Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1891-03-21
A. FAMOUS DuELIsT.
Tales Of Alex K. mcoIung. Once the Ter
por Of the Mississippi.


Alexander K. McClung was known
and feared all over the state of Mis-
sissippi, says the st. Louis Globe
Democrat. He had come out of the
Mexican war with a dangerous wound
received at the storming of Monte
rey, 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 as man
of dauntless courage and imperious
temper. Few men of his day enter
ed life with brighter prospects Of
achieving an honorable aud endur-
ing fame. In some respects he was
d natural Admirable Crichtonr
among men. He was possessed Of
magnificent physique, and was q
born soldier, poet, orator; but he
died before his splendid gifts had
hardly begun to germinate.
The curious lover "Reminiscences
has only to breach the subject of
"McClung" to old residents to hear
thrilling incidents of the desperate
duelist's doings. Occasionally they
were of . humorous character. Upon
one occasion the Colonel became en-
ragged at an acquaintance in public
place, but instead of sending the u.s.
ual formal challenger be kicked the
offending party out the front door.
A short time after this, at another
public place, McClung saw the same
person kick another man out the
door. Very much amused and now
in a good humor, the duelist pleas
antly called attention to the coinci-
dence between this and his own re-
confer.
"That's all right, Colonel Nc
Chung" retorted. the kicked kicker,
s'you and I know who to kick"
Tradition says he never quailed
before danger or seemed to be salts
fed with the courage of his antago-
mist except upon one occasion. Hav-
ing passed q challenge, the offender
chose bowie knives in dark room.
Each was to take his stand in an OPP
posite corner; when at q given signal
the seconds were to extinguish the
lights, lock the door and retire; then
tho two were TO meet and cut till one
or both were killed or satisfied.
Knowing McClung to be expert with
pistol, sword and knife, the challeng.
ed party remained perfectly still in
his corner, while the desperate went
plunging around in the dark like q
mailman, hacking and slashing as il
in close encounter. Finally after
this terrific test OF the nervous sys-
tenn, unable to find his antagonist,
| yet feeling conscious that he himself
was in mortal danger, it is said his
courage for the time failed him, and
the hero of dozen desperate fights
stopped short and cried out: "Where
are your" and demanded that the
door be opened. He was satisfied.
When the lights were restored Colo
mel McClung was white as sheet.
| Upon another occasion he made
an insulting remark to little fellow
whom he could almost have carried
around upon his shoulder, for phys
ical strength was another of his nat
ural gifts. To hissurprise and amaze
ment the man proved game. Walk
ing up to his towering antagonist
and shaking his fist, be exclaimed:
Colonel McClungl I'll let you
know sir, I'm no sardine if you are
| whaleI''
McClung laughingly shook hands
with him on the spot and apologized.
An enecdote is related of Colonel
McClung, which may or may not be
Gospel truth, but it is at least plaus-
able as being in line with his we'll
known character. The story goes
that he was in the habit of visiting a
lady at Mobile whom he admired
One evening when calling he noticed
that she seemed nervous and agitat.
ed. He understood why when a
heavy step sounded along the cor
ridor and a brisk knock came on the
door, which had been hurriedly clos.
ed by the lady. The knock was fol.
lowed 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 river captain,
who came to town periodically and
insisted much against her will or Wis.
iting her.
| "Let him inl" said McClnng.
"Oh, but he'll lkill usl' exclaimed
the poor lady.
"Never you mind about that; you
leave him in,p said the gallant Mis-
sissippian.
The outsider was getting furious
by this time, and when the door was
opened he fairly glared at the man
be looked upon as an intruder.
"Sec here, young man. he yelled,
"climb out of here, and don't waste
any time"
| Colonel McClung was reclining on
q sofa, his head resting easily on his
hand. Without changing his position
| he simply asked the river man: