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Chapter II (2)

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The place and time of meeting having been previously fixed, the parties arrived about half-past four in the morning, and took their ground at the distance of twelve short paces, measured off by the seconds, who delivered to each one pistol, keeping possession of the remaining arms.

General Stewart told Lord Macartney, he doubted, as his Lordship was short-sighted, he would not be able to see him. His Lordship replied, “he did perfectly well.” When the seconds had retired a little on one side, and as the parties were about to level, General Stewart observed to Lord Macartney, that his pistol was not cocked. His Lordship thanked him, and cocked. When they had levelled, General Stewart said “he was ready.” His Lordship answered, “he was likewise ready.” And they both fired within a few instants of each other. The seconds observing Lord Macartney to be wounded, stepped up to him, and declared the matter must rest here. General Stewart said, “this is no satisfaction;” and asked if his Lordship was not able to fire another pistol. His Lordship replied, “he would try with pleasure,” and urged Colonel Fullarton to permit him to proceed. The seconds, however, declared it was impossible, and they would on no account allow it. General Stewart said, “then I must defer it till another occasion;” on which his Lordship answered, “if that be the case, we had better proceed now. I am here in consequence of a message from General Stewart, who called upon me to give him satisfaction in my private capacity, for offence taken at my public conduct; and to evince that personal safety is no consideration with me, I have nothing personal: the General may proceed as he thinks fit.” General Stewart said, “it was his Lordship’s personal conduct to him that he resented.”

The seconds then put an end to all further conversation between the parties, neither of whom had yet quitted his ground; General Stewart, in consequence of his situation, having been under the necessity, from the first, of putting his back to a tree. The surgeons, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Home, who were attending at a little distance, were brought up by Colonel Fullarton. Colonel Gordon, in the mean time, assisted his Lordship in taking off his coat, and requested him to sit down, apprehending he might be faint through loss of blood. Colonel Gordon then left the ground, in company with General Stewart, and an easy carriage was provided to convey his Lordship home.

(Signed) W. FULLARTON.
A. GORDON.

BETWEEN COUNSELLOR HUTCHINSON AND LORD MOUNTMORRIS.
May, 1787.

On the 28th ult. a duel took place between Counsellor Hutchinson, third son to the Provost of the University of Dublin, and Lord Mountmorris, in consequence of some words spoken by the latter in the House of Lords, on Monday, the 23rd of April, of which his Lordship refused to give an explanation.

The parties met at Donnybrook; and the seconds having measured the ground, both fired at the same instant: when Lord Mountmorris fell, in consequence of a wound under the arm, and the seconds interposed to prevent farther bloodshed.

BETWEEN CHEVALIER LA B—— AND CAPTAIN S——.
June, 1787.

About three in the morning, on the 10th, a duel was fought between the Chevalier La B——, an officer in the French service, and Captain S—— of the 11th Regiment of Foot. The ground measured was five paces; and the first shot that was fired by Captain S—— took place on the Chevalier’s breast, but was fortunately prevented from penetrating by the intervention of his coat button; on which he fired his pistol into the air. The seconds interposed, and the combatants parted friends. The expression for which Captain S—— called out the Chevalier was to this effect—that the English army had more _phlegm_ than _spirit_.

BETWEEN SIR JOHN MACPHERSON AND MAJOR BROWNE.
September 10, 1787.

A duel took place in Hyde Park, between Sir John Macpherson and Major Browne. The parties met near Grosvenor-gate, about eleven o’clock. The pistols were loaded on the ground, and it was agreed they both should fire at the same time. They did so. Sir John received the Major’s second fire; but his own pistol missed fire. Colonel Murray, second to Sir John, then asked Major Roberts, who was second to Major Browne, if his friend was satisfied. Major Browne said he was satisfied that Sir John had behaved with great gallantry, and much like a man of honour. But some further explanation being required on the part of the Major, a third shot was exchanged. And then both parties quitting the ground, came up to each other, said a few words, and parted with salutations of civility.

Dublin, January 31, 1788.

This day Robert Keon, Esq., was brought up to the Court of King’s Bench, to receive sentence for the murder of George Nugent Reynolds, Esq.

The circumstances of this murder were as follow:—These two gentlemen went out to fight a duel; and when Mr. Reynolds, previously to coming to action, was in the act of saluting Mr. Keon, with his hat in his hand, wishing him a good morning, the latter fired his pistol, and shot him through the head. Upon this Mr. Plunket, Mr. Reynolds’s second, called out, “A horrid murder!” On which Mr. Keon’s brother replied, “If you don’t like it, take that,” and snapped his pistol at Mr. Plunket, which luckily did not go off. The jury found Mr. Keon “guilty” in November last; but his counsel moved an arrest of judgment, and pleaded several errors in the different proceedings, to stop the sentence. The Court, after the most solemn arguments, over-ruled all the objections, and passed sentence of death upon him, according to the verdict, and he was executed on the sixteenth of the following month.

BETWEEN HIS R. H. THE DUKE OF YORK AND COL. LENNOX.
May, 1789.

On the 17th instant, a duel took place between the Duke of York and Colonel Lennox. Lord Rawdon was second to the Duke of York, and the Earl of Winchilsea to Colonel Lennox.

The dispute originated in an expression of the Duke of York, that “Colonel Lennox had heard words spoken to him at Daubigny’s, to which no gentleman ought to have submitted.” This observation being repeated to Colonel Lennox, he took the opportunity, while his Royal Highness was on the parade to address him, desiring to know what were the words which he submitted to hear, and by whom they were spoken. To this his Royal Highness gave no other answer than by ordering him to his post. The parade being over, his Royal Highness went into the Orderly-room; and sending for the Colonel, intimated to him, in the presence of all the officers, that he desired to derive no protection from his rank as a prince, and his station as commanding officer; but that, when not on duty, he wore a brown coat, and was ready, as a private gentleman, to give the Colonel satisfaction.

