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Report an IssueCasto-Metcalfe Duel
996
Ky 8,
On the Ohio River shore near here one of the last duels fought in Kentucky under the "code duello" took place on May 8, 1862, between William T. Casto, former Maysville mayor, and Col. Leonidas Metcalfe, U.S. Army, son of former Gov. Thomas Metcalfe. Colts rifles were used at 60 yards. On the first fire Casto was mortally wounded. Metcalfe was not hit. See over.
Cause of the Duel - The duel (see other side) climaxed a bitter Civil War episode. In Oct., 1861, Metcalfe was ordered to arrest 7 men, including Casto, for aiding the Confederates. They were sent north to Union prisons; all were later released, Casto in Feb., 1862. His belief that Col. Metcalfe was responsible for his arrest led Casto to challenge him to duel which ended his own life.