Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

BASSETERRE. (St. Kitt's) March 29.

A remarkable encounter happened in the town of Plymouth, in the island of Montserrat, between William Furlong, jun. Esq. barrister at law, and Edward Simper, Esq. The cause of the quarrel was some rhetorical words made use of last court-day by the former, which Mr. S. conceived injurious to him, and consequently sent him a message next day, which Mr. F. declined, alleging that Mr. S. was no gentleman; but added that he would go prepared: Accordingly both parties met the 19th inst. in the fore-noon, opposite the tavern, Mr. S. armed with a sword and pair of pistols, Mr. F. put his pistols in his pocket, and drew his sword; Mr. S. threw away the whip, and drew his. Nothing could exceed the impetuosity with which they fought, and they were nearly equal as to skill and dexterity. The spectators, who were numerous, expected that the contest would end with the fall of one or both. Mr. S. at last made a lounge with all his force, and Mr. F. in attempting to parry it, entangled the point of his sword in the net-work of the other's. The violence of the thrust, and the firmness with which it was defended, caused Mr. F's sword to break in the centre, and Mr. S. passed on and over lounged himself, which afforded Mr. F. an opportunity of thrusting at and hitting him in the body several times with the broken weapon without effect, when luckily Samuel Croker, Esq. (of this island) interfered, and struck down the weapons with his sword: another gentleman present laid hold of both parties, and prevented further mischief.

They were soon after bound over to keep the peace. Mr. S's sword was much bent by the last thrust.