Yesterday morning at half past six o'clock, an affair of honor took place between the Hon. A.W. Pichot, Judge of the Parish of Assumption, and Robert C. Martin, Esq., which resulted, upon the first exchange of shots, in the death of the former. The difficulty which led to this tragic meeting had its origin in the excitement which grew out of the appointment of Judge Pichot, in consequence of his not being a resident of the parish at the time it was made.

Judge Pichot was a native of Normandy, but emigrated to this country a great many years ago. He commenced life in the United States as a back woods man in the French settlements of Alabama. He shortly afterwards removed to this city and was for a time a teacher of Latin and Greek in the old Orleans College. He subsequently went to the bar. He had filled several offices of trust to the satisfaction of his constituents; was frequently elected to the municipal councils of this city, both before and after its division into municipalities. He was twice returned a member of the legislature from the city and parish of Orleans, and resigned his seat in the house of representatives to accept the office of Parish Judge of Assumption. He was much esteemed by his acquaintances for his intelligence and urbanity and has fallen a sacrifice to a custom that has, in the capricious use of words, dignified a practice of barbarous times by engulfing it upon the code of honor. His remains were yesterday afternoon taken to the grave by a large concourse of citizens amongst whom were out most distinguished citizens. Several military companies attended the hearse. Alas: how important are such displays in assuaging the widow's tears or healing the bruises of the orphan's heart. A more costly sacrifice has scarcely been offered on the blood-stained altar of honor.

Source: New Orleans Bee, April 30, 1842, Page 2, Column 2

Submitted by Bob Franks
 

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