A quarrel originating in the West Indies: Finally settled in Yorkshire.

                        

                             Yorkshire

                                                               Duel

On Sunday morning, the 11th instant, at four o'clock, a duel was fought near to York, between Lieutenant Colonel Bell and Mr Crigan, surgeon, both of the 46th regiment of foot, quartered in that city, in which the latter was shot through the body. - He died on Tuesday evening. The Lieutenant Colonel and the seconds had previously left the city. We understand that the cause of the rencontre originated in the West Indies!!

 

         (Courtesy of The Sporting Magazine, June 1797)  

                     David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Firing at a mark. May 1803.

                         

                         Firing at a mark.

 

An extract from a letter written to the editor of The Sporting Magazine in May 1803.

 " The sword was the weapon of our forefathers, but skill had so great and certain a superiority, that a good swordsman might almost put on paper, every pass and parry which he would allow his ignorant antagonist. To remedy this evident inequality, pistols gradually came into use, as a mean of putting men on more of an equal footing.

Of all offensive weapons, the pistol seemed that in which skill could do little. No one dreamt that individuals who claimed the apellation of men of honour, would deliberately set to work, like a mechanic at his trade, to acquire a superiority in the use of what had only been adopted for the sake of putting all on a footing! Some, however, having unfortunately too much time on their hands , employ it in acquiring a degree of skill so great as to be able to hit a wafer, or the pip of a card; and then, presuming more on their science than courage, swagger into company, and challenge a man who perhaps never touched a pistol before, and probably could not hit the end of a waggon. Is the man who takes his ground, conscious of such superiority, a man of honour?.. we say no.

The very essence of a duel requires, that the opponents shall be on a fair and equal footing, at least, that any inequality shall not be owing to the wilful exertions of either party. A split ball, slugs, or unfair pistol, will not be allowed. And what are these when compared with constant pratice and skill? It ought, we humbly concieve, to be reckoned as dishonourable to practice at a mark, as any action which can disgrace a gentleman. Why does our young spark practise?-- That, if ever he is called upon, he may have an advantage over his antagonist. Let the pistol be held sacred as the arbiter of the laws of honour, and let the man who practises in private, or practises at all, be branded with infamy with him who marks cards or loads dice, for he regulates the chance nearly as much. Those who innocently practise at a mark, merely as an amusement , must have little ingenuity if they cannot find another and a better."  

Anon.

        (Courtesy of The Sporting Magazine, May, 1803)

                   David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Dublin Theatre Dispute. May 1797.

 

 

Dublin Theatre Dispute.

May 1797 

Lieutenant Fitzgerald of the marines and Lieutenant Smith of the 25th regiment, lately met to settle a quarrel which happened at the theatre in Dublin, a short time previous.

The first fire the balls took no effect, but Lieutenant Fitzgeralds second fire wounded Lieutenant Smith in the side, on which the business was amicably adjusted.

                       -----------------------------------------------

                  (Courtesy of The Sporting Magazine 1797)

                        David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk

Durdham Down Duel. November 1797.

 

                               Durdham Down Duel.

                                           Bristol

On Friday morning, November 10th, about seven o'clock a duel was fought near Durdham Down, Bristol, by Lieutenant- Colonel Sykes, of the Berkshire Militia, and Mr. Charles Frederick Williams, an Attorney of the City, when Colonel Sykes was wounded in the heel, a ball having lodged among the tendons. Mr. Williams had three very narrow escapes, as one ball tore away part of his cravat, another slightly wounded him just above the hip, and a third passed very near his head. Seven shots were discharged; one of Mr. Williams pistols missed fire. 

The dispute arose in consequence of a letter that appeared lately in the public papers, of which Mr. Williams avowed himself the author, containing some reflections on the behaviour of Mr Sykes, at the Assembly-Room, a short time since. 

                                      ----------------------

Also:

In an Irish paper of this month, a marriage is mentioned of Mr. Thomas Spider, to Miss Webb!! 

    (Courtesy of The Sporting Magazine, November 1797.)

                David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk