Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-06-16
Moore and JcffrcYS.

That was Il memorable encounter be-
tween the poet Tom Moore, and the
critic eSSayiSt and jurist, Francis jeff
rev. Both of them were of keen and
polished wit; both warm-hearted, gener
OuS. impulsive and more or less capri
ciouS. In 1906 Jeffrey attacked MOore'S
''Odes and Epistles' in the Edinburgh
Rerietc, denOuncing them in the strong
est terms. This was too much FOR the
sensitive poet. He felt that blood alone
could wash away the stain of that
abominable criticism. Accordingly he
challenged the traducer Ia mortal COM
bat. Jeffrey though small of stature,
WAS great in courage. and he straight
way accepted the challenge and named
pistols rs the weapons. Seconds were
selected and preliminaries arranged,
when Moore bethought him that il would
be necessary that he should provide HIM
self with pistols; and, further, as the
challenging party, it would be proper
for him to furnish weapons for both.
Now. deadly weapons of any kind Moore
had never been partial TO, and pistols Inc
had never Owned-at any rate. proper
dueling pistols; but he knew that his
dear friend, Sir William Robert Spcn-
Ger, owned beautiful pistols, and to him
he applied, being obliged, of course,
to tell what he wanted them for Sir
William cheerfully lent his pistols; and
then rs soon as the messenger was gone
from his sight ne hurried away To the
Bow-Strect Office and engaged two oili-
GERS of his acquaintance to hold them
selves III readiness TO prevent the two
little peppery men from risking mortal
damage To one another. The duel WAS
to be fought at Chalk Farm early in the
morning. DR.. Joseph Hume WAS
Moore's second, while Francis llorner
of the Edinbugh Rerie,r was second for
Jeffrey; but Others were on the ground,
though not in sight, for both men had
many friends who were deeply anxious.
And there, on that ground, chosen for
deadly strife. Thomas Moore and Fran
els Jeffrey met, face to face, for the first
time. They did not offer to shake
hands; but Jeffrey said-he and his All
tagonist were now alone together, the
others of the party being engaged in the
solemn duty of loading the pistols-said
Jeffrey, "What a beautiful morning it
is,'' To this Moore answered, Yes"
And then added. with slight smile,
"a morning made for better purposes.
.Jeffrey's response 10 this was Il sigh.
They passed each other and turned, and
when they met again Moore related To
his antagonist comical story about an
Irish barriSter, Billy Egan, who had
gone out Oh bright morning. rs they
were out then, for the purpose of fight
ing duel. Jeffrey was still smiling ut
this story, when the seconds came out
from the adjacent thicket and announ-
ced "All ready!'
The men were placed twelve PAGES
apart and the pistols given into their
hands.
Now" said Hume, remember the
word. Raise your pistols at the word
Reddu' Then one, ttco, and at three you
will fire."
"Readyr Nobody can say where
Moore's heart was, but his pistol was
raised, and so was Jeffrey's. They |
waited for the fatal signal.
That signal, however was not given. !
Instead thereof two Bow-street officers !
emerged from the thicket, one of which |
advanced TO Jeffrey and struck his pis-
tol down with his staff, while his com
paniOn went up and collared Moore.
The belligerants were marched off TO /,
the respective carriages and conveyed TO !
Bow street, where, as no blood had been .
spilled, they were let off lightly. And
from that office Tom Moore and Francis ,
Jeffrey went forth friends, and their =
grew and strengthened while
they lived.