Pvt.(CSA), John Brooke Mordecai

John Brooke was the second son of Augustus and Rosina Ursula "Young" Mordecai. His father died in 1847 at the age of 41. John Brooke attended the University of Virginia from 1858-1860 studying Law. He served in the Civil War in the 2nd Co., Richmond Howitzers, as did his two brothers, William Young and George Washington. During the War their family farm, "Rosewood", was often occupied by both Confederate and Union soldiers. On Friday, May 9, 1873, John Brooke was challenged to a duel with Page McCarty over the affections of a beautiful girl named Mary Triplett, whom they both loved. The two men were both wounded, McCarty by a shot to the hip and John Brooke by a shot in the stomach. McCarty eventually recovered, but would always suffer from his wounds. John Brooke's wound was more serious. He was taken to the house of his cousin, Edmund Trowbridge Dana Myers, where he lingered. His condition improved initially, but then turned for the worse and he died on the fourth day after the duel. His funeral was held at St. James Church on May 16, 1873. There was much talk and newspaper coverage of the duel and trials that followed. McCarty eventually was convicted, fined $500 and sentenced to prison. His failing health kept him out of jail, by order of the governor, but the physical and emotional punishment tormented McCarty throughout his life. The other participants eventually were all acquitted. Mary Triplett's name was never mentioned in any of the news stories concerning the duel. The code of chivalry did not permit the public linking of a woman's name with an affair of honor. She eventually married, but not to Page McCarty. Tragically, the woman whose beauty broke the hearts of two men, died of a heart attack at the age of 43.

Mordecai, John B. BATTLE UNIT NAME: L.F. Jones' Company, Virginia Artillery (2nd Company, Richmond Howitzers) SIDE: Confederacy COMPANY: SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Private ALTERNATE NAME: FILM NUMBER: M382 ROLL 39 PLAQUE NUMBER: NOTES: General Note - See also 1 Va Arty