The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Ancoulême, Jan. 1. "A British West-Indian falling accidentally into company with a Scotch officer, the conversation turned upon the late English administration, in which the former spoke indifferently of the public character of Lord B---. The Scotch Captain, the next morning, came to his lodgings, and after telling him of the injury he had done his friend and countryman, challenged him, and appointed a place of meeting: but as neither of the parties understood French well, they mistook mutually the place appointed. The West-Indian went according to appointment: however, the Scots officer came to his lodgings next morning, and demanded the reason of his not having seen him according to promise. The other, conscious of his having been there, was much enraged at this behaviour of his antagonist, and immediately before several witnesses, called the Captain a coward, poltroon, and scoundrel. The officer said nothing at that time, but in the evening attacked the above-mentioned Gentleman in the street. Both were wounded, but the officer in the fray broke his own sword, upon which the other prudently and humanely retired. "The officer has told this story much to the dishonour of his adversary: although the writer of this narrative was not only spectator of the rencounter, but also well acquainted with the whole affair; and is always ready to attest, upon his honour, that the West Indian behaved every way becoming an English subject, and like a man of honour and resolution."