The same year (1765), a duel was fought between two officers on
Kennington Common, when a Major A—— was desperately wounded by a ball in
the breast, which came out at his side. His opponent effected his
escape.
* * * * *
In 1769 a duel was fought in Ireland between Henry Flood and James Agar,
when the latter was shot dead. An old quarrel had long subsisted between
them, and this mode of arranging their differences was ultimately agreed
upon.
* * * * *
Duels between dramatic performers are uncommon occurrences. It is true,
that there does not exist a class of society more morbidly alive to the
unction of flattery than players; but they are so accustomed to rudeness
of behaviour amongst each other, the green-room and stage _familiarity_
fully illustrating the old proverb, that insults generally go, if not
_unheeded_, at any rate, according to the ideas of honour generally
entertained, _unrevenged_. In 1770, on the 17th November, a meeting took
place between George Garrick, the brother of the celebrated David, and
Mr. Baddeley, both of Drury Lane. The trumpet of fame had long accused
George Garrick of being concerned in an intrigue with Baddeley’s wife,
till at last Baddeley, urged on by an intriguing mischievous Jew, who
was himself a great admirer of the lady, was persuaded, that it became
him, as a man of _parts_, to demand satisfaction. The parties very
reluctantly met in Hyde Park; when Baddeley discharged his pistol
without effect, and, indeed, it was reported, without aim, as his arm
was as unsteady as that of Gil Blas in his first action with the
robbers. Garrick magnanimously fired his in the air. On the arrival of
Mrs. Baddeley, in a hackney-coach, who, jumping out of the vehicle,
threw herself between the combatants in an imploring attitude,
exclaiming, “Spare him! spare him!” the _tableau_ was so effective that
the parties embraced each other, and the interlude was concluded by a
general reconciliation.
BETWEEN LORD MILTON AND LORD POULETT,
January 29, 1771.
The cause of this duel was never well known. However, the meeting took
place behind Bedford House. Lord John Cavendish was Lord Milton’s
second; and Captain Kelly, Lord Poulett’s. When they had taken their
ground. Lord Milton desired Lord Poulett to fire first, which he did,
and the ball entered Lord Milton’s belly.
* * * * *
In 1772 a melancholy meeting took place between a Mr. M’Lean, of
Gartmoor, in Scotland, and a Mr. Cameron. An old grudge had existed
between them, when the latter gave M’Lean the lie; a duel followed, and
M’Lean was killed on the spot. His mother, on hearing of the melancholy
event, was deprived of her reason, and a Miss M’Leod, a young lady, to
whom Mr. M’Lean was soon to have been married, was seized with fits, and
died three days after.