Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-02-24

to wine cut the stain that the defiant ex-
pectoration of De Porto had inflicted
With what weapons should they fight
Pistols 2 no; for, said they, amy foo
can ehoot, it takes a swordsmsn to fghl
a duel" and 30 swords were the weapons
De Porto insisted on foils, bat Pfoudt
desired the ordinary saber used by
cavalry. This question formed the sub
i"ct of much wrangling, but finally DE-
Porto consented, and so far matters sf
forded mutual satisfaction. A II this oc'
cured up town, near the house of com
mon friend, and fashionable one a.
that, in West Nineteenth street.
To that house, then, the parties, ac'
companied by their seconds, on Sunday
night repaired. There wss no noise. nc
unusual sound to disturb the quietude o.
the place. Few were aware that within
an hour one of two human beings nigh,
probably breathe his last. The prepare
tions were made in silence, and the hour
of two o'clock yesterday morning was
awaited with anxiety. The edges Of the
keen blades we're carefully examined, and
for heightened period scarcely word
was spoken.
Ding, dong-it was two o'clock. IL
the spacious back parlor of the house il
question the parties assembled ere the
echo of the chimes had died out. Both
combatsnts stripped for the contest, the
seconds now and then whispering some
thing to those about to engage. Only Q
half dozen persons were present, each
one of whom was thrilled by nervous
excitement A splendid chandelier shed
food of light around the room, though
otherwise the place was excessively cold,
so cold, indeed, ss to necessitste the
wearing of thin walking coat by each oi
the duelists, both of whom were attired
in tight psntaloons, all underclothing
being entirely dispensed with. All the
arrangements having been completed the
combstsnts announced their readiness to
proceed. n
A dead silence ensued, while an ashy
paleness seemed to be the prevalent com I.
plexion of every man in the room. The
word was given and the dueists crossed
swords, and, having taken three PAGES
backwards, the fight commenced. At
e rst slight tmidity was apparent on
both sides-not so much timidity, per-
haps, as the nervous expectation incl
dent to the opening of the encounter.
Finally, after some little hesitation, De
Porto advanced. Proude meanwhile on
the alert to receive him. The scene was
exciting. All at once the few spectators
were startled by sudden cut made by
Ptoude at the be a of his opponent, who,
however, deftlv p. led and retired
pace or 1--WE. Up to the present both had
comparatively serene de
mesnor, but it was evident the duel could
not be a prolonged one, each being bent
on deadly strife. H4ving again crossed,
great skill was displayed by both, their
Eyes q ,shing with fire and endeavoring,
Is it were, to penetrate each others in
ent.
Admirable workmanship was dis
played, the cuts being rapid, well-directed
.nd parried with precis sion. Up to the
present, which was about FIVE minutes
rom the commencement, De Porto had
escaped with slight scratch on the
hest, Proude being unharmed, when sud-
lenly De Porto Offering tempting
,hance, Proude advanced upon him and
nfllcted q diagonal cut upon the right
high. 1t was fatal move for Proude, |
or 10 sooner had be leaned forward to |
make the cut than, with lightning-like |
apidity. De Porto following up the
ontroJilio, gashed bis opponent on the |
light shoulder, causing wound some
i've inches in length and about one and |
half inches in depth. His sword arm
Tas disabled.
The duel was over. Proude dropped
is blade exclRiming, Enough for to-
sy; you will give me my revenge an.
iher time" TO which De Porto replied:
/ am always at your disposition.
Subsequently the parties shook hands
nd the wounds we're examined. That
Inflicted on De Porto, though some
light inches in length, was scarcely a
uarter of an inch in depth, while
'roude's was Of serious character, the
lood streaming from it in profusion.
lie was Immediately conveyed to his res
ieuce in Brooklyn, where the proper as
Istsuce was procured.
Aud thus terminated the sanguinary
ontest, the chivalrous Cuban on the one
and vindicaling the slight cast upon his
and the Esglisbman aveug-
" the bitter insult be had sustained.
/ the conclusion Of the duel De Porto
ho, By the way, was an officer on the
with marked coolness
lat be vas always at home in West
wenly-seeond street for any person who
,ok the liberty Of Questioning the reeti-
Ide Of the Cuban cause and its support