“Communication”

Date

6-20-1811

Newspaper

Natchez Gazette

Page and Column

Page 3, column 3 and 4

Newspaper Location

Natchez, Mississippi

Serial Number

118

Abstract

Commentary on the death of Abijah Hunt, reputed to be connected to Eliza Bryant

Transcript

COMMUNICATION The untimely and unnatural exit of Mr. Abijah Hunt on Sunday last, is another instance of the lamentable effects of the practice of dueling, so fashionable in this vicinity. It is not my intention to moralize on this subject.-The unavailing efforts of far abler pens than mine, evince that such means are as useless in suppressing this barbarous practice, as the employment of a common fire engine would be in an attempt to restrain the eruptions of a volcano, so long as the passion of pride has a decided preponderance over a sense of morality. I mean not to insinuate that the general sentiment is in favor of this vice; but only to suggest, that it is not strong enough to counteract the influence of fear. Many are unwilling to aid in detecting & preventing a duel, lest it should be thought that they do not possess the spirit of chivalry themselves. When the parties are engaged in an affair of honor (as it is called) are known to be about crossing the river, no one gives information to the magistrate, or discovers any disposition to arrest the proceeding; but the bluff in front of our town, is covered with an assemblage of persons, who approach the solemn scene to hear the report of the pistols, and discover a vain curiosity, rather than a serious concern, in ascertaining the event. It would be well if the conduct of magistrates themselves were not generally susceptible of animadiversion on such occasions. Judge Brooks furnishes an exception, and is, so far as I know, the only one in the territory who has been in the habit of using exertions to save individuals from an untimely grave, and surviving friends from premature grief and distress. Had his efforts on the late occasion been zealously supported by the citizens, they might have prevented the mournful catastrophe that has befallen their fellow citizen in the vigor of life, and who, as a man of business, has done more to encourage and promote our agricultural and other interests, than perhaps any other half dozen men in the territory. This unhappy affair originated in politics, and on an election occasion. Had Mr. H's antagonists, however, been impelled to the challenge by his own resentments, or influenced by a disposition to prove his questioned courage, the proceeding, however wrong in principle or deplorable in its consequences, would have produced no other reflexions than such as are usually produced by an ordinary personal affair. But when it is recollected that threats were made by the political friends of Mr. P. against those republicans who advocate the cause of Dr. Cooper, by fair political discussions, without personalities, before Mr. II. had taken so active a part in favor of Mr. Williams; and when it is believed, as well as reported, that the political friends also of Mr. P. suggested and urged the challenge, it is difficult to resist unpleasant suspicions on this subject. It should be remarked that these threats were not made Mr. P's friends, until the discussions alluded to, had produced a change in the public mind, against them as a party.-That must be a bad system which cannot stand the test of reason and facts, & that a desperate policy which begins with misrepresentation and ends with menace. I will venture to affirm that a more insidious and mischlevous spirit of ambition, never prevailed in any part of the American union. Republican professions are used as a cloak to cover political practices, which are as unlike republicanism, as tyranny is unlike liberty. Citizens of the territory, contemplate this subject with attention and interest; and ponder well this valuable maxim of infallible TRUTH.-"Ye shall know them by their fruits." PHILANTHROPOS. The Editor cannot omit this opportunity of offering the expressions of his condolence to the relatives and intimate acquaintances of Mr. Hunt, and of deeply regretting the tragical event, which has deprived them of a friend so generous and benevolent, and the community at large of a citizen so worthy and useful. He at the same time begs leave to add the testimony of his opinion and sentiments in favor of the honorable conduct of Judge Brooks, as stated in the preceding correct and respectable communication. Whether other magistrates and official conservators of the peace in the city and county have neglected their duty, is not within the compass of his knowledge or information: he, however feels satisfaction in indulging a hope that it was not the case in the present instance. This opinion has arisen and been entertained chiefly in consequence of the known fact, that, during the fore- noon of the day on which this unfortunate dispute was so fatally terminated, a report was in circulation, that the civil authority had interfered; and that no meeting would take place. Over transactions of this nature it may some times be proper to spread the veil of silence; but the one before us is understood to be preceded by and attended with circumstances of such a character, as would, in his opinion, render it criminal in the editor to offer any pledge for concealing them for the world, and from the strict scrutiny and sentence of all men of integrity, humanity and honor.

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