The Hawaiian gazette., 1878-07-10
WEDNESDA Y. JULY 10. 1873.
An Affair of Honor That Cont N.
ned at Intervals for Fourteen
Years.

ned at Intervals for Fourteen
Years.
The French are eminently duelling people,
and hare lately heard Of many curious encoun-
ters Perhaps the most remarkable duel on rec
ord is that related OF N. Fourier, a captain of
Hussars at Strasburg, In the latter part Of the
last century.
This Captain Fourier was accustomed to
wantonly provoke quarrel with any one whom
be might chance to meet 10 order to crafty his
extraordinary thirst for blood. which rendered
HIM akin TO the tiger species. Upon one occa
sion he had insulted, fought aud killed young
man by the name OF BIumm, who was great
favorite with the good citizens of Strasburg, and
his sad and cruel DEATH resulting from quarrel
go utterly uuprOyoked on his part, exasperated
them to the highest degree.
The military commander OF the place had some
time previously announced ball, which hap.
pened TO fall upon the night of the burial of the
unfortunate Blumm. He knowing the state Of
excitement into which the bOHge0se had worked
themselves over this legaIzed murder OF one of
their class, and fearing the consequences which
might ensue should they meet Capt Fourier at
the entertainment, directed one of his officers by
the name of Dupont to post himself at the en-
trance To the hall and prevent the abundance
of the doughty duelist. The command was
dangerous one to fulfill. nevertheless it was
cheerfuy undertaken by the brave Dupont, who
was himself no mean swordsman, and had long
desired an opportunity to meet and punish this
much-leared bravo.
In due time Fourier presented himself at the
door where Dupont received him with the quiet
remark that by his Generals orders he could not
permit him to pass. Fourier twrling his nous
tachios and garing ferocously at tue lmpertur-
bable Dupont, exclaimed "A c'eSt ca | can.
not fight the General for his rank you will,
perhaps, have no objection you, who commit
impertinences at secondhand ]"
The challenge was accepted, and, the combat
ants meeting few days after, Dupont succeeded
10 lnhcting severe wound upon his antagon st
but in the act of falling, Fourier called out for
a second trial. 1t was granted, and as soon as
he had sufficiently recovered they met again.
This time Dupont was wounded Being enIaged
at the rough and vicious manner in which his
opponent had thrust him. Dupont claimed au-
other meeting, to which. of course, the victor
readily assented.
The latter likewise desired that the contest
should be decided by pistols feeling certain oil
success with this weapon, as he was known to
be dead shot, and frequently amused himself
| by knocking the pipes out of the mouths OF the
soldiers with bullet. Dupont. however, was
too wise to grant him this advantage. and the
swords were still preserved The third contest
resulted in mutual wound, duel convention
was drawn up between them, which is still in ex.
| istence and runs in this wise.
| l. As often as MN. Dupont and Fournier find
themselves within thirty leagues of each other
they shall meet half way between for duel with
| swords.
oF ha nhato Hnla
| restrained by the exigencies of the SERVICE the
other shall make the entire journey in order tc
effect a meeting. .-
3. No excuse, except such as may grow out OF
the exigencies of the service, shall be admissible
This singular compact was executed III gouC
| faith, and many curious meetings, strangely
brought about, we're the result. One writes t
the other upon certain occasion
81 am invited to breakfast with party of off
GERS at Augsburg, and hearing that you are il
the ueighborhood, would be obliged by your at
fording me the opportunity for another swort
thrust Truly yours, &C.
Again a letter runs IN this strain
"MoN AMI will be passing through Stras
burg on the Sd instant We will fight"
In the course of years one or the other woul,
be promoted; this destroyed the equality of ranl
between them and according to French Ell
quette no duel could take place. AS soon, how
ever. as the advancement of the inferior restores
the balance of rank. the contest was renewed ii
accordance with the terms of the contract. TIL
duel appeared likely to last for many, man
years, as both were experienced swordsmen an
adhered rlgldly TO the ruling that no thrust shout
be made after blood had been drawn. 1t is re
lated that they once met very unexpectedly In ,
Swiss chalet The fact of its being night tint
did not prevent their proceeding Immediately Il
their bloody work. Between the sword thrusts
they carried on the following conversation
"Pdrbleu! l thought you we're 10 the int
rior"
mo, am ordered here"
Bon! We shall be near by. Are You latel
arrived p
"This instant"
VERY good to think of me-"
As he uttered the last words Dupont's swor
grazed Fournier's neck, drawing blood, and th
fight was over for a while. HE.Ha
Thus continued the feud for over IA Ion
years, when Dupont was about to unite himse
in marriage to u fair demoisele who howeve
made it condition of their uniou that the duel
istic engagement should be positively close
before their nuptials. Thereupon Dupont sough
an interview with his enemy, and agreed to
nally settle the dispute with pistols. In orde
though, to obviate the great advantage who
fournlers sklil as marksman Afforded hin
Dupont proposed the following.
"a FREUD of mine has pleasant copse, SUI
rounded by high wall ; there are two entrance
one to the north, the other to the south. Ii
us each enter by separate gate, pistol in hanc
and seek an opportunity TO fire."
As it was proposed was it done. Upon th
appointed day each repaired TO the rendezvous
in few minutes they esped each other an
each darted quickly behind tree About fv
minutes OF GREATNESS suspense ensued, when Dr.
pont closely thrust forth an arm.
A bullet whzzed by. near enough to take tt
bark of the tree behind which he was sheltered
moment later DupOnt's hat ventured beyon
the friendly barrcade. Fournier's second bull,
pierced it's crown, but the head which had plat
ned the ruse remained uninjured. Dupont MOI
stepped boldly and triumphsntly from his col
ceaIment, while his antagonist, throwing dow
bis now useless pistol, advanced coolIy and III
dauntedly toward him, prepared to meet the fal
which be bad dealt out to go many others.
Dupont aimed deliberately at his heart, stol
ped and said Il have your life in my hand
give it to you on condition that if ever you see
quarrel with me again shall have the benei
of Two balls before you fire."
The terms were accepted and the fourtee
years of duel were ended.