Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-07
A FAMOUS DUELIsr.
"Reminiscences of Alex. X McCfung, Oncs
the Terror Of Mississippi.

"Reminiscences of Alex. X. McCiunr, Once
the Terror Of Mississippi.
Thirty-fvs years ago, says the St. Louis
Gloce- Dtmocaf, the name Of Alexander X. No
Chung was known and feared ell over the state
of Mississippi. He had come out of the Meri-
can war with . dangerous wound. received at
the storming Of Monterey, while at the head Of
his regiment He had killed several men in
street encounters and under the cruel code
duello, and he was known % man Of daunt-
less courage and imperious temper. Few men
Of his day entered life with fsirer prospects Of
achieving an honorable and enduring fame. In
some respects be vas . natural Admirable
Crichton" among men. He was possessed Of .
magnificent physique, and was born soldier.
poet, orator, but he died before his splendid
gifts had hardly begun TO terminate.
The curious lover Of "reminiscences has
only to breach the subject Of "McCluns" TO
old residents 20 hear thrilling incidents Of
the despersdo-duelist's doings. Occasion
ally they were OF a humorous character
ragged at an acquaintance in public place, but
instead OF sending the usual formal challenge
ne kicked the offending party out the front
door. short time after this, at another pub
lie place, McClung saw the same person kick
another man out the door. Very much amused
and now in good humor the duelist pleas
sntly called attention TO the coincidence be-
tween this and their own rencounter.
That's all right, Col. McClung," retorted
kick"
Tradition says he never quailed before dan
ger or seemed TO be satisfied with the courage
OF his antagonist, except upon one occasion.
Having passed challenge the offender chose
bowie knives in a dark room. Each was 10 take
ms stand IN an opposite corner, when, upon a
given signal, the seconds were to extiaguish
the lights, lock the door and retire; then the
two were TO meet and cut till one or both were
killed or satisfied. Knowing McClung 10 be
expert with pistol. sword and knife the chal-
lenged party remained perfectly still in his
corner, while the desperate went plunging
around In the dark like a mailman, hacking
and slashing as il in close encounter. Finally.
after several minutes of this terrific test Of
the nervous system, unable to find his antago-
mist, yet feeling conscious tina. he himself was
In mortal danger, il is said his courage for the
time failed him, and the hero OF dozen des-
pernte fights stopped short and cried out:
where are youy" and demanded that the door
be opened. He was satisfied When the lights
were restored Col. McClung WAS white as q
sheet.
Upon another occasion he made an insulting
remark 10 q little fellow whom he could almost
have carried around upon his shoulder, for
physical strength was another one of his natu-
raj gifts. To his surprise and amusement the
ing antagonist and shaking his fist in his face,
he exclaimed:
Col. McClung. II let you know, sir, I'm no
sardine u you are a whsle,''
MeClung laughingly shook hands with him
on the spot and apologized.
An anecdote is related Of Col McClunq
which may or may not be Gospel truth. but Il
is at least plausible as being in line with his
well-known character, The story goes that he
was in the habit of visiting lady at Mobile
whom he admired. One evening when calling
he noticed that she seemed nervous and agi-
tated. He understood why when q heavy step
sounded along the corridor and brisk knock
came on the door, which had been hurriedly
closed by the lady. The knock was followed by
gruff voice demanding admission. The fair
one explained to the colonel that they were
both in imminent peril, as the gentleman on
the outside was a river captain who came TO
town periodically and insisted much against
her will on visiting her.
Let him in ~ said McClung.
"0h, but he'll kill US :" said the poor lady,
Never you mind about that. you let him
in, said the gallant Mississippian.
The outsider was getting furious by this
time, and when the door was opened he fairly
glared at the man he looked upon as an in
truder.
.'see here, young man, /" he yelled, "climb GU,
Of here, and don't waste any time"
Col McClung was reclining on . sofa his
head resting easily on his hand. Without
changing his position he simply asked the river
man:
do you know who I am sir?'
"No, and - the difference; you clear
out"
Still, without making movement, McClung
drawled:
well, 1 am from Mississippi, and nv name
is Alexander McClung III give you ten sec.
onds TO vaca.e the ROOM
II have time TO spare, colonel, " said the cap.
tain, as he made a bee line for the door.
Col McClung was found dead in his hotel a,
jackson, weltering in his blood, with one OF
his dueling pistols lying by his side. No doubt
existed but that he had taken his own life The
causes generally given are two-remorse be-
cause OF the men he had slain and disappoint-
ment in not receiving a foreign Office at the
hand Of the whig administration he had worked
to place in power SO far as Mississippi was con-
cerned.