Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, Volume I, Issue 61, 19 March 1842, Page 3

[ADVERTISEMENT.]

Auckland Barracks, 18th March, 1842. A Meeting of the Officers of the Garrison of Auckland was called by Captain Lockhart, 80th Regiment, during the temporary Absence of Major Bunbury commanding the Detachment, at the request of Captain Best, 80th Regiment, in consequence of the appearance of certain Placards, signed Wm. Cormack, and Dr. Martin—posting Capt. Best and his second, E. Shortland, Esq., as Cowards. Capt. Best states to the Officers assembled : Wm. Cormack sent me a verbal challenge by Dr. Martin, at about one o'clock yesterday, 17th instant, which I accepted, naming Mr, Edward Shortland as my Second,—who, in conjunction with Dr. Martin, arranged a Meeting to take place at 6 o'clock this Morning (18th March). I went to the appointed ground and remained there for half an hour, till withdrawn by Mr. Edward Shortland, without exchanging shots. I have further to state that I have since received a letter, which I returned unread, as I observed the signature to be that of Wm. Cormack. Mr. Edw. Shortland states to the assembled Officers:—The ground having been selected by myself and Dr. Martin, and the Pistols loaded— I remarked that it now merely remained to toss for the choice of Position, and to agree who should give the Signal for Firing.-—Dr. Martin observed, that he thought it necessary to determine, by toss also, whether Capt. Best's or Wm. Cormach's pistols should be used. To this I objected, on the ground that Mr. Cormack's pistols were short, and not regular duelling pistols, as were Capt. Best's, and observed casually, that I considered it child's play to use such pistols ; and further, that Capt. Best had an absolute right to use his own pistols ; but, to avoid any difficulties, I agreed that Mr. Cormack should have the use of one of Capt. Best's pistols, in choice to be determined by toss. This Dr. Martin objected to, and the following Notes, embodying the Conversation, were exchanged : Dr. Martins Note. Dr. Martin insists that his friend, Mr. Cormack, and Capt. Best meet upon an Equal Footing ; also demands that it should be decided by toss which brace of pistols should be used, and then that it should be tossed which pistols should be used—if he is in the wrong, he is willing to submit it to a Mutual Friend. (Signed) S. M. D. MARTIN. To E. Shortland, Esq. March 18th, at half past 6 o'clock. Mr. Edward Shortland's Note. Dr. Martin insists on it being decided by a toss, which Hrace of pistols is to be used. I object to this, his not being proper duelling pistols; besides that my friend has an absolute right to use his own weapons. I have however, in order that there be no apparent ground of dispute, offered him the use of either of those I have brought for my friend, to be decided by a toss. Half past 6 o'clock, 18th March. Dr. Martin then refusing to accede to the offer of using one of Captain Best's pistols, and seeing no hope of prevailing on him to do so, I withdrew Captain Best, having been on the ground for half an hour. About an hour subsequent to my leaving the ground I was waited on by Dr. Martin, who stated, that he had discovered that he was in error in respect to his proceedings with regard to the pistols, and that he was prepared to re-open the business. I said that, Capt. Best having once been made a fool of, I declined placing him again in the same position.— He said " he should communicate with me again ;" to which I answered, " you may communicate what you please ; good Morning, Sir." About an hour after this, Mr. Campbell, the Auctioneer, brought me a letter, which he told me was from Dr. Martin.-—This I refused to receive. The assembled Officers having examined Captain Best's pistols, are unanimously of opinion that they are correct duelling pistols, and that, from the statement of the facts laid before them, they do entirely approve of the line of conduct adopted by Captain Best and Mr. Edward Shortland ; and are further of opinion that Captain Best and Mr. Edward Shortland should take no notice of any placards, or observations arising out of this transaction. R. A. Lockhart, Captain, 80th Regt. P.Gammie, Assist. Surgeon, 80th Regt. W. Richmond, Capt.,96th Regt. 1 Officers G. A. Bennett, Lieut, R. E. r of the H, D. Smart, Lieut. 28th Regt. * Garrison.