Newspaper Page Text
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COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
SATURDAY EVENING, OCT, 4, 1856
FOR PRESIDENT,
JAMES BUCHANAN,
OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FOR VICE-PRESIDENT,
J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,
OF KENTUCKY.
The Code of Honor— The late Charleston Duels.
Fighting of all kinds is denounced as a sin by the chris
tiancystem of Kthics; but as men will fight notwith
standing, all civilized nations have attempted to mitigate
the barbarity of the duel by the establishment of a code
of honor. It is a very general opinion among pious peo
ple that the code of honor is at the bottom of most of the
fights which occnr ; but in this they are very much mis
taken. A sighing man who does not recoguize the
code is much more apt to get into a fight than one who
does, and street encounters are more frequently fatal
than those which are conducted under the code. The
reason of this is obvious to all who are familiar with the
comparatively human provisions of the code.
In ordinary life, if a man insnlts another, the ag
grieved individual takes the matter in his own hands
and wreaks his vengeanoe on his adversary without al
lowing time for his passions to cool, or so much as ask*
jng for other redress than that which he can take with
fist, knife or pistol. Under the code, the aggrieved
party is required to state his grievance iu writing and
ask of the offending party such reasonable reparation as
the nature of the offence requires. This gives the of
fending party time to cool; forces him to consult and
advise with dispassionate and disinterested friends
through whom be alone can hold communication with
his adversary ; and most generally results in a settle
ment of the dispute without resort to arms. We be
lieve that iu a great majority of instances quarrels are
settled where the parties and their seconds understand
and adhere to the code of honor. This, we know, is
not the general impression ; but the reason of this is,
that when a difficulty is compromised, the public never
hear of it.
But even where the settlement of a dispute is found
to be impracticable, it is much better, in our judgment,
that the duel should be conducted according to the
code, than that the parties should be left to the un
bridled fury of their passions. It is contrary to the
code for the fight to continue after one of the parties is
wounded, and after every fire it is the duty of the sec
ond of the party challenged to inquire if the challenging
party is satisfied. Hence it happens so frequently that
duels are harmless. But there is no limit to the ven
geanoe of parties engaged in a street brawl but the
death of one of the parties, or their forcible separation
by by-standers. Hence it happens so frequently that
street fights are mortal, involving in deadly strife
the respective frieDds of the parties engaged.
We would not be understood however as command
ing the code of honor. It ia doubtless the duty of every
man to avoid occasion of offence and to leave vengeance
te God to whom of right it belongs. But we are clear
ly of the opinion that if men will fight, it is better that
they fight according to the code of honor. There would
then be fewer fights and those which did unfortunately
occur would be less fatal.
We have been lead to these reflections by the sad
and deplorable results of the late Chalreston duel.
The facts will be found in another column. They
are deplorable enough. A gentleman of the highest
character, of the first order of intellect, and of the
purest patriotism has been shot down because, as pub
lisher of a newspaper, he opened his columns to articles
reflecting upon the political antecedents of a candidate
for Congress.
We leave the merits of this deplorable controversy
to be deoided by the people of South Carolina; bat as
public journalists we are interested in the precedent
this duel sets as to the responsibility of editors and pub
lishers for the views of their correspondents.
We hold that the personal character of a private in
dividual is sacred, and that no publisher or editor has
any right to assail it, either editoiially or through his
correspondents, and when he does so he must take the
consequenoes. But when a man sets himself up as a
candidate for an offioe, the people have a right to en
quire into his capacity to fill it. “Is he honest, is he
capable?” These are legitimate tests, aod uo candi
date should complain, if they applied to him, and
no edi'or can refuse a communication on this ground.
But if, in the prosecution of these enquiries, injustice is
done to the candidate, he can demand satisfaction.—
By invariable usage, the publisher, in the first instance,
is responsible only for the respectability of his correa
dent. If the correspondent answers the demand for
satisfaotion, there is an end of the matter. If he re
fuses the demand for satisfaction, then the editor is re
sponsible for publishing charges on the authority of an
irresponsible party. If, however, the editor endorses
the views of his correspondent, he may be challenged in
the first instance.
