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| This sketch of the Burr/Hamilton Duel shows the procedure, with the "Seconds" standing by. The 1805 Duel between Binns & Stewart also followed the Duello Code, and included Seconds. |
According to the Miltonian, on November 14 1805, "Last duel fought on Pennsylvania soil took place below Milton between John Binns and Samuel Stewart"
The Miltonian however, published that fact in 1923 - not able to predict that Mahonoy City would host a duel in 1931 between Montenegrin mine workers, so the Montandon ceremony was not actually to be the last on Pennsylvania soil after all. In 1923 however, it had been more than 100 years since the last recorded duel in Pennsylvania, and that duel occurred in "the marsh where Montandon now stands", between a newspaper editor, and a sheriff. It's thought to be the only duel ever held on the West Branch. (It's also possible the Miltonian has the date wrong - the duel may have been December 14th, not November)
THE DUEL
In 1805, John Binns, who had come to America after being imprisoned for his involvement in the Irish revolution, was the editor of the Northumberland newspaper. He published an anonymous letter, which Samuel Stewart of Lycoming County too offense to. When Binns refused to divulge the source of the letter to Stewart, Stewart assaulted him. Binns, an irishman, then formally challenged Stewart, a scotsman, to a duel. The men conducted themselves as gentlemen, adhering to the 1755 Irish Duello Code - the 26 commandments to be followed when having a duel.
The arrangements were carried out in a series of letters, and were delayed by a trip Stewart needed to take. When Stewart returned to the area, Dr Priestly surmised the men's plans, and had a warrant sent for his friends arrest. Binns avoided the constable, and to avoid the law, the duel was moved from Sunbury to "near Derrstown", occurring in the marsh land that is today Montandon. The Irish Duello code was followed, and Binns had an honorable secondary, Major Maclay, who did his best to avoid the conflict.
Stewarts secondary however, a man by the name of Kennedy, from Derrstown [Lewisburg] was not interested in any resolution other than death. Maclay, the son of the honorable Samuel Maclay who dined with George Washington, prevailed, and managed to broker a peaceful agreement after the first shots had been fired.
All of the men then went to Lawshee's tavern for breakfast, and Stewart and Binns formed a friendship that would last throughout the rest of their lives and careers. This, from all accounts, appears to have been a trend with Stewart. He was a big, strong, hot headed man who got into many, many fights - but often ended up friends with those whom he had had the dispute.
The code of conduct for a duel was detailed, and specific. When John Binn recounts the duel in his autobiography, it is clear that the irishmen involved were well acquainted with the Irish Duello Code, and they followed it well. His detailed account is a fascinating read, and I have included it below.
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| The Code Of Honor—A Duel In The Bois De Boulogne, Near Paris, wood-engraving after Godefroy Durand, Harper's Weekly (January 1875) |
What Was A Duel?
" A duel is an arranged engagement in combat between two people, with matched weapons, in accordance with agreed-upon rules."
Duels were not a slapdash sudden brawl, but rather a formal affair, with many rules governing the conduct. The duel was based on a code of honor. Duels were fought not so much to kill the opponent as to gain "satisfaction", that is, to restore one's honor by demonstrating a willingness to risk one's life for it. Duels could only be fought by "equals", and as such, a gentleman would never challenge a servant to a duel. Duels were almost always fought over words, and therefor were most commonly fought among politicians, lawyers and newspaper editors.
If a mans character, or even more egregiously, the character of a lady in the gentleman's care, was insulted, or he could demand an apology. If an apology was not given, the matter could be settled by a duel.
"In a typical duel, each party acted through a second. The seconds' duty, above all, was to try to reconcile the parties without violence. An offended party sent a challenge through his second. If the recipient apologized, the matter usually ended. If he elected to fight, the recipient chose the weapons and the time and place of the encounter. Up until combat began, apologies could be given and the duel stopped. After combat began, it could be stopped at any point after honor had been satisfied."
Duels were a common medieval practice, and it was not until 1777 than a formal code was drawn up for how they were to proceed. In 1777 a group of Irishmen wrote a formal Irish Duello Code, with 26 Commandments to follow for all duels. The code was adopted throughout Europe and America.
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Andrew Jackson Fought More Than A Dozen Duels
"Andrew Jackson, later the seventh President of the United States, fought in more than a dozen duels and received a bullet in his lung from one of them that remained there until his death nineteen years later. What did he duel over? His first opponent was an attorney who made him look foolish in court. It ended with shots fired in the air. He later chose to duel the first governor of Tennessee, a political rival, when that man accused him of adultery—technically true as Jackson’s wife’s divorce from her first husband wasn’t finalized when she remarried. And what was the cause of the duel that got him a bullet in the lung? An argument about a horse race. Wounded for life or not, Andrew Jackson won that duel. He took the hit in the chest and then killed his opponent." https://www.librarypoint.org/blogs/post/dueling-days/
The Burr/Hamilton Duel
On July 11, 1804, U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr shot and killed former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton (he of the ten-dollar bill) in a duel. The ensuing scandal marred Burr’s reputation irretrievably, preventing him from rising further politically
The Decatur/Barron Duel
On March 22, 1820, Stephen Decatur fought James Barron at the "infamous dueling grounds in Bladensburg, Maryland". A misunderstanding lead to Decatur to call Barron a coward, accusing him of avoiding service in the War of 1812. This tragic duel between two heroic men could have been avoided were it not for the intervention of their friends. "Seconds" in a duel are supposed to look after the interests of the combatants, and preferably lead them to a gentlemanly agreement without resorting to violence. Both Barron’s and Decatur’s seconds had "knavish reason" for wanting Stephen Decatur dead, and that indeed is what happened.
Franklin & Washington Opposed Duels
Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were among the most prominent Americans to condemn dueling. Franklin called duels a "murderous practice…they decide nothing." And Washington, who undoubtedly needed all the good soldiers he could get, congratulated one of his officers for refusing a challenge, noting that "there are few military decisions that are not offensive to one party or another."
Creative Duels In France
"In France, dueling had an even stronger hold, but by the 19th century, duels there were seldom fatal, since most involved swordplay, and drawing blood usually sufficed to give honor its due. (Perhaps as a way of relieving ennui, the French weren’t averse to pushing the envelope in matters of form. In 1808, two Frenchmen fought in balloons over Paris; one was shot down and killed with his second. Thirty-five years later, two others tried to settle their differences by skulling each other with billiard balls.)" - DUEL!
Duels Were Not Just For Men
Throughout history, women also fought duels. Not as frequently as the men perhaps, but often more spectacularly. One historical duel was held over a flower arrangement. In another, the men were cleared from the room and the women dueled topless.
"It seemed that the Baroness, in her capacity as a doctor was concerned about post-fight infections that could occur if any soiled cloth was pushed into a wound by a rapier. It was for this reason, according to the eyewitness, that she insisted the ladies fought topless." Ten historical female duels
There are numerous other stories of famous, infamous, and plain old duels, throughout our American history. They were certainly not uncommon. The smithsonian writes that they were much more common in the south, were honor was of more importance, than in the Northern states, but they occured nearly everywhere.
"Some men -- accurate shots in particular -- practically made careers of the duel. Among these men was Alexander McClung, who once killed an opponent at over 100 feet with a smoothbore pistol. This remarkable shot -- and subsequent killings at shorter distances -- honed McClung's fearful reputation. Yet it was said that he was haunted by the ghosts of his victims, and maybe this was so. The last man McClung killed with a pistol was himself, in 1855." - DUEL!
