Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-10-28
Hughes Implicted in contemplated Duel
since the adoption Of the Constitution.

hughes 1mpllcted In contemplated Uuel
since the adoption Of the Constitution.
The Constitution of this State, adopted, we
believe, in July, 1869, declares that mo person
who has, whilst citizen Of this State, knowing
ly conveyed challenge, or aided or assisted in
any manner in fighting duel, shall be allowed
to vote or hold any Office of honor. profit or
trust under this constitution.
Pursuant to this provision of the organic law
the General Assembly Of the State of Virginia,
at its session of lS69-70, passed an act, which
was approved, providing as to the offence, in
the words of the constitution, that any citizen
of Virginia who, after the twenty-sixth day of
January, 1870. committed this offence, should
be liable to all the pains and penalties named
by the constitution.
Six months after the date of this enactment,
made in pursuance of the constitutional provi-
sion, the following correspondence took place
between Jno. N. Clarkson,-who had been
Hughess friend, or second, in his duel with
Cameron-and Ebert Fowler, Editor OF the
Bristol Neaos, in which, it will be observed, that
Hughes was acting the part of friend or second
for Clarkson 10 his contemplated duel with
Fowler. The duel was not fought but Hughes
is just as guilty, morally and legally, Of violating
the Constitution and laws Of Virginia as he
would have been, if the duel had been fought,
and that it was not, is not due to the action of
Clarkson on bis friend Hughes, bat to that
Of Fowler, who had not less courage, but more
regard for the Constitution and laws of bis
State
The following is the correspondence, and it
needs no comment:
Sir-My friend, COL r. w. Hughes, will
confer with you On the subject of your insul ting
allusion to me In your paper of this date, and
is authorized to act for me in this affair
Respectfully,
JOHN N. C1ARKsoN.
July Is, 1870
To Mr. FOWLER
BRISTOL, Tenn, July Is, 1870.
Col. JOHN N. CLARKsoN -
Your note of this date has been handed me
by Colonel X. w. Hughes, aud 10 reply [ have
to request you to state for which OF the Fowlers
it was intended, and state the Objectionable
language referred to with your desire 10 regard
to the same. This note will be handed to you
by my friend, NJ L. Blackley, to whom you can
deliver your reply. Respectfully,
ELBERT FOWLER.
July Is, 1870.
Sir our note of this date has been handed
me by your friend, Mr. M. L. Rlackley. In
reply to your first question-to Which of the
Fowlers my note was addressed-I answer that
it was to the one who is responsible for the
article in the Ne,os to which [ alluded. My
answer to your second question is, that the en-
tire article is offensive in its alusion to me-
My reply to your last question is that [ require
that PREPARATION due under circumstances SO well
understood by all
JOHN n GARRISON.
BRISTOL, Tenn, July Is, 1870 F. M.
COL JOHN n. CLARKsoN:-
In reply TO your second note [ will say that
L am responsible tor the article in the Bristol
Ne,cs OF this morning. which you decline to
quote. but to which you refer. | have no apol-
ogy. Respectfully.
EBERT FOWLER
July Is, 1870
Sir-Your note of last night declining any
other reparation for your wanton insult leaves
me no other alternative than to ask meeting,
for which my friend Col. Hughes is authorized
to arrange. Respectfully.
JOHN n GARRISON.
| To MIR. Gilbert FOWLER
BRISTOL, Tenn, July Is, 1870
Col. JOHN n. GARRISON:
Your note OF this date has been handed me-
The laws Of my State, my Church, and my God,
and respect for civilization, forbid nee grant
ing you the proposed meeting will be found
at my Office on Main street daily from 10 O. cl k
A. NJ. until o'clock P NJ
Respectfully, Gilbert FOWLER.