Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1899-03-15
FOUGHT A DOZEN.
The Story Of Duel Ia Which One Man
Faced Twelve,

Faced Twelve.
So extraordinary is this combat that
1t would be held romance had it not
been witnessed by whole army. The
hero was jean Louis, one Of the great
est masters Of swordsmanship who
ever lived, and the combat happened
in Madrid lii 1873. He was the mas
ter-at-arms of the 52d Regiment Of
French. Infantry-the 1st Regiment.
composed entirely Of Italians, forming
part of the came brigade. Regimental
esprit de corps and rivalries Of ma
tionality caused constant quarrels.
when swords were often whipped out
or bullets exchanged.
After q small battle had occurred IN
the streets of Madrid, in which over
two hundred French and Italians sol
diers had taken part, the officers Of
the two regiments, in council of
war assembled, decided to give such
breaches of order q great blow, and
to re-establish discipline they agreed
that the masters s-at-arms Of the two
regiments should take up the quarrel
and fight 1t out.
The drum is heard; two men, naked
to the waist. step into the ring. The
first is tall and strong; his black eyes
rove disdainfully upon the gaping
crowd; he is Glacomo Ferrari, the
celebrated Italian. The second, tall,
also handsome, and with muscles like
steel, stands modestly awaiting the
word Of command; his name Is Jean
Louis. The witnesses assume their
places on either side of their princi-
pals. A death-like silence ensues.
"On guard" The two masters cross
swords; Giacomo Ferrari lunges re-
peatedly at Jean Louis; but in vain,
his every thrust is met by parry. He
makes up his mind to bide his chance,
and caresses and leases his opponents
blade.
Jean Louis, calm and watchful.
lends himself to the play, when quick
er than lightning, the Italian jumps
aside with loud yell and makes a ter
rible lunge at Jean Louisa Tloren-
tine trick, often successful. But, with
extraordinary rapidtty, Jean Louis
has parried, and rlsposts quickly to
the shoulder.
ut is nothing" cried Glacomo, ''u
mere scratch" and they again fall on
guard. Almost directly he is hit in
the breast. This time the sword Of
jean Louis; who is now attacking,
penetrates deeply. Giaconios face
becomes livid, his sword drops from
his hand and he falls heavily OH the
turf. He Is dead:
Jean Louis is already in position.
He wipes his reeking blade; then,
with the point Of his sword in the
ground; he calmly awaits the next
man. He has hardly had two minutes
rest. He is ready. A new adversary
stands before him.
A sinister click of swords Is heard.
a lunge, parry, rispost and then
cry, sigh and oil is over. A second
body is before Jean Louis. A third
adversary advances. They wanted
Jean Louis to rest.
II am not tired" he answers, with q
smile. The signal is given. The Ital-
ian is.as tall as the one who lies there
corpse, covered by military cloak.
He has closely watched jean Louis
play, and thinks he has guessed the
secret of his victories He multiplies
his feints and tricks, and then, all ut
once, bounding like a tiger on his
prey, he gives his opponent Il terrible.
thrust in the lower line. But Jean
Louis sword has parried, and Is now
deep within his opponents breast
What need to relate any more. Ten
adversaries followed him, and the
ten fell before Jeah Louis amid the
excited yeils and roafs of the army.
At the request Of the S2d Regiment
colonel, who thought the lesson sufti-
cient, Jean Louis, after much press
Ing, consented to stop the combat, and
he shook hands with the two suryiv-
ors, applauded by 10000 men.
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