GRATTAN. 273 dared to insinuate one half as much elsewhere, the indig nant spirit of an honest man would have answered the vile and venal slanderer with—a blow.” The House saw the inevitable consequences. The Speaker sent for Mr. Grattan into his chamber, and pressed his interposition for an amicable adjustment, which Mr. Grattan positively refused, saying, he saw, and had been some time aware of a set made at him, to pistol him off on that question; therefore it was as well the experiment were tried then as at any other time. Both parties had instantly left the House upon Mr. Grattan's finishing his philippic. Matters having been speedily adjusted by the seconds, they proceeded in hackney coaches to a field on the Ball's Bridge road, which they reached in the twilight. It was agreed they should level and fire at their own option. The first shot on both sides did no mischief; Mr. Grattan's passed through Mr. Corry's coat. On the second level there was much science and pistol play, and it was settled, upon the honour of the par ties, that both should fire together. Mr. Corry missed his aim, and Mr. Grattan's ball hit his antagonist on the knuckle of his left hand, which he had extended across his breast to protect his right side, and taking a direction along his wrist, did no other injury. The populace, notwithstanding the quickness and secrecy with which the business was conducted, followed the parties to the ground; and there was reason to fear, had Mr. Grattan fallen, that his antagonist would have been sacrificed on the spot to the resentment of the popu lace, so enthusiastically were they devoted to their favo rite. The issue of this affair reached the House of Commons whilst they were still in debate at half past eight in the morning. Before Mr. Grattan went to the ground, a mest affecting and truly Roman meeting took place between him and Mrs. Grattan. On the 26th of May, Mr. Grattan proposed a delay to the 1st of August, that it might be more fully examined, and that more correct documents might be procured, as WOL. i. i. T
