Year: 1874

The following interesting letters from the Irish
team were received at the HERALD office yester-
day. The one from Arthur 3. Leech, Esq., the CAP
tam of the Irish team, after complimenting their
late antagonists, the American team, challenges
them once more to "a peacefal battle" upon the
same terms as the match Of Saturday last, the re-
turn match to be shot at Dublin next June.


The other letter Is from Mr.. Rigby, and Is upon
the question of superiority Of "breech" over
''muzze" leaders, and challenges the American
team 10 shoot at Creedmoor on the Sd OF October,
upon such conditions as Will probably decide the
mooted question The following are the letters:-


The Gauntlet Thrown Down.
To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-


1t was to the NEW YORK HERALD that ad-
dressed my letter in the month OF october, 1873,
when had the pleasure OF proposing an lnterna-
tional rife match between America and Ireland
and at a time when the Irish were champions OF
Great Britain.


The match which ended yesterday would have
just been reversed by point ifone my friends
could have received the advantage OF scoring four
for q bull's eye on the wrong target which by the
rules of the match was scored miss.


In ADDRESSING you now, ask you to be so good
as to permit me to say through your widely circu-
lated journal, not alone on my own behalf, but on
behalf Of the members OF the team ana the gen.
temen who came along with me as my as
sstants and men IN waiting, and our lady friends,
VINO have accompanied US 10 America, our thanks
for the lavish kindness and hospitality which has
been extended to us since our arrival in New York.


My duties toward our party and the careful at
tentOn TO the health of the team have obliged us
to be more observers OF than particlpators In the
festivities arranged for our gratificatiOn; but we
all are deeply sensible of and greatly impressed
by the cordallty and friendship exhibited


We came out here to shoot this match, and none
other, with the Americans. We desired to pay
the entire compliment 10 this nation, where so
many OF our countrymen have found a home; nor
are we unmindful that when distress ana famine
visited our beloved country America was promi-
nent with its RELIEF.


General Shaler was named by Colonel wingate
as final umpire, to decide any difference OF opinion
between him and me, but 1t did not surprise me
to find that the worthy Generals office was q sine
cure. All the arrangements were OF the most
perfect and satisfactory character, and the Ameri
can team won with the most brilliant score ever
recorded in an international match.


cannot conclude This letter without noticing
the orderly conduct OF the multitude OF people
present at CreedmoOr, O multitude composed in
great part OF our own countrymeD, ana when
tell you that 1t simply at the request OF my
friend, Colonel Wingate and myself, tnat all
demonstration during the match on the part OF the
visitors ceased-there were only Six policemen
prosept--you Will agree with me- trust, that the
spectators proved themselves supporters OF law
and order and lovers OF fair play. The final cheer
given to the victors proved how we all admired
the pluck and staying power OF both teams.


To the American press tender n:y thanks for
the scrupulous accuracy OF its reports Of our
proceedings and for its leniency to myself


Finally, have once more on the part OF the Irish
rinemen to throw down the gauntlet to one more
peaceful battle with the American rI1emen on the
same terms upon which the match was shot at
Creedmoor, the return match to be shot in Dublin
In the month Of June, 1875, the team to consist OF
not more than eight or less than six men, at the
optlon OF the Americans.


Ihave the honor to remain, sir. your faithful
and Obliged, ARTHUR b. LEECH


Captain Irish International Rifle Team.


N1NDs0R HnrEI YORK