It's January 15th, 1845 at Brown's Hotel in Beltsville, Maryland, 12 miles outside of Washington.

Democratic Congressman William Lounds Yancey of Alabama relaxes in the hotel parlor on the first floor.

His legs are propped up on a coffee table. He smokes a cigar and reads a newspaper surrounded by colleagues and friends.

Well, did you hear the news, boys? Yancey holds up a copy of the New York Tribune.

New York papers say on the talk of the town.

With a smile, Alabama Congressman Ruben Chapman holds up a different publication.

Don't believe everything you read, Yancey. This article says you're already dead.

Well, no doubt a wig editor indulging himself in wishful thinking.

Yancey seems to not have a care in the world, but just odd considering he's come to Beltsville on a bloody errand.

He's in town for a duel with a wig congressman from North Carolina named Thomas Klingman.

Yancey called Klingman dishonest on the floor of the house and Klingman demanded satisfaction.

They're set to meet on the dueling grounds in less than an hour's time.

Have you any fear, Mr. Yancey? From what I understand, Klingman doesn't even know how to use a pistol. A bit womanly, he is.

Yancey, though, is no stranger to violence. A few years back, he shot and killed his wife's uncle in a street brawl.

He was tried for murder, convicted of manslaughter, and served three months in jail before returning to Congress.

There, he insulted Klingman's character on the floor of the house. Yancey refused to retract his statements and Klingman issued the challenge.

One of Yancey's friends, an Alabama named A.B. Meek, raises his glass and offers a toast.

To Congressman Yancey, may his aim be true. Well, here, here.

Their toast is interrupted, though, when the front door of the hotel bursts open. A group of policemen flood inside.

Yancey and the rest leap to their feet, panic. There's no doubt who the police have come for.

Congressman Chapman leaps into action.

Mr. Yancey, take to the stairs. There's an exit up there.

...