The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-05-27

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 q
very fierce and Turbulent political dispute,
which finally became personal Before it
had fairly come to an issue, John Swart-
wodt became involved In it, taking Burr's
place. He challenged Clinton, who ae-
cepted. On the field Clinton remarked
that he wished he had the principal
BURY 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.. S@artwout insisted
that he should have an apology, and pre-
pared one that he Insisted Mr.. Clinton
should sign. Mr.. Clinton, of course, de-
clined and the parties went to the field.
The duel was such remarkable one that
present an account given Of it by Mr.. N
s. Smith, who was Swattwout's second.
He says "The gentlemen took positions
and fired without effect. At Mr.. Riker's
request, asked Mr.. Swartwout if he was
satisfied. He answering in the negative,
the second shot was fired without effect.
I again asked Mr. Swartwout if he was
satisfied. He replied: I am not, and the
third shot was exchanged without injury.
I then asked Mr.. Swartwout: Are you
satisfied, sirr He replied: Il am not;
neither shall be until the apology is made
which I have demanded. Until then we
must proceed" I then presented paper
to Mr.. Riker for Mr.. Chnton's signature,
containing the apology demanded, observ-
ing 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 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 fred fourth
shot. Mr.. Swartwout was wounded in the
left leg, about five inches below the knee.
| Being asked if he was satisfied, Mr.. Swart-
wout replied: Tt is useless to repeat the
question: my determination is fixed, and
beg we may proceed Mr.. Clinton repeat
ed 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 conver-
sation, the surgeon, kneeling at his side,
extracted the ball from Mr.. Swartwout's
leg. The fifth shot being fired, Mr.. Swart-
wout 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, l asked: Are
you satisfed?' He forcibly answered: :
No, sir; 1 am not. Proceed. Mr.. Clin-
ton then quit his post, declining the COM
bat, and declared that he would fire no
more Mr.. Swartwout expressed himself
surprised that Mr. Clinton would neither
apologize nor give the satisfaction required,
and, addressing me, said: what shall 1 do,
my friend?' answered: Mr.. Clinton de-
clines making the apology required, refuses
taking his position, and positively declares
he will fight no more His second appear
ing to acquiesce in the disposition of his
principal, there is nothing further for you
to do now but to have your wounds
dressed The surgeons attending dressed
his wounds and the gentlemen returned il
their respective barges to the city,"