Tbe deplorable results of the Charleston duel grew
out of a disregard, it seems to ns, of these plain rules.
Impelled by fraternal affection and the spirit of chivalry
whick the people of South Carolina so sedulously culti
vate, young Magrath seent a peremptory challenge to
Mr. Taber, who was not the author, but only the pub
lisher of the offensive articles, and thereby closed the
door to all explanations and forced him to fight or back
oat. The result is before the public. Mr. Taber is
dead, but the author of the offensive articles still lives.
There is very little satisfaetbn in this denourmeut of the
affair and the end will probably be another duel aod
another death.
Light in Troup county, Georgia. —Thomas J.
Bacon, of Troup county, Ga., has declared for Buch
anan. Thehillmore men of Troup appointed him one
of their corresponding committee, which appointment
he declined. They theu appointed him a delegate to
the hillmoro Mass Meeting at Atlanta, and tnis appoint
ment he also declined, and to relieve the Fillmore party
of all further trouble about him, he published a card in
the last Reporter declaring for Buchanan.
Hon. TV m. L. Vancby at West Point.— We are
gratified to learn that this able defender of Democratic
principles will address his fellow citizens at West Point,
Ga., on Saturday, the 11th iost. Messrs. B. H. Hill,
James K. Belser and Thos. H. Watts are challenged
to meet him in disoussioD.
Democratic Meeting.
York, Oet. 2.—There was a large Democratic
* lh * Merchants’ Exchange this afternoon.—
• °y iof Virginia, spoke, There wag immense
i nmUgi
The Issue* of the Camrass.
There are certaio great principles involved in the
Presidential contest. The Black Republican party have
made up an issue with the Sooth particularly and with
conservative men in every section of the Union. They
declare that slavery in the Territories is unconstitutional
and that it is the right and doty of Congress to prohibit
its existence in all the Territories and particularly in
Kansas and Nebraska.
The Fillmore party joins issue by declaring that slave
ry is constitutional in all the Territories except Nebraska
and Kansas: That in those Territories slavery was
abolished by act of Congress on the 6th Maroh, 1820;
and that that act ought to have been held sacred and
inviolable; and that its repeal in 1854 was “reckless
and unwise,’’ and waDtonly done “to aid in personal
advancement rather than in any public good.”
j The Democratic party joins issue with the Black
Republicans by declaring that slavery is constitutional
in all tho Territories, Nebraska and Kansas included.
The Democratic party also takes issue with the Fill
more party by declaring that the aot of Congress of
6th Maroh, 1820, abolishing slavery in Nebraska and
Kansas, being inconsistent with the principle of non
intervention by Congress with slavery in the States and
Territories, is inoperative and void.
These are the issues of the canvass, fairly and fully
stated. It is for the people to decide which party is
right in the November election. If a citizen believes
that slavery ought to be prohibited in all the Territories
of the United states, he oughout to vote for Fremont
and Dayton. If a citizen believes though, slavery is
constitutional in the Territories that the law of 1820
abolishing slavery in the Territories, now embraced in
Nebraska and Kansas ought not to have b*en repealed,
be ought to vote for Fillmore and Donelson. But if a
citizen believes that all the Territories of the United
States are open to settlement from every section of the
country, and that the people of the Territories ought
to be left perfectly free to form aod regulate their do
mestic institutions in their own way under the consti
tution of the United States, he ooght to vote for Mr.
Buchauan.
Republican Meeting in Kentucky.
New York, Oct. 2.— A Republican meeting was
held in Louisville, Kentucky, yesterday, but was broken
“P- ,
Mass Meeting at Poughkepsie, N. Y.
New York, Oct. 2.—An immense Democratic Mass
Convention convened at Poughkepsie yesterday.—
Speeches were delivered by Hunter, of Va.; Church
well, of Tenn., and Pxeston, of Ky.
Reception of President Pierce.
New York, Oct. 2. —President Pierce met with a
brilliant reception in Conoord, N. H., to-day. Not less
than twelve thousand persons were in the procession.
Wreck—Coffee Cargo.
