There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned duel to make you glad you live in days of modern and more random violence.  In 1839, Reuben Ross, standing in for Alonzo B. Sweitzer, wounded Ben McCulloch in a duel. The dueling tradition was firmly ensconced in the early days of the Republice of Texas despite anti-dueling laws.  Sweitzer and McCulloch apparently got cross-wise in an earlier election contest and the bad blood continued on several Indian raids.  When Sweitzer issued a challenge through Ross, McCulluch refused because Sweitzer was not a “gentleman.”  Ross was an acceptable substitute and the two faced off at 40 paces with rifles.  McCulluch was permanently wounded in the arm  by Sweitzer – an experienced duelist.  The wound did not prevent him from serving as a general in the Confederate Army.  He was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge in northern Arkansas – the battle being notable for its use of Native American fighters.   Ross met his end in another duel.