Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-07-12
The Point of Honor.

EOuOEGlH dlItl w dUCIlOO bCCu
fought, an English regiment (which had
taken distinguished part in that great
victory, stationed in Mediterranean
garrison, gained an unenviable notoriety
there by a sudden menia for dueling
that broke out amongst the officers, and
which threatened to become so chronic
in it's character as seriously to interfere
with the discipline of the corps. Quar-
rels were literally "made to order " at
mess-ti time for the most trifing affairs,
and scarcely day passed without hos
tile meeting taking place, which the
colonel-a weak-minded man expressed
himself powerless to prevent. Indeed,
be had already been sent to Coventry"
by bis subordinates, which, as our read
ers doubtless know, is kind OF social
accommodation that, when acted upon
in an English regiment, generally ends
In the retirement from the corps of the
individual on whom it falls. 1t was so
in this instance, for the colonel saw that
the vendetta-lke conduct of his officers
towards him was gradually divesting
him of all authority in the eyes of his
men: and as he had none but his social
interiors to whom he could turn for
counsel and advice, he was compelled TO
relipquish his command and return to
England. On arrival in that country he
lost no time in proceeding to the Horse
Guards, where he sought and gained an
interview with the Duke of Wellington,
to whom he gave graphic account of
the state of affairs which existed in the
regiment he had lust left,
The Iron Duke listened attentively to
the narration, and knitted his brow in
anger as the colonel related the story of
the dueling; and, when the latter had
finished speaking, he exclaimed, in an
unmistakably stern and uncompromising
tone:
"It is your fault, sir! You should
have brought some of the ringleadeers
to ceurt-martial, and cashiered them
on the spot. You have sadly neglected
your duty, and that is a thing which ]
never pardon"
The colonel left the Horse Guards in
very crestfallen state, and he was
scarcely surprised when he saw in the
next Gazette the announcement that
"His Majesty had no further need OF
his services.
In the meantime the duke had obtain
ed a special audience of the Prince Re-
gent, to whom he explained the con-
dition of affairs in connection with the
regiment in question. The result of the
interview was that Colonel "A we'll.
known martinez, then on half-pay, was
sent for, and the circumstances explained
to him; the prince offering him the com.
mand of the regiment on condition that
he would undertake to cure the dueline
propensities of its officers. Colonel A
= was delighted at the prospect of ac-
tive service, and he willingly accepted the
task assigned to him, it being understood
that he was to be granted royal indem.
nifty for anything serious which might
happen to any body else in his endeavors
to put stop to the dueling. He was q
man of high reputation, and had previ
ously held other difficult commands, be
ing known throughout the army as 6
good soldier but stern disciplinarian
Such was the old soldiers feelings al
the special honor conferred on him that
on leaving st. James's palace, he actu
ally forgot to return the salute of the
sentinels posted at the gates, to the grea
astonishment of the latter, who knew hi
punctilious habits.
On his arrival at the garrison he los
no time in making himself acquainted
with his brother officers. He had alread,
laid out his plan of action in his owl
mind. and was fully determined to ALLOW
nothing to swerve him hairs breatl
from the path of duty. At the mess
table he behaved with studied politenes
and amiability of manner; and his sub
ordinates indicated that they were great
ly pleased with their new commander
He chatted pleasantly with all, from tn
senior major down to the youngest en-
sign, and when the cloth was remove,
regaled them with the latest gossip AM
doings of London society. Before the
separated for the night, however, h
took the opportunity of informing them
in a very qniet manner, that he ha
heard of the frequent duels which ha
already taken place in the corps, an
that it seemed matter of regret to hir
that they could not manage to live i
peace and amity.
However" he said, 'if it be you
wish, gentlemen, to fight out your qual
rels in this way, shall interpose no Oh
stacle to your doing 80. But this ca
only be by your pledging your word c
honor now, to the effect that in futur
no duel shall take place without my pei
mission having been first obtained. As
am your colonel, it is necessary that m
authority should be acknowledged in a
that relates to the honor of the reg
mept."