New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-09-16

loaded with fifteen slugs each. and fire 1t as and whn
he chose. They should then close with Bowie Knives.
probably Intended Mr.. Moore went back to Harrods-
burg and said more about fighting
Neither Of these acceptances was according to the
duelling code and 1t evidently Mr.. Prcntice's
idea to Get rid of Moore as quickly AS possible and
throw ridicule upon him at the same Time John
James piatt one Of his bograpcrs says that Prentice
was never party to any duel. In 1880 Prentice
was In Arkansas In tho interest OF some railroad
enterprise In that State. He wrot" articles In behalf
Of the scheme for Little Rock paper. one OF these
articles referred, somewhat pointedly, to arguments
in opposition to the railroad enterprise. published by
man named Hewson. who took offence at Mr. Prem
tees expressions and demanded their pnbnc with
drawal. Mr.. Prentice answered that he was only
crlticsing IIewsons writings and dsclamed any In
tended mputaton on hts character or CONDUCT. Hew
son insisted on the unconditional withdrawal OF tho
offensive expressions. intimating that otherwise Mr.
Prentice would be expected IN meet him In the held
Mr.. Prentice repeated his disclaimer. adding:
do not recognize any right reason, on yonr
part. to ask or expect more Of M" This deem
quito much due to myself as to you. IA.
not the least thought Of accepting challenge from
sDicly esmate and at any rae the disclaimer
that have made ought to satisfy YOU
believed could do something to promote great and
important enterprise, and have reason to think
intend to let myself DO diverted from Them There
some persons. and perhaps many. 10 whom my
life Is valuable, and however little or much value !
may attach to IL on my own account do not see ft
at present to put IL up voluntarily against yours
am no believer In the duclling code would not
call man To the field unless he hal done me snrh
deadly wrong that desired to kill him. and would
not Obey his call 10 the field unless lk,d done him
mortal All injury as TO cntltle him, In my opinion.
tO demand opportunity OF taking my life. havo
not the least desire to kill You. or to harm hair II
anything TO cntitlc yOu to kill me. I do NOT want
yoIir blood upon my hands. apd do not w1nt my
own upon anybsy's might yield much IN
the demand Of strong pnbltc sentiment. but there
- no public sentiment nor even any disinfers"d in
dvidual sentiment THAT requires ME To meet you or
would justify me In doing So
hook upon tho miserable code that Is said 70
require two men 10 60 ont and shoot at each other
for what Of them may consider violation of
equal tO that which Is gettng to be felt for ii by
tn: whole civlizSi world Of mankind. am not
afraid to express such Views in the enlightened capital
II Arkansas. or anywhere else. am not COwardly
10 stand In dread Of any impufatiOn my
have always hal courage enough u defend my honor
and myself and presume always shall have.
Mr. Prentice had more than one occasion 10
defend himself from attacks made upon him tho
STREETS. but he the aggresSor In sch fights.
1t IS pity that man who at time when ,uch
ideas not At all popular had thoroughly corrrrt
Views as to the brutal dIclng code and the COURAGE
tn express them. should after his death he rated
among those whose conduct was regulated by that
miserable custom, which is now happily obsolete.
JOHN GILMER SPEED.
Mendham, y. j., Aug. %, 1880.