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4
[Page 55.]
[AV'ro;-tis~piec(.] 
DOWN T HE RiIVER;
OR,;~
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE D)UELLO.
BY
AN AMATEUR.
WITH TWELVE FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY H. L. STEPHENS.
NEW YORK:
E. J. HALE & SON, PUBLISHERS,
MURRAY STREET.
1874.
OR,
#nO,,tk  / - &O L"
,t, 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
E. J. HALE & SON,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
LANGE, LITTLE & Co.,
PRINTERS, ELECTROTYPERS AND STEREOTYPERS
108 TO 114 WOoSTER STREET, N. Y.
row K?
I:  cl_, -1"2 
GENERAL HENRY L. BENIN-IG,
THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED,
I s a  Erivutt of  gspttt,
BY THE AUTHOR.
,7 - /,e - IC-,?  
PREFACE.
TIHE circumstances which gave birth to the idea of the
present work, impelled the writer to great rapidity of
execution, not, possibly, unfavorable to the production of
some sparks of humor.
On the other hand, constant professional interruptions
and business cares have made elaborate revision absolutely
impracticable.
Should any of his readers think they recognize herein
portraitures of themselves or their friends, he will feel
pleasure in such a proof of his capacity for drawing human nature to the life; but he hopes they will extract
only amusement from the scenes presented, and be in no
wise offended.
In order to the more lively presentment of those scenes,
the narrative is placed in the lips of one of the characters
portrayed.
THE AUTiHOR.  
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER I.-Colonel Hurd Explains........................ 9
II.-Lightning Pursuit............................  11
III.-Major Woodson meets Colonel Lofty........... 14
IV.-Hercules Diogenes Lofty, M. D.-His Figure,
Dress and Bow............................. 16
V.-Major Woodson's First Note.................. 19
VI.-Private Drilling for the Campaign............. 24
VII.-Major Woodson's Second Note successfully de                 livered................................... 26
VIII. -As to the Proceedings preceding the Preliminary
Correspondence in an Affair of Honor......  31
IX.-Colonel Lofty's Reply, his Whiskey and his
Easy-Chair............................... 38
X.-An Unexplainable Insult. Another Duel on
Tapis..................................... 46
XI.-The Midnight Duel..........................  54
XII.-A Conflict between the Code of Honor and the
Civil Code...............................  62
XIII.-Preparations for Departure.................... 69
XIV.-We start Down the River..................... 76
XV.-Doctor King gives Comfort and obtains a Valu                 able Acquisition......................... 79
XVI.-At Eu faula................................... 83
XVII.-What Rumor said............................ 86
XVIII.-It is demonstrated that Rumor cannot always
be relied u p o n............................ 88
XIX.-Interviews between Doctor King and Colonel
Lofty................................... 91
XX.-A Drink of Claret, and what it led to..........97
XXI.-Neil's Landing.............................. 101
XXII.-As to whether an Intermediate Note should be
delivered................................ 106 
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER XXIII.-Doctor King searches for a Drink......... 111
XXIV.-Colonel Lofty's Opinion of the Press....... 113
XXV.-More about the Slide.................... 119
XXVI.-The Intermediate Note Question.......... 124
XXVII.-At Opelika............................. 127
XXVIII.-Colonel Lofty's Card.................... 132
XXIX.-Colonel Lofty opens a Correspondence
with Colonel Hurd..................... 135
XXX.-Colonel Lofty's Correspondence with Col.
one] Strong.....................140
XXXI.-Major Woodson selects a Second.......... 144
XXXII.-Colonel Lofty writes to Colonel Hurd..... 149
XXXIII.-Mr. Hardy meets Colonel Lofty.......... 154
XXXIV.-At the Ruby............................ 165
XXXV.-Correspondence between Colonel Lofty and
Colonel Hurd progresses............... 171
XXXVI.-Correspondence between Colonel Lofty
and Mr. Hardy........................ 177
XXXVII.-Colonel Hurd refuses to receive a Note
from Colonel Lofty.................... 181
XXXVIII.-Mr. Hardy, from his sick bed, continues
to correspond with Colonel Lofty....... 184
XXXIX.-A Masterly Manceuvre.................. 188
XL.-Comments of the Press.................. 194
XLI.-Colonel Lofty visits Opelika............. 200
XLII.-Colonel Lofty visits Columbus.-Comments
of the Press.- Report of the Night
Police............................. 207
XLIII.-Correspondence between Colonel Lofty and
Colonel Hurd......................... 215
XLIV.-Colonel Lofty proposes a Partnership..   224
Postscript................................................... 231
APPENDIX.
The American Code......................................... 235
Code of Dueling Established in France....................... 250
The Irish Code............................................. 262
Certificates................................................. 268
'8 
DOWN THE RIVER;
OR,
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.
CHAPTER I.
COLONEL HURD EXPLAINS.
I HAVE been induced to write the following history
partly by the solicitation of friends, and partly from a
desire to inform the public as to the mode of conducting an affair of honor in the most enlightened and
modern style.
My own information is limited, but having been
thrown in contact with a gentleman of vast experience,
many lessons may be learned from a simple recital of
facts and conversations occurring during our various
interviews, which could never be acquired by ever so
careful a reading of "WTilson's Code" and all other published works on dueling.
I enter upon this important work fully impressed
with the danger to which I subject myself, and nothing
but a sense of duty urges me forward. It will be seen
by a careful perusal of this volume, that each word I
write on this sublime subject is at the peril of my life.
Should the memory of any of the actors in the scenes I
shall attempt to portray differ from my own, I may be
challenged to mortal combat, and my children per
1* 
IDOWN THE RIVER; OR,
chance left fatherless. It is, therefore, of the utmost
importance that every circumstance and conversation
should not only be truthfully related, but that it should
be done in such a manner as to coincide exactly with
the recollections of all the other actors, spectators, and
auditors.
The fact that my own views do not concur with those
of the greatest duelist of the age, and that I hold that
no gentleman should be called out for respectfully
stating facts which he believes to be true, even though
they should be inaccurately stated, does not in any degree lessen my danger. For any person with whom I
may differ in recollection may feel "grieved or pained"
by the difference. Nor does my danger cease with the
life of the aggrieved, for his relatives and friends might
feel it incumbent on themselves to call me to the field.
As to whether my male descendants may be held responsible, is a point upon which I have not as yet taken
advice.
If any portion of my narrative, therefore, is devoid of
romantic interest, I hope my readers will excuse the
defect, and not attribute it to the absence of inventive
faculties, as it would be inadmissible in a work such as
the present to draw upon the resources of the imagination.
10 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.
CHAPTER II.
LIGHTNING PURSUIT.
LOFTY TO WOODSON.
COLUMBTUS, GA., July 18, 11:25 A. M.
To MAJOR JAMES F. WOODSON, Seal, Ala.
I have come from Atlanta with a message of importance requiring personal delivery. Will you kindly
meet me here by to-morrow's train at my expense.
Respectfully,
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D.
LOFTY TO-789
COLUMBUS, GA., July 18, 11:26 A. M.
To-789-Atlanta, Ga.
W. not found. Have telegraphed him at Seal,
Ala., to meet me here at my expense. Have five men
looking for him in this city. I will hunt until I find him.
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D.
OPERATOR AT SEAL, TO LOFTY.
SEAL, ALA., July 18, 11:50 A. M.
To HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D.
Major Woodson not here. Supposed to be in Ope
lika.
OPERATOR.
11 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
LOFTY TO WOODSON.
COLUMBUS, GA., July 18, 11:52 A. M.
To MAJOR J. F. WOODSON, care of CoL. G. W. HURD,
Opelika, Ala.
I have note of great importance for you. If you are
in Opelika await my coming on the 8: 30 P. M. train, at
my expense. If you are not there let me know where
you are.
Respectfully,
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D.
LOFTY TO-789
COLUMBUJS, GA., July 18, 11:54 A. M.
To-789-Atlanta, Ga.
W. not at Seal. Have telegraphed to him at Opelika. One of my agents returned, and reports him not
in this city.
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D.
-789-TO LOFTY.
ATLANTA, GA., July 18, 12 M.
To COL. HERCULES D. LOFTY, Columbus, Ga.
Continue your efforts, and let me know results.
-789
OPERATOR AT OPELIKA, TO LOFTY.
OPELIKA, ALA., July 18, 1 P. M.
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D., Columbus, Ga.
Neither Woodson nor Hurd here: supposed to be in
Montgomery. 
12
OPERATOR. 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UfNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   13
LOFTY TO WOODSON.
COLUMBUS, GA., July 18, 1:02 P. M.
MAJOR JAMES F. WOODSON, Montgomery, Ala.
I am here all the way from Atlanta, with note of vast
importance, which must be delivered privately to yourself. Meet me at Opelika by first train, at my expense.
If you get this, answer at once.
Respectfully,
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D.
OPERATOR AT MONTGOMERY, TO LOFTY.
MONTGOMERY, ALA., July 18, 2 r. M.
To HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D., Columbus, Ga.
Woodson not here. Supposed to be in Columbus.
OPERATOR.
LOFTY TO-789
COLUMBUS, GA., July 18, 2:30 P. M.
To-789-Atlanta, Ga.
W. is here.  Have seen him.  Have spoken to him.
Left me abruptly, saying, he would communicate in
short time.  Find law here against delivery of note.
Will have to get him out of the State.
HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER III.
MAJOR WOODSON MEETS COLONEL LOFTY.
ON the 18th day of July, in the year of grace 1873,
at the hour of 2 P. M., on the east side of Broadway, in
the City of Columbus, in the State of Georgia, near the
main entrance of the Rankin House, Major James F.
Woodson, a resident of Russell County, in the adjacent
State of Alabama, suddenly and unexpectedly found
himself vis-a-vis with a stately stranger, who was in the
act of profoundly bowing to him.
This gentleman, after a most courteous salutation, introduced himself as Lofty, and opened a conversation
by requesting Major Woodson to walk with him across
the bridge which spanned the Chattahoochee- River,
into the adjoining State, and there receive a note in his
possession from Capt. T. J. Porter, a resident of the
City of Atlanta, in the State of Georgia, which was of
such importance that its contents could not be hinted,
or its delivery effected, in any other way than that indicated. The mysterious nature of the request having
impressed Major Woodson with the idea that it was unreasonable as well as unusual, taken in connection with
the fact that the party making it was entirely unknown
to him, prevented a compliance, but he requested his
newly-made acquaintance to give his name and address
in writing, which was done, after a slight hesitation, upon
a slip of paper, in a bold firm hand, as follows:
.14 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNIDER THIE CODE DUELLO.   15
"Hercules D. Lofty, M. D.
"Mobile, Alabama."
Upon receiving this paper, Major Woodson informed
Dr. Lofty that he would, in a short time, communicate
with him, and was in the act of turning away, when Dr.
Lofty courteously observed, if you propose to walk up
the street, I assure you, sir, it will afford me pleasure to
walk with you, and improve an acquaintance so pleasantly begun.  Major Woodson replied that he contemplated going in an exactly opposite direction (and they
parted).  Shortly after the termination of this interview
between Dr. Lofty and Major Woodson, I was requested
by the latter to convey a note to the former, and at 4:30
P. I., of the same day was introduced to Dr. Lofty by
my friend, Col. Strong, in the office of the Rankin
House. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER IV.
HERCULES DIOGENES LOFTY, M. D.-HIS FIGURE, DRESS AND
BOW.
HERCULES DIOGENES LOFTY, M. D., I found to be a man
about six feet high, of robust frame, and swarthy complexion; his face was cleanly shaven, save an ebony
moustache closely trimmed, that joined a small pair of
side whiskers corresponding in color, and circular in
shape, also closely trimmed. These gave to the contour of his face a resolute military air; aided by the
lofty, far-seeing glance of his eagle-eye, his carriage was
so erect that his body inclined slightly backwards.
His dress consisted of a large white vest called by
merchants "Turkish toweling," densely coveredwith long
nap. This vest was so adjusted upon his person as to
show one and three-fourth inches above the collar of
his black frock coat.   This, with his checked shirt
bosom, large neck-tie, and black pants, impressed the
observer with the fact that the wearer was a man of
pronounced gentility. The address of Dr. Lofty was
unusually courteous.  He bowed habitually and profoundly. His obeisance inspired even the most inveterate opponents of the Code with admiration for its
champion. As Col. Strong and myself approached Dr.
Lofty he at once recognized Col. Strong, and bowing,
expressed great delight at the unexpected meeting.
With unfeigned diffidence I attempt the description of
the various evolutions necessary to accomplish this bow.
16 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   17
From his erect position, the left hand was brought
slowly, with a graceful motion, to the point to which the
rim of his beaver would have extended had it been on
his head; then his body, from the hip joint upward, in clined forward and downward until nearly parallel with
the floor, his face upturned so that his gaze was on the
face of Colonel Strong; the left hand, at the same time,
being gracefully raised with two fingers and thumb held
together, as if supporting his hat; and, simultaneously,
the right arm was, by a most graceful waving motion,
extended in an almost horizontal position nearly at
right angles with his body, and slightly drooping to the
floor; the hand extended, with palm to the front, and
fingers close together. These evolutions were performed
with great deliberation and cautious precision. They required several feet of clear space in front, flank, and
rear. They were accompanied by a smile which had
gradually changed to a somewhat gloomy expression by
the time the bow was complete. No pen can picture
the harmony of all these simultaneous movements.
I stood by, astonished and delighted at The great perfection to which a bow could be brought. Colonel Strong
bowed slightly and regained his perpendicular before
one-third of the descent of Doctor Lofty's bow had been
accomplished, and giving him a moment to recover his
breath after he had regained his upright position, remarked quietly, "Colonel Hiurd, let me make you acquainted with Doctor Lofty."
Thereupon Doctor Lofty commenced a gradual descent
into a bow to me, remarking, "Colonel HIurd, it makes
me most happy, sir, to form your acquaintance; I feel
greatly honored, sir." I felt overwhelmed, and made an
utter failure in my attempt to return his bow, as above 
DOWNi   THE RIVER; OR,
described. In fact (and I mention it with mortification)
a chair was upset in my first effort, and in a second,
hurriedly made upon a change of base (just as the frame
of the Doctor was "trembling on the rise "), the lower
part of my back came so forcibly in contact with the
wall as nearly to precipitate me upon the floor. My
awkward imitation so discomposed me as to render the
interview somewhat constrained.
i8
0 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.
CHAPTER V.
MAJOR'WOODSON'S FIRST NOTE.
HAVING been introduced to Doctor Lofty as narrated
in the last chapter, our conversation was opened as
follows:
Hurd. I am requested by Major Woodson to hand
you this note (presenting it).
Loqfty. Colonel Hurd (bow), it will give me untold
pleasure to receive the note you bear from Major
Woodson.  Will you, sir, do me the courtesy of walking on the veranda; when there I will, with your permission, do myself the honor of receiving it from your hand.
Hurd (with feeble attempt to return the bow).   Certainly, sir (and we walked on the veranda where several
persons were sitting and lounging).
Loj'ty (turning to Colonel Strong, who had remained
behind). Colonel Strong (bow), will you do us the honor
of joining us?
Strong. I will if you desire it (and he joined us).
