[The following details a duel between David Terry and David Broderick. The duel was over politics stemming between the debate on slavery in America around the time that California was admitted to the Union. David Terry was notably pro-slavery, and Broderick the opposite.]
A local correspondent tells it. “Gentlemen,” said Mr. Colton, in a clear voice, ‘are you ready?’ Both replied, but Broderick delayed a few seconds. He then said, ‘I am ready.’ ‘Fire! One –‘ There was a report from the Senator’s [Broderick] pistol. It was answered in a second by Terry’s weapon. Broderick’s pistol was discharged before he brought it to a level. This was probably caused by the fineness of the hair-trigger and his want of familiarity with that particular weapon. The bullet buried itself in the ground, two-thirds of the distance between himself and his antagonist. It was a splendid line-shot, fallen short of its mark. Broderick had the reputation of being an expert with the pistol, and this result surprised those who knew his skill. With the crack of Terry’s weapon Broderick winced, turned half round, and then made an effort to recover himself. ‘Hard hit,’ his friends murmured. These words were proved by his unavailing efforts to maintain an upright position. He drooped until finally he fell prone on the ground, with his pale face toward the sky. He was hard hit.”
It was a big, jagged chest wound. He lingered in pain for several days and spoke only with a great effort, but he managed to say, “They have killed me, because I was opposed to slavery and a corrupt administration.” (The “they” was well considered; according to gossip, Terry was only the first of three who’d agreed to challenge him serially, with murder in mind.)
Ten thousand people came to the funeral.
Source:
Holland, Barbara. “XI. Moving West.” Gentlemen’s Blood: A History of Dueling From Swords at Dawn to Pistols at Dusk. Bloomsbury, 2004. 219-20. Print.
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