The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1888-12-07
miscellaneous.
A MOONLIGHT DUEL.

The following account of q rather remark
able duel is taken from The american Maya
zine. Herman Thomas, one OF the young
men engaged in it, resided in Hartford county
He was brother of Oliver II. Thomas a
member of the Hartford bar, who died here
some years ago:
1t was during the war with Mexico, in 1916,
when Gen. Taylor's army was on the march
to Monterey, thSt most remarkable and I'M
precedented duel took place on the banks OF
the river San Juan. The celebrated scouting
company of Captain Ben McCulloch had been
detached from Col Jack Hays regiment OF
Texas Rangers by Gen. Taylor for special
service
This company was composed principally
OF gallant and fearless young men, the flower
Ui Texas, but there were several from the
Southern States, among whom was Herman
5. Thomas, of Baltimore, who had been
transferred from the Washington and Built
more Battalion, then commanded by the
brave Col. VIM. Ii. Wason,) and Samuel c.
Reid, young lawyer from New Orleans,
who had been adjntant of Louisiana regi-
ment which had been dsbsndcd as three
months men.
The daring and scouts went through
the wild portions of Mexico 10 various towns
in the interior, to obtain information of the
enemy, as well as of the roads and the coun-
try; the occasional skirmishcs with detach-
ments of the Mexican cavalry; and the con-
mon risk of pickct.gua duty, had woven
ties of The strongest friendship among Nc
CulOCh's men.
Young Thomas was not over twenty five,
of medium stature and dark complexion He
was ola daring and reckless nature, which
he had exhibited on more than one occasion
by rsking his life unnecessarily. Indeed, he
seemed to court death. He was much defect
ed at times, and wore a sad and melancholy
expression, which, it was whispered, had
been occUsioned by an unfortunate love ac.
fair. Whether this was true or not he was
very retiring and relicent, and did not enter
into the fun and jokes of the boys, although
he and Reid seemed much attached to each
other.
On the morning of the 18Th of September,
the whole army had arrived at the beautiful
little town OF Marine, situated on lovely
plateau, and surrounded on every side by
wild mOuntaiI scenery OF unsurpassing
grandeur, while far in the distant haze of the
blue sky, rose the lofty peaks of the Sierra
Madrr. The main portion of the army Ind
encamped about two miles west of the town,
near the head waters Of the San Juan river,
about ten leagues from Monterey.
That night Thomas and Reid were on picket
duty with detail of the Rangers, when a
heated discussion cnsued as to the advance
position to be taken by the guard. Some
sharp retorts were made between the two
friends, but nothing was thought of the mat
ter at the time, although the laugh of the
boys seemed very much to irriale Thomas,
who was heard to remark There's way
tosctte such matters without further words"
1t appears that on u previous occasion there
had occurred some unpleasanlness between
the two. Reid having censurcd Thomas for
washing his horse close To- spring, and, per-
haps, the remembrance of it added To the Bit
ternsss of his sensitive feelings.
The next morning, the lGth to the sur
prise of Reid he received percmptory chal-
lenge, excluding any demand for an expla.
nation or apology, which the bearer stated
would not be received. Under these crcum-
stances, the challenge was at once accepted
and the weapons chosen were double barrel
ed shot guns, loaded with buck and ball, at
twenty PAGES; the time and place to be left
with the seconds. An injunction of secrecy
was agreed upon to prevent any in
reference or arrest, and for this purpose the
principals were not to involve any of the
members OF tue company to act as seconds
Reid was, perhaps, Il year or two older than
Thomas, and was of light complexion, tall
and well .formed. He had been brought up
in the school Of Southern chivalry, and was
rs magnanimous us he was courageous. He
had fought his first duel at New Orleans with
n noted duClist and bravo, whom he wound
ed, the weapons being small swords. Besides,
he naturally inherited the bravery of his
father who commanded the brig-Ot-war,
Gen Armstrong, at the memorable battle of
Fayal, in 1914. Thus forced into Il combat
from which there was no recedug, and which
could not he declined but with dishOnUr,
Young Reid had been compelled to accept the
challenge however much he felt that there
really was no cause for demanding such a
sacrifice. He had determined, therefore, to
bring Thomas to sense of reason by COM
pelling him to accept an explanation, or else
to make the duel fatal to one or both the
parties.
Captain Randolph Ridgely, of Baltimore,
then commanding a battery Of the United
States Third Artillery, was one OF the noblest,
coolest and bravest of men. He was known
as the Chcyaler Bayard of the army, and
was fairly worshpped by both men and Off
GERS. His opinion and decision in affairs of
honor no one dared dispute or question.
Reid accordingly rode over to Ridgely's
quarters, and entering his tent was pleasant
" received, and invited to a camp-stool.
Ridgely had been classmate of Reid's broth
er at West Point, and was very friendly dis
posed. Reid then explained his situation,
and the circumstances which led TO the
challenge, discaming any intention to offend
Thomas, and asked Ridgely to become his
second.
Il have done him no wrong" said Reid,
land never had the slightest idea of wound
ing or insulting him. would willingly have
made any explanation, or even an apology
for any imaginary insult that he may have
conceived was intended. What has spurred
him on to this rash vndictiveness / am
at loss to know. But it is now too late,
and as he has determined to force me into a
fight, ii cannot be avoided, yet do not want
to take his life
After listening to Reid's statement, Ridge
ly seemed lost in thought for several moments
then, as if he had suddenly arrived at some
conclusion, said:
swell, Reid, to be frank with you, will tell
you that Herman Thomas was here not half
an hour ago, and have agreed 10 act as his
second, He is from my town, and is highly
connected, and, of course could not refuse
him. Although he is somewhat rash, he is real
ly good hearted, gallant fellow, but he is full
ly impressed that he has been outraged and