The jury sat four hours; and after a very strict examination of the seconds, and a servant of the deceased, brought in their verdict, “Manslaughter.”
BETWEEN CAPTAIN I—— AND COLONEL P——.
June, 1783.
On the 31st ult. a duel was fought near Bangor Ferry, Caernarvonshire, between Captain I—— and Colonel P——. In consequence of several disputes which had happened relating to the Anglesea militia, and a challenge given, some time ago, by Captain I—— to Colonel P——, they were bound over to preserve the peace for a year. That time having expired, Captain I—— sent a message, that he should be at the Ferry-house, at six o’clock, on Saturday morning, attended by Captain M——. The parties met. The seconds marked the ground at twelve paces, and tossed up for the first fire, which Colonel P—— gained. He fired, and shot Captain I—— in the right thigh, who strove to return the fire, but his pistol missed. Captain I—— then demanded a second shot; which not being immediately complied with, he was unable to bear longer on his thigh, and was carried off by the assistance of the seconds.
BETWEEN THE HON. COLONEL COSMO GORDON AND LIEUT.-COLONEL THOMAS.
September 4, 1783.
At six this morning, the Hon. Colonel Cosmo Gordon and Lieut.-Colonel Thomas met at the Ring in Hyde Park, to fight a duel. It was agreed upon by their seconds, that, after receiving their pistols, they should advance, and fire when they pleased. On arriving within about eight yards of each other they presented, and drew their triggers nearly at the same time, when only the Colonel’s pistol went off. The Lieut.-Colonel having adjusted his pistol, fired at the Colonel, who received a severe contusion on the thigh. Their second pistols were fired without effect, and their friends called to reload them; after which they again advanced to nearly the same distance, and fired, when the Lieut.-Colonel fell, having received a ball in his body. He received immediate assistance from a surgeon, who attended the Colonel in case of need, and who extracted the ball on the field; the wound notwithstanding proved mortal.
BETWEEN MR. MONRO, OF THE 16TH REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS, AND MR. GREEN.
October 17, 1783.
This morning, about seven o’clock, Mr. Monro, of the 16th Regiment of Dragoons and Mr. Green, with their seconds, met in a field near Battersea Bridge, for the purpose of settling a dispute which took place a few evenings ago. They took their ground at the distance of about six yards. They then fired three pistols each, the last of which wounded Mr. Green in the side. The seconds interfered, and asked Mr. Green if he was satisfied. He said, “Not except Mr. Monro made him a public apology.” “That,” Mr. Monro said, “he now would not do.” Mr. Green replied, “Then one of us must fall.” They again took their ground, and fired each two pistols more. One ball entered Mr. Monro’s knee, and Mr. Green received a shot which has since proved fatal, the ball entering a little above the groin.
BETWEEN LIEUT. HARRISON AND M. H. VAN BERKENSHAM.
October, 1783.
This afternoon a duel was fought behind the Foundling Hospital, between Lieut. Harrison, of the Marines, and M. Harman Van Berkensham, an officer in the Dutch service. When, after marking out the distance of eight paces, Mr. Berkensham fired first and missed. Lieut. Harrison’s bullet grazed the cheek of his antagonist, who insisted on firing again, which he did without effect; and Lieut. Harrison fired his second pistol into the air. The seconds interposed, the parties were reconciled, and both went home good friends.