The Irish Duello Code or
THE TWENTY-SIX COMMANDMENTS
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"Originally this was published by the author (1784-1849), a former governor of South Carolina, as a 22-page booklet, in 1838. Before his death he added an appendix of the 1777 Irish duelling code, but this second edition was not printed until 1858, as a 46-page small book, still sized to fit in the case with one's duelling pistols. This code is far less blood-thirsty than many might suppose, but built on a closed social caste and standards of behavior quite alien to today."
Read the 1838 booklet online here: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6085/6085-h/6085-h.htm
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Dueling had been forbidden in Pennsylvania since 1794, under penalty of fine and imprisonment, and loss of citizenship for seven years. An unconverted public sentiment, however, still approved of this long lost code of honor.
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SAMUEL STEWART
Samuel Stewart, born December 4, 1770, died April 6, 1844. He married Jane West Stevenson about 1809, and she died August 19, 1849. He was in some respects the most remarkable man of his time. At the age of twenty-three he was appointed a deputy surveyor and served for two or three years. When Lycoming county was formed he was elected the first sheriff, October 16, 1795, and served three years. During the closing year of his term (1798) he sold the lands of the celebrated Robert Morris in this county for debt on executions issued in Philadelphia. Over 100,000 acres were thus disposed of. Some of these lands lay on the Clarion river and some in Muncy township. In 1805 he was appointed treasurer, and in 1808 he ran for the State Senate on the Federal ticket, but was defeated by Gen. John Burrows. During 1812-13 he was brigade inspector of the Militia with the rank of major, and in 1814 he was elected a member of the Lower House of the legislature. He filled, meantime, a number of minor civil offices. Stewart was a giant in stature. He stood six feet four inches in height and was proportionately framed. His strength and endurance were great. He had a remarkable head and heavy eyebrows and presented a unique as well as commanding appearance. In speech he, was plain, blunt, and often rough, but possessed a warm, sympathetic heart, was devoted to his friends, and noted for his hospitality. - The History of Lycoming County By MeginnessSamuel Stewart was born December 4, 1770. When Lycoming county was formed, he was elected the first sheriff, October 16, 1795, and served three years.
He was subsequently a member of the State legislature, and again sheriff of the County for three terms; He married Jane West Stevenson about 1809, and she died August 19, 1849.
At the age of twenty-three he was appointed a deputy surveyor and served for two or three years. In 1805 he was appointed treasurer, and in 1808 he ran for the State Senate on the Federal ticket, but was defeated by Gen. John Burrows.
During 1812-13 he was brigade inspector of the Militia with the rank of major, and in 1814 he was elected a member of the Lower House of the legislature.
Stewart was six feet four inches in height and was proportionately framed. His strength and endurance were great. He had a remarkable head and heavy eyebrows and presented a unique as well as commanding appearance. In speech he, was plain, blunt, and often rough, but possessed a warm, sympathetic heart, was devoted to his friends, and noted for his hospitality.
On Sunday, December 16, 1805, be fought a duel with pistols with the celebrated John Binns. The affair grew out of some comments by Binns in his newspaper on Stewart’s public acts: The latter was greatly offended, and meeting Binns in a ball alley at Sunbury assaulted him. Binns challenged him to fight a duel according to the code. Stewart accepted, seconds were chosen, and they met in the marsh near where Montandon now stands and exchanged shots. Neither was hurt.
Before proceeding to a second fire the seconds a proposition for compromise was made and accepted. They shook hands and parted friends. Binns in his autobiography (page 186) gives a full and impartial account of this affair, and states that he and Stewart afterwards became warm friends.
This duel was the only one ever fought in the West Branch valley according to the code. It led to the passage of the act of March 31, 1806, forbidding dueling under severe penalties in the State.
Samuel Stewart was often inclined, on account of his great physical strength, to be of an imperious nature and thought that he was born to rule.
The Stewart/Antes Quarrels
Nearly opposite the mouth of Pine creek, on a plateau of the mountain, lived two brothers, William and Jacob Antes (nephews of Col. John Henry Antes). Jacob was over six feet in height, and a man of great strength, but one of the most peaceable men in that part of the country. Stewart and Antes were both what we would call stalwarts.
