Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 3, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 June 1859 — ALMOST A FATAL AFFRAY. [ARTICLE]

ALMOST A FATAL AFFRAY.

Two boys, about eighteen or nineteen years old each, named Allred Irwin (grandson of Widow Irwin) and Daniel Duvall, got into a quarrel last Saturday afternoon, when Irwin struck Duvall on the head with ; a loaded hickory cane, knocking him insen- : sible. From what we can learn it occurred i about this way: The two boys were return- ■ ing from across the river, where the Rifle Company had been drilling, and as they came along together, Duvall called Irwin ‘•Jewett,” at which he took much umbrage, it being considered by him a term of reproach. When they'arrived opposite the Gazette office Duyall came up stairs, while the other passed on; but he, so n returned with the cane in his hand, and the quarrel was renewed. (It is proper to remark here that they were nqt connected with this office, and that the editor was not in at the lime.) After some further insulting language had passed between them, Irwin atruck Duvall on the head with the cane, telling him to the floor from an office stool on which he was sitting. Duvall was lead to his home insensible, and he remained insentsible until Monday. Fears were entertained until yesterday that the blow was fatal, but we now understand that he is in a fair way of recovery. Immediately afterward Irwin was informed on before Justice Howe for assault and battery. He confessed, and was fined five dollars. On Sunday he left this place, and hns not since been heard of. All regret this deplorable affair, although it is urged by some that Irwin was insulted and his feelings outraged almost beyond endurance. He has heretofore been looked npo.” ” v ery peaceable boy.