Connecticut western news., 1885-11-04
WITH A SILVER PISTOL.
How the Editor Killed the
 Colonel in a Duel.
A Valuable Relic and the Tragic Story
 that is Connected With It.


 which in a celebrated duel fought in 1915 at Pittsburgh, was given Mir. McElheny by the eminent Judge Wilkins, who was secretary of war and minister of the United States to Russia. The weapon is of old style, l using powder and ball instead ef D cartridge. When all the arrangements were made for the duel the seconds of the contestants ordered the pistols to be made there not being anything suit able to be found. The order was giv- en to gunsmith to have them made fifteen inches long, one-fourth. inch bore, silver-mounted, with name of fighters engraved upon the protectors of the triggers. The protector, trig. ger, and hammer of this weapon are made of solid silver, and, being large add to its value. The one in MT. McElheny's possession has engraved upon it: "E Pendland, Pittsburgh, Pa,, 18l5." The weapon is certainly of a curious make to those of the present day, and it is also supposed that there is not another of the same pattern in existence, having been made in diff ferent style from those that were even then used.
 When Gen. Anthony Wayne was on his way to the northwest with an army to settle dispute with the Indi- ans they stopped at this city for rest. Col. Bates, one of Gen. Wayne's staff, was criticised by Elijah Pendland, edi- itor of Pittsburgh paper, saying in the article published that he was not fit to be an army officer. Col Bates, reading this, naturally wished to be revenged. He decided to watch for him on principal street of the city and horsewhip him. He also chose the time when there would be crowd on the thoroughfare to witness the chastisemenG It happened on 8 Sat- urday in the latter part of December, 1915. Stationed on the corner of two leading streets, about o'clock, with arms folded, was Col Bates, in uni form of the United States army, look ing around as though just idling his time, but some person must have told the secret, for as soon as he stopped a crowd began to collect, and in about five minutes the street was blocked. Editor Pendland was walking slowly down the street when he saw the 1 crowd gather, and, always on the look out for news, he hurried down and was soon making his way through. asking what was wrong, wben Col Bates loosened his cape and produced a large whip. He shonted: "This is what is wrongp at the same time striking MT. Pendland across the shoulders, and continued to exercise himself in that way till the crowd in- terfered. Then Mir. Pendland, with a smile and "Tha4k you," left as did also Col Bates.
 When MT. Pendland reached the office he sent challenge to the colonel, but it was refused, with the reason that the colonel never fought with a person whom he had horsewhipped. MT. Pendland was not to be put off with such an excuse, but sent the second challenge. telling him he was a coward if he then refused to fight, but again the answer was the same
 Frank Smith, who had taken both messages and who was a firm friend of MT. Pendland, then sent challenge. saying that he would fight, and, there being no reason why he should refuse, it was accepted, MT. Smith giving Col. Bates choice of weapons. When MT. Pendland heard what MT. Smith had done he immediately offered himself as second. Col. Bates secured as his second Judge Wilkins, who had just at that time been admitted to the bar. All arrangements were made. Mention is made above of the name of Mir. Pendland being engraved on one of tbe pistols. The reason is that he was one of the most interested parties.
 The day on which was to be decided which of the two men was the best shot was cold and wintry, the snow being six inches deep. Sleighs were secured and the party of six retired to the field of conflict, which was back of Heron hill, in Minersville, there being very few residences in that sec tion then. Ten paces were measured, and the duelists took their places. The word was given to fire. and two sharp reports rang out on the air. followed by a groan from Col. Bates. His doctor stepped quickly to him and pronounced him dead, having been shot through the heart. He was talk en to the city and the next day was buried. The same day Gen. Wayne's army moved on.
 The gentleman who now possesses this valuable relic has had large offers made for it by curiosity-seekers sev- eral times, but refused to sell.-Pitts- blLTgh Commercial Gazette.
 In Northern Michigan, and other regions where the sand is deen tha