THE CODE OF HONOR; or RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT of PRINCIPALS AND SECONDS in DUELLING by John Lyde Wilson Summary: Originally this was published by the author (1784-1849), aformer governor of South Carolina, as a 22-page booklet, in 1838. Beforehis death he added an appendix of the 1777 Irish duelling code, butthis 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 codeis far less blood-thirsty than many might suppose, but built on a closedsocial caste and standards of behavior quite alien to today. Transcriber's Note: In the appendix the term "rencontre" is used. InBritish law (then covering Ireland) this refers to an immediate fight inthe heat of offense. A duel would be undertaken in "cold blood" if notcool temper. Killing a man in a rencontre counted as manslaughter; in aduel, as murder. 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 somecentral club or business spot frequented by all men of that level ofsociety; exactly where varied from town to town. It was the ultimatesanction, making the challengee's refusal to either apologize or fight apublic stain upon his character. TO THE PUBLIC The man who adds in any way to the sum of human happiness is strictly inthe discharge of a moral duty. When Howard visited the victims ofcrime and licentiousness, to reform their habits and ameliorate theircondition, the question was never asked whether he had been guiltyof like excesses or not? The only question the philanthropist wouldpropound, should be, has the deed been done in the true spirit ofChristian benevolence? Those who know me, can well attest the motivewhich has caused the publication of the following sheets, to which theyfor a long time urged me in vain. Those who do not know me, have noright to impute a wrong motive; and if they do, I had rather be theobject, than the authors of condemnation. To publish a CODE OF HONOR, to govern in cases of individual combat, might seem to imply, that thepublisher was an advocate of duelling, and wished to introduce it as theproper mode of deciding all personal difficulties and misunderstandings. Such implication would do me great injustice. But if the question bedirectly put to me, whether there are not cases where duels are rightand proper, I would unhesitatingly answer, there are. If an oppressednation has a right to appeal to arms in defence of its liberty and thehappiness of its people, there can be no argument used in support ofsuch appeal, which will not apply with equal force to individuals. How many cases are there, that might be enumerated, where there is notribunal to do justice to an oppressed and deeply wronged individual?If he be subjected to a tame submission to insult and disgrace, where nopower can shield him from its effects, then indeed it would seem, thatthe first law of nature, self-preservation, points out the only remedyfor his wrongs. The history of all animated nature exhibits a determinedresistance to encroachments upon natural rights, --nay, I mightadd, inanimate nature, for it also exhibits a continual warfare forsupremacy. Plants of the same kind, as well as trees, do not stoptheir vigorous growth because they overshadow their kind; but, on thecontrary, flourish with greater vigor as the more weak and delicatedecline and die. Those of different species are at perpetual warfare. The sweetest rose tree will sicken and waste on the near approach ofthe noxious bramble, and the most promising fields of wheat yield amiserable harvest if choked up with tares and thistles. The elementsthemselves war together, and the angels of heaven have met in fierceencounter. The principle of self-preservation is co-extensive withcreation; and when by education we make character and moral worth a partof ourselves, we guard these possessions with more watchful zeal thanlife itself, and would go farther for their protection. When one findshimself avoided in society, his friends shunning his approach, hissubstance wasting, his wife and children in want around him, andtraces all his misfortunes and misery to the slanderous tongue of thecalumniator, who, by secret whisper or artful innuendo, has sapped andundermined his reputation, he must be more or less than man to submit insilence. The indiscriminate and frequent appeal to arms, to settle trivialdisputes and misunderstandings, cannot be too severely censured anddeprecated. I am no advocate of such duelling. But in cases where thelaws of the country give no redress for injuries received, where publicopinion not only authorizes, but enjoins resistance, it is needless anda waste of time to denounce the practice. It will be persisted in aslong as a manly independence, and a lofty personal pride in all thatdignifies and ennobles the human character, shall continue to exist. Ifa man be smote on one cheek in public, and he turns the other, whichis also smitten, and he offers no resistance, but blesses him that sodespitefully used him, I am aware that he is in the exercise of greatChristian forbearance, highly recommended and enjoined by many very goodmen, but utterly repugnant to those feelings which nature and educationhave implanted in the human character. If it was possible to enactlaws so severe and impossible to be evaded, as to enforce such rule ofbehavior, all that is honorable in the community would quit the countryand inhabit the wilderness with the Indians. If such a course of conductwas infused by education into the minds of our youth, and it becamepraiseworthy 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 bethe exercise of a