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<h1>The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Code of Honor,
<br>by John Lyde Wilson</h1>
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Title: The Code of Honor
Author: John Lyde Wilson
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<p>This eBook was created by Holly Ingraham</p>
<p>Summary: Originally this was published by the author (1784-1849),
a former governor of South Carolina, as a 22-page booklet, in
1838. Before his death he added an appendix of the 1777 Irish
duelling code, but this second edition was not printed until 1858,
as a 46-page small book, still sized to fit in the case with one's
duelling pistols. This code is far less blood-thirsty than many
might suppose, but built on a closed social caste and standards of
behavior quite alien to today.</P>
<p>
Transcriber's Note:
In the appendix the term "rencontre" is used. In British law (then
covering Ireland) this refers to an immediate fight in the heat of
offense. A duel would be undertaken in "cold blood" if not cool
temper. Killing a man in a rencontre counted as manslaughter; in a
duel, as murder.</P>
<p>On more than one occasion, the author refers to "posting" an
offender. This refers to posting to the public a notice as to his
behavior in some central club or business spot frequented by all
men of that level of society; exactly where varied from town to
town. It was the ultimate sanction, making the challengee's
refusal to either apologize or fight a public stain upon his
character.<P>
THE CODE OF HONOR;<BR>
or<BR>
RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT<BR>
of<BR>
PRINCIPALS AND SECONDS<BR>
in<BR>
DUELLING<P>
by John Lyde Wilson<P>
<BR>
TO THE PUBLIC<P>
The man who adds in any way to the sum of human happiness is
strictly in the discharge of a moral duty. When Howard visited the
victims of crime and licentiousness, to reform their habits and
ameliorate their condition, the question was never asked whether
he had been guilty of like excesses or not? The only question the
philanthropist would propound, should be, has the deed been done
in the true spirit of Christian benevolence? Those who know me,
can well attest the motive which has caused the publication of the
following sheets, to which they for a long time urged me in vain.
Those who do not know me, have no right to impute a wrong motive;
and if they do, I had rather be the object, than the authors of
condemnation. To publish a CODE OF HONOR, to govern in cases of
individual combat, might seem to imply, that the publisher was an
advocate of duelling, and wished to introduce it as the proper
mode of deciding all personal difficulties and misunderstandings.
Such implication would do me great injustice. But if the question
be directly put to me, whether there are not cases where duels are
right and proper, I would unhesitatingly answer, there are. If an
oppressed nation has a right to appeal to arms in defence of its
liberty and the happiness of its people, there can be no argument
used in support of such appeal, which will not apply with equal
force to individuals. How many cases are there, that might be
enumerated, where there is no tribunal to do justice to an
oppressed and deeply wronged individual? If he be subjected to a
tame submission to insult and disgrace, where no power can shield
him from its effects, then indeed it would seem, that the first
law of nature, self-preservation, points out the only remedy for
his wrongs. The history of all animated nature exhibits a
determined resistance to encroachments upon natural rights,--nay,
I might add, inanimate nature, for it also exhibits a continual
warfare for supremacy. Plants of the same kind, as well as trees,
do not stop their vigorous growth because they overshadow their
kind; but, on the contrary, flourish with greater vigor as the
more weak and delicate decline and die. Those of different species
are at perpetual warfare. The sweetest rose tree will sicken and
waste on the near approach of the noxious bramble, and the most
promising fields of wheat yield a miserable harvest if choked up
with tares and thistles. The elements themselves war together, and
the angels of heaven have met in fierce encounter. The principle
of self-preservation is co-extensive with creation; and when by
education we make character and moral worth a part of ourselves,
we guard these possessions with more watchful zeal than life
itself, and would go farther for their protection. When one finds
himself avoided in society, his friends shunning his approach, his
substance wasting, his wife and children in want around him, and
traces all his misfortunes and misery to the slanderous tongue of
the calumniator, who, by secret whisper or artful innuendo, has
sapped and undermined his reputation, he must be more or less than
man to submit in silence.<P>
<BR>
The indiscriminate and frequent appeal to arms, to settle trivial
disputes and misunderstandings, cannot be too severely censured
and deprecated. I am no advocate of such duelling. But in cases
where the laws of the country give no redress for injuries
received, where public opinion not only authorizes, but enjoins
resistance, it is needless and a waste of time to denounce the
practice. It will be persisted in as long as a manly independence,
and a lofty personal pride in all that dignifies and ennobles the
human character, shall continue to exist. If a man be smote on one
