Show famous duel between henry clay and john randolph made them good friends A noted duel tool took place just over the chain bridge on tile the virginia side between 11 henry enry clay and john randolph of roanoke recalls a writer to tn the washington star henry clay an american statesman was born in virginia april 12 1777 when lie he was twenty one he was admitted to tile the bar and began practice at lexington va lie ile was very bucce successful isrul tind and was made united states senator in 1800 in 1811 lie he was elected speaker of the house of representatives during john adams adaina administration henry clay was secretary of state and performed the duties of that office with great ability tie ile was candidate for the residency presidency several times but was not successful john randolph was also an american statesman and a great politician lie was born in virginia june 2 1773 in 1779 lie he was sent to congress and became noted for his wit his fluency and the sharpness of his re marks ile he seemed to take pleasure in annoying clay the duel bew between een them was the result of a speech john randolph made in which the word blackleg was used in connection with the administration clay resented it and took it ns as a personal thrust john randolph insisted upon fislid ing the duel in virginia to tills this clay agreed randolph eliose chose pistols the distance was vas ten paces the law in virginia prohibited dueling and this was mentioned to ra kan a dolab ft nho ho replied that as henry clay would be tile the only one to shoot the statute could have no personal application to himself fortunately no one was hurt ns as randolph tired into the air as he had said he would clay put a ball through randolph a coat ile he had bad a very narrow escape as it grazed his bis side they left the field apparently good friends |