The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-29
A FAMOUS DUEL.
A Reminiscence of the Fight Between
 Albert Pike and Jehn S. Roane.


 One of the most mem orable duels ever fought in Arkansaw was a pistol combat between Albert Pike, the poet, and John s. Roane, In iS47. Pike was an arden, Whig. Roane was an enthusiastic Dem- ocrai In those days Wings and Demo- cra,s may have treated one another politely, but they were never held to- gether by strong ties of friendship. Pike took occasion to remark that Reane lacked physical courage. This was awful, At that time, when such high estimate was placed upon bravery, it was danger ous to say that Mir. So-and-So would no, fight. You could intimate that he was not truthful and might with i'm punity hint that he was barbarian. but persons who valued quietude knew better than to say that the Hon. Mir. So.and So was afraid of anything, Roane, hearing of rkes remark, chsl- lenged him. An attractive spot in the Indian territory, just opposite Fort Smith, was selected for the battle ground. Pike, Roane and the seconds set out in a stage coach for the place of combat The con versalion, during the journey, was ex- tTemely polite. No one referred to the object of the trip. Plke's poetic iancy played gloriously. like lamb Roane's ability to converse charmingly was never exerted to more advantage.
 Pike" Nature smiles to-day. See the river throw kiss of radiance at the sun.
 Roane -"Yes, and sec how the red bud tree blushes in beautiful conscious ness of it's own splendor"
 Pike" Away of, just above the hill tops, see cloud rising. Nature will weep ere night, methinks." Roane" Her tears will ind a vel come for the earth is in sad need of the copious moisture of sympathy. The corn twists its blades and utters a languishi ng cry.'
 Pike's second-" wouldn't care if we did have a shower. My corns have been giving me fits for the last two days" Roane's second" Yes, and nay rheu- matism has begun to frisk about and climb all over me like bed bug"
 P,ke-See the partridge fly over the grassy slope. Brown bird of modesty, l could eat all your relatives, with great relish, methinks."
 Roane-The partridge is a beautiful bird. 1 would rather eat him than to eat a prairie chicken"
 Pike's second-Yes, or the boiled crow, either"
 Roane's seoond-l feel rather gnawish, and could even eat piece of crow if had it,"
 Matter of-fact surgeon (ra,tling his in- struments) -" suppose so and may add that you cannot eat it unless you have it."
 Thus the time passed pleasantly. The gentlemen occupied the same quarters at Fort Smith. The fight was advertised to take place few moments after sunrise. The polite entlemen were on time. They cordially greeted each other.
 Roane-" Pike, how do you feel this morning2"
 Pke-"i am well, and hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing" One of the seconds-" Gentlemen, dislike to intrude. but let me remind you | that we have come hither to attend to . | little piece of business that cannot well be | delay cd"
 The surgeon (taking out saw)-"Yes, and if we want to get back in time for breakfast we'd better get to work"
 The two determined gentlemen took their positions. Both men were strikingiy handsome. Pike in those days, as he does nov, wore long curling hair, all of which belonged to him. Roane was tall and picturesque, 90 much 70 that he vas ofsen taken tor an amateur photographer.
 When the command was given both men fired simultaneously. One of Pike's ourls fen to the ground. Roane lost nothing.
 Pike (handing his pistol to his secopd) -A You put tn little too mnch powder. Be more careful th.s time"
 Another round vas fired. Neither one Of the men was struck The seconds con- ferred with each other. The doctor ran