The former was of Irish extraction, the latter of German.
In those early days personal quarrels and fights were not uncommon. It was a custom of the times for the men especially on Saturdays to come in from the surrounding country to the village to hear the news, compare notes about farming operations and other matters of interest.
Many, during their stay, indulged in drinking carousals which often ended in one or more fights.
Stewart had been engaged in several fights and had always been the victor, and he thought he had no peer in that part of the country. Indeed, he came to think that he was invincible.
Stewart had an antipathy to the Anteses, calling them derogatory names, and frequently boasting what he would do with them if an opportunity arose.
They knew of his threats, but did not fear him. On one occasion Stewart took a grist of grain to the mill, but the Anteses would not receive it.
On a certain occasion he met Jacob Antes at a tavern in Jersey Shore kept by Leonard Pfoutz, and he concluded that he would try the mettle of Antes, and he commenced heckling and insulting him. He continued until Antes became angry and determined that he would stand it any longer, and then the fight commenced.
The battle raged and the struggle was terrific and fearful between the two giants. Antes finally obtained the mastery and was declared the victor. The last blow he delivered missed Stewart and was received by a door which was slivered in pieces. It was believed that if Stewart had received the blow it would have caused his death, as it was delivered with such terrific force.
It is said that Stewart received injuries in this contest from which he never fully recovered. This was his last battle, he never fought after that, and became friendly to the Antes families.
Samuel Stewart died on April 6, 1844. He left an estate of 800 acres (which bordered the river for two miles) that was divided among his children
When Samuel Stewart died he left a landed estate of 800 acres, which bordered on the river for two miles, and embraced some of the finest farms in the bottom. It was divided among his children, as follows: Ann E.; Jane W.; John A.; Mary P.; Samuel C.; Charles H.; George W., and James S. All are deceased but James, and he is the last representative of the first sheriff of Lycoming county. He is a bachelor and lives on his share of the estate.
Many incidents in the life of Samuel Stewart are preserved which illustrate the character of the man. Although he possessed many noble qualities, he was often inclined, on account of his great physical strength, to be of an imperious nature and thought that he was born to rule. Nearly opposite the mouth of Pine creek, on a plateau or bench of the mountain, lived two brothers, William and Jacob Antes. Jacob was over six feet in height, well proportioned, and a man of great strength, but one of the most peaceable men in all that part of the country. They were nephews of Col. John Henry Antes. Stewart and Antes were both what we would call stalwarts. The former was of Irish extraction, the latter of German.
In those early days personal quarrels and fights were not uncommon. It was a custom of the times for the men especially on Saturdays to come in from the surrounding country to the village to hear the news, compare notes in reference to farming operations and other matters of interest. Many, during their stay, indulged in drinking carousals which often ended in one or more fights. Stewart had been engaged in several fights and had always been the victor, and he thought he had no peer in that part of the country. Indeed, he came to think that he was invincible.
Stewart bad an antipathy to the Anteses, called them "low Dutchmen," and frequently boasted what he would do with them if an opportunity offered. They knew of his threats, but did not fear him. On one occasion Stewart took a grist of grain to the mill, but the Anteses would not receive it, telling him to send one of his "niggers," and they would deal with him. And it is said that he was compelled to do as they said, as he must have the grist ground; but the offense was one that he was bound to resent. On a certain occasion he met Jacob Antes at a tavern in Jersey Shore kept by Leonard Pfoutz, and he concluded that he would try the mettle of Antes, and he commenced hectering and insulting him. He continued until Antes became angry and determined that he would stand it no longer, and then the fight commenced. The battle raged and the struggle was terrific and fearful between the two giants. Antes finally obtained the mastery and was declared the victor. The last blow he delivered missed Stewart and was received by a door which was shivered in pieces. It was believed that if Stewart had received the blow it would have caused his death, as it was delivered with such terrific force. It is said that Stewart received injuries in this contest from which he never fully recovered. This was his last battle, he being willing ever afterwards to let fighting alone, and he became friendly to the Antes families.