After this declaration, Colonel Lennox wrote a circular letter to every member of the club at Daubigny’s, requesting to know whether such words had been used to him, and appointing a particular day for an answer from each; their silence to be considered as a declaration that no such words could be recollected.

On the expiration of the term limited for an answer to the circular letter, the Colonel sent a written message to his Royal Highness to this purport—that not being able to recollect any occasion on which words had been spoken to him at Daubigny’s, to which a gentleman ought not to submit, he had taken the step which had appeared to him most likely to gain information of the words to which his Royal Highness had alluded, and of the person who had used them; that none of the members of the club had given him information of any such insult being in their knowledge; and therefore he expected, in justice to his character, that his Royal Highness should contradict the report as publicly as he had stated it.

This letter was delivered to his Royal Highness by the Earl of Winchilsea; when, the answer returned not proving satisfactory, a message was sent to his Royal Highness desiring a meeting, and the time and place were settled that evening.

The meeting took place on Wimbledon Common. The Duke of York received Colonel Lennox’s fire, but did not fire himself; the ball from Colonel Lennox grazed his Royal Highness’s curl.

Some days after this Colonel Lennox made a requisition to the Duke of York, as Colonel of the Coldstream Regiment, that his Royal Highness would permit a call of the officers of that corps, in order that certain propositions touching his conduct and situation might be submitted to their consideration.

His Royal Highness informed the friend of Mr. Lennox,—that he could not possibly oppose any design which might tend to relieve Mr. Lennox from his present embarrassment. The meeting of this military convention was held at the Orderly-room; and after much deliberation, adjourned to the 1st of June; when, considerable discussion having taken place, the convention came to the following resolution:—“It is the opinion of the Coldstream Regiment, that subsequent to the 15th of May, the day of the meeting at the Orderly-room, Lieut.-Colonel Lennox has behaved with courage; but, from the peculiar difficulty of his situation, not with judgment.”

Colonel Lennox soon after exchanged his company in the Duke of York’s regiment, for the commission of Lieut.-Colonel in the 35th Regiment of Foot.

BETWEEN CAPT. E. PELLEW AND LIEUT. I. M. NORTHEY.
June, 1789.

A duel was fought at Exeter, in consequence of a previous dispute, between Captain Edward Pellew of the navy, and Lieutenant I. M. Northey. The former was attended to the field by Captain Reynolds; the latter, by his brother, Thomas Northey, Esq. The parties took their ground at twelve paces; and a signal being given, they both fired, when Lieutenant Northey’s ball passed through his opponent’s coat. A second signal being given, as agreed, both parties reserved their fire. An explanation between the friends took place, and the matter was settled to the satisfaction and honour of all parties. To prevent misrepresentation, the foregoing account is published by the seconds.

BETWEEN CAPT. TONGUE AND CAPT. PATERSON.
June 19, 1789.

A duel was fought between Captain Tongue, of his Majesty’s 6th Regiment, and Captain Paterson, in the East India Company’s military service, in which Captain Tongue was wounded in the side.

The cause of the quarrel originated in the street. Captain Tongue acknowledged himself the aggressor.

BETWEEN COL. LENNOX AND THEOPHILUS SWIFT, ESQ.
July 1, 1789.

This evening, in consequence of some expressions reflecting on the character of Lieut.-Colonel Lennox, published in a pamphlet, with the name of Theophilus Swift, Esq., Colonel Lennox called on Mr. Swift, and demanded satisfaction.

They met in a field near the Uxbridge-road, attended by Sir William Augustus Browne and Lieut.-Colonel Phipps. Ten paces were measured by the seconds; and it was agreed that Lieut.-Colonel Lennox should fire first. The parties having taken their ground, Colonel Lennox asked if Mr. Swift was ready. On his answering that he was, Colonel Lennox fired, and the ball took place in the body of Mr. Swift, whose pistol, on his receiving the wound, went off without effect. The parties then quitted the ground.

It is but just to say, that both gentlemen behaved with the utmost degree of coolness and intrepidity. Mr. Swift has since recovered from his wound.

BETWEEN J. P. CURRAN, ESQ., M.P., AND MAJOR HOBART.L
April 1, 1790.

A duel was fought in Luttrelstown, between J. P. Curran, Esq., M.P., and Major Hobart, secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, occasioned by some words spoken in Parliament.

The meeting was at the Hermitage, one of Lord Carhampton’s seats. Mr. Curran was attended by Mr. Egan; Major Hobart, by Lord Carhampton. Being put to their ground, and having agreed to fire as they chose, Mr. Curran fired first, without effect; whereupon Major Hobart said, he hoped Mr. Curran was satisfied. Mr. Egan then called out to Major Hobart that he had not fired, as did Mr. Curran. The Major advancing a step or two towards Mr. Curran, repeated what he had said before. Mr. Curran replied, “I am sorry, Sir, you have taken this advantage; but you have made it impossible for me not to be satisfied.”

BETWEEN SIR GEORGE RAMSAY AND CAPTAIN MACRAE.
Edinburgh, April 15, 1790.

A duel was fought yesterday, near this city. The parties were Sir George Ramsay and Captain Macrae. The circumstances are as follows:—

A servant of Sir George’s, keeping a chair at the door of the Edinburgh Theatre, was ordered by Captain Macrae to remove it. On his objecting, some words ensued; and the fracas concluded in Captain Macrae chastising the servant very severely.

Meeting the next day with Sir George Ramsay, he insisted on his dismissing the man from his service. This was refused, on the ground, that whatever was the misconduct of the servant, he had already received a sufficient punishment.

A challenge was the immediate consequence of this refusal. The parties met on Musselborough Links, Sir George Ramsay accompanied by Sir William Maxwell, and Captain Macrae by Mr. Hay.