cheek in public, and he turns the other, which is also smitten,
and he offers no resistance, but blesses him that so despitefully
used him, I am aware that he is in the exercise of great Christian
forbearance, highly recommended and enjoined by many very good
men, but utterly repugnant to those feelings which nature and
education have implanted in the human character. If it was
possible to enact laws so severe and impossible to be evaded, as
to enforce such rule of behavior, all that is honorable in the
community would quit the country and inhabit the wilderness with
the Indians. If such a course of conduct was infused by education
into the minds of our youth, and it became praiseworthy and
honorable to a man to submit to insult and indignity, then indeed
the forbearance might be borne without disgrace. Those, therefore,
who condemn all who do not denounce duelling in every case, should
establish schools where a passive submission to force would be the
exercise of a commendable virtue. I have not the least doubt, that
if I had been educated in such a school, and lived in such a
society, I would have proved a very good member of it. But I much
doubt, if a seminary of learning was established, where this
Christian forbearance was inculcated and enforced, whether there
would be many scholars.<P>
I would not wish to be understood to say, that I do not desire to
see duelling to cease to exist entirely, in society. But my plan
for doing it away, is essentially different from the one which
teaches a passive forbearance to insult and indignity. I would
inculcate in the rising generation a spirit of lofty independence;
I would have them taught that nothing was more derogatory to the
honor of a gentleman, than to wound the feelings of any one,
however humble. That if wrong be done to another, it was more an
act of heroism and bravery to repair the injury, than to persist
in error, and enter into mortal combat with the injured party.
This would be an aggravation of that which was already odious, and
would put him without the pale of all decent society and honorable
men. I would strongly inculcate the propriety of being tender of
the feelings, as well as the failings, of those around him. I
would teach immutable integrity, and uniform urbanity of manners.
Scrupulously to guard individual honor, by a high personal self
respect, and the practice of every commendable virtue. Once let
such a system of education be universal, and we should seldom
hear, if ever, of any more duelling.<P>
The severest penal enactments cannot restrain the practice of
duelling, and their extreme severity in this State, the more
effectually shields the offenders. The teaching and preaching of
our eloquent Clergy, may do some service, but is wholly inadequate
to suppress it. Under these circumstances, the following rules are
given to the public, and if I can save the life of one useful
member of society, I will be compensated. I have restored to the
bosoms of many, their sons, by my timely interference, who are
ignorant of the misery I have averted from them. I believe that
nine duels out of ten, if not ninety-nine out of a hundred,
originate in the want of experience in the seconds. A book of
authority, to which they can refer in matters where they are
uninformed, will therefore be a desideratum. How far this code
will be that book, the public will decide.<P>
THE AUTHOR<P>
_____________________<P>
RULES for Principals and Seconds in Duelling.<BR>
_____________________<P>
CHAPTER I.<BR>
The Person Insulted, Before Challenge Sent<P>
1. Whenever you believe that you are insulted, if the insult be in
public and by words or behavior, never resent it there, if you
have self-command enough to avoid noticing it. If resented there,
you offer an indignity to the company, which you should not.<P>
2. If the insult be by blows or any personal indignity, it may be
resented at the moment, for the insult to the company did not
originate with you. But although resented at the moment, you are
bound still to have satisfaction, and must therefore make the
demand.<P>
3. When you believe yourself aggrieved, be silent on the subject,
speak to no one about the matter, and see your friend, who is to
act for you, as soon as possible.<P>
4. Never send a challenge in the first instance, for that
precludes all negotiation. Let your note be in the language of a
gentleman, and let the subject matter of complaint be truly and
fairly set forth, cautiously avoiding attributing to the adverse
party any improper motive.<P>
5. When your second is in full possession of the facts, leave the
whole matter to his judgment, and avoid any consultation with him
unless he seeks it. He has the custody of your honor, and by
obeying him you cannot be compromitted.<P>
6. Let the time of demand upon your adversary after the insult, be
as short as possible, for he has the right to double that time in
replying to you, unless you give him some good reason for your
delay. Each party is entitled to reasonable time, to make the
necessary domestic arrangements, by will or otherwise, before
fighting.<P>
7. To a written communication you are entitled to a written reply,
and it is the business of your friend to require it.<P>
Second's Duty Before Challenge Sent.<P>
1. Whenever you are applied to by a friend to act as his second,
before you agree to do so, state distinctly to your principal that
