The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1866-11-09
DUEL NEW ORLEANS.
4 Reminiseence CT Sixty Years Ago.

had "a fencing room OF his own, there was
no power which could have induced them
to spend their evenings anywhere else but
at the same coffee house.
We have already said that both were
fencing masters, and as one may suppose,
each taught that branch in which he was
most acknowledgements the sabre, broad
sword or counter point, and Pefdious the
small sword or point
The eternal topic between them, dis
cussed at every meeting and under every
circumstance, was necessarily the relative
merits and superiority Of their respective
branches Of the fencing art.
Unfortunately, driven by the taunts of
others, Perdious undertook to lower, IN the
estimation OF their hearers, the efficiency of
the broad sword exercise, declaring that 1t
was one requiring only brutal force but a
very limited amount of science-addlng at
the same time that although he thoroughly
despised it. he considered himself equal to
the most famous Of the professors OF broad
sword.
This was so direct a fling at Hermann
that he could not stand it, and he met the
assertion by a most energetic dsniai.
They soon exchanged words of mutual de-
iance, when, as with u view to reduce the
Hermann broke out with the following
proposition, 10 wit that if Perdious would
agree, on his honor, not 10 use the small
sword or point game, he would wager TWEEN
ty dollars to ten, that he, Hermann, would
cut off Perdious' head.
The proposition was made in such q cool
business like manner, that its horror did not
appear in any way to strike either of the
parties or the spectators, and PerdlOus, at
ter few moments reflection, stretched Out
his hand to Hermann, and accepted the
Offer
Hermann suggested that a stake holder
should be appointed and the stakes deposit
ed, to which PerdiOus agreed but the UNI
plre once chosen, 1t turned out, that neither
Of them had a cent to stake, and this
threatened for time to stop further pro-
gress, when unfortunately, their respective
pupils, considering themselves in honor
bound to see the question ''honOrably" set
tied, two thoughless youths advanced the
amount required.
Ali that remained was to settle the condi
ton of the encounter, which was done, as
usual in unexpected cases, in wiring, duly
signed, sealed and delivered in duplicate,
as follows, or nearly so:
"Whereas, Hermann has offered P2rdi-
Gus a bet Of $40 to SO that he the said
Hermann, would cut off the head Of him,
the said Perdious, in fair, stand up fight,
provided he, the said PerJious. would con
form to certain conditions, it is hereby
agreed that on to morrow morning at
the said parties shall meet with their re-
spcctiye friends, and such others as may
choose to attend, at the old brick yard,
near Maugny' 5 canal, to decide the quo5-
ton.
1T is further agreed, that the parties
shall meet with bread swords, and that
neither Of them shall use the point or
thrust, but shall confne himself to tie
counter point game. under the penalty Of
being ruled out the fight to continue until
the bet be decided or either party agree to
forfeit his stake
This curious document, after having been
critically examined by the principal was
signed by them, and their seconds. who I'M
fortunately, happening to be young reckless
fellows, could not see anything in this be
yond good joke"
The two udycrsarics then resumed their
friendly game Of dominoes, drank their us
uaI amount Of poney brandies and parted,
as usual, about midnight, with the most
cordial wishes for each others health and
prosperity.
During the evening, however, the news
spread like wildfire, that Hermann had Ell
gagged to cut off Perdious' head for ten dol
lars side, and that the fight would come
of at six in the morning The police. as
usual, took good care to take no notice Of it.
but to let their friends at leisure know of
the sport in store, which they with a sigh,
said they could not conveniently attend.
The spot chosen for the meeting was near
the old canal NTarigny, formerly plantation
drain, enlarged afterwards to accommodate
the growing city. =.
At an early hour, a gay crowd was col
Iectel on and around The ground, discuss
ing the probable result of the bet, and
warmly taking part each for bis new IA
vOrjte.
Soon afterwards, the two antagonists
arm In arm, were seen to approach. and
were GREETED with most appearing cheers,
which they acknowledged in a courteous
manner, and for time there seemed as if
the main object had been entirely overlook
ed, and the parties on the ground
| were preparing for some great hunt or
! pic nc.
There was, however, a notable difference
between the aspect of the two men. Her
mann, like a true 'Luncier," was full of
boast and braG, twisting his gray mustache
and swinging himself to and fro on hi long
nervous legs, while Perdious was more re-
served. more guarded and slight nervous
trepidation of the muscles Of his handsome
face was clearly perceptible
Finally, the seconds succeeded in clear
| ing the ground, or at least as much as was
! at first necessary, and soon the parties
stood face to face, the advantages of the sun
having been fairly divided, so that each had
It on one side and neither IN front By the
| necessity Of the arrangement Perdious was
placed with his back to the canal, the banks
| ofwhich were a little higher than the ground
on which he stood, and from which he was
separated by not more than one acre of clear,
open ground.
The conditions having been read aloud,
the parties were then respectively armed by
their friends, when Hermann, who had
slightly imbjbed in the morning, called to
his seconds, and, as We learned afterwards,
conided to them that he knew full we'll that
Perdious was no match for him and that he
did not intend to hurt him, but only to give
him lesson by compelling him to break
or retreat as far as the canal and there to
force him in.
inexperienced as were his seconds, thev
! strongly demonstrated against such plan
which almost invariably proved fatal, and
! had, but a few years before, under similar
| circumstances and Gu the very same spot,
caused the death of a celebrated French
/ fencing master much addicted to bullying,
! who, having picked up a quarrel with a
J trpnnh at-, ii Il, (