The former fired first, but without effect; Captain Macrae returned the fire, and lodged his ball near the heart of his antagonist. Sir George languished in much agony until Friday morning, when he expired. He was a gentleman of the most amiable character and disposition; and had but lately married a beautiful young lady, the sister of Lord Saltoun.

Captain Macrae and his second immediately fled. The poor fellow, on whose account this duel happened, no sooner heard of his master’s fate than he fell into strong convulsions, and died in the course of a few hours.

July, 1790.

On Monday, the High Court of Justiciary met at Edinburgh, for the trial of James Macrae, of Hollmains, indicted at the instance of the Hon. Lady Ramsay, and Sir William Ramsay, of Banff, Bart., and of his Majesty Advocate, for the murder of the late Sir George Ramsay, Bart., on the 14th of April last. Mr. Macrae not having appeared to stand trial, sentence of fugitation (outlawry) was pronounced against him.

BETWEEN MR. STEPHENS AND MR. ANDERSON.
Margate, Sept. 21, 1790.

Yesterday a duel was fought at Kingsgate, between Mr. Stephens, son of Philip Stephens, Esq., Secretary to the Admiralty, and a Mr. Anderson.

It originated in such a trifling circumstance as a dispute about the shutting of a window in the public rooms. The parties fired each a pistol without effect; but at the second fire Mr. Anderson’s ball entered between Mr. Stephens’s under lip and chin; and passing to the jugular vein in the neck, occasioned his almost instantaneous death.

Mr. Anderson was apprehended soon after; and this day the coroner’s inquest sat on the body, and brought in their verdict “manslaughter.”

The bill of indictment afterwards presented against Mr. Anderson for murder, in his unhappy meeting with Stephens, was unanimously thrown out as frivolous and unfounded, by the grand jury at Dover.

BETWEEN CAPT. H. ASTON AND LIEUT. FITZGERALD.
June 25, 1790.

A duel was fought between Captain Harvey Aston, and Lieutenant Fitzgerald of the 60th Regiment of Foot. The cause of the dispute happened at Ranelagh; but so long before the challenge, that it was imagined all idea of hostility had ceased. A field belonging to Chalk Lodge Farm, near Hampstead, was the chosen spot, and break of day the time appointed. Lord Charles Fitzroy was the second to Captain Aston, and Mr. Hood was second to Lieutenant Fitzgerald.

Ten yards was the ground measured; and Mr. Fitzgerald had the first fire. He rested his pistol on the left arm, and took aim accordingly. The ball took a direction so as to glance on Mr. Aston’s wrist, and passed from thence under his right cheek bone, and through the neck. On receiving this wound, Captain Aston called to his antagonist,—“Are you satisfied?” The answer returned was, “I am satisfied.” Captain Aston then retired from the ground, and was assisted to his carriage. Happily the wound is not likely to prove mortal.

BETWEEN MR. GRAHAM AND MR. JULIUS.
July 19, 1791.

An unfortunate rencontre took place this morning upon Blackheath, between Mr. Graham, an eminent special pleader, of the Temple, and Mr. Julius, a pupil in the office of Messrs. Graham, attorneys, of Lincoln’s Inn, who are brothers of the former.

The parties had dined together at the house of Mr. Black, the surveyor, upon Epping Forest, on Sunday; and after dinner, having drunk freely, one of them expressing some free opinions _concerning religion_!!! much abrupt language passed between them. They were reconciled, however, on that day, and returned to town in the same carriage.

On Monday, they met again after dinner, at the chambers of Mr. Graham, Lincoln’s Inn, the brother of the deceased, where the dispute was unfortunately renewed, though apparently without malignity. No challenge was given that night; but in the morning, the deceased called upon Mr. Julius for an apology for some expression; which being refused, they went out together, Mr. Graham attended by Mr. Ellis, and Mr. Julius by Mr. Maxwell. A pupil of an eminent surgeon attended them to Blackheath, where Mr. Graham fell by a shot which passed almost through the lower part of the belly. He was brought to town in a post-chaise, and the exertions of the most eminent of the faculty were in vain used for his relief; the ball having laid open the femoral artery, and it being impossible to stop the discharge of blood, he expired in the afternoon of the next day.

Mr. Graham was a gentleman of considerable eminence in his profession, and of an esteemed character in private life.

Mr. Julius is the son of a very respectable attorney at St. Kitt’s, and is said not to have been the least to blame in this quarrel.

BETWEEN MR. FRIZELL AND MR. CLARK.
June, 1792.

A duel was yesterday morning fought in Hyde Park, between Mr. Frizell and Mr. Clark, both students of the law. Mr. Montgomery was second to Mr. Frizell, and Mr. Evans to Mr. Clark.

On Thursday night, these four gentlemen were in company at the Cecil-street Coffeehouse, where Mr. Frizell lodged. They drank till one in the morning, when Mr. Frizell declaring he could drink no longer, Mr. Clark said, with some warmth,—it was using his friends very ill, but that it was not the first time he had behaved so; for that at Chatham he had quarrelled with all the officers, and particularly with his friend Lieutenant Hixon, of the 14th Regiment, and that he had the character of a fighting man. Mr. Frizell replied,—that he did not mean to give offence; but if anything that he had said, could be so construed, he was ready to give Mr. Clark satisfaction,—and then went to bed.

Mr. Clark insisted, that these words were a direct challenge, and appealed to the other gentlemen, who declared that they did not consider them in that light. Mr. Clark, however, went up to Mr. Frizell’s room, and insisted on his meeting him in five minutes. Mr. Frizell immediately dressed himself, and went down stairs, where he said, before all the parties, that if Mr. Evans and Mr. Montgomery were of opinion that he had been guilty of any improper conduct, he would apologize for it to Mr. Clark. But that gentleman said he would accept of no apology, and insisted that he should meet him in Hyde Park in an hour from the time,—three o’clock.

