Thomas Wright a young teenager starts his Diary in July 1858 America. Northern Kentucky, Mason county near the Town of Dover and Lees Creak. across the Ohio River the town of Ripley Ohio. Hot bed of Abolitionist movement. between befriending a slave...
Day so far is decent, they finished up the crops this morning. Done about noon I recon. Haven't seen nor felt, like I was bein watched. Think it just all in my mind. Those tracks an such well, that was just someone stoppin ta take a break. Still early though Poppy ain't made it back yet. Best get back ta that wagon grease that wheel.
Poppy say, those two fellas, they a mean lookin lot. Both have Griswold's look like they crawled out a hell. One purposely walked inta him at the Saloon. Tried ta start a fight, Poppy say he laughed told the man, he would watch where he was goin. Man asked him ifin he was Will Wright. Poppy say they both ugly the most ugly one. Challenged him ta a duel. Fer killin his brother, wanted ta know what gave him the right. Gave us the right! Broke inta Poppy home, beat Ma took Betsy. Not ta mention takin free Blacks as Slaves!
Poppy didn't except the challenge, that just boiled my blood! Asked him why, Poppy say he wasn't worth the time. Told the man ta go home, think on it, was it worth gettin killed. Told Poppy maybe we best handle this. Be done with it. Poppy say let it be Thomas. Don't know ifin I can, let it be. This waitin fer him ta walk on my land. Well, is stupid.
May just go ta Dover, end this tomorrow. Betsy an Ma are upset, think I am over reactin. No this best be handled. Best get sleep, need ta be alert fer this.
12, July 1859
Poppy figured it best ta take Ma an Betsy ta Rivers Edge. He also tell me ta hear what Mister Bowman has ta say on duelin. Before I go off an possibly gets myself killed. Well seems they is a five hundred dollar fine, least six months in jail can't be a lawyer or run fer office. Don't care, this needs ta end. Poppy had a fit, Mister Bowman say Tommy best not do this. If you must I'll be your second.
Poppy say, Mister Bowman I'll second fer him. Think it best you stay out it. Mister Bowman have no part of that. He say I'll be the Master of Arms. Already a Lawyer. Poppy say Thomas ya best think have a long life ahead of ya.
Well, I thought about it, nervous I must say couldn't make spit. I rode inta Dover, I won't challenge him. Ifin he does me, I'll except it. The fool was at the Saloon, downin whisky like water.
He made his Challenge, asked his name. Wanted ta know the man's name I am goin ta kill. His name is Frank McGuinness. Told him Mister Bowman will set up the time an day. Finished my Lager an went home. I am scared, what have I went an done.
14, July 1859
Thursday, taday is the day. We meets at a small orchard outside Dover. Mister Bowman will supply the pistols. Leave in about an hour. Ten in the mornin. My I am worried sick, mouth is dry hands are a bit wet. Poppy say Mister Bowman a ask if both Parties will walk away. He say Thomas walk away son. Just walk away. Best close here time ta go.
Poppy left about half hour before me, ta see if they is away fer him ta stop this. This a be my last entry till this is over. It is time, Betsy I love ya, Ma Poppy I am doin what is right. Ifin I don't make it. See ta Betsy gettin ta Canada. Love Thomas.
After the duel
Mister Bowman asked us ta step away, ta forget this. An move on. That McGuinness wouldn't step away. Figured he ain't I ain't goin ta. Mister Bowman say Seconds places, pistols next to your firin ear. One of ya fire before the twelve paces. I'll shoot ya dead ifin ya hit the other. I'll count the pace. Back to back Gentleman. I have never been so scared, shot least three men. That was different some how.
I heard one! Two! Three! On Seven, that fool fired! I heard a crack by my head. I turned aimed fired inta the ground. I heard another shot, his Second shot him. It took all I had not ta have my knees buckle out from under me. Few folks was around ta watch. I heard what a coward, ungentlemanly.
Don't remember givin back that pistol, nor the ride home. Never will I do that again. Poppy didn't say more, than I am proud of ya. Betsy let's say she was mad an happy all the same time.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I found this code on the Library of Congress site. Sorry if it is hard to read. Rather interesting several books were written on the subject. This one I managed to find pictures of. Interesting Information Kentucky still requires an oath that you haven't been in a duel when entering Office or the Bar.
Few Tidbits of history for July 1859
First Intercollegiate Baseball game took place. July 1st 1859 between Amherst College and Williams College. The Game took place in Pittsfield Massachusetts. Amherst won 73-32.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Lemon Peel Base ball used circa 1834-1880
July 4th, 1859 the Oregon Flag is introduced it will be the first flag U.S. troops March into battle with. During the Civil War.
July 5th Captain NC Brooks discovers Midway Islands.
July 11th Charles Dickens" A Tale Of Two Cities" is published.
July 12th The First Paper Bag manufacturing machine. Patens were issued to William Goodale, in Massachusetts.
Just a few things that occurred in July 1859. Thanks all for reading. Vote comment, unless the oath has been remitted Kentucky still requires it. Far as I know they haven't. If I need corrected please let me know.
