-17
The Rhett-COOley Duel.
From the New Orleans Times

The two gentlemen stood gazing at
each other with the breeches of their
shot guns drawn up to the shoulder
and the muzzles pointed to the ground,
while DIR. Bruins, in clear and audible
voice, read the articles of agreement
which had been previously signed by
the seconds. The doctor took some
little time in explaining clearly what
was required of each, and seemingly
was very desitous that no possible mis-
take should occur. a .9t1-i5d L'-7@f B
So excited did / become, that / did
not catch the exact words used, but
my impression is the doctor cried, III
"ARE YOU READY?'' s'FIRE." soNE,
TWO, THREE, HALT" -..a-E
At the words "Are you ready" both
weapons were slightly elevated; at the
word Sire" they were brought to a
level, and between the words "One''
and "Halt," both weapons were dis
charged. e.
Judge Cooley, think, fired at the
word "One," but Col. Rhett's weapon
was seemingly a little hard on the
trigger, and was discharged between
the words ''One" and "Two." ..i ..
Neither party being hurt, the friends
of Col. Rhett demanded another shot,
which was promptly accorded, aud the
seconds at once reloaded the pieces.
THE DEATH.
At the second discharge the same
formula was repeated, and both guns
We're simultaneously discharged.
With conyulsive turn to the left,
Judge Cooley fell. .5l... t.'rt
The friends and spectators, who in
the meantime aad remained at the
station, now approached. The seconds
of both parties publicly proclaimed
the fact that everything had been con-
Quoted in strict accordance with the
terms of the written agreement, and
without any attompt at unfairness on
either side. Saying this, they shook
hands and parted. .....ae .t.
On behalf of Col. Rhett, his seconds
rendered the seconds of Judge Cooley
the use of a carriage, but it was de-
clined, and that party retired in the
direction of Bay st. Louis. -
When reached Judge Cooley's side,
1 found him lying on his back insensi-
BILE and gasping for breath. His face
did not appear to be distorted with
pain, but he was evidently dying. The
ball, musket ball, one ounce, 13-l0Oth
of all inch in diameter, penetrated his
left side about the region of the heart,
and rangingupward. 7.aul
DR.. Holiday was leaning over him,
and ice and little raw cotton were
being applied to his wound, but it was
evident that all medical aid was use
less. He remarked, before 1 reached
him, to DIR. Holiday, 81 am shot in
the breast" These were the last words
he spoke. He expired in very few
minutes. y message was dispatched
to the neighboring house FOR six yards
of cotton cloth, with which they envel-
oped the body, and it was then borne
on door to the station, where it re-
manned until the train to New Orleans
arrived. The duel took place at thirty
minutes past ten o'clock, and the train
arrived at one. '-'." -.-
AT that time the remains of Judge
Cooley were placed in the baggage car.
Col. Rhett and party returned to
Montgomery station at about this
time, and they also took the train for
the city. The cars stopped opposite
the Luzenburg Hospital, when the re-
mains of Judge Cooley were removed
to that institution, Col. Rhett's friends
assisting those of the deceased. Col.
Rhett and party stopped at Claiborne
street. ..-. -...ta g..
Remembering the scene as do now,
/ am under the impression that the in
jury 10 Judge CoOley's foot placed him
at terrible disadvantage. observed
that he sat down while the seconds
were measuring the ground, and l do
not think he could bear the weight of
his body upon his foot without feeling
acute pain. Both gentlemen, however,
exhibited the utmost GOODNESS through
out, and not ii l.eryOus tremOr from
first to last could be detected in either.