It was then settled that Mr. Evans and Mr. Montgomery should be the seconds. And after these gentlemen had in vain endeavoured to make up the difference, Mr. Clark, accompanied by Mr. Evans, went out for pistols. Mr. Clark procured a brace, which he loaded, and observing that Mr. Frizell had not got pistols, gave him one of his.

When they got to the ground, they stood at the distance of ten yards, and tossed up for the first fire, which was won by Mr. Clark, whose ball penetrated Mr. Frizell’s collar-bone. He fell, and as he was falling, his pistol went off. Mr. Montgomery, not supposing him dead, ran for a coach, to convey him to a surgeon’s; but on his return found Mr. Frizell had expired. Mr. Clark and Mr. Evans were standing by the body, and were surrounded by some soldiers, who refused to let them go until their sergeant came to them. The sergeant (who had previously been to Knightsbridge barracks, to consult his officer, Captain Hill, what was to be done) presently appeared, and set them at liberty; when the body was put into a coach, into which they all got, and drove off. In Piccadilly, Mr. Clark and Mr. Evans got out, and have not since been heard of.

Mr. Frizell and Mr. Clark were natives of Ireland, as were the two seconds. They were all young men. The coroner’s inquest has since sat on the body of Mr. Frizell, and brought in their verdict, “wilful murder.”

BETWEEN MR. KEMBLE AND MR. AIKIN.
March, 1792.

Contrary to dramatic custom, a duel was fought in a field near Marylebone, between Mr. Kemble and Mr. Aikin, of Drury-lane Theatre, in consequence of a dispute respecting certain dramatical arrangements which Mr. Aikin conceived to be injurious to him.

Mr. Aikin discharged his pistol without effect, and the parties were happily reconciled without proceeding further. They had no seconds; but Mr. Bannister, sen., attended as their common friend, a circumstance that clearly showed how little comedians are acquainted with the punctilios of honour.

BETWEEN THE EARL OF LONSDALE AND CAPTAIN CUTHBERT, OF THE GUARDS.
June 9, 1792.

An affair of honour took place early this morning, between the Earl of Lonsdale, and Captain Cuthbert of the Guards, which, after the discharge of a brace of pistols on each side, terminated without injury to either party. Lord Lonsdale’s last shot would probably have been fatal if the ball had not luckily struck a button of Captain Cuthbert, which repelled it. The seconds then interfered, and matters were amicably adjusted. The circumstances which led to this hazardous decision were as follows:—

Captain Cuthbert, in order to obviate all increasing disturbance in Mount-street, had directed that no carriage should be suffered to pass that way. Lord Lonsdale, who came in his carriage to Mount-street, was consequently obstructed; and finding the impediment insuperable, his temper was somewhat ruffled. Addressing himself, therefore, to Captain Cuthbert, he exclaimed, “You rascal, do you know that I am a peer of the realm?” The Captain immediately replied, “I don’t know that you are a peer; but I know you are a scoundrel, for applying such a term to an officer on duty; and I will make you answer for it.” A meeting, of course, took place, and concluded as stated.

BETWEEN LORD LAUDERDALE AND GENERAL ARNOLD.
July 2, 1792.

Lord Lauderdale attended by the Right Hon. Charles James Fox, and General Arnold with Lord Hawke as his friend, had a meeting near Kilburn Wells, to terminate a misunderstanding which it was found impossible to conciliate.

Lord Lauderdale received the General’s fire unhurt, when, his Lordship declining to return the shot, the seconds retired for about ten minutes, and the result was the finishing of the affair. The noble Earl, upon being desired to fire, observed that he did not come there to fire at the General, nor could he retract the offensive expressions; if General Arnold was not satisfied, he might fire till he was. A like rencontre took place a few days before between the noble Earl and the Duke of Richmond.

BETWEEN MONS. CHAUVIGNY AND MONS. C. LAMETH.
November 8, 1792.

This affair, which originated in a difference of opinion, had been undecided for two years. It appears that M. de Chauvigny, having learned the arrival of his antagonist in this country, gave him a meeting, and proposed to fight him, which the latter assented to. The parties fought in a field near the place of Mons. Lameth’s residence, and he was dangerously wounded in the belly. The affair ended by both declaring themselves satisfied, and giving their word of honour that the matter was finally adjusted.

The seconds were, for Mons. Chauvigny, the Duke de Pienne and the Count de Chabanc; and for Mons. Lameth, the Duke d’Aiguillon and Mr. Maselet.

BETWEEN MR. PUREFOY AND COLONEL ROPER.
Maidstone, August 14, 1794.

At these assizes this day, Mr. Thomas Purefoy was indicted for the “wilful murder” of Colonel Roper in a duel, which took place on the 21st of December, 1788. The interval which had occurred between that time and the prosecution, was not assignable to the prosecutor, as Mr. Purefoy had, for the greater part of the time, been out of the kingdom.

In 1787, Major Roper was commander-in-chief of the island of St. Vincent, and Mr. Purefoy was Ensign in the 66th Regiment. The latter having obtained leave of absence, had a festive day with some of the junior officers, in which they committed such excesses as occasioned a complaint to Major Roper, by whom the leave of absence was recalled. The remonstrances of Mr. Purefoy were made in such a style, as to induce Major Roper to bring him to a court-martial. By their verdict he was declared to have forfeited his commission; and this verdict was afterwards confirmed by his Majesty. This was the origin of the dispute, which had afterwards such a fatal termination.

The evidence, particularly that of General Stanwix, the second to Colonel Roper, was extremely favourable to the prisoner; who being called upon for his defence, said, that he had entertained no malice against the deceased; he had been led by a call of honour, or, more properly speaking, driven by the tyranny of custom, to an act, which in early life had embittered his existence; but without which, he was taught to believe that he should lose all the consideration which society could afford. The last challenge, he observed, had come from Colonel Roper; and, as some expiation of his offence, he had already suffered six years of exile, and nine months of close confinement. The latter part of this address was read from a written paper, by Mr. Erskine, the feelings of Mr. Purefoy being such as to overpower his utterance.

