On February 24 1838 Maine Congressman Jonathan Cilley was killed in Maryland by another Congressman from Kentucky in one of the last duels to take place in the United States. At the time dueling was not illegal but still Cilleyampamprsquos death was a shock to the nation. Before the duel fought with rifles at less than one hundred paces Cilley is believed to have said ampampldquoNew England must not be trampled on.ampamprdquo He fought for the honor of his name the honor of his home state and the stout patriotism he held all his life.This revealing biography considers Cilleyampamprsquos short life his early years in New Hampshire his time at Bowdoin College and his friendship with Nathaniel Hawthorn his marriage and political life the events that caused him to accept the duel challenge and the duel itself with its tragic aftermath.