you will be governed only by your own judgment,--that he will not
be consulted after you are in full possession of the facts, unless
it becomes necessary to make or accept the amende honorable, or
send a challenge. You are supposed to be cool and collected, and
your friend's feelings are more or less irritated.<P>
2. Use every effort to soothe and tranquilize your principal; do
not see things in the same aggravated light in which he views
them; extenuate the conduct of his adversary whenever you see
clearly an opportunity to do so, without doing violence to your
friend's irritated mind. Endeavor to persuade him that there must
have been some misunderstanding in the matter. Check him if he
uses opprobious epithet towards his adversary, and never permit
improper or insulting words in the note you carry.<P>
3. To the note you carry in writing to the party complained of,
you are entitled to a written answer, which will be directed to
your principal and will be delivered to you by his adversary's
friend. If this be not written in the style of a gentleman, refuse
to receive it, and assign your reason for such refusal. If there
be a question made as to the character of the note, require the
second presenting it to you, who considers it respectful, to
endorse upon it these words: "I consider the note of my friend
respectful, and would not have been the bearer of it, if I
believed otherwise."<P>
4. If the party called on, refuses to receive the note you bear,
you are entitled to demand a reason for such refusal. If he
refuses to give you any reason, and persists in such refusal, he
treats, not only your friend, but yourself, with indignity, and
you must then make yourself the actor, by sending a respectful
note, requiring a proper explanation of the course he has pursued
towards you and your friend; and if he still adheres to his
determination, you are to challenge or post him.<P>
5. If the person to whom you deliver the note of your friend,
declines meeting him on the ground of inequality, you are bound to
tender yourself in his stead, by a note directed to him from
yourself; and if he refuses to meet you, you are to post him.<P>
6. In all cases of the substitution of the second for the
principal, the seconds should interpose and adjust the matter, if
the party substituting avows he does not make the quarrel of his
principal his own. The true reason for substitution, is the
supposed insult of imputing to you the like inequality which if
charged upon your friend, and when the contrary is declared, there
should be no fight, for individuals may well differ in their
estimate of an individual's character and standing in society. In
case of substitution and a satisfactory arrangement, you are then
to inform your friend of all the facts, whose duty it will be to
post in person.<P>
7. If the party, to whom you present a note, employ a son, father
or brother, as a second, you may decline acting with either on the
ground of consanguinity.<P>
8. If a minor wishes you to take a note to an adult, decline doing
so, on the ground of his minority. But if the adult complained of,
had made a companion of the minor in society, you may bear the
note.<P>
9. When an accommodation is tendered, never require too much; and
if the party offering the amende honorable, wishes to give a
reason for his conduct in the matter, do not, unless offensive to
your friend, refuse to receive it; by so doing you may heal the
breach more effectually.<P>
10. If a stranger wishes you to bear a note for him, be well
satisfied before you do so, that he is on an equality with you;
and in presenting the note state to the party the relationship you
stand towards him, and what you know and believe about him; for
strangers are entitled to redress for wrongs, as well as others,
and the rules of honor and hospitality should protect him.<P>
CHAPTER II.<BR>
The Party Receiving a Note Before Challenge.<P>
1. When a note is presented to you by an equal, receive it, and
read it, although you may suppose it to be from one you do not
intend to meet, because its requisites may be of a character which
may readily be complied with. But if the requirements of a note
cannot be acceded to, return it, through the medium of your
friend, to the person who handed it to you, with your reason for
returning it.<P>
2. If the note received be in abusive terms, object to its
reception, and return it for that reason; but if it be respectful,
return an answer of the same character, in which respond correctly
and openly to all interrogatories fairly propounded, and hand it
to your friend, who, it is presumed, you have consulted, and who
has advised the answer; direct it to the opposite party, and let
it be delivered to his friend.<P>
3. You may refuse to receive a note, from a minor, (if you have
not made an associate of him); one that has been posted; one that
has been publicly disgraced without resenting it; one whose
occupation is unlawful; a man in his dotage and a lunatic. There
may be other cases, but the character of those enumerated will
lead to a correct decision upon those omitted.<P>
If you receive a note from a stranger, you have a right to a
reasonable time to ascertain his standing in society, unless he is
fully vouched for by his friend.<P>
4. If a party delays calling on you for a week or more, after the
supposed insult, and assigns no cause for the delay, if you
require it, you may double the time before you respond to him; for
