The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-05-28
A FAMOUS DusLIsT.
Tales OF Alex. k. McClung, Onco tho Ter.
ror of tho Mississippi.

Ioarcu al over inc state OF mississippi,
says the st. Louis Globe-Democrat lie
had come out of the Mexican war with
dangerous wound. received ut the
storming of Monterey. while at tho
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 impcrious temper. Few men of his
day entered life with faircr prospects
of achieving On honorable and enduring
fame. In some respects he was n nat
ural Admirable Crichton" among men.
He was possessed of magniG-
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 "NIc-
Chung" to old residents to hear thrilling
incidents Of the Observation-Disclosures do
ings- Occasionally they were of hui
morous character. Upon ono occasion
Colonel McClung became enragcd at on
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, ut another public place.
McClung saw the same person kick an
other man out the door. Very much
amused and now in good humor, tho
duelist pleasantly called attention to
the coincidence between this and their
own recontcr.
That's all right, Colonel McClung,"
retorted the kicked kicker, you and
know who to kick"
Tradition says he never quailcd be-
fore danger or seemed to bc satisfied
with the courage of his antagonist ex-
cept upon one occasion. Having passed
a challenge, the offender chose bowie
knives i'll n dark room. Each was 10
take his stand in an opposite corner,
when, upon given signal, the seconds
were to cxtinguish the lights, lock tho
door and retire; then the two were 10
meet and cut till one or both were
killed or satisfied. Knowing McClung
to be expert with pistol, sword and
knife, the challenged party remained
perfectly still in his corner, while the
desperate went plunging around in the
dark like mailman, hacking and slash
ing as if in close encounter. Finally,
after several minutes of this terrific
test OF tho nervous SYSTEM, unable to
find his antagonist, yet feeling con-
scious that he himself was in mortal
danger, it is said his courage for the time
failed him, and the hero of n dozen dcs-
perate fights stopped short and cried
out: where are you?" and demanded
that tho door be opened He was salts
fed. When the lights were restored
Colonel McClung was white as q sheet.
Upon another occasion he made an
insulting remark to Il little follow whom
he could almost have carried around
upon his shoulder, for physical strength
was another of his natural gifts. To
his surprise and amazcmcnt the man
proved game. Walking up to his tow
ering antagonist and shaking his fist.
he exclaimed:
"Coloncl McClung! III let you know,
Sir, I'm no sartlinc if you arc whalcl'
McClung laughingly shook hands
with him on the spot and apologizcd.
An anccdotc is related of Colonel Nc
Chung, which may or may not be Cos
pei truth, but it is at least plausible as
being III line with his wcll-llnown char
acter. The story goes that he was in
the habit of visiting lady at Mobile
whom he admired. Ono evening when
calling he noticed that she seemed
nervous and agitatcd. He understood
why when heavy step sounded along
the corridor and a brisk knock came on
the door, which had been hurriedly
closed by the lady. Tho 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 river captain who came to town
periodically and insisted much against
her will on visiting her.
Let him in" said McClung.
ooh, but he'll kill us!" said the Door
lady.
Never you mind about that You let
him in" said the gallant Mississppian.
The outsider was getting furious by
this time, and when the door was
opened he fairly glarcd ut the man he
looked upon as an intruder.
''Sce here, young man." he yclhd,
''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:
'Do you know who am, sir?"
mo, and the difference; You clear
out"
Still, without making movement,
McClung drawlcd:
"Well, / am from Mississippi, and
my name is Alexander McClung. I'll
give you ten seconds to vacatc the room"
81 have time to spare. Colonel" said