DUEL A LA MORTE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 230, 26 September 1903, Page 5 (Supplement)

DUEL A LA MORTE.

Duelling in Britain lit 3,803 was often a very sanguinary business.

On a Friday morning In March of that year a most extraordinary duel took place in Hyde Park, London, between Lieutenant W. of the Navy, and Captain J. of the Army. The antagonists arrived at the appointed place within a rew minutes of each other; some dispute arose respecting the distance, which the friends of LieutW. insisted should not exceed six paces, while the seconds of Captain J. urged strongly the rashness of bo decisive a distance, and insisted on its being extended. At length the proposal of Lieut W**s frionds was agreed to, and the parties fired per signal, when Lieut. W. received the shot of his adversary on the jruard of his pistol, which tore away the third and fourth fingers of his right hand. The seconds then intereferd, to no purpose. The son of Neptune, apparently callous to pain, wrapped his handkedchief round his hand, and swore he had another which never failed him. Captain J. called his friend aside, and told him it was in vain to urge a reconciliation. They again took their ground. On Lieutenant W. receiving the pistol in his left hand, he looked steadfastly at Captain J. for seme time, then cast his eyes to heaven, and said in a low voice, "Forgive me." The parties fired as before, and both fell. Captain J. received the «»hot through his head, and instantly expired; Lieut. W. received the ball in his left breast, and immediately inquired of his friend if Captain J.s -vvound was mortai.' Being answered in the affirmative, he thanked heaven he thad lived thus long; requested a mourning ring on- his finger might be given to his sister, and that she might Ke assuerd It was the happiest moment he ever know.

He had scarcely finished the words when a quantity of blood burst from his wound, and he expired almost without a struggle.