the wrong cannot be considered aggravated; if borne patiently for
some days, and the time may have been used in preparation and
practice.<P>
Second's Duty of the Party Receiving a Note Before Challenge Sent.<P>
1. When consulted by your friend, who has received a note
requiring explanation, inform him distinctly that he must be
governed wholly by you in the progress of the dispute. If he
refuses, decline to act on that ground.<P>
2. Use your utmost efforts to allay all excitement which your
principal may labor under; search diligently into the origin of
the misunderstanding; for gentlemen seldom insult each other,
unless they labor under some misapprehension or mistake; and when
you have discovered the original ground or error, follow each
movement to the time of sending the note, and harmony will be
restored.<P>
3. When your principal refuses to do what you require of hi,
decline further acting on that ground, and inform the opposing
second of your withdrawal from the negotiation.<P>
CHAPTER III.<BR>
Duty of Challenger and His Second Before Fighting.<P>
1. After all efforts for a reconciliation are over, the party
aggrieved sends a challenge to his adversary, which is delivered
to his second.<P>
2. Upon the acceptance of the challenge, the seconds make the
necessary arrangements for the meeting, in which each party is
entitled to a perfect equality. The old notion that the party
challenged, was authorized to name the time, place, distance and
weapon, has been long since exploded; nor would a man of chivalric
honor use such a right, if he possessed it. The time must e as
soon as practicable, the place such as had ordinarily been used
where the parties are, the distance usual, and the weapons that
which is most generally used, which, in this State, is the pistol.<P>
3. If the challengee insist upon what is not usual in time, place,
distance and weapon, do not yield the point, and tender in writing
what is usual in each, and if he refuses to give satisfaction,
then your friend may post him.<P>
4. If your friend be determined to fight and not post, you have
the right to withdraw. But if you continue to act, and have the
right to tender a still more deadly distance and weapon, and he
must accept.<P>
5. The usual distance is from ten to twenty paces, as may be
agreed on; and the seconds in measuring the ground, usually step
three feet.<P>
6. After all the arrangements are made, the seconds determine the
giving of the word and position, by lot; and he who gains has the
choice of the one or the other, selects whether it be the word or
the position, but he cannot have both.<P>
CHAPTER IV.<BR>
Duty of Challengee and Second After Challenge Sent.<P>
1. The challengee has no option when negotiation has ceased, but
to accept the challenge.<P>
2. The second makes the necessary arrangements with the second of
the person challenging. The arrangements are detailed in the
preceding chapter.<P>
CHAPTER V.<BR>
Duty of Principals and Seconds on the Ground.<P>
1. The principals are to be respectful in meeting, and neither by
look or expression irritate each other. They are to be wholly
passive, being entirely under the guidance of their seconds.<P>
2. When once posted, they are not to quit their positions under
any circumstances, without leave or direction of their seconds.<P>
3. When the principals are posted, the second giving the word,
must tell them to stand firm until he repeats the giving of the
word, in the manner it will be given when the parties are at
liberty to fire.<P>
4. Each second has a loaded pistol, in order to enforce a fair
combat according to the rules agreed on; and if a principal fires
before the word or time agreed on, he is at liberty to fire at
him, and if such second's principal fall, it is his duty to do so.<P>
5. If after a fire, either party be touched, the duel is to end;
and no second is excusable who permits a wounded friend to fight;
and no second who knows his duty, will permit his friend to fight
a man already hit. I am aware there have been many instances where
a contest has continued, not only after slight, but severe wounds,
had been received. In all such cases, I think the seconds are
blamable.<P>
6. If after an exchange of shots, neither party be hit, it is the
duty of the second of the challengee, to approach the second of
the challenger and say: "Our friends have exchanged shots, are you
satisfied, or is there any cause why the contest should be
continued?" If the meeting be of no serious cause of complaint,
where the party complaining had in no way been deeply injured, or
grossly insulted, the second of the party challenging should
reply: "The point of honor being settled, there can, I conceive,
be no objection to a reconciliation, and I propose that our
principals meet on middle ground, shake hands, and be friends." If
this be acceded to by the second of the challengee, the second of
the party challenging, says: "We have agreed that the present duel
shall cease, the honor of each of you is preserved, and you will
meet on middle ground, shake hands and be reconciled."<P>
7. If the insult be of a serious character, it will be the duty of
the second of the challenger, to say, in reply to the second of
the challengee: "We have been deeply wronged, and if you are not
disposed to repair the injury, the contest must continue." And if
the challengee offers nothing by way of reparation, the fight
continues until one or the other of the principals is hit.<P>
8. If in cases where the contest is ended by the seconds, as
mentioned in the sixth rule of this chapter, the parties refuse to
meet and be reconciled, it is the duty of the seconds to withdraw
from the field, informing their principals, that the contest must
be continued under the superintendence of other friends. But if
one agrees to this arrangement of the seconds, and the other does
not, the second of the disagreeing principal only withdraws.<P>
9. If either principal on the ground refuses to fight or continue
the fight when required, it is the duty of his second to say to
the other second: "I have come upon the ground with a coward, and
do tender you my apology for an ignorance of his character; you
are at liberty to post him." The second, by such conduct, stands
excused to the opposite party.<P>
10. When the duel is ended by a party being hit, it is the duty of
the second to the party so hit, to announce the fact to the second
of the party hitting, who will forthwith tender any assistance he
can command to the disabled principal. If the party challenging,
hit the challengee, it is his duty to say he is satisfied, and
will leave the ground. If the challenger be hit, upon the
challengee being informed of it, he should ask through his second,
whether he is at liberty to leave the ground which should be
assented to.<P>
CHAPTER VI.<BR>
Who Should Be on the Ground.<P>
1. The principals, seconds, one surgeon and one assistant surgeon
to each principal; but the assistant surgeon may be dispensed
with.<P>
2. Any number of friends that the seconds agree on, may be
present, provided they do not come within the degrees of
consanguinity mentioned in the seventh rule of Chapter I.<P>
3. Persons admitted on the ground, are carefully to abstain by
word or behavior, from any act that might be the least
exceptionable; nor should they stand near the principals or
seconds, or hold conversations with them.<P>
CHAPTER VII.<BR>
Arms, and Manner of Loading and Presenting Them.<P>
1. The arms used should be smooth-bore pistols, not exceeding nine
inches in length, with flint and steel. Percussion pistols may be
mutually used if agreed on, but to object on that account is
lawful.<P>
2. Each second informs the other when he is about to load, and
invites his presence, but the seconds rarely attend on such
invitation, as gentlemen may be safely trusted in the matter.<P>
3. The second, in presenting the pistol to his friend, should
never put it in his pistol hand, but should place it in the other,
which is grasped midway the barrel, with muzzle pointing in the
contrary way to that which he is to fire, informing him that his
pistol is loaded and ready for use. Before the word is given, the
principal grasps the butt firmly in his pistol hand, and brings it
round, with the muzzle downward, to the fighting position.<P>
4. The fighting position, is with the muzzle down and the barrel
from you; for although it may be agreed that you may hold your
pistol with the muzzle up, it may be objected to, as you can fire
sooner from that position, and consequently have a decided
advantage, which ought not to be claimed, and should not be
granted.<P>
CHAPTER VIII.<BR>
The Degrees of Insult, and How Compromised<P>
1. The prevailing rule is, that words used in retort, although
more violent and disrespectful than those first used, will not
satisfy,--words being no satisfaction for words.<P>
2. When words are used, and a blow given in return, the insult is
avenged; and if redress be sought, it must be from the person
receiving the blow.<P>
3. When blows are given in the first instance and not returned,
and the person first striking, be badly beaten or otherwise, the
party first struck is to make the demand, for blows do not satisfy
a blow.<P>
4. Insults at a wine table, when the company are over-excited,
must be answered for; and if the party insulting have no
recollection of the insult, it is his duty to say so in writing,
and negative the insult. For instance, if the man say: "you are a
liar and no gentleman," he must, in addition to the plea of the
want of recollection, say: "I believe the party insulted to be a
man of the strictest veracity and a gentleman."<P>
5. Intoxication is not a full excuse for insult, but it will
greatly palliate. If it was a full excuse, it might be well
counterfeited to wound feelings, or destroy character.<P>
6. In all cases of intoxication, the seconds must use a sound
discretion under the above general rules.<P>
7. Can every insult be compromised? is a mooted and vexed
question. On this subject, no rules can be given that will be
satisfactory. The old opinion, that a blow must require blood, is
not of force. Blows may be compromised in many cases. What those
are, much depend on the seconds.<P>
APPENDIX.<P>
Since the above Code was in press, a friend has favored me with
the IRISH CODE OF HONOR, which I had never seen; and it is
published as an Appendix to it. One thing must be apparent to
every reader, viz., the marked amelioration of the rules that
govern in duelling at the present time. I am unable to say what
code exists now in Ireland, but I very much doubt whether it be of
the same character which it bore in 1777. The American Quarterly
Review for September, 1824, in a notice of Sir Jonah Barrington's
history of his own times, has published this code; and followed it
up with some remarks, which I have thought proper to insert also.
The grave reviewer has spoken of certain States in terms so unlike
a gentleman, that I would advise him to look at home, and say
whether he does not think that the manners of his own countrymen,
do not require great amendment? I am very sure, that the citizens
of the States so disrespectfully spoken of, would feel a deep
humiliation, to be compelled to exchange their urbanity of
deportment, for the uncouth incivility of the people of
Massachusetts. Look at their public journals, and you will find
them, very generally, teeming with abuse of private character,
which would not be countenanced here. The idea of New England
becoming a school for manners, is about as fanciful as
Bolinbroke's "idea of a patriot king." I like their fortiter in
re, but utterly eschew their suaviter in modo.<P>
"The practice of duelling and points of honor settled at Clonmell
summer assizes, 1777, by the gentleman delegates of Tipperary,
Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, and prescribed for general
adoption throughout Ireland.<P>
"Rule 1.--The first offence requires the apology, although the
retort may have been more offensive than the insult.--Example: A.
tells B. he is impertinent, &C.; B. retorts, that he lies; yet A.
must make the first apology, because he gave the first offence,
and then, (after one fire,) B. may explain away the retort by
subsequent apology.<P>
"Rule 2.--But if the parties would rather fight on: then, after
two shots each, (but in no case before,) B. may explain first, and
A. apologize afterward.<P>
"Rule 3.--If a doubt exist who gave the first offence, the
decision rests with the seconds; if they won't decide or can't
agree, the matter must proceed to two shots, or a hit, if the
challenger requires it.<P>
"Rule 4.--When the lie direct is the first offence, the aggressor
must either beg pardon in express terms; exchange tow shots
previous to apology; or three shots followed up by explanation; or
fire on till a severe hit be received by one party or the other.<P>
"Rule 5.--As a blow is strictly prohibited under any circumstances
among gentlemen, no verbal apology can be received for such an
insult; the alternatives therefore are: the offender handing a can
to the injured party, to be used on his own back, at the same time
begging pardon; firing on until one or both is disabled; or
exchanging three shots, and then asking pardon without the proffer
of the cane.<P>
"If swords are used, the parties engage till one is well-blooded,
disabled or disarmed; or until, after receiving a wound, and blood
being drawn, the aggressor begs pardon.<P>
"N.B. A disarm is considered the same as a disable; the disarmer
may (strictly) break his adversary's sword; but if it be the
challenger who is disarmed, it is considered ungenerous to do so.<P>
"In case the challenged be disarmed and refuses to ask pardon or
atone, he must not be killed as formerly; but the challenger may
lay his sword on the aggressor's shoulder, than break the
aggressor's sword, and say, 'I spare your life!' The challenged
can never revive the quarrel, the challenger may.<P>
"Rule 6.--If A. give B. the lie, and B. retorts by a blow, (being
the two greatest offences,) no reconciliation can take place till
after two discharges each, or a severe hit; after which, B. may
beg A.'s pardon for the blow, and then A. may explain simply for
the lie; because a blow is never allowable, and the offence of the
lie therefore merges in it. (See preceding rule.)<P>
"N.B. Challenges for individual causes, may be reconciled on the
ground, after one shot. An explanation, or the slightest hit
should be sufficient in such cases, because no personal offence
transpired.<P>
"Rule 7.--But no apology can be received, in any case, after the
parties have actually taken their ground, without exchange of
fires.<P>
"Rule 8.--In the above case, no challenger is obliged to divulge
the cause of his challenge, (if private,) unless required by the
challenged to do so before their meeting.<P>
"Rule 0.--All imputations of cheating at play, races, &c, to be
considered equivalent to a blow; but may be reconciled after one
shot, on admitting their falsehood, and begging pardon publicly.<P>
"Rule 10.--Any insult to a lady under a gentleman's care or
protection, to be considered as, by one degree, a greater offence
than if given to the gentleman personally, and to be regulated
accordingly.<P>
"Rule 11.--Offences originating or accruing from the support of a
lady's reputation, to be considered as less unjustifiable than any
other of the same class, and as admitting of lighter apologies by
the aggressor; this to be determined by the circumstances of the
case, but always favorably to the lady.<P>
