It's September 22nd, 1842, on a small island in the Mississippi River.

Two men stand facing each other, grasping broad swords at their sides.

James Shields and Abraham Lincoln.

The armed men are prepared to duel for their honor in the early morning shield.

Shields was offended by several recent letters to the editor, which appeared in the Sangamo

Journal, insulting letters for which Lincoln claims credit, although two were actually

penned by his close friend and future wife, Mary Todd.

Lincoln is here to protect her from public scorn.

Shield steps forward and calls out,

I require a full attraction of all offensive illusions used by you and these communications.

Lincoln might have apologized before now, but Shields September 17th note demanding

that Lincoln withdraw his printed barbs was itself insulting.

I am wholly opposed to doling and would do anything to avoid it that might not degrade

me in the estimation of myself and my friends, which you have assumed the facts of the case,

sir, I will not submit to such degridation.

Very well, let's get on with it.

I do not intend to hurt you unless I do so clearly in self-defense, though if it is necessary,

I could split you from the crown of your head to the end of your backbone.

Lincoln swings his broad sword through the air and cleaves a branch from a nearby tree.

Shields eyes widen, but he steals himself.

I cannot allow such lies as you wrote to stand.

You imply that I am full of conceit.

...