FIGHTING FITZGERALD'S LIFE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 211, 20 April 1877, Page 15

FIGHTING FITZGERALD'S LIFE.

When Mr. Fitzgerald -was introduced at the Trench Court to King Louis XVI., the ambassador, thinking to compliment the courage of Fitzgerald, said, "Your majesty, this brave gentleman has killed nineteen antagonists in as many duels, and never has been wounded!" The king replied in sorrowful rebuke, "M. l'AmbasBadeur J I should have been more pleased to have heard that he had saved the lives of nineteen persons, or of even one of his Majesty's subjects." It -was a fact that he had never been wounded, though opposed by excellent marksmen, who were instructed in those days 'J^H^n between the belt and throat ; for to shoot above or below was considered ungentle manly and non-cavaliero. Fitzgerald was a terror in the society of every club, and he belonged to many j for no person dare blackball him for fear of a leaden ball in return. No one presumed to put his name upon the bulletin for expulsion, for fear of bullets in his own body. He insulted any one who offended him by a blow on the face with his glove. The insulted gentleman was compelled to challenge him, which gave Fitzgerald the choice of weapon — his deadly pistol, •with which he had often " snuffed " a candle out at ten paces. People wondered how it was that he -was never wounded. Many were the surmises, with bated breath and whispered suggestions. At that time, in Ireland, duelling was the fashion, and ladies favored no lover who had not been out with his man. Fitzgerald, of noble family, was their reigning favorite. There lived in County Grdiway a rich country gentleman, Richard Martin, who became renowned as a modern Richard Coeur de Lion. He was the father of "Animal Martin," so caUed from his humanity to animals — the Henry Bergh of Parliament. Richard Martin was a quiet, brave man ; in manners the reverse of Fitzgerald, who was frivolity personified. The conversation at a club turned upon the marvellous career of the latter, when Mr. Martin observed, that he did not believe Fitzgerald dare fight a duel with his body to his belt entirely naked. This suggestive remark reached the duellist, who instantly insulted Martin by striking him across the face with his glove. Kichard Martin had never fought a duel, being opposed to it upon principle, unless for libel, or slander, or gross personal insult. He was, therefore, compelled to challenge — which fact gave Fitzgerald the choice of w eapons. Martin's second insisted that the principals should be placed at thirty paces distance, approach each other at the signal, and fire at pleasure as they approached — each step of course lessening the distance between them. This arrangement was agreed to, the distance measured, and the men placed face to face. " Are you ready, gentlemen ?" " Yes." " One, two, three, and fire !" It was noticed that Fitzgerald was nervous, even in the preliminaries, for the original remark of Martin causing the duel suggested knowledge or belief as to the fraudulently concealed armour. They had advanced only two paces each when Fitzgerald suddenly fired, and, for the first time, missed his man, his bullet, however, carrying away a portion of Martin's shirt raffle. The arrangement was that when either had fired he was to stop and receive the fire of his opponent. There were twenty-six paces left between them, and Richard Martin slowly advanced, and when within only four paces fired point blank at the very heart of Fitzgerald, who stood erect, smiling and unhurt. Martin instantly reversed his pistol, seized the barrel, and, rushing upon Fitzgerald, inflicted a terrible blow before the seconds could interfere, and as quickly tore open the embroidered shirt of his prostrate foe, disclosing to the eyes of all the concealed bullet-proof coat of mail — close steel chain or ring armour, lined with a wadded inner coat, impervious to bullet, sword, or dagger. After the duel, and in consequence of it, came in the fashion of fighting naked to the waist. Fitzgerald died almost instantly. Richard Martin was tried for murder and acquitted by acclamation, not only by the jury, but l>y all Ireland, England and Europe, who saluted him as a public benefactor.