New York, Oot. I.—We learn by advices from At
lantic City, N. J., of the wreck and total loss of the
barque Kirkland, from Rio de Janeiro for New York.
The cargo of coffee, valued at $90,000, is lost. The
crew are saved.
Fire in Newton, Conn.
New York, Sept. 30.—There has been an extensive
fire at Newton, Connecticut.. Loss about $20,000.
Sailing of the Asia.
New York, Oct. I.—The steamship Asia sailed to
day for Liverpool with nearly $1,009,000 in specie.
Fire in Louisville, Ky.
Louisville, Ky., Oct. 1. —A destructive fire oc
curred last night. Loss about $150,000. Among the
sufferers are Newoomb Brothers and I Morehead.
Kansas News.
Chicago, Sept. 29.
We are in receipt of private advices from Kansas to
the 20 th inst. The Territory was tolerably quiet. The
border remained olosed against men going or return
ing. Gen. Lane arrived at Nebraska City on the 18th.
Col. Harvey, with a Chicago oompany, had captured
the famous Lone Star flag of the Sduih Carolinians.——
It was reoeived here on Saturday evening.
Frost at New Orleans.
New Orleans, Oct. 1. —There was a frost here last night.
We have the same report from Vicksburg, Miss.
The Alabama River.
Montgomery, Ala., Oot. 2. —Our river has recover
ed from its very low stage, and the steamer Marengo
left this morning for Mobile, with 90 passengers.
President Fierce’s Reception at Concord N. H.
Boston, Sept. 29, 1856. —Large delegations from
this and the adjoining cities will visit Concord on
Thursday next, to join in the welcome to President
Pierce.
The President has written a letter, in response to an
invitation from the New Hampshire Agricultural Soci
ety to be present at the State Fair, in which, he indi
cates a determination, on his retirement, to devote the
remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits in that
State, and says that personal matters in connection with
this determination leads to bis present visit.
Baltimore, Sept. 29.—The President will arrive in
this city from Washington by the early morning train
to-morrow. He will be received by the military and
escorted to the Gilmore House, where he will take
breakfast, and from thence he will be escorted to the
cars which leave for Philadelphia.
Improrement of Navigation at Savannah. —The
people of the whole State are interested in the welfare
and prosperity of their principal seaport. We notice iu
a Savannah paper (the Republican) that the channel
at the month of the Savannah River has lately been
deepened, so that vessels drawing 22 feet water can
now enter the river with perfeot safety. Before the
removal of the sand, &e., vessels drawing over 18 feet
could not be admitted.
Mutually Unacquainted.—Mr. Fillmore says he
knows no North, no South, no East, no West. On
the 4th of November next, he will fiod that neither the
North, South, East or West knows him.
U. S. Diet. Attorney for Georgia — We find the
following announcement in the Washington Star of
Monday evening last :
“George A. Gordon has been appointed by the Pres
ident, U. S. Attorney for Georgia, vice G. S. OweDs,
resigned.”
Mr. Gordon, we need hardly to say, is a resident cl
this city, and one of the most prominent young men ‘
in it. His talents and industry give assurance that the
duties &f the office will be well discharged Savpnnah
Qwfitkt 3d.
From Washington.
Sept. 29.
It is said that the Administration will makeade
mand on New Granada for speedy and ample atonement
for the wroDgs inflicted on oar countrymen by officers
and people of the State of Panama, and meanwhile
our naval forces will exercise more vigilance than
heretofore for the protection of our citizens on the Isth
mus.
Coarts Martial will be ordered to try oertain offi
cers of brig Bainbridge, upon charges of immorality,
aod conduct detrimental to the naval service, on the
arrival of the Savannah from the Brazil station, which
is daily expeoted at New York, there being on board
of the latter vessel several material witnesses of Gov
ernment.
Sir Henry Holland, Physician to the Queen of Eng
land, had a private interview with the President to-day,
having been introduced by Secretary Maroy.
Washington, Sept. 27.—0n Tuesday morning next
the President’s Mounted Gnard will escort Gen. Pierce
from the White House to the Railroad depot, where
he will be received by the staff and a company of offi
cers of the District Volunteer Regiment, who will ac
company him as far as Baltimore. At that place he
will be reoeived by the entire brigade of the Maryland
Militia.
