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 propose giving a true statement of facts as gleaned from the friends of the respective principals.
    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 was removed numerous toasts were drank, and one 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 emphatically replied, "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, 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 aggrieved at your remarks and demand satisfaction at your hands. Capt. Wm. H. Bates and Col. T. 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 as to preliminaries, with his principal. The next morning the following correspondence took place:--
                                                                        TUESDAY MORNING,}
                                                                                    March 6th, 1860.}
"CAPT. W. H. BATES, AND COL. T. 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 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, 500 yards above the claim house of Mr. Clancy. I remain, gentlemen
            Very Resp. &c.,
                                                                       E. 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.
                                                                                     W. H. BATES,
                                                                                     T. 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 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 to 3 o'clock the parties were all present when 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.
    2nd. The distance shall be 30 paces.
    3rd. 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 3 o'clock P. M. for the rendezvous on Wednesday, March 7, A. D. 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 ordinary clothing, but both parties 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 previous to giving it finally, give it to the principals in the same style and manner he intends at the moment of firing.
                                                                                  W. H. BATES,
                                                                                  T. H. WARREN,
                                                                                  E. 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 off--the principals stationed by their seconds--the word given, and the fire was 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 front 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 friends of the principals--the spectators were orderly and peaceable, without the slightest demonstration of applause or condemnation, just as though the matter was a familiar, every day occurrence, necessary and proper.

Source:

Unknown, "The Late Duel," Western Mountaineer, Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado, Wednesday, 14 March, 1860, page 2.