Congressional duel: William J. Graves kills Jonathan Cilley

Background. The duel stemmed from partisan conflict between Democrats and Whigs regarding the Panic of 1837. Democrat Jonathan Cilley criticized newspaper editor Henry Webb for biased coverage, alleging corruption involving bank loans. Webb, feeling insulted, persuaded Whig Congressman William J. Graves to challenge Cilley. Cilley initially refused the letter, but Graves deemed this refusal an insult to his honor, compelling Cilley to accept the challenge to defend his reputation.

The Duel. The confrontation occurred on February 24, 1838, at the Bladensburg Dueling Grounds, located just outside Washington, D.C., within Maryland. Cilley, aware of Graves' reputation as an expert pistol shot, selected rifles and a distance of 80 yards to neutralize Graves' skill. However, the actual marked distance was 94 yards. The duelists fired three times; on the third shot, Graves hit Cilley's femoral artery, causing fatal blood loss.

Aftermath. Cilley's death led to a funeral in the House chamber attended by high-ranking officials, including the President and Vice President. His colleagues responded by passing a federal law on February 20, 1839, which strengthened prohibitions against dueling in Washington, D.C. This act made it a crime to issue or accept a challenge within district limits, even if the duel itself occurred outside the district.