commendable virtue. I have not the least doubt, thatif 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 aseminary of learning was established, where this Christian forbearancewas inculcated and enforced, whether there would be many scholars. I would not wish to be understood to say, that I do not desire to seeduelling to cease to exist entirely, in society. But my plan for doingit away, is essentially different from the one which teaches a passiveforbearance to insult and indignity. I would inculcate in the risinggeneration a spirit of lofty independence; I would have them taught thatnothing was more derogatory to the honor of a gentleman, than to woundthe feelings of any one, however humble. That if wrong be done toanother, 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 injuredparty. This would be an aggravation of that which was already odious, and would put him without the pale of all decent society and honorablemen. I would strongly inculcate the propriety of being tender of thefeelings, as well as the failings, of those around him. I would teachimmutable integrity, and uniform urbanity of manners. Scrupulouslyto guard individual honor, by a high personal self respect, andthe practice of every commendable virtue. Once let such a system ofeducation be universal, and we should seldom hear, if ever, of any moreduelling. The severest penal enactments cannot restrain the practice of duelling, and their extreme severity in this State, the more effectually shieldsthe offenders. The teaching and preaching of our eloquent Clergy, maydo some service, but is wholly inadequate to suppress it. Under thesecircumstances, the following rules are given to the public, and if I cansave the life of one useful member of society, I will be compensated. I have restored to the bosoms of many, their sons, by my timelyinterference, who are ignorant of the misery I have averted from them. Ibelieve 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, willtherefore be a desideratum. How far this code will be that book, thepublic will decide. THE AUTHOR RULES FOR PRINCIPALS AND SECONDS IN DUELLING. CHAPTER I. The Person Insulted, Before Challenge Sent 1. Whenever you believe that you are insulted, if the insult be inpublic and by words or behavior, never resent it there, if you haveself-command enough to avoid noticing it. If resented there, you offeran indignity to the company, which you should not. 2. If the insult be by blows or any personal indignity, it may beresented at the moment, for the insult to the company did not originatewith you. But although resented at the moment, you are bound still tohave satisfaction, and must therefore make the demand. 3. When you believe yourself aggrieved, be silent on the subject, speakto no one about the matter, and see your friend, who is to act for you, as soon as possible. 4. Never send a challenge in the first instance, for that precludes allnegotiation. Let your note be in the language of a gentleman, andlet the subject matter of complaint be truly and fairly set forth, cautiously avoiding attributing to the adverse party any impropermotive. 5. When your second is in full possession of the facts, leave the wholematter to his judgment, and avoid any consultation with him unlesshe seeks it. He has the custody of your honor, and by obeying him youcannot be compromitted. 6. Let the time of demand upon your adversary after the insult, be asshort as possible, for he has the right to double that time in replyingto you, unless you give him some good reason for your delay. Eachparty is entitled to reasonable time, to make the necessary domesticarrangements, by will or otherwise, before fighting. 7. To a written communication you are entitled to a written reply, andit is the business of your friend to require it. SECOND'S DUTY BEFORE CHALLENGE SENT. 1. Whenever you are applied to by a friend to act as his second, beforeyou agree to do so, state distinctly to your principal that you will begoverned only by your own judgment, --that he will not be consulted afteryou are in full possession of the facts, unless it becomes necessaryto make or accept the amende honorable, or send a challenge. You aresupposed to be cool and collected, and your friend's feelings are moreor less irritated. 2. Use every effort to soothe and tranquilize your principal; do not seethings in the same aggravated light in which he views them; extenuatethe conduct of his adversary whenever you see clearly an opportunity todo so, without doing violence to your friend's irritated mind. Endeavorto persuade him that there must have been some misunderstanding in thematter. Check him if he uses opprobrious epithet towards his adversary, and never permit improper or insulting words in the note you carry. 3. To the note you carry in writing to the party complained of, you areentitled to a written answer, which will be directed to your principaland will be delivered to you by his adversary's friend. If this be notwritten in the style of a gentleman, refuse to receive it, and assignyour reason for such refusal. If there be a question made as to thecharacter of the note, require the second presenting it to you, whoconsiders it respectful, to endorse upon it these words: "I consider thenote of my friend respectful, and would not have been the bearer of it, if I believed otherwise. " 4. If the party called on, refuses to receive the note you bear, you areentitled to demand a reason for such refusal. If he refuses to giveyou any reason, and persists in such refusal, he treats, not only yourfriend, but yourself, with indignity, and you must then make yourselfthe actor, by sending a respectful note, requiring a proper explanationof the course he has pursued towards you and your friend; and if hestill adheres to his determination, you are to challenge or post him. 5. If the person to whom you deliver the note of your friend, declinesmeeting him on the ground of inequality, you are bound to tenderyourself in his stead, by a note directed to him from yourself; and ifhe refuses to meet you, you are to post him. 6. In all cases of the substitution of the second for the principal, the seconds should interpose and adjust the matter, if the partysubstituting avows he does not make the quarrel of his principalhis own. The true reason for substitution, is the supposed insult ofimputing to you the like inequality which if charged upon your friend, and when the contrary is declared, there should be no fight, forindividuals may well differ in their estimate of an individual'scharacter and standing in society. In case of substitution and asatisfactory arrangement, you are then to inform your friend of all thefacts, whose duty it will be to post in person. 7. If the party, to whom you present a note, employ a son, father orbrother, as a second, you may decline acting with either on the groundof consanguinity. 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 madea companion of the minor in society, you may bear the note. 9. When an accommodation is tendered, never require too much; and ifthe party offering the amende honorable, wishes to give a reason for hisconduct in the matter, do not, unless offensive to your friend, refuseto receive it; by so doing you may heal the breach more effectually. 10. If a stranger wishes you to bear a note for him, be well satisfiedbefore you do so, that he is on an equality with you; and in presentingthe note state to the party the relationship you stand towards him, and what you know and believe about him; for strangers are entitledto redress for wrongs, as well as others, and the rules of honor andhospitality should protect him. CHAPTER II. The Party Receiving a Note Before Challenge. 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 becomplied with. But if the requirements of a note cannot be acceded to, return it, through the medium of your friend, to the person who handedit to you, with your reason for returning it. 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 answerof the same character, in which respond correctly and openly to allinterrogatories fairly propounded, and hand it to your friend, who, itis presumed, you have consulted, and who has advised the answer; directit to the opposite party, and let it be delivered to his friend. 3. You may refuse to receive a note, from a minor, (if you have notmade an associate of him); one that has been posted; one that hasbeen publicly disgraced without resenting it; one whose occupation isunlawful; a man in his dotage and a lunatic. There may be other cases, but the character of those enumerated will lead to a correct decisionupon those omitted. If you receive a note from a stranger, you have a right to a reasonabletime to ascertain his standing in society, unless he is fully vouchedfor by his friend. 4. If a party delays calling on you for a week or more, after thesupposed 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 cannotbe considered aggravated; if borne patiently for some days, and the timemay have been used in preparation and practice. Second's Duty of the Party Receiving a Note Before Challenge Sent. 1. When consulted by your friend, who has received a note requiringexplanation, inform him distinctly that he must be governed wholly byyou in the progress of the dispute. If he refuses, decline to act onthat ground. 2. Use your utmost efforts to allay all excitement which yourprincipal may labor under; search diligently into the origin of themisunderstanding; for gentlemen seldom insult each other, unlessthey labor under some misapprehension or mistake; and when you havediscovered the original ground or error, follow each movement to thetime of sending the note, and harmony will be restored. 3. When your principal refuses to do what you require of hi, declinefurther acting on that ground, and inform the opposing second of yourwithdrawal from the negotiation. CHAPTER III. Duty of Challenger and His Second Before Fighting. 1. After all efforts for a reconciliation are over, the party aggrievedsends a challenge to his adversary, which is delivered to his second. 2. Upon the acceptance of the challenge, the seconds make the necessaryarrangements for the meeting, in which each party is entitled toa perfect equality. The old notion that the party challenged, wasauthorized to name the time, place, distance and weapon, has been longsince exploded; nor would a man of chivalric honor use such a right, ifhe possessed it. The time must e as soon as practicable, the place suchas 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. 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 whatis usual in each, and if he refuses to give satisfaction, then yourfriend may post him. 4. If your friend be determined to fight and not post, you have theright to withdraw. But if you continue to act, and have the right totender a still more deadly distance and weapon, and he must accept. 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. 