Craven County, NC - Samuel Swann & Mr. John Bradley Duel, 1787

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Newbern, July 19

Extract of a letter from Wilmington dated July 12, 1787

On Wednesday late in the afternoon, a duel was fought behind the church 
by Samuel Swann, Esq. and Mr. John Bradley, merchant, in which the former 
was killed on the spot. 

Mr. Bradley received the first shot which passed through his posteriors,
going in one side and coming out at the other. He almost instantly 
returned the fire, and the ball entered the right breast of Mr. Swann,
and went out under his left shoulder. Mr. Swann fell and without uttering
a word, expired in a few minutes. The cornor's inquest have found
manslaughter.

It is said the difference between the contending parties was about a
trifling affair of some standing in which Mr. Swann was not originally
concerned. Thus he had been deprived of his life, and his wife and 
children of a husband, a father and protector. 

The public has lost a worthy member of society, and his connexions and
more intimate acquaintenances, a firm and inflexible friend and though
Mr. Bradley is a single man, if this affair should eventually prove
fatal to him, a mother and sisters will deprived of their pricipal
friend and protector.

The reflection naturally occurring is that a ridiculous point of honour
contrary to all laws human and divine, and even degrading to men in a
state of civilization, has plunged two families into the deepest distress.

Source: The Columbian Herald
        August 6, 1787

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
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