Norwich bulletin., 1921-06-21
ODD INCIDENTS IN AMERICAN
 HISTORY
THE ROMANTIC PIERRE soULE.

THE ROMANTIC PIERRE SOULE.
 Pierre Soule, a Frenchman, figured prominently in diplomatic affairs in this country, during the third quarter of the past century. Banished from his own country on account of his political writ ings, Soule came to America and event. ually settled in New Orleans. Here he studied American law and rose rapidly in his profession. He also entered politics and in 1845 was elected to the state sen- ate. Later, he became United States senator, and in March, 1853, President Pierce offered him the post of minister to Spain, with the special object in view of the acquisition of Cuba.
 The news preceded him to Madrid and he was received there very coldly. His rejection had been urged upon the Span ish cabinet by the French ambassador, by the Countess of Montijo, the mother of the Empress Eugenie of France and of the Duchess of Alba, as well as by the Austrian and Mexican mini ITS.
 Soon after his present 3 ion at Court ball was given by the Marquis de Tuc- got. the ambassador of France, in honor of the Empress Eugenies feteday, and to this ball all the members of the diplo- matic corps were invited. Madame Soule make a striking appearance. She had a beautiful head and expressive face, and her fine appearance was adorned by a rich and tasteful dress, cut low, design ed by the artist of the mode at Paris.
 The Countess of Montiio, who led so- ciety at Madrid, severely criticised the toilet of Madame Soule, and the Marquis de Turgot joined in the criticism. The Duke of Alba. brother-in-law of Napo- lot tad ha triH the Marquis Melville Seule chanced to hear the remark about his mother, and approached the duke in menacing manner. and the next morning sent him a demand for an apology. This was | readily given but 1t did not end the mat ter The duke was taunted by the proud Castillian grandees with having been forced to eat his words by a beard less boy.
 Certain reports of the affair which appeared in several journals gave the duke an opportunity to demand. of Nell vile Soule that he should disavow these statements. This Soule declined to do maintaining that the printed accounts were correct. The duke then sent a challenge Both were experienced swordsmen They fought for thirty min utes and, although neither was wounded the seconds declared that honor did not | require more. He uutl S4lHVO H4ti NHe shaking of hands.
 But the hot blood of Pierre Soule was vet to be reckoned with. He sent 3 challenge to the Ma qus de Turgot, and pistols were the weapons chosen. This took place. The first fire was without result; at the second the ball of Soule'; pistol lodged in the thigh of his antag
 onist. four inches above the knee. The marquis was confined to his he'd for .
 long time and was damed for liAa. A re
 concilfation between the two gentlemen never took place.
 This duel occurred December 1T, 1853 Shortly afterward Soule reported to thu
 state department the duplicity of tn
 French minister of foreign affairs; of hi own delicate position in Madrid on ac
 count of the unea siness which his' pres ence in Europe seemed to give thu
 French autoerat; of the exceedingly vair and everbearing Turgot, who had charg'
 from the emperor to cut short Soule'
 course in Srain, and nullify what In
 nuence he might gain with the court O
 the government.
 After the receipt of this dispatch 1t :
 plain that the president and the secre
 tary of state should have decided upol
 the transfer of Soule to some other di plomatic post Soule was an accomplish
 ed and patriotic gentleman. who deservet
 to be treated with consideration, but or
 own showing, he could no longer be 0