John Stewart, born November 14, 1789, was killed in a duel near Natchez, Mississippi, May 5, 1811. When a young man he entered the United States Army as a lieutenant and became a popular officer. While serving in the South he got into a difficulty with Captain Cheny, who challenged him. He accepted and fell at the first fire.
Alexander Stewart, born April 30, 1773, died May 10, 1850. He was a surveyor and was appointed to survey "the triangle" at trio. When Erie county was erected, March 22, 1800, he was chosen the first sheriff of the county. At the close of his term he returned to Lycoming county and settled on Queneshaque near Linden. He was twice married, to sisters. His first wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Hon. William Hepburn. She died, March 29, 1817, in her twenty-ninth year, leaving two sons, Charles and William. The former died at his home in Williamsport on Christmas morning, 1889, in the seventy- third year of his age. The latter survives. His second wife, Matilda Hepburn, born October 3, 1784, died October 80, 1866, without issue.
Charles Stewart, born September 22, 1775, died March 5, 1846. He was twice married. By his first wife, Elizabeth Crane, he had a son and a daughter; George and Eliza. His second wife, Mary McCormick, had four sons and five daughters. One of the daughters, Rosetta, married John F. Cowden, a noted land speculator, and at one time they lived in Williamsport. On her death he married her sister Josephine.
Catharine, born April 27, 1780, died January 5, 1842. She married John Knox and they settled on Larry’s creek. See sketch of Piatt township.
Charles Stewart was born on September 22,1775., a farmer by occupation, served as treasurer of Lycoming county and was a contractor on the Pennsylvania canal. He was twice married. By his first wife, Elizabeth Crane, he had a son and a daughter; George and Eliza. His second wife, Mary McCormick, had four sons and five daughters. Charles Stewart died on March 5, 1846.
John Stewart was born on November 14, 1789. He entered the United States Army as a lieutenant and became a popular officer. While serving in the South he got into a difficulty with Captain Cheny, who challenged him (to a duel). He accepted and fell at the first fire. John Stewart died from the effects of a pistol shot at Natchez, Mississippi.
Alexander Stewart was born April 30, 1773. He was a surveyor. When Erie county was erected, March 22, 1800, he was chosen the first sheriff of the county. At the close of his term he returned to Lycoming County and settled near Linden. He was twice married, to sisters. His first wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Hon. William Hepburn. She died, March 29, 1817, in her twenty-ninth year, leaving two sons, Charles and William. Alexander died on May 10, 1850 and his second wife, Matilda Hepburn (born October 3, 1784) died October 30, 1866.
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Notice to a subscriber Major John Gardner of York Pennsylvania to "pay his bill"
"Circular to be sent to every one who is indebted"
Late office of The Democratic Press
Philadelphia Dec 4, 1829
Sir - having sold out all interest in the newspaper establishment which I recently conducted and being very anxious to pay what I owe it becomes my indispensable duty to collect whatever is owing me. I wish to do this with all possible promptitude yet with as much respect as justice will admit to the feelings of those who are in my debt. Your account will be found at foot and your immediate remittance as near as may be, of the amount due will be gratefully acknowledged and will do me a kindness. The pressure of others, I fear, will compel me to press those who owe me. Assist me by your attention to avoid this most unpleasant alternative.
I am, sir, respectfully yours
John Binns
Major J Gardner
"I tender To you my best wishes" handwritten sentiment by Binns
"Why the handwritten personal note? Speculation from research indicates Binns was connected with Simon Snyder (d1819) the third governor of Pennsylvania who lived in York County for a time. Gardner was elected to the House of Representatives several times. Both Gardner and Binns adamantly opposed the election of Andrew Jackson. Gardner in York was active in anti Jackson local meetings."
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