The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-06-03
JUSTICE FIELD AS A DUELLIST.

During Mr.. Fields Legislative days in
| the California Legislature the members
were little else than walking arsenals
Two thirds OF them carried either bowie
knives or pistols. Some flourished both
weapons. When member entered the
House he unstrapped his revolyers and
laid them on his desk. 1t was done with
as little concern as hanging up hat, ,and
ii excited neither surprise nor comment.
There was hot debate over the propos-
ed impeachment of Judge Turner. At
the conclusion of Mr.. Fields argument,
B. T. Moore, of Tuolumne, arose to re-
ply. He opened his drawer, cooked his
reyolvers, and laid them on his desk.
Then he launched himself on sea of
vituperation. Mr.. Field was handled
without gloves. The most offensive
| cpithets were used, and the speaker open
ly declared himself responsible for his
language at any time and place. Mr..
Field answered Mr.. Moore's arguments,
but made no allusion TO his personal re-
marks. After the adjournment, how
ever, he asked S. A. Merrittvvto bear a
note to Mr.. Moore, demanding an apollo
gy or satisfaction. Mr.. Merritt refused,
through fear of being disqualified for
Office. Mr.. Richardson, another mem
ber, also declined. Happening into the
Senate-chamber, the iurist saw a stone
cutter seated at desk, writing. He
was David G. Broderick, President of the
State Senate. They were bowling &C.
quaintances. "Why, Judge, you don't
look WELL" said Broderick. "What's the
natter"
"Well, don't feel WE'LL" Field re-
sponded. 81 don't seem to have friend
in the world"
"What worries you?" inquired the
stonecutter.
The iurist gave the particulars of
Moore's assault upon his character, and
said that, at all hazards, be was deter
mined to call him to account.
swell, I'll be your FRIEND" Broderick
replied. "Write your note; 1 will de-
liver it.
The jurist wrote the note at an adioin-
ing desk, and Broderick placed it in
Moores hands. The latter gentleman
crawfshed. He said that he expected
to be candidate for Congress, and that
he could not accept challenge, because
that act would disqualifY him. 81 have
no objection to street fight, however"
he added. The stonecutter replied that
street fight was not exactly the thing
among gentlemen, but if Moore would
do NJ better he should be accommodate
ed. He forthwith named time and place,
and Moore promised to be on hand.
Within an hour, however, he changed
his mind. He informed Broderick that
the Hon. Drury Baldwin would act as
his friend, and deliver a reply to the note
of Mr.. Field.
On the next morning the stonecutter
tested the iurist's skill in the use of
pistol. With a navy revolver Field
pumped knot on tree at distance of
thirty yards three times out of five.
Broderick expressed his satisfaction, and
urged the necessity of bringing the mat
ter to a speedy issue. ''Bring it to an is
sue at once" Mr.. Field responded.
Broderick quickly called upon Drury
Baldwin, and asked for reply to the
note. Baldwin replied that his principal
had made up his mind to drop the mat
ter. "Then,' said the stonecutter, t'as
soon as the House meets, Mr.. Field will
rise in his seat and repeat Moore's Ian
guage as to his responsibility. He will
state that respect for the Gignity of the
House prevented him from replying to
the attack in the terms that it deserved
when it was made, and, after detailing
Moore's refusal to give him satisfaction,
be will denounce him as a liar and q cow
ard"
"Then,' said Drury Baldwin, "Judge
Field will be shot in his seat
"In that case" reioined Broderick,
"others will be shot in their seats"
At the opening of the House, Mr..
Field took his seat at his desk as usual.
Broderick was seated near him, with or
8 personal friends, all armed to the teeth
and ready for any emergency. When
the journal was read both Field and
Moore sprang to their feet, and shouted,
''Mr. Speaker" That officer recognized
''the gentleman from Tuolume," and Mr..
Field resumed his seat. Moore read a
written apology, full, ample and salts
factory.
Broderick afterward befriended Mr..
Field on many occasions. They were
standing at the bar of hotel in San
Francisco in 1852, when Broderick saw
man throw back his Spanish cloak and
level a revolver at his friend. In twink
ling he flung himself between the two
men, and pushed Field out of the room.
The prompt action undoubtedly saved
his life.
REv. GEo. H. Thayer, of Bourbon,
Ind, known to every one IN that vicini-
ty as a most influential citizen, and
christian minister of the NJ. E. Church.
says: 81 wish every body to know that
consider that both myself and wife owe
our lives, to SHILOH'S CONSUMP-
TION CURE Drs. Matchett & France,
physicians and druggists of the same
place, say: sit is having tremendous
sale, and is giving perfect satisfaction