State

September 1 1945 Volume x"! THE STATE Number 14 д Weekly Survey of North Carolina Entered u Hcond-cUa mitur. June 1. 1»3J. at the ГсяХЫОст al IUlel*b. North Carolina, under the Act of March 1. ItT» Three Ontsta Ing Duels In clays wlif‘11 iliic'ling was in flower, there were many challenges issued anil accepted in .\orlh Carolina. The three mentioned in this artiele were outstanding. TODAY, if a man says or does something another resents, the aggrieved party either gives him a piece of his mind or else de¬ livers a few well-aimed blows with his fist and goes on about his busi¬ ness. But it wasn't always thus. In the olden days in North Caro¬ lina, a real gentleman considered that there was only one honorable way to settle a dispute and that was with a duel. A challenge would be issued and if accepted, a time and place of meeting would be decided upon. Seconds would be chosen and the most skillful, or perhaps the luckiest, man would win. Many famous duels have taken place in North Carolina, both be¬ fore and since a drastic law against them was passed in 1803. but none have been more famous nor created more feeling than the Spaight- Stanly, Carson-Vance and Stanly- Henry duels. The Spaight-Stanly Duel The first of these, between Ex- Governor Spaight and John Stanly, came about as the result of bitter, personal discussions between these two great leaders. Governor Spaight. who had been the senator from Craven, was again the Republican candidate, while John Stanly, then in Congress, took the stump against him al¬ though it was not the year for electing representatives in Con¬ gress. Stanly accused Spaight of dodg¬ ing under the pretense of bad health when the Alien and Sedi¬ tion Act was before Congress. Spaight was elected and replied By M.VJEL IVEY SEAY to Stanly’s charge in a handbill. Stanly so resented it that he issued a challenge to Spaight for a duel. On the afternoon of the same day that it was issued — Sunday, Sep¬ tember 5. 1802. on the outskirts of New Bern, the duel took place. Spaight was fatally wounded and died the next day. The Last Legal Duel Governor Williams instituted criminal proceedings against Stanly but later pardoned him. This was the last legal duel to take place in North Carolina though others afterwards privately risked their lives on the field of honor. The Legislature was so shocked by the death of such a prominent man as Spaight in such a manner that it immediately passed an act making "ineligible to any act of THE COVER PICTURE The fishermaid is little Betty Cottle, who lives deep in Holly Shelter Pocosin. Betty lives right on the edge of the Northeast Cape Fear River and spends all the time she can fishing and hunting. Her dad says she is one of the canniest fishermen he ever has seen. The picture shows her with a nice catch of perch and bream — good enough panfish for any appe¬ tite. (Photo by Hernmcr.) trust, honor or profit, any one send¬ ing, accepting or bearing a chal¬ lenge, and he shall be liable to be indicted, despite any pardon or reprieve; and in case of a duel, and either party is killed, the sur¬ vivor shall suffer death and all aiding and abetting shall likewise suffer death." This action of the Legislature seemed to have little effect for in February, 1813, another Stanly duel took place, this time between Thomas Stanly and Lewis Henry -a tragic ending to an unimpor¬ tant. boyish prank. This one also took place in New Bern. Lewis and Stanly had long been close friends and were at the time classmates at New Bern, where they were both studying law. The Supper Incident At a supper given by a fellow classmate, Stanly playfully threw a small piece of cake across the table. The cake accidentally fell in Lewis’ cup, splashing tea upon his vest. A young lady companion sitting next to him suggested that the incident was intended as an insult so a challenge to a duel was issued. The combat took place in Vir- {inia, just beyond the North Caro- ina line, Stanly being instantly killed. The tragedy was a keen blow to residents of New Bern, where Stanly was a member of a prominent family and a popular member of the younger social set. Until the time of Lewis' death, it was said that his conscience tor¬ mented him unceasingly over the unfortunate affair. On November 6, 1877, another I Continued on page 20 ) 3 THE STATE. Septemocr 1. 1945