of accusations and affidavits, Rutledge challenged Ellery to a duel, which he declined. Rutledge assaulted Ellery in January 1803, "publicly caning him and pulling him by the nose and ears". Although Rutledge vehemently maintained his innocence in the affair, he decided not to seek reelection in 1803 given the negative publicity. Death Christopher Ellery died in Middletown in 1840. He was buried in Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery in Newport. References 1768 births 1840 deaths Politicians from Newport, Rhode Island United States senators from Rhode Island Yale College alumni Rhode Island Democratic-Republicans Democratic-Republican Party United States senators