The daily gazette., 1877-01-24


World and not of Literature. u t.
Probably the name of no one has been
brought by the columns of the press, be-
fore the public view, to greater extent,
within the last few weeks than that Of
Fredrick May, in connection with the
"Bennett-- Duel" But little, how
ever, personally, has been related in re-
gard SO either of the parties concerned;
the most of journals simply contenting
themselves with the details of the onset
to battle, have discarded save in word,
the personal career of Mr.. Bennett, where
as not sentence to our knowledge, has
been written bearing distinctly upon the
previous life Of Mr.. May.
1t is not the purport of this COMMUNE
cation to enter into the early life of the
above named Mr.. May, for to the author
Of the same, but little Is known; suffice
III relating his college days while at the
University of Virginia. Among the en-
tering class of this institution, OF the ses-
sion Of 1S67-6S, was one William May, an
elder brother Of the subject under discus
sion. His age being that of some seven
teen summers, had from mode of high
life living, produced in him statue in
proportion unusual frcm the most of his
ing very tall, and somewhat OF gawky
bearing. His good social qualities, how
ever, and attractive decorum seemed to
have fully compensated for his oddities so
that with his fellow students few stood
higher. Having passed his first year at
the University and to degree admiring
its attractions and facilities for fun and
pleasure in both sports and books. Will
liam upon the opening. Of the following
session, returned az accompanied by his still
younger brother, friedrich, who both to-
gether matriculated as students from
Washington, d. G., for the then incom-
ing year '6S-'69. Their choice for rooms
seem to have been well selected in dormi-
tory A, in Dawson's Row, place some
what noted for its seclusion in which mu
sic and games seemed to be the charmers
of passing time. ..-',-
| The younger broLher Fred, entered up
on the tickets of Latin, Modern Language
and Natural Philosophy. The duties at
tending such course and the study OF
the subject-matter, not being congenial to
his taste and preconceived idea of col
lege life, Fredrick soon became enamored
with the prevalent occupation Of loafing,
and therein thenceforward spent quar-
ter part of his time. When the moments
went heavily he solaced himself in joking
at the expense of his brother William and
led on by Fred great amusement was at
the hands of the students from that source
Fred was but some sixteen years of age
His personal bearing, differing from that
Of William, was to be admired rather than
to cause unwonted comment. Tall was
his person, but well proportioned was his
figure, and fine looking though not hand
some was his appearance.
To those who happened to be the as
socates Of the May boys undying friend
ship seemed to be extended. Fred being
the younger and having enjoyed the dis
sipation of high life previous to entering
the University found it task of no minol
import to shirk his accustomed habits and
assume other more foreign to his wishes
and naturally he preferred to continuesou
with the same routine of life which his
rare opportunities had always afforded
him. In fact he cared but little for his
standing in class.
His aspirations seemed to have ceased
when he was confident that by his college
friends ne was regarded as good hearted
and wholesoul fellow. TO this end, his
aim and object were evidently directed
and his wishes from all information
however to the contrary, were il
truth realized. With the close of the
session 1S6S-G9 the May brothers with
drew from the University with final
leave, William had been pronounced by
the faculty of the University a graduate
in the school of Anglo-Saxon, while Al
the same time Fred contented himself
with consolation of coming pleasures tc
be realized in the following vocation ant
in his future life.
From the date of his served connection
from the University, nothing has been
heard of his personal whereabouts till the
recent event so noteworthy. And we nigh
add like unto many his vacancy has beer
filled by others without one mark OF
respect to its previous occupant. Little
no doubt did he even ever imagine upon
mounting the Virginia Midland trail
homeward in the June of 1869, that his
lperson would in such a fe W years be the
victim of Harvard's Bennett (bayonet,
to appease insulted pride. Indeed, sucl
bravery was not so indicated by his
general character while at the University
for he was by no means reckless fellow
while here. So far from it that not even
did he receive one insinuation from the
faculty intimating their displeasure at his
chosen conduct. Suffice in closing to
say, but few of his compeers at the Uni
|, versity live in such brief season, risen
so eminently before the public. Whether
this be lasting monument of his name,
we will leave for an answer, the future to
reveal and whether it be one creditable to
himself, and in justice to his Alma Mater
| j. U, LAS.
| University of Virginia, Jan, 20, 1877.
| MIR TT Nv -Tba Phi1adalnhia Sundav