Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-11-12
HER GAYETY LED TO A DUEL.

Miss Nettie Latham is one of the most
beautiful girls in this county, and is a
member of an exclusive family and leader
in society. About two weeks ago hand.
some young commercial traveller named
Stump, representing one of the leading grain
and provision houses of Chicago, came to
Gadsden. His pleasing address made him
many friends, and among the number was
Major ]. Fl. Wyley, wealthy grain dealer,
prominent throughout North Alabama. In
the course of conversation Wyley Incl
dentally mentioned to Stump that he would
find Miss Latham most agreeable acquaint-
ance, and vaguely hinted at the faint whisp-
erings which her gayety had provoked.
Stump on the following day sent note
to Miss Latham, asking the privilege OF
calling. He made an insulting insinuation
and signed the missive "An Orphan" Miss
Latham sent for ]. D. Young, who has been
paving her devoted attention, and read him
the contents and demanded that he admin
lister proper chastisement on Stump.
Young was furious. He found Stump play
ing billiards at the Kittrell house. Young
walked up deliberately, jerked out his
pistol and aiming at Stump's head pulled
the trigger, but a young man who was
standing by threw up Young's arm as be
fired and the bullet lodged in the ceiling.
he could fire again he was disarmed and
fair-play demanded. Young denounced
Stump as villain who attempted to ruin
Miss Latham. Stump realized his position
and explained to Young that he knew moth
ing whatever concerning the lady, that he
was stranger and acted solely on informa-
t;op uiyyop hi hv q raOOta hla pitiZpn
"Will you give me the name of your in
formant?" demanded Young.
Certainly" replied Stump.
"Then demand it," Young answered.
His name is Major Wyley," replied
Stump.
Young demanded that Stump accompany
him to Major Wyley's and make the state
ment in the Majors presence. Stump agreed
and the two proceeded to Major Wyley's
residence. When they entered they found
the venerable gentleman sitting ut his desk.
He is on the shady side Of sixty, of COM
manding presence and undoubted courage.
AS Young entered he said: major Wylcy,
| this man says he wrote an insulting note to
Miss Latham on information given by you.
| Do you acknowledge it?" Major Wyley
| looked the queationer straight in the eye and
replied: II told him only what was town
talk, and can stand by it," Young demanded
that he make public retraction, and Wyley
coolly responded. Il am an old man, past
sixty, while you are young, powerful and
active. I warn you not to lay the weight OF
your finger on me. will not retract any
thing, aud if you want satisfaction, by -,
| we will shoot it out here at ten PAGES"
Young muttered something about seeing
| him again and left the house.
A day passed, and on the following morn
ing Wyley, while standing on the public
square, saw Young approaching. Young
came up and exclaimed, II demand that
you take back what you said concern
ing Miss Latham" Wyley said he would
take back nothing, Young then struck him
stinging blow 10 the temple, which knock
ed him down, but as he rose he pulled out
his pistol and fred at his assailant. Young
by this time had also drawn his weapon and
duel at short range ensued. Eight shots
were exchanged. Young was wounded in
the hip. Both had several bullets through
their clothes, and two bystanders received
bullets through their sleeves. Young's
wound will cripple him. The impression
prevails that this is but the beginning and
that duel will be arranged in the near
future Galena, did,, special to the N. 7.
WOrI1