O’Connell shortly after repaired to Merrion-square. No challenge of
any kind grew out of Tuesday’s proceedings.
On Wednesday morning, however, it was at length intimated to Mr.
O’Connell that Mr. D’Esterre intended to call upon him for a meeting.
Twelve o’clock was fixed upon for the nomination of hour and place.
There was some overture made to enlarge the time, but Mr. O’Connell’s
friend would not consent. We should mention that his friend was Major
Macnamara, of Doolen, in the county of Clare, a Protestant gentleman
attached to no party, and of the highest respectability. The friend of
Mr. D’Esterre was Sir Edward Stanley.
After some discussion the parties fixed upon the place which we have
already mentioned. It is about twelve miles distant from this city, and
constitutes part of Lord Ponsonby’s demesne. The hour appointed was
half-past three o’clock. At three precisely (we can speak confidently,
for we now speak from personal knowledge), Mr. O’Connell, attended by
his second, Surgeon Macklin, and a number of friends, was on the ground.
About four, Mr. D’Esterre, attended only by Surgeon Peel, Sir Edward
Stanley (his second), and a Mr. D’Esterre, of Limerick, appeared. There
was some conversation between the seconds as to position, mode of fire,
&c.; which, added to other sources of delay, occupied forty minutes.
During this interval Mr. D’Esterre took occasion to say that his quarrel
with Mr. O’Connell was not of a religious nature. To the Catholics, or
their leaders, he said he had no animosity whatever.
At forty minutes past four the combatants were on the ground; they both
displayed the greatest coolness and courage. The friends of both parties
retired, and the combatants, having a pistol in each hand, with
directions to discharge them at their discretion, prepared to fire. They
levelled, and before the lapse of a second, both shots were heard. Mr.
D’Esterre’s was first, and missed. Mr. O’Connell’s followed
instantaneously, and took effect in the thigh of his antagonist, about
an inch below the hip. Mr. D’Esterre of course fell, and both the
surgeons hastened to him. They found that the ball had “traversed the
hip,” and could not be found. There was an immense effusion of blood.
All parties prepared to move towards home, and arrived in town before
eight o’clock.
It is said that Mr. D’Esterre’s wound is very dangerous; we sincerely
hope, however, that it will not prove mortal. The ball passed through
both thighs. There was a violent hæmorrhage of the bladder last night,
but it had ceased before morning.
We need not describe the emotions which burst forth all along the road,
when it was ascertained that Mr. O’Connell was safe.
Mr. D’Esterre died at five o’clock on the 3rd.
* * * * *
The particulars of this duel were reported as follows:—