Single leaf measuring 9˝" x 7ž". About good: portions had separated completely and were crudely repaired with tape at an early date; those repairs are now reinforced with archival tape. This is a manuscript challenge to a duel. It reads in full: Sir, the manner in which you have recently attempted to villify [sic] my character together in the personal insults I received from you on a late occasion compels me to insist on your giving me the only satisfaction which a Gentleman can accept of. I will expect you to meet me at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning in Mr. [Strains?] Field. I expect you to answer by my friend Mr. Pettigrew with whom you can arrange the terms. The author, William McCain, his opponent, Isaac Owen, and a penciled date written in a relatively modern hand give clues as to why this challenge was solicited. William McCain was the son-in-law of John Byler for whom the old Byler Road in Alabama was named. Byler Road was one of the first roads authorized by the Alabama State Legislature and it ran from Bainbridge Ferry on the Tennessee River, across the western border of Lawrence County, and into the Warrior Mountains of present day Bankhead National Forest. McCain ran a toll gate on the road near its junction with the Northwest Road. Isaac Owen, according to "Early Settlers of Alabama," (New Orleans: L. Graham and Son, LTD, 1899), arrived in Alabama in 1821 at the age of 18 and was a merchant until his death in 1880. It's possible that the challenge arose out of McCain's running a private toll for the use of the road, and we find no evidence of the duel actually occurring. Seller Inventory # 3209

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Bibliographic Details

Title: [ALS Challenging a Man to a Duel.]

Publisher: [Lawrence County, Alabama]

Publication Date: 1825

Condition: Good

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You may notice that despite the name of our business, you won't find a lot of books here. While we do sell some printed matter, we specialize in selling original source materials that tell compelling American stories. Our principal abandoned a reasonably successful law career to do this full time because life is too short not jump out of bed excited to start a work day. Our slogan, ?The Extraordinary History of the Every Day?, matches our approach to the trade: we seek to preserve the exceptional stories of everyday people. Most of these folks probably had no idea that their actions were anything other than ordinary. As you look through our website and catalogs you'll find a wealth of compelling narratives. Also note that we don't limit ourselves to those lost to history as our work has enhanced many a wiki page. Considering our present inventory, you might also think we only buy and sell material related to underrepresented social groups and social movements. That's because of the response we receive from customers for this type of material and we would do nearly anything to avoid practicing law again. Truth be told, we get excited about preserving all sorts of interesting stories so the more you would educate us about your collecting interests, wants and what gets you excited, the more likely we'd recognize this material as something we should bring to market. So please feel free to reach out and tell us what you collect. Also, if you have items that you think may be of interest to us, please do not hesitate to write or call.

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Langdon Manor Books, LLC
212 W. 24th Street, Houston, TX, 77008, U.S.A.

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