Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-02-09
e. wHITMORE.
Publisher and Proprietor
MADDOX AS A DUGLISr.
An pisOde Of Ihc Mexican WHT-A
Becidsd Display Of Courage.

An ptGOde Of lhc Mexican Whr-A
Becidsd display Of Courage.
Baltimore Sun.l
Mr.. j. II. Maddox, who has re-
Gently figured prominently in the
investigation of frauds by the
Louisiana returning board, was yes
terday dismissed from the United
States revenue service. An exciting
episode in the early life of Mr..
Maddox, which is well remembered
by many citizens Of Baltimore, is
his participation in fatal duel du-
ring the Mexican war with Lieut.
Mcpherson, of Frederick county,
Maryland. The result of the en-
counter caused much bitterness of
feeling on the part of the relatives
and friends of Lieut.. Mcpherson
against Mr.. Maddox. 1t was always
spoken of by him as a subject Of
regret, although he claimed his
action could not be avoided, under
the circumstances. The account
given by gentlemen who, though
not witnesses, were nevertheless
familiar with the details of the
affair, is substantially as follows
During the war ten regiments Of
regular troops were authorized to
be enlisted by the United States
government, which were disbanded
after its close. One Of these was
the Third Dragons, commanded
by Colonel L. G. w. Butler, Of
Louisiana, with Major Lewis Cass,
jr, son Of General Oass. One-half
the regiment, under these officers,
was stationed on General Zachary
Taylor's line at Mier, twenty-five
miles from Camargo, and the other
portion, under the lieutenant-col-
onel, was attached to General SCOTS
command at the city of Mexico.
The regiment was considered one
of the most effective in the service,
all Of the officers being noted for
both soldierly bearing and their
social standing as gentlemen. One
of the companies was raised in
MARYLAND, and two of its lieutenants
were Maddox and Mcpherson.
Both officers were fast friends, and
highly esteemed for their gallantry
and prepossessing appearance.
At Mier a certain quarrel oc-
CURED between the two while
spending the evening in the Off
GERS quarters, over an ofense given
in a heated controversy. Lieut..
Mcpherson became greatly excited
and exasperated, and challenged
Lieutenant Maddox to fight a duel.
Maddox, on his part, insisted that
the quarrel was the result of a mis-
understanding, and could be settled
without meeting, Mcpherson
| refused to listen to any ogortures
whatever, and insisted that there
should be q meeting and that blood
should be shed. Maddox yielded
reluctant assent, and the meeting
took place at an early hour in the
morning, near Mier, Maddox won
! the choice Of weapon, and selected
a par Of dneling pistols. The dis
tance was ten PAGES, The first
shot was exchanged and neither
party injured. The friends Of Mad
dox, at his instance, then asked the
seconds of Mcpherson that the duel
should end, but MCPHERSON posi-.
lively refused. A second shot was
exchanged without effect. Nc.
Pheraon was excessively angry al
his failure in both trials and
blamed the weapons used. He de.
manded not only another shot but
that they should take th;ir cavalry
pistols. At that time the ole
horse pistol carrying full
ounce ball, had just been improved
by the addition Of percussion locke
making it a very deadly weapon
Maddox's seconds objected posi-
lively to this, as altogether irregu
lar, and for some time would no
allow their principal to accept til,
proposition. Finally Mcpherson
declared that Maddox had taker
dueling pistols only because no on,
could use them. Maddox thel
said: "Let him have his way" ant
the weapons were brought. Belor