The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-03-12

Fourteen YearS.--The Most Re-
"markable In the Annals of DUEL
ing4Vivid and Graphic Sketch Of
the Sanguinary Affair.
paris Correspondence of the Evening Post.) I
PARIS, Feb. 19.-The French are emf |
nently dueling people, and have late
ly heard of many curious encounters.
Perhaps the most remarkable duel on re-
cord is that related of Mr.. Fournier, a |
Captain of Hussars, at Strasbourg, in the |
latter part Of the last Century.
This Gapt Epurnier. was accustomed
to wantohly provoke quarrel With any
one whom he might chance to meet in
order 10 crafty bis extraordinary
THIRST FOR BLOOD,
Which rendered him akin 10 the tiger
species Upon one occasion he had in
suited, fought and killed young man
by the name of Blumm,,, who was great
favorite with the good citizens of Stras
bourg, and his sad and cruel death, re-
sulting from quarrel so utterly unpro.
voked on his part, exasperated them to
the highest degree.
Tue military commander OF the place
had some time previously announced !
ball, which happened to fall upon the
night of the burial of the unfortunate
Blumm. He, knowing the state of ex
citement into which the 6ourgeoisie had
worked themselves over the legalized
murder of one of their c'ass, and fearing
the consequence which might ensue
should they meet Capt. Fournier at the
entertainment, directed one of his OFF,
GERS by the maine Of Dupont, to post
himself at the entrance to the hall and
prevent the admittance Of
THE DOUGHTY DUELIsT.
The command was dangerous one to
fulfill, nevertheless it was cheerfuliy un-
dertaker by the brave Dupont, who was
himself no mean swordsmsn, aud had
long desired an opportunity to meet and
punish the much-feared bravo.
In due time Fournier presented him
4 self at the door, where Dupont received
him with the quiet remark that by his
Generals orders he could not permit him
to pass. Fournier. twirling his mustsche
and glaring ferociously at the impertura
BILE Dupont, exclaimed: "Ah! c'est ca I
I cannot fight the General for his rank ;
you will, perhaps, have no objection ?
You, wlio commit impertinences at Sec
ond -hand!'
The challenge was accepted, and the
combatants meeting few days later Du-
pont succeeded in inficting severe
wound upon his antagonist, but in the
act of falling Fournier called out. for a
second trial. 1t was granted, and as
soon as he had sufficiently recovered
1they met again This time Dupont was
wounded. Being enraged.at the rough
and vicious manner in which his oppo
nent had thrust him Dupont claimed an
other meeting, to which, Of course,
TIE VICTOR READILY ABSENTEE.
i The latter likewise desired that the
contest should be decided by pistols,
feeling certsin of suceess with this weap-
on, as he was known to be dead shot,
and frequently amused himself by knock.
ing the pipes out of the mouths of the
soldiers With bullet. Dupont, however,
was too wise to grant him this advant
, age, and the swords were still preserved
The third contest resulting in a mutual
, wound q duel convention was drawn up
between them, which is still in existence,
aud runs in this wise:
l. As often as MN. Dupont and Four,
nier find themselves within thirty leagues
of each other, they shall meet halt way
! between for duel with swords.
: 2. If either OF the combatants finds
! himself restrained BY the exigeheies q
: the service; the other shall make the en-
tire journey in order to effect a meeting
II 8. No excuse, except such as may
. grow out of The exigencies of the ser
vice, shall be admissible.
This singular compact was executed
in good faith and many curious meetings
strangely brought about was the result
One writes to the other upon Certain
occasion: .
81 am invited 10 breakfast with a par
ty of officers at Augsburg, and hearing
that you were in the neighborhood
! would be obliged by your affording me
the opportunity for another sword thrust
! Truly yours" &c.
Again letter runs in this strain:
Mon AMI: l will be passing through
Strasbourg on the 81 inst. We will fight
In the course of years one or the othe
would be promoted; this destroyed .th
8 equality of rank between them, and ac
8 cording to French etiquette no due
could take place. As soon, however, q
|, the advancement of the inferior restored
e the balance of rank, the contest was re
n newed in accordance with the terms o
the contract. The duel appeared likel.
a 70 LAST FOR MANY YEARS,
d AS both were experienced swordsmel
Z and adhered rigidly to the ruling that n,
o thrust should be made after blood ha
n been drawn. 1t is related that they ono
met very unexpectedly in Swiss chale
n The fact Of its being nighttime did no
+ prevent their proceeding Immediately i
. their bloody work. Between the swor
: thtusts they carried On The followin
i conversation:
N "Parbleu! I Ithoaght you were in th
: interior" 1a
"No; I am ordered here"
n "Bon! We shall be near by. Ar
IS you lately arrived?'
'e "This instant"
d. "very good to think of me-"
Se As he uttered the last words Dupont
sword grazed Fourniers neck, drawin
blood, and the fight was over for whil'
a Thus continued the feud for fourtee
IS long years, when Dupont was about
is unite himself in marriage tosa fair den
Mt oiselle, who, however, made tia cond
es ton of theii union that the duelistic Ell
to gagement should be positively close
IN before their nuptials. Thereupon Dupol
lg sought an interview with his enemy; an
agreed to finally settle the dispute wit
he pistols. In order, though,to obviate Il
r. great advantage which Fournier's SKI
10 as marksman afforded him, Dupol
be proposed the following:
IL A friend of mine has a pleasant cops
IT. surrounded by high wall; there a
IN two entrances, one to the north,t the 9th
ed to the south. Let US each enter by
I'd senarate Gate. pistol in hand. and set