The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-02-28
FAMOUS DUEL
Fought Between Two COngressmen
More Than Half Century Ago
Rifle Preserved.

objects more replete with historical
interest than the Deringer rifle used
by Colonel David Crockett of Alamo
fame. This same weapon was used by
Congressman William ], Graves OF
Kentucky in the duel which he fought
more than seventy-eight years ago
with Jonathan Cilley, Congressman
from New Hampshire, resulting in the
lattcr's death.
The old gun is 44-caliber muzzle-
loading sporting rife The octagon
cited barrel is forty-five inches long
and fitted with a full stock Of curly
maple, plain open sights, a percus-
sion lock and a "set" trigger.
John c. Rives. who was one OF the
editors Of the Congressional Globe,
now the Congressional Record, knew
many Congressman, several of whom
he was accustomed to take out for
rife practice to field Among his
friends was David Crockett, pioneer,
hunter, soldier and Congressman, who
later lost his life at the Alamo in the
Texas struggle for freedom. "Davy'
Crockett was proud of his rifle, and
often joined the shooting parties I
keep himself in practice.
Early in February, 1898, Henry A.
Wise of Virginia presented to the
House of Representatives a copy Of
the New York Courier and Enquirer,
charging a member of Congress with
corruption and asked for an investi-
CATION lie stated that the author of
the article was vouched for by the
editor. and that the House was called
upon to defend its honor.
Jonathan Cilley, member from New
Hampshire, opposed the resolution,
and in debate said he thought II was
the same editor who once made
charges against certain institution,
aud later received facilities amounting
to $4,000 from the same institution,
which he then gave his hearty sup
port. A few days later, Colonel ].
Watson Webb, the editor of the paper,
addressed note to MIR. Cilley, asking
If he were the editor referred to, and
if so. demanding an explanation.
This note was directly responsible
for the duel between Mr.. Cilley and
Hon. William j. Graves OF Kentucky,
who undertook its delivery on the floor
of the House for his friend Webb. Mr.
Cilley refused to receive the note, de-
claring he chose not to be drawn into
any controversy with Col Webb, stat
ing that by so doing he meant no dis
respect to the bearer. He refused to
affirm or deny anything in regard to
Colonel Webb's character.
Mr.. Graves was not satisfied, how
ever. and several notes between them
were exchanged, with the result that
MIR. Graves finally challenged Mr.. Gil
ley because he would not say whether
he refused the note on the grounds of
any personal exception to Col. Webb
as gentleman and a man of honor
Mr.. Cillcy denied Mr.. Graves the
right to demand an absolute yes" or
mo" answer, and accepted the chal-
lcnge. Il was to be a combat under
the duello or code. upon a mere point
of honor, there being no real difficulty
between Graves and Cilley at any
time
Their seconds, George w. Jones, del
egate from Wisconsin territory, for
Cillcy, and Henry A. Wise of Virginia
for Mr.. Graves, arranged the details
for the duel, which was fought with
rifles at a distance of about ninety
yards, near the road to Marlborough,
in Maryland Mr. Wise experienced
some difficulty in securing a rife, but
finally succeeded in borrowing Mr..
Rive's Deringer rifle, which is now in
the section of gunnery of the National
Museum.
The duel was scheduled for 3 p. M,
February "a, 1888, and the two parties
met near the boundary line of the Dis
trict of Columbia. A party of friends
accompanied each of the principals,
also their seconds. The ground was
paced OFF and the contestants took
their places with rifles cooked and
triggers set.
Mr.. Jones of Wisconsin gave the
word. Cilley fred first and Graves
a second or two after him, but both
missed. Despite the efforts OF their
friends to adjust the matter after each
had been exposed TO the fire of the 9TH
err, no satisfactory arrangement could
be made. and the parties resumed their
positions and exchanged shots again,
also without effect. still being un-
able TO agree after further entreaties,
they went to their positions for the
third time. This time they fired very
nearly together. Mr.. Cilley was shot
through the body and expired a few
minutes later,
The Congressional Committee found
Mr. Graves guilty Of breach of priv
.lege I'm the House. but held that Mr.
Ia. II.