The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-19
BELMONr,s DUEL.
A Bit of History Revived-Cause of the
Bankers Present Lameness

Bankers Present Lameness.
New York wcrld.
Mr.. August Belmont, when on the witness
stand at the trial of John Dewey for criminal
libel, on Friday, and during his cross-eXam-
ination did, with tears in his eyes, denounce
with vigor a SANDER on his mother and on
his children.
In the course of his remarks he referred to
his blameless record in political and social
life, and with warmth said 81 wish was
twenty years younger and not holding po
sition of trust, then no man should say any
thing different to me without regrettng it."
When Mr.. Belmont spoke these words ne
did not do it without knowing their full
import His has been an eventful life, and
during his residence in this country he has
always been prominent and popular not
alone for his personal qualities, but because
he was always strong advocate of manhood
and honesty
During his career he has often been called
upon TO defend himself or others. but one
event brought him on the field of honor. 1t
was in August, 1S41, when he challenged
Edward Hayward, a prominent and wealthy
Southerner, and his present lameness is due
to a wound received in that fight.
The trouble which resulted in a resort to
the code of honor" was related to a World
reporter, last ,evening, by one of Mr.. Bel
mont's seconds.
Mr. Belmont and Mr.. Hayward were for
several years prior to the duel, very warm
friends. One evening after a coolnes had,
for some unknown reason; sprung up be-
tween them. they met at Niblo's Garden.
They entered into a conversation, which
finally resulted in the use of harsh language.
AS stated by Mr.. Belmont's second, Mr. Hay
ward began to talk about ladies. While
dwelling upon their merits and dement's he
had occasion to tell Mr.. Belmont that his
conduct towards ladies was not becoming to
apU aDfleufan--in. other words that il was
reprehensible.
This aroused Mr., Belmont, who denied
with emphasis the truth OF the assertion. A
warm wordy contest, lasting several minutes,
followed. Finally Mr.. Hayward slapped Mr..
Belmont in the face
Friends interfered at this iuncture and
they were separated, as a hand-to-hand en-
counter seemed imminent Whether any
particular lady was referred toby Mr. Hay
ward the gentleman did not know but it is
said that in charging Mr., Belmont with I'M
gentlemanly conduct he referred to his bear
ing towards all ladies.
The episode in the Garden created sensa-
ton among the friends and acquaintance
of Mr.. Belmont and Mr.. Hayward, who
were both young and prominent men.
Mr.. Belmont was too proud to allow Mr..
Hayward's insult to go unnotIced, and by
the advice of friends he, within few days
after it was offered, sent a challenge to Mr..
and Mr.. Belmont Immediately received
note of acceptance
Mr.. Hayward selected rs his second Ed
ward Laight a New York gentleman, since
dead. DR.. Goldsmith, a New York physi-
cian also dead. was chosen us the surgeon.
Only a few days interviewed between the
time the challenge was accepted and the
duel.
The duel was not known to the New York
public until several days after it occurred,
so secret were the movements Of the princi-
pals their seconds and all concerned IN the
affair
They quietly left the city and immedi-
ately proceeded to Elton, Nd, the scene of
the duel. Pistols were the weapons used.
Ten PAGES were measured off, and the duel
lists both manifested great courage,
The usual formalites were observed.
Without wincing the duelists leveled their
pistols at each other and fired. Mr. Belmont
Tell, pierced in the right hip, by the ball from
Mr.. Hayward's pistol Only one shot was
fired and Mr.. Hayward was not wounded.
After AR Belmont wound was dressed he
was taken to Philadelphia, where he was at
tended by DR.. Mcclellan, father of General
Mcclellan. DIR. William Detmold, who lives
at No. IS East Ninth street, was also sum
moned to assist DIR. Mcclellan. Mr. Belmont
remained in Philadelphia for several weeks,
suffering intense agony from his wound.
He was afterwards brought to this city,
where DR.. Detmold continued to treat him.
The ball was extracted not many weeks after
wards.
Before and after the operation Mr.. Bel
mont was in q critical condition, from which
lie did not fully recover until the winter sea-
son. and has since been lame No accounts
of the duel were published in New York pa
pers until few days after it occurred, as
every effort was made by the principals and
their friends to keep the matter secret.
When it became known it was the sensa-
ton of the day in New York and clubmen
and the friends of Mr. Belmont and Mr.. Hay
ward continued to discuss the subject with
great interest for weeks afterward. The Sc
quel, if any, to the duel is not known Mr..
Hayward returned to South Carolina, where
he died several wears 400