The prisoner called nine gentlemen to his character, most of whom had known him from early life. They all spoke to the general mildness of his character, and the good-humoured ease and aversion to quarrel which marked his general deportment. After a charge by the Judge, Mr. Baron Hotham, the jury, without hesitation, returned their verdict “not guilty.”

BETWEEN MAJOR SWEETMAN AND CAPTAIN WATSON.
January 12, 1796.

In consequence of a dispute at the Opera House, on Saturday evening, between Major Sweetman, of the Independents, and Captain Watson, of the 90th Regiment; these gentlemen, attended by their seconds and surgeons, met near Cobham.

The combatants were posted by the seconds at the distance of ten yards; but Major Sweetman, who was short-sighted, complaining that he could not see clearly, Captain Watson called out to him to advance till he was satisfied: he advanced to within four yards, when both parties fired together. Captain Watson’s ball went in at Major Sweetman’s right breast and came out at his left; he fell, and instantly expired. Captain Watson was wounded in the upper part of the thigh, but is in a fair way of recovery, the ball having been extracted.

March 20, 1796.

This day came on at Kingston assizes, the trial of Captain Brereton Watson, for the “murder” of Major Sweetman in a duel, which took place in January, at Cobham.

Captain Watson, still very ill of his wounds, was carried on a sofa covered with black into court. The surgeons refusing to be examined, through fear of being implicated in the crime with which the prisoner was charged, the trial was very short; and the result was, that Captain Watson was acquitted.

BETWEEN MR. RICHARD ENGLAND AND MR. ROWLLS.
February 19, 1796.

Mr. Richard England was put to the bar at the Old Bailey, charged with the “wilful murder” of Mr. Rowlls, brewer, of Kingston, in a duel at Cranford-bridge, June 18, 1784.

Lord Derby, the first witness, gave in evidence that he was present at Ascot races. When in the stand upon the race-course, he heard Mr. England cautioning the gentlemen present not to bet with the deceased, as he neither paid what he lost nor what he borrowed. On which Mr. Rowlls went up to him, called him rascal, or scoundrel, and offered to strike him; when Mr. England bid him stand off, or he would be obliged to knock him down; saying, at the same time, “We have interrupted the company sufficiently here, and if you have anything further to say to me, you know where I am to be found.” A further altercation ensued; but his Lordship being at the other end of the stand, did not distinctly hear it, and then the parties retired. Lord Dartrey, now Lord Cremorne, and his lady, with a gentleman, were at the inn at the time the duel was fought. They went into the garden and endeavoured to prevent the duel; several other persons were collected in the garden. Mr. Rowlls desired his Lordship and others not to interfere; and on a second attempt of his Lordship to make peace, Mr. Rowlls said, if they did not retire, he must, though reluctantly, call them impertinent. Mr. England at the same time stepped forward, and took off his hat; he said, “Gentlemen, I have been cruelly treated; I have been injured in my honour and character; let reparation be made, and I am ready to have done this moment.” Lady Dartrey retired. His Lordship stood in the bower of the garden until he saw Mr. Rowlls fall. One or two witnesses were called, who proved nothing material.

A paper, containing the prisoner’s defence, being read, the Earl of Derby, Marquis of Hertford, Mr. Whitbread, jun., Colonel Bishopp, and other gentlemen, were called to his character. They all spoke of him as a man of decent gentlemanly deportment, who, instead of seeking quarrels, was studious to avoid them. He had been friendly to Englishmen while abroad, and had rendered some service to the military at the siege of Newport.

Mr. Justice Rooke summed up the evidence; after which the jury retired for about three quarters of an hour, when they returned a verdict of “manslaughter.”

The prisoner having fled from the laws of his country for twelve years, the Court was disposed to show no lenity. He was therefore sentenced to pay a fine of one shilling, and to be imprisoned in Newgate twelve months.

BETWEEN LORD MALDEN AND THE DUKE OF NORFOLK.
April 30, 1796.

In consequence of a publication, addressed by Lord Malden to the inhabitants of the borough of Leominster, the Duke of Norfolk, accompanied by Captain Wombwell, of the 1st West York regiment of Militia, and Lord Malden, accompanied by Captain Taylor, Aid-de-camp to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, met on Saturday morning, in a field beyond Paddington.

The parties having taken their ground, and the word being given by one of the seconds, they fired without effect. The seconds then thought proper to offer their interference; and in consequence of a conversation which passed while the parties were on the ground, a reconciliation was effected.

BETWEEN LORD VALENTIA AND HENRY GAWLER, ESQ.
June 28, 1796.

A duel was fought in a field within three miles of Hamburgh, between Lord Valentia and Henry Gawler, Esq. They left England with their seconds and surgeons, for the express purpose of fighting. They fired together. Mr. Gawler’s ball took place; it entered his Lordship’s breast bone, and lodged near the neck. It was extracted on the field; and he is considered to be out of danger. Lord Valentia’s ball passed through Mr. Gawler’s hat.

The affair between Mr. Gawler and Lady Valentia was the subject of the dispute.

BETWEEN MR. WM. CARPENTER AND MR. JOHN PRIDE.
Aug. 20, 1796.

This morning a duel was fought in Hyde Park, between Mr. William Carpenter and Mr. John Pride, both Americans, in which Mr. Carpenter received his antagonist’s ball in the side, which penetrated nearly through his body; and, notwithstanding it was immediately extracted, he died soon after.

The coroner’s jury afterwards sat upon the body, and brought in their verdict “wilful murder.”

BETWEEN LIEUT. FITZGERALD AND LIEUT. WARRINGTON.
May 4, 1797.

In consequence of a quarrel which happened in the theatre at Plymouth, on the Friday evening preceding, between Lieutenant Fitzgerald, of the Marines, and Lieutenant Warrington, of the 25th Regiment, they met, accompanied by their seconds, to settle the business. They exchanged shots without effect; but on the second fire Lieutenant Fitzgerald’s ball wounded Lieutenant Warrington in the side, after which the business terminated.

