The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1888-10-11
Randolph and Clay.

EDITOR OOLD LEAF 1t IS
not known to all the readers of your
paper that a misunderstanding once
arose between Henry Clay and John
Randolph that resulted in a duel be-
tween the parties, 1t occurred on the
9Th day of April, A. D., 1896, on the
Virginia side Of the Potomac. Ran
dolph had a brilliant mind and often
INDUCED in language not very credit
able to himself as great statesman.
Though possessing a kind heart he was
prone to indulge in innuendos and
sarcaslus in debate calculated to irri-
tate rather than convince his oppo-
nent. Using language in the Senate
of the U. S. which. Mr.. Clay consid
cred uncalled- for, rejecting on his
character as an official, he sent him a
challenge to meet him on the field OF
honor. Randolph accepted the chal-
lenge at once refusing to conciliate
the feelings of Mr.. Clay by proper
explanation of his insulting language
toward him. Mr.. Randolph commu-
nicated to a confidential friend his de-
termination not to return the fire OF
his adversary. He would meet HIM
on the field of combat but do moth
ing to injure his person. His friend
tried to influence him to abandon the
idea of a duel with Mr.. Clay by re-
ferring to his unsuspecting wife and
children. 81 shall do nothing" said
he, to disturb the sleep of the child
or the repose Of the mother He
possessed many noble traits Of char
acter and it is to be regretted that two
such illustrious men as Clay and Ran
dolph should set such an example be-
fore the country. 1t is i sad COM
mentary on the morals of country
when the brightest luminaries tina,
adorn her political sky feel called upon
to vindicate their honor by such a
method. The savage scalps his foe
disturbed by no compunctions of con-
scieuce, and the duellist Stays his op-
ponent with a feeling of satisfaction
that his honor is vindicated by the
murderous deed. Fortunately for us
the public mind has undergone a
change with regard to the practice Of
duelling. But to the point: Cross
ing over to the Virginia side of the
"Little Falls bridge" the parties met in
a thick forest, spot selected by Mr..
Randolph, as he chose to fall if he
fell on Virginia soil. What more suit
able place for such scene unillum-
ined by the sunshine of heaven? Two
shots were passed between them. AT
the second fire Mr.. Randolph point
ing his pistol upward remarked Il dc
not fire at you Mr.. Clay" Advanc-
ing he offered Mr., Clay his hand in
token of kindness, and they were ever
after hrmest friends. Randolph speak
ing of the unpleasant affair said to a
friend 81 would not have seen him
fall mortally, or even doubtfully
wounded, for all the land that is
watered by the King of Floods and all
his tributary streams" 1t is lament
able that our great men should indulge
the mistaken idea that the blood of an
opponent must be shed to brighten
their tarnished honor. Too many ex.
amples of the kind have been shown
showing more the weakness than the
bravery of our great men. The his
tory of our country points to a fallen
Hamilton, Decatur, Dickens and
a host of others as evidence Of the
weakness of misguided minds. Ou1
Legislators denounce the practice O
duelling, and have decreed that he
who kills his fellowman in duel is {
murderer, and answerable to law fol
the act. K. W. IL.
Henderson, n. C..