New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-04-29
TWO SILLYS COTCRMEN.
From old and ye,r Edinburoh.

From Old and NeC EdinbW0h.
In the visiting circle ut Alarl0nvllle were Slr
George Ramsay. Baronet, of Banff House. and his
LADY, whose maiden name was Eleanor Fraser, and
they and the Macracs seem 10 have been very init,
mate and warmly attached friends, till quarrel
arose between the two husbands about a rather
TRIVIAL cause On the evening of the 9TH of April,
1890. Captain Macrae was handing lady out oil
the box lobby of the old theatre, aud endeavOred 10
Get n sedan for her conveyance home. Seeing two
chalrmen approach with one, he asked II It was
discngaged, and both replied distinctly III the
Affirmative. As Macrac was about to band the LADY
into it, a footman came forward IN a violent man.
ner and Selling one of the poles, insisted that II was
engaged for his mistress, though the latter had gone
home some time before; but the man. WhOwas part
ly intoxicated knew not that she had done so. Mac
rae irritated by the Wallets manner, gave HIM rap
over the knuCkles with his cane, To make him quit
his hold OF the pole: on this the valet called lm
scouudrel and struck him on the breast. On being
struck over the head, the man became more noisy
and abusive; Macrae proceeded 10 chastlse hlm on
which several bystauderS took part with inc
valet: "a general br2wl seemed about 10 en-
she; another chair was got for the term q
lady and she was carried away. The details OF
Tins brawl are given IN the Life OF Peter BuTnct
a Negro" published at Paisley 50 lately as ISL
Peter was livery servant in Edinburgh az the
time. Learning that the valet was one or Lazy
Ramsavs Macrae camo TO town next day to explain
aud met Sir George in the street. me later
laughing. said that the man being his ladys IOOt-
man prevented him being concerned IN the lhailer'
Macrae still anxious 10 apologize to Lady Ramsay,
proceeded i'm quest of her to her house III IT. An
Dire square. but found her sitting Tor her portrait
burn; before him 1t is said that he lmpulslVely
went on his knee when asking pardon for having
chastised her servant, and then the matter seemed
TO end with MaCrae: but IL was not so.
Soon after he received an anonymous letter, stat
ing that there was a strong feeling against him
among the Knights of the ShOulder-knOt; one
huudIed and seven had resolved TO have revenge
upon him for the insult he had put upon their ira
ternlty; while James Merry the valet, whose
bruises had been declared slight by DR.. Benjamin
Bell instituted legal proceedings against DlI EA-
aspcrated by all tins, Macrae wrote 10 SIT George,
insisting that the prosecution should be dropped
or Merry discharged; but Ramsay seemed dls-
inclined to move in the matter, and Il long ana
eventually angry correspondence on the subject en-
sued and is gwen at length IN the Scots and other
Edinburgh magazines of The day; TIL, III the emu ~
Bayle's Tavern u hostile meeting was proposed py
Contain Amory a friend of Macrae's, and pretty
rough epIthets were exchanged. Duly attended ny
seconds the parties met at Wards Inn. on the DOT
ders of Musse lburgh Links, on the l4th OF April.
Sir George Ramsay was accompanied by Sir W llllah
Maxwell Macrae by Captains Am0ry and Ialg'
BENJAMIN Bell the surgeon, was also one OF Tue
party which had separate rooms. compioinlse
seemed impossible. AS Sir George would not TURN
off the valet and Macrae would not apologize they
walked to the beach and took their places III INC
usual manner, fourteen PAGES apart. On the w0ru
being given, both fired at the same moment. ot
George took % steady ann at Macrae, whose codI
collar was grazed by the bullet. Macrae afterwafd
soemnly asserted that he meant TO have fired III the
air bnt on finding Sir George intent on Staying nm,
he altered his resolution and brought him to the
ground by mortal wound. AS usual on sucn
occasions, CONSERVATION and distress reigneu SUI
preme; the passionate Macrae was sincerely aifct-
ed and il was with difficulty that Sir William Max
well could prevail on him to quit the held. cir
George fingered two days, when he EXPIRED
Macrae's days of pleasure at Maronvile were ended
for ever He fled to France, and for time took up
his residence at the Hotel de Ia Dauphne, IN faIIs
The event created q great sensation III EdihDurgu
society.