Go Town 2d Feb. 1808
Dear Charles
I have after sunset returned from Alexandria and after slipping to the Coffee house to enquire of the reports from New Orleans and the detail of the Duel between Gardenier and Campbell sat down to write you a few lines before the mail closes.
The report from new Orleans is incorrect but I suspect not altogether with out some foundation it is certainly contradicted by the President. The duellist with their Seconds Mr White of the Senate and Mr Epps of Congress a little distance from Bladensburgh the fired at 5 yds. distance. Gardenier received the Bolt of his Antagotnist in his left breast and it lodged Near his Backbone from whence it was extracted, from the best Information I can get (tho reports vary). I think G. will must die before morning, yet some do say otherwise. After the duel Campbell took his seat in Congress. I fear the mail will Close. affectionately
I am your father
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