17 APRIL 1909, Page 17

THE DOUGLAS CAUSE.--THURLOW'S DUEL.

[To Tap EDITOR OP TSR " SPNOTATOIl."

SIR,—Your reviewer of my book on "The Douglas Cause" Says of one of my statements : "He makes Thurlow fight his duel with Stuart, not during the House of Lords' hearing, but while he as drawing up the appeal. For this he may have evidence, but his version differs from the traditional nne."—(Specfator, April 10th.) I should like to point out to Iliin that Lady Mary Coke enters in her Journal on January 17th, 1769 :— "Tuesday.— I was told the duel which was fought near me on Sunday morning was Mr. Stewart [Andrew Stuart] and Mr. Thurlow, two of the Lawyers concern'd in the famous law-suit between the Duke of Hamilton and Mr. Douglas. Stewart challenged Thurlow, which is thought extraordinary as the cause is still depending."—[Vol. III., p. 9.]

"The Douglas Cause" did not come before the House of Lords until January 19th, 1769.-1 am, Sir, &c.,

79 Great King Street, Edinburgh. A. FRANCIS STEUART.