From Kansas.
St. Louis, Oot. I.—Our advioes, full and direct, from
Lecompton, (K. TANARUS..) are to the 26th Sept. All armed
bands bad dispersed, quiet and order reigned in all parts,
and citizens aud residents were directing their efforts
and attentions to private business and interests, under
encouraging prospects.
Gov. Geary had issued warrants of commission to
Jones, Stringfellow, and other leading oitizens, for the
purpose of enrolling and organizing Companies of Vol
unteers, only to be employed and called on to preserve
the established peace, and to repel all disturbing inva
ders or marauders from any quarter.
Serious Railroad Disaster—Nino Killed and Twenty
Wounded.
Toledo, Ohio, Sept. 29. —A collision occurred on the
Michigan Southern Railroad on Saturday afternoon be
tween a construction and a freight train, near the New
Albany and Salem crossings. Eight laborers were kill
ed and twenty wounded. A passenger from N. Y. was
killed, bnt his name is unknown.
The Main Trunk Railroad Company.
The Committee of delegates appointed by the Thom
asvillo Convention on the 4th ult., to represent the eoun
ties of Thomas, Lowndes, Decatur and the oity of Sa
vannah, at a meeting held in this city on the Ist inst.,
for the early organization of the Atlantio and Gulf Rail
road Company, assembled at the offioe of the Company
in preliminary meeting yesterday.
We learn that Decatur has thus far obtained but
$51,000 of the $200,000 for which she subscribed to
the enterprise, but that, it is confidently expected, the
deficiency will be made up—if not by Decatur, by some
of the adjoining counties, whioh give assurance that it
shall be forthcoming. The Committee will assemble
again to day.
Hon. James L. Seward, from Thomas, was appointed
Chairman, and Willis M. Russell, from Decatur, Sec
retary of this Convention of delegates.— Savannah Re
publican, 2 d.
Late from Nicaragua.
New York, Oct. 2. —The steamship Tennssee has
arrived, with dates from San .Juan to the 22d ult.
Lieut. MoDonald, commanding a portion of Wal
ker’s army, attacked the opposition forces near San
Jacinto and was repulsed, having six of his men killed.
Another attack was made, which likewise proved un
successful, although one hundred of the enemy were
reported to have been killed and wounded.
General Walker was preparing to make a third
attack.
New York, Oot. 2. —The steamship Tennessee has
arrived from San Juan with accounts to the 21st ult.
We learn that President Walker’s prospects have im
proved considerably, and his army now shows a muster
roll of 1600 Amerioan volunteers and recruits, in ad
dition to the native forces. The Rivas Government is
entirely defunct, and the troops of the allied States that
had combined against Walker, are in a deplorable strait,
from the ravages of cholera and from threatened star
vation, as their supplies have been cut off. The Costa
Ricans refuse to invade Nicagua ; President Walker
was preparing to maroh out against the camp of the
enemy.
[From the Constitutionalist.)
Know Nothing Mass Meeting in Atlanta.
Atlanta, Oct. 2.— 9 o’clock A. M.—lt is now esti
mated that twenty-five thousand enthusiastic Fillmore
and Donelson men are present, and still they come by
hundreds. Enthusiasm immense.
SECOND DIbPATCII.
11 o’clock A. M.—The estimate of twenty-five thou
sand is rather large.
A man by the name of Hill, formerly a sailor, fell
from the Know Nothing pole, a distance of ninety feet,
and was instantly killed. This occurred about half past
nine o’clock. He was fixing the ropes to elevate a flag.
[Allowing some little for Fillmore enthusiasm, we
presume eight thousand will be a full estimate for the
mass meetieg.
THIRD DISPATCH.
Atlanta, 9 o’clock, P. M.—The mass meeting was
largely attended—great enthusiasm—over five thousand
people present—immense enthusiasm—there never
was more enthusiasm exhibited, it was really immense.
The following speakers were heard ; Hon. Henry W.
