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 place and time of meeting having been previously fixed, the parties
arrived about half-past four in the morning, and took their ground at
the distance of twelve short paces, measured off by the seconds, who
delivered to each one pistol, keeping possession of the remaining arms.
General Stewart told Lord Macartney, he doubted, as his Lordship was
short-sighted, he would not be able to see him. His Lordship replied,
“he did perfectly well.” When the seconds had retired a little on one
side, and as the parties were about to level, General Stewart observed
to Lord Macartney, that his pistol was not cocked. His Lordship thanked
him, and cocked. When they had levelled, General Stewart said “he was
ready.” His Lordship answered, “he was likewise ready.” And they both
fired within a few instants of each other. The seconds observing Lord
Macartney to be wounded, stepped up to him, and declared the matter must
rest here. General Stewart said, “this is no satisfaction;” and asked if
his Lordship was not able to fire another pistol. His Lordship replied,
“he would try with pleasure,” and urged Colonel Fullarton to permit him
to proceed. The seconds, however, declared it was impossible, and they
would on no account allow it. General Stewart said, “then I must defer
it till another occasion;” on which his Lordship answered, “if that be
the case, we had better proceed now. I am here in consequence of a
message from General Stewart, who called upon me to give him
satisfaction in my private capacity, for offence taken at my public
conduct; and to evince that personal safety is no consideration with me,
I have nothing personal: the General may proceed as he thinks fit.”
General Stewart said, “it was his Lordship’s personal conduct to him
that he resented.”
The seconds then put an end to all further conversation between the
parties, neither of whom had yet quitted his ground; General Stewart, in
consequence of his situation, having been under the necessity, from the
first, of putting his back to a tree. The surgeons, Mr. Hunter and Mr.
Home, who were attending at a little distance, were brought up by
Colonel Fullarton. Colonel Gordon, in the mean time, assisted his
Lordship in taking off his coat, and requested him to sit down,
apprehending he might be faint through loss of blood. Colonel Gordon
then left the ground, in company with General Stewart, and an easy
carriage was provided to convey his Lordship home.
(Signed) W. FULLARTON.
A. GORDON.
BETWEEN COUNSELLOR HUTCHINSON AND LORD MOUNTMORRIS.
May, 1787.
On the 28th ult. a duel took place between Counsellor Hutchinson, third
son to the Provost of the University of Dublin, and Lord Mountmorris, in
consequence of some words spoken by the latter in the House of Lords, on
Monday, the 23rd of April, of which his Lordship refused to give an
explanation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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