he had killed Sparling,
instead of Sparling killing him"; and added, "whatever his opinions of
Mr. Sparling's conduct might be, he truly forgave him the injury he had
done him, in giving him his death-wound, and hoped, in the event of his
decease, that his friends would not prosecute him." Mr. Grayson
repeatedly said Mr. Sparling was an utter stranger to him, and that he
did not know him even by sight.

At that time counsel were not allowed to make any appeal to a jury for a
prisoner. Mr. Sparling's defence was therefore read by one of his
counsel, Mr. Park. It was very ably got up. He bitterly protested
against the outcry that had been made against him in public, from the
pulpit and by the press. He wholly denied bearing any malice towards Mr.
Grayson, and justified himself, declaring his act was a mere vindication
of his honour and good name, and that he had, in conjunction with Captain
Colquitt, repeatedly asked Mr. Grayson to withdraw his insulting words
and threatening speeches, but without avail, and the meeting was the
consequence of his obstinacy. He said of Mr. Grayson, as Mr. Grayson had
said of him, that he was an utter stranger to him. Captain Colquitt made
an able defence, wherein he justified himself and his conduct. A number
of gentlemen of high character and distinction spoke to the kindliness of
manner of Mr. Sparling at all times, and also of Captain Colquitt, and
completely exonerated them from the imputation of entertaining vindictive
or malevolent feelings. Amongst others who appeared for Mr. Sparling
were Sir Hungerford Hoskins, Captain Palmer, Rev. Jonathan Brooks, His
Worship the Mayor (William Harper, Esq.), Soloman D'Aguilar, Lord
Viscount Carleton, Major-General Cartwright, Lord Robert Manners, Lord
Charles Manners, Lord James Murray, Colonel M'Donald, and Major Seymour.
For Captain Colquitt many equally honourable gentlemen and officers in
His Majesty's service gave evidence in his favour.

The judge on summing up decidedly leaned towards the prisoners, and the
result was a verdict of "Not Guilty." The same jury was afterwards
empanelled to try Mr. Sparling, Captain Colquitt, and Dr. MacCartney on
another indictment, but no evidence being brought forward, they were all
acquitted.

Thus terminated a trial which created an immense amount of interest, not
only in Liverpool, but throughout the whole of the northern counties.

Before I relate the incidents of the second duel that took