Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1900-06-08
CAPT. PAGE MCCARTHY.
Who Died at the Retreat for
the Sick in Richmond.


Capt. Page McCartY, who recently
died at the Retreat for the Sick i'm
Richmond, was one of the most
widely known men in Virginia and
was an able and fearless Democratic
writer.
He was born in Fairfax county.
about sixty years ago.
Young McCarty grew up on his
fathers estate, his life similar to that
of other Virginia country boys of
wealth, parentage in the days before
the war. There was school and read
ing, and very much riding, and racing,
and shooting, and fishing. The free
and active life of his boyhood marked
his character to the end of his life.
He was always quick energetic, gener-
Gus and fearless.
IN THE CONFEDERATE ARMY.
After completing his preparatory
course in the schools of Richmond,
Capt. McCarty entered the University
of Virginia, where he was when the
war between the States broke out.
He at once entered the Confederate
army and served as adjutant of an
artillery battalion. Captain McCarty
was soldier of undaunted courage
and great dash.
After the war Capt. McCarty went
back to Richmond to reside and soon
became great social favorite. He
was one of the leading spirits in the
most brilliant circle, and enjoyed
wide popularity. His wit, splendid
address and brilliant attainment Is
made HIM an ideal companion.
THE MoRDECAI DUEL.
While at the University of Virginia
his fast friend and desk mate was
John Mordecai. Each came of a
family prominent in Virginia's social
and business world, and each, by
reason of many talents, played a
leading part wherever he was placed,
The two completed the law course at
the university, Mordecai graduating
with distinction. McCarty, whose
bent was towards journalism, took
a course in accordance with his
predictions.
The friends returned to Richmond
to begin their life work, and Mordecai
formed partnership with Col. John
B. Young, the celebrated criminal
lawyer of that day. McCarty turned
his attention to newspaper and maga-
zine work.
The reigning beauty of the day in
Richmond was Mary Trlplett, one Of
the most charming of Virginia's
daughters. Hundreds worshiped at
her shrine, and she was known as the
"Belle of the South" Mingling in
the best of society, Mordecai aud
McCarty constantly met Miss Trip
lett, and soon were RIVALS for hel
favor, outstripping, it is said, all the
rest. The two, once such fast friends
became estranged, although not
exactly hostile to each other.
Matters went on until great bal
was given, at which the exclusive
portions of Richmond's social world
were present. Miss Triplett was, as
always, the centre of attraction, anG
among her devoted cavaliers were
Mordecai and McCarty. The former
was the favored suitor that night
and the patience of the high-spiriteC
McCarty was severely tried. Finally
Miss Triplett sighted him in such {
marked manner that he left the ball
thoroughly enraged.
A few days latter a local papel
published an anonymous verse o.
poetry, which read:
When Mary's form divine press
In Strauss's sweetest waltz,
Those lips I, too, would fain caress,
Although those lips be false.
The piece met the eve of Mordecai
The event at the ball flashed through
his mind and in fury he swore tha
the author, whom he believed to b
McCarty, should answer to him fo
the insult to Miss Triplett. TIL
advice of friends, however, dissuadet
him from his purpose, and it wa