The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-01-16
The SOULE DUELS.

We gave yesterday the conclusion of NJ. Gaillar-
det's description of the Soule duels. The N. York
Sun furnishes the subioined history of the difficulty
gathered from the same account:
NJ Gaillardets feelings not on the side of Mr..
Soule, but his account sufficiently establishes the
fact that the proVocatlon came from the other side
The history or the quarrel seems to have commen-
ced even before Mr.. Soule reached Madrid. From
the time OF the reception OF Mr.. SOule as American
Minister, began to be asitated, NJ. de Turgot, the
French Ambassador, and Madame de Montijo, mo-
ther of the Duchess of Alba sht wed little friendship
for Mr.. Soule. Madame de Montijo is accused Of
having even intrigued to induce Queen Isabella to
refuse to receive him.
Thus matters stood until the occasion of fcte or
grand ball, given by the French Minister in honor
OF the birthday OF the Empress. All the foreign
diplomatic corps were invited, and as q conse-
quence, Mr. Soule, his son, who Is also Secretary Of
Legation, and Mrs Soule, were present by invita-.
ton. Mrs. Souie, who is handsome woman, was
dressed richly, but tastefully, and Madrid paper
states that she was queen OF the ball, and her
trance produced a sensation" To destroy the ia.
vorable impression Madame Soule had made, spi-
rit of hostile criticism was manifested by coterie
led on by M. de Turgot and Madame de Montijo-
The Duke OF Alba consenting to become the echo of
the coterie, remarked as Mrs Soule passed by
There goes Mary of Burgundy" Young Soule
being close by, heard the remark, and Immediately
resented the Odious outrage upon his mother, and
applied epithet of contempt to the Duke.
The parties were then separated, but next morn.
ing young Soule sent to the Duke demanding an ex-
PLANTATION of the insult to his mother The Duke
explained and apoogised, and those acting under
young Soule declared themselves satisfied. But the
public applauded the spirit oi la joune Yankee"
and the Duke was twitted on his lack of the old
pride of his family The quarrel was re-opened,
and the Duke sent challenge to retrieve his dam
aged honor. 1t was accepted. and the prelimina-
ries being arranged, duel with swords was fought
The hght lasted twenty minutes, both parties chow
ing equal skill and courage. The seconds infer
ered, declared that the honor of neither required
further defence, and the principals shook hands and
parted.
Mr.. Soule, Sen, however considered it proper
for him to represent to NJ de Turgot that his wife
had been insulted in his, the Ambassadors Salons
on an occasion upon which the Duke of Alba was
the most honored guest, anu The person from whom
the insult came-that the affair had forced the
sword into his sons hand; that he had been Inform
remark; and consequently. as NJ. de Turgot had DOT
discharged his duty as nos in rating himself
from any sympathy with the insult, he was Obliged
TO demand personal satisfaction. To Mr.. Soule's
communication, NJ. de Turgot replied, denying that
he ms igatsd the insult but refused give any sat
sfactiOn Tor its occurrence at his fete Mr. Soule
persisted in his demand for reparation, when the
French Ambassador sail he would make lis reply
at the pistols mouth
The resnls was. as our readers know, that Mr.
soHle and M. de Turgot met. and the latter was
wounded. 1t is said that the affair is not vet Get
tied.