The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-07-15
CRITICISM FROM An EXPERT
The Count and Mr.. Charles Reads-A Lesson
In SwordsmanshIp.

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sr: As a
practical architect my criticism Of tho Tribune
building was published in your journal. From
similar practical knowledge permit me to criti-
else Mr.. Charles Readc's letter to Mr.. Bradbury
OF Cincinnati. published in The Sun Of the
18th inst. l alludc to that part Of tho let
ter wherein he writes as TO the use OF the sword.
Your million readers will remember my de-
scription OF the duel with Chcvalicr 81. Georges
and also as the chosen champion for tho Prince
OF Denmark. in the challenge from a chief
noblcman OF the court. No person. therefore.
can doubt my practical knowledge Of the sword.
and hence | criticise Mr.. Roade's statement
that when right hand blow ls struck with
sword. the reverse or left foot is advanced" To
write that the distant thunder IL heard before
the fash Of lightning ia seen would not be
more incorrect. In boxing tho limbs ARE re-
versed but not in u duel with swords. The
arm. the left leg and arm thrown back. thus
guarding the heart from fatal exposure. If n
man in lighting a duel with u sword should adj
vance his. left leg aud side. how could he make
an extended lungc with his sword in his right
hand He would be thrown of his balance. and
receive his adyersarys weapon through his lcit
breast. Mr.. Charles RcRde is II novelist OF high
repute and he may wish to Introduce novel
mode 81 using the sword. and drsre to prove
that the pend Ia Beaconsficld-is mighticr
than the sword; but in doing 50. as ODhetid
He recks not his own Rcadc.
He also writes upon an 6 ambidextrous " sub
Jcct. A Damascus umhileNtcr sword II one
that cuts both WAYS, and hence n man is called
an ambidcXter who can use both hands. Mr.
BOnncr's celebrated horse might be termed an
anhi-DcAter. for he uses his right and left legs
with equal alHcrity. Once In my lie | WAS
thrown OF my guard in n small sword encOun-
ter my adversary being II left handed man. and
he always met those the reverse OF himself
His attack was entirely -, h1ce. For u few mo-
ments rested on my defence only. and that en-
cartel. when. quick AS "a flash. reversed. and
made an attack eit tttFce EOt his sword within
my centrifugal action when. swift ~ an arrow
from appraised Indian bow his sword few into
the mir, and he was Mt my mercy. My gencrOs-
lily. as usual was his shield
II was after the above affair learned to us
myself bindfOldcd. 50 ms TO resist a sword at
tack In "A dark nght-to defend by the sense of
touch in the absence of that Of sight. A blow
with n cut and thrust sword has nearly one
third more force when struck from the left to
the right than Nicc versa; but even IN that in
stance the right foot II advanced. IL Is called
the Surncen cut because one can sever the
head from the body witt one blow OF his sword.
In one instance a Saracen chief. leading his
cavalry in the fury OF battle. met his advancing
foe. Each drew his sword. but the Saracrn
was the quickest and with his Damascus blade
cut on the head OF his enemy. and caught II by
the hair. und still rode on. dispensing the foes.
horrilcd NJ the ghasily trophy.
In u few days will. ID. v. call your attention
70 two judicial cases in England and America,
Learning upon the BENJAMIN Hunter cRse and
Graham 5 confession. wherein both IL the con-
icssors' were executed. though each had been
Kings and Sul,es evidence. lours. Sc..
GEORGE. TIE CoUNT JoANNEs.
Of the New York Supreme Court.