The Portland daily press., 1870-02-17
A Duel by GasIight,
EACIIiNG SWORD COMBAT IN NEW YORK
FIGHT BETWEEN A CUBAN AND AN
ENGLISHMAN


FIGHT BETWEEN A CUBAN AND AN
| ENGLIsHMAN.
A duel in New York is novelty. That
city, which has won its battles BY fsticuffs
and taken life by the dagger and poison like
the times of Italian romance, has risen above
these tame things aud brought again into
| vogue the NoUdc of f,onor.'-fhe- herald OF
Tuesday gives long account of an affair OF
this kind which took place in that city Sun
| day night. The parties were Francisco de
Porto, young Cnban of 2S, full of fire, and
| George Proude, an Englishman not dissimilar
IN age and appearance. They had been fast
friends, but latterly growing GOODNESS, in q.
duced by statements affecting the intentions
OF the Cuban junta and the honor of de Por-
10, eliminated in enmity between the parties.
saturday night, by design or accident, the
parties met in certain hotel up town. The
Old quarrel was renewed. Words were spent
freely, until at length characteristic observa-
ton by Proude-an observation significant of
an approaching kick-placed De Porto in fe-
yer heat, the result of which was that he spat
in his opponents face. The usual prelimna.
ries Observation-Disclosures, seconds, choice of
weapons, &c. But we will let the Herald tell
the rest of the tale:
The combatants were determined to fight.
Both were good swordsmen; both had
Wrongs-the Cuban 70 avenge the SANDER on
his countrymen, his opponent to wipe out the
STAIN that the defiant expectoration of De
Porto had inflicted. With what weapons
should they fight? Pistols? no; for, said
they, ANY fool can shoot; it takes swords
man to hight duel" and so swords were the
weapons. De Porto insisted on f0s, but
Proude desired the ordinary sabre used nv
cavalry. This question formed the subject of
much wran9ling. but finally De Porto con-
scented, and so far matters afforded mutual
satisfaction. All this occurred up town. near
the house OF common friend, and a fashion,
able one at that, in West Nineteenth street.
To that house, then, the parties, accompa-
MED by their seconds, repaired. There was
no noise, no unusual sound to disturb the
quletude OF the place. Few were aware that
within an hour one of two human beings
might probably breathe his last. The prepa-
rations 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 lengthen-
ed period scarcely word was spoken.
STRIPPING FOR THE FRAY.
Ding, dong-it was 2 o'clock. In the spa
cious back parlor of the house in question the
parties assembled ere the echoes OF the chimes
nad dled out. Both combatants stripped for
tue contest, the seconds now and then whis-
perlng something to those about to engage.
Only half dozen persons were present. each
one OF whom was thrilled by nervous ex-
element. A splendid chandelier shed flood
OF HSnt around the room, though otherwise
the place was excessively cold, so cold indeed.
as to necessitate the wearing of thin walk |
Ing-coat by each of the duellists, both Of whom |
were attired IN tight pantaloons, all under |
clothing being entirely dispensed with. All |
the arrangements having been completed, the |
announced their readiness to pro-
coed.
A DEAD SILENCE
ensued, while an ashy paleness seemed to be
Ihe prevalent complexion of every man in the |
looll. Inc word was given and the duellists |
ItoSseu SWORDS, and, having taken three PAGES
s'i'i warus, the hight commenced. At first a
sllgnt tlmldlty was apparent on both sides
noI SO much tlmidity, perhaps, as the nervous
ca pectatioh incident to the opening of the
.ilN IN flhaliy, after some little hesita-
on the alert to receive him. The scene was
All at once the few snectatorS
were startled by sudden cut made nv PromGe
at the head OF his opponent, who. bowevar
deity parted and retired a pace or two tn
TO this time both had observed comnarativa,
y serene demeanor, but it was evident The
iuel could not be prolonged one, each be.
ng bent on deadly strife. Having again
crossed, great skill was displayed by both.
heir eyes flashing with fire and endeavoring'
Is it were, to penetrate each others intent.
ADMIRABLE swoRDsMANsHIP
vas displayed, the cuts being rapid, well d.
ected and parted with decision. Up to the
present, which was about five minutes from
ne commencement, De Porto had escaped
VII slight scratch ON the chest, Proude be-
ng unframed, when suddenly De Porto offer
hg tempting chance, Proude advanced up
u him and inflicted diagonal cut upon the
lght thigh. 1t was a fatal move for Proude,
IL no sooner had he leaned forward to make
ne cut than, with lightning-like rapidlty, De
orto following up the cOntrg.ftiO, gashed
is opponent on the right shoulder, causing a
ound some five inches in length and about d,
ne and half inches in depth. His sword
rm was disabled.
THE. DUEL WAS OVER.
F hronde dropped his blade, enchanting
enge and lor today; you will give me my re-
lied: 'ier tme," 10 which De Porto re-
subs e, Always at your DISPOSITION c
he wounds wer sne parties shook hands and y
n De Porto 81 examined That inflicted Q
,nrtb was so onouSn some eight inches in
was Soarceiy Quarter of an inoI, IN q