Lofty. Now, gentlemen (bow), there are two of you
here present, I am alone (standing very erect and
looking perfectly fearless as his eagle glance, after resting an instant on us, looked far beyond and above us
into space). I, therefore, ask leave to call in a witness
to the important interview we are about to have during
which Colonel Hurd proposes to hand me a note of vital
19 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
import from Major Woodson. If this favor is granted
me (and I might demand it as a right), I will be delighted to receive the important note now in Colonel Hurd's
hands.
Strong and myself signifying our assent, Doctor Lofty remarked, " Then, gentlemen (bow), I will retire and
bring a witness" (and he retired, returning in a few minutes with Doctor Courtney). By this time many curious eyes were turned upon our party, and I suggested
(as soon as Doctor Lofty rose from the bow which he
made on his return) that a more private place might be
found; " Then," said Doctor Lofty, "gentlemen (bow), will
you do me the great honor of walking to my apartment,
room No. 7, where I will immediately receive with infinite pleasure the note in Colonel Hurd's hand" (and we
went in solemn procession). I, being raised in rural districts, could not restrain myself from a glance behind as
we entered the room, and saw the outstretched necks
of several waiters and chambermaids, with curiosity depicted on each countenance, and two or three very well
dressed gentlemen seemed to be smiling (of course not
at us).
Arrived in Lofty's room, I said, "Allow me now,
Doctor, to present" (holding out the note)  Lofty. Pardon me, Colonel Hurd, for interrupting
you (bow). You are now'my guest, and I hope, sir,
you will do me the honor of imbibing with me a littlewhiskey-before proceeding with our most important
business.
ff-urd. Excuse me, Doctor, I never drink whiskey.
lofty to Strong (bowing). Will you then, Colonel,
do me the honor of drinking with me?
Stron,g (rather stiffly). Not any, thank you.
20 
PRACTICAL LESSONS INDER TIE CODE DUELLO.  21
lofty to Doctor  Courtney.  Doctor  Courtney,  as
neither of these gentlemen drink, will you, sir, do me
the honor of taking some with me? (and they drank).
Hurd. Doctor, allow me to hand you this note.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I will now do myself the
honor of receiving the note you bear, but first allow me
to remark that it would give me great pleasure if you
would take just one drop with me before entering into
this important business (bow).
Upon my declining the one drop he touched the note
delicately with his finger and thumb by the extreme
lower corner, so as to support one half its weight, and
said, "I take the liberty of supposing, Colonel, that you
are aware of the contents of this note?"
Hurd. I am, sir.
Lofty. Then I call on the gentlemen here present to
witness the fact that I, Hercules Diogenes Lofty, now
take from the hands of Colonel Hurd this note (taking it).
(To me): Colonel Hurd (bow), will you now be so kind as
to inform me what it is your pleasure that I shall do
with this note.
Hurd. Read it, sir, and answer if you are so disposed,
at your convenience. Good evening, sir. And Colonel
Strong and myself bowed and moved towards the door.
Lofty. Gentlemen (bow), it will give me much pleasure-and honor me greatly if you will be seated and witness my reading of this note. And upon our taking seats
he read the note as follows:
"COLUMBUS, Ga., July 18th, 1873.
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D.:
"Sir: will you please inform me of the nature of the
communication you have for me? 
"Respectfully,              J. F. WOODSON." 
DOWN TItE RIVER; OR,
lofty. Now, gentlemen (bow), I will detain you but
a moment; please do me the kindness to wait and
bear my replyto MajorWoodson. (We kept our seats and
Doctor Lofty sat down to write, when, turning to Doctor
Courtney with a bow, he asked:) Doctor, will you do
me the honor of consulting your watch; I regard it of
the utmost importance to have the exact time.
-Dr. Courthey (looking at his watch).  It is four and
one half minutes after five.
Lofty (turning to me).   Colonel, will you oblige me
by consulting your pocket time-piece, for, as I remarked, nothing can exceed the importance of having the
correct time.
Hu)d (looking at his watch). My time is five precisely.
Lofty. I perceive, Colonel, that your time is just
four minutes and a half slower than my friend Doctor
Courtney; with your permission, Colonel, I shall do
myself the honor of adopting your time. I hope, Doctor
Courtney, that you do not object (with bow to each of
us in turn, and then he wrote his note, and rising
with his most courteous bow presented it to me, saying:) Colonel Hurd, will you oblige me by reading that
note aloud, and inform me whether you will honor me
by deliveringit to Major Woodson? (I read it as follows:)
"COLUMBUS, GA.,
"RANKIN HOUSE, Room No. 7-5 P. M.
"MAJOR JAMES F. WOODSON,
"MY DEAR SIR:
"The communication which I hold, [ have already
had the honor to state to you, personally, is addressed
to yourself, and requires a personal delivery.
22 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   23
"You must pardon me if I decline to make any statement concerning it, save to deliver it to yourself.
"I am, dear sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D."
I then assured Doctor Lofty that it would afford me
pleasure to comply with his request, and Strong and
myself, bowing slightly, withdrew.
After we left the room, Strong was apparently affected with toothache, and placed a handkerchief to
his mouth, but soon recovered, and when we had gone
some distance smiled. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER VI.
PRIVATE DRILLING FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
I conss that I felt chagrined after the interview
described in chapters IV. and V. Being country raised,
and only having associated with such gentlemen as are
produced in the cities of Columbus, Montgomery, and
Opelika, it had never been my fortune to associate
with a gentleman so courteous and so accomplished in
bowing as Doctor Lofty. Feeling acutely that my education in that important accomplishment had been sadly
neglected, I determined at once to remedy my deficiency;
but how? No gentleman of my acquaintance could give
me the necessary instruction; a moment's reflection
showed me that I must depend on my own unaided resources. At once a room with a large mirror was procured and a rehearsal commenced. With my first
effort the centre-table behind me was overturned, with
my second, my right hand was injured by a chair, with
the third, my beaver was damaged by a fall. These experiences taught me to reflect, first, that space six feet
square at least was necessary; second, that care, coolness, and deliberation were absolutely essential. (Everything in life may be hurried except that bow.) Failure
after failure was encountered with manly fortitude, but
after hours of ceaseless practice, though aching in every
sinew and joint, and especially in my neck, I considered
24 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  25
myself passably proficient. But on performing before
General Rock, in my best style, his look of astonishment and inquiry made it apparent to my mind that a
mistake must have been made by me in some of the
details of the bow.
2 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER VII.
MAJOR WOODSON'S SECOND NOTE SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED.
ON the eighteenth day of July, at the hour of 8:10 P. M.,
at the request of Major Woodson, accompanied by
Colonel Strong, I bore his reply to Doctor Lofty's last
note. We found the Doctor in his apartment, after having
learned by a special messenger that he was within and
prepared to receive us. On our entrance, Doctor Lofty
and Doctor Courtney arose. Doctor Courtney bowed
slightly, as was usual among gentlemen with whom I
had been formerly acquainted.
Lofty (advancing to centre of room, turned to us).
Colonel Hurd, I am delighted to see you. Colonel
Strong, you do me great honor in calling upon me (bowing separately to each of us).  Colonel Strong made a
slight inclination of his head. I stepped four feet in
front of him and commenced a regular bow, but Colonel
Strong, not being aware of my intention, caused me to
be nearly upset by approaching too closely and coming
in contact with me when my bow was nearly complete.
Hoping, however, that the unfortunate occurrence was
not noticed, I said, "Doctor Lofty, allow me to present a
note to you from Major Woodson" (presenting it and
bowing).
Lofty (resumes, politely ignoring the offered note).
Gentlemen (bow), I hope that you will now do me
the honor of enjoying my hospitality. Here stands
upon this table a fresh bottle of whiskey, and I insist
26 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  27
upon your drinking with me. I consider it important,
gentlemen, that a drink should be taken, when possible,
before entering upon any important business.
Hurd. Excuse me, Doctor, I do not drink whiskey.
Strowg. Excuse me, Doctor, I have just eaten supper
and never drink after supper.
~ofty. Gentlemen (bow), I hope you will allow me
to make a remark: On considering the excuse of Colonel Hurd, I can excuse him, while I, being a most candid man, feel compelled to say that my views do not by
any means concur with his on the subject of drinking, and
I hope that he will so far reconsider the position which
he has taken as to place just two drops of whiskey in a
tumbler of water, and go through the form of drinking
with me.
Hurd. Not a drop, Doctor, if you will be so kind as
to excuse me.
Lofty.  Colonel  Strong  (bow),  I excuse Colonel
Hurd, because he never drinks; but you, I think,
might take a few drops, and although I have just
taken a drink, I will do myself the honor of imbibing
with you.
Strong. I would prefer not drinking, Doctor.
Courtney. Gentlemen, please take seats (andwe did so).
Hurd (rising with pretty fair bow). Doctor Lofty,
allow me to hand you this note from Major Woodson.
lofty (rising). Gentlemen (bow), it is my desire to be
excused for one moment from the honor of receiving
the note which Colonel Hurd has the kindness to present to me, in order that I may make a remark. Colonel
Hurd, will you do me the honor to be seated? (I resumed
my seat.) Gentlemen, I was raised by a father who observed all the courtesies and refinements of life. From 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
my earliest infancy he taught me to extend to every
guest the hospitalities of my residence. In my early
manhood I had the same lesson impressed upon me.
MIy experience in later years has shown me the import ance and value of my early education. I have always
been considered a most accomplished gentleman, and I
esteem it a duty I owe to myself, as well as to my
guest, to offer and insist on his taking  a drink of
whiskey the moment he crosses my threshold, as well
as when he departs, and always to keep the bottle convenient for such intermediate drinks as it may suit his
pleasure to take, holding myself ready at all times to
drink with him.
Strong (rising). Doctor Lofty, I have no recollection of
receiving from my father any instruction on the subject
of drinking, but have adopted the practice, and have
found it at least a prudent one, to drink (if asked) when
I wanted whiskey, and when I did not want it to
decline.
Lofty. Colonel Strong (profound bow), yours, sir, is
true courtesy.
_/%r(-cl (rising and moving chairs, etc., to obtain a
clear space). Gentlemen (bow almost perfect), I have the
honor of bearing a note to Doctor Lofty which I now
present. Doctor, will you do me the favor of receiving
this note? (presenting it).
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), it affords me the greatest pleasure to receive the note you do me the honor to
present (touching the note by the corner with half bow).
May I be so bold as to surmise, sir, that you are aware
of the contents of this note?
-7lird (with slight bow so as not to displace the note,
which he still holds by one corner). Your surmise is
correct.
28 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   29
Lofty. Gentlemen (slight bow with wave of left
hand), I now call on all of you to witness that I, Hercules Diogenes Lofty, do now freely and voluntarily
take this note from the hands of Colonel George W.
Hurd. I take it, being ignorant of its contents up to this
moment, as a gentleman acting in my position should be
at this stage of this most important and interesting proceeding (takes the note, and descends into a most
profound bow. On regaining perpendicular): Colonel
Hurd, what is your desire that I should do with this note?
Hurd. Doctor Lofty (very fair bow, only slightly impeded by a chair), I hope yQur kindness will be so much
extended as to do me the honor of reading the note, and
afterwards take such course as your inclination and
great experience shall dictate.
Lofty. Gentlemen (bow), will you permit me to honor
myself by complying with the courteous request of
Colonel Hurd?
Strong. There is no objection, Doctor; proceed.
Lofty. (First bowing profoundly, reads note as follows:)
"COLUMBUS, GA., July 18, 1873.
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D.
"Sin: As I am compelled to infer from your conversation of to-day, in which you desired me to "cross the
river" for the purpose of receiving a message with
which you are charged, and also from the tenor of your
note of to-day, that your message is a hostile one; and
as I am a citizen of, and hold an office in, Alabama, I
cannot receive such a communication in that State. I
have the pleasure, therefore, to inform you that your
communication will be received here in Columbus at 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
such time as it may suit your convenience to communicate the same.
"Very respectfully,
"J. F. WOODSON."
After reading this note Doctor Lofty resumed as follows: "Gentlemen, it gives me a sensation of great pleasure to read a note so courteously expressed from a
gentleman of such high standing and position as Major
Woodson (bow to Colonel Strong and myself). Will you
do me the kindness of remaining where you are while
my friend Doctor Courtney and myself retire to hold a
short consultation? It would give me infinite pleasure
if you would, while waiting, divest yourselves of your
coats and vests and make yourselves at home in my
humble apartment, and, gentlemen (half turn and bow
to the table where the bottle stood), if you should on
reflection change your minds on the subject of drinking,
please do not hesitate to call me, and I will do myself
the honor of drinking with you or either of you."
Exit Doctors Lofty and Courtney, with bows, etc.
30 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   31
CHAPTER VIII.
AS TO THE PROCEEDINGS PRECEDING THE PRELIMINARY
CORRESPONDENCE IN AN AFFAIR OF HONOR.
ON the return of Doctors Lofty and Courtney, after
the private consultation referred to in the last chapter,
some conversation between Colonel Strong and Doctor
Courtney ensued, and both of them retired from the
apartment, leaving Doctor Lofty and myself alone;
turning to me, he said, "Colonel Hurd (bow), I propose
now to do myself the honor of taking off my coat and
vest in your presence, and hope your will kindly consent
to do the same."
Hurd. Please excuse me, Doctor, I am so accustomed
to wearing my coat that I would not feel equal to the
occasion with it off.
Lo?ty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I accept your excuse as
sufficient, and, with your permission, will drink to your
health, prosperity and long life, deeply regretting that
your (pardon me for saying it) erroneous principles prevent your joining me. -(I bowed, he drank, and continued:) I now seat myself to reply to the note which
I had the honor of receiving from your hands, but before doing so, Colonel, I wish to call your attention to a
portion of this note which has caused me most intense
pain and suffering. I was deeply grieved by the same
thing in the last note, but supposed the politeness of
Major Woodson would cause him to correct the discourtesy.  Pardon me for using the word "discourtesy" 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
(I am a plain, blunt man) in connection with so polished
a gentleman as your friend. It is with pain and mortification that I feel myself compelled to call your attention to so unpleasant a circumstance.
Hurd (alarmed, forgetting to bow). Oh, Doctor, to
what do you allude?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow, without rising), I will
proceed to explain to you my great grief, as well as my
wounded feelings will permit. Let me respectfully call
to your attention the fact that in my note to Major
Woodson, borne by yourself, and written just 5 P. M., I
addressed him as Major James F. Woodson. Do you
observe that I am addressed by him in these notes (producing Major Woodson's two notes), as Hercules D.
Lofty, M. D? It was a terrible wound to me to be so
addressed, and a man of your polished and most courteous manners can sympathize with me.  I assure you
I am always accustomed to be called Colonel. In fact,
from my early manhood I have been recognized by that
title; and (laying his hand upon his heart) have a better right to it than most men who are so addressed.
Never, in all the affairs of honor which I have conducted, have I been addressed by a lower title.
I hope, Colonel, you will pardon my candor (bow), but
you, notwithstanding your uniform courtesy, have
caused me great grief by addressing me as Doctor
Lofty.
Hurd (rising, and carefully avoiding chairs, etc., bows).
Colonel Lofty, allow me at once to explain and apologize for Major Woodson and myself. Neither of us ever
knew you until to-day. Our ignorance on this important subject is owing to the retired life led by both of us.
