In the late affair of honor between Hon. L. W. Bliss, Acting Governor of this Territory; and Dr. J. S. Stone, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and present Judge of the Miner's Court in the Mountain City District; we purpose giving a true statement of facts as gleaned from the friends of the respective principals and through our own personal observation:--
    On Monday, the 5th inst., a party of gentlemen were gathered together at the Broadwell House, Denver, at a dinner given by Mr. Conklin. Dr. Stone happened at the door, was recognized, presented to the company by Mr. H. Gunnell, and took his seat at the board by courteous invitation.
    After the cloth had been removed numerous toasts were drank, when one was proposed by Gov. Bliss, reflecting personally on Dr. Stone. The latter instantly arose to his feet and said:--"Gov. Bliss, do you refer to me personally in that toast?" Gov. Bliss replied emphatically, "I do--Do you wish to see me?" The Dr. answered, "Not at present. I only wished to know whether that toast had reference to me." Gov. Bliss again responded, "It had reference to you, sir!" when Dr. Stone requested Capt. Wm. H. Bates to accompany him, and left the room. Gov. Bliss, anticipating the object of Dr. Stone's withdrawal, then approached Mr. E. W. Wynkoop and requested the latter, in whatever might be the result of the affair to act as his friend--accepting, and making any terms, or obligations for him as though he were personally present. During the afternoon Mr. Wynkoop was called upon by Capt. Bates and Col. Thos. H. Warren, and presented with a peremptory challenge from Dr. Stone and directed to Gov. Bliss, as follows:--

    "HON. L. W. BLISS; Sir,--At the public dinner table to-day, between the hours of one and three o'clock, you used language derogatory to the character of myself. I feel deeply agrieved at your remarks, and demand satisfaction at your hands. Capt. Wm. H. Bates and Col. Thos. H. Warren are my friends, to whom I would refer you.
                                                                                               J. S. STONE,
    Monday, 5th, 5 P. M."

    Mr. Wynkoop verbally accepted the challenge, and assured the friends of Dr. Stone that he would present them with a written acceptance on the following morning, after consultation with his principal. The next morning the following correspondence took place:--

                                                "TUESDAY MORNING, March 6th, 1860.
"CAPT. WM. H. BATES, AND
                       COL. THOS. H. WARREN:--
    "GENTS,--Last evening, you are aware, I received, as the representative and friend of Hon. L. W. Bliss, a hostile missive from Dr. Stone. My reply to you, verbally, was that I would be responsible for its acceptance, and when I could consult with my friend, Gov. Bliss, would give you a written answer to that effect. Upon consultation, Mr. Bliss desires me to state that he will be very happy to afford Dr. Stone the satisfaction he desires, on the following terms:--At thirty paces, with shot guns, loaded with ball--one or more shots, as circumstances may require. Time three o'clock P. M., Wednesday the 7th inst., on the banks of Cherry Creek, five hundred yards above the claim house of Mr. Clancy.
    "I remain, Gentlemen,
            Very respectfully, etc.,
                                                                       EDWARD W. WYNKOOP."

                                                                       "TUESDAY, 10 o'clock, A. M.
    "E. W. WYNKOOP, ESQ.,--Your missive in answer to ours of a previous date has been laid before our friend, and we will assure you that the propositions named therein will be complied with.
                                                                                     WM. H. BATES,
                                                                                     THOS. H. WARREN."

