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
Lord Shelburne, with Lord Frederick Cavendish for his second, and Mr.
Fullarton, with Lord Balcarras for his second, met at half-past five in
Hyde Park, March 22, 1780. Lord Balcarras and Lord F. Cavendish proposed
that both parties should obey the seconds. Lord Shelburne and Mr.
Fullarton walked together, while Lord Balcarras and Lord F. Cavendish
adjusted all ceremonials, and fixed on pistols as the proper weapons.
When they came to the ground, Lord Shelburne told them that his pistols
were already loaded, and offered to draw them, which was rejected by
Lord Balcarras and Colonel Fullarton; upon which Lord Balcarras loaded
Colonel Fullarton’s pistols. The seconds having agreed that twelve paces
was a proper distance, the parties took their ground. Colonel Fullarton
desired Lord Shelburne to fire, which his Lordship declined; and Colonel
Fullarton was ordered by the seconds to fire. He fired and missed. Lord
Shelburne returned it, and missed. Mr. Fullarton then fired his second
pistol, and hit Lord Shelburne in the right groin, which his Lordship
signified; upon which every body ran up, and the seconds interfered.
Lord F. Cavendish offered to take the pistol from Lord Shelburne; but
his Lordship refused to deliver it up, saying, “I have not fired that
pistol.” Mr. Fullarton returned immediately to his ground, which he had
left with a view of assisting his Lordship, and repeatedly desired his
Lordship to fire at him. Lord Shelburne said, “Sure, sir, you do not
think I would fire my pistol at you;” and fired it in the air. The
parties and their seconds joined together. Lord Balcarras asked Lord
Shelburne if he had any difficulty in declaring he meant nothing
personal to Colonel Fullarton. His Lordship replied, “You know it has
taken another course; this is no time for explanation.” His Lordship
then said to Colonel Fullarton, “Although I am wounded, I am able to go
on if you feel any resentment.” Colonel Fullarton said, “He hoped he was
incapable of harbouring such a sentiment.” Lord F. Cavendish declared,
that, from the character he had heard of Colonel Fullarton, he believed
so. Colonel Fullarton said, “As your Lordship is wounded, and has fired
in the air, it is impossible for me to go on.”
Lord Balcarras and Lord F. Cavendish immediately declared, “That the
parties had ended the affair by behaving as men of the strictest
honour.”
* * * * *
On hearing of the above affair, the following message was sent from the
City:—
“The Committee of Common Council for corresponding with the committees
appointed, or to be appointed, by the several counties, cities, and
boroughs in this kingdom, anxious for the preservation of the valuable
life of so true a friend of the people as the Earl of Shelburne,
respectfully inquire after his Lordship’s safety, highly endangered in
consequence of his upright and spirited conduct in Parliament.
“By order of the Committee,
“W. RIX.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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