Book excerpt: Unique collection of never before published letters from Congressman Jonathan Cilley, his wife, Deborah, their children, and family members. One of the least publicized political crimes of the nineteenth century. A fascinating authentic narrative of a life of extraordinary potential tragically cut short because of political corruption. The death of Cilley in duel was the last duel fought east of the Mississippi and was instrumental in bringing duelling to an end in the United States.