The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1914-08-28
Trial of Lord Byron

So well established was the Pc
culiar sense of honor" which was to
be maintained at the point of the
sword, in the eighteenth century, that
even such men as Lord William Byron
were affected by it. Like most of
these affairs" it grew out of nothing
and the forcefulness of Byron, coupled
with the hot-headedness of the other
party, made the affair one of the most
famous of the time.
The trial took place before the Peers
in Westminster Hall, on the 10th and
18th of April, 1765. The defendant
made plain and honorable defense
explanatory of the cause of the quarrel
and of the encounter itself. From
what could be gathered from the evil
dence Lord Byron, together with his
cousin, Mr.. Chaworth, and a number
of other gentlemen met as they
usually did, to dine at the Star and
Garter Tavern at Pail Mall Up to Z
o'clock nothing very exciting hap
pened, and all were laughing and jok-
ing good-humoredly. About o'clock an
argument arose as to whether Lord
Byron, who took absolutely no care of
his game, or Mr.. Chaworth, who was a
very strict preserver and breeder, had
most on his manors.
Chaworth boosted that, barring one
more estate, every hare in the county
was to be found on his land. Lord
Byron, as befitted the spirit of the age,
offered wager of 800 to show that
he had more game on his manor than
had Chaworth, which was accepted
and the particulars were reduced to
writing. During this controversy By
ron made some reference to some
point of land which used to belong to
Chaworth, and that worthy replied:
"Why, that was purchased by his fam
lily from one of my ancestors" and
seeing that Byron looked incredulous,
added. "And if your lordship desires
any information, Sir Charles lives in
Dean Street, and you know where to
find me in Berkeley Row."
That Chaworth was sorry that he
made this statement is proved by the
fact that when leaving he asked Mr.,
Dunstan, one of the company, If he
thought he had gone too far in his
dispute with Byron.
TOO far" replied Mr.. Denham. at
was silly business and should be
disregarded." Then, as Chaworth
proceeded he heard Byron's voice call
ing, and the unfortunate gentleman
returning, was asked by Byron for a
few minutes private conversation.
This was granted and they repaired to
sma l room, which was lighted as If
prepared for the murder scene on
stage-by a small fiirkering tallow
candle and the embers of dying fire.
Seeing that Byron was to speak with
reference to the game subject once
more, Chaworth said, IF you have
anything to say, it would be best to
shut the door, lest we should be over
heard Suiting the action to the word,
Chaworth turned to close the door, but
hearing a noise, he half.turned around,
and quick as fash saw Byron clap
his hand to his sword. Byron then
leaped at his opponent roaring:
Draw! Draw" which Chaworth did.
By the evidence of Byron, who was the
only one present at the trial who saw
the duel, Chaworth lunged at him, but
getting his sword entangled in By
ron't waistcoat. could not protect him
self when Byron shortened his weapon
and inflicted the fatal wound.
Mr.. Levine. relative Of tie dead
man. and who tried 70 impnsn the