Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1880-02-18
THE NEW ORLEANS DUEL.
TWO MAJORS MEET IN THE OLD STYLE
UNDER THE OAKS, AND SETTLE
A DIFFICULTY.

From the New Orleans Picayune,
On Friday afternoon last an article
appeared in the Daily States, of which
Major Ii. J.. Hearsey is editor, which
elected from the Democrat, of which
Major Il. A. Burke is editor, on edito
rial rejecting on Major Hearsey A
response followed in the evening edition
Of the States on Saturday and on Sun.
day morning the Democrat assailed
Major Hearsey's veracity, which caused
that gentleman to challenge Major r.
A. Burke, as the managing editor OF
of the Democrat. The challenge was
accepted Thesllence of the journals
above mentioned on Monday and Tues
day Indicated that the settlement OF
tho questions at Issue had been re-
ferred to the arbhrament OF arms. IL
seemed generally anticipated yester-
day that duel would be fought dur.
ing thed day, but most of the quid nuncs
had come to the conclusion that the
fight would take place beyond the
State line. Events demonstrated the
error of this opinion, as the duel was
fought during the afternoon within
the limits of the city. At half-past 2
o'clock the principals with their
friends, entered carriages and set out
for the rendezvous, which was on tho
Metairio Road about midway between
the New Canal and the river Tho
carriages made detour to avoid the
police as it was feared they might in.
teriero with tho proceedings, The two
parties arrived almost at the same
time, Major Hearsey being 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 field in the rear OF the
premises, and in the neighborhood of
q large oak tree, which afforded shade
to the combatants. During this opera
tion the principals remained near the
house in conversation with some dis.
tanco apart. They both appeared very
cool and collected, maniiesting no sign
of nervousness. Major Burke was
dressed with care, wore a glove on his
left band, and pink in his button
hole. Major Hearsey was attired in
q dalk suit of clothes, and carried q
slender cane, which is his usual com
panion on the streets. After the
ground had been selected and ten PAGES,
the distance agreed upon, measured of,
tho seconds with their principals and
two surgeons, Drs. Joseph Scott and
D. c. Holiday, repaired to the scene
of combat. There the principals re-
tanned their wonted composure, smil-
ingly conversing with their friends.
The weapons, ordinary smooth-bored
dueling pistols, werc 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 instructions given
by the seconds not to fire before the
command "one" and not after "three."
The word was given by Mr.. Balter in
clear, ringing voice ana 1oth prlnel'
pals iired az "ohe, neafiy slmultA' ,
neously' Iney renamed motlohiess
in thelrp posltlon' indicating Ihat neltner
bullet had taken enect' Inc seGohuS
met, Those representing MAJOR near
sey inquired oil MAJOR burkes ifiends
whether they were ready 10 make an
apology, TO which the latter replieu