We are merely lawyers, and the great distance which
32 
PRIACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   33
has unfortunately separated us from your place of residence, and our not being in the habit of associating
with all of the great men of this age, is our excuse for
never heretofore having had the honor of hearing of
you. Will you be kind enough, Colonel, to recollect that
when Major Woodson had the honor of forming your acquaintance he requested you to write your name and
address, and you gave him this slip of paper which
reads:
"Hercules D. Lofty, M. D.
"Mobile, Ala."
He followed this direction in addressing you, and no
disrespect was intended. In fact, sir, this city has been
searched in vain for some gentleman of your acquaintance from Mobile who could give information as to your
correct title. A feeling of delicacy alone prevented a
personal application to yourself. This error, let me assure you, will not be repeated.
:Softy (rising). Colonel Hurd (bow), say no more.
Your apology is accepted. The high respect I have been
compelled to entertain for you made me feel confident that some mistake existed on your part, and no intentional disrespect was intended. In order to convince you of my undiminished respect, I will do
myself the honor of again drinking to your good health,
regretting, as I shall always do, your inability to join
me. I take the liberty of expressing again my abhorrence (pardon the word) of any resolution which prevents a -gentleman from drinking whiskey (and he bowed
and drank, and I bowed).  Now, Colonel, I will proceed
at once to answer Major Woodson's note. Before doing
so, however, allow me to call your attention to a most
important matter. I, sir, have had the honor of receiv
2* 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
ing two notes from Major Woodson; in each of them I
find myself addressed as "Sir." You will please remark
that I have in my notes addressed Major Woodson as
"My Dear Sir."  Now, Colonel, you are aware of the
vast importance in affairs of honor of having notes
properly addressed. In fact, I regard it as next in im portance to having the exact and correct time.  The
simple mention of this will be sufficient, I hope, to cause
all future notes from Major Woodson to be properly ad dressed. I do Major Woodson the justice to suppose
that the omission of so important a matter was unin tentional.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), permit me to state that
you do Major Woodson great injustice in supposing that
the writing of the word "Sir," was unintentional. On the
contrary, he intended to write that word and no other.
The most expert and polished duelists in this section of
the country were consulted before the word was used,
and although their opinion should ordinarily weigh little
against yours, still, Major Woodson, out of respect to
them, having consulted them, feels bound to let the
word stand as written, and will, in all future correspondence continue to address you as "Sir."
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), in consideration of these
most remarkable circumstances I feel constrained to
withdraw my objection. I will not, however, in any
future duel allow this precedent to have any weight. I
regard this as an exception to the general rule which
should govern an affair of honor. Now, Colonel Hurd, I
wish your advice on an important point relating to my
reply to Major Woodson's note. The question is, shall
I again address him as "My Dear Sir," or as "Sir?"  By
every principle of dueling I should address him as "My
34 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIHE CODE DUELLO.   35
Dear Sir," but considering the remarkable and unprecedented circumstances of this case, Major Woodson being
prevented from addressing me as "My Dear Sir," by the
adiice of friends, who really (pardon me for saying it)
know but little about conducting affairs of honor, I am
at a loss how to reply; and being convinced, Colonel,
that you probably know more about dueling than any
man in America, except myself, therefore, in this emergency Hercules D. Lofty asks George W. Hurd to advise him.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow perfect), you do me too
much honor, you overwhelm me. Sir, I am but a child
compared with you in this noble science. In fact there
are gentlemen in this city who are more proficient
than myself in the etiquette of dueling. You do yourself
great injustice by asking my advice, and it would indeed
be indelicate and presumptuous in me to attempt to
instruct you. I can only say, if you are pleased to address Major Woodson as "My Dear Sir," it will honor
me to bear your note. If, on the contrary, you should
address him as "Sir," I will be equally honored by being
the bearer.
Lofty. Then, Colonel, I will have to decide the point
for myself, and assure you that Hercules D. Lofty has
never much difficulty in deciding anything. But let me
call your attention to one other point. In neither of
the notes that I have had the honor to receive from
Major Woodson, are you accredited to me as the bearer.
I hope that Major Woodson will do me the honor and
yourself the justice to correct this most important defect. I am at a loss to understand how a hostile meeting can be arranged without an observance of this point.
This omission I am sure was unintentional. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), the omission you mention
was intentional. After consulting the most experienced
duelists and examining all the published works at our
command, no case bearing any analogy to this could be
found or remembered. It cannot be called "the pre liminary correspondence." It seems to precede "the
preliminary correspondence." It is a correspondence
between a second and a principal, for which we
have been unable to find a precedent. I would there fore propose, with deference, however, to your more ex perienced judgment, to name it "a proceeding preced ing the preliminary correspondence  in an affair of
honor."
Lofty. Colonel IHurd (thoughtful bow without the
smile), your suggestion is very forcible, and I shall do
myself the honor of agreeing with you as to the name.
Although I have conducted many affairs of honor in this
way, I still find some preplexing matters in this most
courteous note; the polite refusal of Major Woodson
to go to Alabama, and the statement that he is willing to receive here the note I bear. May I be so bold,
Colonel, as to request your assistance in unraveling
this difficulty?
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), I assure you your last
note, in connection with your verbal request, equally
perplexed Major Woodson. No construction could be
placed on your action, except that the note you bore
was a peremptory challenge.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I cannot see what other
construction Major Woodson could place upon it.
Hurd. You will perceive that Major Woodson was
bound to presume that you knew the law of the State
of your residence.
36 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   37
Lofty. Certainly.
Hurd. He was also bound to presume that you would
not do an act unbecoming a gentleman.
Lofty. Certainly, most assuredly.
Hurd. It would be such an act for you to deliver him
a hostile note at a point where his reception of it would
deprive him of an office, for he would be more damaged
by receiving than you would be by delivering it.
Lofty. Certainly.
Zturd. The question then was what could he presume
consistently with the presumption that you were acting
as a gentleman, which, being beyond all dispute, overrode all other presumptions.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (without a bow), it is a most remarkable case; what did he presume?
Hurd. Colonel (bow), he presumed that you did not
know where he resided, and had never heard of him
before.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow, with bland smile, continuing until the bow was nearly complete), Major Woodson
did me but justice, and with your permission I will take
time to answer his note. Will you do me the honor
of calling at 10 p. M., for my answer? 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER IX.
COLONEL LOFTY'S REPLY, HIS WHISKEY AND HIS EASY-CHAIR.
PRECISELY at thirty-five minutes after nine P. M.,
Colonel Strong and myself repaired to Colonel Lofty's
apartment and found him alone.
Advancing to centre of room, Colonel Lofty bowed
and said: "Gentlemen, you do me much honor in calling
upon me.   Allow me to express my great delight at
seeing you. Permit me to call your attention to the
fact that there is a fresh bottle of whiskey on the table.
I would invite you to drink with me, were it not that I
have been twice pained by a refusal; still, gentlemen, if
you wish a drink, I will do myself the honor of joining
you."
Hurd (bowing). I hope, Colonel, that we have not
intruded ourselves before your note was finished, and
that we have not inconvenienced you by keeping you
waiting.
Strong (slight bow). Colonel Lofty (he had been informed by me as to Colonel Lofty's title), we called by
appointment for a note.
Lofty. Gentlemen (bow), I assure you that you need
never feel that you intrude upon me. I will feel honored
by your coming at any hour, day or night. Please always enter my room without knocking and make yourselves at home. (And turning to me continued-Colonel
38 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  39
Strong having taken a seat unasked, saying that he felt
tired:) Colonel Hurd, I will state, that although you
come exactly at the moment of time agreed on you do
not find me unprepared for your visit. It never takes
Hercules D. Lofty long to do anything, and when he
says he will have a note written at a certain time, it will
be written by or before that time, for Hercules Diogenes
Lofty never lies.  No, never!  In fact, Colonel, my note
was completed just seven minutes before you did me
the honor of entering my humble apartment, which gave
me ample time to take a drink before you came. I
never waste time, and therefore nearly always take my
whiskey straight. I took the liberty of drinking before
you came, gentlemen (bow), supposing that you would
not join me, but if either of you have changed your minds
on this subject (and allow me to hope that you have),
I will, as I had the honor to remark upon your entrance,
be gratified by imbibing a little more with you.
Strong (without rising or bowing). We only called
to get a note, Colonel, and I think it is getting late.
Lofty. I will then, without further ceremony, do myself the honor, Colonel Hurd, of handing you my reply
to that most polite note which I received from your
hands with so much pleasure (presenting note. I took
it delicately by the corner as I had seen Colonel Lofty
do when I presented notes to him, and remarked, bowing:)
"Colonel Lofty, may I trouble you by inquiring what
it is your desire that I shall do with this note?"
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), it will afford me much
pleasure if you will read aloud the letter which I have
placed in your hands, and inform me whether or not
you will consent to bear it to Major Woodson. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
Hurd (bow).  It will give me pleasure, Colonel Lofty,
to at once comply with your kind request. And I read
as follows:
"CoLUMBus, July 18, 1873, 9:28rP. M.
"From Room No. 7, RANKIN HOUSE.
"MAJOR J. F. WOODSON:
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your communication of this date,
by the hands of Colonel George W. Hurd, is this
moment received   "
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), it is with pain that I
mention the fact, but I am compelled by a sense of
honor almost as delicate as your own would be under
similar circumstances to decline to be the bearer of this
note. Allow me, sir (bow), to return it to you (folding
and offering to return it).
Lofty. Colonel Hurd, you surprise and pain me beyond measure by your polite refusal to bear this note. I
assure you, sir, that I endeavored to express it politely.
What can there be in it that you object to? Let me
try to correct it.
ffurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), it would be unpardonable presumption in me to suggest to so experienced a duelist and polished a gentleman as yourself
anything without being forced to do so by your insisting
on it.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I do insist on it. I assure
you no insult was intended, and if you will do me the
favor of mentioning your objection I will hasten to correct it.
iHurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), it is with reluctance that I mention what to you may seem, at first,
a trivial point. I had the honor of being introduced to
40 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  41
you by my friend, Colonel Strong. You invited him to
join in our first conference, and he has been with me in
each visit I have made to you. Neither he nor myself
were named in Major Woodson's informal notes as their
bearers. Nor do I deem it necessary that either of us
should be named in your note as the bearer; yet, sir, I
cannot suffer my friend to be ignored and have my own
name alone mentioned. Therefore, Colonel, with pain
I return you this note.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (profound bow), you are undoubtedly correct, sir; allow me to say that you have a
most delicate sense of honor, which I respect and admire. With your approval I will re-write this note, so
as to correct this most egregious error (taking the
note).
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), I do not know
that the error can now be corrected; the shaft has flown,
and without the consent of my friend, Colonel Strong, I
cannot sanction an amendment.
And we both turned to Colonel Strong, who, to my
horror, I saw was sleeping, as quietly as an infant, in
a comfortable rocking-chair. As we turned he awoke,
and remarked, yawning, and without a bow, "Are not
you gentlemen almost through?" And then, without
raising his head, he turned his eyes to Colonel Lofty
and remarked coolly:" Colonel, I hope you will excuse
my nodding (he said nodding, but I felt sure he had
been sleeping). You told us to make ourselves at home,
and I always nod at home when I have been up the
night before." And then to me, "Colonel, I am ready
when you are, it is getting late."
Hurd. Colonel Strong, Colonel Lofty and myself were
I 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
just discussing a matter of some delicacy concerning
you and myself.
Strong. Well, what was it?
ffurd. In this note Colonel Lofty mentions my name
but omits yours; he now proposes to write the note
over so as to include your name, if you are willing.
Strong. I think, Colonel, it will save time to take it
as it is. I do not care about my name being mentioned.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), as my friend, Colonel
Strong, waives the unintentional discourtesy which you
did him, I will with your consent continue the reading
of your note (and he gave it to me again and I read as
follows:)
"I would suggest to you that I can see no reason
that would make it more proper for me to deliver the
message I bear here than in Alabama. If there should
be a reason which would make Georgia preferable to
you, I.submit that the same thing would cause me to
prefer Alabama. However, I will, if you desire, deliver
my message to you, either at Chattanooga, Tennessee,
or upon the east bank of the Savannah River, in front
of the city of Augusta, Georgia, as you may select. I
haye had the honor to explain to Colonel G. W. Hurd
that I did not know anything prevented your reception
of the message at the point I indicated first.
"If you will- be kind enough to state to me upon
what day and at what point you will meet me, I shall
have great pleasure in delivering my message.
"I am, dear Sir, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, IM.D."
42 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   43
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), having now complied
with your request, I will feel honored by bearing this
note. May I inquire to whom it is your desire that I
shall bear it?
Lofty. Colonel IHurd (bow), I will be much honored
if you will deliver it in person to your friend Major
Woodson.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), it will afford me much
pleasure to do so, and I beg that you will allow me in
the meantime to place this note in my pocket.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd, I grant your request with great
pleasure. In fact, sir, I consider that in affairs of
honor, at this stage of the proceedings, a note may be,
with perfect propriety, placed in the pocket of the
bearer; in fact it might, under certain circumstances, add
to the secrecy absolutely necessary in a matter of such
vast importance, and I cannot at this moment see how
any offense could be taken, especially when the request
is so politely made. (And I put it in my pocket, and
called up Colonel Strong, who, to use his own expression, had nodded again.)
Strong. Colonel Lofty, you really must excuse my
nodding, I was up nearly all last night, and feel exhausted from loss of sleep.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), we will now bid you good
night, but before doing so will you permit me to consult my watch in your presence?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), it affords me pleasure to
grant your request. As you may have heard me heretofore remark, I consider an accurate observation of time
a most important and indispensable necessity in connection with affairs of honor.
Hurd (taking out his watch, examining the time, and
;. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
replacing it). Colonel Lofty (bow), I perceive on the
examination I have had the honor to make, by your
kind permission, that it is now five minutes of eleven
P. M. May I be so bold as to inquire whether it would
suit your convenience better to receive an answer to
this note to-night or in the morning?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), day or night it is the
same to me. Usually I do not retire before one or two
A. M. when engaged in affairs of honor, and do not expect to do so before the last-named hour to-night. Certainly not until (a half turn and bow toward the table
whereon the bottle stood) I have exhausted my supply
of whiskey, and were it not for your prejudices on that
subject, which, allow me to say, I never can concur in, I
would prefer your returning to-night to participate with
me in my agreeable occupation; but as you do not
drink, possibly to-morrow would suit you better, and I
would suggest the hour of 10: 45 A. M. I have plenty of
money to pay my expenses. (And all bowing, Colonel
Strong and myself retired.)
After making our exit from Colonel Lofty's apartment I asked Colonel Strong what he was laughing at?
He said at a dream he had while nodding. I told him
that I had been much mortified at finding him asleep
on an occasion of such importance, and asked him
what his dream was about. He said he had dreamed
that Colonel Lofty and myself had bowed to each
other and continued to bow and bow until we both happened to bow at the same time, and that our foreheads
struck together with a report like a pistol shot, and then
he turned suddenly to me and asked what made my
forehead so red? I told him that his conduct in going to sleep under such circumstances was enough to
44 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDEIR THE CODE DUELLO.  45
bring the blood to the face of his friends, if not to
his own.  And he said, "Well,'twas but a dream  at
the best," and we then and there entered into  an
agreement  that he  should  never  tell his absurd
dream.
