His courage was truly chivalrous, and he is remembered by
all who knew him, and yet live, as the man who never felt the
sensation of fear.
An unfortunate difficulty with a neighbor, Dr. Tolls, brought on a
personal rencontre. His antagonist was known to be brave and
physically powerful; but in this affair, Brashear, after receiving a
number of blows, wrested away his enemy's cane, and would soon have
had the better of the fight, but persons interposing prevented it.
"Doctor," said Brashear, "this is not the way for gentlemen to settle
their difficulties. As soon as I can bind up my head, which you have
battered pretty severely, I shall be in the street armed. If you are
as brave a man as your friends claim you to be, you will meet me there
prepared to fight me as a gentleman."
"In forty minutes from this time, if you please," said his enemy.
At the appointed time and place they met, each with his friend, and
each armed. When they had approached within ten paces, Brashear
stopped and said, "Are you ready?" Being answered in the affirmative,
"Then fire, sir; I scorn to take the first fire.
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