Whether it is the release of “Hamilton “ on Disney+ or memes on Facebook touting them as a historic social distancing activity, duels are currently back in the public’s awareness. If you stay in New Bern long enough, you will certainly hear about the political drama that led to the duel between John Stanly and former governor Richard Dobbs Spaight. This year marks the 198th anniversary of that stand off but what many people are not aware of is that this duel was simply the first in a series of duels that involve the Stanly family.
Dueling seems to come naturally for the Stanlys. Two of John Stanly’s brothers were involved in battles of honor as well. His brother, Richard Dancy Stanly, was killed in a duel with swords in the West Indies sometime between 1806, when he left town and 1824 when the death announcement of his son refers to him as the “late” Richard Dancy Stanly. Their youngest brother, Thomas Turner Stanly, had the details of his 1813 duel better recorded.
While at a party at Judge Gaston’s house, Thomas was trying to get the attention of Lucy Hawkins who was trying her best to get the attention of Thomas’ friend, Henry Lewis. In an attempt to get Lucy to look at him, Thomas threw a piece of cake in her direction. The cake flew off course and landed in Henry’s teacup. The tea splashed Henry’s vest. Lucy asked if he would stand for such an insult. The two arranged for a duel which, because the Stanly-Spaight duel led to the passing of a law that made dueling illegal in North Carolina, had to take place in Virginia. At the duel, Thomas shot off one of Henry’s finger but Thomas was shot in the heart and died.
The practice of dueling even spilled to the next generation. Edward Stanly, son of John Stanly, was involved in the last legal duel that arose from political debates on the floor of Congress. Two of his brothers also had duels touch their lives even if they were not combatants. Fabius Stanly was court martialed after he called his commanding officer a coward for backing out of a duel. Only the action of President Millard Filmore kept him from being dishonorably discharged. The best stories seem to fall to baby brothers though. The youngest brother of this generation, Marcus Cicero Stanly, was the second in a duel that was his fault. Marcus had stolen money from a roommate and blamed a young doctor who was their third roommate. The disagreement led to a duel. Stanly was the second for the doctor. The young doctor was killed and Stanly skipped town with the money. Later, he had to flee the country because of his actions.
While the can seem barbaric, romantic, or just downright confusing, duels were an ingrained part of American culture, fought for a variety of reasons. The Stanlys show that nothing is completely cut and dry. Keep that in mind the next time you have a sing along to “Not Throwing Away My Shot.”
By Matt Arthur, Historic Programs Coordinator
Tryon Palace – 529 South Front Street • New Bern, NC 28562
252-639-3500 • www.tryonpalace.org