HENRY    “GREY”   VICK

The Story of Henry Grey Vick has been told innumerable times since it happened but always as the love story of The Bride of Annandale . A fresh look at the duel from Henry's point of view will reveal nuanced layers of political, social, and personal issues that influenced the events leading to his death. Henry’s Story will demonstrate that

v The duel itself  was instigated by James Stith.

v HGV’s firing into the air at the count of one during the duel, shows his desire to both defend his honor and keep his promise to Helen.  That suggests his character is driven by beliefs and principles that are potentially burdened by the expectations of 1850’s society.

v The fact that HGV deliberately fired his weapon up into the sky at the count of one, while James Stith then aimed and fired directly at Henry, points to a  element of premeditation  that tells of a deeper motivation on Stith's part.