A 
DOWN THE RIVEP.; OR,
CHAPTER X.
AN UNEXPLAINABLE INSULT. ANOTHER DUEL ON TAPIS.
ON the morning of the nineteenth, at 8 A. M., I had
the pleasure of meeting Colonel Lofty in one of the
passages of the hotel. He came forward with a profound bow, grasped my hand cordially, and addressed
me thus:
"Colonel Hurd, I am surprised and delighted to find
you out at so early an hour. It is quite unusual with
me to be astir so early. I generally, after taking my
first morning drink at 7 A. M., indulge in a refreshing
nap, but on this occasion, finding my bottle empty,
have dispensed with my nap in order that I may have
it replenished, and feel myself fully compensated for
the loss of it by the unexpected pleasure of meeting
you. I hope you can spare a few moments of your
valuable time that we may have the pleasure of a social
conversation, laying aside, as it were, for the moment,
that formality it is absolutely necessary we should preserve in our formal meetings.  Hercules D. Lofty wants
to talk to George W. Hurd."
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), I am entirely at your
disposal, and assure you that to me your society is always most agreeable and instructive, and never having
had the pleasure of seeing you relax yourself from that
stately formality which characterizes Colonel Hercules
46 
PRACTICAIL LESSONS UNDER TIlE CODE DUELLO.   47
D. Lo~ty, the suggestion you make is doubly acceptable.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow about one-third less profound than usual), while you honor me greatly by your
courteous remarks, allow me to say that I think you do
me but justice, and to assure you, Colonel, that the regard and admiration you express for me are reciprocated
to the utmost extent.  Permit me to express the candid
opinion, for there is nothing that Hercules D. Lofty so
much abhors as flattery, that by the time you arrive at
my age you will probably be the most polished gentleman to be found on the face of the globe.  I then, in
all human probability, will have passed away, not in
consequence of the ravages of natural decay, but from
the results of old wounds or new ones received upon
the field of honor, for Hercules D. Lofty carries his life
in one hand, his honor in the other.
Huird. Colonel Lofty (bow as near the example set
by Colonel Lofty, in his last, as possible), you do me
too much honor, and but for your distinct disavowal, I
would suppose you intended to flatter me, a thing, that
like yourself, I utterly detest. Allow me to say that
what little polish and courtesy you find in me are due
to your example.  Who could be otherwise than polite
and courteous while in your presence?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow little lower than his last),
what you say is ordinarily true, but it pains me to call
your attention to the fact that your friend Colonel
Strong is not so (pardon me for referring to it) polished
and polite as yourself, and I might say that in one instance he treated me (pardon me again, Colonel') almost
rudely.
YIf?('. Colonel Lofty (bow low, as Colonel Lofty's 
DOWN TIIE RIVEIR; OR,
last), perhaps I can offer an excuse for my friend.
Night before last he did not sleep at all, and his nodding in that luxurious arm-chair, to which, of course,
you refer, was unintentional on his part; exhausted
nature claimed repose, and he momentarily yielded himself to the tender embraces of Morpheus.
Lo/ty. Colonel Hurd (two-third bow), your sense of
honor is more delicate than that of any gentleman I
have ever had the honor to meet, but even without your
excuse for your friend, I could well see how any man
might fall asleep in that chair.  No! I do not complain
of that.  What pained me so much was of a much
graver nature. In fact, I have rarely been more pained
and grieved than I was at what must have been (pardon
my repeating it) an intentional rudeness on the part of
Colonel Strong.
tturd. To what, Colonel, do you allude? What can
my friend have done to give you so much grief? It
certainly could not have been intentional.
Lo[fty. My dear Colonel (bow), I will proceed briefly
to explain to you my great grief, to lay bare to you my
heart, knowing that a gentleman of your keen sensibility must sympathize with me. Colonel, do you recollect that when you and Colonel Strong first entered
my humble apartment, I invited Colonel Strong to
drink with me? Now I ask you upon your honor as a
gentleman, if you ever saw a drink of whiskey more
courteously offered?
Htlur. Colonel Lofty (bow), your courtesy cannot be
surpassed, and I must say that in offering a drink to a
guest, you, in grace of manner, excel the celebrated
Lord Chesterfield.
Lofty (two-third bow). Did you observe, Colonel,
4S 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIHE CODE DUELLO.   49
that Colonel Strong, although my offer was so politely
made, actually refused to drink? I was wounded to the
quick.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), pardon my remarking it, but I hope you will do me the honor to
recollect that I at the same time also refused to drink,
and if you are offended with my friend, you must also
be equally so with me.  Allow me then, while expressing my undiminished regard for you, to terminate this
interview.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (profound bow), you do me injustice.  Your case stands on a very different footing.
You informed me that you never drank, and while disapproving the principles which actuated you, and feeling it my duty so to express myself, I now assure you
that no offense was taken in consequence  of your
refusal.
Hurd. I see, Colonel, that I have unintentionally done
you an injustice. Please proceed to explain the wrong
you think my friend has done, and perhaps I may be
able to account for it to your satisfaction.
Iofty. Colonel Hurd (full bow without the smile), it
cannot be accounted for; still I will do myself the honor
to explain it, and at least have the consolation of your
sympathy. As I remarked, Colonel Strong refused to
drink with me when I first asked him, and hlie did not
refuse, in that (pardon me again) polite and courteous
manner which you or myself would adopt.  I will not
mortify you by describing his manner, which we both
observed. Again, when I did myself the honor of inviting him to drink a second time, he again refused in a
manner-well, I will only say that it was  not so
courteous as yours.  Now,  Colonel,  soon after you 
DOWN THE RIVER; Or,.
honored me with your first visit, in walking up the
principal street in this city, called, I think, Broad Street,
I did myself the pleasure of looking into a saloon where
I had taken several drinks since my arrival, and what
sir, do you think I saw?
rturd. What?
Lofty. I was horrified by seeing your friend, Colonel
Strong, in the very act of raising a tumbler to his lips.
I confess that I was so much pained that I turned upon
my heel, without even making a remark, or taking a
drink myself. Now, Colonel, you see that it is placed
beyond all doubt, that Colonel Strong's action can
never be satisfactorily accounted for.  Hercules  D.
Lofty knows his duty and dares to do it (standing erect
with a most fearless and dignified air).  I will be compelled immediately to send a note to Colonel Strong, by
an accredited friend, demanding an apology in writing,
and if that is refused, blood must flow, to wash clean
my honor.
furrd. Colonel Lofty (bow rather tremulous), allow
me to have the honor of saying one word.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), while nothing you can
say can alter my firm resolve, I will do myself the honor
of hearing all you can say for your friend.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), I now proceed
to do myself the honor of discussing the position you
mention. Your grief is occasioned, it seems to mne, by
two facts. First: That Colonel Strong intended to insult you by his refusal. Second: That his manner cdistressed you.  Do I state the position fairly?
Lofty (bow). You state it most fairly and clearly.
Hur$d. Then, sir, I will, with your kind indulgence,
explain Colonel Strong's taking the drink you witnessed.
50 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELLO.   51
You will please do me the honor to recollect that I informed you that every effort was made by Major Woodson's friends to ascertain your exact and proper title, so
as not to do you injustice in addressing notes to you.
After all other places of business had been resorted to
for that information without success, it was reported
that you had been seen entering the saloon you refer
to, and several others of like kind; thereupon the friends
of Major Woodson dispersed to those places in hopes
of obtaining the desired information, and it fell to Colonel Strong's lot to visit the place where you were so
pained by seeing him; and while there, simply and
alone to prevent the possibility of wounding your feelings, he was compelled to take a drink as an excuse for
entering into a conversation with the bar-keeper and
others present.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), we have the honor to be
involved in a most intricate and astounding affair
of honor, and, Colonel, I am bound to say that your
lucid explanation, so far, places Colonel Strong in somewhat better light than I had conceived possible, not
being aware of the facts you have mentioned; but allow
me to remark, that it is impossible for you to explain
the (pardon me) want of courtesy of Colonel Strong.
Hurld. Colonel Lofty (bow), I will do myself the
honor of attempting it. Colonel Strong, as you are probably aware, is a scion of one of the first and most distinguished families of North Carolina.  You are not from
that State, I believe, Colonel?
lofty. No, sir.
Y urd. Then permit me to refer to a peculiarity well
known to us about the scions of such families. They
are, pardon me, you know, just a little careless about 
DOWINw THE RIVER; OR,
the details of etiquette and courtesy, which you and
myself admire so much, acting, I suppose, on the supposition that every one knows them to be gentlemen.
Iofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I am aware of the peculiarity to which you refer, but feel it due to myself to
say, that where one of those gentlemen associates with
Hercules Diogenes Lofty, the peculiarities of States and
of families must give way. Hercules Diogenes Lofty
must be treated by those rules of politeness which he
recognizes, and Colonel Strong must either apologize
in writing or meet me on the "field of honor." I must
insist either on blood, or an apology.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), only to prevent the flow
of blood would I be so bold as to make a suggestion to
you; but, feeling it to be my duty, I suggest respectfully
that an informal note might answer every purpose, and
Colonel Strong might possibly explain to your satisfaction.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), while I, like yourself, always wish to avoid a flow of blood, yet, in this instance,
I feel bound by every principle of honor to act in the
manner first indicated by me. For any man to decline
to drink with Hercules D. Lofty, except (bow) when the
gentleman declining never drinks, is a wound to my
honor which must be redressed under the code. May I
be so bold, Colonel, as to inquire how you think Colonel Strong will answer the note I intend to send
him? It is a matter of the utmost indifference to me,
and I merely ask your opinion as an act of courtesy to
yourself.
HFird. Colonel Lofty (bow), you overpower me by
your politeness. Your question, however, is by no
means easy to answer; much depends upon the humor
52 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDERI THE CODE DUELLO.   53
Colonel Strong is in when your friend delivers your
note. If it should be immediately after he has read
some pleasant and well-deserved compliment to one of
his editorials, or in a genial mood, he may answer your
note in a very kind and conciliatory manner. If, on
the contrary, your friend finds him in a bad humor,
which, by the way, is most probable-say just after correcting a bad piece of proof-his answer would, in all
probability, be anything but conciliatory.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I feel under deep and
lasting gratitude for your views on this most important
subject, and for your sympathy in my great grief. But
it is to me perfectly immaterial what course Colonel
Strong may see fit to pursue on the reception of my
note. With your permission I will remark, that when I
had the honor to meet you I was on my way to the barroom under this hotel, designing when there to imbibe
a little whiskey; and, but for those principles of yours,
of which I cannot, with courtesy to yourself, express my
full abhorrence, which forbid your drinking, we might,
during this most interesting conversation, have taken
several drinks.
flurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), please excuse me for having detained you so long. I really never know how to
tear myself away from your pleasant society (and we
bowed and parted). 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XI.
THE MIDNIGHT DUEL.
lMly next interview with Colonel Lofty was an informal
one, in his apartment, at 9:42 A. M.
After a most courteous reception, in the urbane and
dignified manner for which the Colonel is so distinguished, I introduced the conversation as follows:
fiurd. Colonel Lofty (two-third bow), the place which
Major Woodson is inclined to select, at which to do himself the honor of receiving the important note you bear,
is Neil's Landing, in Florida; I mention this fact informally, to ascertain whether you have any objection to
that point. If the place designated does not suit you,
some other will be named.
Lofty. Colonel Hiurd (two-third bow), no place could be
mentioned which would suit me better. And permit me
to say, that your delicate manner of intimating the fact
before making a formal announcement, does both you
and myself great honor; excels any practice under the
code that I have ever witnessed, except in some of the
affairs which I have had the honor heretofore to conduct myself. I suppose, Colonel, that you always keep
the code near you.
Huttrd. Colonel Lofty (two-third bow), I always have it
with me, and since I have been honored by making
your acquaintance, sleep with it under my head.
54  
~~~~;~
~
4>
~j~'i
"IT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY I EVER WITNESSED."
LPage 55]
--       ei 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO.   55
Lofty. Colonel HIurd (two-third bow), I have long since
adopted that practice myself, and find it adds to the
clearness of my thoughts. Often in the still, small hours
of the night, the vision of a most interesting duel is
presented before my mind's eye, as clearly defined in
every particular as if it were real. Observe how much
worn my code is, Colonel, just above you on the mantlepiece-allow me to show it to you (and he handed it to
me).
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (two-third bow), with your permission I will read it (and obtaining the permission asked,
read it* and then remarked): Colonel, this code which
I have the honor of receiving from your hands, is one
which I have never heretofore had the pleasure of seeing; I perceive it is "thirty-six commandments" issued by the fire-eaters of Ireland in 1777, and adopted
by the Knights of Tara.
Lo/'y. Colonel iurd (two-third bow), you astonish
me, by the statement that you never heard of this
world-renowned code of honor.  Why, sir, many years
ago, the opponents of our noble profession attempted
to burlesque this code upon the stage, but the effort
did not succeed. You will notice that under it when a
gentleman apologizes for certain offenses, he has to do
so on bended knees, presenting a cane to his antagonist
with which to flog him. It is the most beautiful ceremony I ever witnessed. I am indeed surprised, that a
gentleman so remarkably polished, and educated in
dueling as yourself, should not have heard of it.
fiurd. Colonel (bow), you do me injustice.  I hope
you will do me the honor of recollecting that I did not
express myself as ignorant of the existence or contents of
* For copy of the Irish code, see Appendix. 
DOWN THiE RIVER; OR,
this remarkable code; but that my remark was, that I
had never had the pleasure of "seeing" it. I have
"heard" of it from my "earliest infancy."
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (profound bow), allow me  to
apologize for my unintentional misinterpretation of
your words. It astonished me to think that you had
never heard of this most superb code of honor. I am
not so much surprised at your never having seen it, as
there are only a few copies of it in the world. May I
be so bold, Colonel, as to inquire what code you refer
to as having always with you?
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), you gratify me by making the inquiry. - The code which I study,by night and
by day, when not enjoying your most delightful society,
is John Lyde Wilson's.
Lofty. Colonel Hiurd (bow), it strikes me, sir, that I
have heard of Wilson's Code; will you do me the honor
of allowing me to see it, if convenient? (I handed it
to him, and he proceeded to read it.*)
Hitrd. Colonel Lofty (bow), may I trouble you by
asking permission to sit while you read?  The breeze
coming in from that western window is so pleasant
that I wish to sit near it.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), you will oblige me by
doing so. And we both bowed; and I seated myself
near the window. After reading the code, Colonel Lofty
arose, and bowing profoundly, remarked: "Colonel, I
see one or two pretty good points in this code, which I
have had the pleasure of reading."
Htrd. Colonel Lofty (bow), it would be presumption
in me to advocate any code of honor, which a gentleman of your great and unexampled experience had
* See Appelndis.
