Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-05-05
From the Raleigh Register.

Inc following interesting ACCOUNT vi q uuei,
which took place more than one hundred years
since, between two English Noblemen, is ex-
tracted from an old British Magazine. 1t is CO.
pied, because it will, in our opinion, entertain
those who read it. beside giving faithful define
alton of the ferocitv and barbarity which Giistn-
suished ancient private combats. At the time 1t
transpired it was sustained BY the Common Law
of England, which countenanced trials BY battle:
HIS Grace the Duke Of Brunswick TO The Lord
Baltimore. being tie first letter that passed be-
t,reea them.
The affront which YOU gave me at the ministers
ball last night, would argue me person very un-
worthy the character bear, were to let 1t pass
unregarded. To prove Inc that adventurous
knight. which your evasive expression would
have given the noble lady to understand, may
perhaps be the most acceptable means to recon-
Gle your spleen; convince me then that you are
more of gentleman than have reason to be-
lieve, By meeting me near the first tree behind
the lodge at HYDE Park, precisely at half past )
tomorrow morning; and that there may be no
pretensions to delay, have sent by the bearer
two swords. of which give You the privilege to
make choice, and shall approve of whatever
terms of fighting You'll be pleased to propose. In
the interim wish your lordship good rest
Whitehall, 9 O'Clock.
lord IS a1as,cer 10 The G6Ore.
l received your grace's message, and accept
the contents. Ii would give me sensible con-
Germ to be obliged to give up the pretensions,
which your grace is doubtful of. 1t was an over
sight. I presume, that your grace gave me the
privilege to choose my sword, except your grace
has been 50 little used this sort of ceremony as
to have forgot that it is the chaienger's choice.
This, however, is but triie, Gf any thing; APP
pear at the time appointed, and IL the interim
wish your grace very good night.
Cavendish Square, Ii O'Clock.
After nv Lord Baltimore had answered his
eraces letter. be visited several of his friends,
and was observed to be remarkably jecose when
At lady Nottingham's; which occasiOneda Young
lady, after his departure, to remark, that she fan
cied there was something very agreeable to his
lortshp was renewed again; abiding to the
Countess of Essex, as she well knew his extra
ordinary passion for that lady. lie told the mes
senger that carried his letter, to bring his grace's
answer to lieutenant general D'Lee's, the gentle
man whom he had pitched upon for his second,
nd with whom he lay all night at his house in st.
James street, which was done.
About four in the morning his lordship walked
and got softly up, without Jas he thought being
observed bv his bedfellow; and dressed himself,
buckled on his sword, fixed two agate flints in
his pistols, and then charged them; but recolect-
ing that his grace's second would probably desire
TO see them loaded, drew them again. By this
time the Lieutenant was awake. and observing
his lordship take book out of his pocket, thought
it was mproperto give him to know he was OBJ
served; his lOrdship kneeled down by small
table in the lieutenaut's bed room, and seemed
to pray with great deyoton'for a quarter of an
hour, often repeating just loud enough to be
heard. the errors of his youthful days, and fer
vently duplicated the Almighty not to impute
them: after which he rose, and bid the Lieuten-
ant awake, for he would not willingly have his
grace, he said, wait moment, as the morning
was little rainy, and cold withal. By the time
they were accoutred, it wanted just half an hour
of the appointed time; lieutenant Dice desired
to view his lordship's sword, and examined the
point and handle very cautiously. then returning
it, BY adding he heartily wished it was going to
be employed in cause more seryiceable to his
country: his lOrdship answered that it would be
of little consequence in that respect let the event
be what it would. Just as his lordship was OPEN
ing the door for their departure, the lieutenant
general desired to know if there was any thing
his lordship thought proper to communicates; to
which he replied, it was very fortunate that he
had mentioned that. and delivered letter. direct
ed to the right hon. the Countess of Essex, desir
ing that he would give it to her alone, and not
upon any consideration trust it to another hand:
as for his family affairs, he said they were already
settled according to his will.
On this they immediately left the apartment
and arriving somewhat before the appointed time,
took several turns from the lodge to the tree
His Lordship several time expressed wonder at
his Grace's delay, though 1t was not two minutes
by Lieutenant D'Lee's watch, above the limited
hour, when he arrived, attended with one second
only. He babe his Lordshpa gsod morning. & |
hoped they had not waited for them long; then !
pulling out his watch, said he had hit to point:
adding at the same time, that he had rather die
than break his promise on such an OCCASION
His Lordship returned the expression with this
addition that though they wanted little, there
was sufficient time left to despatch the business
they were upon. To which his Grace replied,
the sooner it is despatched the more leisure will
be behind, In the interim the seconds were par
ing their swords, and each one loaded his adyer-