The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1886-05-19
AFamous .Duel.

| n EamOuD Duol.
! One of the most memorable duels
ever fought in Arkansaw was pis-
tel combat between Albert Pike, the
poet, and John S. Roane, in 1S47.
Pike was an ardent Whig. In those
days Wings and Democrats may
have treated one another politely,
but they were never held together
by strong ties Of friendship. Pike
took occasion to remark that Roane
lacked physical courage. This was
awful. At that time, when such a
high estimate was placed upon bra
very, it was dangerous to say that
Mr.. so-and 80 would not fight. You
could intimate that he was not truth
full, and might with impunity hint
that he was barbarian, but persons
who value quietude knew better
than to say that the Hon. Mr.. so
and so was afraid OF anything.
Roane hearing of Pixies remark,
challenged him. An attractiye spot
in the Indian territory, just opposite
Fort Smith, was selected for the bat
tie ground. Pike, Reane and the Sec
onds set out in a stage coach for the
place of combat. The conversation
during the journey was extremely
polite. No one referred to the OBJ
ject of the trip. Pixies poetic fancy
played gloriously, like lamb !;
Roane's ability to converse charm
ingly was never exerted to more ad-
vantage.
Pike-"Nature smiles to-day. See
the river throw kiss of radiance at
the sum-"
Roane-"Yes, and see how the
redrud tree blushss in beautiful con-
scionsness of its own splendsr."
Pike-"Away off. just above the
hilltops. l see a cloud rising. Nature
will weep ere night, methinks."
Roane-"Her tears will find a
welcome, for the earth is in sad
need of the copious moisture of
sympathy. The corn twists its
blades and u.ters laughing cry"
Pixies second" wouldn't care il
we did have shower. My corns
have been giving me fits for the last
two days"
Roane's second-"Yes, and my
rheumatism ha, begun to frisk about
and climb all over me like a bed
bug"
Pike-"See the partridge fy over
the grassy slope. Brown bird of
modesty, | could eat all your rela-
tives, with great relish, me.hinks. J"
Roane-"The partridge is beau
tiful bird. | would rather eat him
than eat a prairie chicken"
Pixies second-"Yes, or the boil
ed crow either"
Roane's second-'I feel rather
gnawish, and / could even eat a
piece OF crow if l had it."
Matter of fact surgeon (rattling his
instruments)-"I 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 a few
minutes after sunrise. The polite
gentlemen were on time. They cor
daily greeted each other.
Roane-"Pike, how do yeu feel
this morning ?"
Piks-"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 re-
mind you that you have come hith.
er to attend to little piece of busi-
ness that cannot well be delayed"
The surgeon (taking out a saw
"Yes, and if We want to get back in |
time for breakfast, we'd better 90 to
work"
The two determined gentlemen !
took their positions. Both msn were |
strikingly handsome. Pike in those
days, as he do.s now, wore long cur
ling hair, all Of whicL belonged to
him. Roane was tall and pictures
que, so much so that he was often |
taken for an amateur photographer.
When the command was given
both men fred simultaneously. One
of Pixies curles fell to the ground.
Roane lost nothing.
Pike (handing bis pistol to his
second)-"You put in a little too
much powder. Be more careful this
time"
Another round was fred. Neither
one of the men was struck. The
seconds conferred with each other.
The doctor ran his probe into the
ground time OF two and requested
the gentlemen to be brief.
One of the seconds-'Gentlemen,
this matter has been amicably set
tied. Mr.. Roane has discovered that
he will fight, and Mr.. Pike il will
ing to swear to it."
flKe- h0ane, am gao 10 meet
you sir. Come and see me some
time"
R0ane-"I'll do So"
Seconds-"Now let US take some
thing"
Surgeon-"I'm with you"
The two gentlemen became as
good friends as a Wing and Demo
crat could be, and even if Pike
cherished any ill will, he lived to
have his revenge, for Roane was
elected Governor of Arkansaw.
When General Pike recently visited
this State, he viewed the scene of the
battle and stood on the spot where
be once lost . curl.-Arkansato
Trareler.