56 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   57
not practiced under. It is true, that the most experienced duelists and cultivated gentlemen in this
section of the country admire and sustain Wilson's
Code. The argument they use is, that as civilization
and refinement progress, all arts and sciences progress with equal steps; and they think that the science
of dueling is, by Wilson's Code, placed upon a true
basis. I would, however, like to hear your views upon
this important point before my own mind is made up.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), since refreshing my mind,
I recollect having conducted several affairs under this
code. As I had the honor of mentioning to you, there
are several passably good points in it, and sir, with your
permission, I will do Mr. Wilson the honor of adopting
his code in the present important and most interesting
affair, by no means, however, making it a precedent in
any future affairs I may have the pleasure of being
connected with; for Colonel Wilson was, at the time he
wrote, far behind this age in this noble science.
Hurtd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), there are, sir,
two insurmountable objections to my accepting your
most generous proposition. First, I am not, and cannot be, the second of Major Woodson, on account of
my near relationship to him. Second, I can, by no
process of reasoning, see how this intricate affair can
now be made to conform to Wilson's Code.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), your first objection, I will
do myself the honor to say, is well taken; but your
second, I confess, astonishes me. Will you be so kind
as to explain further?
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), I will at once comply
with your request. Mr. Wilson lays it down as a rule,
that a hostile message should not be sent in the first in                          3* 
DOWN THIE RIVER; OR,
stance.  Now in this remarkable case, you propose to
send a hostile message in the first instance; the differ ence seems to me to be irreconcilable. But I pause with deference to your better judgment.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), Mr. Wilson showed that
he knew nothing about what he was writing when he
wrote that section.  I do myself the honor to say that
he was mistaken, and my own experience proves it.
Whiy, sir, just thirteen years ago to-night, I was attend ing an opera with a lady in the city of Brooklyn, when
a gentleman grossly insulted her. I, of course, took no
notice of the insult at the time, but as soon as I had
deposited the lady at her residence, I went in search of
the gentleman who had insulted her, and after looking
for him in several bar-rooms, I at last found him in one,
at 12:15 A. Il., just in the act of raising a glass of whiskey to lhis lips.  I touched him lightly on the back, and
he placed his glass upon the counter without drinking,
and called for another glass for me; thereupon we
drank together, and when he had settled for the drinks,
I simply nodded towards the door; lie, of course, understood me, and we entered my buggy which was standing
near. I had in it a case of flint and steel dueling-pistols, and two bottles of very fine whiskey.  The night
was so pitch dark, it was impossible to see a hand
within six inches of your face. We drove several miles
out of the city, into an old field used for making brick,
and arrived at 1:25 A. M. When there, we stepped off the
ground, measuring only twelve paces on account of the
inky darkness of the night.  Our terms of combat were,
that we should exchange pistols after every shot, and
continue the combat until one or both were killed.  At
the first fire my pistol flashed in tlie pan, and my ad
58 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   59
versary's ball passed through my right lung. We then,
of course, exchanged weapons, and took several drinks
together, re-loaded, and prepared for another exchange
of shots. My adversary having the pistol which had
failed to fire, in re-priming it, adopted the plan of
pouring into the pan, first powder, and then whiskey,
and then powder and whiskey again. At the signal to
fire, I waited until he pulled his trigger, when, as I expected, the whiskey and powder ignited, illuminating
his face with the blue blaze. I fired instantly, my ball
passing through his brain, entering a quarter of an inch
above his right eye; he only lived long enough to request me to take his watch and pocket-book from his
person, and deliver them to his wife. I took them by
the light of the blue flame, which was still burning, and
would have disposed of them as he requested, but for
the fact that next morning the papers were full of what
they were pleased to call a brutal murder and robbery,
and I have been compelled to keep them, much against
my will, up to this time. But to the point. My antagonist and myself, before he died, agreed to consider that
duel as in substantial conformity with Wilson's Code.
But admitting that Colonel Wilson might be correct in
the section you refer to, no living man knows what the
contents of this note, which I keep so sacredly guarded,
are, except Captain Porter and myself.
Major Woodson, I admit, has a right to presume it
hostile, and, it may be, is compelled to do so from the
correspondence; but, Colonel, let us suppose that Major
Woodson should be mistaken in his presumption (but
please do not understand me as admitting the possibility
of such a thing); then might not this intricate affair be
brought under the Wilson Code? 
DOWN THlE RIVER; OR,
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), your reasoning,
sir, is perfect, and the precedent you have so modestly
referred to is overwhelming; but still, not being Major
Woodson's second, I do not feel authorized to make the
arrangement you so magnanimously propose.
At this interesting stage of our conversation, a policeman made his appearance at the door, and, about the
same time, Dr. Courtney entered through the French
window, and said, hurriedly: "Gentlemen, the police
force are upon you," and, passing on to the door, obtained from the accommodating policeman a five minutes' respite, when Colonel Lofty, turning to me, said,
after a profound bow: "Colonel Hurd, in this most interesting state of affairs, which nearly always occurs
in the affairs of honor which I have heretofore had
the pleasure of conducting, I will first do you and
myself the honor of taking a drink (and he drank).
By acting in this manner, at this important crisis,
any skulking policeman who happens to be passing
the window, will see that we are perfectly cool and
collected. I will now, Colonel, by your kind permission, place this bottle in my pocket, to provide
for such casual refreshment as I may need during
the interval of my retirement (and he  bowed  as
usual, with the bottle in his left hand, and, as he regained his perpendicular, placed it in his right coat-tail
pocket). I will now proceed in a leisurely and dignified
manner, to place myself out of reach of these prying
and meddlesome policemen, who are the bane of my
life. I hope you will be able to take care of yourself,
Colonel. Allow me now to bid you good morning."
As he bowed before retiring, the neck and one-third of
60  
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PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  61
the bottle projecting from his pocket stood upright, and
he retired through the window.
Being left alone, I went quietly to my room, and was
shortly afterwards arrested, and carried before Judge
Williams. No proof being made against me, and my
manner (owing to my recent association with Colonel
Lofty) being remarkably urbane and courteous, his honor ordered and adjudged me to be a perfectly harmless
individual, and suffered me to depart in the full enjoyment of the boon of liberty, so precious to the
American citizen. Aly friend, Colonel Strong, however,
who was also arrested, was not so fortunate, though
more innocent; he was placed under a heavy bond,
conditioned to keep at peace while in the State of
Georgia. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XII.
A CONFLICT BETWVEEN THE  CODE OF HONOR AND THE
CIVIL CODE.
IN the afternoon of the 19th of July, when the excitement of the people had subsided, and the minions of
the law were satisfied that no duel was afloat (except
one in wh-ich Colonel Strong was supposed to be engaged, with a man whom he had never seen), all eyes
being turned upon my unfortunate friend, who was
considered to be a person desirous of disturbing the
peace of the State of Georgia, in my usual meek and
quiet manner; I wended my way to Colonel Lofty's
apartment, who welcomed me in his own remarkably
polite manner, but his deportment, I thought, seemed
rather subdued, so much so, that I considered it my
duty to inquire if any misfortune had befallen him.
With that courtesy, which no calamity could overcome, he replied:  "My dear Colonel Hurd (bow), a
most serious misfortune did befall me since I had the
pain of parting from you. You will do me the honor
to recollect, that at the moment of our parting, under
the most exciting set of circumstances, surrounded as
we were by the whole police force of this city, under
such circumstances as would deprive most men of
all power of calm and deliberate judgment, I had
the remarkable coolness and foresight to place in my
62 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   63
pocket a bottle of whiskey.  I had done myself the
pleasure of taking but one drink out of that bottle
(which you did me the honor to observe).  Well, sir,
just before reaching my place of concealment, which
had been selected beforehand, with my usual precaution in these delicate affairs, I had the misfortune to
meet a stranger, and thought it but courteous to salute
him; and, in making a polite bow, my bottle was, by
some unaccountable means, precipitated from my pocket,
and broken in fragments. Colonel, I assure you, it was
the best whiskey in the city; and, sit, I was forced to
remain in my place of concealment for two hours and
five minutes before I could procure a drink."
Hfurcid. Colonel Lofty (bow), it must have been a terrible affliction; let me assure you of my sympathy; had
it not been for this untimely interference of the police,
your whiskey would have been at this time safe, with but
little danger of breaking the vessel which contained it.
Lofty. My dear Colonel (bow), you are undoubtedly
correct, the whole fault lies with the officers of the
law; who, I must say, are always meddling with affairs
which do not concern them; they seem to take a special
delight in interfering with quiet, peaceable gentlemen.
In olden times such interference was not tolerated,
sir! The gentlemen of this country should combine,
and frown them down. Would you believe it, sir, I,
Hercules D. Lofty, am, at this moment, under a bond to
keep the peace in this State.
-t/erd. Colonel Lofty (bow), your statement surprises
me!  A  gentleman so courteous as yourself, placed
under a bond to keep the peace!
-Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), it is true, sir, and absolutely without any just cause. I had challenged a 
DOWN TIHE RIVER; On,
man (whom I, at the time, mistook for a gentleman) because he grossly insulted me, by refusing to return my
bow when I was introduced to him, and he, refusing to
apologize, or meet me on the field of honor, I was compelled, by every principle of honor, to degrade him.
Well, sir, I merely did my duty, in the mildest and
most quiet manner possible.   After first giving him
notice that I felt myself compelled to degrade himn, on
the first occasion I should have the pleasure to meet
himn, I walked quietly into his store, took him by the
right ear, led him by it to the front door, and, when
there, I quietly and peaceably kicked him  out into the
street. Upon my honor, sir! I disturbed no one! The
facts I have mentioned are absolutely all I-did, except to
mention to him, privately (in the presence of some eight
or ten persons, who had assembled upon my acting as I
have stated), that the next time I met him I should feel
compelled to wring his nose.  Now, for merely doing my
duty, in this mild and temperate manner (and you well
know that a gentleman could do no less under such circumstances),. I was bound over, sir -yes, Hercules
D. Lofty was actually bound over to keep the peace!!
I submit to you, Colonel Hurd, whether it was not an
act of great injustice?
ifurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), your statements
present a most interesting case. It seems, from your
recital of the facts, that you did not intend to violate
the peace of the State, and were merely acting under a
sense of the duty you owed yourself, and the gentlemen
of the country whom you are so eminently qualified to
represent.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I see you appreciate my
position exactly.
61 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO.   65
ffurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), the laws of our country
rarely punish a man (even for a most flagrant breach of
the peace) when a criminal intent is wanting.
-Lofty. Exactly, Colonel, that is the very position I
take. I see, sir, that you have acquired a complete
mastery of the miserable farce, (pardon me), called law,
as well as of the noble science of dueling.
iurdl. Colonel Lofty (bow), you do me too much
honor. But I was going on to remark, that there are
certain presumptions which are indulged in by the law.
One of them is, that a man is presumed to intend the
result which will necessarily follow his act, and if this
presumption was indulged in very strongly by the judge
who tried your case, I can see how he might, by this
technicality, bind you over to keep the peace, and still
be within the pale of the law. Of course, I would not
have you to suppose that I could defend his position on
any moral ground.
lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), you may be right; but,
sir, the idea of a gentleman being bound over to keep
the peace upon a mere technicality!
JIurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), it is, indeed, lamentable.
But I intrude upon your valuable time.  Permit me to
do myself the honor of placing in your hands this note
of Major Woodson.
Thereupon we went through all the necessary ceremonies of delivering a note, which have been hereinbefore detailed, and the note was, finally, duly read, as
follows:
"RANKIN HOUSE, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, July 19, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULEs D. LOFTY:
"SIR: —It will suit my convenience to receive any
communication to mle, with which you  are charged, at 
DOWN THE RIVER ~ OR,
Neil's Landing, in Florida, on the Chattahoochee River.
I am informed that boats leave here for that point on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please be so kind as to indicate the time at which it will best suit you to repair
to that place.
"Very respectfully,
" J. F. WOODSON."
Lofty. Colonel Hlurd (profound bow), I will at once
do myself the honor of replying to this most courteous
note; but before doing so, I will remark, that I would
be greatly delighted if you wotild be so kind as to lend
me, for the space of twelve hours and thirty minutes,
that most remarkable code of Mr. Wilson's. After the
most careful thought and reflection, I have concluded
to do Mr. Wilson the honor of having five hundred
copies of his code printed, for general distribution
throughout the length and breadth of this great country. I do not expect, sir, to realize one cent from this
undertaking. I wish to do it merely for my country's
good. Every male child in this broad land should have
a copy of Wilson's Code placed in his hand at least by
the time he reaches the age of ten years, and it should
be made his daily study, from that time onward, until his
death. Colonel, I propose further, to present to yourself, in token of the great regard and respect I have
for you, thirteen copies of this code, for general distribution among your friends.   Let us join together
and educate the masses in this noble science.
Httrd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), allow me  to
say, that the heartfelt interest you take in the future
of our country, does you much honor; and while I
confess that parting from my code, for twelve hours
66 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   67
and thirty minutes, will be a great privation to me,
still, following your noble example, when you voluntarily deprived yourself of your whiskey, by an act of
mere courtesy to a stranger, I will yield to your flattering request; feeling myself more than compensated
and greatly honored by your offer of thirteen copies.
But, allow me to suggest, that you have also printed
at the head of the code, these words: "Endorsed and
approved by Colonel Hercules Diogenes Lofty."
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (profound bow), your last remark shows that you appreciate my position. But I
do not know that Hercules D. Lofty will endorse in
every particular this code.  I may, at some future
time, see fit to give a qualified approval of it.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), while I regret
that you do not take my suggestion, it is more than
probable your views are correct.   But I detain you
from replying to the note of Major Woodson. Will
you permit me to occupy this rocking-chair while you
write?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), you will greatly honor
me by taking it. And now I will at once proceed to
answer this most polite note; but first, Colonel, I will,
with your permission, take a drink, always lamenting,
as I do, that your principles (I will say no more, lest I
offend you) prevent your joining me. Ah, Colonel, how
much enjoyment I have missed by your misfortune
in not knowing the pleasure of drinking! It gives zest
and refinement to an affair of honor. In fact, I have
never seen one carried on successfully without it.
He bowed, and drank; I bowed, and sat down; and
Colonel Lofty proceeded to write his note.
After it was completed he, in due form, handed it to 
DOWN THE RIVER -  OoR.
me, with the usual ceremony, so important in such an
affair. And the note was read as follows:
"COLUMBUS, July 19, 1873.
"At RANKIN HOUSE, Room No. 7, 5 P.M.
"MAJOR J. F. WOODSON, present en ville.
"I have the honor to acknowledge your note of this
instant, handed me by Colonel G. W. Hurd. In reply,
I will say, that Neil's Landing, in Florida, upon  the
Chattahoochee River, will suit me very well, and, also, I
would say, that I will take the Tuesday's boat.
"I am, sir, with profound respect,
"Your very obedient servant,
"HERcuLES D. LOFTY, M.D."
68 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.
CHAPTER XIII.
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.
AT 6 P. M. of the 29th day of July, 1873, the note of
Colonel Lofty, dated 5 P. M., was delivered by me to
Major Woodson.
All was now bustle and confusion among the Major's
friends. While preparations for departure on Tuesday's
boat were being rapidly made, wills were executed,
seconds, surgeons, and surgical instruments sought for,
etc.; everything was done in the most mysterious and
secret manner; only tried and true friends could be
trusted.
