Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-08-14
Duel in Alabama.

On Thursday, J. D. Williamson denounc-
ed a statement of Patrick Calhoun as un-
aualifedly false, whereupon Calhoun imme-
diately challenged him. They fought on
Saturday when Williamson was shot in his
left arm. A despatch from Atlanta, Ca,
of date August 10Th, says:-
SAT o'clock this evening the due!ling
party which left Atlanta last night came
together on the selected ground at Stokes's
Bluff, on the Cossa river near Attala, Ala
There were present the principals, Mr.
Patrick Calhoun, with his second, Captain
| Henry r. jackson, of Atlanta, and Presi-
dent Williamson, with his second, Captain
Jack King, of Rome, Ga, as negotiation
had been exhausted before the party left
Atlanta.
The work of laying off the ground was at
once entered upon and the parties were
brought facing each other. The signal
one, two, three-was given, and q simulta-
neou5 exchange of shots took place. 1t
was noticed that President Williamson s
arm fell limp by his side, while Mr.. Calhoun
stood erect waiting for repetition of the
second order. Williamson had been wound
ed in the left arm, but Mr.. Calhoun was
untouched.
The combatants at once returned to their
carriages, President Williamson being
driven rapidly to Gadsden, where he could
secure medical attention. Mr.. Calhoun
and his party drove to Catherwood, sta
ton on the Alabama and Chattanooga road,
to take the train for Alabama.
At a meeting of the Railroad Committee
of the H1use Of Representatives day before
yesterday, Mr.. Calhoun, of the Richmond
Terminal Company, said that Mr.. William
son had wanted to unload bis Chattanooga,
Rome and Columbus railroad on the Cen
trial; that he MIR. Calhoun) had prevented
the unloading of the road on Central, and
that any credit for the roads being an in
dependent line was due to him (Mr. CAL
houn). Mr.. Williamson denounced Mr..
Calhoun's statement as unqualifiedly false. -
Gov. Gordon, of Ga, tried to prevent the
duel and telegraphed both to the Governor
OF Alabama, and the Governor of Tennes-
see requesting them to instruct the sheriffs
iu all the border counties of those State to
watch for them.
z. SIT seems that the despatch above
from Atlanta of August 10Th, is not correct.
A later despatch from the same city of Au-
gust 18Th, says that Williamson discharged
five shots in quick succession without effect
whilst Calhoun discharged only one, and
then after getting the required apology fired
the other four III the air. Neither was
hurt. 81 don't want to take your life,"
said Mr.. Calhoun. "In speaking before the
legislative committee l intended to cover
business point, and Mr.. Williamson per-
sonally did not occur TO me-" ''Then
withdraw my statements" said Mr.. Will
Hanson. 'Then," said Mr.. Calhoun, point
ing the pistol skyward, ~ shall fire ny re-
naming four shots in the air. l reserved
them for this purpose" rs then fred the
remaining four shots 10 the air. The prin-
cipals then shook hands and left the field.
Pat Calhoun returned to Atlanta Sunday,
and J. P. Williamson is in Rome Gov
error Seay, Of Alabama, Sunday announced
his intention of demanding the extradition
of the duelists. Gov. Gordon, of Georgia,
says he will honor the requisition, as the
duel was fought on the State line. There
is just uncertainty enough about it to raise
a troublesome question OF Jurisdiction. 1t
is not certain that the spot could be identi.
fled, as the parties got eff in the dark,
fought the duel aud hastily left the ground