“‘When I received your challenge I was at that time on my way to the city, and had it not in my power to meet you, but now I am here, ready to see you. You will therefore, mention the time and place, and you will have it in your power to try my spirits that you so much doubted; it must be immediately; let me hear from you.'
“To this note I forthwith returned the following answer:
“‘Yours I have just received. You are aware that my friend Major Maclay is to attend me; so soon as he arrives, I shall be ready; I shall send for him immediately, and expect he will lose no time in coming to Northumberland, in which case I presume every necessary arrangement can be made between him and your friend this evening and we can meet tomorrow morning.’
“Immediately after writing the above note, I wrapped a pair of pistols in my great-coat pocket and walked about half a mile to the house of William Bonham, where I had directed that my horse, and any answer sent to my note, should be forwarded. While waiting at Bonham’s, Major Maclay arrived. I made him a statement of all that had passed between Stewart and myself, put him in full possession of my opinion and wishes, and he went to Northumberland to settle the time and place.
“On Maclay’s return, he informed me that the meeting was to be at 7 o’clock the next morning behind Lawshe’s house, opposite Derrstown, where we agreed to sleep that night.
“We were on the ground at 7 o’clock just at the gray of the morning. In a few minutes, we saw Stewart and Kennedy coming down the lane. After mutual salutations, Maclay and Kennedy then retired and after some conversation,[conversation,] stepped eight paces and placed Stewart and myself at the extreme ends of the line. Maclay then said: ‘Gentlemen, it is agreed between Kennedy and myself, that if either of the parties shall leave his ground until the affair is finally settled, such party shall be regarded as disgraced.’
“The seconds then tossed up to determine which of whom should give the word. Maclay won. The pistols were presented and discharged so simultaneously that but one report was heard. Neither of the balls took effect. Maclay then addressed Kennedy and said, ‘You had better consult your principal, and I will do the same.’ Maclay’s first words to Binns were, ‘Kennedy is a scoundrel. He is determined, if he can, to have you shot.’ Binns said, ‘Very well, you know the terms agreed upon and we will carry them out.’
“Mr. Maclay came between the antagonists and said, 'Gentlemen, I think this business has gone far enough and may be amicably and honorably adjusted. To effect this I propose that Mr. Stewart shall apologize for the attack he made upon Mr. Binns, and then Mr. Binns declare that the publication which gave offense to Mr. Stewart was not made from any wish to wound the feelings or injuriously affect the character of Mr. Stewart, but because Mr. Binns believed it to be true and that it was a matter proper for public publication.’”
After a pause Mr. Stewart made the required apology and Binns made the declaration which his friend proposed.
The matter being thus satisfactorily arranged, the parties shook hands and at a tavern in the neighborhood they and their friends breakfasted together. Stewart and Binns continued friends.