First Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas, Samuel P. Carson, ALS Daring Former North Carolina Congressmen Dr. Robert B Vance to Challenge him

Lot 209

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American History

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 10, 2016 - Jun 11, 2016

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Lot Description

First Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas, Samuel P. Carson, ALS Daring Former North Carolina Congressmen Dr. Robert B Vance to Challenge him to a Duel, 1827

Carson, Samuel Price (1798-1838). Senator of North Carolina (1825–1833), Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, First Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas (1836). ALS, 1p, to Dr. Robert B. Vance, September 12, 1827.

In the antebellum South, dueling was a popular way for gentlemen and politicians to settle matters of honor. Dueling became such an issue in society the state of North Carolina outlawed it in 1802, but local law enforcement did little to prevent it. In the letter offered here, recently elected North Carolina congressmen, Samuel P. Carson dared his political opponent, Dr. Robert B. Vance to challenge him to a duel. Vance and Carson recently vied for the same position in Congress. Vance lost the election but not without questioning Carson's father's political loyalties in the Revolutionary War. Carson writes to his enemy,

My friend Capt. Benjamin is instructed to know of you distinctly before he hands you this whether I was the "chivalrous son" alluded to in your epistle dated the 6th instant---If so this is my answer had you recollected my language to you at Morganton which was not equivocal & which gave you distinctly to understand what you are to expect at my hands you would have saved yourself the trouble of writing or alluding to me in any way. However sire the malignant shafts of your disappointed ambition fall perfectly at my feet. I am incapable of any revenge towards you & let me assure you that my chivalry would not permit me to avenge any range(?) which you could offer...I will do no act in violation of the laws of my state but as you have boasted that you had flung the gauntlet  before me which in point of fact is not true For in the language of chivalry to fling the gauntlet is to challenge to throw down the iron glove (an experiment your chivalry may not permit you to hazard) But if you are serious make good your boast....

Carson threw down the iron glove in front of  Vance and challenged him to a duel. On the morning of November 5, 1827, the former congressman and the incumbent paced south of the border of their state with dueling pistols in hand. Vance made the fatal decision to not shoot his opponent; Carson took the opportunity and delivered a fatal blow. Vance died of his wounds the next day.

Carson went on to serve several terms in the House and became very good friends with Davy Crockett. Failing health prompted him to settle in Mississippi and Texas ten years later. He was elected a delegate for the Convention of 1836 and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. A week later, he ran against David G. Burnet for the position of president ad interim but lost. Burnet elected him secretary of state, but allowed Carson only to serve a few months. Slighted, Carson retired to Hot Spring, AR and died there two years later.

Condition

Good condition, the paper has some toning and a stain on the verso. There are a few minor tears in the traditional folds.
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