Philadelphia Duel 1809.

 

 

 

Duel between

Sir George Macklin and Captain F.

America.1809

Philadelphia, May 18^th. – A duel took place yesterday morning, between Sir George Macklin and Captain --------, lately of the French army, near the Black Horse Tavern, within a few miles of this city. Sir George Macklin was on the ground about half past three, attended by his second, Mr O------y and Dr.B-----k, a short time after which Captain F., accompanied by his second, made his appearance.

The ground had been previously measured, twelve paces, but at the instance of Sir George, the distance was reduced to ten. They both fired at the same moment, by signal. Sir George received a ball near the groin, and Captain F. was wounded in the left arm.

When Sir George received the wound, he beckoned to his opponent to make his escape, as he was convinced that his wound was mortal. Mr. O and Sir G’s servant supported him to his carriage and he returned to town.

The circumstances that produced this unfortunate affair, will not be uninteresting. Sir George Macklin is enthusiastically attached to the Prince of Wales, and has whenever it has been necessary, without ever consulting his personal safety, been a zealous defender of his character. Captain F. is only a few days from France, and, in company with Sir George and some others, the conversation unfortunately turned on the present Royal Family of Great Britain, when Captain F. uttered the most illiberal abuse against every branch of it---but particularly against the Prince of Wales. At which Sir G. Macklin demanded if he knew that he was a subject of Great Britain? Captain F. replied in the affirmative. When Sir G. informed him that “his assertions with respect to the Prince of Wales, were base and unmanly –equally destitute of probability and truth, not would he ever suffer him or any of his nation to traduce with impunity the character of the Prince” Words of such import followed that the parties exchanged cards. In a few hours, Sir George received a challenge from Captain F.

Sir George Macklin had been absent from his native country (Ireland), about two years, and during that period had visited Germany, Sweden and these States. He was returning from a visit to the British Ambassador, previous to his setting out to Ireland, when this unfortunate circumstance occurred. (United States Gazette).

 

(Courtesy The Sporting Magazine May 1809)

 

David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk