By the East India packet, advice was received of a duel fought between Lord William Murray, and Lieutenant Gilbert Waugh, of the 73rd Regiment, on the 21st of October, 1784, in which the latter was mortally wounded, and died three days after, greatly regretted.
BETWEEN LIEUT. GAMBLE AND LIEUT. MOLLISON.
January, 1786.
A duel was fought at Chatham Lines, between Lieutenant Gamble and Lieutenant Mollison, both of them of the Marines. No compromise could be arranged by the seconds, and Lieutenant Mollison firing first, hit his antagonist in the upper part of his thigh. Lieutenant Gamble fell, but suddenly starting up, as Mr. Mollison advanced towards him, discharged his pistol, and the ball shattered the humerus or upper bone of Mr. Mollison’s arm, a little above the elbow. Here the seconds interposed, and the combatants were taken into their quarters. Mr. Mollison’s arm has since been amputated, and both the gentlemen are now perfectly reconciled, and as good friends as ever.
BETWEEN LORD MACARTNEY AND MAJOR-GEN. STEWART.
June 8, 1786.
A duel was fought near Kensington, between Lord Macartney and Major-General Stewart, of which the following is an authentic account:—
The place and time of meeting having been previously fixed, the parties arrived about half-past four in the morning, and took their ground at the distance of twelve short paces, measured off by the seconds, who delivered to each one pistol, keeping possession of the remaining arms.
General Stewart told Lord Macartney, he doubted, as his Lordship was short-sighted, he would not be able to see him. His Lordship replied, “he did perfectly well.” When the seconds had retired a little on one side, and as the parties were about to level, General Stewart observed to Lord Macartney, that his pistol was not cocked. His Lordship thanked him, and cocked. When they had levelled, General Stewart said “he was ready.” His Lordship answered, “he was likewise ready.” And they both fired within a few instants of each other. The seconds observing Lord Macartney to be wounded, stepped up to him, and declared the matter must rest here. General Stewart said, “this is no satisfaction;” and asked if his Lordship was not able to fire another pistol. His Lordship replied, “he would try with pleasure,” and urged Colonel Fullarton to permit him to proceed. The seconds, however, declared it was impossible, and they would on no account allow it. General Stewart said, “then I must defer it till another occasion;” on which his Lordship answered, “if that be the case, we had better proceed now. I am here in consequence of a message from General Stewart, who called upon me to give him satisfaction in my private capacity, for offence taken at my public conduct; and to evince that personal safety is no consideration with me, I have nothing personal: the General may proceed as he thinks fit.” General Stewart said, “it was his Lordship’s personal conduct to him that he resented.”
The seconds then put an end to all further conversation between the parties, neither of whom had yet quitted his ground; General Stewart, in consequence of his situation, having been under the necessity, from the first, of putting his back to a tree. The surgeons, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Home, who were attending at a little distance, were brought up by Colonel Fullarton. Colonel Gordon, in the mean time, assisted his Lordship in taking off his coat, and requested him to sit down, apprehending he might be faint through loss of blood. Colonel Gordon then left the ground, in company with General Stewart, and an easy carriage was provided to convey his Lordship home.
(Signed) W. Fullarton.
A. Gordon.