Meantime the party of Colonel Lofty were equally
active and equally prudent. Messages flashed over the
wires by night and by day. On Sunday afternoon
Captain T. J. Porter and Major John F. Shelton had
joined Colonel Lofty at the Rankin House, bringing
with them arms and ammunition.
By Monday morning, July 21st, all this prudence on
the part of all parties had gradually excited the curiosity and alarm of the good citizens of Columbus to an
unnatural pitch. Mothers kept their children in-doors;
respectable heads of families consulted together as to
the best means to prevent the flow of blood.
A Board of Honor was organized, and intervened to
prevent a hostile meeting, if possible, under the code.
69 
DOWN THE RIVER; ORn
They addressed a polite note to each party, asking
that they might be allowed to search diligently into the
origin of the misunderstanding, with a view to ascertain
whether some misapprehension or mistake did not exist, which might be corrected, and harmony restored.
This was responded to favorably by Colonel Lofty and
a gentleman who was authorized to act for Major
Woodson. I am unable to give a copy of Major Woodson's reply, as written by his friend. Colonel Lofty,
however, in this instance, overcoming his native modesty, allowed two notes, written by himself, together
with one from the Board of Honor, to be printed in the
"Herald," thereby enabling me to obtain copies of
them, which I set out verboatim.
"COLUMBUS, July 21, 1873.
"RANKIN HOUSE, Roomn NO. 7, 11 A. M.
"COLONEL CHARLES M. POTTS, W.  T. LUMKIN, Esq.,
COLONEL JOHN M. BUFORD, present en ville.
"GENTLEMEN:-Your favor of this A. M., addressed to
Captain T. J. Porter and Major J. F. Woodson in duplicate, and handed to me for delivery to Captain T. J.
Porter, claims a reply from me. I have the honor to
state to you, that up to this moment no communication
of any character has taken place between Captain Porter and Major Woodson.
"I will frankly own to you, that I am the bearer of an
undelivered message from Captain Porter to Major
Woodson.
"I will state, that some correspondence has passed
between Major Woodson and myself, relative to the
point at which my message should be delivered. I will
also own, that an agreement as to the point of delivery
7O 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   t
has been reached by us. I will say to you, gentlemen,
that I so highly appreciate the lofty and chivalric spirit,
which has moved you to address this letter to which I
am replying, that I will frankly, as you desire, consent
to the mutual and temporary withdrawal of all the correspondence which has passed between Major Woodson and myself.
"I permit the withdrawal for the space of twelve
hours and ten minutes, with the understanding that,
should your humane effort prove of no avail, that
affairs between Major Woodson and myself resume
their present position, and that I shall repair to the
point we agreed upon at the time we have appointed.
At the proper time, and at your request, I have no objection to submit to you the message with which I am
charged.
"I am, gentlemen, with profound respect,
"Your very obedient servant,
" HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
To this note of Colonel Lofty, the Board of Honor
replied as follows:
"COLUMBUS, GA., July 21, 1873.
" COLONEL IHI. D. LOFTY:
"Your reply of this instant received, together with
a similar one from General Pearson, on behalf of Major
Woodson; and now, in pursuance of a purpose so honorably seconded by each of you, we respectfully ask
that you submit to us the cause of complaint in the
premises, to the end that the same may be considered,
and further action on our part taken, which we hope 
DOWN THE RIVER; ORn
may be the means of an amicable adjustment between
the gentlemen.
" Respectfully,
"Your obedient servants,
" CHARLES M. POTTS,
"W. T. LUMKIN,
"JNO. M. BUFORD."
Colonel Lofty's reply to this note was as follows:
"COLUMBUS, GA., July 21, 1873.
"RANKIN HOUSE, Rooni No. 7, 1:25 P. M.
"COLONEL CHARLES M. POTTS, W. T. LUMKIN, Esq.,
COLONEL JNO. M. BUFORD, present en ville.
"GENTLEMEN: -Your second note of this date is just
received; in reply, I have the honor to refer the cause
of complaint upon the part of my friend.
"The copy of'The Sun' which I inclose, contains an
article signed by Major Woodson, in which he refers to
Thos. K. Smith, now deceased, who was a fourth cousin
of Captain Porter, and in which article Major Woodson
states, among other things, that Thomas K. Smith, deceased, did, in his lifetime, have criminal connection with
one Caroline Myers, and that said Thomas K. Smith
was not at the time of his death a member of any
church.
"An unqualified retraction of every statement in this
article, so far as the same relates to Captain Porter's
relation, is all that is desired.
"I am, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
Whatever doubt may have heretofore existed as to
72 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   73
the propriety of making public any action resulting
from an,unsuccessful intervention of a self-constituted
Board of Honor, is now set at rest by the high authority
of this precedent, set bythe distinguished Colonel Lofty,
in allowing this correspondence to be printed. Upon
the intervention of the Board of Honor, the wires were
again called into requisition.
Dispatches flashed with lightning speed to Seal and
Opelika, to which points Major Woodson and myself
had returned to hastily wind up our earthly affairs.
Post-horses and steamln were put into active use to bring
us to Columbus in view of a reconciliation. The people became more quiet; scorn and contempt were depicted on the faces of many, and bets were freely given
and taken, that one or other of the combatants would
(using a vulgar expression) "take water." (Colonel
Lofty was never known to take it.)
The vigilance of the police was relaxed. Many
thought and expressed themselves (in the unrefined parlance in vogue at the time), that the thing (so they
called an affair of honor) was "squashed,"  or had
"busted."
The efforts of the Board to reconcile matters being
fruitless, they ceased their labors at 1 A. M., on Tuesday
morning. The police force were reported to have
sniffed the failure to adjust, and were on the alert at
daylight, but the good citizens slept quietly in their
beds, until they were aroused by the astounding report
that Colonel Lofty, Captain Porter, and Major Shelton
had escaped the vigilance of the police, and had been
seen driving out of the city at 3 A. M., with furious
speed, in a carriage accompanied by outriders.
The whereabouts of Major Woodson and myself were 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
not apparently suspected, except by friends. The boat
was to leave at 8 A. 1. Major Woodson and;myself, a
short time before that hour, after taking a final farewell
of many true friends, who did not know that they would
ever see him in life again, especially, of that brave boy
who, with a smile on his lip, and almost a tear in his
eye, said, "Just keep cool, and shoot as you did at the
pigeons, and we will see you safe home again, Uncle
James."
We wended our way by quiet back streets, and as we
went, the boy's words rang in my ears and I said,
"Major, that boy will make a man; he's game;" and
then I regretted my remark, for I saw in the eye of the
veteran of two wars a moisture unusual to those clear
orbs, for he loved that fatherless boy; but he only said,
"Yes, he'll do pretty well, the conceited puppy, giving
me advice."
As we neared the landing, a friend met us with the
information that the police force of the city were guarding every avenue to the boat; then the Major's eyes
flashed fire, and he said, "He'd fight his way through."
I paused for a moment to consider what Colonel Lofty
would do, were he surrounded by such adverse circumstances.  Well, thought I, first, he would take a drink,
but in a moment the thought, quicker than lightning,
flashed through my mind of the gallant manner  in
which the Colonel and his party had dashed out of
town. I had it. A horse and buggy, and we could
charge through a regiment of policemen. Back from
the river we darted two blocks; Major Woodson was
secreted. I rushed off in search of a horse and buggy,
two blocks further, and met a friend just getting into a
buggy, to which was attached a dashing, fiery horse. I
74:
0 
PRACTICAL LESSONS U-NDER THiE CODE DUELLO.  75
explained my desire, and in less than a moment Major
Woodson and myself were driving furiously to the boat.
No policeman interfered. The whistle had blown, steam
up, and gang-ways ready to be hauled in, as we approached; we were just in time, the reins thrown over
the horse's back, and into the boat we rushed, out of
breath, but in time. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XIV.
WE START DOWN THE RIVER.
PRECISELY at the hour of 8 A. M. on the 22d of
July, the Steamer "Farley" commanded by Captain
Fry, pushed off from the landing at Columbus, ere we
had time to look around. There stood our friend, Doctor
Wyatt, tall, six-feet-one at least, thin and pale, his calm,
quiet, and serene mnlanner, calculated to inspire confidence and respect, but alas! not a believer in the code.
Doctor Courtney, with his gentlemanly and pleasant
manners, greeted us cordially; and then, from out of the
cabin, stepped our genial friend, Doctor King, his broad
pleasant face not smiling, but with a mirthful glitter in
the corner of his eye, which always rested there; his
ample form seemed a boat-load in itself. He appeared
perfectly at home; knew the captain, the mates, the
cook, and everybody else, and was a code man every
inch of him; now, however, engaged in the peaceable
avocation of a Life Insurance Agent, taking this trip
with us, as he said, merely for the purpose of insuring
the lives of both parties, their seconds and friends. He
said Miss         was the only lady passenger.  He
knew her, of course, and after awhile stepped into the
after cabin to insure her life, but before doing so he had
shown Major Woodson and myself to our state-rooms;
pointed out to us the fact that the armory of the oppo
76
-6 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  77
site party, consisting of several small swords, sabres,
dueling pistols and guns, had been, by mistake, placed
in our rooms. He requested our accommodating captain to have them removed, to keep from frightening us,
he said. We now had leisure to enjoy the picturesque
scenery as the boat quietly sped on its winding way
down the beautiful Chattahoochee. At 10 A. M. we
neared Abercrombie's Bend; there, upon the bank, stood
Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, Captain Porter, and Major
Shelton, but the boat passed on, and they were signalled
to repair to a point some three hundred yards lower
down, to be shipped.
At the point selected by Captain Fry as a safe place
for his boat to touch the shore, the bank was precipitous, in fact nearly perpendicular; having been worn
away for countless ages by the unceasing flow of the
river at its base, it stood bare and naked, with an abrupt
descent of nearly forty feet. The clay and sand which
had, from time to time, fallen from the bank, formed
a narrow bed at its foot comparatively level, and quite
soft, and left an overhanging surface at the top, treacherous to look at, held there merely by the tenacity of
the grass and shrub roots.
Winding down this cliff was a slippery footway, which
we on the boat could see with tolerable distinctness, but
was invisible to the party, now just discernible on the
heights above.
We called aloud to them, and pointed out the place
to enter this path.  Finally, Captain Porter and Major
Shelton saw our signs, and went towards it, but Colonel
Lofty, marching onward with head erect, with that
stately martial air which so becomes him, saw not our
signals, heard not our voices raised to warn him of his 
DOWN THlE RIVER; OR,
danger, stepped out (with the boldness and decision so
natural to him) upon the treacherous overhanging surface.  Alas! what a fall was there-no, not a fall, but
what a slide down the steep clay-stained cliff-clutching
in desperation (as his false footing slid from beneath
him) at shrubs and grass, as he slided on, even at the
clay-bank itself, but all in vain!  No power on earth
could stop his slide until he rolled in the soft mud at
the foot of the cliff, and there, while we stood spellbound upon the deck, we saw Colonel Lofty clutch desperately at his left thigh, and we feared some serious
accident had befallen him. He rose slowly, still holding his thigh with both hands, and walked into the
boat. He did not limp, but his erect carriage and
dauntless air seemed for the moment to have deserted
him.
He passed us by without a bow, right on into his
state-room.  His beautiful white vest was soiled, and
his feelings, if not his limbs, evidently wounded.
Major Shelton and Captain Porter came quietly on
board, both with pleasant manner and address.
The boat proceeded on its tortuous way. Doctor
King walked around, knowing everything; the names of
all the landings and bends, and where Miss       was
to get off; when the boat would reach any given point;
what we were to have for dinner-in short, everything
worth knowing, with many an anecdote to beguile our
way.
78 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   79
CHAPTER XV.
DOCTOR KING GIVES COMFORT AND OBTAINS A VALUABLE
ACQUISITION.
AT 12:20 P. I., Colonel Lofty emerged from his stateroom, and before dinner was announced Doctor King was
on terms of intimacy with him. Immediately after that
important meal had been dispatched, Colonel Lofty requested Doctor King to do him the honor of granting a
strictly private interview, and upon the request being
acceded to, they repaired to a retired part of the boat,
and had a serious and solemn conversation, which, as a
true historian, I place before my readers, not so much
because it bears directly upon the Code of Honor as
because it is a fact. Their conversation was as follows:
-Lofty. My dear Doctor King (bow), as I stood upon
that steep and overhanging cliff, just before I did myself
the honor of entering this boat, I observed you standing
upon the after-deck.
King. Well, Colonel, I suppose you did. I certainly
saw you.
.ofty. My dear Doctor King (bow), I observed at the
same time that I had the pleasure of seeing you, a most
beautiful lady standing by your side. Do you think
now, my dear Doctor, that she saw me as I stood upon
that high cliff or bank? 
DOWN THIE RIVE R; OR,
King. I don't see why she should not have seen you,
for you were in plain view-in fact, the most conspicuous feature in the landscape.
-Lofty. Mly dear Doctor, did you happen to notice
that I entered the boat with-with-well, I may say, in
some degree of haste-in short, that I walked down the
bank somewhat rapidly-in fact, rather faster than I
usually do myself the honor of walking?
King. Well, Colonel, if you call sliding down that
bank, like a shot out of a shovel, except that you grabbed
at everything in reach, "walking down the bank somewhat rapidly," I can tell you that I did happen to notice
it.
gofty. My dear Doctor, we will call it, then, my rapid
approach to the boat, or we may say my-my-sliding
down the bank. I have concluded to ask your opinion
as to whether or not you-thought that beautiful lady
saw me-saw me —well, say, slide down that bank?
King. I think she did.
I;ofty. lMy dear Doctor King (bow), did you happen to
observe that immediately after the earth gave way, as I
stood upon that highr bluff, that I had the misfortune of
having my pants come in contact with a snag, or root,
situated near the top of the cliff, and, as I proceeded
downward, that the snag still held my pants until a rent
was made in them from just below the knee to the waistband?
A'ng. Yes, Colonel, I saw it very plainly.
Iofty. My dear Doctor King, did you happen also to
observe that, at the same time my pants were lacerated,
my nether garment was torn in the same manner and
by the samie snag?
fIling. Of course, Colonel, I saw it all, for I was looking right at you.
80  
L<'
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~?/7L>
~>;
;p
i            ~~~~~~~~~ —:
"I WALKED DOWN THE BANE SOMEWHANT RAPIDLY."
l
[Page 80.] 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   81
Lofty. My dear Doctor King, that beautiful lady
standing by your side, do you think it possible that she
saw-saw-anything?
King. Well, Colonel, I was really so interested looking at you slide down the bank that I did not turn to
see whether " the beautiful lady," as you call her, had
her eyes shut or not, but if you merely want my opinion,
I rather think she kept them open.
Iofty. My dear Doctor (bow), I have some very fine
whiskey in my state-room, and after the most remarkable
and distressing events which have occurred in the last
few hours, I feel that a drink is absolutely necessary to,
in any degree, alleviate my feelings. I have already,
since I had the honor of coming on this boat, taken
several, but as there is still some on hand I hope you
will do me the honor to join me (and they went inside).