Hilliard, of Alabama ; Dr. Miller and Col. A. R. Wright,
of Gaorgia; Mr. Cooper, of Tennessee; Messrs. Belser
and Alford, of Alabama, and others. Great enthusi
asm—the people were addressed very enthusiastically
from three stands at the same time. The trains left
this evening amid shouts for Fillmore and Donelson
and the Union. Enthusiasm immense. Speakers are
now addressing the citizens of Atlanta from the hotel
steps. There is muob enthusiasm. All weot off har
monious and enthnsiastie.
Grand Fillmore Demonstration. —The long lists of
delegates to the Fillmore Mass Meeting at Atlanta,
published in the Chronicle Sentinel , doubtless was
the inducement to the Georgia Railroad Company to
make extensive preparations in the way of extra oars,
engines &c., to carry the immense crowd, but we learn,
on reliable authori'y, that precisely eleven passengers
from Augusta, took their departure for the scene of
Know Nothing festivities at Atlanta, which come off
today
Ws doubt whether the passage money of those eleven
passengers, will, after paying the extra expenses, eon
tribute much to swell the October dividend of the Com
pany, But itifl Ibey tell gs Fillmore stock is rising.
The Affair of Honor between Edward Magrath, Esq.,
and Wm. B. Taber, Jr., Esq.
The undersigned deem it their duty to lay before the
cotnmooity, through the press of the oity, with a view to
and just understanding of the late hostile difficulty between
Mr. Edward Magrath and Wm. R. Taber, Jr., the fol
lowing correspondence and statement:
The annexed communication was handed to Mr. Ta
ber on Saturday forenoon, the 27th inst., Mr. James
Conner, who bore it, not having met him the day pre
vious :
36 Broad-Street, Sept. 26, 1856.
To John Heart , Esq ~ and Wm. R. Taber , Jr., Esq ,
Editors Charleston Mercury :
Gentlemen :—You have, after repeated threatening*
and with delibera'ion, published and circulated, insulting
and libellous attacks upon my brother, Judge Magrath.—
To effect this, you have put aside the habitual propriety
of a Charleston newspaper; and disregarding the taste
and sentiment of the community, have emulated the
corruption and licentiousness of a venal press else
where.
You have done this without provocation, or the ex
cuse of excitement, and in the face of relations with
Judge Magrath, proving upon both of you, peisonal es
timates of him in private, exaotly the reverse of those
you have endorsed and published. Herein is the proof
of your delinquency, either in your private intercourse
or in your public conduct. You have, it is true, at
tempted to interpose the protection and veil of an anon
ymous correspondent; this could not serve you in any
event. In your seeming auxiety to secure it, you have,
by an apologetie paragraph, in your own names as edi
tors, endorsed the libel. lam thus relieved of all ques
tion as to whom I should address myself. You knew, in
attacking one exercising judicial fuuotions, that, as to
him , you would be exempt from the personal accountabil
ity, I claim at ycur hands. You will not doubt my right
to do so. How far your supposed security may have
sharpened the malice and stimulated the audacity of the
attack, I will not now surmise, because the intent of this
communication is to afford you the opportunity of proving
whether you did or did not calculate upon such immu
nity, and to demand the satisfaction recognized in such
cases.
I invite you severally to a meeting, and refer you for
the necessary arrangements to my friend, James Conner,
Esq., who will hand you this.
1 am your obedient servant,
E. MAGRATH.
Charleston, Sept. 27, 1856.
