The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-02-10
Dueling of the Last Century.


oughly conversant with the state of So
ciety in Europe during the eighteenth
century, would hardly be willing to be-
iieve the truth of the matter. We speak
particularly of the duel. Really, much
OF the adventure on the so-called field of
honor, of that time, 10 entirely unfit for
publication, and, if published, would be
believed by but few. When reading of
the duel in Ireland, the impression rests
in our mind that the Emerald Isle must
take the palm in the way of horrors and
denominations of personal combat. But
anon we visit England; then France
then Germany; Italy, Austria, Spain
in short, wherever fashion had intro
duced the sword and pistol as social ar
biters /; go where you please, and read
of the doings there, and you will feel
that each in turn was the most bloody of
the lot. In those times men fought just
for the fun of the thing.
These thoughts have been suggested
by the following curious passage, which
comes to me from a source not to be
questioned: During the reign of George
i. two military officers of London-Mai.
Walsh and Capt. Hudon-having heard
repeated accounts of the success of two
Irish gentlemen in affairs of honor, de-
termined to go over and test the much
boasted skill. TO Dublin they came,
where Mr.. Fitz Allan and Col. Callahan
we're pointed out to them as the heroes
whom they sought. Walsh embraced
the first opportunity, at a public ball,
and brushed rudely against Mr.. Fitz
Allan. The latter turned, and saw a
stranger; and, thinking the affair must
have been only an accident, he went his
way without further notice.
On the following day, Maj. Walsh, in
a tap-room where many gentlemen were
assembled, told of the circumstance
declared that he had purposely insulted
Fitz Allan, who had not dared to re-
spond. .
Col. Callahan chanced to be present.
He advanced to the Englishman, and
politely informed him that he was Fitz
Allan's friend: that he would take it
upon himself to declare that his friend
had sighted the insult, believing it to
have been an unavoidable accident and,
further, In behalf Of his friend, he would
extend challenge, the fight to take
place at once.
The Major accepted, and the other
went in search of his friend, who was
quickly found, and brought upon the
scene.
Fitz Allan came in smiling. No words
were wasted. The company repaired to
an adiacent riding yard, where the pre-
liminaries were arranged, and the COM
batants placed in position, sword in
hand.
"Upon my soul," said Callahan, ad-
dressing Capt. Hudon-the two acting
seconds to their friends, respectively
81 think we may as we'll take hand in
the pastime. 1t is pity to lose such an
opportunity.
Nothing, at that moment, could have
pleased the English Captain better. He
consented Immediately, and the twain
drew their swords.
And then commenced the double duel
"a duel brought about ON the merest
whim-to test the truth of flying rumor.
Callahan and Hudon being seconds, and
feeling that they ought to be ready tc
attend to their principals, went at it with
the quickest and most energetic move.
ments. Very soon the Englishman was
surprised. He had fancied himself ar
expert at sword play, but here was mar
who bewildered him. The Irishman'l
blade flashed through the air like line
of light, leaving behind it q network o1
flame that seemed to create dazzlinf
veil of binding rays. So for little
time, till the Englishman had beer
wounded in three places, and then Cal
lahan gave the coup de grace, passing
his point through between the ribs ane
out Mt the back. As he recovered hi
sword lie turned to his principal ant
said:
"I'll attend to you now, Fitz. M,
man is laid away |"
"Oho Then, egadi I'll fnisl
miner' And gathering himself for
feint-a twirl-and pass, that had nev
er yet failed him, he spitted his opponen
through, from side to side.
The two Englishmen were taken il
hand by the best surgeons and faithfull
nursed. For time their lives wer
despaired of, both but they finally re
covered, and lived to become warm an
ardent friends of the men who had give
them SO severe lesson in dueling.