DUEL. 217 



late in returning from Petersfield, and 

 that evening had 800?, about him. 



As a singular occurrence of this period 

 of my life, I must relate one that arose 

 from a practice then very much in vogue, 

 but which every well-ordered mind gladly 

 sees is becoming obsolete. I relate 

 it principally to show upon what slight 

 grounds, and for what unworthy pur- 

 poses, two immortal souls may be put in 

 jeopardy, and the laws of man and the 

 commandments of God broken and 

 despised. 



Among the officers of my acquaint- 

 ance in the garrison was a captain of 

 a militia regiment, who had long been 

 stationed at Portsmouth, of which he 

 was also adjutant. He was a tall, fine, 

 soldier-like looking man, and withal a 

 thorough-bred sportsman. I had met him 

 frequently in the field, particularly with 

 two other friends of mine in the 

 country, with whom he was at all 



