Lot 161
Reflections of Lieut [J.B.] Rose While Convalescing From an 1812 Duel -- A Poem. Original poem written on two pages, 9¾ x 7¾". Titled "Reflections of Lieut. Rose after a duel with Capt. Robinson in 1812 Written at the time, when He was convalescent." Illustrated with six drawings: two men in uniform pointing pistols at each other, one man fallen on the ground, another man walking away, a man wearing a gown and using two canes, and a man lying in bed. Signed "A Sufferer JBR" Pages are toned and soiled, with fold breaks, primarily affecting two lines, but most of the poem is legible. It begins: "Friends cast your eyes upon these men and see/ the dangers that arise from vanity./ They left their homes to go where glory waits/ to defend their own & their sister states./ Each was raised to an eminent station/ which was conferred on them by the nation./ Each had filled it with honor to his name/ but they grew jealous of each others fame./ They knew at home, it would not do to tell/ that they were cowards--so they fought and fell…." He describes leaving his rival on the cold ground, and says, "I tell you what occasioned my fall,/ it was by the force of powder and ball." He bemoans having to wear a gown and the pain he must endure, and adds, "And all you that see this man below, remember what it was that laid him low." He ends with, "Now Reduced & under the Doctors care/ To go to the grave I'd Better prepare." This is the first original duel description we have seen. Rare. Estimate Value $2,000 - UP
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