Sir : —I have received, by the hands of Mr. Conner,
your note of the 26th inst. I repel your assertion, that 1
have made “repeated threatenings” to publish and circu
late “insulting and libellous attacks upon” your “brother,
Judge Magrath,” and deny that the Mercury bas“en*
dorsed” the publications made. It has, on the contrary,
simultaneously with the publication of these articles, prof
fered its columns for reply
Before I take notice of the simply personal aspects of
your note to myself, I have a word to say, touching its
bearings to me, as the conductor of a public press, its
relatiou to Judge Magrath, and the party who has given
the cause of offence, for which you seek revenge. You
are an intruder, and you intrude to commit an outrage
upon the liberty of the press. Either through malice, or
from calculation, you turn aside from the avowed respon
sible author of the disquisition upon the merits of your
brother as a candidate, to the conductors of a public jour
nal, who would give a ohauce to truth and to the discus*
sion of the qualifications and character of candidates for
the highest public trusts. You assume to represent the
houor and manhood of your brother—an avowed oandi
date for the highest office in our gift—aDd by your inter
ference to reduce his honor and manhood to a vicarious
existence. Ido not admit that, when a candidate by his
own consent, he can avoid the proper, necessary responsi
bilities of his position as a candidate. He cannot legiti
mately put his character in commission, and maintain his
honor by proxy. If he can resign bis seat to go to Con
gress, he can resign it (if necessary) to vindicate his hon
or. He has no right to be a candidate if be is to cease to
be a man. The shelter of his Judgeship is without the
countenance of principle. It is a refuge without man*
hood and without character. But truth shall not be
muzzled, though he be a Judge, and the “liberty of the
press” shall be maintained, even against the vicarious
champions of his manhood, and the intrusive representa
tives of his honor. Thus much for your warrant to in
sult me and to represent your brother. But you have
insulted me, and you shall not do so with impunity.
Protesting, therefore, against your right to call upon
me, either as a man or editor, your right to assume your
brother’s proper responsibility, your attempt to stifle by
the pistol the freedom of discussion, 1 nevertheless waive
all this, and consent to meet you. My friend, Mr. Burnet,
will make the necessary arrangements.
Your obedient servant,
W. R. TABER, Jr.
E. Magrath, Esq.
In pursuance of the above correspondence, and by the
arrangement of the respective friends named in it, the
parties met near the city on Monday, the 29th inst, at
4i o’clock P. M, On the field, Mr. James Conner act
ed for Mr. Magrath, and Cos). John Cunningham, for
Mr. Taber. After an exchange of shots between the
principals, without effect, and their acting friends being
unable to agree upon terms of adjustment, forthwith a
second exchange of shots took place, without effect. An
earnest conference between the seconds then ensued,
looking to an adjustment. They being unable to agree,
Dr Bellinger asked leave to intervene as a disinterested
gentleman. His suggestions were at once respectfully
received. After much discussion and negotiation, in
which disagreement still prevailed, Col. Cunningham of
fered in writing, the following settlement:
“The following ere the terms of adjustment between
Mr. E. Magrath and W. R. Taber, Jr., after an exchange
of two shots :
“Mr. Taber disclaims, as in editor of the Mercury,
that in publishing the articles, signed “A Nullifier,” he
intended any attack upon the private character of Judge
A. G. Magrath.”
“Mr. Edward Magrath disclaims, that in his note of
challenge to Mr. Taber, fie designed to use offensive and
derogatory language to him.”
Mr. Conner assented to their adoption, if the following
would be admitted in addition :—“That Mr. Taber re
grets the publication in the Mercury of whatever in those
articles is personal.” Also, “Mr. Magrath regrets any
thing in the cartel that is offensive.”
Col. Cunningham declined the additional requsition
upon Mr. Taber, whereupon a third exchange ot shots
ensued. Mr. Taber fell, mortally wounded in the upper
part of the head.
A. W. BURNET.
JAME3 CONNER.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM.
Charleston, Sept. 27,1856.
Sir: I acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 26th
inst, by the hands of Mr. Conner. Accompanying this,
you will receive a note from Mr. Taber, to which i refer
you as my answer. Your obedient servant,
JOHN HEART.
Mr. Heart, accompanied by his friends, at the time agreed
upon, appeared upon the ground, and after the fall o? Mr.
a ber. Mr. S. Champlin, the acting second of Mr. Heart,
notified Mr. Conner of his presence, and his readiness to
answer the demand •!’ £. Magrath, Esq., for satisfaction ;
whereupon Mr. Conner replied that they had no further de
mand to make. Mr. Conner then, in company with his
principal,retired from the field.
JAMES CONNER,
On the part of E. Magrath.
SAMUEL CHAMPLIN,
On the part of Mr. Heart.
To the Public.
