In the 9th number of the Spectator, Addison commences his remarks on duelling by describing the “Hum-Drum and Mum Clubs,” and adds, “I cannot forbear mentioning a mischievous one that was erected in the reign of Charles II, I mean the club of duellists, in which none was to be admitted that had not fought his man. The president of it was said to have killed half a dozen in single combat; and as for the other members they took their seats according to the number of their slain. There was likewise a side-table for such as had only drawn blood, and shown a laudable ambition of taking the first opportunity to qualify themselves for the first table. This club, which consisted only of men of _honour_, did not continue long, most of the members being put to the sword, or hanged, a little after the institution.” In a paper, No. 99, Addison relates the following anecdote:—“An English peer[5] used to tell a pleasant story of a French gentleman who visited him very early one morning; and after great professions of respect, let him know that he had it in his power to oblige him, which in short amounted to this, that he believed he could tell his Lordship the person’s name who had jostled him as he came out of the Opera; but before he would proceed, he begged his Lordship that he would not deny him the honour of making him his second. The English Lord, to avoid being drawn into a very foolish affair, told him he was under particular engagements for his two next duels, to a couple of particular friends. Upon which the gentleman immediately withdrew, hoping his Lordship would not take it ill if he meddled no further in an affair from whence he himself was to reap no advantage.” Steele himself, notwithstanding his efforts to discountenance duelling, was drawn into a quarrel that very nearly proved fatal. At that period he was an officer in the Coldstream Guards, when a brother officer communicated to him his intention of calling out a person who had offended him, but was dissuaded from this purpose by the powerful arguments of Steele. Some of the other officers of the regiment thought proper to spread a report that Steele had thus interfered in the affair to skreen the offender from a merited chastisement, thus compromising the honour of the person whom he had offended. A challenge was therefore sent to Steele. He sought in vain to avoid the meeting, but at last consented. Relying on his skill in swordsmanship, he felt persuaded that he could chastise the aggressor without endangering his life. The parties met, and Steele’s buckle breaking as he was tightening his shoe, he urged this accident to induce the challenger to desist, but to no purpose. Swords were crossed, Steele parried several lounges, till at last, in an attempt to disarm his antagonist, he ran him through the body. After lingering some time in a hopeless state, Steele was delighted to hear of his recovery.