The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-03-23
A French Duel which Continued at In.
teryals for Fourteen Years.


remarkable duel on record is that re-
lated of a Mr.. Fourier, a Captain of Hus-
sars, at Strasbourg, in the latter part of
the last century.
This Captain Fourier was accustomed
to wantonly provoke quarrel with any
one whom he might chance to meet in
order To crafty his extraordinary thirst
for blood, which rendered him akin to
the tiger-species. Upon one occasion
he had insulted, fought and killed a
young man by the name of Blumm,
who was great fayorite with the good
citizens of Strasbourg, and his sad and
cruel death, resulting from a quarrel so
utterly unprovoked on his part, exas-
perated them TO the highest degree.
The military commander of the place
had some time previously announced a
ball, which happened to fall upon the
night of the burial of the unfortunate
Blumm. He, knowing the state of ex-
element into which the bowgeoisie had
worked themselves over this legalized
murder of one of one of their class, and
fearing the consequence which might
ensue should they meet Captain Four
nier at the entertainment, directed one
of his officers, by the name of Dupont,
to post himself at the entrance to the
hall and prevent the admittance of the
doughty duelist. The command was a
dangerous one to fulfill; nevertheless it
was cheerfully undertaken by the brave
Dupont, who was himself no mean
swordsman, and had long desired an op-
portunity TO meet and punish this much
feared bravo.
In due time Fourier presented him
self at the door, where Dupont received
him with the quiet remark that by his
Generals orders he could not permit
him to pass. Fourier, twirling his
mustaches and glaring ferociously at
the imperturbablo Dupont, exclaimed:
"Ah! c'est cal ! can not fight the Gen
eral for his rank; you will, perhaps,
have no objection? you who commit
impertinences at second-handp
The challenge was accepted, and, the
combatants meeting few days after,
Dupont succeeded in inficting severe
wound upon his antagonist, but in the
act of falling Fourier called out for
second trial. 1t was granted, and as
soon as he had sufficiently recovered
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, the
victor readily assented.
The latter likewise desired that the
contest should be decided by pistols,
feeling certain of success with this wea-
pom, as he was known. ito 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 resulting
in mutual wound duel convention
was drawn up between them, which is
still in existence, and runs in this wise:
|. AS often as NM. Dupont and Four
nier find themselves within thirty
leagues of each other, they shall meet
half way between for duel with
swords.
2. If either of the combatants finds
himself restrained by the exigencies of
the service, the other shall make the en-
tire journey in order to effect meeting.
3. No excuse, except such as may
grow out Of the exigencies of the service,
shall be admissible.
This singular compact was executed
in good faith, and many curious meet
ings, strangely brought about, was the
result. One writes to the other on a
certain occasion;
81 am invited to breakfast with a party
of officers at Augsburg, and hearing that
you are in the neighborhood, would be
obliged by you afording me the oppor-
tunity for another sword thrust. Truly
yours, ETC."
Again, letter runs in this strain:
"MoN AMI: Twill be passing through
Strasbourg on the Sd inst. We will
fight"
In the course of years one or the
other would be promoted; this destroyed
the equality of rank between them, and
according to French etiquette no duel
could take place. AS soon, however, as
the advancement of the inferior re-
stored the balance of rank, the contest
was renewed in accordance with the
terms of the contract. The duel ap-
peared likely to last for many years, as
both wese experienced swordsmen and
adhered rgidly to the ruling that no
thrust should be made after blood had
been drawn. 1t is related that they
once met very Unexpectedly in Swiss
chalet. The fact of its being night
time did not prevent their proceeding
Immediately to their bloody work. Be-
tween the swordthrusts they carried on
the following conversation:
"Parbleu! / thought you were in the
interior"
"No, I am ordered here"
"Bon! We shall be near by. Are
you lately arrived"
"This instant"
Every good to think of me"
As he uttered the last words, Duponts
sword grazed Fournier's neck, drawing
blood, and the fight was over for awhile.
Thus continued the feud for fourteen
long years, when Dupont was about to
unite himself in marriage to a fair
demoiselle, who, however, made it con-
dition of their union that the duelistic
engagement should be positively closed
before their nuptials. Thereupon Du-
pont sought an interview with his en-
envy, and agreed to finally settle the dis
pute with pistols. In order, though, to
obviate the great advantage which Four
nier's skill as marksman afforded him,
Dupont proposed the following:
A friend of mine has pleasant copse,
surrounded by high wall; there are
two entrances, one to the north, the
other to the south. Let us each enter
NV a senarate gate. pistol in hand, and