BETWEEN CAPT. SMITH AND LIEUT. FRANCIS BUCKLEY.
August 5, 1797.

Killed in a duel with Captain Smith, of the same regiment, Lieutenant Francis Buckley, of the Loyal British Fencibles, in the island of Jersey.

After exchanging several shots, the deceased received his antagonist’s ball in his right side, and died almost instantly.

The cause of this unfortunate affair is said to have arisen from a quarrel between Capt. Smith and the deceased; in which the former received a blow from the latter, who imagined that very improper language had been made use of towards him.

He has left a wife and two infant children, a brother (a lieutenant in the same regiment), and aged parents, to lament his untimely fate.

BETWEEN COLONEL KING AND COLONEL FITZGERALD.
October, 1797.

About four weeks before, the Hon. Miss King, who lived with her mother, Lady Kingsborough, eloped from Windsor. There were many circumstances attending the elopement which led to a suspicion of the person who had seduced her from her duty.

Colonel Fitzgerald, who is married to a very beautiful lady, and is second cousin to Miss King, had been very attentive to her for some time; and, it appears, had previously found means to lead her astray. She was very young, being now only sixteen years of age; and her habits of life had been such as to leave her more uninformed of the vicious habits of the world than happens to most young people, even at that early age.

Colonel Fitzgerald was at length attacked by her friends as being accessory to her elopement. But he was at first extremely indignant, and threatened to fight any person who should accuse him. The afflicted parent, by the advice of friends, had at length recourse to the newspapers; and after having repeatedly advertised in vain for her daughter, was induced to offer a reward of a hundred guineas for her recovery. It was in consequence of the reward offered, that a young woman, daughter of the mistress of the house where the young lady was concealed, in Clayton-street, Kennington, discovered Miss King and her seducer.

As soon as Lord Kingsborough, who was in Ireland, heard of the fate of his daughter, he came to England with his son, Colonel King; and the first step was to find out Colonel Fitzgerald, which was not done without some difficulty, as they were determined to call him to a personal and severe account.

Lord Kingsborough wrote to his friend, Major Wood, at Ashford, requesting his immediate attendance in town. As soon as he arrived a meeting was appointed, and a duel took place, of which the following particulars are given by Major Wood to a friend:—

“Fladong’s Hotel, Oxford-street, October 1, 1797.

“MY DEAR FRIEND,

“I SHALL, without preface, enter at once into the affair, which I mentioned to you was to take place this morning, and ‘nothing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice.’

“Agreeably to an arranged plan, I accompanied Colonel King to a spot near the Magazine in the Park. Colonel Fitzgerald we met at Grosvenor-gate, unaccompanied by a friend, which, by the way, he told me yesterday he feared he should not be able to provide, in consequence of the odium which was thrown upon his character; at the same time observing, ‘That he was so sensible of my honour, that he was perfectly satisfied to meet Colonel King unattended by a friend.’ I decidedly refused any interference on his part, informing him ‘That had not nearer relations of the —— been on the spot, he would have seen me as a principal.’ He replied, ‘He would try to procure a friend,’ and withdrew. I addressed him this morning by ‘Where is your friend, Sir?’ Answer (as well as I recollect), ‘I have not been able to procure one; I rest assured that you will act fairly.’ I then desired him to apply to his surgeon, which he immediately did, who refused appearing as a second, but said he would be in view. Colonel King was equally desirous to go on with the business. I consented. However, I prevailed upon a surgeon, who accompanied Dr. Browne, to be present as a witness that all was fairly conducted. It was no common business. I placed them at ten short paces’ distance from each other. That distance I thought too far. But I indulged a hope that Colonel Fitzgerald, sensible of the vileness of his conduct, would, after the first fire, have thrown himself on Colonel King’s humanity. His conduct was quite the reverse. In short, they exchanged six shots without effect. King was cool and determined. The other also was determined; and, to appearance, obstinately bent on blood. After the fourth shot he said something to me about giving him advice as a friend. I told him I was no friend of his, but that I was a friend to humanity, that, if after what had passed, he possessed firmness enough to acknowledge to Colonel King that he was the vilest of human beings, and bear without reply any language from Colonel King, however harsh, the present business, then, perhaps, might come to a period. He consented to acknowledge that he had acted wrongly, but no farther. That was not enough. He now attempted to address Colonel King, who prevented him by saying,—that he was a d—d villain, and that he would not listen to anything he had to say.

“They proceeded. Colonel Fitzgerald’s powder and balls were now expended. He desired to have one of King’s pistols. To this I would not consent, though pressed to do so by my friends. Here ended this morning’s business. We must meet again. It cannot end here. I have only to add, that nothing could exceed the firmness and propriety of Colonel King’s conduct, through every stage of this business.

“I am, my dear friend, very truly yours,

“ROBERT WOOD.

“P.S.—On leaving the ground Colonel Fitzgerald agreed to meet Colonel King at the same hour to-morrow.

“Both the colonels, the same day, were put under arrest.”

December 12, 1797.

Yesterday, intelligence was received in town of the death of Colonel Fitzgerald, who was lately guilty of a most shameful and dishonourable act in the family of the present Earl of Kingston, by seducing a daughter of that much respected nobleman, to whom he was allied, and in whose family he had been a constant visitor. He met with his death in the following manner:—

After the discovery of this unfortunate criminal intercourse, which occurred in England, and in consequence of which a duel had taken place between the brother of the young lady (who is now Lord Kingsborough) and the deceased Colonel Fitzgerald, she was removed to the country residence of her noble father, now the Earl of Kingston, at Mitchelstown, near Kilworth, in this kingdom. The deceased, feeling no remorse for what he had done, in dishonouring by the most artful stratagems an illustrious family, had the audacity and hardihood to follow the young lady to Ireland; it is supposed, with a view to wrest her by violence from her parents; and for this purpose, took lodgings at an inn in Kilworth.

