Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1870-02-24
NO. 90.
: re, nit, Swords In NaH YORK CITY


A Taes witt; swords In New York CITY.
The New York Herald states that
dnel took place in thst city on Sunday
uisht, between Mr.. George Proude, az
Enelishman, and Mr.. Francisco de Porto,
the Cuban who was seriously wounded in
duel with Mr. De Couto, the editor Of
the Spanish journal FL Croat:ta, in Can
ada last summer. The cause Of this last
ARRAY arose from certain taunts uttered
by Proude on Saturday night. ia reference
to the conduct of Gubans in New York
city, which so enraged De Porto that 10
spat in proude's face. Preparations for q
hostile meeting was at once entered upon.
The Herald says:
The seconds were not far away, and,
after little consultation, there was
chosen on behalf Of De Porto Mr.. Al
fred Neill, and for Prouae Mr.. Charles
pittman. The compact was then agreed
to the only, question to be disposed Of
was as to
THE WEAPONS AND THE BATTLE GROUND.
The combatants were determined to-
| fight Both were good swordsmen both
had wroags-the Cuban to avonge the
SANDER On his countrymen, bis opponent
to wipe out the stain that the defiant ex-
peotoration Of De Porto had inflicted
With what weapons should they fight !?
Pistols no; for, said they, "any fool
ean sheet; it takes swordsmaa to fight
duel" and 81. swords were the weapons.
De Porto Insisted on feiIs, but Proudo
desired the ordinary sabre used by cavalry.
This question formed the subject Of much
wrangling, but faally De Porto con
scented, and so far matters afforded mutual
satisfaction. All this occurred up town,
near the house Of common friend, and a
fashionable one, sll that il West Ninetcenth
street
To that house, then, the partiea,
accompanied by their seconds, on Sunday
night repaired There was no noise, no
unusual sound to disturb the quietude Of
the place. Few were aware that within
az hour one Of two human beings might
probably breathe lis last The prepar-
atoms were made in silence, and the hour
Of two O'Clock yesterday morning was
awaited with anxiety The edges of the
keen blades were carefully examined, and
for heightened period scarcely word
vas spoken.
STRIPPING FOR THE FRAY.
Ding, dong-it was two o'clock. In
the spacious back parlor Of the house in
question the parties assembled ere the
echo of the chimes had died out. Both
combatants stripped for the contest. the
seconds now aud then whispering some
thing to those about to engage. Only
half dozen persons were present, each one
of whom was thrilled by neryoas ox-
element. A splendid chandelier she'd
| food of light around the room, though
otherwise the place was excessively cold,
so cold, INDEED, as ts necessitate the
wearing of a thin walking coat by each
Of the dueliists, both Of whom were attired
ia tight pantaloons, all undegcIothing
bsing eatifely dispensed with. All the
arran gements having been completed, the
combattsats announced their readiness to
proceed.
A DEAD SILENCE
ensuod, while an ashy paleness seemed to
be the prevalent complexion Of every man
in the room. The word was given and
the duellists crossed swords, and having
taken three PAGES backwards, the fight
commenced. At first slight timidity
was apparent on both sides-not so much
tisuidity, perhaps, as the nervous expecta-
ton incident to the opening Of the encouu-
ter. Finally, after some little hesitation,
De Porto advanced, Proude meanwhile
on the alert to receive him. The scene
was exciting All at once the spectators
were startled by sudden cut made by
Proude at the head Of his opponent. who,
however, deity parted, and retired a
pace or two. Up to the present beth had
observed comparatively serene demeanor
but it was evident the duel could not be a
prolonged one, each being bent on deadly
strife Having again crossed, great skill
was displayed by both, their eyes flashing
with fire and endeayoring, as it were, to
penetrate each others intent.
ADMIRABLE swoRDsMANsHIP
was displayed, the cuts being rapid, well
directed and parried with precision. Up
to the present, which WAS about FIVE
minutes from the commencement, De
Porto had escaped With slight scratch on
the chest, Proude being unframed, when
suddenly De Porto oaering tempting
chance, Proude advanced on him and
inflicted diagonal cut upon the right
thigh. Il was fatal mode for Proude
for no sooner had he leaned forward to
make the cut than, with lightning like
rapidly, De Porto following up the
contraflto, gashed his opponent on the
right shoulder, causing wound some
FIVE Inches Ia depth. His sword arm
was disabled
Tna DUEL WAS OVER.
Proude dropped his blade, exclaiming.
Enough FOR to-day you viii give me my
revenge another time" TO which De
Porto replied:
II an always at your disposition.
subsequently the parties shook hands
aud the wounds were examined. That
inflicted on De Porto, though some eight
inches in length, was scarcely quarter
of an inch in depth, while Proude's wss
of serious character, the blood streaming
from it 10 profusion. He was Immediately
conveyed TO his residence in Brooklyn,
where the proper assistance was procured.
--S
GENERAL GRAMS LATEST .HlT.-A
Washington correspondent Of the Louis
vile Cowier-Jouraal relates that letter
from Governor Ashley, of Montana, to
friend was lately read to General Grant.