As Doctor King described this scene to me, he attempted to imitate the courteous bow of Colonel Lofty,
but I felt constrained to advise him that his effort was
not quite successful. In the first place, I candidly expressed the opinion that no fleshy gentleman could ever
accomplish it, for a respectable stomach made it a physical impossibility for the gentleman possessing it to descend more than one-third the distance requisite. Then
the fingers of Doctor King's right hand were always
more spread out when the one-third of the bow, which
was all he could accomplish, was complete, than was allowable under the code. Of course I mentioned these
points with the utmost delicacy, calling into play all the
valuable lessons in politeness acquired during my intercourse with Colonel Lofty. So delicately did I express
myself that Doctor King was perfectly satisfied with
himself and with me, declaring, as we parted, that what 
DOWN THE RIVER; ORl
perfection in bowing he should be able to acquire on the
trip by constant practice, and association with Colonel
Lofty, would be worth at least a thousand dollars to him
in the Insurance business. He left me to renew an attempt to insure the life of one of the mates, who, he said,
had resisted many a former effort. I noticed him approach the mate, bowing, with his idea of Colonel Lofty's
urbane and courteous style. Half an hour later when we
chanced to meet, his usually solemn face was radiant as
he exclaimed, "Colonel, it worked like a charm.  I have
just insured that man's life for three thousand dollars.
Had I understood bowing when among the Creek Indians the whole tribe would have taken policies."
I was pleased to see the contentment resting upon
his countenance and said nothing to disturb it. He did
not at all mind the scattering of furniture when in the
way of performing his newly-acquired bow.
82 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  83
CHAPTER XVI.
AT EUFAULA.
AT 3:18 P. M., our boat landed at Eufaula, a city
noted far and wide for its beautiful women, and brave,
chivalric men. As the boat was to remain here until 3
A. M., we went ashore, and found the city alive with
rumors of the expected rencounter; dispatch after
dispatch having been sent to this point and all other
landings on the river blessed with a telegraph office,
urging the arrest of both parties. The Governor of
Florida had been telegraphed to have troops stationed
at every landing in that State, and the Sheriff of Jackson County to have an armed posse at Neil's Landing,
to prevent a fight at all hazards. Upon ascertaining
these facts, Major Woodson and myself were on the
point of re-embarking to avoid an arrest, when we had
assurances from the courteous Mayor and resident
officers, that no force, save that of moral suasion, would
be used by them to prevent the bloody encounter expected in the sister State of Florida. Ministers of the
Gospel and some old friends crowded around and implored me not to act rashly in the affair, but exhaust all
honorable means for reconciliation. So much was I
moved by their appeals that I assured them that
neither Major WToodson nor myself desired a fight, and
would only engage in one as a matter of accommodation.  Doubtless I was wrong in making this frank
admission.  What would Colonel Lofty think, were he 
DOWN THiE RIVER; OR,
apprised of this confession? I attempted to repair my
error by enjoining silence upon those who heard my expression, and my indiscretion would be forever buried,
were it not that I consider it my duty, in this truthful
history, to write it, because it is a fact.
Colonel Lofty was approached with the same solicitations, and while he received the parties making them
with his usual courtesy, his greater experience and decision enabled him to impress it fully upon their minds
that a meeting was inevitable. At 7:20 p. M., a self-constituted Board of Honor intervened without success.
At 9: 32 P. M., Colonel Lofty was reported as having
returned with his party to the boat. At 1:30 A. M.,
Major Woodson's friends were safely on board. At
2: 08 A. M., Major Woodson and myself left the hotel for
the boat and encountered an officer and posse, with a
warrant for his arrest. Our position now seemed
desperate. 0, for the experience and coolness of Colonel Lofty in this emergency!
Should the arrest be made, there was absolutely no
time to be released upon the States' most gracious writ
of Habeas Corpus, that bulwark of liberty. I could
think of nothing that Colonel Lofty would do if so
situated, but invite the officer to drink-happy thought.
My mind continuing to dwell upon that great man, it
occurred to me that he would, at least, have bowed.
Following the thought, I bowed profoundly, and when
I recovered my upright posture, Major Woodson had
disappeared in the darkness of the night.
After an ineffectual search, the office- returned to the
spot where Major Woodson escaped, and I ascertained
from him that the warrant he held had not been sued
out by any citizen of Eufaula. A distant friend, who con
84 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   85
scientiously believed that the code of honor was in conflict with the doctrines of the New Testament, had taken
this means to prevent the shedding of blood. Now,
under a strict construction of the code, this friend had
no right thus to interfere, but as I have not consulted
Colonel Lofty upon the point, do not lay it down as an
absolute rule, and as the interference in this instance
was ineffectual, I did not even advise Major Woodson
to send a note to his officious friend. 
DOWN THIE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XVII.
WHAT RUMOR SAID.
AT the hour of 3 A. M., on the 23d day of July, our
boat moved off from the Eufaula Landing. We were
afloat again. Tired and sleepy we immediately repaired to the cabin, hoping to find an opportunity to enjoy
the repose we so much needed; but there was a rumor
aboard, which we were compelled to hear, in all its details, before we slept. This rumor was, as well as I can
recollect, that Colonel Lofty had sat up with friends
from the city until thirteen minutes after 2 A. M.; that
these friends brought brandy with them, and that the
Colonel had a large supply of whiskey on hand; that
his friends drank whiskey with him and he brandy with
them, until his equilibrium could no longer maintain its
proper balance. Two boat-hands, said Madam Rumor,
had been eye-witnesses to the fact that at the time, and
in the state of mind and body above intimated, Colonel
Lofty, with his friends, had approached the side of the
boat, next to the bank, reeling to and fro like a tempestdriven ship in mid-ocean. She further reported that
the Colonel, being prevented by one of the said boathands from completing the execution of a bacchanalian
movement towards the edge of the boat, steadied himself for a moment, attempted to bow, and would have
measured his length on the floor had it not been for the
86  
-1      - 
I ~ —~~             I                   ~- 
"AND WAS RESCUEI,D FROM A WATERY (,RAVE."    [Pagce 87. ]
I
I
i.
I
I
I
I
-.,, -tj',L)' (I -U -11.
', I,,(, J.."-T
i;   1;
i
i 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   87
timely assistance of the other boat-hand. Feeling aggrieyed at this imagined restraint upon his personal
liberty, our author says that the Colonel gave vent to
his indignation against the aforesaid boat-hands, threatening, in the vocabulary of the disciples of "John Barleycorn," to pull their noses or to send them a note "by
a fiiend." And that, in this blissful state of mind, supported by a friend, he accidentally walked into the
Chattahoochee, pulling his friend on top of him, and
was rescued from a watery grave only by the prompt
assistance of those on board.
Now all this is what rumor said, when we went aboard
the boat, and it is narrated here because it is a fact that
rumor said it. The tale that rumor told made a sad
impression on my mind. It sorely grieved me to hear
that Colonel Hercules Diogenes Lofty, my beau ideal of
a great man, had become intoxicated and had fallen into
the muddy Chattahoochee, and that, too, whilst engaged
in conducting an affair of honor.
I retired to my berth a sad and disappointed man. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHIAPTER XVIII.
IT IS DEMONSTRATED THAT RUMOR CANNOT ALWAYS BE
RELIED UPON.
WITH melancholy emotions did I dress myself and
walk on deck, the morning following the occurrence of
the events rumor related as having happened in the previous chapter. The first person it was my good fortune
to meet was my friend Doctor Jones, who had joined us
at Eufaula. He shook my hand, as usual, in a cordial
manner, and inquired kindly after my health, remarking
that I looked worse than he had ever seen me. I made
a candid confession to him that I was suffering mentally, and informed him of all that rumor had said concerning the man with whose character I had been so
favorably impressed. Listening to me patiently to the
conclusion, his merry laugh resounded over the waters,
and instantly reassured me in my favorable opinion of
Colonel Lofty. "Colonel," said he, "that is all a mistake,"
and he thus explained the whole matter to my perfect satisfaction: "I was out early this morning, and met
Colonel Lofty on the pass-way, back of his stateroom, watching for a waiter, and with nothing on but
a shirt. In his left hand he held his pants, and over
his left arm hung that beautiful white vest, which he
wears so becomingly, and which you doubtless remember. In the Colonel's right hand was his coat, and sus
88 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.   89
pended from his little finger were his boots, his arms being streched —out at full length to prevent any of the
enumerated articles from coming in contact with his
person, for they were soaking wet, and very muddy.
With a bow, the Colonel responded to the salutation I
addressed to him, expressing much happiness at seeing
me, and requesting to know of me where I thought he
could find a waiter so early in the morning.
"'I really cannot inform you, Colonel,' was my reply.
'We might calla boat-hand.''No! not a boat-hand,'
said the Colonel,'I would prefer not seeing one of them.
You would oblige me by not calling one of them.'
"'Certainly not, Colonel, if you object,' I replied.'I
was distressed to hear this morning that an accident had
befallen you-that you had fallen into the river.'
"' You do me great injustice, Doctor, unintentionally no
doubt, by speaking of my having fallen into the river, or
even of an accident having befallen me. I assure you,
sir, there is a great mistake  an unpardonable errorexisting in relation to the affair to which you have just
alluded. Allow me to do myself the honor of explaining.  Last evening my friend, Major Thorn, visited me
socially and brought with him several gallons of the
best whiskey I ever tasted, and about the same quantity
of fine brandy. I am not very fond of brandy, when I
can get whiskey, and I consequently confined myself,
principally, to the whiskey.  The evening passed off
most pleasantly.  Numerous friends dropped in upon
us from time to time and honored us by drinking with
us, and we continued to enjoy ourselves until eighteen
minutes of two A. M., when, to my great surprise and
mortification, I discovered that my friend, Major Thorn,
was becoming intoxicated. Immediately upon making 
DOWN D   THE RIVER; OR,
this discovery I insisted upon his going home. There is
nothing that so mortifies me as to see a friend, even
slightly inebriated, and I am always more particular on
this point when an affair of honor is on hand. Prevailing upon my friend, by urgent entreaties, to leave me,
we took a parting glass, and I accompanied him to the
gangway, intending to see him off the boat in safety.
(A boat-hand insulted me whilst I was in company with
my friend, and I would have challenged him if he had
been a gentleman.) The gangway of this boat consists
of a plank just seventeen inches and a half wide. I
pointed it out to my friend, as he was about to leave the
boat, but being intoxicated, he insisted that it was not
where I said it was, but just twenty-eight and a half inches to the right. A dispute ensued between us, and my
friend, being intoxicated as aforesaid, concluded to split
the difference, and in thus attempting to reach the shore
walked into the river, missing the plank just fourteen
and a quarter inches. Under such circumstances what
was Hercules I). Lofty's duty?  His guest had fallen
into the river. He did what courtesy demanded, he immediately stepped into the water by the side of his
friend, that his feelings might not be mortified by his
being in the river alone. It was a mere act of courtesy
to my guest, Doctor, that caused me to step into the
river. No true gentleman could have done less under
the circumstances.'"
I expressed to Doctor Jones my delight at hearing
this reasonable, and doubtless correct version, of -a circumstance that reflected so much credit on Colonel
Lofty and so thoroughly exemplified his great delicacy
of feeling.
90 
ilj~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _~....III~.~..
II               1~       1'1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I
Il t/~  -!I'
I'T WrAS A MERE A~CT Ol~ COURTESY TO ~IY GUEST."'ge9.
.....! j
L. Pa~'e 9o/1  
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  91
CHAPTER XIX.
INTERVIEWS BETWEEN DOCTOR KING AND COLONEL LOFTY.
WHILE Doctor Jones was giving me the satisfactory
explanation detailed in the last chapter, Colonel Lofty
quietly emerged from his state-room, fully dressed, except that his feet were only covered by a pair of socks,
approached the state-room of Doctor King, who, fully
dressed, was in the act of leaving it when he was accosted by Colonel Lofty as follows:
Lofty. My dear Doctor King (bow), may I be so bold
as to inquire whether you have passed a pleasant
night? I assure you that I feel pleased and much
honored at seeing you.
Ki?g (attempting to bow). My dear Colonel, I slept
well.
I qfty. My dear Doctor, I have done myself the honor
of calling on you this morning in order that you might
have the pleasure of conferring a great favor on me. I
will remark, that last night I courteously stepped into
the river after a friend, and in doing so had the misfortune of getting my boots damp, and this morning I
found it impossible to place my feet in them, although I
pulled off all the straps in making an attempt to do so.
I have now temporarily parted with the possession of
my boots, and placed them in the hands of the Steward
of this boat, who is engaged in drying them. Now, my 
DOWN THE RIVERI; ORE
dear Doctor, I have had the honor of observing you
wearing a pair of slippers, which (pardon me for notic ing it) I now see on your feet (pointing to the large,
flat-bottomed, low-quartered shoes on Doctor King's
feet). Now, my dear Doctor, I wish to do myself the
honor of borrowing those slippers from you; will you be
so kind and obliging as to pull them off and let me wear
them until my boots are dry (bow)?
_ing. My dear Colonel (attempting to bow), I assure
you that it would give me pleasure to accommnodate you
in any way, but these "slippers" (as you call them) are
the only shoes I have, and if I loaned them to you I
would have to remain in my state-room barefoot, without the opportunity of insuring any one.
~o/;ty. My dear Doctor (bow), you astonish me beyond measure. I would have supposed that almost
any gentleman would have provided himself with boots
on such an occasion as the present. And now, as we
are approaching the interesting spot where Captain
Porter may send a note to Major Woodson, I would
think that all the gentlemen in both parties would put
them on. I assure you, sir, that never in all my great
experience have I seen any gentleman approach a spot,
selected as this has been, without boots.
_Eing. My dear Colonel (attempting to bow), it may
seem to you surprising, but it is not at all so to me.
My business is a life-insurance agent, and I always succeed better in that business in flat-bottomed shoes.
But allow me to say, that what surprises me beyond
measure is, that a gentleman of your courteous manners,
who is in the habit of stepping into rivers through
courtesy to your friends, should not always provide
yourself with slippers for such usual emergencies.
92 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UTNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  93
Io9fty. My dear Doctor (bow), your remarks are correct and reflect credit upon yourself.  Let me assure
you that Hercules Diogenes Lofty always travels with
slippers provided for just such emergencies as that of
last night; but, sir, on this occasion, after my friend had
fallen into the river and I had, through courtesy, stepped
in and taken him out, I found that his boots were damp,
and knowing that he would find a difficulty in getting
them on this morning, I placed my  slippers in his
pocket that he might not be troubled in looking for his
own whlen he should awake.  Now, Doctor, I leave it
to your honor whether a gentleman could do less under
such circumstances?
ACing. My dear Colonel (attempted bow), I must say,
that in my opinion you carry courtesy too far. I would
think that courtesy could not have required more of
you, under such circumstances, than to lend your friend
one of your slippers, and then he could have hopped
about until he found his own, and you could have done
the same until you succeeded in borrowing one.
At 12 o'clock M. Doctor King was sitting on the deck
of the boat when Colonel Lofty again approached, and,
after a polite salutation, accompanied by the offer of a
Havana cigar, addressed him  as follows:  "My dear
Doctor King, there is on board this boat a trunk belonging to some member of Major Woodson's party, which
is very heavy, as though it contained arms; now, my
dear Doctor, would you be so kind as to honor me by
surmising to which of Major Woodson's party that trunk
belongs and what it contains?
Ein. Do  you mean,  Colonel, that large yellow
trunk?
