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Robert A. Crain statement regarding Maddox-Wells duel

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0216
Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

This photocopy of Robert Crain’s original letter to the public describes his statement of the events that occurred during a gunfight on September 19, 1827. Crain’s statement was written in response to a newspaper article that he claimed contained false information, and this statement was his way of telling his side of the story. The statement was published in the "Natchez-Ariel Extra" on October 19, 1827. The location of the original letter is unknown.

Dates

  • 1827

Creator

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish from the Robert A. Crain statement must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Biographical / Historical

Robert Crain authored this letter to the public in order to describe what happened during a gunfight on September 19, 1827. Crain’s statement was written in response to a newspaper article that he claimed contained false information, and this statement was his way of telling his side of the story.

According to Crain, he was asked to attend a duel between his friend Dr. Maddox and his opponent, S.L. Wells, at a location near Natchez, Mississippi. After the duel ended (with no deaths or wounds), a gunfight broke out among the supporters of each dueler, who had been watching the fight. James “Jim” Bowie attended the duel in support of his friend S.L. Wells, and ended up fighting in the brawl that ensued with his soon-to-be famous Bowie knife. The brawl ended with the deaths of General Cuny and Major Norris Wright, and several other men, including Robert Crain, were wounded.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder (photocopy of 12 pg. handwritten statement))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

This is a statement by Robert Crain of his part in a gunfight between Doctor Thomas Maddox and Mr. S.L. Wells that occurred near Natchez, Mississippi. This fight involved Jim Bowie, among others, and resulted in the death and wounding of several people.

Acquisition Information

This photocopy of Robert Crain’s statement was given to Fondren by Ben Prather, 1965. Location of the original is unknown.

Subjects

Record Groups

Related Names

Creator

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Robert A. Crain statement regarding Maddox-Wells duel, 1827
Status
Completed
Date
2008
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

https://library.rice.edu/woodson
Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA

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Harmful Content Statement
© 2023 Woodson Research Center
Fondren Library, Rice University
Physical Address: 6100 Main, Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Mailing Address: MS-44, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892