The Colonel had been there some days before his arrival at Kilworth was known, or the object of his expedition was discovered. He was observed to walk out in the night, and conceal himself in the day, and the servants at length noticed him lurking about Mitchelstown House at unseasonable hours. Intelligence having reached Lord Kingsborough, who had had the duel with the Colonel, and resolved to defeat his antagonist’s project, he left his father’s house, and went to Kilworth, where, having inquired if that gentleman was in the house, and being informed he was, he went to the apartment he was directed to, which the colonel lodged in. Lord Kingsborough rapped at the door, requiring admittance. The Colonel, knowing his voice, replied, that he was locked in, and could not open the door; but if he had anything to say to him, he would receive it in writing under the door. This enraged the young nobleman, and he forced open the door, and running to a case of pistols in the room, took one, and desired the Colonel to take the other, and defend himself, as he was resolved to have satisfaction for the scheme the deceased had formed against his sister, and which he came to this place to put into execution. On both seizing the pistols, they grappled with each other, and were struggling when the Earl of Kingston, who had been apprised of his son’s departure in pursuit of the Colonel, and quickly followed the young lord, entered the room; and finding them in the contest, and that his son must lose his life, from the situation the deceased had him in, the Earl fired upon the Colonel, not, we believe, with an intention to kill him, though his aggravation was great. The shot, however, took effect, and the Colonel lost his life, but not lamented by any one who has heard of his very dishonourable conduct in this affair.

When Miss King was taken by her father from England, on account of her disgrace, it was discovered, on her arrival in Dublin, that the servant-maid, who accompanied her, favoured the views of the seducer. On her consequent dismissal from the service she returned to England, and was the bearer of a private letter to Colonel Fitzgerald, the contents of which were, it is said, sufficient to induce the Colonel, even at the risk of his life, to make an effort to regain the young lady. But his finances not enabling him to undertake the journey, he borrowed a sum of money of an amiable woman, who ought to have been most dear to him, under the pretence of making a visit to Dorsetshire. Thus accommodated, he set out for the sister kingdom, and arrived at the village of Kilworth, near Mitchelstown, the residence of the noble family, and the place where the young lady was then kept, whose conduct was then watched with particular vigilance.

BETWEEN THE RIGHT HON. W. PITT AND G. TIERNEY, ESQ.
May 21, 1798.

In consequence of some expressions made use of by Mr. Pitt in the House of Commons on the Friday previous, Mr. Pitt, accompanied by Mr. Rider, and Mr. Tierney, accompanied by Mr. George Walpole, met at three o’clock in the afternoon on Putney Heath.

After some ineffectual attempts on the part of the seconds to prevent farther proceedings, the parties took their ground at the distance of twelve paces. A case of pistols was fired at the same moment without effect. A second case was also fired in the same manner. Mr. Pitt having fired his pistol in the air, the seconds jointly interfered, and insisted that the matter should go no farther, it being their decided opinion that sufficient satisfaction had been given, and that the business was ended with perfect honour to both parties.

BETWEEN COL. HARVEY ASTON AND MAJOR ALLEN.
December 23, 1798.

Died, at Madras, in consequence of a wound which he received in a duel with Major Allen, of which he languished about a week, Colonel Harvey Aston.

He had been engaged in a similar affair of honour, and on the same account, with Major Picton only the day preceding that on which he met Major Allen; but which was fortunately terminated by each party firing in the air, and a proper explanation taking place as to the offence.

BETWEEN MESSRS. COOLAN AND MORCAN.
Dublin, March 13, 1800.

This morning two students of our University, Messrs. Coolan and Morcan, in consequence of an unhappy dispute the preceding evening, met in the fields near Harcourt-street. They fired at the same moment, when Mr. Coolan’s shot unfortunately took place in the temple of his antagonist, and killed him on the spot. The surviving combatant has been expelled the college, and the two seconds have been rusticated.

BETWEEN J. CORRY, ESQ. AND —— NEWBURGH, ESQ.
May 10, 1800.

Yesterday a meeting took place on Drumcondra-road, between James Corry, Esq., of Lurgan-street, and —— Newburgh, Esq., in consequence of a dispute, and, as alleged, the provocation of a blow given by the latter to the former. The latter gentleman was accompanied on the ground by Captain Warring of the 24th Dragoons, as his second; the other by Mr. Weir, one of the attorneys.

Having taken their ground, the signal was given to fire. Mr. Corry’s pistol went off without effect, Mr. Newburgh’s missed fire. He was preparing to fire it afterwards, when his second called to him, telling him, the snap in duelling was considered as a fire. Both gentlemen were then provided with other pistols, and received the signal to fire again, which they did, and Mr. Newburgh was shot through the heart and expired.

Mr. Newburgh was the only son of Broghill Newburgh, of the county of Cavan, Esq. of an ancient family, and heir-apparent to an estate of 5000_l._ per annum.

Mr. Corry is an élève of the Speaker of the House of Commons, by whom he was placed in the lucrative situation of clerk to the Linen Board; a place which was enjoyed by his father, who was also a great favourite with Mr. Foster.

The deceased was upwards of thirty years of age, and married to the daughter of Mr. Camac, an East India gentleman, with a fortune of 30,000_l._ He was related to Lord Enniskillen, Lord Erne, Lord Gosford, and some other of the best families in Ireland.

Mr. Corry, who is some years younger, is a young gentleman of amiable and inoffensive manners.

BETWEEN MR. P. HAMILTON AND MR. G. I. EAKER.
January, 1802.

A duel took place at New York, between Mr. P. Hamilton, son of General Alexander Hamilton, and Mr. G. I. Eaker; in which, at the first fire, Mr. Hamilton was shot through the body. He languished until the next day, when he died.

BETWEEN WM. HUNTER, ESQ. AND MR. DAVID MITCHELL.
August, 1802.

