Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1883-07-12

II EeCeHL NUMBER OF The 81. Louis
Globe Democrat, q Forty-Niner gjYes
some interesting recollectiOns of old-
time duels on the western coast. Him.
self an adherent of the code of honor
that demanded reparation for real or
fancied insult, the details of the duel
as related by one OF the participants,
Is unusually interesting. He says:
The first duel that | was concerned
in was between a young man from
Philadelphia, named Graham, and Gen.
Walker, afterwards of Nicaragua fame.
1t grew out Of a violent attack on the
county court, of which Judge Morri-
son was the head, in the San Francis
CO Herald, by Walker, who was one of
the editors. Young Graham was a
protege of Judge Morrison, and with
out consulting him he wrote very
denunciatory letter to Walker, which
resulted in a challenge. Graham had
the choice Of weapons, and he chose
revolvers, at eight PAGES; at the word
to advance and FIRE until either or
both of the parties were killed.
At that time / was stationed at
Sacramento, and one evening l re-
ceived letter from Graham begging
me for Gods sake to come down on
the first boat, that he was in trouble
and wanted me at once. got ready
as quickly as possible and caught the
evening boat, wondering what sort of
scrape Graham had got himself into,
never dreaming Of duel. arrived
at San Francisco late at night and
went at once TO Grahan.s room, where
| found him in consultation with his
friends. / was there informed of what
had occurred, and the pleasant news
was impaired to me that ! had been
chosen his fighting second. Here was
a row between two men, with either
of whom l had but slight acouaint-
ance, and in whom had no particu.
lar interest.
The terms were unusually sangui-
nary and the affair would probably
terminate in the. death of one or both.
Under the code If one of the princi-
pals showed the white feather his Sec
ond was obliged to take his place and
fight it-out. 1t was situation that I
did not relish in the least. I knew
that Walker was regular fire-eater
and would fight TO the death, but Gra-
ham l was not exactly sure of. His
terms were bloody enough, but then
ne had never been tried, and if the
thing went on, he might weaken and
l have to take it up.
/ labored with him to obtain some
modification of his terms. told him
that they were so sanguinary that
Walker would be justified in declin-
ing them. We sat up all night, and
tried our best to bring about a peace
able adjustment, but it was of no use.
The fight was to come off at 8 o'clock
in the morning. and, finding no escape.
| was obliged to make the best of it.
We had our breakfast and took a car
riage for the dueling grounds. On
the way Graham told me that he was
a dead shot, and that he intended to
kill Walker on the FIRST fire.
l halted the carriage, and told him
l would not 60 q step further if that
was his purpose. If he were the ex-
pert rnarksman that he claimed to be
1T would be little less than murder.
and / proposed to wash my hands of
the affair unless he would promise to
wing his man instead of killing him.
At last he agreed to it, and we went
ahead. On the ground we found Wal
ksr and his second, who was Captain
Folsom, of the army. / tried to eff
feet an adjustment of the difficulty.
but without success. / had taken the
precaution to dress my man in black
from head to foot, without q particle
of white anywhere visible. Walker
was in blue swallow tailed coat, with
buff vest and black pants. His coat
was buttoned, and below his breast the
light line Of his vest could be seen.
The impending fight was known to the
whole Of San Francico. and as il was
Sunday, not less than 5000 people were
on the grounds.
Among the most interested specta-
tors was Alexander Wells. then Chief
Justice Of California. The ground
was measured, pegs driven, and / won
the word. The men were placed in
position and the signal given 'Gen-
tlemen, are yOa ready3 Fire one.
Swo. three, halt T. at the word both
wheeled and fred. Walkerstood still
but Graham advanced one pace and
both fired again. After this | called
q halt, and, going to Folsom, tried to
bring about compromise, but no use
Walker had his blood mp and propos-
ed 10 kill OF be killed then and there
| went to Graham and told him that
All parlevine was ak an end. thaA