Walker had first gained national attention after…
1853 CE
Walker was the editor of the San Francisco Herald while Graham was a clerk in the employ of Judge R. N. Morrison.
Walker had criticized Graham and his colleagues in the newspapers, which angered Graham and prompted him to challenge Walker to a duel.
Graham is a notorious gunman and duelist in his time, having taken part in a number of duels and shootouts in the Old West.
Walker on the other hand, had had experience dueling with single-shot pistols at one time, but his duel with Graham was fought with revolvers.
The combatants met at Mission Dolores and each were given Colt Dragoons with five shots.
They stood face-to-face at ten paces, and at the signal of a referee aimed and tried to fire.
Graham managed to fire two bullets, hitting Walker in his pantaloons and his thigh, seriously wounding him.
Walker, though he tried a number of times to shoot his weapon during the duel, failed to fire even a single shot and Graham was left unscathed.
The duel ended when the wounded Walker conceded.
Graham was arrested but was quickly released.
The duel was recorded in The Daily Alta California.