Fatal Duel.
--The city experienced a decided sensation on Saturday, in consequence of a report that an. "affair of honor" had taken place on the south side of the river, and in this instance, contrary to the usual course of rumors at the present day, the report turned out to be true.
It appears that
Messrs. Washington J. Worsham and
James McCullough had a misunderstanding in regard to a business matter, and in consequence of certain expressions not altogether agreeable, the latter sent
Mr. Worsham a challenge, which was accepted.
On Saturday morning, the parties, with a number of friends and several surgeons, repaired to Broad Rock Race Course, in
Chesterfield county, a few miles from
Richmond, and, shortly before nine o'clock, fought with pistols, at a distance of ten paces.
The reports were simultaneous, and both fell at the first fire, badly wounded.
Mr. Worsham was struck near the right thigh, the ball passing through his body; and his antagonist was hit nearly in the same place, but the ball took a different course, inflicting a painful injury, though by means so dangerous as the other.
It is almost impossible to conceive of more accurate firing, both being "line shots;" and, however much we may condemn the act itself, we can but admire the cool determination with which the principals stood up in the face of danger.
Directly after the fight the parties returned to the city, and
Worsham was conveyed to his residence on Sixth street, where he died yesterday morning, about 11 o'clock.
McCullough, who came to this city from New Orleans, is at one of our hotels, receiving the necessary surgical attention, and will probably recover.
Both belonged to the "sporting fraternity," and we learn had at a recent period conducted a partnership business.
We have thought proper to omit some details of the affair, for which there is no other authority than common rumor, until an investigation shall have taken place.
An inquest will be held to-day.
