New York (N.Y.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction; United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Fiction
“But Leonard would not retreat, and Zavala declined to make any apology,
and the duel took place. A great interest was evinced in this affair,
though duels were common enough on every subject, and Leonard had
especially the watchful sympathy of every American in the city. They
were resolved that at least he should have fair play, and that if he had
been wounded there were plenty of men ready to take up his quarrel with
Zavala. To the amazement of every one Zavala was disarmed in less than
five minutes, and in precisely the same manner as Gilson. But his
behaviour was very different. He made no outcry, he knew the code too
well to touch his antagonist’s sword, and it was with a polite smile he
handed his rapier to Leonard and said, ‘Señor, my sword is yours. I make
my apology to you and to your flag.’”
“I have nothing to say against that duel,” said the judge, and Mrs.
Bloommaert’s face was radiant with sympathy and approval. Sappha’s eyes,
heavy with unshed tears, were dropped, and she could not speak. Had she
tried her very words would have wept.
“Leonard behaved splendidly,” continued St. Ange. “With his weapon he
withdrew all ill feeling, and during Zavala’s convalescence he passed
some time with him every day, and supplied him with attentions and
luxuries Zavala’s own means could not have procured. The conclusion of
this story I heard yesterday. Zavala is now enrolled for the defence of
the very flag he insulted. Mr. Livingston had the news in a letter, and
he recalled the duel to my memory in order to emphasise the result.
“It is rather remarkable,” said the judge. “I never heard of this affair
before.”
“Well, no!” answered Achille. “It was only known by the Livingstons,
myself, and Leonard; and none of us thought it well to talk about it
here. New York is not New Orleans, where the duel is concerned. To have
fought a few successful duels in New Orleans is a social distinction; in
New York the result socially is doubtful. You have only to look at Mr.
Burr----”
“There is a heavier charge against Mr. Burr than the duel--his
country----”
“Pardon me, judge, his country’s laws have declared him innocent; can we
go behind judge, jury, and the written law?”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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