The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Philosophy
The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)
Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Dueling
The attentions of Lord Castlereagh to Madame Grisi having attracted the
observation of her husband, M. Gerard de Melcy, he took measures to stop
them at the threshold. In consequence of his precautions, a letter,
addressed by Lord Castlereagh to Madame Grisi, came into his hands,
before it could reach the lady for whom it was intended. M. de Melcy
instantly went to the residence of the noble Lord, with the intention of
demanding satisfaction; but, not finding him at home, he repeated his
visit on the following day, with the same result. He thereupon addressed
a note to the noble Lord, informing him that his letter was intercepted,
and calling for the only reparation that it was in the young nobleman’s
power to give. Lord Castlereagh lost not a moment in offering the
required satisfaction, and gave the name of Mr. Bentinck as the
gentleman in whose hands his character would be placed. M. de Melcy
called to his aid his friend M. de Cottreau; who undertook that the
weapons should be pistols, and the distance twelve paces.
These preliminaries being arranged, the meeting was fixed for Saturday
morning, at half-past four. Both the gentlemen were in readiness; but,
previous to that hour, it was arranged between the seconds, that the
parties should not use the pistols they had been accustomed to practise
with, but that two pair should be taken at hazard from a gunsmith’s
shop. This circumstance so delayed the meeting, that it was not till ten
o’clock that the principals were in a condition to take the ground. At
that hour they met at Wormwood Scrubs, one surgeon being in attendance.
They were placed at the distance agreed upon, and instructed that the
words to be given were, “Gentlemen, are you ready? Fire!” accompanied by
the dropping of a handkerchief. Previously to the signal, Lord
Castlereagh caused his second to deliver into the hands of M. Cottreau a
paper signed by him, declaring that Madame Grisi had not, in the
slightest manner, encouraged his attentions, and that he had never
corresponded with her before. The word was given, and the signal
dropped. They fired at the same time. M. de Melcy’s ball passed through
his antagonist’s right arm, near the wrist. His Lordship discharged his
pistol in the air. Mr. Bentinck, on seeing the condition of Lord
Castlereagh, declared that, as his friend was wounded, the affair could
not be carried further.
BETWEEN MR. MIRFIN AND MR. ELIOT.
August 22, 1838.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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