Richmond Enquirer

If the Editor of this paper could have believed that their refusal to publish the following article which has been furnished to them from a highly respectable source, would have effected its suppression, it is probable that they would have refused their aid in giving notoriety to the circumstances of a Duel.

But, because the transaction has been misunderstood, and this account will certainly, through some medium, be presented to the public if not through this--the Editors have determined to publish it. They have subdued their reluctance with less difficulty, because they are persuaded no man can read the narrative without being impressed with horror, of a deeper and deeper cast, at a practice, which nearly all men of humane feelings reprobate, but many are seduced into in defiance of their judgment.

Nat. Intelligencer.

'COMMUNICATED FOR PUBLICATION:

--Reports being in circulation calculated to induce a belief that the gentlemen who were the friends of Gen. A. T. Mason, in the fatal termination of his quarrel with Mr. McCarty, had been instrumental in urging the affair to its unfortunate issue--it is thought proper to publish a simple statement of facts: premising, that not even the nearest relatives of the deceased can more sincerely regret, than do those gentlemen, the determination of Gen. Mason to prosecute this business to its ultimate result.

I. It is well known to a number of Gen. Mason's friends, that he had resolved on challenging Mr. McCarty, in opposition to all the advice which they gave, and all the efforts which they made to dissuade him.

2. One of the two gentlemen who were the friends of Gen. Mason in the field, had, sometime before, made similar exertions to dissuade him from the course he intended, and with similar bad success.

3. Before a personal interview had taken place between Gen. Mason and his seconds, his letter, containing positive instructions for their government, in conducting the affair, was written. This letter enclosed a communication for Mr. McCarty.

The letter to Mr. McCarty not having been read by that gentleman, it is only thought necessary to give such extracts from it as show clearly that the determination of Gen. Mason was made independently of any consultation with his seconds. This letter is dated "Richmond, Jan. 9. 1819."

The following are extracts from it:

"Sir: I have resigned my commission for the especial and sole purpose of fighting you: and am now free to accept or send a challenge, and to fight a duel." The public mind has become tranquil, and all suspicion of the further prosecution of our quarrel having subsided, we can now terminate it without being arrested by the civil authority, and without exciting alarm among our friends."

"This effort has been delayed by my anxiety to effect such an arrangement of my affairs as my duty to my family required.-- That arrangement is just effected."

"I am extremely anxious to terminate at once and forever this quarrel".

"My friends are fully authorised to act for me in every particular.

Upon receiving from you a pledge to fight, they are authorised and instructed at once to give the challenge for me, and to make immediately every necessary arrangement for the duel on any terms which you may prescribe."

The following are extracts from the letter of instructions which is dated, Richmond. Jan. 9. 1819.'

"Gentlemen: You will present the enclosed communication to Mr. John McCarty, and tell him at once that you are authorised by me to challenge him, in the event of his pledging himself to fight. If he will give the pledge, then I desire that you will instantly challenge him, in my name, to fight a duel with me. You are not authorised to give a verbal challenge. It must be reduced to writing. Agree to any terms that he may propose, and to any distance: to three feet, his pretended favorite distance, or to three inches, should his impetuous and rash courage prefer it"

"To any species of fire arms, pistols, muskets, or rifles, agree at once"

Other incorrect reports being current respecting the interviews and communications between the respective friends of Gen. Mason and Mr. McCarty, it is thought proper to state.

1. That, on presenting the challenge, two modes of terminating the affair were proposed by Mr. McCarty--first, to fight on a barrel of powder: and 2ndly, to fight with dirks: both which were objected to, as not according with established usages, as being without example, and as calculated to establish a dangerous precedent.

2. That a third mode was proposed in the following written acceptance of the challenge: which the seconds of Gen. Mason were bound to accede to, both from the positive instructions of their principal, and from the laws which govern the settlement of disputes in the field of honor.

"Gentlemen: I agree to meet and fight your friend, Gen. A. T. Mason, to-morrow evening, five o'clock, at Montgomery Court House. As I am at liberty to select the weapon with which I am to fight, I beg leave to propose a musket charged with buckshot, and at the distance of ten feet.

J. M. McCARTY.

February 4, 1819."

3. That it was proposed by the friends of Gen. Mason, and agreed to by the friends of Mr. McCarty, to substitute a single ball for buckshot.

4. That it was agreed by the friends of both parties to postpone the meeting until 10 o'clock, on Saturday morning--and that, on the ground, the distance measured exceeded 12 feet.

It now only remains to state, that all reports respecting the indecorous deportment of either party on the ground, are entirely false--that the unfortunate meeting took place at the appointed time, and that the affair, although fatally, was honorably terminated. No man ever exhibited more perfect coolness and self-possession than did General Mason on this melancholy occasion.

It is due to the friends of Mr. McCarty, who are not aware of this publication, to state, that their deportment throughout the whole business was perfectly correct.

It has been reported that Gen. Mason was struck by three balls. At the request of his friends, The executors of Gen. Mason consented to an examination of the body: and, after a minute dissection, it was clearly ascertained that but one ball had entered the deceased.