Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-11-05


In fact Mr.. Thomas Moore has been clerk o
the county court of Jefferson for more thai
fifty years, and is, therefore, the oldest clerl
in West or old Virginia At a recent term o
the County Court (the first day of the Sep
tember term) Col. Robt, W. Baylor, presi
dent and VIM. Righstine and VIM. Burnett
Justices comprising the court, the following
appropriate order was made of record:
Fifty years this day having elapsed since
Thomas Moore, clerk of this court, became
officially connected Herewith, during all OF
which period, Except the seven years OF
popular Acknowledgement after the late war
he has as deputy clerk and clerk faithfully,
efficiently and acceptably performed the du-
ties OF his office, and the court being of the
opinion that so long a period of public SER
vice, alike creditabe to the people and their
servant well merits its official recognition,
doth direct this order to be entered on record
as its testimonial to the honesty, fidelity and
capacity of its venerable clerk"
THE MAsoN-MccARTY DUEL.
One of the most interesting events of the
past that | have heard since have been here
is an account of the bloody duel between
Gen. Armistead S. Mason and Major John M.
McCarty, of Loudoun county, Va, told me
by an old gentlemen, who was the intimate
friend and tellow-student of McCarty He
says McCarty was always afterwards mis-
cradle man, and could not bear to be left
alone.
He says that General Mason was candi-
date for Congress, and although McCarty
was his relation he was aware of the fact
that McCarty intended to vote against him
and for the Federal candidate. As was the
habit in the olden times, Mason sat upon the
judges bench, while the sheriff took the
votes 9ioe ooce.
When McCarty approached the polls Ma
son said in very rude and insulting man
ner:
"Sheriff, swear that man."
McOarty who was q young man of great
refinement, gracefully kissed the book, when
Mason said;
you are perjured william
McCarty who had an iron frame, rushed at
Mason, but the sheriff laying his hand on his
shoulder said, "Major McCarty, command
the peace"
McCarty quietly yielded to authority, and
the matter stood in that way for more than
year, McCarty in the meantime attempting
by articles in newspapers and otherwise to
induce Mason to challenge him. for Mason
was dead-sure shot with dueling pistol,
and if McCarty had challenged Mason it
would have given him the right to select the
weapons.
Mason was defeated for Congress, but af-
forwards elected by the Legislature Of Vir-
ginia to the United States Senate He went
to Washington still uncertain of what course
to pursue toward McCarty. lie determined
and did consult Gen. jackson, who was then
President Of the United States. Old Hicko-
ry, after hearing Mason's complaints, said
"By the eternal, sir, you must challenge
him. which he did 1t was what McCarty
had wished and waited for, and he selected
muskets, distance ten feet place Bladens-
burg, time sunrise.
1t was cold morning with slight snow
on the ground when they met Mason was
dressed in full suit Of black, dress-coat with
frock over it buttoned TO his chin. Nc
Carly wore white linen pants and fine lin
en- shirt, but wrapped in large cloak He
explained that he wanted a clean
wound When he was placed in position he
threw off the cloak McCarty handled his
musket with his left hand and fired from the
left side, and as they stood face to face the
mouths OF the pieces were almost touching
and in line. At the inquiry, "Gen tlemen,
are you ready p
Both answered in Il distinct and firm voice,
81 am ready"
"Then fre--one--"
AT the word one, both muskets made
report, although the hammer
Of Masons musket caught in the tail of his |
coat and embarrassed him for Il second. Nc |
Carty's ball struck Mason on the bone Of |
The forearm and split in two, one part enter
ing his heart and one his lung. Masons
ball struck the stock Of McCariys piece,
knocking off some splinters that entered
McCarty's arm injuring him but slightly.
Mason threw up his arms, sprang forward
md dropped dead.
McCarty disappeared for sometime. 1t
was supposed he had gone 10 Europe; but
nc remained at a remote residence Of a re.
alive in Loudoun county for year, and
hen went West, where he purchased gov
lands in and about Mi waukee,
rom which he realized large fortune
McCarty finally returned TO Loudoun and
esumed the study Of law. Before the duel
ie had been engaged 10 Miss Lee Of that
county, but was doubtful about his reception
when he returned and did not call on her.
However he on one occasion, was invited 10
! party where Miss Lee was present. lie
Jared not approach her; but during the
'yening she was invited to sign. She went
o the piano and sang;
Come rest in this bosom, my own stricken
dear
Though the herd have fled from thee thy
home is still here"
This emboldened him TO accost her and
hey were married.
McCarty's death was quite as wretehed as
hat Of his opponent in the famous DUEL
Driven by rcmorsc 10 dissipation, he ended
us life in wild iebauch on a trip 10 the
Vest.
The Only other incident Of any interest
connected with this family is the fact that a
on Of McCarty and son Of Mason were
uniting together when young McCarty's
,un accidently went off and wounded him
atally. OF course, the enemies Of Mason
harged him with foul play, butno one who