FIGHTING FOR REVIVAL - Clemson University

the first fire, having been shot above the hip, and the affair was quickly ended.
Cummings was unhurt in the exchange of bullets, but McDuffie’s wounds were also
minimal and not life-threatening. 18 This summary coverage on the part of the Pendleton
Messenger pales in comparison to the extensive coverage provided by the Augusta
Chronicle.
The Chronicle carries the very public exchange of words between George
McDuffie and William Cummings in late 1822, after their exchange of shots earlier in the
summer of that year, providing the events which served as a precursor to the duel itself.
The formal affair was initiated by Cumming, feeling he had been dishonored by
McDuffie, when he posted a note at the Greenville, S.C. Courthouse which pronounced
McDuffie “an equivocating scoundrel and base coward.” 19 The next three issues
covering the affair involve a number of persons—publishing statements by both
McDuffie and Cumming themselves—as well as remarks from their seconds. Common
to all of these accounts was a desire to shape the public perception of the duel and
maintain the reputation of those involved. Included in this end goal was a desire to
contrast the virtues of one side against the alleged dishonor of the other. 20
18 “The Duel,” Pendleton Messenger, June 19, 1822; “Duel,” Pendleton Messenger,
June 26, 1822; “Reply,” Pendleton Messenger, July 24, 1822; “Captain Elmore’s
statement,” Pendleton Messenger, July 24, 1822, ECA.
19 “Copy-Greenville, 5 t h Sept. 1822,” Augusta Chronicle, September 19, 1822, ECA.
20 “Copy-Mr. McDuffie’s Handbill posted up at Greenville Courthouse,” Augusta
Chronicle, September 24, 1822; “Explanatory Statement-published in Handbills in
Augusta,” Augusta Chronicle, September 24, 1822; “For the Chronicle,” Augusta
Chronicle, September 28, 1822; “For the Chronicle,” Augusta Chronicle, October 12,
1822, ECA.
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