Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1882-11-02
A SINGULAR DUEL.

Two Young Farmers of North Carolina
Fight for Three Hours, with Horse
whips Weapons Both COmbatants
Horribly Gashed.
A bloody, cruel and novel duel was fought
this morning in the lower edge-of Guilford be-
tween 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 day before yesterday.
Soon after Johnston send a friend to Will
Jams with letter demanding a retraction of
certain language used. The latter declined to
withdraw his remarks, and further CORES
pondence resulted in an agreement to meet
in hostile combat, the time being fixed for
this morning. The articles drawn up speoi-
ned as the weapons neutrality-suspicious.
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 stand up on line traced
upon the ground, making the distance be-
tween 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 by his principal in the event of the
wearing out or breaking of the weapon. The
combatants met this morning according to
agreement. The field selected was a hard
and level spot about half a mile from
the main road. The lines were made up of
rope fastened to the ground with long staples.
After a vain attempt had been made by the
seconds 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 uudershirt should be worn.
AT seven o'clock the question was asked:
"Gentlemen, are you readyY' Each man nod
ded his head. The command " Striker was
then given and the duelists fell to blows with
vigor. Although the blows given were heavy
and fast, neither man f1inched. 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 des-
perate assault of his adversary to fall
back from his line After lighting half an
hour time was called, and the men, nearly
breath1ess, were. given brief resting time. The
fight continued for three hours, with short in
tervals for rest. The seconds finally decided
the requirements of the code had been COM
piled with, and forced the cOmbatants to de-
sist. 1t is understood that Johnston was more
severely hurt than his adversary, and that
there is not place on his body that is not COW
cred with welts, many of which have gashed
the flesh in a horr, bic manner. Williams is
almost in the same condition, and 10th men
are suffering terribly from the effects of their
wounds, which are such that they can scarcely
lie down, their feet being almost the only parts
not covered with whip cuts. No arrests have
been made, and the friends of the dueists are
endeaVOring to hush the matter.-GreenSbOT0
IN. CT Special TO Chicago Tribune, Oct. 25.