The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-01
AN oLD-TIME DUEL.
Personal Encounter Between Ken
lucky Gentlemen Fifty Years Ago.
Nashville American.

Nashville American.
A few miles below Vevey. on the Indiana
side of the Ohio river, is the scene of one
of the most dramatic 0uels ever fought in
the North Although the duel took place
nearly fifty years ago, there are several
people in that section of Switzerland county
who distinctly remmeber its highly dram
attic incidents. it was fought between the
noted Southern general, Roger Hanson, and
Colonel William Duke, who died about three
years ago at his home, in Danville KY.
The two contestants for supremacy be-
longed to the most prominent families of
the Blue Grass State, and their belligerency
was the subject of much comment at the
time. Each had their friendly constituency
who strongly supported the honor of each
an aspersion the latter was alleged to have
made regarding Dukes character in the
presence OF MISS hickman, VINO was
cousin OF Hanson: Hanson was i brilliant
dashing young fellow, and was in love with
his cousin. Her hand had already been
sought in marriage by young Duke. and, it
was learned by Hanson, engaged to be mar
ried. Upon Hansons acquisition of this
knowledge he had an interview with his
cousin, IN which he used some strong Ian
guage which was insulting to Duke. Col
Duke was told of the occurrence. and inn
mediately sent challenge TO Hanson to
square himself by apologizing or at so many
PAGES with pistols. Hanson chose the lat
ter, and suggested the place and the kind
of weapons 10 be used.
Although young in years, they were back
ed by many friends. Hanson was already
member of the State Legislature from
i dyelL6 county, WIlllG Duke mad lust re-
turned from the Mexican war, where he had
States.
Duke chose for his second James Jack
son, the noted race horse owner. whose
wife was a cousin to Duke. Lafayette Dun
lop then member of the Legislature from
Glrrard county, was chosen to represent
Hanson. At sunrise on the morning of Jan
L. 1913, was designated as the time, at a
convenient place across the river from Car
rolton Duke repaired to his fathers home
IN Scott county, where, in the presence of
MS friends, he fired one hundred shots con-
Vincing them of his craftsmanship He had
never used a duelling pistol but he ra,pidlv
acquired skill with the practice he had while
III the wal. Hanson was always considered
Frankfort.
:. The pistols, used by each had already a
history, as they had been used in former
public encounters. Dukes pistol was used
by Clay in his duel with John Randolph of
Roanoke; and also by James Jackson in a
historical Tight. Hansons pistol belonged
10 Andrew jackson, and was several times
used use %, by him On Jan. 16 the Hanson
and Duke parties left Frankfort on the
same boat for Carrolton, down the Ken
lucky river. Quite a crowd witnessed the
departure of the boat, but were ignorant
as to the place where the duel was to be
fought. That night was spent in Carrolton
awaiting the dawn Of the following day The
two parties arose early and a speedy
ment. Duke wrote a brief letter to his
hancee, Miss Hickman, and at daylight the
TWO pdfueS rOWed across the river \ level
stepped off. The principals took their po-
sltons and were given their weapons, wit
messed by their anxious friends Dunlop
gave the word to get ready to fire.
Both shots ran wide of their mark, Duke
aiming too high, while his antagonists ball
struck the ground a few feet in front Of
Duke. jackson gave the second signal
after an interval of ten minutes. Hanson 5
while the ball from Dukes pistol went wide
of the mark. Another interval of five min
utes was given. Their aim was steadier.
Duke made a flesh wound in Hanson'S left
arm, and his own sleeve was pierced by
Hanson's ball. Each time the pistols were
loaded they changed positions, and were
now asked II they were satisfied. A mega
tive reply came from both. Hansons
brother Richard. who had thus far wit
messed the scene left going toward the
river with his hands over MS ears. Dunlop
won the word on the fourth round. and.
beng q little EXCITED, counted more rapidly
than before. Hanson fell forward. drop
ping his pistol to the ground, while his
opponent stood unframed Hansons right
thigh had been pierced by ball
The friends now fully appreciated the hOr-
r3ble spectacle and stood dumfounded for
few minutes After an interval Of sup
pressed excitement Duke and his comrades
recrossed to the Kentucky shore, going to
louisville, thence to his fathers home.
Hanson was removed to the residence of
Major Butler and remained under the care
of DR.. Blanton until moved to Lexington
He recovered after many weeks of con-
finement, but was famed for life. He took
Up llS pAdcuce u law ana ueNelOpetl INTO
one of the most influential lawyers in the
State.
Ten days after the duel was fought Duke
was married to the beautiful Caroline Hick-
man, over whom the duel occurred, and set
tied down to quiet life in Scott county.
Upon the breaking out of the civil war
Duke joined General Morgans staff and
Hanson took up the cause under the leader
ship of Gen. John c. Breckenridge. Hanson
was promoted to the position of brgadier
general at Knoxville and rapidly arose to
distinction in the Southern cause. A sub
scription was raised with which to purchase
Hanson a valuable horse, to which Duke
literally responded. A friendship afterward
arose between the men, existing as long as
Hanson lived. He was mortally wounded
in the famous charge led by Breckenridge
at Stone river.
Duke lived for many years near Danville,
but moved into Danville a few years before
he married Miss Ellie Duerson. a beautiful
and talented lady of Louisville. who pre-
ceded Duke to the grave several years.