The Beaufort tribune and Port Royal commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1877-1879, 1877-02-08
The Coat Of Mail.


The reported duel between Bennett
and May has brought about the duel
stories in the scrap books of the editors.
Here is one story told: When Fighting
Fitzgerald was introduced at the French
court to King Louis XVII, the ambassa-
dors thinking to compliment the courage
of Fitzgerald, said: Your majesty,
this brave gentleman has killed nineteen
antagonists, IN as many duels, and never
has been woundedw The king replied
in sorrowful rebuke: "M. I Ambas-
sadeur! I should have been more
pleased to have heard that he had saved
the lives of nineteen persons, or OF even
one of his majesty's subjects. 1t was
fact that he had never been wourded,
though opposed by excellent marksmen,
who were instructed in those days to
aim between the belt and throat for, to
shoot above or below, was considered
ungentlemanly and non-cavaliero.
Fitzgerald was terror in the society
of every club, and he belonged to many;
for no person dare blackball him, for
fear of leaden ball in return. No one
presumed to put his name upon the
bulletin for expulsion for fear of bullets
in his own body. He insulted any one
who offended him by blow on the face
with his glove. The insulted gentle
man was compelled to challenge him,
which gave Fitzgerald the choice OF
weapons-his deadly pistol, with which
he. had often "snuffed" candle out
at ten PAGES.
People wondered how it was that he
was never wounded. Many were the
surmises. with bated byeath and whis-
pered suggestions. At that time, in
ireland, dueling was the fashion, and
ladies favored no lover who had not been
out with his man. Fitzgerald, OF
noble family, was their reigning fayorite.
There lived in county Galway a rich
country gentleman. Richard Martin, who
became renowned as a modern Richard
Ceur de Lion. He was the father OF
"Animal Martini" so called from his
humanity to animals-the Henry Bergll
of Parliament. Richard Martin was
quiet, brave man; in manners the re-
verse of Fitzgerald, who was frivoity
personifed.
The conversation at club turned upon
the marvellous career of the latter, when
Mr.. Martin observed that he did not be-
ieve Fitzgerald dare fight duel with
his body to his belt entirely naked. This
suggestive remark reached the duelllst,
who instantly insulted Martin by strik-
ing him across the face with his glove.
Richard Martin had never fought duel,
being opposed to it on principle, unless
for libel and SANDER, or gross personal
assault. He was, therefore, compelled
to challenge-which fact gave Fitzgerald
the choice of weapons. Martins second
insisted that the principals should be
placed at thirty PAGES distance. approach
each other at the signal, and fire at
pleasure as they approached-each step,
of course, lessening the distance between
them. This arrangement was agreed to,
the distance measured and the men
placed face to face. "Are you ready,
gentlemen ?" eyes" Zone, two,
three, and fire p -
It was noticed that Fitzgerald was
nervous, even in the preiminaries, for
the original remark Of Martin causing
the duel strongly suggested knowledge
or belief as to the fraudulently concealed
armor. They had advanced only two
PAGES each, when Fitzgerald suddenly
fired, and, for the first time, missed hls
man, his bullet, however, carrying away
a portion of Martins shirt ruffie. The
arrangement was that when either had
fired he was to stop and receive the fire
of his opponent. There were twenty,
six paces left between them, and Richard
Martin slowly advanced, and when within
only four PAGES fired point blank at the
very heart of Fitzgerald, who stood erect,
smiling and unhurt. Martin instantly
reversed his pistol, seized the barrel, and
rushing upon Fitzgerald, inflicted ter
rible blow before the seconds could In
terfere, and as quickly tore open the en-
broidered shirt of his PROSTATE foe, dis
closing to the eyes of all the concealed
bullet-proof coat of mail-close steel
chain or ring armor, lined with wadded
inner coat, impervious to bullet, sword
or dagger.
After this duel, and in consequence OF
it, came in the fashion OF fighting naked
to the waist.
Fitzgerald died almost instantly.
Richard Martin was tried for murder and
acquitted by acclamation, not only by
the jury, but by all Iceland, England
and Europe, who saluted him as a pub
Lie benefactor.