[23] To name a duel, refers to time and place.
[24] This is a point of great importance. It sometimes happens, that a man who has insulted another, will select as his second some notorious ruffian, who will, to use the common expression, “fix a quarrel” on him, and endeavour to fight for his principal. Not long ago, a fellow advertised himself in the public papers, to fight for any person who might require his services.
[25] This rule is of importance. Forty-eight hours may be considered a fair time to reflect upon the painful necessity of a hostile meeting; and there is in general reason to suppose, that a challenge sent long after a provocation, has been the result of the interference of busy friends.
[26] Such an arrangement will frequently prevent fatal duels.
[27] Sword-knot.
[28] This is an important precaution, since a considerable advantage will be obtained over an adversary, if the point of his sword should be caught in the end of the handkerchief that hangs down.
[29] The trial by ramrod is an uncertain mode, as the depth of the charge will vary according to the wadding; a regular powder-measure is the only method that can ensure a fair proceeding; and, in loading by measure, great care must be taken that the measure is given from hand to hand. I have known a measure thrown upon the grass, (purposely or not, I cannot presume to say,) and it was taken up quite wet by the other party’s second, who, had he not perceived the circumstance, would have loaded his friend’s pistol with damp powder.
[30] There is much judicious consideration in thus allowing great advantage to the person who has received a blow, as it may tend to render hasty subjects more cautious, not only from the just apprehension of their affording considerable advantage to their opponent, but of rushing into a quarrel of a desperate character.
[31] I cannot agree with this conclusion; a swordsman may so provoke a cripple, that the latter, generally irascible, may so far forget himself as to strike his offender: in such cases, a pistol meeting, without taking aim, is the fairest mode of proceeding.
[32] Amongst these we may name Antonio Massa, Pomponio Torelli, Pigna, Dario Attendolo, Suzio de la Mirandole, Fausto de Longiano, Possevino, Rinaldo Corsa, Fabio Albergoti, Maffei.