The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-07-26
A CARD.

About 26 O'Clock Wednesday afternoon, July
"a, 1 called upon Mr. M. F. Blgney. of the City
Item, at his residence, After meeting him
explained that had called upon him on behalf
Of the Editor of the DEMOCRAT. regarding an
article published in his paper. and demanded
a retraction. Mr.. Bigney in the interview stated
that he did not intend to reflect on the Editor
of the DEMOCRAT individually, but refused to
publish an apology to that paper.
then asked him whether he would accept a
challenge. to which he responded that he would
not under any circumstances. According to
q greement again met him in the office of the
Citv Item, and he again refused to publish re-
traction; whereupon I told him that Major
Hearsey had desired me to say that If the re-
traction was refused. and as he had refused to
fight, no recourse was left. and he had better
arm himself, for the first time the parties met
he tMr. Bigney) would be attacked.
On Thursday morning. July %. Major Fl. J,
Hearsey. feeling still aggrieved at an article
appearing in the Cty Item rejecting on
the courage and manhood Of the staff of thu
DEMOCRAT. waited at the corner of Natehez and
Camp streets for Mr.. NJ. T. Bigney, the author
Of the article.
At about half-past 10 o'clock, whilst | was
standing on the Natchez street sidewalk, Mr..
8igney appeared in company with man; in
formed Major Hearsay that Mr.. Bigney was
coming, whereupon that gentleman. stepping
out into the street, accosted Mr.. Bigney with the
words: 1--WE had better settle this thing right
here at the same time delivering Mr.. Bigney a
heavy blow with q cane over the right shoulder,
There was motion on the part of Mr. Bigney
to draw weapon, but the second blow coming
as it did so closely upon the first he put up his
right arm to protect his head. At the fourth
| M H.
| ior Hearsey was striving to get it out of his
grasp, the latter slipped and fell, still retaining
his hold. Mr.. Bigney unsucoessfully endeav-
oret for some time to get the cane away from
| his opponents grasp.
After struggle on the ground. stepped for
ward and said. Gentlemen, this is enough
Get up!' and both parties then arose, each re
| tanning his hold on the cane. then requested
| Mr.. Bigney to let 90 his hold. when that gentle
man asked whether he would be struck agair
If he let go. He asked me second time
whether he would be struck If he should looser
his grasp. After having been informed that ht
would not he reluctantly let go. Major Hear
set then said. On you, you haven't beer
whipped enough yet" and Mr.. Bigney walked
off.
When the first blow was given by Major Hear
sey man who was in company with Mr.. Big
ney, drew Colts six-shooter and cooking 1t
made a hostile demonstration. which wa
checked, and he was ordered by me to put hi
pistol down and stop that" He nervously hell
} his weapon in his hand and did not advance o
! speak a word to me as stated, and did not tel
me not to advance. He showed signs of grea
!, agitation, and was hardly cognizant of what wa
passing, evidently.
Mr.. Bgney did not knock Major Hearse
down, neither did he kick him. The cause Q
the formers fall was a slip, and at no time dur
ing the encounter did Mr.. Bigney offer to max
blow at his opponent.
1t is with reluctance that have to give to tn
public the particulars of this affair but the I'm
, true publication of an account Of the affai
compels me to forego my natural feelings an
give the truth of the castigation of Mr. BiQneJ
Respectfully, @. b. WHITNEY.