234 Chromeles of the Cape Fear River

principles alone impels us, but, in sorrow or in joy, that feeling
should predominate. We trust that it will prove so today, that,
though saddened, the Democrats are not disheartened.

Now is not the time to speak of recent events. Now is not the

time to harrow up hearts yet bleeding, and we forbear. That
God who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb will be the com-

forter and sustainer of the bereaved ones in their deep affliction.
Let us trust that His helping hand will not be withheld, that
He will pour balm into the bleeding wounds, that He will bind

up the broken hearts of those whose sorrow is more than they
can bear.

WILMINGTON, N. C., May 6, 1856.

As there are reports in circulation calculated to do the undersigned
much injustice, in reference to the late unfortunate difficulty between

Mr. Flanner and Dr. Wilkings, we feel compelled to state that with
the advice of our lamented friend, Dr. Wilkings, we expressed our-
selves on different occasions as perfectly willing to agree to any
honorable settlement; and under the influence of this feeling, when,
after the second exchange of shots, Dr. James F. McRee, jr., who was
acting in the capacity of surgeon to both parties (both being present),
approached and expressed a warm desire that the matter should be
settled, saying that “it had gone far enough, and ought to be settled,
that both parties had acted fairly and honorably, and had shown to
us, aS well as to the world, that they would always be ready to resent
any imputation on their honor,” and then proposed, for the purpose
of giving Dr. Wilkings an opportunity of making an explanation
of his remarks made in the courthouse, that Mr. Flanner should with-
draw his card published in the Herald of the ist inst., to which we
assented, expressing our willingness, if the card was withdrawn, to
disclaim for Dr. Wilkings using the language imputed to him by Mr.
Flanner. This proposition, coming as it did from a friend of both
parties, we sincerely desired would be accepted by the opposite party.
It was not, and the matter proceeded to its unfortunate termination.

W. M. WALKER.
F. N. WaApbDELL, JR.

These are the very words, we think. Dr. McRee doubtless recollects.

The above card, with a few slight alterations, was prepared
for publication last evening, but was withheld at the suggestion
of a friend, in order, if possible, to make a joint statement by
both parties. With that purpose in view, I called upon Mr.
O. P. Meares, and handed him the card for his perusal, suggest-
ing at the time that if there was any modification he desired
and we approved of it, we would sign it. He objected to the

Be kr eae mee A nae ee a Wee Wares gly ese io eae ek 7 ea ERT, ON ges eT ane, SPE
ee Pa ae PRI ey a toe RE hirer ay PIS ET ee

Notable Incidents 935

card on the ground that it did not contain a proposition for a
settlement of the difficulty which he, Mr. Meares, had offered

me; the acceptance of which, on consultation, was declined, be-
cause we felt it would sacrifice the honor of our friend. This
proposition was not inserted in the original card, because we
did not consider it pertinent to our exculpation from the charges
now rife in the community. I then requested Mr. Meares to
reduce his proposition to writing, which he did, but as we differ
so materially in our respective recollections of its character, I
thought it but right to publish his as well as my own recollection

of it. W. M. Waker.

The last conversation held between Mr. Meares and Mr. Walker, be-
fore the third fire, was after the following manner and to this effect:
Mr. Meares called Mr. Walker to him and said that he was willing
to make a fair and honorable settlement, that he, Mr. Meares, would
not make an unconditional retraction of Mr. Flanner’s card, but he, Mr,
Meares, would make in writing a withdrawal or retraction for a
specific purpose, and that specific purpose (expressed in the same
paper writing) should be to allow an explanation on the part of
Dr. Wilkings, to which Mr. Walker replied that he would consult
his friends, and then walked to where his friends were, and after con--

versing with them for a few moments, remarked that we would have

to go to work again. Whereupon we immediately loaded the pistols

he third fi had.
and the third fire was had O. P. MEARES.

May 6, 1856, 12 o’clock.

N. B.—Mr. Meares, at the request of Mr. Walker, gives him the above

as his statement of his proposition made to Mr. Walker immediately
before the third fire.

Mr. O. P. Meares,

Dear Sir:—After having duly considered the above statement, and not
being able to reconcile it to my recollection of our conversation, I
consulted my friend, Mr. Waddell, to whom I had repeated it word for
word in a few moments after its occurrence, I find his recollection
accords with my own, and that is, that your proposition made to me on
the above occasion, was to the following effect: Dr. Wilkings should
request in writing a withdrawal of the card of Mr. Flanner and in the
Same writing should state what would be the character of his, Dr.
Wilkings’, explanation. In this event, you furthermore stated you
would consent to withdraw Mr. Flanner’s card for that specific pur-
pose, viz.: for the purpose of receiving Dr. Wilkings’ explanation.
This proposition, as friends of Dr. Wilkings, having his honor in our
keeping, we felt bound to reject. W. M. Waxxzn.

May 6, 1856, 2 o’clock p. m.