County Wicklow Duel
April 1797.
Letters from Dublin, received about the middle of the month (April) states, that, in the consequence of an unhappy dispute between the Earl of Meath, and Mr. Gore, of the County of Wicklow, the parties, accompanied by their seconds, met on the hill of Cookstown, near Inneskerry. Having placed themselves within twelve yards of each other, Mr. Gore fired the first shot, and the ball entered his antagonists thigh, which put an end to the affair, the Earl being unable to stand. The ball, we are informed, could not be extracted; but hopes were entertained that the wound would not prove fatal. His Lordship was brought to Powerscourt-House adjacent to the ground.
The above affair of honour between the Earl of Meath, and Mr. Gore arose from the latter gentleman obtaining permission from the Castle to raise a corps of cavalry in the County of Meath, and enrolling many of his Lordships servants to serve therein. Lord Meath afterwards received letters of service to raise a regiment also, and immediately waited upon Mr. Gore, informing him thereof, and requesting, in consequence, that he would transfer his Lordship's tenants to serve under his own standard; this being refused on the part of Mr. Gore, some warm language passed on both sides, and the unfortunate meeting was the consequence.
Accounts subsequent to the above, give hopes that the Earl will recover.
Courtesy: ( The Sporting Magazine 1797)
David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment