The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-04-18
OuelS In New OrleanS.

an account of some duels that took place in
New Orleans about twenty five years ago.
He says: A young gentleman from Mis-
sissippi, the son Of . wealthy planter,
went to New Orleans to spend the gay
season. He was quiet, modest and unas-
Stunning. His great wealth, fne personal
appearance, cultivated mind. and engage
ing manners had marked him as a supe-
rior being among the throng of hard
drinking, loud talking, staggering young
men of that period. He was favorite
among the ladies, aud by his general de-
pertinent excited the envy and the ire of
the bravadoes, who, notwithstanding their
we'll known dissoluteness, were admitted
into society. More than one of them had
attempted to fastcn quarrel upon him,
but had not succeeded.
At length one Of the most reckless of the
famous duelists Determined to grossly
insult him. Accordingly one evening
while the young Mississippisn was sitting
at table in the rotunda of the st. Louis
hotel, the professional cut throat stepped
up to the table, and scizing the glass of
whine, dashed it in the enemy's face. 1t
was supposed that, according to the
code, peremptory challenge must follow.
But the Mississippien knew his man, and
had perfect control of himself He
said nothing. did nothing; but quietly
retired. He was voted coward, of
course, by the throng. The next day
passed and he was not seen. 1t was sup
posed he had quit the city. That evening
the staggering duelist who had given
him mortal affront was in the rotunda,
the lion Of the night. Suddenly the
Mississippian appeared.
He strolled across the rotunda to where
the due.ists was staining, and without
saying word seized him bye the mus
tache and goatee, jerked his mouth open
and spat dov n his drought. He was
challenged on the spot. He accepted,
and being the challenged party, had the
choice of weapons. This was. why he had
| bided his time. He selected Mississippi
rifles at forty yards. The .nec:irg took
place the following day GU! on the old
Mctairie course, and at the first fire the
professional fell dead, with an ounce ball
through his brian.
Such was the state of society, in New
Orleans at that time, that it was the uni
versal custom at all balls and receptions
even OF select character, given at either
the st. Louis or St. Charles hotels, to re-
quire every gentleman to he searched fo1
| concealed weapons, in the dressing ROOM
before he was allowed to enter the ball
| room.
Upon one occasion, at ball given at
the st. Louis hotel, two men, both reput
ed gentlemen, imen Of wealth and stand
| ing in the community, quarrelcd about
an engagement to dance with lady
High words passed. and it was supposed
a duel must be had on the next day; but
one of them, a few moments later, drop
ped note, with IS gold piece enclosed
bj string to one Of the hackmen on the
pavement below. The note contained q
request to obtain Thug knife, and fas.
ten it to the string. This was done. and
the murderous weapon few minutes at:
terward was in the possession of the soon
to be murderer. A Thug knife is short
dagger-shaped blade, with cross handle
| of hard wood. 1t is grasped as cork.
scrow is when you are abour to pull d
cork, the blade protruding about six OF
! eight inches from the clenchetl hand, be-
tween the middle fingers.
Concealing this weapon, the scoundre'
requested the man with whom he ha0
quarreled to step aside for a moment te
al ante room. The request was complied
with, and no sooner had the door closed
upon them than the unsuspecting man
was struck to the heart with the Thug
knife, and instantly killed The murder.
or was arrested and allowed to give bail
but was not tried; and was told that he
is yet living in New Orleans, and, strange
as it may seem, is a respected member Of
society. Two cotton brokers quarreled
one day, at the cotton exchange. High
words passed, but no challenge followed
A few evenings afterward while they
were ct social club, one of them, with
out word of warning, drew revolver
The other threw up his hands, said he
was not armed, and begged for his life
which was not granted. He was shot
dead. An arrest and trial followed, hut
the jury rendered virdict Of acquitta