Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1891-05-07
a FAMOUS DUELIST.
Tales OF Alex. X. McClunG. Onco tho Ter
TOR OF the Mississippi.

says the ST. Louis Globc-Dcmocrat. lie
had como out of the Mexican war with
dangerous wound, received at the
stormlng of Monterey, while at the
head of his regiment; he had killed
several men in street encounters and
under the cruel code ducllo, and he was
known as 4 man of dauntlcSS courage
and impcrious temper. Few men of his
day entered life with faircr prospects
of achieving an honorable and enduring
fame. In some respects he was a nat
ural Admirable Crichton" among men.
He was possessed of magnif-
cent physique, and was born soldier
poet, orator; but he died before his
splendid gifts had hardly begun to ger
inmate.
The curious lover of "reminiscences
has only to breach the subject of Me
Chung" to old residents to hear thrilling
incidents of the Observation-Disclosures do
ings. Occasionally they were of hui
morous character. Upon one occasion
Colonel McClung became cnragcd at an
acquaintance in public place, but in
stead of sending the usual formal
challenge, he kicked the offending
party out of the front door. A short
time after this, at another public place,
McClung saw the same person kick an
other man out the door. Very much
amused and now in n good humor, the
duelist pleasantly called attention to
the coincidence between this and their
own rcconter.
'That's all right, Colonel McClung,"
retorted the kicked kicker, you and
know who to kick"
Upon another occasion he made an
insulting remark to little fellow whom
he could almost have carried around
upon his shoulder, for physical strength
was another of his natural gifts. To
his surprise and amazement the man
proved game. Walking up to his tow
ering antagonist and shaking his fist
he exclaimed:
Colonel McClung! I'll let you know,
sir, I'm no sardine if you are a whalcn
McClung laughingly shook hands
with him on the spot and apologizcd.
An anecdote is related of Colonel Nc
Chung, which may or may n2G be Cos
pei truth, but it is at least plausible US
being in line with his well-known char
acter. 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 agitated. lie understood
why when heavy step sounded along
the corridor and a brisk knock came on
the door, which had been hurricdly
closed by the lady. The knock was
followed by a 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 Il river captain who came to town
periodically and insisted much against
her will on visiting her.
"Lct him in" said McClung.
"Oh, but he'll kill us!" said the poor
lady.
'Nevcr 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 rs an intruder.
"Scc here, young man." he yelled,
"climb out of here, and don't waste any
time"
Colonel McClung was reclining on
sofa, his head resting easily on his
hand. Without changing his position
he simply asked the river man:
10 you know who am, Sir?"
"No, and I'll difference; you clear
out"
Still, without making q movement,
McClung drawled:
"Wcu, am from Mississippi, and
my name is Alexander McClung. pu
give you ten seconds to vacatc the room. {"
81 have time to spare, Colonel" said
the Captain, rs he made q hoo limo for
tho door.
Colonel McClung was found dead in
his hotel at jackson, wcltering in his
blood, with one of his ducling pistols
lying by his side. No doubt existed
but that he had taken his own life. The
eauses generally given arc two-re-
morse because of the men he had slain,
and disappointment in not receiving n
foreign Office at tho hands of the Wing
administration no had worked to place
IL, f,,s.