232 Chronicles of the Cape Fear Rwer

On Saturday, May 3, 1856, another grand rally of the Demo-
erats was held in front of the Carolina Hotel, on Market and
Second Streets, and the assembled crowd proceeded thence with
torches at a late hour in the evening to “The Oaks,” on Dry
Pond.

The Journal says that insulting reference had been made by
the Know-Nothings to the “Sand Hill Tackies.” Hon. Warren
Winslow was the principal speaker and received the thanks of
the assembly for his eloquent address. He was followed by Mr.
John L. Holmes, who spoke in earnest and stirring style. The
fateful election of commissioners of navigation, which was to
include one of the most painful tragedies in the history of Wil-

mington, occurred on the 5th of May, 1856.

The Journal says that by some strange mistake an active and
staunch Democrat, in the heat and excitement of the voting, got
hold of and put in a Know-Nothing vote, thus in fact electing
Mr. Flanner, whereas, had the mistake not occurred, Mr. Costin
would have been elected. ;

In the meantime, intense excitement throughout the town was
caused by a rumor that Dr. Wilkings’ speech, referred to, had
incensed his friend, Mr. J. H. Flanner, who had published a
card which resulted in a challenge to mortal combat from Dr.
Wilkings. I was then nine years of age, at J ewett’s school, and

I remember distinctly the excitement of the schoolboys while
Mr. Flanner dashed past the schoolhouse behind his two black

thoroughbreds on the way to the fatal meeting.

The Herald of Monday, May 5, 1856, said: “Our community
was painfully startled on Saturday afternoon last by the recep-
tion of a telegraphic dispatch from Marion, S. C., to the effect
that a hostile meeting had taken place near Fair Bluff, between
Dr. William C. Wilkings and Joseph H. Flanner, Esq., both
young men and citizens of this place, and that on the third fire
the former received the ball of his antagonist through the lungs,
and in a very few moments expired. The difficulty grew out of
a speech made by Dr. Wilkings on Wednesday evening last at
the Democratic meeting at the courthouse. They fought with
pistols, at ten paces, Dr. Wilkings being the challenger.’ > The
eloom over this dreadful affair hung for many years over those
who participated in it, and the principal who survived the duel,
and, going abroad as a State agent, survived the four years’ war,
died some years later, it is said unhappy and under a.cloud in

a foreign land.

Notable Incidents 233

The following cards are taken from the Daily Journal, May
5, 7 , and 8, 1856, to show something of the temper of the public
mind with reference to this sad and exciting affair.

Drep.

Died in Marion district, S. C., on the 3d instant, Dr. W. C.
Wilkings, of Wilmington, N. C., aged about 30 years.

Lost to the community in the full promise of a glorious man-
hood, few men could be more deeply or more generally regretted
than our deceased friend. Brave, ardent, and generous, gifted
by nature, refined and strengthened by education, there lay be-
fore him the prospect of a long, useful, and honorable career.
That career has been cut short, the promise of his ripe manhood
left unfulfilled, and he has gone down to his grave before his
time, but his memory will long survive in the hearts of his
friends, and the turf that rests over his cold form be kept green
by the unbidden tear starting even from eyes that knew him not
in life.

Our intimate acquaintance with Dr. Wilkings was of com-
paratively recent date, and arose out of community of political
feeling. But we soon learned to love and respect the man for
himself, and we now mourn him as a personal friend. It is
for those who have known him longer and better than we to do
justice to his character. We could not omit this feeble and in-
adequate tribute to his memory.

Yesterday his remains were followed to their last resting place
in Oakdale Cemetery by the largest and most deeply affected
concourse of people that has ever been seen in Wilmington.
Many an eye was wet, although long unused to tears, and as the
solemn bell tolled all hearts throbbed mournfully and painfully.

When he died, a MAN, a noble, true-hearted man, passed from
amongst us.

Topay.

Saddened by a great calamity in our midst, we have no heart
today for political discussion. Overpowered by feelings beyond
our ability to express, we know that mere words would be out of
place. Standing in heart by the freshly opened grave of a valued
friend, whose warm grasp yet thrills through our frame, can we
be expected to raise a shout of contest or victory? Duty to our