“Mr. R sent Mr. W. a challenge, thro’ Mr. B. / Mr. W. wrote an answer, to this challenge, and was prepared to send it, thro’ Genl Wool, of the Army. / This answer, is the one alluded to, or spoken of, in the newspaper publication, of which Genl. B. has a manuscript copy….
I destroyed my letter, according to agreement; & kept no copy.… I have scrupulously fulfilled my part of the agreement, as to not authorizing any publications.”
John Randolph of Roanoke, Virginia, was infamous for his temper and language, which led him to challenge several contemporaries to duels. In 1816, Randolph, feeling scorned by Webster’s speech in a House debate over the sugar tax, first challenged Webster to a duel. Friends resolved the matter, and Randolph withdrew the challenge.