6. After all the arrangements are made, the seconds determine the givingof the word and position, by lot; and he who gains has the choice of theone or the other, selects whether it be the word or the position, but hecannot have both. CHAPTER IV. Duty of Challengee and Second After Challenge Sent. 1. The challengee has no option when negotiation has ceased, but toaccept the challenge. 2. The second makes the necessary arrangements with the second of theperson challenging. The arrangements are detailed in the precedingchapter. CHAPTER V. Duty of Principals and Seconds on the Ground. 1. The principals are to be respectful in meeting, and neither by lookor expression irritate each other. They are to be wholly passive, beingentirely under the guidance of their seconds. 2. When once posted, they are not to quit their positions under anycircumstances, without leave or direction of their seconds. 3. When the principals are posted, the second giving the word, musttell them to stand firm until he repeats the giving of the word, in themanner it will be given when the parties are at liberty to fire. 4. Each second has a loaded pistol, in order to enforce a fair combataccording to the rules agreed on; and if a principal fires before theword or time agreed on, he is at liberty to fire at him, and if suchsecond's principal fall, it is his duty to do so. 5. If after a fire, either party be touched, the duel is to end; and nosecond is excusable who permits a wounded friend to fight; and no secondwho 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 suchcases, I think the seconds are blamable. 6. If after an exchange of shots, neither party be hit, it is theduty of the second of the challengee, to approach the second ofthe challenger and say: "Our friends have exchanged shots, are yousatisfied, or is there any cause why the contest should be continued?"If the meeting be of no serious cause of complaint, where the partycomplaining had in no way been deeply injured, or grossly insulted, thesecond of the party challenging should reply: "The point of honor beingsettled, there can, I conceive, be no objection to a reconciliation, andI propose that our principals meet on middle ground, shake hands, andbe friends. " If this be acceded to by the second of the challengee, thesecond of the party challenging, says: "We have agreed that the presentduel shall cease, the honor of each of you is preserved, and you willmeet on middle ground, shake hands and be reconciled. " 7. If the insult be of a serious character, it will be the duty ofthe second of the challenger, to say, in reply to the second of thechallengee: "We have been deeply wronged, and if you are not disposedto repair the injury, the contest must continue. " And if the challengeeoffers nothing by way of reparation, the fight continues until one orthe other of the principals is hit. 8. If in cases where the contest is ended by the seconds, as mentionedin the sixth rule of this chapter, the parties refuse to meet and bereconciled, it is the duty of the seconds to withdraw from the field, informing their principals, that the contest must be continued under thesuperintendence of other friends. But if one agrees to this arrangementof the seconds, and the other does not, the second of the disagreeingprincipal only withdraws. 9. If either principal on the ground refuses to fight or continue thefight when required, it is the duty of his second to say to the othersecond: "I have come upon the ground with a coward, and do tender youmy apology for an ignorance of his character; you are at liberty to posthim. " The second, by such conduct, stands excused to the opposite party. 10. When the duel is ended by a party being hit, it is the duty of thesecond to the party so hit, to announce the fact to the second of theparty hitting, who will forthwith tender any assistance he can commandto 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 thechallenger be hit, upon the challengee being informed of it, he shouldask through his second, whether he is at liberty to leave the groundwhich should be assented to. CHAPTER VI. Who Should Be on the Ground. 1. The principals, seconds, one surgeon and one assistant surgeon toeach principal; but the assistant surgeon may be dispensed with. 2. Any number of friends that the seconds agree on, may be present, provided they do not come within the degrees of consanguinity mentionedin the seventh rule of Chapter I. 3. Persons admitted on the ground, arecarefully to abstain by word or behavior, from any act that might bethe least exceptionable; nor should they stand near the principals orseconds, or hold conversations with them. CHAPTER VII. Arms, and Manner of Loading and Presenting Them. 1. The arms used should be smooth-bore pistols, not exceeding nineinches in length, with flint and steel. Percussion pistols may bemutually used if agreed on, but to object on that account is lawful. 2. Each second informs the other when he is about to load, and inviteshis presence, but the seconds rarely attend on such invitation, asgentlemen may be safely trusted in the matter. 3. The second, in presenting the pistol to his friend, should neverput it in his pistol hand, but should place it in the other, which isgrasped midway the barrel, with muzzle pointing in the contrary way tothat which he is to fire, informing him that his pistol is loaded andready for use. Before the word is given, the principal grasps thebutt firmly in his pistol hand, and brings it round, with the muzzledownward, to the fighting position. 4. The fighting position, is with the muzzle down and the barrel fromyou; for although it may be agreed that you may hold your pistol withthe muzzle up, it may be objected to, as you can fire sooner from thatposition, and consequently have a decided advantage, which ought not tobe claimed, and should not be granted. CHAPTER VIII. The Degrees of Insult, and How Compromised 1. The prevailing rule is, that words used in retort, althoughmore violent and disrespectful than those first used, will notsatisfy, --words being no satisfaction for words. 2. When words are used, and a blow given in return, the insult isavenged; and if redress be sought, it must be from the person receivingthe blow. 3. When blows are given in the first instance and not returned, and theperson first striking, be badly beaten or otherwise, the party firststruck is to make the demand, for blows do not satisfy a blow. 4. Insults at a wine table, when the company are over-excited, must beanswered for; and if the party insulting have no recollection of theinsult, 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, " hemust, in addition to the plea of the want of recollection, say: "Ibelieve the party insulted to be a man of the strictest veracity and agentleman. " 5. Intoxication is not a full excuse for insult, but it will greatlypalliate. If it was a full excuse, it might be well counterfeited towound feelings, or destroy character. 6. In all cases of intoxication, the seconds must use a sound discretionunder the above general rules. 7. Can every insult be compromised? is a mooted and vexed question. Onthis subject, no rules can be given that will be satisfactory. The oldopinion, that a blow must require blood, is not of force. Blows may becompromised in many cases. What those are, much depend on the seconds. APPENDIX. Since the above Code was in press, a friend has favoredme with the IRISH CODE OF HONOR, which I had never seen; and it ispublished as an Appendix to it. One thing must be apparent to everyreader, viz. , the marked amelioration of the rules that govern induelling at the present time. I am unable to say what code exists now inIreland, but I very much doubt whether it be of the same character whichit bore in 1777. The American Quarterly Review for September, 1824, in anotice of Sir Jonah Barrington's history of his own times, has publishedthis code; and followed it up with some remarks, which I have thoughtproper to insert also. The grave reviewer has spoken of certain Statesin terms so unlike a gentleman, that I would advise him to look athome, and say whether he does not think that the manners of his owncountrymen, do not require great amendment? I am very sure, that thecitizens of the States so disrespectfully spoken of, would feel a deephumiliation, to be compelled to exchange their urbanity of deportment, for the uncouth incivility of the people of Massachusetts. Look at theirpublic journals, and you will find them, very generally, teeming withabuse of private character, which would not be countenanced here. Theidea of New England becoming a school for manners, is about as fancifulas Bolinbroke's "idea of a patriot king. " I like their fortiter in re, but utterly eschew their suaviter in modo. "The practice of duelling and points of honor settled at Clonmell summerassizes, 1777, by the gentleman delegates of Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, and prescribed for general adoption throughoutIreland. "Rule 1. --The first offence requires the apology, although the retortmay have been more offensive than the insult. --Example: A. Tells B. He is impertinent, &C. ; B. Retorts, that he lies; yet A. Must make thefirst apology, because he gave the first offence, and then, (after onefire, ) B. May explain away the retort by subsequent apology. "Rule 2. --But if the parties would rather fight on: then, after twoshots each, (but in no case before, ) B. May explain first, and A. Apologize afterward. "Rule 3. --If a doubt exist who gave the first offence, the decisionrests with the seconds; if they won't decide or can't agree, the mattermust proceed to two shots, or a hit, if the challenger requires it. "Rule 4. --When the lie direct is the first offence, the aggressor musteither beg pardon in express terms; exchange tow shots previous toapology; or three shots followed up by explanation; or fire on till asevere hit be received by one party or the other. "Rule 5. --As a blow is strictly prohibited under any circumstances amonggentlemen, no verbal apology can be received for such an insult; thealternatives therefore are: the offender handing a can to the injuredparty, 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, andthen asking pardon without the proffer of the cane. "If swords are used, the parties engage till one is well-blooded, disabled or disarmed; or until, after receiving a wound, and blood beingdrawn, the aggressor begs pardon. "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 whois disarmed, it is considered ungenerous to do so. "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 swordon the aggressor's shoulder, than break the aggressor's sword, and say, 'I spare your life!' The challenged can never revive the quarrel, thechallenger may. "Rule 6. --If A. Give B. The lie, and B. Retorts by a blow, (being thetwo greatest offences, ) no reconciliation can take place till after twodischarges each, or a severe hit; after which, B. May beg A. 