    Preliminary arrangements were then made by the seconds--J. B. Caven, Esq., had been selected to act with Mr. Wynkoop, as the friend of Gov. Bliss--and at three o'clock on Wednesday, the parties, together with a large concourse of citizens were on the ground selected--opposite Denver, on the north side of the Platte, to which place the meeting had been changed by mutual agreement.--Messrs. Stone, Bates and Warren, together with the respective surgeons, taking carriages, while Messrs. Bliss and Wynkoop arrived on foot. At fifteen minutes of three o'clock the parties were all present, and Dr. Drake McDowell, at the request of Mr. Wynkoop, read the Articles of Agreement, as follows:--

    "Hon. L. W. Bliss agrees to meet Dr. J. S. Stone on the following terms:--
    "1st.--The weapons shall be shot guns, loaded with a single ball, but one barrel loaded.
    "2d.--The distance shall be thirty paces.
    "3d.--The rendezvous shall be from three to five hundred yards below the Denver Bridge across the Platte, on the Highland side.
    "4th.--The time shall be three o'clock P. M., for the rendezvous on Wednesday, March 7th, 1860.
    "5th.--The principals shall stand face to face, and the word shall be:--'Are you ready'--Both shall reply 'ready,' or 'not ready,' within five seconds--'Fire-one-halt!' and either party firing either before or after the word shall be liable to be shot on the spot by the opposing second.
    "6th.--Both parties shall have the privilege of wearing their usual clothing, but they shall be subject to an examination by the opposing second, in order to ascertain if any undue advantage is taken, and no such advantage shall be allowed.
    "7th.--Either principal shall have the liberty of a second, a friend, and surgeons, but neither principal shall bear any weapons beyond those specified in Article 1st.
    "8th.--The seconds of either party shall toss for the choice of position and word.
    "9th.--The position of the principals shall be so arranged as to be as nearly equal as possible--that is, quartering to sun and wind.
    "10th.--The Second winning the word shall previously to giving it finally, give it to the principals in the same style and manner he intends at the moment of firing.
                [SIGNED.]                                               WM. H. BATES,
                                                                                  THOS. H. WARREN,
                                                                                  ED. W. WYNKOOP,
                                                                                  J. B. CAVEN."

    Upon the seconds tossing for the position and word, both advantages were gained by Dr. Stone. The ground was then paced--the principals stationed by their second--the word given, and the firing made, in exact accordance with the specifications--Dr. Stone firing about a second in advance of Gov. Bliss. Dr. Stone fell to the ground, supposed to be mortally wounded--the ball of his opponent entering the left thigh, penetrating the bladder, and passing through his entire body. The ball of Dr. Stone struck the ground some ten feet in advance of his opponent. Dr. Stone declining a second fire, the parties were then removed from the ground.
    The whole affair was conducted with much courtesy between the principals. The spectators were orderly and peaceable, without the slightest demonstration--just as though the matter was a familiar every-day occurrence, necessary and proper.
    With a few words relative to the bearing of the principals we will close our remarks.
    Dr. Stone and his party reached the ground some minutes before our arriving and we found him with one of his seconds walking back and forth across an open plat of prairie, on which the duel was afterward fought. He seemed admirably composed, and was talking cheerfully.
    Mr. Bliss arrived on foot a few minutes later. He entered a carriage, which was in waiting, for a few moments, and then in company with a friend paced back and forth across the little prairie point, until the preparations were completed. He seemed very cheerful, and in perfect composure.
    A last effort was made for a compromise, but upon consultation, the seconds of neither party had any proposition to make. At the appointed hour the principals took their stations. The sun which was obscured by flying clouds, was over Mr. Bliss' left shoulder. The wind was over Dr. Stone's left shoulder, and blowing in light fitful gusts, directly in the face of Mr. Bliss. Dr. Stone removed his coat and vest, leaving only a close fitting suit of dark cloth. Mr. Bliss wore a loose sack coat of brown cloth, buttoned down in front, but very loose and flowing. The word was given by Mr. Warren, two or three times in practice, when the arms were presented the combatants, the seconds and surgeons retired, and the final word given.
    The report of Dr. Stone's gun following immediately the word "fire," Mr. Bliss was an instant later, and perfectly distinct.
    The Doctor fell instantly, with a loud groan, and was immediately attended by the surgeons of both parties.
    The spectators numbered from six to eight hundred; were very quiet and orderly, and dispersed immediately after seeing the result.

Source:

Unknown, "The Late Duel," Weekly Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colorado, Wednesday, 14 March, 1860, page 2.