At Savannah, William Hunter, Esq., fell in a duel with Mr. David Mitchell. The dispute had its origin in July last, in the county court, to the jury of which Mr. Hunter was foreman, in a cause in which Mitchell was counsel. During the trial, it appearing to Mr. Hunter that the examination of the evidence was not conducted by the counsel with that impartiality which justice required, he addressed a few words to the court, when Mitchell got up and observed, that Mr. Hunter was very officious on the occasion. Mr. Hunter replied, that the officiousness of jurymen was not to be compared with the impertinence of some attorneys.

There the matter rested till August 9th, when Mitchell attacked Mr. Hunter in the street with a large bludgeon. Mr. Hunter, having nothing to defend himself with, after receiving four blows and attempting unsuccessfully, at the same time, to seize Mitchell by the collar, said, “Mr. Mitchell, I am unarmed; I must retreat unless you lay aside your weapon.” Mr. Hunter then retreated to Dr. Kollock’s for a cane, but could not procure one. By this time some of the inhabitants interfered. The same evening Mr. Hunter sent Mr. Mitchell a challenge, who, after much equivocation, accepted it. Dr. Kollock was Mr. Hunter’s second, Major B. Maxwell was second to Mitchell. Mr. Hunter fired first, and hit Mitchell on the hip; Mitchell missed Mr. Hunter. Mr. Hunter’s second fire hit Mitchell on the groin also, without penetrating the skin; but Mr. Hunter received Mitchell’s second ball in his right breast. Mr. Hunter immediately turned, and exclaimed, “I am a dead man;” and as Drs. Glenn and Kollock caught him in their arms he asked for a glass of wine and expired.

BETWEEN LIEUT. W——, R.N., AND CAPT. I——, OF THE ARMY.
March, 1803.

This morning a most extraordinary duel took place in Hyde Park, between Lieutenant W——, of the navy, and Captain I——, of the army.

The antagonists arrived at the appointed place within a few minutes of each other. Some dispute arose respecting the distance, which the friends of Lieutenant W—— insisted should not exceed six paces; while the seconds of Captain I—— urged strongly the rashness of so short a distance, and insisted on its being extended. At length the proposal of Lieutenant W——’s friends was agreed to, and the parties fired per signal; when Lieutenant W—— received the shot of his adversary on the guard of his pistol, which tore away the third and fourth fingers of his right hand. The seconds then interfered to no purpose. The son of Neptune, apparently callous to pain, wrapped his handkerchief round his hand, and swore he had another, which never failed him. Captain I—— called his friend aside, and told him it was in vain to urge a reconciliation. They again took their ground. On Lieutenant W—— receiving the pistol in his left hand, he looked steadfastly at Captain I—— for some time, then cast his eyes to heaven, and said, “Forgive me.” The parties fired as before, and both fell. Captain I—— received the shot through his head, and instantly expired. Lieutenant W—— received the ball in his left breast, and immediately inquired of his friend if Captain I——’s wound was mortal? Being answered in the affirmative, he thanked Heaven he had lived thus long. He requested that a mourning ring, which was on his finger, might be given to his sister; and that she might be assured it was the happiest moment he ever knew. He had scarcely finished the word when a quantity of blood burst from his wound, and he expired almost without a struggle.

The unfortunate young man was on the eve of being married to a lady in Hampshire, to whom for some time he had paid his addresses.

BETWEEN LIEUT.-COLONEL MONTGOMERY AND CAPTAIN MACNAMARA.
April 6, 1803.

As Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery and Captain Macnamara were riding in Hyde Park, each followed by a Newfoundland dog, the dogs fought; and Colonel Montgomery, who did not see that Captain Macnamara was near, after separating the animals, exclaimed, “Whose dog is that? I will knock him down!” To which Captain Macnamara replied, “Have you the impudence to say that you will knock my dog down? You must first knock me down.” An altercation ensued, an exchange of cards followed, and an appointment to meet at 7 o’clock in the evening, near Primrose Hill; the consequence of which proved fatal. Captain Macnamara’s ball entered the right side of Colonel Montgomery’s chest, and taking a direction to the left, most probably went through the heart; he instantly fell, without uttering a word, but rolled over two or three times as if in great agony, and groaned. Colonel Montgomery’s ball went through Captain Macnamara, entering on the right side, just above the hip, and passing through the left side, carrying part of the coat and waistcoat in with it, taking part of his leather breeches, and the hip button, away with it on the other side.

Colonel Montgomery was carried by some of the persons standing by, into Chalk Farm, where he was laid on a bed, attended by Mr. Heaviside. As they were carrying him, he attempted to speak and spit; but the blood choked him. His mouth foamed much; and in about five minutes after he was brought into the house, he expired with a gentle sigh.

Captain Macnamara was a naval officer, who has much distinguished himself in two or three actions, as commander of the Cerberus frigate. He had lately returned from the West Indies; and his ship was, about two months ago, paid off at Chatham. He was about thirty-six years of age; a strong, bold, active man. He had fought two or three duels before; and was remarkable at Cork, for keeping the turbulent in awe.

Colonel Montgomery was Lieutenant-Colonel of the ninth regiment of foot, son of Sir Robert Montgomery, of Ireland, and half-brother of Mrs. George Byng, and the Marchioness Townshend. He was a remarkably handsome man, and he had, also, fought bravely in the service of his country. In the Dutch expedition, the Russians being put to flight, his regiment was thrown into confusion, and retreated, in consequence of the Russians falling back upon them. At this time a drummer was killed, and Colonel Montgomery took up the drum, beating it to rally his men, he himself standing alone. He succeeded in rallying them, and at their head rendered essential service. On several occasions, in Egypt and Malta also, he had distinguished himself by his courage and spirit. He was very intimate with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. The former shed tears on being apprised of the melancholy end of his friend.

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The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)Chapter II (2)

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