On Saturday, the 27th of September, Mr. Edmund Rhett
Jr., whue residing on Sullivan’s Island, was informed that
a challenge had been sent by Edward Magrath, to Messrs
Heart & Taber, of the Charleston Mercury , based upon
;he publication in that paper of certain communications
signed A Nullifier, and addressed to Hon. A. G Ma
grath.
JJag addretred *>
er, L. Magrath, Esq., has sent a challenge to the editors of
the Mercvry, on account of the piblication in that paper of
the articles eigned A Nullifier.” With a view of
mg a collision between ow mutual friend*, I hereby avow
roywifttaMHjieroftbowtiote. J
■ee the propriety of relieving others from the probable and
painful consequences of vindicating your honor, by vindica
ting it yourself.
My friend. Dr. Furman, will make the necessary arrange!
ments. Your obediedt servant, 61
EDMUND RHETT, J r
To the Hon. A. G. Magrath, Charleston.
This note was entrusted to me for delivery. When I
reached Charleston 1 found that Mr. A. G. Magrath was in
Aiken. 1 took the morning train on Sunday 28th, and
reached Aiken at half past one o’clock. About half p ast
two o'clock I saw Mr. Magrath and delivered the note In
person. Mr. Magrath said he would reply to it. I t o ] d
him that 1 felt it my duty to suggest what would probably
occur to himself—that, lor the object ot the note, time was
very important. He replied: “1 understand you, sir.” [
then informed him that 1 would be at the Hotel until eleven
o’clock at night, at which hour I intended to leave for the
city. Mr. Magrath then said that he would reply i n
Charleston. At the hour designated I left Aiken and reach
ed Charleston on Monday morning, the 29th. No commu
nication was received by me, or, as far as my knowledge
goes, by any of the parties interested, from that time until
the afternoon of Tuesday the 20th, when the following let.
ter was received:
Charleston, Sept. 30, 1856.
Sir: Your note of the 27th inst.. was handed to me, on
Sunday, in Aiken, by Dr. Furman, to whom I stated, 1
would return an answer in Charleston.
Your communication gave me the first intimation that
any difficulty had grown out of the publication ol certain
articles of which you have avowed yoursell the author.
I took the most effectual means, circumstanced as I was,
to put a stop to the proceedings of which ycu notified me.
1 had hoped that these means would have proved success,
ful, that they wore not, was entirely beyond my control.
I came to the city the day after the receipt of your note in
Aiken ; I then, lor the first time learned that definite arrange
ments had been made tor a duel between Mr. Taber and my
brother, the time tor their meeting having been fixed at an
hour prior to the arrival of the cars.
Your declaration of being the author of the articles which
have appeared in the Mercury, addressed to myself, is of no
interest or consequence to me. Should 1 deem it requisite
to take any step, for meeting the unprovoked charges and
aspersions, I shall follow the dictates of my own sense of
duty and propriety, aided therein by the counsel off riends,
and not regarding the suggestions of my assailant. To the
public as well as myself it is due that this correspondence
should be known. Your obedient Servant,
A. G. MAGRATH.
Mr. Edmund Rhett, Jr.
The above statement I have felt it my duty to make.
1. K. FURMAN.
Withdrawal of Hon. A. 0. Magrath.
Charleston, Sept. 30, 1856.
Messrs. Editors: Under the instructions of the accom
panving letter from the lion. A. G. Magrath, which you
will please publish, I would request you to announce that
he is no longer a candidate to fall the vacancy created by
the withdrawal of the Hon. Wm. Aiken.
Your ob’t servant,
H. GOURDIN.
To Mr. Henry Gourdin:
Dear Sir : Recent occurrences have determined me to
express to you the desire, that you will withdraw my name
as a candidate in the pending election lor member ot Con
gress from this District. Quite unexpectedly as I believe,
opposition to me has been manifested, which has proceeded
to the extent of eliciting strong personal feelings and caus
ing public excitement.
Under these circumstances, I feel it to be an act of
duty to retire from the political arena, regardless ot the
many considerations which prevailed cn me, to yield to
your solicitations, by consenting to my nomination. Sur
prised and pained by the manner in which 1 have been
assailed, I looked hopefully to the result of the election
as the best answer to the charges alleged against roe.—
But this anticipated gratification I promptly forego: and
if it can be considered a sacrifice i cheerfully make it.
