The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1878-05-23
miscellaneous.
A RLoopY DUEL.
RonSsn.re Between De witt Clinton and John
sWartWout Near New York.

KOnu1utEO BRLWttu Dp WV NN'"'N" 49, NN--
sUartWOut Near New York.
tia notable fact, however, that the
most determined duel of which have
any record, was fought in New York, and
very near the metropolis Of that name.
The meeting was between De Witt Clin-
ton and John Swartwout in 1902. 1t APP
pears probable that if the dispute out OF
which this duel originated had taken its
natural course, the most famous duel in
any history-that between Hamilton
and Burr-would have been omitted.
Clinton and Burr had very fierce and
truculent political dispute, which finally
became personal. Before it had fairly
come to an issue, John Startwout 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) be-
fore him" If his wish had been graft
fed, there is little doubt that his fatal
precision of shot would have put Burr
where he could not have killed Hamil-
ton three years later. Mr.. Swartwout
insisted that he should have an apology,
and prepared one that he insisted Mr.,
Clinton should sign. Mr.. Clinton declin.
ed, of course, and the parties went to the
field. The duel was such remarkable
one that l present an account given of it
by Mr. N. s, Smith, who was Swartwout's
second. He says
The gentlemen took positions and fred
without effect. At Mr., Rikers request |
asked Mr.. Swartwout if he was satisfied
He answered in the negative. The sec
ond shot was fred without effect. Again
1 asked Mr.. Swartwout if he was satisfied
He replied, 81 am not" and the third
shot was fired, without injury. | then
asked Mr.. Startwout, "Are you satisfied,
sirP" He replied, "I am not, neither
shall be until the apology is made that
/ have demanded, Until then we must
proceed" then presented a paper to
Mr.. kiker for Mr.. ClintOns signature,
containing the apology demanded, saying
that this paper must be signed or we
would proceed. Mr.. Clinton declared he
would sign no paper on the subject; that
he had no animosity toward Mr.. Swart-
won't, and would willingly shake hands
and agree to meet on the score of former
friendship. Mr. Sartwout insisted on the
signature to the apology, and Mr., Clinton
declining, they stood at their posts and
fred fourth shot, Mr.. Swartwout was
wounded in the left leg, about FIVE inches
below the knee. Being asked if he was
satisfied, Mr.. Swartwout replied: ut is
useless to repeat the question, my deter
mination is fixed, and | beg we may pro
Ceed." Mr. Clinton repeated that'he had
no animosity against Mr.. Swartwout; was
sorry for what had passed; proposed to
advance, shake hands and bury the past
in oblivion. During this conversation
the surgeon, kneeling at his side, extract
ed the ball from Mr.. Swartwout' leg. The
fifth shot was fred, and Mr.. Swartwout
received ball in the left leg, about five
inches above the ankle, still, however,
standing at his post perfectly composed.
At the request of Mr.. Riker | asked:
"Are you satisfied" He forcibly an.
swered: "No, sir; l am not. Proceed"
Mr.. Clinton then quit his post, declining
INC COmDdC1 anu ueCldIeu CndU ue WOuIu
fire no more. Mr.. Startwout expressed
great surprise that Mr.. Clinton would
neither apologize nor give the satistac
tion required, and addressing me said:
"What shall l do, my friend2" ] an
swered: "Mr. Clinton declines making
the apology required, refuses taking his
position, and positively declares he will
fight no more. His second appearing to
aCquiesce in the disposition of his prin
Cipal, there is nothing further for you to
do now but have your wounds dressed
The surgeons attending dressed his
wounds, and the gentlemen returned in
their respective barges to the City,-PhG
adelphiG Times.