The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-06-16
NUMBER 81.
DUEL ON HORSEBACK.
A FAMOUS ENCOUNTER At NEW CRLRA
FIFTY YEARS AGO.

tleman, Col. Charles Hughes -HaHet Cthe
proprietor, it is said, OF the estate charged
with the ancient tribute of the Duumow fitch
of bacon), the New Orleans Times tells a
picturesque story Of famous duel fought on
horseback near that city many years ago by
Miss Lula Schaumburg's father. then a Lieu
tenant In the Second Dragons. II pleas.
ing tale in itself and suggests curious refiec-
tions on the difference between the social
ethics of New Orleans half a century ago
and those of New York as illustrated in the
Loubat-Turn5ul affair to day. Lieutenant
Schaumburg, dwelling in New Orleans. had
a difficulty with a creole gentleman os the
class so stIikinylv described bv Mr.. Cable in
the "Grandissimes. This particular Gran
dissime was one Of three brothers famed for
their ehrvalric valor-the CurvelIiers, Alex
auder, Adolphe and joseph. The latter still
survives, an OctOgeuarian, universally re-
spected by the citizens of New Orleans. He
Is kind, gentle, and smiable old gentleman,
who still halts on one leg, perforated in one
of his youthful rencontres.
Adolphe CurveIlier il was who called Lieu
tenant Schaumburg to account for some slight
put upon his honor Schaumburg accepted
the challenge, and as a cavalry officer his
brother officers decided. that, having the
choice of weapons and mode of combat, he
enjoy the privilege of fighting on horseback,
with sabres or swords His seconds, officers
Of his regiment, insisted npon that mode of
combat Popular sentiment did not regard
such terms as legitimate civilian of deli
cate frame, wholly unused 20 cavalry service.
unskilled in horsemauShip OF in sabre exer-
else, was certainly not the equal adversary
of a stalwart. broad shoulderpd, heavy dra-
goon, who had been long practicFd and drill
ed In the exercise Of his art as cavalry off,
Ger OF the crack dragoon regiment OF the
regular United States army.
Nevertheless CuvelIier did not hesitate to
accept the terms of the combat A weeks
preparation and training were accorded the
parties. Cuvellier placed himself in the
hands and under the training of two gallant
creole gentlemen of tested courage and skill,
Vaudeville Marigny and Emile La Sere, who
still live, soGe years past 20, remarkable ex-
amples OF we'll preserved faculties and spirit
Marigny, under the auspices Of King Louis
Philippe in the cavalry school Of Saumar,
was classmate of the Duke of Orleans, and
at his gTadu had been commissioned into
the cuirassiers and served several campaigns
in that corps.
He was an accomplished equestrian and
swoTdsman, of the coolest courage and iron
nerve. He assumed the charge and drilling
Of his friend Adolphe and OF his charger, de-
voting many hours of the day TO the training
of boJh horse and rider, until he had brought
them TO perfection in their respective func-
tions in a hand-tO-hand cOmha5. His prac-
tice was that Of the French cuirassiers. who
use long, straight sword in rest, and at a
charge like a lance, while the dragoon's
weapon is a broadsword which they can
sweep OveI their heads, slash and cut adlibi-
tum, giving little heed to their adversary 5
thrust. Schaumburg was drilled with the
broadswOrd.
The day, hour, and place of the rencontre
had been duly advertised, and the people
fiocked to the race-course at CarroiltoE AS TO
a great festival to witness the combat. There
were thousands present, who occupied the
seats allotted 20 the attendants of the races.
There was no charge for admission to the
grounds. The parties were promptly on the
ground az the appointed hour Principals
and seconds were mounted on the best train
ed and highest-blooded chargers that could
be obtained in the city. Schaumburp had
borrowed for the occasion a magnificent
blooded stallion, owned by Col. Oliver, a
sportsman esteemed throughout tie South as
a most experienced stock breeder and Judge
of horsefiesh. Cuvellier's had been selected
for him by Marigny He, too, was of high
blood, hut Of less weight and power than his
adversary. The combatants were stationed
at a distance of hundred yards apart The
blast of a trumpet was the signal for the
charge. 1t was CALAMITY and mpetuousiy
made, the splendid chargers putting them
selves ON their highest mettle and speed, aud
their riders directing them against each other
with desperate force. Their swords met aud
claShed violently. Cuvellier, by a slight in
clination Of his head, protected himself from
the sweep of Schaumburg's sabre, which
Glove his hat and uncovered him. while his
own long sword grazed the neck Of Schaum
burg's charger. The great impetus of the
combatants carried them some distance aSun-
der and a halt wat sounded, when the quick
and agile second of Cuvellier. Emile la Sere,
leaping from his horse and picking mp the
hat OF his friend restored it 10 him. so that
when the cavaliers had wheeled they were
both in good condition and preparation for
another charge.
The trumpet again sounded. The two
high melted animals obedient 30 the spirit
Of their riders, again rushed at one another.
The swords again met and clashed. But that
of Cuvellier was more certain and vigorous
in its aim than i'm the previous conflict. While
the savage thrust of Schaumhurg wasted its
power on the pommei Of the saddle Of his
adversary Cuvellier's long sword passed its
full length through the muscular neck Of the
noble charger of his adversary, severing the
main arteries and causing him to reel over
and fall to the earth.
His rider narrowly escaped being crushed
under the wounded charger The seconds
then interfered. The combat was declared
''off'' The splendid charger Of Col Oliver
in few minutes yielded mp his prond spirit
The parties retired from the field The
crowd dispersed much discontented with the
result Of the combat Honor was satisfied,
but Col. divers beautifui horse was deliv-
cred over to the Street Commissary, and a
very disagreeable legal question arose as to
the responsibility for this loss and damage
who should pay for the borse-his rider OF
his slayer? Lieut.. Schaumburg did not con-
tinue long in the service after this event. and
removing to Philadelphia married lady of
the Page family, engaged in civil pursuits.
studied law, and was frequenter Of legal
and political circles In Washington and Phil
adelphia, prosecuting certain claims against
the Government, and never attracting much
attention until his bea utff,5l ,fsus-trar Emile