To the retirement from which I was invited, I gladly
return, trusting that the many friends who have sustain
ed me in this maiter, and with whom I have been po
litically and socially connected, will prove to my fellow
citizens generally, that their continued friendship is my
best vindication, whether as a public servant, or private
citizen.
In coming to the determination I have expressed, to
which my feelings and judgment alike impel me, 1 am
aware that I disappoint the wishes and expectations of
many of my friends. You, sir, I am sure will do mo the
justice to remember, that my consent to become a candidate
was conditional. In my letter of acceptance, addressed to
the Committee, of which you were Chairman, I distinctly
stated that while 1 acknowledged that a seat in Con
grees might “with perfect propriety” be sought “in the in
dulgence of an honorable ambition,” yet, iu my own case,
I would not “enter personally into any contest, nor, in any
manner, be connected with njr out of which there
should arise tmter feelings or angry divisions.” The con
ditions expreseed by me, at that time, as “inseparably con
nected” with my acceptance of the nomination do not exist,
and a consideration of consistency is added to the many
other motives which fix me in the resolution to withdraw
my name as a candidate.
Your obedient servant,
A. G. MAGRATH.
ABBIYAL OF THE AFRICA.
telegraphed to the daily bun.
New York, Oot. 3.
The British steamship Africa arrived this morning,
with advices from Liverpool to the 20th September,
three days later than the Baltic.
The Cotton market was unchanged, prices being
barely maintained. The sales of the week were 48,000
bales.
Consols for money were quoted at 94 1-4 to 94 1-2.
Marine Disasters.
Columbia, Oct. 2. —Under date of 27th ult., from
Key West, two wrecks are reported near Cape Florida,
Particulars have not yet reached us.
COMMERCIAL.
New York, Oct. 2.—An additional advance has been
gained in Cotton, amounting to 4c., and changing our quo
tations as follows: Uplands Middling, 124 ; Uplands Fair,
134 ; Orleans Middling. 12$. Flour is looking downward,
and is quoted—Ohio, 6 655)!§7; Standard Southern,7ss7 40.
Wheat is also declining, and is now marked—Red, 1.50$
$1.56 ; White, 1.60f5)51.67. We have no change in Corn,
and quote White, 73. Naval Stores remain as before.—
Rice is firm at last rates, and Freights continue better.
Charleston, Oct. 3.—Cotton has advanced one-eighth to
a quarter this week. Sales of the week foot up 4,400 bales.
Middling Fair, 124 c.
New Orleans, Oct. 3.—There was an active demand
for cotton to day, and five thousand bales changed hands
at stiff prices, but no quotable change. Sales oi the week
31,000 bales, and the receipts for the same time 34,000.
Stock on hand 74,000 bales. Decrease as compared with
last year, 45,000 bales.
Groceries—Coffee 104 to 114 c. Lard in kegs 144c.~
Flour a dime higher.
Columbus, Oct. 4,5 P. M.— Cotton —The demand for
cotton is brisk at the following quotations: Middling Ilf,
Good Middling 124, Middling Fair to Fair 124 to 124 cents.
MARRIED,
In this city, by Rev. Mr. Devotie, on the evening of the
2d inst., Mr. Robert B Kylve, of Cherokee county, Ala.,
and Miss Mary V. Nuckols.
Also at the same time and place, Mr. Alfred Truitt, of
Floyd county, Ga., and Miss Louisa Cornelia Nuchols.
The Mayoralty.
V3T WE are authorized to announce Dr. John E.
Baeon as a candidate for the office of Mayor, at the election
in December next. Oct 4—td
The Mayoralty.
Messrs. Editors : In answer to the enquiries of numer
ous friends in relation to the office of Mayor, which no
doubt has been caused by the announcement of a gemle*
mau’s n a me as a candidate for that office, I will inform
them that there must be some mistake with regard to the
M tyoraltr, as I have heard of to vacancy, ihe present in*
CJml e it being willing to hold the offi.e for the good cf his
fellow citizens. F. G. WILKINS.
Oct 4—twit
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