THE DUEL MANIA IN AMERICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 605, 21 August 1858, Page 3

THE DUEL MANIA IN AMERICA.

In congress the question of Kansas was still uppermost at the date of the last advices. During- a discussion on the 23rd Mr. Johnston and Mr. Bell had an altercation, which resulted in the latter creatinga sensation bj saying- that he was " ready to meet the senator at any time, or any others who should back him." What the papers denominate a "duel mania" was prevalent. A Boston paper thus comments on the matter: —" We are sorry to hear of so many gentlemen at Washington struggling under ' personal difficulties.' When the great congressional fracas was over, and Keitt came out of it less injured, or less ingenuous, than the renowned yel-low-plush came out of the house upon the side walk on a certain occasion—for ' Chawles' candidly confessed, ' I felt something behind; I think it was master's toe'—and Barksdale's wig went down in the < brunt of the fray ;' we say when all this was over, and good humour appeared to be completely restored, we supposed there was to be no more breaking of the peace. But things have been getting worse, until the 'clash of resounding arms' is awaited in every telegraphic despatch from the southward. A challenge has passed between Colonel Suinner and General Harney; General Cullom and Hon. James B. Clay are supposed to be out on the field of honour; Lieutenant Bell, of the cavalry, has summoned Lieutenant Williams, of the dragoons, to meet him with sanguinary weapons; and ex-Lieu-tenant Rhind has been held to bail for extending a similar invitation to Commander Boutwell. Thus they go—congress, nrmy, and navy, all furnishing irate representatives, pugnacious within an inch of their lives, and possibly an inch beyond."

The intelligence'respecting these "difficulties" Lad reached New-York by telegraph as follows:—" Boston, February 21. —A recontre occurred at Parker's hotel here this afternoon, the fact stated being as follows: A Mr. L. D. Merrill, of this city, made a voilent assault upon Mr. F. Birge, of New York, the former spitting in the latter's face, &c. Mr. Birge, after repairing- to his room, again made his appearance, and called Mr. Merrill to account for the insult. A collision immediately .took place, during which Mr. Birge discharged a pistol at Mr. Merrill, but without eftect. They were separated, and both parties are now under arrest."

"Washington, Feb. 21—A fisticuff altercation occurred yesterday morning- in a barber's shop underneath Willard's hotel, between Lieutenant Bell, of the cavalry, and Lieutenant Williams, of the dragoons, which may rrsult in a duel, a challenge having- passed between them."

A. later de-patch says: —"Lieutenants Bell and Williams, who had a collision in a barber's shop on Sunday, went beyond Bladensburg this morning, at five o'clock, accompanied by their respective friends. It is said that Bell fired at the word 'one,' the ball from his pistol penetrating Williarns's hat. Williams, who was the assailing party, having given the satisfaction demanded, discharged his pistol in the snow. The beligerents returned to Wash-ing-ton apparently reconciled."

- But the greatest interest attaches to the dispute between the Hon. J. B. Clay and Mr. Cullom, the origin of which is explained by the Washington correspondent of the < New York Tribune' :—

" Cullom entered the bar-room of Brown's hotel, where Clay, Hawkins, and Mason were standing. He proposed an old-fashioned Kentucky drink, in which all the parties participated., Subsequently he commenced conversation with Clay, stating- how he had removed from Kentucky to near the Hermitage, in Tennessee, where he bearded the lion in his den. He spoke of his long devotion to the admiration for his father. Mr. Clay answered by saying that General Leslie Coombs had once, as Chickasaw Ambassador, bearded the lion-in his den. This expression, as some bystanders supposed jocular, was regarded as an offensive report by Cullom, who asked if he intended to insult him. Clay disclaimed any such intention. The interrogatory was repeated with the same reply, but was accompanied with the menancing use of Cullom's finger,when Clay said, that he was not accustomed to be addressed in such a threatening- 'manner, or words to that effect. Cullom became more excited under the conviction of an intended insult to him; and denounced Clay as the 'apostate, son of noble sire.' Clay said that his physical condition wns such as would prevent him from answerinowith a blow, but he could not resist pro" claiming-Ctillosn fa d- -d scoundrel,'

whereupon Cullom drew back to strike. The force of the blow was partially arrested by the spectators, but still renclied Clay's nose, and caused it to bleed. The two men then separated and withdrew. Clay called on Senator Johnson, of Ark, to act as his friend, and a peremptory message was communicated to Cullom, to which acceptance was signified so soon as a competent second could be chosen. At one o'clock no choice had been made."

A telegram of the 22nd says: — v The efforts to reconcile the difficulty between the Hon. James B. Clay and Mr. Cullom have proved abortive. They left Washington this afternoon at five o'clock, accompanied by their respective friends, for, it is said, a place about thirty miles distant. The probability is that they will fight to-morrow morning. Much excitement exists throughout the city, regarding the affair. The United States' deputy marshals throughout yesterday and to-day vainly endeavoured to get on the track of Messrs. Clay and Cullom. Various absurd rumours are in circulation, but it is understood that the challenge has been withdrawn, as preliminary to a peaceful adjustment of the difficulties, which theie i 3 little, if any, doubt will be effected, according to present indications."

Another and a later telegram says:— " There has been no duel yet between Clay and Cullom, and attempts are making for a settlement of the affair by a- reference to Senators Crittenden, Coombs, and Kennedy. There is reason to fear, however, that these attempts will fail, and that there will be an exchange of shots."

A^ further report was to the effect that the affair had been settled by Clay's withdrawal of the challenge, and the apology of Cullom.