From: ajd@oit.itd.umich.edu (Arthur Delano)
Newsgroups: talk.bizarre
Subject: Re: Today's Question.
Date: 15 Nov 1992 21:27:41 GMT
Organization: finchhaus
NNTP-Posting-Host: helen.oit.itd.umich.edu

In article <1992Nov15.182307.19640@asuvax.eas.asu.edu> ra@asuvax.eas.asu.edu (Starcap'n Ra) writes:
>rpwhite@taurus.cs.nps.navy.mil (rpwhite) writes:
>> 
>>           How do you challenge someone to a duel?
>> 
>> I mean real and formal like. I know you have to say something along the
>> lines of: "My seconds will call upon yours." But how do you get to that
>> point...I figure I'll just challenge my persecutor to a duel.
>
>     I'm surprised I'm needed to advise you on
>a military matter such as this, rp, but I am
>more than happy to be of assistance.
>
>     Assuming you're not pressed for time, your
>best plan of action would be to wait for the
>next formal occasion, preferably a military ball
>with lots of brass in attendance to witness your
>actions.

The Rules of Dueling, 1777

1. The first offense requires the first apology, though the retort
may have been more offensive than the insult.  Example: A tells B he
is impertinent, etc.; B retorts that he lies; yet A must make the
first apology, because he gave the first offense, and then (after
one fire) B may explain away the retort by subsequent apology.

2. But if the parties would rather fight on, then, after two shots
each (but in no case before), B may explain first, and A apologises
afterward.

3. If a doubt exists who gave the first offense, the decision rests
with the seconds; if they will not decide, or cannot agree, the
matter must proceed to two shots, or to a hit if the challenger
requires it.

4. When the _lie_direct_ is the _first_ offense, the aggressor must
either beg pardon in express terms, exchange two shots previous to
an apology, or three shots followed up by explanation, or fire on
till a severe hit be received by one party or the other.

12. In simple unpremeditated _recontres_ with the small-sword, or
_couteau-de-chasse_ the rule is, first draw, first sheathe, unless
blood be drawn; then both sheathe and proceed to investigate.

13. No dumb-shooting or firing in the air admissible _in_any_case_.
The challenger ought not to have challenged without receiving
offense, and the challenged ought, if he gave offense, to have made
an apology before he came on the ground; therefore _children's_play_
must be dishonorable on one side or the other, and is accordingly
prohibited.

14. Seconds may be of equal rank in society with the principals they
attend, inasmuch as a second may either choose or chance to become a
principal, and equality is indispensable.

16. The challenged has the right to choose his own weapon, unless the
challenger gives his honor he is no swordsman; after which, however,
he cannot decline any _second_ species of weapons proposed by the
challenged.

17. The cahllenged chooses the ground; the challenger chooses his
distance; the seconds fix the times and terms of firing.

18. The seconds load in presence of each other, unless they give
their mutual honors that they have charged smooth and single, which
should be held sufficient.

19. Firing may be regulated, first, by signal; secondly, by word of
command; or thirdly, at pleasure -- as may be agreeable to the
parties.  In the latter case, the parties may fire at their
reasonable leisure, but _second_presents_ and _rests_ are strictly
prohibited.

20. In all cases a misfire is equivalent to a shot, and a _snap_ or
a _non-cock_ is to be considered as a misfire.

21. Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation _before_ the
meeting takes place, or _after_ sufficient firing or hits, as
specified.

22. Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves, and necessarily make
the hand shake, must end the business for _that_ day.

23. If the cause of meeting be of such a nature that no apology or
explanation can or will be received, the challenged takes his
ground, and calls on the challenger to proceed as he chooses.  In
such cases, firing at pleasure is the usual practice but may be
varied by agreement.

24. In slight cases, the second hands his principal but one pistol;
but in gross cases two, holding another case ready charged in
reserve.

25. Where seconds disagree, and resolve to exchange shots
themselves, it must be at the same time and right angles with their
principals.  If with swords, side by side, with five paces interval.

AjD
most of the elided data
is about defending the honor
of ladies, cheating at gambling,
and other situations not appropriate.
-- 
                       ajd@oit.itd.umich.edu
"My words are so small that it's hard to hold on to them" - Mark Edwards
Newsgroups: talk.bizarre