I sent this letter an hour before day-break to Branicki’s lodging in the palace. My messenger had orders to give the letter into the count’s own hands, to wait for him to rise, and also for an answer.
In half an hour I received the following answer:
“Sir,—I accept your proposal, and shall be glad if you will have the kindness to inform me when I shall have the honour of seeing you.
“I remain, sir, etc.”
I answered this immediately, informing him I would call on him the next day, at six o’clock in the morning.
Shortly after, I received a second letter, in which he said that I might choose the arms and place, but that our differences must be settled in the course of the day.
I sent him the measure of my sword, which was thirty-two inches long, telling him he might choose any place beyond the ban. In reply, I had the following:
“Sir,—You will greatly oblige me by coming now. I have sent my carriage.
“I have the honour to be, etc.”
I replied that I had business all the day, and that as I had made up my mind not to call upon him, except for the purpose of fighting, I begged him not to be offended if I took the liberty of sending back his carriage.