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Fought In Rhode Island Between William Austin Of Charlestown And James: A Historical Account

Chinua Achebe

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Published in A Forgotten Duel : Fought In Rhode Island Between William Austin Of Charlestown And James Henderson Elliot Of Boston March 31 1806

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A Forgotten Duel : Fought in Rhode Island Between William Austin, of Charlestown, and James Henderson Elliot, of Boston, March 31, 1806

by Marcello Musto

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41540 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	90 pages

On the morning of July 4, 1808, two men stood facing each other on a field of honor in Rhode Island. William Austin, a prominent lawyer and politician from Charlestown, Massachusetts, and James, a British Army officer, were about to fight a duel. The duel had been arranged after a series of heated exchanges between the two men, and both were determined to defend their honor.

The Duel

The duel was fought with pistols, and the two men exchanged shots at close range. Austin was shot in the chest and died instantly. James was unharmed.

The duel caused a great deal of controversy at the time, and it was widely condemned by the public. Duels were illegal in Rhode Island, and both Austin and James could have been prosecuted for their actions. However, no charges were ever brought against either man.

The Aftermath

Austin's death was a great loss to his family and friends. He was a respected member of the community, and his death was deeply mourned. James returned to England after the duel, and he never faced any legal consequences for his actions.

The duel between Austin and James is a reminder of a time when duels were a common way to settle disputes. Today, duels are illegal in most countries, and they are considered to be barbaric and unnecessary. However, the duel between Austin and James remains a fascinating historical event, and it provides insights into the values and beliefs of the people who lived in the early 19th century.

The duel between William Austin of Charlestown and James is a tragic reminder of the dangers of violence. It is also a reminder of the importance of honor and reputation in the early 19th century. While duels are no longer a common way to settle disputes, the duel between Austin and James remains a fascinating historical event that provides insights into the values and beliefs of the people who lived in that era.