The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-07-21
Interesting Story Of Patrick Calhoun by
Jno. Temple Graves

aSnlDStOn.-Ta CalnOuu, tue
San Francisco traction magnate who
has been on trial for bribery and other
graft since January last, is grandson n
of South Cardinals great statesman,
John G. Calhoun, and made his home
in the East until about twenty years
ago. John Temple Graves, chief edi-
torial writer Of Hearst's New York
American, formerly editor of the At
lanta News and of the Atlanta Geor-
giau, is of Abbeville County, s. &.
These facts lend interest to the fol-
lowing story told in the New York
American, from the pen of John Tenn
pie Graves:
In 1892 Mr.. Calhoun was the vice
president Of the Richmond Terminal
now the Southern Railway. He had
Headquarters in Atlanta, and conduct
ed the affairs of the Richmond Ter
minal through stormy session of the
Georsio legislature in which its merg-
ers and consultations were fierceIy
assailed by the popular element of the
assembly.
Col. John D. Williamson was the
president of the Chattanooga, Rome
and Columbus Railroad, later branch
of the Central Railroad of Georgia.
In one Of the heated hearings before
the legislature committee Williamson
insulted Calhoun. Calhoun, who was
never known to lose hes temper,
TRANQUILITY demanded an apology,
which Williamson refused. The next
day Calhoun renewed his demand for
an apology, which Williamson again
refused.
CHALLENGES HIS INSULTER.
Then Calhoun formally challenged
Williamson to duel. Williamson
promptly accepted,
{ Calhoun's second was Capt. Harry
Jackson, of the "hest blood of Georgia,
and himself famous duellst and eX-
emplar of the code.
The prominence of the parties made
the news of the quarrel and the pro-
bable duel general throughout the
State, and the authorities everywhere
were on the lookout for the men.
Calhoun and Williamson disappear
ed from Atlanta with their respective
seconds and devoted % hours to stren-
uous efforts to dodge the sheritfs of
two States in order that they might
reach dueling ground in Alapama,
come sixty miles east of Birmingham.
On the way Calhoun curied himself
up on two seats of passenger car and
slept.
The fatal spot was reached at $3.50
o. ~, and five minutes after Calhoun
and his second, Mr.. King, of Georgia,
appeared upon, the field in disguise,
one of whom was the famous Col. Ed,
Brutfey, of the Atlanta Constitution.
USE RAPID-FIRE REvOLvERS.
After brief consultation between
Capt. Jackson and Mr. King the for
mer announced that the weapons,
furnished 10y Col. Williamson. were to
be five barreled r-v0vers Of = new pat
tern, which could be discharged with
great rapidity. 1t was stated tina:
each man was entitled to five shots at
the other, in any order whice he saw
fit to employ, standing in their places
The usual distance was marked off
by Mr.. King, who upon toss for
position won for his principal the
right to turn his back to the sun, at
the time just setting.
Capt. Jackson gave the word, and
simultaneously five shots with almost
inconceivable rapidity rang out from
the weapon of Williamson who had
practiced diligently the accomplish
menf of shooting five barrels within
as many seconds.
y With extraordinary quickness Cal
houn who was dead shot, realized the
tactics of his enemy, and instantly di-
vined that such rapidity OF shooting
wss not likely to be accomplished
with good craftsmanship. Where
upon, after his first shot, which was
not intended to kill, he dropped his
weapon to his side and received with
perfect tranquility the entire voley
OF Col. Wiiilamsons pistol without a
scratch.
After the discharge of Williamson's
weapon Calhoun still held his pistol
arm at his side.
WARNED AS TO DUELING CODE.
Williamson impulsively started to,
ward his second, saying, Reload this
pistol" Instantly the stern voice Of
Capt. Jackson from Calhouns corner
rang out: "Back to your place sir, or
! will fire on you myself! Under the
rules of tht duel you cannot leave
your place until my principals wea-
pom "a discharged"
williamson himself man of daunt
less couage, returned 10 his place and
faced his adversary.
Calhoun's voice unruff1ed, addressed
his opponent across the 90 PAGES in the
fast falling twilight.
"Col. Williamson, said he. lin
Of thn Hnnrnvio
isiature without warrant in fact or
revocation from me, you impugned
my personal integrity"
Whereupon Calhoun. turning fired
ae small twig equi6isiant with VIII
hanson from him. The bullet cut it
clean in twain.
Now, Capt Williamson your life is
in my hands. I have a right under
the rules of the combat to take it with
out dishonor. / have no wish 70 de-
prive your family of your services.
Once more / ask you to repair The in
justies of your words before the legis-
'Iatufe and to disclaim the reflection
upon BOY integrity"
81 will aee you damned first" re-
piled Williamson, botly. l demand
another pistol and another shot.
GIVES OPPONENTS LIFE TO FAMILY.
"Then''. said Calhoun to the second
al give this mans life to his family
who needs it.
And, raising his right hand, he dis,
charged the four remaining barrels
OF his revolver into the air. bowed tc
che opposite corner and left his place,
Cant Jackson impulsiyely rushed