Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1878-11-06
of Randall Hunt could obliterate. Prem
,;.s had aL;n,ad ,hn alliuotor

of Randall Hunt could Obllterate. fren-
tiss had skinned the alligator.
The result was thatyoung Henry Clay
Irwin, the oldest son Of Mr. lrwin,a ,aspiri-
ted young man only 22years old, sentby
the hands of his second, Mr. Robert
Johnson, of Kentucky, a peremptory
challenge to Prentiss. The friends OF
Mr.. Prentiss, Baillie Peyton, the Unit
ed States District Attorney, and the
late Alex. c. Bullitt, editor Of the Pi-
cayuhe, advised him TO decline the chal-
lenge on the ground that he was not
responsible for language used proies-
sionally, and that Mr.. James Irwin on
ly had the right to demand satisfaction,
which was done to save yonng lr-
win, as they felt the duel would prove
fatal TO him. But Prcntlss said the
challenge stated that young lrwln's
father was unable to attend TO such
matters, and if no declincdit would
only lead to q strt ct fight; that be ad-
mircd tho spirit OF the gallant boy and
appreciated his noble feelings, and there
being no alternative, he was compelled
to give him satisfaction. The chal
lenge was consequently accepted, and
time given to Mr. Prchtiss to arrange
/ his affairs. In the meanwhile General
Huston was called in consultation. He
advised that if il was possible to effect
reconciliation, il should be done, as
the result in any alternative would
prove fatally disastrous TO the families
of both parties, the aunt Of young lr-
win being the wife of john Bell, OF
Tennessee, who was the great friend
of Prentiss. Gen Huston suggested
that B. G.. Harney aud & +. Morse be
selected to act as umpires, and accom-
pany tho parties to the ground. The
principals and seconds met at Pass
Christian 10 February, 1913 The weap-
ons chosen were pistols, at ten PAGES
II was then proposed TO Mr. lrwins
seconds that Harney and Morse be call
cd in as umpires before tho principals
were placed, which was finally agreed
to, subject to be accepted or rejected.
After consultation Harney and Morse
drew up the following:
"rhc difficulty between Mr. Irwin
aud Mr.. Prentiss having been referred
10 us by their respective friends, we
are of the opinion that Mr.. Prentiss
Travelled out OF the record in the use OF
the offensive expressions complained
OF, which it is therefore the duty of Mr.
Preutiss cheerlully, frankly, and fully
to rctract."
THIS was accepted by the friends OF
the combatants, and Preutiss. accord
ingly, with his characteristic cordial
and magnauimous feelings, made the
amende honorable to the great joy OF
the friends and families Of both parties
For several days, however, telegraphC
rumors filed the country that q hos
tile meeting had taken place, and that
Prentss was killed. Mr. Clay after
ward wrote prentiss a letter OF thanks
and gratitude for his noble conduct.
The sequul 10 his happy reconcila
lion finally ended in u terrible tragedy
Young Irwin being of sensitive, high
toned nature, could not easily banisl
from his mind the stain that he con
ceived had been fixed upon his father
honor. Notwithstanding the inlles
retraction that Prenlss had made, wltl
expressions OF the deepest regret, an'
besides writing a note TO Robert. Jobh
!, son honoring and approaching the gal
lanhy Of young Irwin, and again max
ing the most generous concessions
, young Irwin writhed under the stinl
T, OF condemnation which he felt publ
! opinion had pronounced against hi
: father In vain he struggled to FIRE
himself from this hideous phantom
+ which haunted him day and night. RC
sorting to dissipation to drive away il
! memories, he INDUCED to excess, an
: in bis deirium, after being up all night
be retired to his room at the 81. Charlie
Hotel about o'clock in the morning
when soon altcrward pistol shot wa
: heard, and the proud spirit OF youn
: Henry Clay Irwin was found to bav
y taken its flight TO another world.