The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Philosophy
The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)
Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Dueling
Precisely at noon Major Campbell appeared on the platform, supported by
his father-in-law. Instantly the brave highlanders took off their
military bonnets; and with streaming eyes, joined in prayer for the
spirit about to be parted from its mortal tenement. The vast crowd stood
uncovered in solemn silence, so that the grating of the falling drop was
heard to the remotest extremity. One groan from the thousands of
spectators, for an instant broke the profound silence, and proclaimed
that all was over! His body, after having been suspended the usual time,
was put into a hearse in waiting, which left the town immediately,
escorted by Dr. Bowie, for Ayr in Scotland, to be interred in the family
vault.
Major Campbell, in his conversation with his intimate friends,
previously to surrendering himself, had always said, that if he were
convicted of murder, he should suffer, as an example to duellists in
Ireland; but it was always his opinion that a jury would not convict him
of murder.
It has been erroneously stated, that the jury recommended the deceased,
merely from his universal good character; but the jury recommended him
in consequence of the duel having been a fair one; although, by the
direction of the judge, they were bound, on their oaths, to convict the
prisoner of murder. Major Campbell, previously to his death, observed,
that life was not an object so dear to him, as the reflection was
distressing, that his children and family should bear the stigma, that
he was executed for murder.
Major Campbell made his escape from Ireland after the duel, and lived
with his family, under a fictitious name, for several months, at Chelsea
(the duel took place in June 1807); but his mind became so uneasy that
he at last determined to surrender himself, be the result what it might.
His surrender, instead of being viewed as the result of penitence and
sorrow, was regarded by too many as a mockery and a braving of justice.
Utterly false as such a view of the case was, Campbell confirmed the
prejudice against him by incautiously declaring, that he was sure the
verdict could only be manslaughter. The misrepresentation of these
words, as has been said, produced a strong effect on the minds of the
presbyterians of Armagh. His modest and contrite deportment on his
trial, and the excellent character given him by officers of the highest
rank, went far towards turning the tide in his favour; but one of the
witnesses for the defence is said to have exhibited a dictatorial air,
as if his simple word would, or ought to decide the verdict; and this
circumstance, it is reported, had a fatal influence.
He was first cousin to the Earl of Breadalbane, a man esteemed and
beloved by all his friends. It is superfluous to add, that Mrs. Campbell
was a most amiable woman. She had four infant children.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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