The New York herald., 1878-02-27
A BLOODY DUEL.
RENCoNTRE BETWEEN DE WITT CLINTON AND
JOHN swARTwoUr NEAR NEW YORK.
TEro,n he pnil nhia Timse Feb

RENcoNTRE BETWEEN DE WITT CLINTON AND
JOHN swARTwoUr NEAR NEW YORK.
From tho Philadelphia Times, Feb. 25.l
II is notable fact, however, that the most deter
mined 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
aud John swartwout in 1902. IT appears probable
that II the spute In which this originated had
taken natural the most famous duel IN any
history-that between Hamilton and Burr-woud
have been omitted. Clinton and Burr had very
fierce and truculent political dispute which finally be-
came personal. Before u had iariy come TO
JoGn Swartwout became Involved IN u, taking Burrs
place. He challenged Clinton, who accepted. On The
field Chuton remarked 'that ne wished he had the
principal (Burr) before him." Ii his wish had been
graled there rs little doubt that his fatal precision
OF snot ouid put Burr where he could have
killed Hamilton three years later. Mr.. swartwcut
insisted hat he should have an apology, and prepared
one that he insisted Mr. CLINTON should sign Mr.
Clinton. OF course, declined, ana the parties went
the field The duel was such q remarkable one that
present al account gwen oil u by Mr. N. $. smith,
who was Swartwoups second He says:-ih he gentle
men took posllions ana fired without effect AT Mr.
kiger's request asked MI Swartwout u he was
shed He answering in The negative The second shot
WAS fired without elect. l again asked Mr.. Swart-
wout II he satisfied He replied, IL am not and
the third shot was exchanged without injury; l
sirY" He replied, ~ am moi, neither shall l
be until the apology is MADE which have demanded.
Until then must proceed" | then presented q
paper Mr. Riker ior Mr.. Clintons signature. con-
tanning the apology demanded. observing that THIS
paper must be signed or We would proceed Mr.. Chm
ton declared he would sign paper ths subject.
that he had no animosiy 10 Mr.. Swartwout and would
Willingly shake hands and agree 10 meet on the score
oil iormer friendship Mr.. Swartwout Insisted ON the
signature TO the apology, and Mr.. CLINTON declining,
they $1,000 at their posts aud fired q fourth shot, Mr..
swartwout was wounded in the lett leg, about hve
inches below tho knee Being asked II be Was satis-
Gea Mr. owartwout repiiea: :lt ~ useless 10 repeat
the question my determination Is fixed ana heg we
may proceed" Mr. Clinton repeated that he had
animosity against Mr.. Swartwout was sorry Tor what
had passed; proposed 10 advance shake hanas aid
bury the past III OBLIVION. During Tins conversation
The surgeon kneeiing at his sidc cxlrac,ed the bail
IRON tr. swarlwouts leg. The nlh snol being nred,
Mr. Swartwout received . ball III the lelt leg ABOUT
i've inches above the ankle. STILL however standing
at mis- post perfectly composed Al tho request oi Mr.
Riker asked:-"Are you satis1edYn He torcibly
answered:-"No, sir; am not Proceed" Mr. Chn-
tou Lnen quit ns post decl nlng the combQt, and do
clared thai he would nre NO more Mr. Swartwout
expresscu himself surprised that Mr. C.inton would
neither apologize nor give the Satisfaction required,
and, addressing me, said :-.Wnat snail do, my
frends' | lanswereu:-''Mr Clinton declines max
ing apology required, refuses taKng1nis posion
and positively dec,ares ne will light no more. HIS
appearing 10 acqulesce Ia the disposition OF
his principal, tnere s nothing urther ior you 10 do
now hut 10 have your woun.s dressed" The sur
eeOns attending dressed his wounds and the gentle
returned Ia their respective barges TO The city,