The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1878-05-14
A Remarkable Duel.

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 if the
dispute in which this duel originated
had taken its natural course the most
famous duel in any history-that be,
tween Hamilton and Burr would have
been omitted Clinton and Burr had a
very fierce and truculent political dis
pute, which finally became personal.
Before it 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."
If his wish had been gratifed 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 be would have an apology, and
prepared one that he insisted Mr. Clinton
should sign. Mr.. Clinton, of course de-
cllned, and the parties went to the field
The duel was sucha remarkable one that
| present an account given of it by Mr.
N. 5. Smith, who was Swartwout's
second. He says: The gentlemen took
positions and fired without effect. At
Mr.. Riher's request | asked Mr.. Swart-
won't if he was satisfied. He answering
in the negative second shot was fired
without effect. lagain asked Mr.. Swart-
won't if he was satisfied. He replied 81
am not" and the third shot was ex-
changed without injury. I then asked
Mr.. Swartwout, care you satisfied.
sir?" He replied, ~ am not. Neither
shall | be until the apology is made
which | have demanded. Until then we
must proceed" [ then presented a
paper to Mr.. Riker for Mr.. Clinton's
signature, containing the apology de-
manded, observing that this paper must
be signed or we would proceed. Mr..
Clinton declared that he would sign no
paper on the subject, that he had no
animosity to Mr.. Swartwout, and would
willingly shake hands and agree to meet
on the score Of former friendship. Mr..
Swartwout insisted on the signature to
the apology, and Mr.. Clinton declining,
they stood at their posts and fired a
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: at is useless to repeat
the question; my determination is fixed,
and L beg we may proceed" Mr.. Clin-
ton repeated that he had no animosity
against 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, extracted the bali
from Mr.. Swartwout's leg. The fifth
shot being tred, Mr.. Swartwout received
a 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, 1 asked: care
you satisfed?' He forcibly answered:
No, sir; I am not. Proceed" Mr..
Clinton then quit his post, declining the
combat and declared that he would fire
no more. Mr.. Swartwout expressed
himself surprised that Mr.. Clinton would
neither apologize nor give the satisfac-
ton required, and, addressing me, said:
What shall l do, my friend?" an
swered: Mr.. Clinton declines making
the apology required, refuses taking his
position, and positively declares he will
hight no more; his second appearing to
acquiesce in the disposition Of his prin-
clpal, there is nothing further for you to
40 now but to have your wounds dress
ed" The surgeons attending dressed his
wounds and the gentlemen returned in
their respective barges to the city.