“Neither the conversation that passed at Brookes’s, nor this letter, is of a secret nature; and if you have any wish to relate the one, or to show the other, you are perfectly at liberty so to do.
I am, &c. &c.
“Chesterfield-street, half-past 2, Sunday, Nov. 28.
“To —— Adam, Esq.”
“Sir, “As you must be sensible that the speech printed in the newspapers reflects upon me personally, and as it is from them only that the public can have their information, it is evident that, unless that is contradicted by your authority in as public a manner as it was given, my character must be injured. Your refusal to do this entitles me to presume that you approve of the manner in which that speech has been given to the public, and justifies me in demanding the only satisfaction such an injury will admit of.
“Major Humberstone is empowered to settle all particulars; and the sooner this affair is brought to a conclusion, the more agreeable to me.
“I have the honour to be, &c. &c.
“To the Hon. Charles James Fox.”
In consequence of the above, the parties met, according to agreement, at eight o’clock in the morning. After the ground was measured out, at the distance of fourteen paces, Mr. Adam desired Mr. Fox to fire; to which Mr. Fox replied, “Sir, I have no quarrel with you, do you fire.” Mr. Adam then fired, and wounded Mr. Fox, which, we believe, was not at all perceived by Mr. Adam, as it was not distinctly seen by either of ourselves. Mr. Fox then fired, without effect. We then interfered, asking Mr. Adam if he was satisfied. Mr. Adam replied, “Will Mr. Fox declare he meant no personal attack upon my character?” Upon which Mr. Fox said, this was no place for apology, and desired him to go on. Mr. Adam fired his second pistol without effect. Mr. Fox fired his remaining pistol in the air; and then saying, as the affair was ended, he had no difficulty in declaring, he meant no more personal affront to Mr. Adam than he did to either of the other gentlemen present. Mr. Adam replied, “Sir, you have behaved like a man of honour.”
Mr. Fox then mentioned that he believed himself wounded; and upon his opening his waistcoat it was found it was so, but to all appearance slightly. The parties then separated, and Mr. Fox’s wound, on examination, was found not likely to produce any dangerous consequences.[[7]]