The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1880-02-06
IN. o. Picay,,ne 2sth.l

IN. o. Picayune 2sth.] !
AT half-past o'clock the principals,
with their friends, entered carriages
and set out for tho rendezvous, which
was on the Metairie road, about mid
way between the new canal and the
river, a spot known as the Beard place,
at present occupied only by a colored
family, who remain there to take care
of the property.
The carriages made o aletour to avoid
the police, as ii was feared they might
interfere with the proceedings. The
two parties arrived almost at the same
time, Major Hearsey being accom-
panied by Capt. Leon Jastremski and
Mr.. Guy Carleton as his seconds, and
Major Burke, accompanied by Messrs.
Page Baker and Richard Weightman
as his seconds.
The seconds Immediately proceeded
to the selection of favorable spot,
which was found in a field In the rear
of the promises, and in the neighbour
hood ola largo oak tree, which afforded
shade to the combatants. During this
operation the principals remained near
the house, in conversation with some
of their friends, the two parties being
at some distance apart. They both ap-
peared very cool and collected, mani
testing no sign of nervousness. Major
Burke was dressed with care, wore a
glove on his left hand, and pink in
his button-hole. Major Hearsey was
attired in q dark suit of clothes, and
carried u slender cane, which is his
usual companion on the streets. After
the ground had been selected, and ten
PAGES, the distance agreed upon, meas
ured off, the seconds, with their prin-
cipals and the two surgeons, Drs.
Joseph Scott and d. G. Holiday,
/ repaired to the scene of combat. There
the principals retained their wonted
c0Lnpoeure, smilingly eonversing with
their friends. The weapons, ordinary
smooth-bored duelling pistols, were
loaded and the principals put in the
positions which they had drawn, both
being In the shade. The weapons
were placed in their hands and the in
struction given by the second not to
fire before the command "one," and
not after s'three.' The word was
given by Mr.. Baker, in a clear, ring
ing voice, and both principals fired at
tsOne," nearly simultaneously. They
remained motionless in their positions,
indicating that neither bullet had taken
effect. The seconds met. Those rep
resenting Major Hearsey enquired of
Major Burke's friends, whether they
were ready to make an apology, to
which the latter replied that they had
no apology to make. The friends Of
Major Hearsey then said the combat
should proceed. BY mutual consent
the principals were allowed to leave
their positions while the pistols were
being loaded. During this interval
they walked about, talking with theil
friends, and rs calm as before the first
fire. The weapons being reloaded they
again took their posts, and the word
being given they fired the second time
the crack of the pistols making single
report. The result was tho same as il
the first instance. Another meeting o
tho seconds was held, those represent
ing Major Hearsey reiterating theil
enquiry whether an apology would b.
made. After some consultation be
tween the seconds it was concluded
that the combat should proceed OF
condition that u process verbal shoult
be published and that Major Burk,
should declare that he did not tloub
the honor and bravery Of Major Hear
sey. These conditions being accepted
by Major Burke's seconds, the meetin,
was declared ended, and the principals
advanced towards each other and shoot
hands. Thereafter tho parties enteret
their respective carriages and returned
to town, where they were greeted b,
their friends and congratulated on TIN
happy tlenouement Of the aff;,ir.
ASSESSMENT OF LANDS.