's pardonfor the blow, and then A. May explain simply for the lie; because a blowis never allowable, and the offence of the lie therefore merges in it. (See preceding rule. ) "N. B. Challenges for individual causes, may be reconciled on theground, after one shot. An explanation, or the slightest hit should besufficient in such cases, because no personal offence transpired. "Rule 7. --But no apology can be received, in any case, after the partieshave actually taken their ground, without exchange of fires. "Rule 8. --In the above case, no challenger is obliged to divulge thecause of his challenge, (if private, ) unless required by the challengedto do so before their meeting. "Rule 9. --All imputations of cheating at play, races, &c, to beconsidered equivalent to a blow; but may be reconciled after one shot, on admitting their falsehood, and begging pardon publicly. "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 tothe gentleman personally, and to be regulated accordingly. "Rule 11. --Offences originating or accruing from the support of a lady'sreputation, to be considered as less unjustifiable than any other of thesame class, and as admitting of lighter apologies by the aggressor; thisto be determined by the circumstances of the case, but always favorablyto the lady. "Rule 12. --In simple unpremeditated rencontres with the small sword orcouteau-de-chasse, the rule is, first draw, first sheathe; unless bloodbe drawn: then both sheathe, and proceed to investigation. "Rule 13. --No dumb-shooting, or firing in the air, admissible in anycase. The challenger ought not to have challenged without receivingoffence; and the challenged ought, if he gave offence, to have made anapology before he came on the ground: therefore, children's play must bedishonorable on one side or the other, and is accordingly prohibited. "Rule 14. --Seconds to be of equal rank in society with the principalsthey attend, inasmuch as a second may choose or chance to become aprincipal, and equality is indispensable. "Rule 15. --Challenges are never to be delivered at night, unless theparty to be challenged intend leaving the place of offence beforemorning; for it is desirable to avoid all hot-headed proceedings. "Rule 16. --The challenged has the right to choose his own weapon, unlessthe challenger gives his honor he is no swordsman; after which, however, he cannot decline any second species of weapon proposed by thechallenged. "Rule 17. --The challenged chooses his ground; the challenger chooses hisdistance; the seconds fix the time and terms of firing. "Rule 18. --The seconds load in presence of each other, unless they givetheir mutual honors that they have charged smooth and single, whichshould be held sufficient. "Rule 19. --Firing may be regulated, first by signal; secondly, byword of command; or, thirdly, at pleasure, as may be agreeable to theparties. In the latter case, the parties may fire at their reasonableleisure, but second presents and rests are strictly prohibited. "Rule 20. --In all cases a miss-fire is equivalent to a shot, and a snapor a non-cock is to be considered as a miss-fire. "Rule 21. --Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before themeeting takes place, or after sufficient firing or hits, as specified. "Rule 22. --Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves and necessarilymake the hands shake, must end the business for that day. "Rule 23. --If the cause of meeting be of such a nature that no apologyor explanation can or will be received, the challenged takes his ground, and calls on the challenger to proceed as he chooses: in such casesfiring at pleasure is the usual practice, but may be varied byagreement. "Rule 24. --In slight cases, the second hands his principal but onepistol; but in gross cases, two, holding another case ready charged inreserve. "Rule 25. --When seconds disagree, and resolve to exchange shotsthemselves, it must be at the same time and at right angles with theirprincipals. "If with swords, side by side, at five paces interval. "N. B. All matters and doubts not herein mentioned, will be explainedand cleared up by application to the committee, who meet alternately atClonmell and Galway, at their quarter sessions, for the purpose. "CROW RYAN, President. " "JAMES KEOG, "AMBY BODKIN, Secretaries. " ADDITIONAL GALWAY ARTICLES "Rule 1. --No party can be allowed to bend his knee or cover his sidewith his left hand; but may present at any level from the hip to theeye. "Rule 2. --One can neither advance nor retreat, if the ground bemeasured. If the ground be unmeasured, either party may advance atpleasure, even to touch muzzle; but neither can advance on his adversaryafter the fire, unless his adversary step forward on him. "The seconds stand responsible for this last rule being strictlyobserved; bad cases have accrued from neglecting it. " This precise and enlightened digest was rendered necessary by themultitude of quarrels that arouse without "sufficient dignifiedprovocation:" the point of honor men required a uniform government;and the code thus formed was disseminated throughout the island, withdirections that it should be strictly observed by all gentlemen, andkept in their pistol cases. The rules, with some others, were commonlystyled "the thirty-six commandments, " and, according to the author, havebeen much acted upon down to the present day. Tipperary and Galway werethe chief schools of duelling. We remember to have heard, in travellingto the town of the former name in a stage coach, a dispute between twoIrish companions, on the point, which was the most gentlemanly countryin all Ireland--Tipperary or Galway? and both laid great stress uponthe relative duelling merits of those counties. By the same criterion, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina, would bear away thepalm of gentility among the States of the Union.