"Mr Richard S., having attempted, in a letter left behind him for
that purpose, to account for his scandalous method of running away
from this place, by insinuations derogating from my character and
that of a young lady, innocent as far as relates to me or my
knowledge, since which he has neither taken notice of my letters,
nor even informed his own family of the place where he has hid
himself, I cannot longer think he deserves the treatment of a
gentleman, than in this public manner to post him as a Liar and a
treacherous Scoundrel.--THOMAS MATTHEWS."

Such a public insult could, of course, only have one issue. Sheridan
promptly challenged Matthews to a duel, the result of which was that the
Major was compelled to make an apology, as public as his insult. But,
so far was he from penitence, that within a few weeks he demanded a
second meeting--and this proved a much more serious matter for Sheridan.

The rivals met the following morning on Claverton Down; and after a few
furious exchanges both swords were broken, and the opponents were
struggling together on the ground. Matthews, however, being much the
stronger, was able to pin Sheridan down, and with a piece of the broken
sword stabbed him repeatedly in the face. "Beg your life, and I will
spare it," he demanded of the prostrate and defenceless man. "I will
neither beg it, nor receive it from such a villain," was the unflinching
answer.

"Matthews then renewed the attack, and, having picked up
the point of one of the swords, ran it through the side
of the throat and pinned him to the ground with it,
exclaiming, 'I have done for him.' He then left the
field, accompanied by his second, and, getting into a