The Art of Duelling

By A Traveller

This rare little book was first published in 1836. Only a handful of the original editions remain, and are now extremely costly. OBSCURE PRESS has republished this classic work in a high quality, modern edition, using the original text and artwork. The author remains unknown, but from his manner of writing and expert knowledge of his subject was obviously a man of means well known to the nobility of the day. His book, which "contains much information useful to young continental tourists," deals with every aspect of the duel. Settling a dispute by single combat was then countenanced by law in the northern nations of Europe, among whom it was customary to decide many controversies by arms. The book consists of eighty pages and contains Chapters on: History of the Origins of Duelling. The Pistol. Charging the Pistol. Position of Firing. Method of Practice. The Chances. The Challenge. Selection of a Second, and his Duties. Precautions to be Observed. Some Accounts of Duels with Sword and Pistol. This is a fascinating read for any historian of the subject or for enthusiasts of pistol shooting and its varieties.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
• Release date: Mar 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781444659719

Book preview

THE

ART OF DUELLING,

BY

A TRAVELLER.

CONTAINING MUCH INFORMATION USEFUL TO YOUNG

CONTINENTAL TOURISTS.

TO

THE UNFORTUNATE GENERAL TORREIJOS

AND

HIS BRAVE COMPANIONS IN ARMS,

WHO

HAVING BEEN ENTRAPPED

BY THE

MINION OF A DESPOT,

WERE INHUMANLY BUTCHERED

NEAR MALAGA,

ON THE COAST OF SPAIN,

WHILE NOBLY ENDEAVOURING

TO PLANT

THE STANDARD OF LIBERTY

ON

HER PRIEST-RIDDEN SHORES;

THIS LITTLE WORK

IS

MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,

BY ONE

WHO SINCERELY LAMENTS

THEIR UNHAPPY FATE.

Aug. 10th, 1836.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN OF DUELLING

THE PISTOL

OF CHARGING THE PISTOL

POSITION OF FIRING

METHOD OF PRACTICE

THE CHANCES

THE CHALLENGE

SELECTION OF A SECOND, AND HIS DUTIES

PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

APPENDIX

Chevalier Gontran and Count Ingelger

Dukes de Beaufort and de Nemours

Sir Edward Sackville and Lord Bruce

De Bergue and Alie

Wellington and Winchelsea

PREFACE.

EARLY one fine morning, during the autumn of last year, while cantering over the downs on the Rottendean side of Brighton, enjoying heartily the fresh southern breeze that gently swept the blue waters beneath me, I observed a small group of persons assembled, who, upon nearer approach, appeared to be adjusting an affair of honour.

Urged, partly by curiosity, and partly by the desire of rendering assistance in case of necessity, I rode towards them, and found the combatants,—two young men, one apparently a naval officer,—on the point of leeching.*

In a few seconds they were stationed—a few more, and the jar of cocking fell on my ear; a sound that at other times would scarcely be noticed, but on occasions like the present, while all around wait in breathless expectancy, and observe the most death-like silence, produces a magical effect.

I carefully surveyed their countenances and position. The sailor, who appeared the elder of the two, seemed as cool and collected as if engaged only in an ordinary affair of duty: not a muscle or expression pourtrayed the least sign of fear. He stood in a firm, steady position, his right side only opposed to his adversary, and raised his hand with a most extraordinary degree of nerve, covering well his right breast with the muscular part of his right arm.

The other, on the contrary, appeared much agitated, looked ghastly pale—had evidently enjoyed little sleep the preceding night, stood with nearly a whole front exposed, and raised his trembling hand so awkwardly, that any one would have suspected he had never fired a pistol before.

Upon the suspension of the handkerchief, those present, (who were the Seconds, a Surgeon and Servants,) removed nearly thirty yards from the Principals: after a momentary pause, it dropped, and both triggers were pulled. The Sailor’s pistol, however, missed fire—most probably from some carelessness in the method of loading; and the charge from that of his opponent, as might have been expected, did no injury, passing, I should guess, nearly three feet to the right.

The Seconds immediately closed in, and endeavoured to arrange the affair; but the seafaring gentleman would listen to no terms of accommodation, protesting that he had previously a right to his fire. Neither of the Seconds had before been engaged in a transaction of this nature, and, too ignorant to deny his assertions in support of his claim, were actually bringing him the other pistol, when I interfered.

He was one of those athletic sons of Neptune, whose very tone of voice produces an almost irresistible impulse to obey; and the Seconds, who were both much agitated, seemed evidently overawed by his stentorian power of lungs.

My interference offended him; nor did he appear very pleased when I informed him that, if his fire proved fatal to his antagonist, I should do myself the pleasure of remaining in his company until I saw him in the charge of some officer of justice, to whom I would give my name and address, that evidence might not be wanting on his trial.

I believe he suspected I was a horse-patrol in disguise: for he immediately returned the pistol, and, after a moment’s conversation with his friend, walked towards the town, remarking, however, that the affair Should not terminate thus.

I received the hearty thanks of those who remained for having so successfully played the Bow-street officer; and from them I learned that the meeting took place, (like most affairs between young men,) in consequence of some dispute respecting a female. I was assured also, that, in all probability, the matter would rest here; as the rough son of Neptune had his sailing orders in his pocket, and was hourly expectd to get under weigh for a two years’ cruise.

While returning, I could not otherwise than seriously reflect on the scene I had witnessed. Here was a fine, healthy young fellow,—the pride of his parents,—the admiration of his friends,—in the spring of his days,—placed in a situation where his life might have been sacrificed in a moment, and quite ignorant how to conduct himself, or make the most of the advantages he possessed for his defence.

His life had been saved indeed, almost by a miracle: for so cool and collected was the young sailor, and apparently so well skilled in handling the weapon with which he fought, that the consequences would, in all pobability, have proved fatal, had the percussion cap exploded.

The art of handling fire arms I have always considered a very necessary branch of the education of a youth, as enabling him, when shooting, to use his gun, without risking his own life, or endangering the lives of those near him; and also, in the event of his being placed, by any unforeseen circumstance, in a situation similar to that I have just described, that he may feel a proper confidence in himself, and not embolden his antagonist, by appearing to want nerve or science.

The Germans and Americans are very careful that their youths should be instructed how to handle the rifle and musket; and, during the late war, our regiments suffered severely from their extraordinary proficiency, as marksmen.

Although our language abounds with works on almost every

Reviews for The Art of Duelling

[anamuk_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This reprint of a slim 1836 volume on Duelling provides everything you need to know from weapons (Octagonal barrelled pistols, with Purdey locks) through Seconds (No irishmen, apparently we don't do enough to avert the duel) to philosophy (Duelling increases manners). Of course it's full of stereotyping and dire warnings of what will happen should the duel be made illegal, but its a good read for all that