Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-12-22
A FAMOUS DUELIST.
Jean Louis, who Killed Twelve Men,
One After Another, in Duel, Before

Whole Army.
Eugene Won Schaick in Lippncott's.
10 give an idea of what brave man
can do II he knows fencing thoroughly
and but Keeps cool and collected in
danger, we will relate an historical
duel So extraordinary is this combat
that il would be hold romance, had it
not been witnessed by whole army.
The hero is Jean Louis, of whom we
have already spoken as one of the great
masters Of the beginning Of this cen
fury, and the duel happened in Madrid
in 1873 He was the mastcr-at.arms Of
the Thirty-second Regiment Of French
Infantry; the First Regiment, composed
entirely Of Italians, formed part of the
same brigade.
ltegimental esprit de corps and rival
RIGS Of nationality caused constant
quarrcls, when swords were often
whipped out or bullets exchanged.
After small battle had occurred in the
streets Of Madrid, in which over 200
French, and Italian soldiers had taken
part, the officers Of the two regiments,
in a council Of war assembled, decided
TO give such breaches of order great
blow, and to re-establsh discipline; they
decreed that the masters.at-arms of the
two regiments should take up the
quarrel and fight it cut.
Imagine u whole army in battle.array
on one of the large plains that surround
Madrid. In the centre u large ring is
left open for the contestants. This spot
is raised above the plain, SO that not one
OF the spectators of this tragic scene
gayly-dressed officers, soldiers in line,
Spaniards, excited rs never u bull fight
excited them-wil miss one phase Of
the contest. 1t is before 10000 men
that the honor Of an army is about to
be avenged in the blood Of 30 brave
men.
The drum is heard. Two men, naked
to the waist, step in the ring. The first
is tall and strong; his black eyes roll dis
danfuIly upon the gaping crowd he is
diacomo Fcrrari, the celebrated Italian.
The second, .all also handsome, and
with muscles like steel, stands modestly
awaiting the word of command his
name is Jean Louis. The seconds take
their places on either side of their prin-
cipals. A dcath.like silence ensues.
"0n ggardn'
The two masters cross swords. CHA
como Ferrari lunges repeatedly at Jean
Louis, but in vain; his every thrust is
met by q parry. lie makes up his mind
TO bide his chance, and caresses and
leases his opponents blade. Jean
Louis, calm and watchful, lends him
self to the play, when, quicker than
lightning, the Italian jumps aside with
u loud yell and makes a terrible lunge
at Jean Louisa Florentine trick, often
successful. But, with extraordinary
rapidly, Jean Louis has parted, and
risposts quickly in the shoulder.
ut is nothing" cries Giacomo, "a
mere scratch" and they again fall OH
guard. Almost directly he is hit in the
breast. This time the sword of Jean
Louis, who is now attacking, penetrates
deeply tiiacomo's face becomes livid,
his sword drops from his hand, and he
falls heavily on the turf. He is dead.
Jean Louis is already in position. He
wipes his rocking blade, then, with the
point Of his sword in the ground, lie
calmly awaits the next man.
The best fencer of the First Regiment
has just been carried away corpse; but
the day is not yet over. Fourteen adj
rersares are there, impatient TO measure
swords with the Conqueror, burning to
avcnge the master they had deemed in
ylnCiblc.
Jean Louis has hardly had two min
ute'e rest. lie is ready. A new ad-
versary stands before him. A sinister
click of swords is heard, lunge,
parry, a rispust, and then cry, sigh,
and all is over. A second body is be-
lore Jean Louis.
A third adversary advances They
want Jean Louis to rest. II am not
tired" he answers, with IL smile.
The signal is given. The Italian is as
tall as the one who lies there u corpse
covered by military cloak. He has
closed watched Jean Louis play, and
thinks he has guessed the secret Of his
victories. lie multiplies his feints and
tricks, then, all at once, bounding like u
tiger on his prey, he gives his opponent
a terrible thrust In the lower line. But
Jean Louis sword has parted, and is
now deep within his opponents breast.
What need to relate any more Ten
new adyersaries followed him, and the
10 fell before Jean Louis amid the ex-
cited yells and ropGs of an army.
AT the request of the 32d Regiments
colonel, who thought the lesson suffi-
ctent, Jean Louis, alter much pressing,
consented to stop the combat; and he
shook hands with the two survivors, APP
plauded by 10000 men.
From that day fights ceased between
French and Italian soldiers.
This wonderful and gigantic combat
might be held fable were not all the
facts above stated still found in the
archives Of the ministry Of war