The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-07-04
The Bierne-Elam Duel.

the scene OF combat for several day!
past. He was at the residence O
John Lewis, son of Hon. H. J. Lewis
Arrangements for the meeting were
matured in Richmond at the tim.
Elan was in this vicinityand Biern,
in West Virginia. Some poin,
about midway between the two
places was fixed as the place. A
change of seconds was made and thu
conditions as previously determined
namely, Colts six-shooters and eight
PAGES, was agreed upon. Both prin
cipals managed to evade the vigilance
Of the authorities and at 6 O'Clock
this morning met in strip of woods
about two miles from Waynesboro
junction of the Shenandoah Valley
and G. & o. railroads.. The distance
was marked off and at first fire Meth.
er of the men were struck. Bierne
the challenger, demanded second
shot which was granted and a bullet
from his pistol imbedded itself in the
upper part Of Elam's right thigh.
Bierne was untouched.
HAMPTON, June 3O.--When the
combatants took their positions sev-
eral gentlemen who were not imme-
diate connected with the affair were
asked to retire which they did. The
physician then:gave the word, "Gen-
tlemen, are YOU reBdy. One, two,
three" The shots were to be ex-
changed after the word Fire." and
before the word "Three." At the
word "One" both pistols were dis
charged in quick succession, but
without effect. The came programme
was then repeated, both reports be-
ing almost simultaneous and just at
the word "One." Elan staggered
under the effect of his wound and
his second ran forward and assisted
him to cushions which laid on the
ground. The wounded man was un-
ter the impression that the ball pen
etrated both legs, and insisted that
such was the case when assured by
the surgeon that it had not even
gone through the one leg, and that
the intense pain in the other Was
from sympathy. Elam expressed re-
gret that he did not demand another
shot. He was perfectly COO and col
lected and gave directions in a strong,
composed voice. Bierne also acted
with deliberation. Although pale,
he seemed perfectly cool. He
was taken away by his
second after it was discovered that
Elan could not again stand. Elan
was placed in an ambulance and
taken to the residence of Lieut.-Gov-
ernor Lewis, some Is or rO miles dis
tant. 1t was doubtful what effect
the ride would have, and in case the
wounded man was not able to stand
it preparations had been made for
bis entertainment at the houses OF
some of his prominent friends along
the way. The wound is evidently a
very serious one.. After the ball
struck him Elam gave one or two
steps forward. From that it was
thought his leg was not broken. The
however, stated that his
muscle would, lave sustained him
that length of time.
In the meeting between Bierne
and Elan Colts 5-shooters, 3l-call-
bre, were used, the distance being s
PAGES. The provisions of the original
cartel were carried out until Elam
was shot. The cartel provided that
after the first fire if neither were
hurt word would be given for a sec
ond round, that then the parties
should continue firing, and advance
if they should choose. On the sec
ond round Elan received Bierne's
first shot in his thigh and staggered
and fell exclaiming, II am hit
Bierpe ceased firing and his seconds
declared their principal satisfied.
Bierne then took his hat OFT and sa-
luted his opponents and walked OIL
to his carriage which he entered and
was driven away. Elan was helped
to his carriage and taken to LinWHOd,
residence of Lieutenant Governor
Lewis, in Rockingham county. The
ball in Elam's thigh was probed for
on the field, but not found. 1t isnot,
however, considered dangerous.
Bierne's seconds were Frank Wright,
of Petersburg, and w. Emmett
Throckley, OF this city. Elam's
friends were D. Chiffey Lewis,
and J. D. Snellings. The delay IN
meeting was caused by the fear of ar
rest. Three attempts were made to
arrest Bierne. The parties were
nearly $50 miles apart and had to
come to the place of meeting in prl-
vate conveyance, travelling mostly at
night. Everybody seems satisfied
that the duel did not terminate IA
tally:
ELAM'S WHEREABOUTS.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va, June 3O.-
Elan has been removed to Governor
John f. Lewis residence. The
Post Republic, of Rockingham coun-
ty. says: 1t is currently stated that
Bierne has been challenged by lead
ing Readjustors to fight again at no
distant day.
Railroad Collision.