Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-04-07
MisteIIaneous 6lfanlGgs.
Extraordinary Duel

4
| Mr.. Thomas Sheridan, in his Life of Dean
Swift has recorded an account of a very sim
gular character, who lived in the county OF lip-
perary. The name of this gentleman was Mat
thew, and, after long residence abroad, ne
returned to Dublin at the latter end OF Queen
Anne's reign.
At that time party ran very high, but ragged
nowhere with such violence as in that city, IN
somuch that duels were every day fought there
on that score.
There happened to be at that time two gen
tlemen in London, who valued themselves
highly on their skill in fencing; the name OF
one Of them was Pack, the other Creed-the
former a major, the other a captain IN the
army.
Hearing of these daily exploits in Dublin,
they resolved, like two knights,errant. to 90
over in quest Of adventures. Upon inquiry
they learned that Mr. Matthew had the char
acter of being one of the first swordsmen in
Europe.
Pack rejoiced to find an antagonist worthy
of him; and meeting him as he was carried
along the street in his chair, jostled the fore
chairman.
Of this Matthew took no notice, as suppos-
ing it to be accidental. But Pack afterward
boasted of it in the public coffee-house, saying,
that he had purposely offered this insult to that
gentleman, who had not the spirit to resent it.
There happened to be present particular
friend Of Mr.. Matthew, of the name of Macna-
mara, a man of good courage, and reputed the
best lencer in Ireland.
He Immediately took up the quarrel, and he
was sure Mr.. Matthew did not suppose the
affront intended, otherwise he would have chas-
tised him on the spot; but if the major would
let him know where he was to be found, he
aI f,at,A
return, who was to dine that day little way
out Of town.
The Major said that he should be at the tay-
ern over the way, where he and his companion
would wait their commands.
Immediately on his arrival, Matthew, being
made acquainted with what had passed, went
from the coffee house to the tavern, accompa-
nied by Mcnamara.
Being shown into the room where the gentle
men we're, after having secured the door, with
out any expostulation, Matthew and Pack.drew
their swords but Mcnamara stopped them,
saying he had something to propose before they
proceeded to action.
He said, in cases of this nature, he never
could bear to be a cool spectator.
$50, sir" addressing himself to Greed, I" if
you please, shall have the honor of entertain
ing you in the same manner"
Creed, who desired no better sport, made no
other reply than that of instantly drawing his
sword, and TO work the four champions FELL
with the same composure as if it were only
fencing match with foils.
The conflict was of some duration, and main
tained with great obstinacy by the two officers,
Notwithstanding the great effuson of blood
from the many wounds which they had re-
ceived.
At length, quite exhausted, they both fell,
and yielded the victory to the superior skill of
their antagonists.
Upon this occasion, Matthew gave a remark
able proof of the perfect composure of his mind
during the action.
Greed had fallen the first; upon which Pack
exclaimed
"Ah, poor Greed, are you gone?'
Yes" said Matthew, very composedly,
"and you shall pack after him." at the same
time making home thrust quite through his
body, which threw him to the ground This
was the more remarkable, as he was never in
his life, either before or after, known to have
aimed at pun.
The number Of wounds received by the van
pushed parties was very great; and what
seems almost miraculous, their opponents were
untouched.
The surgeons, seeing the desperate state of
their patients, would not suffer them to be re-
moved out of the room where they fought, but
had beds Immediately conveyed into it, on
which they lay many hours, in state of insen.
sibiity.
When they came to themselves, and saw
where they we're, Pack, in feeble voice, said
to his companion
"Creed, think we are the conquerors, for
we have kept the field of battle"
For long time they we're despaired Of but
to the astorishment Of every one, they both re-
covered.
When they we're able to see company, Mat
thew and his friend attended them daily, and
close intimacy aherward ensued, as they
found them men of probity, and Of the best
dispositions, except in this Quixotic idea of
duelling, whereof they were now perfectly
cured.