The daily gazette., 1878-02-28
AsDlessly Duel. Ifss
HxcoSTRE BETwEsN DE WITT CLINTON
Y AND JOHN swARTwoUT NEAR
NEW YORK Att

SncoSTRE BETWEEN DE WITT CLINTON
AND JOHN swARTwoUT NEAR
Z NEW YORK.
From he Philadelphia Times, Feb. %.
II IL q notable fact, however, that the
most determined duel of which / have
any record was fought In New York
State and very near the metropolis of
that name. The meeting was between
De Witt Clinton and John Swartwout in
1902. 1t appears probable that II the dis
pute In which this duel originated had
taken Its natural course the most famous
duel In any history--that between Ham,
ilton and Burr-would have been omit
ted. Clinton and Burr had q very fierce
and truculent political dispute, which
had fairly come to an issue John
Swartwout became involved in it
taking Burr's place. He challenged
Clinton, who accepted. On the field
Clinton remarked ''that he wished he
had the principal BURR before him." II
his wish had been gratified there Is little
doubt that his fatal precision of shot
would have put Burr where he could not
have killed Hamilton three years later.
Mr.. Swartwout insisted that he should
have an apology, and prepared one that
he insisted Mr. Clinton should sign. Mr..
Clinton, of course, declined, and the
parties went to the field. The duel was
such remarkable one that present an
account given of it by Mr.. N. s. Smith,
who was Swartwouts second. He says
THE gentlemen took positions and fired
without effect. At Mr.. Riker's request
asked Mr.. Swartwout If he was satisfied
He answering in the negative the second
shot was fired without effect. / again
asked Mr.. Swartwout If he was satisfied
He replied, al am not" and the third
shot was exchanged without injury.
then asked Mr.. Swartwout care yor
satisfied, sir? He replied, 81 am not
neither shall ] be until the apology Il
made which have demanded. Unit
then we must proceed"
l then presented n paper to Mr.. Rikel
for Mr.. Clinton's signature, containing
the apology demanded, Observing tina
this paper must be signed or we woult
proceed. Mr.. Clinton declared he woult
sign no paper on the subject, that he hat
no animosity to Mr.. Swartwout, ani
would willingly shake hands and agree
to meet on the score of former friend
ship. Mr.. Swartwout insisted on th'
Isignature to the apology, and Mr.. Clin
ton declining, they stood at their post
and fred fourth shot. Mr.. Swartwou
was wounded in the left leg, about fiv
Inches below the knee. Being asked /
he was satisfied, Mr.. Swartwout replied
"It is useless to repeat the question m.
determination is fixed and i beg we ma,
proceed" Mr.. Clinton repeated that h
had no animosity against Mr.. Swartwoui
was sorry for what had passed proposes
to advance, shake hands and bury tn
past IN oblivion. During this converse
ton the surgeon, kneeling at his side
extracted the ball from Mr.. Swartwout'
leg. The fifth shot being fired, Mr.. Swari
won't received a ball in the left leg ,abou
five inches above the ankle, still, howey
er, standing at his post perfectly compe
lssd. AT the request Of Mr.. Riker l asked
care you satisfied ?" He forcibly M
swered "No, sir / am not. Proceed
Mr.. Clinton then quit his post, declinin
the combat, and declared he would figl
lno more. Mr.. Swartwout expresse
) himself surprised that Mr.. Clinton woul
neither apologize nor give the satisfa.
ton required, and, addressing me, said
What shall do, my friend % 1 al
lswered: "Mr. Clinton declines maxim
the apology required, refuses taking hi
position and positively declares he wi
light no more. His second appearing {
, Iacquiesce in the disposition OF his pril
, cipal, there is nothing further for you
do now but TO have your wounds dres
ed" The surgeons attending dressed HI
N wounds aud the gentlemen returned |
! their respective barges to the city.