jor Brooks was taken into custody. The latter denied the right of
the authorities to arrest him, asserting that he had done nothing of
sufficient weight to break his bond, and that he could not be again bound
over until the year of bondage had expired. The Major was some hours in
custody, but was at length released without promising anything. He was
no sooner at liberty than he sent a friend to Colonel Bolton, who
consented to a meeting for that very afternoon. This was on the 20th of
December, 1805. The place of rendezvous on this occasion was in a field
at the foot of Love-lane (now called Fairclough-lane), which was skirted
by it. The exact spot of meeting was in a field about half-way between
the present Boundary-street (then a narrow lane with hedges) and St.
Jude's Church. It was near Fielding's nursery ground, which occupied the
land now used as a timber-yard. It was quite dark when the combatants
arrived. Major Brooks was accompanied Mr. Forbes. Mr. Park, surgeon,
who resided at the corner of Newington-bridge, was taken up by Colonel
Bolton on his way to the place of meeting in his carriage. Mr. Harris
was Colonel Bolton's second. When the parties got over into the field it
was found that they could not see to load the pistols. It would then be
about six o'clock. Candles were therefore procured to enable them to
complete the necessary arrangements.

As soon as the combatants had taken the places allotted to them, Colonel
Bolton observed that, according to the laws of honour and duelling, the
Major was entitled to fire first. To this the Major assented, and fired
immediately, the shot passing harmlessly by the Colonel, who then fired
in his turn, hitting Major Brooks in the right eye. The Major instantly
fell and died. Colonel Bolton was hurried off and remained in
concealment for a short time. It was said that the firing of the pistols
was heard in Major Brooks' house at the corner of Daulby-street. An
inquiry was held, when a verdict of wilful murder was found, but in
consequence of the strong recommendations of Major Brooks's friends,
admitting that he was entirely to blame, and that his dreadful fate was
entirely brought on by himself, the matter passed over without further
notice, everyone admitting that Colonel Bolton had conducted himself with
the utmost forbearance as well as courage, and that he deserved the
highest encomiums for his gentlemanly and straightforward behaviour
throughout