five in the morning
Duels were not so common as to blunt the sensibilities . On the contrary , they had begun to be generally deplored and condemned , a fact largely due to the bitterness resulting from a famous encounter which had taken place a year or so before between young Mr. Cocheran , the son of a rich landowner , and Mr. May -- the circumstances being somewhat similar , the misunderstanding having arisen at a ball in Washington over a reigning belle , during which Mr. May had thrown his card in Cocheran 's face . In this instance all the requirements of the code were complied with . The duel was fought in an open space behind Nelson 's Hotel , near the Capitol , Mr. Cocheran arriving at half-past five in the morning in a magnificent coach drawn by four white horses , his antagonist reaching the grounds in an ordinary conveyance , the seconds and the two surgeons on horseback . Both fired simultaneously , with the result that May escaped unhurt , while Cocheran was shot through the head and instantly killed . Public opinion , indeed , around Kennedy Square , was , if the truth be told , undergoing many and serious changes . For not only the duel but some other of the traditional customs dear to the old regime were falling into disrepute -- especially the open sideboards , synonymous with the lavish hospitality of the best houses .