Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-11-20
A NOVEL DUEL.

A bloody, cruel and novel duel was
fought October oath, at Greensboro, n. c.,
in the lower edge of Guilford, between
Ralph Johnston and Saks Williams, two
young farmers of that section, and rivals
for the affection Of young lady. Bad
feelings had existed between them for some
time, ending in harsh words two day be-
fore the duel Soon after Johnston sent a
friend to Williams with letter demanding
a retrsction of certain language used. The
latter declined to withdraw his remarks,
and farther correspondence resulted in an
agreement to meet In hostile combat. the
time being fixed for the morning of the day
above mentioned. The articles drawn up
specified as the weapons horsewhips-
something not heretofore recognized by
the code in North Carolina, These
weapons were chosen, it is understood, in
order that the parties could thereby evade
the penalties of the dueling law, which
does not specify as deadly weapons
horsewhips. Under the rules OF the
fight, each man was required to ssand up
OF line traced upon the ground, making
the distance between the combatants about
three feet. They were armed with heavy
horsewhips especially selected for the fight,
and the second of each duelist was supplied
with an extra whip to be used BIZ his prin-
cipal in the event OF the wearing out or
breaking of the weapon. The combat
ants met according to agreement.
The field selected was a hard and level
spot about half mile from the main road
The lines were made up of rope fastened
to the ground with long staples. After
vain attempt had been made by the Sec
onds to adjust the difficulty the men took
places for the fight. Both were in their
shirt-sleeves, the provisions of the fight
being that no coat, vest or undershirt
should be worn. A. o'clock the question
was asked, Gentlemen, are you ready 2"
Each man nodded his head. The command
" Strike p was thengiven, and the duelists
fell to blows with vigor. Although the
blows given were heavy and fast, neither
man finched. Upon the hands and faces of
the combatants great welts soon rose, and
the shirts of the men soon gave evidence
that blood was being drawn. At times
they welded their weapons with one and
then with both hands, and occasionally
one or the other was forced by the desperate
assault of his adversary to fall back from
his line. After fighting half an hour time
was called, and the men, nearly breathless,
were given brief resting time. The fight
continued for three hours, with short inter-
vals for rest. The seconds finally decided
that the requirements of the code had been
complied with, and forced the combatants
to desist. 1t il understood that Johnston
was more severely hurt than his adversary,
and that there is not place on his body
that is not covered with welts, many of
which have gashed the flesh in a horrible
manner. Williams is almost in the came
condition, and both men are suffering ter.
ribly from the effects OF their wounds,
which are such that they can scarcely Ire
down, their feet being almost the only
parts not covered with whip cuts. No ar
rests have been made, and the friends of
the duelists are endeavoring to hush the
matter.