"Rule 12.--In simple unpremeditated rencontres with the small
sword or couteau-de-chasse, the rule is, first draw, first
sheathe; unless blood be drawn: then both sheathe, and proceed to
investigation.<P>
"Rule 13.--No dumb-shooting, or firing in the air, admissible in
any case. The challenger ought not to have challenged without
receiving offence; and the challenged ought, if he gave offence,
to have made an apology before he came on the ground: therefore,
children's play must be dishonorable on one side or the other, and
is accordingly prohibited.<P>
"Rule 14.--Seconds to be of equal rank in society with the
principals they attend, inasmuch as a second may choose or chance
to become a principal, and equality is indispensable.<P>
"Rule 15.--Challenges are never to be delivered at night, unless
the party to be challenged intend leaving the place of offence
before morning; for it is desirable to avoid all hot-headed
proceedings.<P>
"Rule 16.--The challenged has the right to choose his own weapon,
unless the challenger gives his honor he is no swordsman; after
which, however, he cannot decline any second species of weapon
proposed by the challenged.<P>
"Rule 17.--The challenged chooses his ground; the challenger
chooses his distance; the seconds fix the time and terms of
firing.<P>
"Rule 18.--The seconds load in presence of each other, unless they
give their mutual honors that they have charged smooth and single,
which should be held sufficient.<P>
"Rule 19.--Firing may be regulated, first by signal; secondly, by
word of command; or, thirdly, at pleasure, as may be agreeable to
the parties. In the latter case, the parties may fire at their
reasonable leisure, but second presents and rests are strictly
prohibited.<P>
"Rule 20.--In all cases a miss-fire is equivalent to a shot, and a
snap or a non-cock is to be considered as a miss-fire.<P>
"Rule 21.--Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before
the meeting takes place, or after sufficient firing or hits, as
specified.<P>
"Rule 22.--Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves and
necessarily make the hands shake, must end the business for that
day.<P>
"Rule 23.--If the cause of meeting be of such a nature that no
apology or explanation can or will be received, the challenged
takes his ground, and calls on the challenger to proceed as he
chooses: in such cases firing at pleasure is the usual practice,
but may be varied by agreement.<P>
"Rule 24.--In slight cases, the second hands his principal but one
pistol; but in gross cases, two, holding another case ready
charged in reserve.<P>
"Rule 25.--When seconds disagree, and resolve to exchange shots
themselves, it must be at the same time and at right angles with
their principals.<P>
"If with swords, side by side, at five paces interval.<P>
"N.B. All matters and doubts not herein mentioned, will be
explained and cleared up by application to the committee, who meet
alternately at Clonmell and Galway, at their quarter sessions, for
the purpose.<P>
"CROW RYAN, President."<BR>
"JAMES KEOG,<BR>
"AMBY BODKIN, Secretaries<P>
ADDITIONAL GALWAY ARTICLES<P>
"Rule 1.--No party can be allowed to bend his knee or cover his
side with his left hand; but may present at any level from the hip
to the eye.<P>
"Rule 2.--One can neither advance nor retreat, if the ground be
measured. If the ground be unmeasured, either party may advance
at pleasure, even to touch muzzle; but neither can advance on his
adversary after the fire, unless his adversary step forward on
him.<P>
"The seconds stand responsible for this last rule being strictly
observed; bad cases have accrued from neglecting it."<P>
This precise and enlightened digest was rendered necessary by the
multitude of quarrels that arouse without "sufficient dignified
provocation:" the point of honor men required a uniform
government; and the code thus formed was disseminated throughout
the island, with directions that it should b strictly observed by
all gentlemen, and kept in their pistol cases. The rules, with
some others, were commonly styled "the thirty-six commandments,"
and, according to the author, have been much acted upon down to
the present day. Tipperary and Galway were the chief schools of
duelling. We remember to have heard, in travelling to the town of
the former name in a stage coach, a dispute between two Irish
companions, on the point, which was the most gentlemanly country
in all Ireland--Tipperary or Galway? and both laid great stress
upon the relative duelling merits of those counties. By the same
criterion, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina, would
bear away the palm of gentility among the States of the Union.-<P>
end-
<pre>
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