Certificate of the Slaves on the Syrena
Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
H.R. 8, Proposing an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to Prohibit any Person who was Involved in a Duel from Holding Public Federal Office
- 3/5/1838
Description
In 1838, Representative William Graves of Kentucky shot and killed Representative Jonathan Cilley of Maine in a duel at the Bladensburg dueling grounds in Maryland. Although duels had been seen as demonstrations of bravery and honor, they became an unacceptable way to resolve disputes. Members of Congress introduced two amendments to forbid duelists from holding public office. Neither succeeded.
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 25466015
Full Citation: H.R. 8, Proposing an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to Prohibit any Person who was Involved in a Duel from Holding Public Federal Office; 3/5/1838; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, Record Group 233. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/hr-8-proposing-an-amendment-to-the-us-constitution-to-prohibit-any-person-who-was-involved-in-a-duel-from-holding-public-federal-office/, May 12, 2026]
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