Posted by Marsha on August 30, 1997 at 13:38:09:
In reply to Re: Duels and weapons posted by Barbara on August 30, 1997 at 01:39:11
] But in Willoughby and Brandon's case, wasn't there also something called "deloping" where one would fire into the air?
If one of the duelists did that, he ackgnoweleged that he was at fault. This could happen if he thought he was wrong, but was too proud to apologise, or did not want to be thought a coward. Both could agree to do that, if both thought they were wrong and their seconds persuaded them. It meant the honor of both was satisfied, and neither had to humble themselves in words.
In the earlier part of the eighteenth century, duels were often fought with sword in one hand, and dagger in another. In the sword duels, the duels were either till first blood, or to the death. Of course, in pistol duels that was impossible, but it gave an inexperienced man more chance. And also, I think, seconds to a duel, could also, under the rules of the duel, engage one another in a secondary duel, while the principals were fighting.
Later in the 19th century, the practice became ridiculous: there were duels on bicycles and female duels (indeed, one is described in Maria Edgeworth's "Belinda")
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