64 MEMOIR OF AUGUSTUS DE MORGAN. 



1834. though it may concern yourself, is to me a matter of the 

 completest indifference. 



* After conduct such as I have recently received, and 

 in which you have borne, I am told, no inconsiderable 

 part, I beg to decline further correspondence with you, 

 and must refer you for any further information you may 

 require to my friend Captain Francis Beaufort, R.N., to 

 whom I have confided the preservation of my character 

 as a man, and my honour as a gentleman. 



'I remain, sir, your obedient servant, 



<J. SOUTH. 



1 Observatory, Campden Hill, 

 ' March 15, 1834.' 



Captain Beaufort being thus referred to, Mr. De 

 Morgan wrote to that gentleman, stating the circum- 

 stances, and saying that he was by no means sure that any 

 offence was intended. 



His letter was quiet and temperate, and Captain Beau- 

 fort and Lieut. Eaper, who, I have been told, were satisfied 

 that whatever allusions to gunpowder might be made, it 

 was certain that any waste of that article was not really 

 contemplated by Sir James, were soon authorised by him 

 to assure Mr. De Morgan that no offence had been meant. 

 The affair passed off. In these days, when good sense and 

 good feeling are generally found more effectual in keeping 

 the peace than ' the laws of honour,' we may remember, 

 that although duels were lamented and reprobated forty 

 years ago, it was often more easy to fight than to avoid 

 one. But it must not be forgotten that had the required 

 assurance not been given by Sir J. South, it would have 

 been almost impossible for Mr. De Morgan as Secretary of 

 the Society to have afterwards met him. 



The death of M. Hachette at Paris occurred at this 

 time. Mr. De Morgan, who had a strong sympathy with 

 and regard for this excellent man, had already received 

 the news before hearing as follows from Dr. Gregory : 



