The National tribune., 1903-06-11

reer Of Peter Cartwright, the famous
Western Methodist preacher, down to the
period just preceding his removal from
Kentucky to Illinois. He was then 81
years old. and had been a regular itmerant
''circut rider" or missionary, for nearly
20 years. Much of our information Is
compiled from his autobiography, pup
lished in 1856. and now very rarely 1ouho'
even in the largest libraries.
BLooDLEss DUEL.
Cartwright gives a stirring account of
an episode at a camp-meeting near Rus
sellvilIe Ky, in 1872. 1t was an immense
gathering, and among those in attendance
were a party of youngsters who calien
themselves gentlemen" some from the
country and some from Russellvlle IhesS
fellows would occupy the seats prepared
for the ladies. The preacher announced
from the stand that the men and women
were to sit apart, and requested every
gentleman to remove to the seats on Tue
left, prepared for them.
There were some 20 who did not move
Said Cartwright I'VE request every gen
tleman to retire from the ladies' seats,
that l may see how many country clowns
and town fOps there are. for these viii not
mover' All then left but five, and he be-
gan to count them; they then left IN a
hurry, but were very angry.
Among them was a young lawyer, the
son of Maj. L. He was very angry, ana
told his father, who happened not to be
present. His father and Cartwright dined
together that day at a friends house. Ihe
Major brought up the subject, and said
the preacher was wrong; that many young
men did not know any better land that II
was unkind to thus expose his son.
Said Cartwright: Major, do you not
believe if a company of Shawnee Indians
,yara IN como into one of religious as
semblies. and see all the women seated
on ore side and most of the men on the
& other side, they would have sense and
manners enough to take their seats on the
mems SideI
He answered abruptly: NO, L DON
believe they would
well, it is my opinion they would, and
they have more manners than many of
the pretended young gentlemen OF the
day"
The Major flew into violent passion,
and said if it were not for the presence
of ladies, he would chastise Cartwright,
who says: Il told him if he thought to
abuse and frighten me from doing my duty
in keeping order in the congregation. he
was very much mistaken, and l would
thank him to mind his own business, and
! would most assuredly attend to mine"
Here the subject dropped, and the preach
er returned to the camp-gr0und. Present.
ly the Major sent for him to talk the mat
fer over He told the messenger that he
would not go, for the Major was very ir-
ritable, and only wanted to renew his in
suit and abuse, which he was not OF
mind to endure. He did not 60. but the
mutual friend returned, and said that the
Major pledged his word and honor that
he would not indulge in abuse. but only
wanted to talk the matter over in friend
ly way. hin,
with Brother Cash, and we had passed
but few words when he commenced a tt
rade of abuse. Brother Cash tried to
check him. but he would not be stopped.
/ then told him that he had forfeited his
word and therefore was beneath my no.,
tice. He flew into a desperate rage, and
said if he thought 1 would fight him a
duel, he would challenge me:
Major said l. very calmly, ''f you
challenge me viii accept it."
well, sir" said he, Il do dare you to
mortal combat"
Every well, I'll fight you; and, sir, ac-
cording to the laws of honor, suppose it
is my right to choose the weapons with
which We are to fghtT
Certainly, it is
"Wel," said 1, "then we will step over
here into this lot, and get couple of corn
stalks; 1 think / can finish you with one"
But o, what rage he got into. He
clenched his fists and looked vengeance.
CalO ne. thought L cOulU whip you,
] would smite you in minute
"'Yes, yes, Major said 1; but, thank
God, you can't whip me; but don't you
attempt TO strike me; for II you do, and
the devil gets out of you into me, 1 shall
give you the worst whipping you ever got
in all your life and then walked off and
left him."
Thus the staIwart preacher was de,iv-
cred from the temptation to administer
personal castigation. while covering his
antagonist with ridicule by bringing the
duel challenge to an absurd finish. That
was indeed bellicose day, when no man
could rise to eminence and influence in any
sphere, who could not justify his primacy
by his muscularity. Few envy the multi
millionaire Of to-day. with his smokeless
cigars, his eatless dinners and his sleepless
slumbers, yet all want to be multi-mllion-
aires. That class was non-existent in the
times OF which we write, but strong arms.
a stout heart and a good digestion were
Imperative perquisites to success.
PRAIsEwoRTHY RECONCILIATION.
At this same camp-meeting pleasant
Incident occurred, which Cartwright por-
trays as follows:
There were two young men in this set
Element OF wealthy and respectable par
entagc, who were distantly related. They
were both paying attention to very
wealthy young lady. Some jealousy about
rivalship sprung up between them; they
were mutually jealous of each other, and
1t spread like an eating cancer. They
quarreled, and finally fought; both armed
themselves. and each bound himself in
solemn oath to kill the other. Thus sworn,
and armed with pistols and dirks, they
attended camp-meeting. l was acquainted
with them, and apprised OF the circum-
stances Of this disagreeable affair. On
Sunday, when ] was addressing a large
congregation, and was trying to enforce
the terrors of the violated law of God, a
visible power more than human rested on
the congregation. Many fell under the
preaching of the word. In closing my
discourse / called for mourners to come
fnto the altar. Both these young men
were in the congregation, and the Holy
Spirit had convicted each Of them; their
murderous hearts quniled under the mighty
power OF God, and with dreadful feelings
they made for the altar. One entered
on the right, and the other on the left.
Each was entirely ignorant Of the others
presence.
Il went deliberately to both Of them,
and took their deadly weapons from their
bosoms, and carried them into the preach
ers' tent, and then returned and labored
faithfully with them and others, for the
altar was full, nearly ali the afternoon and
night. These young men had sore
struggle; but the great deep OF their
hearts was broken up, and they cried for
nd I h,