RomanceEverAfter
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People You Should Know A Conversation with Ross Howard, A Cure for Kirby, Meet Monica Davis and Geir Ness. The Beauty of Change Series Historical Romance Column and Book Reviewer: Kaye Hatfield NEW! Sam DeMarco Have you dreamed of starting your own business? Sam DeMarco, owner of Compliance Team, did and he tells us how he made his dream a reality! Photo Gallery Romance & You (Articles) Romantic Memoir
Quotes & Poetry Expand your quotes and poetic horizons by visiting our various Quotes & Poetry categories: Thought of the Week: Time for New Beginnings A series of 8 articles by Melissa Hamilton comprising a collection of principles that will allow you to make your vision for the future a reality. Read about the Amish, India, Philippines, Greece, & Rome.
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Rules of the Duel
A duel which took place in the United States in 1845 between two Congressman provide a fine example of how rules would be negotiated prior to the duel. (You'll be glad to know that after the first firing, the police intervened and stopped the duel). Thomas Clingman, Congressman of North Carolina, and William Yancey, Congressman of Alabama, scheduled a duel. As was expected, their "seconds" met to discuss the rules pertaining to their duel. The list consisted of eleven specific items. A Duel: A Methodical Business The weapons chosen were pistols. The pistols were to be prepared by the seconds in front of all the attendees. (This ensured there was no cheating). The participants were to walk ten paces while holding their pistols perpendicular. The statement to be said to commence the dual was, "Gentlemen, are you ready? Fire - one-two-three-halt!" The intervals between shots was to be one second. Other particulars included that the wind and sun was to be equally divided among the duelists. In addition, Congressman Clingman and Congressman Yancey could each have a a surgeon and three friends at the site. Other Famous Duels of the 19th Century There are numerous other well-known duels that occurred during the 19th century. Despite the adventure that a duel presents in fiction, it was actually a dangerous business often resulting in wounds and/or fatalities. Philip Hamilton vs.. George Eacker (1801) In the New York Evening Post, dated November 24, 1801, the newspaper reported that Philip Hamilton, age 20 and son of Alexander Hamilton, died in a duel. The duel, a result of what can only be viewed as ridiculous through 21st century eyes, was triggered by an "offensive expression" made by Eacker. (The offensive expression was "damned rascal.") Hamilton "received a shot through the body at the first discharge, and fell without firing." The young man was then taken to Alexander Hamilton's home where he soon died. M. De Grandpre vs. M. Le Pique (1808) The particular duel that occurred between De Grandpre and Le Pique is really bizarre! These two gentleman dueled because of a dispute over a woman. The two men, along with their seconds, went up in balloons above Paris to effect their duel. Le Pique and his second dropped a half a mile to their demise when De Grandpre shot a hole in their balloon. And, all for a woman! Duels from 1806 through 1842 would take the lives of other men. In 1817, Charles Lucas, a lawyer, died within 12 hours of receiving a bullet near his heart. If you can believe it, Lucas extended his hand and forgave his adversary before he died. Henry Clay, the Secretary of State in 1826 fought a duel with John Randolph, a Senator. Fortunately, neither man was harmed in the duel. Senator Randolph's coat got a bullet through it at which time in advised Clay, "You owe me a coat, Mr. Clay." The two men shook hands and put the event behind them.
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