Robert W. Alston

Who is Robert W. Alston?

Robert W. Alston was a cotton planter who lived near Lake Miccosukee, Leon County, Florida. Alston was originally from Halifax County, North Carolina and came to Florida by way of Hancock County, Georgia.

Alston's son Augustus Alston entered a duel with George Taliafero Ward just north of Tallahassee prior to Ward entering the Civil War. Prince Achille Murat was serving as Ward's second and Dr. Randolph of Tallahassee was the attending physician. Alston shot Ward first, breaking his leg forcing Ward to the ground as Alston walked toward him, still shooting. Another shot broke George Ward's arm. When Alston got directly over Ward, Alston had no shots left while Ward still had one.

Augustus Alston evidently then folded his arms and declared, "I believe he will kill me after all." Ward fired his last shot and missed. Ward demanded more guns and insisted that Murat prop him up so that the contest might continue, but he fainted before his instructions could be carried out. It was later agreed to continue the duel, but before Ward recovered sufficiently to fight, Alston was killed in another duel, this time with General Leigh Read.