Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-01-08
RANDOLPH'S DUEL WITH HENRY
CLAY.

lie ulknb bCAOlO bhO ahNAf SOY .
General James Hamilton, of South Caro-
lima, Mr.. Randolph sent for me. |
found him calm, but in a singularly con-
fding mood. He told me that he had
something on his mind to tell me. He
then remarked, Hamilton, | have de-
termined to receive, without returning
Clays fire; nothing shall induce me to
harm hair of his head, | will not make
his wife widow and his children or
phans. Their tears would be shed over
his grave; but when the sod of Virginia
rests on my bosom, there is not in this
wide world, one individual to pay this
tribute upon mine. His eyes filled, and
resting his head upon his hand, we re-
mained some moments silent. lreplied,
Ny dear friend (for ours was a sort of
posthumous friendship, bequeathed by
our mothers), deeply regret that you
have mentioned this subject to me; for
you call upon me to 60 to the field and
see you shot down, or to assume the re-
sponsibility in regard to your own life
in sustaining your determination to
throw it away. But on this subject
mans own conscience and his own
bosom are his best monitors. | will not
advise, but under the enormous aud un-
provoked insult you have offered Mr..
Clay, | cannot dissuade. | feel bound,
however, to communicate to Col. Tatnall
your decision He begged me not to
do so, and said he was very much
afraid that Tatnall would take the studs
and refuse to go out with him" /, how
ever, sought Colonel Tatnall, and we re-
paired about midnight to Mr.. RANDOLPH $
lodgings, whom we found reading Mil
toms great poem. For some minutes he
did not permit us to say one word in re-
lation to the approaching duel; and he
at once commenced one of those delight
full criticisms on a passage of this poem,
in which he was wont so enthusiastically
to indulge. After pause, Col. Iatnall
remarked, Mr.. Randolph, | am told you
have determined not TO rstqrn Mr.. Clay 8
fire; | must say to you, my dear sir, If
I am only to 20 out tosee you shot down
Won must get some other friend Mr..
Randolph remarked that it was his de-
termination. After some conversation
ON the subject, / induced Col. Tatnall
to allow Mr.. Randolph to take his own
course, as his withdrawal as one OF hls
friends might lead to very injurious mis-
constructions. At last Mr.. Randolph,
smiling, said, We'll, Tatnsll ! promise
YOU one thing, if see the devil in Clay 5
eve. and that with malice prepeRse he
means TO take my life, may change my
mind A remark knew he made merely
10 propitiate the anxieties Of his friend.
dMr. Clay and himself met at four
O'clock the Gueceeding evening, on the
banks OF the PotoHop. But he saw no
devil in Clays eye, but . 4Sg fearless,
and expressing the mingled sensibility
and Ermness which belonged to the oc-
casion. s..
II shall never forget thiE scene as
long as | live. 1t has been my misfor-
tune to witness several duels, but /
never saw one, ct least in its sequel, so
deeply affecting. The sun was just set
ting behind the blne bills of Apndolph's
own Virginia Here we're two of the
most extraordinary men our country in
its prodigality had produced about to
meet la mortal combat. Whilst Tatnall
was loading Rendolph's pitsols, | ap-
preached my friend, ! believed, for the
last time. | took his hand, there was
mot Ia its touch the quiyering Of one
pulsation. BE turned to me and said,
Clay is calm, but net vindictive-l hold
my purpose, Hamilton, IA any event
remember this. On handing him his
pistol. Tatnail sprang the hair trigger.
Colonel Randolph leid, Tatnall, al
though am one Of the best shots IN
with either pistol or gun, yet
never FIRE with the hair trigger be-
sides. | have thick buckskin glove on,
which woaid destroy the delicacy of my
touch and the trigger may fly before 1
know where | an. Bat from his great
soIicitude for his friend, fstnall insisted
on hairing the trigger. On taking their
positiou, the fact turned out as Mr..
Randolph anticipated, went of before
the word, With tho muzzle down.
The moment this event took place,
General Jessup, Mr. Clay friend, called
ont that he would instantly leave the
ground with his friend if that occurred
again. Mr.. Clay at once exclaimed that
n was an accident and begged that the
gentleman might be allowed 70 50. on:
On the word being given Mr.. Clay hrea
without effect, Mr.. Randolph discharg-
inc his pistol in the air. The moment
thst Mr.. Clay saw that Mr.. Randolph
had thrown away his FIRE, with gush OF
be instantly approached Mr.;
aud said, With az emotion
never car forget, I trust in Goa, ny
dear sir. you are untouched; after What
hss occurred, 7 would not have harmed
you for thousand worlds. Life Of
yohn Rand0lph.