Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser

From the Port Folio for June.

Wager of the battle in New England.—The conflicting claims of two towns in Connecticut,—Lyme and New London, to certain lands, once gave rise to a mode of adjusting the title, of which we apprehend no trace can be found in the common law or the codes of the civilians. The land, says Dr. Dwight, though now of considerable value, was then regarded as a trifling object. The expence of appointing agents to manage the cause before the legislature, was considerable, and the hazard of the journey was not small. In this situation, the inhabitants of both townships agreed to settle their respective titles to the lands in controversy by a combat between two champions, to be chosen by each for that purpose.—New London selected two men, of the names of Picket and Latimer: Lyme committed its cause to two others, named Griswold and Ely. On a day mutually appointed the champions appeared in the field, and fought with their fists, till victory declared in favour of each of the Lyme combatants. Lyme then quietly took possession of the controverted tract, and has held it undisputed to the present day.