Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-03-22
THE CODE.
A Duel in Missouri in Early Times
Two shots and Then the Drinks
Were Set UD.

Duel IN MtSsOuFl IN Early Times
Two shots and Then the Drinks
Were Set Up.
The Sedalia Mo- Bazoo relates the
following good story:
Twenty years ago the dilapidated old
burgh known as Georgetown was one Of
the most thriving villages of Central
Missouri. 1t contained as Jolly set of
souls as ever lived, always ready for a
fight, fun or foot race. Taxes then we're
about oneffth of one per cent, and
good whisky could be bought for thirty
FIVE cents per gallon.
All the hard work was done by the
negroes, while the white trash . killed
time playing cards, horse racing perpe-
trating all kinds of practical jokes, and
drinking the aforesaid cheap whisky. 1t
was no disgrace then to go on week
spree, as the best people in the country
did
Colonel Samuel A. Lowe, now of St.
Louis, was then the County and Circuit
Clerk and ex-oflicio Recorder, and even
then had time to spare, which he devoted
TO the worship Of Bacchus. Then, as
now, Sam was little insulting when in
his cups, and on one occasion insulted
citizen of the place, high-atrung Vir-
ginian, who now lives in Sedalia, and
follows the same business he was then
engaged in.
The F. f. "" pocketed the insult
for the time being, but it soon came his
turn to get drunk, and then he called
Samuel to account Samuel wanted to
apologize, but this would not wipe out
the insult with the Virginian. He wanted
to settle it according to the code of
honor. This gave show for fun, and
the bystanders took Sam out and told
him he must accept the challenge. But
he was not as bloodthirsty then as he
has been since getting command of
regiment of st. Louis militia and associ.
ating with such dare-devils as Joe Col
cord.
He revolted at the idea Of killing a
man, and was more greatly moved at
the idea of being killed. After lengthy
conversation and being assured it would
only end in fun, he agreed to accept, and
designated his second, fine looking
young doctor, who now resides in st Louis
aud isengaged in the insurance business.
old Virginia chose his friend, and
the terms were soon agreed upon. The
parties were to fight with old-fashioned
horse pistols, loaded with ball; were to
meet at a point on Muddy creek, to be
selected by the seconds. They were to
place their backs together and at sig
nal we're to march eight sthps to the
front and wheel and FIRE. Hour of meet
ing, 10 o'clock the morning after the &C.
ceptsnce.
The news was soon heralded over the
town of the coming duel, and all kinds
OF speculations we're made as to the re-
suit, This kind of sport was something
new and pleasant, and the saloons did an
extra amount OF business that night, and
many beds were untouched by persons
who were afraid they would oversleep
themselves and miss the sport.
AT last the morning came, and the
whole of the male population were on
the qui vive. The line of march was
taken up, and the procession wended its
way toward the romantic spot known as
Cedar Bluff.
The Virginian had sobered off consid-
erably, and began to relent of his rash
ness. Having arrived upon the ground
chosen by the seconds, he readily agreed
to settle the difficulty with one shot each
Frequent libations were INDUCED in, and
both Of the principals showed they were
the worse by liquor. The excitement
ran at fever heat when the duelists we're
placed in position, back to back, and the
eight PAGES were stepped of. The sec
onds acted il the double capacity
Of bottle holders, and each gave
his man a drink, when hands we're
shaken and farewells exchanged. The
words, Forward march," were given,
when each of the principals marched
directly to the front, eight PAGES, and
wheeled as the word FIRE was given.
Each man shot, but not at his adversary,
as there was an eightfoot hill between
them, the seconds having chosen the top
Of ridge or back bone" and each
man had marched out of sight of the
other. The crowd were not long in see
ing the mint, whea loud hurrah went
pp and the Virginian I" set up many
gallon of cid rye over his duel. The
principals were the best of friends before
night, and went together Oh Jolly spree.
---SH.--o- .n-------a.-.