San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-12-14
DUEL ON HORSEBACK.
How IN AFFAIR OF Honor Rased In New Orleans
fifsy Years Ago. ri..i.

i NV - A.e@h VI hVuot nuotu ~ NcW Oflc2un
fifty Years Ago. ri,.i ..
Apropos of the recent marriage al
Paris OF Miss Emily Schaumbufg, OF
Philadelphia, to ON English gentle.
man, Colonel Charles Hughes Hallet
(the proprietor, it is said, Of the estate
charged with the ancient tribute OF the
Dunmow fitch or bacon), the New
Orleans Times tells picturesque story
Of famous duel fought on horseback
near that city many years ago oy Miss
Schuamburg's father, then q Lieuteh-
ant in the Second Dragons. IL is a
pleasing tale in itself and suggests
curious reflections of the difference be.
tween social ethics of New Orleans
half century ago and those Of New
York, as illustrated in the recent Lou
bat-Turnbull affair. Lieutenant
Schaumburg, dwelling in New Orleans,
had difficulty with Creole gentle
man of the class 30 strikingly described
by Mr.. Gable in the "Grandissimes."
This particular Grandissimes was one
Of three brothers, famed for the chiv.
alric valor-the Cuvelliers, Alexander,
Adolphe and Joseph. The latter still
still survives, an octogenarian, univers.
ally respected by the ancient citizens
of New Orleans. He is mild, gentele,
and amiable old gentleman, who still
halts of one leg, perforated in one of
his youthful rencountres. Adolphe
Cuvellier it was who called Lieutenant
Schaumburg to account for some slight
put upon his honor. Schaumburg ac'
oepted the challenge, and as cavalry
officer his brother officers decided that,
having the choice of weapons and the
mode of combat, he enjoyed the
PRIVILEGE OF FIGHTING ON HORSE.
..t...,-, f., BACK.
With sabers or swords. His seconds.
officers of the regiment, insisted upon
that mode of combat. Popular senti-
ment did not regard such terms as le-
gitimate. A civilian of delicate frame,
wholly unused to cavalry exercise, uu-
skilled in Workmanship or in saber
exercise, was certainly not the equal
adversary of stalwart, broad-shoul-
dered, heavy dragon, who had been
long practiced and drilled in the ex-
ercise of his art as cavalry officer OF
the dragon regiment of the regular
United States Army. Nevertheless,
Cuvellier did not hesitate to accept the
terms of the combat. A weeks prep
aration and training were accorded to
the parties. Cuvillier placed himself
in the hands and under the training of
two gallant Creole gentlemen of test
ed courage and skill, Vaudeville Mar
igny and Emile La Lere, who still
live, some years past seventy, remark.
able examples of well-preserved facul-
ties and spirit. Marigny, educated
UNDER the auspecls OF King Louis
PHILIPPE in the cavelry school of Sau-
mar, was q class.mate of the Duke of
Orleans, and at his graduation had
been commissioned into the cuiras.
siers, and served several campaigns in
that corps. He was an accomplished
equestrian and swordsman, of the cool
est courage and of iron nerve. He as
sumed the charge and drilling of his
friend Adolphe and of his charger, de-
voting many hours of the day to the
training of the horse and rider, until
he had brought them to perfection in
their respective functions.
A HAND TO HAND COMBAT.
His practice was that of the French
cuirassiers. who use a long, straight
sword in rest, and a chargelik lance,
while the dragoon's weapon is broad
sword, which they can sweep over their
heads, slash and cut ad libitum, giving
little heed to their adversary's thrust.
Schaumburg was drilled with the broad
sword. The day, hour and place of the
rencontre had been duly advertised,
and the people focked to the race
course at Carrollton as to great festi-
val, to witness the combat. There
were thousands present, who occupied
the seats allotted to the attendants of
the races. There was no charge for
admission to the grounds. The parties
were promptly on the ground at the
appointed hour. Principles and sec
onds were mounted on the best trained
and highest blood chargers that could
be obtained in the city. Schaumburg
had borrowed for the occasion q mag
nifcent blood stallion owned by Col.
OHNoI, cPol VoAhan OoOOcA0u VhtouSh
out the south as most experienced
stock breeder and Judge of horsefesh.
Cuvellier's horse had been selected for
him by Marigny. He, too, was of high
blood but of less weight and power
than his adversary. The combatants
we're stationed at distance of hun
dred yards apart. The blast of trump
ct was the signal for the charge. 1t
was calamity and impetuously made,
the splendid chargers putting them
selves on their highest mettle and speed,
and their riders directing them against
each other with desperate force. Thei
swords met and clashed violently
Cuvillier, by slight inclination of his
head, protected himself from the sweep
OF Schaumburg's sabe, which Glove his
Aok 81 h;,,, xubsla HE