Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-07-01
A Small Sword Duel.
The following incidents are related b

On Thursday last two French or Creole
gentlemen-I judge from their names, St.
Claire Momus and O. Berth fought du-
Ell with small swords on the GENTLY Ridge,
being urged thereto by an unusual freedom
of political discussion, which they had in
dulged in on last election day. After few
rapid passes one Of them received cash a.
cross bis cheek, and the other had ore side
Of his neck perforated, neither wound being
dangerous. This ended the affair, and the
parties became warm friends Immediately
A morning paper speaks of it as happy
termination, but among the thousand duels
of this sort that have taken place here du-
ring the past ten years. do not remember
any that terminated more seriously, with
one or two exceptions, and they did not re-
suit in death, it being the custom for the Sc
conds to rush in and put stop to the slash
ing and thrusting the moment blood is
drawn. I remember one, a few years ago,
in which a Creole gentlemen Of this city
fought young man from Paris. The Gre
ole was ain expert swordsman, prided him
self upon his reputation as duelist, and
undoubtedly had plenty Of braggad ocio-
pluck to furnish himself with quarrel when
he felt rusty for fight.
Reports of the personal strength and great
fencing abilities Of the young Partisan had
reached him, and for some reason best
known to himself he chose to be nettled and
displeased by them. He soughta quarrel
and finally insulted the Frenchman in very
gross and wanton style. TIE latter knock
ed him down and gave him sound basting
for bis pains. "A challenge followed; they
met with small swords; the Creole insisted
that in consideration Of the ofense the usual
rules must be suspended and they must
fight to the death. They found, and the
Creole found himself at the mercy of his
powerful, active and skillful antagonist =
He received half dozen severe sword
thrusts, and was carried from the field with
scarcely spark Of life in his body. He re-
covered long afterward, swearing that the
combat should be fought over again, but it
never was.
EFFECT or THE News IN New York
The news Of the battle created a tremen-
dous sensation among the foreign residents
in New York. The Herald says that the
French saloons were thronged all day on
Sunday, and ''za guerre" was the engross-
ing topic of conversation. The Frenohmen
are delighted. They knew it would have
been SO, and while there was a general feel
ing of joy and satisfaction among them at
the success Of their brave countrymen, there
were not few Of them who paid high com
pliments to the indomitable courage Of the
Austrians.
The Germans generally doubted the &C.
curacy of the accounts. They are said to be
warming up in favor Of Austria, and some
of the more intelligent ones are of the firm
opinion that the whole of Fatherland is on
the brink Of explosion.
They have no faith in the idea of peace,
and without this ''consummation 50 devout-
ly to be wished" they cannot see how the
ardor and excitement of their brethren al
home are TO be restrained. They say that
while the Germans love Italian liberty, they
cannot neglect their own; that their own in.
terest is to check the progress Of Louis Ma
poleon and assist the most powerful State Of
their confederation
Among the Italians there is slight d.
versity Of sentiment There are number
Of the Mazzini party who look npon this war
as only fight for change of masters
catspaw for the ambition Of Louis Napoleon
foil fer the dagger of the assassin or the
patriot. There is, however, a decided ma
jority Of Italians sympathiaing With the al
lies.
Among the Hungarians the wish as father
to the belief, asnd they are rot SLOW to cred
it the reverses Of the Austrians, is set forth
in the accounts Of this battle.