Ypsilanti Sentinel

A Strange Duel--Death of one of the Parties

A most mysterious affair took place on the 20th inst. in front of Robert Bland's Tavern near the corner of Ludlow street, Cincinnati, by which Mr. Bland, an old citizen, lost his life. It appears that Mr. B. had been arguing with a Mr. Powell in regard to shooting at a mark, and each had been boasting of his skill. From shooting at a mark the conversation turned to duelling, when Bland went behind the bar and took up a pair of pistols, requesting Powell to take his choice, and intimating that they could determine the point by a trial of their skill. As they both left the tavern door, B. said to Powell 'The pistols are loaded.' They had agreed, it appears, to fire at twenty paces distance, but after taking their positions each stepped two or three paces, wheeled and fired!

The result was, Mr. Bland was shot; the ball entering the right side and passing through the region of the chest to the point of the shoulder blade where it lodged. He lingered till about half past 8 o'clock on Monday morning, when he died, leaving a wife and two children. Both parties in this tragedy were Englishmen, and what led to it is a mystery. During the night following, Mr. B. stated that he had not intended to kill Powell, and was glad he did not. Now we judge this serious affair was the result of what may be termed 'sky larking' or 'fooling' and should be a warning to all.--Phil. National American.