War of 1812 -Cold Spring Tavern Shootout

Duel Near The Cold Spring Tavern

During the War of 1812, two off duty army soldiers fought it out "high-noon style" near the old Cold Spring Tavern:
"... The names of the army officers who are forgotten. It is said, however, that the challenger was an army surgeon, who was an expert duelist as well as somewhat of a bully. For some trifling offense he challenged an officer, who had little or no experience on the "Field of Honor," but it is apparent that he possessed plenty of courage. The challenge was accepted, of course, and the affair took place on the old Cold Spring farm lot, at a little run near the corner of Ferry and Jefferson Streets."
"The challenged officer, as was his prerogative, chose that the two combatants should stand side by side, and each hold a corner of the same handkerchief with the left hand, and holding a pistol in the right, to fire at the word of command."
"The surgeon being more experienced presented only the narrowest part of his body to his antagonist, while the latter stood squarely facing him. The word "Fire" rang out and both fell. The surgeon was mortally wounded as the ball had entered his left side and passed through his body; he died upon the field. His antagonist, however, had been hit in the chest, but the bullet passed through without touching a vital spot, he recovered and lived many years after."

-Source: Bingham, Robert W. The Cradle Of The Queen City, A History Of Buffalo. Buffalo Historical Society. 1931.

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