Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1899-02-02
FAMOUS DUEL OF so YEARS AGO.
Hanson-Duke Controversy and the
Workmanship That Resulted.

hanson-Duke Controversy and the
Workmanship That Resulted.
A few miles below Veyey, on the
Indiana side of the Ohio river, is the
scene of one Of the most dramatic
duels ever fought in the North. AL
though the duel took place nearly 80
years ago, there are several people in
that section of Switzerland county
who distinctly remember it's highly
dramatic incidents. 1t was fought be-
tween the noted southern general,
Roger Hanson, and Col. William Duke
who died about three years ago at his
home in Danville, KY.
The two contestants for supremacy
belonged to the most prominent fami-
lies of the Blue Grass state, and their
Delligerency was the subject of much
comment at the time Each had their
friendly constituency, who strongly
supported the honor of each man.
Duke challenged Hanson over an as
persion the latter was alleged to have
made regarding Dukes character in
the presence of Miss Hickman, who
was g cousin of Hanson
Hanson was brilliant dash
ing young fellow, and was in
love with his cousin. Her hand had
already been sought in marriage by
young Duke, and it was learned ny
Hanson, engaged to be married. Upon
Hancon'c annuicitiop of th;c Lnouy1
edge he had an interview with his
cousin, in which he used some strong
language which was insulting to Duke
Col. Duke was told of the occurrence,
and Immediately sent a challenge to
Hanson to square himself by apologize
ing or at SO many PAGES with pistols.
Hanson chose the latter, and suggested
the place and the kind of weapons to
be used.
Although young in years, they were
backed by many friends. hanson was
already a member of the state legis-
lature from Fayette county, while
Duke had just returned from the
Mexican war, where he had won hon.
ors in the cause of the United States.
Duke chose for his second James
Jackson, the noted race-horse owner,
whose wife was cousin to Duke.
Lafayette Dunlop, then a member of
the Legislature from Girard county,
was chosen to represent Hanson. At
sunrise on the morning of January II,
1S4S, was designed as the time, at a
y1a fhn rixTor
Carrolton. Duke repaired to his
fathers home in Scott county, where
in the presence of his friends, he fired
100 shots, convincing them of his
craftsmanship. He had never used a
dueling pistol, but he rapidly acquired
skill with the practice he had while in
the war. Hanson was always con-
sidered an expert with the pistol, and
constantly practiced several days with
his second near Frankfort.
The pistols used by each had al
ready 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 historical
fight. Hanson's pistol belonged to
Andrew Jackson, and was several
times used by him. On January 16
the Hanson and Duke parties left
Frankfort on the same boat for Car
rolton, down the Kentucky river.
Quite a crowd witnessed the departure
of the boat, but we're ignorant as to
the place where the duel was to be
fought, That night was spent in Car
rolton awaiting the dawn of the fol-
lowing day. The two parties arose
early and a speedy preparation was
begun amid little excitement. Duke
wrote a brief letter to his fiancee, Miss
Hickman, and at daylight the two par
ties rowed across the river.
A level strip of ground was selected,
and 100 PAGES stepped off. The prin-
cipals took their positions and were
given their weapons, witnessed 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 antago-
uist's ball struck the ground a few
feet in front of Duke. Jackson gave
the second signal, after an interval OF
10 minutes. Hansons ball grazed
Dukes ear, but drew no blood, while
the ball from Dukes pistol went wide
OF the mark. Another interval OF five
minutes was given. Their aim was
steadier. Duke made 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 we're now
asked IL they were satisfied. A mega
tive treply came from both. Han
s,n'k brother, Richard. who had thus
far Eitnessed the scene, left, going to
sTard the river with his hands ovei
Rls ears. Dunlop won the word on thu