The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-08-23
a FAMOUS CONFLICT.
THE GREATEST DUEL WITH SWORDS
THAT HISTORY RECORDS.

tTAI his OHY RECORDS,
IL Waa Fought In the Presence of q
Whole trn!. and Twelve Masterr
at Arms Went Down In Successfou
Killed by the blade of Jean Iouis
SO extraordinary is this combat that
it would bc held q romance had 1t not
been witnessed by whole army. The
hero was Jean Louis, one OF the great.
est masters OF swordsmanship who cv.
or lived, and the combat happened III
Madrid in 1913. He was the master al
arms OF the Thirty-second regiment of
French infantry-the First regiment
composed entirely OF Italians, forming
part OF the same brigade. Regimental
esprit dc corps and rivalrics OF nation.
ality caused constant quarrels, when
swords were often whipped out or Dul
let's exchanged
After Il small battle had occurred III
the streets OF Madrid, In which over
20O French and Italian soldiers had
taken part, the officers Of the two regi.
ments, in Il council OF war assembled
Il great blow, and to rc-establish disci
pline they agreed that the masters al
arms Of the two regiments should take
up the quarrel and fight it out.
The details Of the battle were simple
and quickly arranged. The duel was
to take place in the open and in the
presence Of the whole army. The crack
swOrdsmen OF the two regiment. were
selected, and each group arranged the
order in which their men were to face
their opponents. The next day was the
time set for the bloody ordeal.
Shortly after dnybreak, as the sun
rose, the army ASSEMBLIES. Then n mo.
ment Of expectancy.
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 Giacomo Fcrrari, 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 prlnci-
"On guard.' The two masters cross
swords. Giacomo Fcrrari lunGcs re-
peatcdly ut Jean Louis, but in vain.
His every thrust is met by Il parry.
He makes UP his mind to bide his
chance and carcsscs and tcascs his on
ponent's blade
Jean Louis, calm and watchful, lends
himself to the play, when, quicker than
lightning. the Italian jumps aside with
loud yell and makes Il terrible lunge
at Jean Louisa Florcntinc trick, often
successful. But, with extraordinary
rapidity, Jean Louis has parried. and
risposts quickly in the shoulder.
1T Is nothing" cried Giacomo, "a
mere scratch" and they again fall on
guard. Almost directly lie is lit in the
breast. This time the sword of Jean
Louis, who is now attacking, pene-
trates deeply, Giacomo's face becomes
hvid, his sword drops from his hand
and lie falls heavily on 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.
sinister click Of swords is ieard. n
iunge' 4 parry, rispost, and then n
cry,a sigh. and all is over. A second
Dody Is before Jean Louis. A third ad-
versary advances. They wanted Jean
Louis to rest
L am not tired" lie answers. with n
smile. The signal is given. The 1tnlian n
IS as taH rs the one who lies there n
corpse, covered by n military cloak.
de has closely watched Jean Louis'
play, and thinks he has guessed the Sc
cret OF his victories. He multipltes his
RENTS and tricks, and then, all at once
bounding like tiger on his prev. he
gives his opponent terrible thrust in
the lower line. But Jean Louis sword
mas parried, andis now deep within h,s
opponents breast.
What need to relate any more. Ton
new adversaries followed him, and the
Ten fell before Jean Louis, amid tho
excited yells and roars Of an army.
AT the request OF the Thirty.second
regiments colonel, who thought the
lesson sufficient. Jean Louis. after
much pressing, consented to stop tho
combat, and he shook hands with the
TWO survivors, applauded by 10000
fItGs,