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

THAT HISTORY RECORDS.
1t Was Fought III the Presence of a
Whole Army. and Twelve Matters
ut Arms Went Down In Succession,
killed by the Blade Of Jean Louis.
So extraordinary is this combat that
it would be held romance had it not
been witnessed by a whole army. The
hero was Jean Louis, one Of the great
est masters Of swordsmanshfp who ev-
er lived, and the combat happened i'll
Madrid in 1873 He was the master at
arms Of the Thirty-second regiment Of
French infantry-the First regiment,
composed entirely Of Italians, forming
part OF the same brigade. Rcgimental
esprit de corps and rivalrics Of nation
ality caused constant quarrels, when
swords were often whipped out or bull
lets 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 regi-
ments, in council Of war assembled,
decided to give such breaches Of order
q great blow, and to rc-cstablish disci-
plinc they agreed that the masters at
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 regiments 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 daybreak, as the sun
rose, the army assemblies. Then 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 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. 4 deathlikc silence ensues.
"On guard.r' The two masters cross
swords. Giaeomo Ferrari lunges re-
peatedly ut Jean Louis, but in vain.
His every thrust is met by parry.
He makes up bis mind to bide his
chance and caresscs and tcascS his Op-
ponent's blade.
Jean Louis, calm and watcl.;ul, lends
himself to the play, when, quicker than
lightning, the Italian jumps aside with
a loud yell and makes Il terrible lungc
at Jean Louisa Florcntinc trick, often
successful. But, with extraordinary
rapidity, Jean Louis has parried, and
risposts quickly in the shoulder.
"It is nothing" cried Giacono. "a
mere scratch" and they again fall on
guard. Almost directly he is lit in the
breast. This time the sword of Jean
Louis, who is now attacking, pene-
trates deeply, Giacomo's face becomes
livid, his sword drops from his hand
and lie falls heavily on the turf He is
dead.
Jean Louis is already in position. lie
wipes his reeking blade; then, with the
point Of his sword in the ground, lie
calmly awaits the next man. He has
hardly had two minutes rest He is
ready. a new adversary stands before
him.
4 sinister click Of swords is heard, Il
lunge, q parry, rispost, and then L
cry,'a sigh, and all is over. 4 second
body is before Jean Louis. \ third ad-
vcrsary advances. They wanted Jean
Louis to rest.
II am not tired" he answers, with a
smile. The signal is given. The Italian
is as tail rs the one who lies there n
corpse, covered by 4 military cloak.
He has closely watched Jean Louis
play, and thinks he has guessed the Sc
crct Of his victories. He multiples his
feints and tricks, and then, all at once,
bounding like Il tiger on his prey, he
gives his opponent 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
new adversaries followed him, and the
ten fell before Jean Louis, amid the
excited yells and roars OF al army.
At the request Of the Thirty-second
regiments colonel, who thought the
lesson sufficient, Jean Louis, after
much pressing, consented to stop the
combat, and he shook hands with the
two survivors, applauded by 10000
men.