who resided at the corner of Newington-bridge, was taken up by Colonel
Bolton on his way to the place of meeting in his carriage. Mr. Harris
was Colonel Bolton's second. When the parties got over into the field it
was found that they could not see to load the pistols. It would then be
about six o'clock. Candles were therefore procured to enable them to
complete the necessary arrangements.
As soon as the combatants had taken the places allotted to them, Colonel
Bolton observed that, according to the laws of honour and duelling, the
Major was entitled to fire first. To this the Major assented, and fired
immediately, the shot passing harmlessly by the Colonel, who then fired
in his turn, hitting Major Brooks in the right eye. The Major instantly
fell and died. Colonel Bolton was hurried off and remained in
concealment for a short time. It was said that the firing of the pistols
was heard in Major Brooks' house at the corner of Daulby-street. An
inquiry was held, when a verdict of wilful murder was found, but in
consequence of the strong recommendations of Major Brooks's friends,
admitting that he was entirely to blame, and that his dreadful fate was
entirely brought on by himself, the matter passed over without further
notice, everyone admitting that Colonel Bolton had conducted himself with
the utmost forbearance as well as courage, and that he deserved the
highest encomiums for his gentlemanly and straightforward behaviour
throughout this most painful affair.
CHAPTER V.
Some five years previous to this event, about the month of June, 1800, a
circumstance occurred which created a great sensation in the town, and
occupied public attention in a most remarkable degree. It seems rather
out of chronological order to go back five years; but the reader who
favours me with his attention must be content to obtain my information as
I can impart it. My head is not so clear as it used to be in the
arrangement of such matters.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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