Lofty. My dear Doctor, that yellow trunk is the very 
)DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
one to which I allude; it is an unusually long trunk,
and looks as if it might contain shot-guns, unbreeched.
Would you honor me, Doctor, by your views upon this
subject?
hingq. Certainly, Colonel, I will take pleasure in
doing so. I agree with you that the trunk might contain a shot-gun, unbreeched, and that it is heavy.  I
can also tell you what is in it, and to whom it belongs.
Lofty. My dear Doctor King (profound bow), you
can have no idea how much pleasure you will confer on
me by imparting this valuable information; confidentially, I will mention to you, my dear Doctor, that I
have a great desire to know certainly whether Major
Woodson has brought any arms. I would also be
pleased to know what weapon he will select should a
fight ensue, not that I would be influenced in the slightest degree by so immaterial a circumstance.
King. I propose to take one thing at a time.  You
ask first about the ownership of the yellow trunk and its
contents.  Well, that trunk belongs to me, and has my
insurance papers in it. By the way, Colonel, could you
not induce your friend, Captain Porter, to insure his
life in one of the companies I represent?
Loty. My dear Doctor King (bow), you must have
quite a number of insurance papers; but I have not
had the honor yet of hearing your views about the arms
Major Woodson would select.
King. MIy dear Colonel Lofty, on that point I would
advise you to consult Major Woodson, or his second; no
doubt either would be glad to give you full information.
Loqfty. My dear Doctor King (bow), you have no idea,
sir, how distressed I feel on that very point. I have not
the great honor and pleasure of knowing who Major
94 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  95
Woodson's second will be; now, my dear Doctor, I
know that there are but few things of which you are not
apprised, and I have seen you talking with Colonel
Hurd and Major Woodson.  Would you not be so kind
as just to hint to me who will be Major Woodson's
second, if you know?
.ing. Certainly I know.
Lofty. My dear Doctor, I felt confident that you
knew. Will you please tell me at once?-not that it
matters to me, for one man is the same as another in the
eyes of Hercules Diogenes Lofty!
King. My dear Colonel (bow), in the first place, there
is Colonel Hurd, then there is Doctor Jones, then Doctor Wyatt, then Doctor Grotius, and, finally, myself, all
friendly to Major Woodson; and any of us, I presume,
ready to act as his second, should necessity require it.
Lofty. Yes, my dear Doctor (bow), but which of these
gentlemen is to be Mlaior Woodson's second?
King. My dear Colonel, I will have to answer you, if
you insist on it, as the showman answered the little
boy.
Lofty. My dear Doctor (bow), I assure you, sir, that
it would give me the greatest pleasure to hear how the
showman answered the little boy, if you will be so kind
as to inform me!
King. Certainly, Colonel; I have nothing else to do
just now, and so I will tell you. There was once a
showman who had nothing under his canvas but a
small elephant and a large monkey. The price of admission was only twenty-five cents, and crowds came to
see the show, each man and boy paying his quarter at
the door. Well, sir, when the crowd had assembled,
the showman very kindly explained to them, first, the 
DOWN THE RIVER; ont,
habits and mode of life of the elephant; how that large
animal, as a mere pastime, pulled up forest-trees by the
roots, and fed himself with his snout, and drank rivers
dry; together with many other interesting details about
him. And then he explained all the habits of the
monkey; telling about his activity; how he could jump
forty feet up a tree, and twice as far down it; how he
could climb a greased pole, and walk on his hind legs.
Well, sir, after he was through, and the crowd were
looking at the animals in silent admiration, a little boy
stepped up and said: "I say, mister, will you please tell
me which is y'r elephant and which is y'r monkey?"
Then the showman answered the little boy, as I will
have to answer you, Colonel.
Lofty. My dear Doctor, your story is very interesting, but how did the showman answer the boy?
King. Well, the showman looked at the little boy,
and then said to him, "My friendl, you paid twenty-five
cents at the door to see these animals, and now look at
them and take your choice." And, Colonel, if you have
time, I will tell you another anecdote about a fox.
Lofty. My dear Doctor King, please excuse me, I
would rather not hear another anecdote just at this
moment. I am compelled to step back and see if my
boots are dry.
And Colonel Lofty stepped into the cabin.
96 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.
CHAPTER XX.
A DRINK OF CLARET, AND WHAT IT LED. TO.
WHILE the last conversation, narrated in chapter
nineteen, between Colonel Lofty and Doctor King,
was progressing, I was invited by  Major  Shelton
to join him in a glass of claret in the cabin. We were
in the act of raising our glasses to our lips, after having
clinked them together in the most approved dueling
style, copying the example set by Colonel Lofty.  This
ceremony may, by the uninitiated, be thought useless,
and I have heard it called vulgar by others. But
nothing is more appropriate in affairs of honor. The
sudden clink of the glasses mildly represents the pistol
shots, and the drink following depicts the harmony and
good feeling which is always the result of a meeting on
the field of honor.
But I digress. At this moment Colonel Lofty entered;
he started, stopped, ahd stood transfixed; his eyes,
turned full upon me, seemed to pierce me through;
then, gradually, he raised himself to such an erect position that his body was bent far backward, and he marched by me in stately grandeur; he did not speak, and his
face seemed to denote rather grief than anger.  I felt
oppressed; and when Colonel Lofty returned to the
outer air, made it a point to saunter near, and open a
conversation with him, as follows:
97 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), I hope that you
experience no inconvenience from stepping into the river
last night? I have had the honor to be informed that
it was a mere act of courtesy, on your part, to a guest.
Your noble action does you great honor, and reflects
credit upon the gentlemen of this country, whom you
so ably represent.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (profound bow, and with a
rather gratified expression in his eye), your remarks do
me but justice, sir; and it reflects great honor on yourself that you are able to appreciate my act of courtesy.
But, Colonel Hurd, you know I am a plain, blunt man.
I hope you will pardon my mentioning the fact, that
you, notwithstanding your uniform courtesy, have inflicted upon me a most severe and painful wound; you
have deeply grieved me, sir, and caused me to suffer a
pain such as no other man, except yourself, could inflict.
Hurd (with innocent and astonished air). My dear
Colonel, how have I injured you?
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), just fifteen minutes ago I
did myself the honor of walking through the cabin;
and, when there-ah! Colonel, your own heart tells
you what I saw, and your own sense of honor tells you
what I must have suffered. I did myself once the honor
to explain to you the pain occasioned me by a similar
act which I witnessed on the part of your friend Colonel
Strong, but that was nothing compared with my feelings now; for, Colonel, I did you the honor to consider
you one of the most courteous gentlemen I had ever had
the pleasure of meeting, and, pardon me, you knew how
I viewed your friend. Oh, Colonel, that you should
have drank with Major Shelton, after having twice de
98 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIlE CODE DUELLO.   99
clined to drink with me, on the ground that you never
drankD.
furd. Colonel Lofty (bow), allow me to think that
you do me a great injustice. I only drank wine with
Major Shelton, at his polite invitation. How could I
refuse him under the code, without doing myself and
him dishonor, for I do sometimes drink wine? Had you
asked me to drink wine, Colonel, I assure you that not
for one moment would I have hesitated to drink with
you. I hope you will do me the honor to recollect that
you asked me to drink whiskey, and I refused, on the
ground that I never drank whiskey.
Lofty. Ah, my dear Colonel (bow), while your excuse
seems plausible, and relieves my feelings to some extent, yet I regret that you should, with me, deal in
(pardon the expression) mere technicalities, a mere play
upon words, sir, in a matter of so much importance,
and where so much is at stake.  You know, Colonel,
how much honored I would have been by sending for a
bottle of wine, so that I could have done myself the
pleasure of drinking with you. Expense is nothing, sir,
to Hercules D. Lofty, where honor is at stake. You
must have guessed, Colonel, that I understood you to
mean that you never drank at all.
Eudid. Colonel Lofty (profound bow), I submit it to
your own delicate sense of honor, whether I could have
acted otherwise than I did, under any principle of that
high-toned courtesy so necessary in conducting an affair
of honor.  I was your guest.  How could I, standing in
that position, make a suggestion which might, by possibility, impose upon you either trouble or expense? I
could not do it; but the point was so novel and interesting that I consulted not only the most noted duelists of 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
my acquaintance, but all works on etiquette, and (pardon me for mentioning the fact) that my course was,
by the great weight of authority, sustained. But I pause
for your more experienced judgment.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), this is one of the most
intricate and astounding points of etiquette that I have
ever had the pleasure of encountering under the code;
and, allow me to say, that you have raised yourself immensely in my estimation, by having had the honor of
raising it. There can be no doubt, sir, that it reflects
credit on your coolness, judgment, and keen sense of
propriety, which I have rarely seen equalled. And,
Colonel, I shall do myself the honor of agreeing with
you, and I now propose that you will do me the honor
of drinking with me generally. Select your own liquor,
sir.
ffu~$. Colonel Lofty (bow), it will afford me much
pleasure to comply with your request.
And we drank, after having clinked our glasses together, and harmony was restored.
100
0 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  101
CHAPTER XXI.
NEIL'S LANDING.
AT 12:42 P. M., on the 23d day of July, 1873, our boat
reached Neil's Landing. The yellow trunk, and all our
other baggage, consisting of divers articles necessary
in adjusting affairs of honor, including the little brown
jug, etc., were taken ashore.
No troops, police force, or sheriff, were present to interfere. And our agreeable landlord assured us, that
under the law of Jackson County, Florida, every man,
whether citizen or stranger, should do exactly as he
pleased, and either drink or fight, as suited him best;
that the practice with the citizens was, to drink first,
which was necessary to keep off chills, and fight afterwards, to keep in practice.
We reached our comfortable lodgings, which had all
the advantages of clean sheets, etc.; no guest having
lodged in our hotel within the last eighteen months.
At 1:20 P. M., Colonel Lofty approached Major Woodson, and in the most artistic manner handed him the
following note:
"I NEIL'S LANDING, STATE o1 FLORIDA,
"First floor of Hotel (name unknown).
"July 23d, 1873, 1 P. M.
"MAJOR JAS. F. WOODSON, present en ville.
"MY DEAR SIR:-You were kind enough to inform 
DOWN TIlE RIVER; OR,
me in Columbus, that you would receive a communication, which I had for you, at this place. I have the
honor to inquire at what time it will suit your convenience, to receive that communication?
"I am, dear sir, respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
" HERcULEs D. LoFTY, M.D."
Major Woodson requested me to bear his reply to
this polite note.
Finding Colonel Lofty in his apartments on the first
floor of our hotel, the reply of Major Woodson was
presented by me, and received by him, in a manner
which did credit to both of us, and which was in accordance with the etiquette of the code in every particular, including drinks and bows. For Colonel Lofty,
although he detested wine-in fact remarked, that it
made him almost as sick as a drink of unmixed waterhad a bottle expressly for my benefit.
Major Woodson's note, which was read during this interview, was as follows:
"' NEIL'S LANDING, FLORIDA,
"July 23d, 1873, 1:25 P. M.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY:
"SIR:-In reply to your note just handed me by
yourself, I have the pleasure to state, that I will receive
at any time, when it may suit your convenience, the
communication which you have for me.
"I am, sir, respectfiully,
"J. F. WOODSON."
At the hour of 3:15 P. M., Colonel Lofty, in his most
urbane and stately manner, approached Major Wood
102 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIlE CODE DUELLO.  103
son; each bowed low to the other, and then Colonel
Lofty, first asking and obtaining permission, placed in
Major Woodson's hands a note, which was in the following words and figures, "to wit:"
"NEIL'S LANDING, FLORIDA,
July 23d, 1873, 3 P. M.
"MAJOR JAMEs F. WOODSON:
"MY DEAR SIR:-In the Columbus'Sun' of June
25th, over your signature, appears an advertisement
which reflects most cruelly upon the memory of my deceased cousin.    iWhatever course the press may have
seen cause to pursue, or anonymous writers may have
chosen to publish, I submit was without either the
knowledge or desire of his family, either immediate or
remote.  The allegations you make in that article are
of an exceedingly painful character, and I am unwilling
to believe that you would wantonly insult the memory
of the dead, or gratuitously wound the feelings of the
living.  Therefore, I address you this letter, expressing
the hope that you will disclaim all such intention, and
request that you will withdraw every portion of that
article, which reflects discreditably upon the memory of
my deceased relative.  This note will be handed you
by my friend, Colonel H. D. Lofty.
"I am, sir, very respectfully,
"T. J. PORTER."
After reading this note, Major Woodson bowed low
to Colonel Lofty, and Colonel Lofty bowed low to Major
WToodson. And then Major Woodson informed Colonel Lofty that his reply-would be presented by a
fiend.  Then they both bowed and parted.  Now, all
was intense curiosity in the apartment where Major 
DOWN THE RIVER; ont,
Woodson's friends were assembled, to see the note
which had been brought from the city of Atlanta, in the
State of Georgia, to Neil's Landing, in Florida, to be
delivered-that note which Colonel Lofty had so sa credly guarded; that note which Major Woodson had,
from want of experience in these matters, presumed to
be a hostile message; that note which the Major had
in vain offered to receive in Columbus, Georgia. And
upon its being exhibited, various were the remarks
made. Meanwhile, I was lost in admiration at the remarkable foresight which had been evinced by Colonel
Lofty. The prophets and soothsayers of ancient days
could not be compared with him. Who but a man of
such vast experience could have predicted, when that
note was written in Atlanta, that the negotiations would
finally result in Major Woodson selecting Neil's Landing? Who but Colonel Lofty could have foreseen that
the boat would reach Neil's at the hour it did? Who
but he would have had the delicacy of dating the note
so as to fit these circumstances? And then I called to
mind the pleasure Colonel Lofty had expressed to me
at Major Woodson selecting that point. I could but express my admiration of all this foresight to my friends,
when one of themn, who had not seen the correspondence
between Colonel Lofty and Major Woodson, remarked
that he did not believe in predestination, and that he
thought the note was written at the time and hour it
bore date. But I convinced him of his error instantly,
by exhibiting to him the former letters of Colonel
Lofty, showing conclusively, that this note, which Major
Woodson had come to Neil's Landing to receive, was in
the possession of Colonel Lofty while in Columbus, and
even the last note signed by that gentlemnan tended to
104 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 105
prove the same fact. Major Woodson concluding to
take time to answer this polite note, inasmuch as it
only asked for a withdrawal of certain statements, and
not for a meeting, we dispersed, and I had a casual
conversation at 3:30 r. M., with Colonel Lofty, in which
I intimated this fact to him; but as that conversation is
set out pretty fully at Colonel Lofty's request, in a letter which I did myself the honor of writing to him, I
omit to give it here, referring the curious reader to the
letter itself, which is copied in chapter XXXV., in this
volume. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XXII.
AS TO WHETHER AN INTERMEDIATE NOTE SHOULD BE
DELIVERED.
AFTER the occurrence of the events narrated in
chapter twenty-first, Major Woodson and myself strolled
about the country until nearly dark. Upon our return
we were met by the urbane Colonel Lofty, who requested a private conference with me, which I politely
acceded to, and we discoursed as follows:
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), have you a note from
Major Woodson to Captain Porter, requesting to be
allowed time to answer?
Hurd (bow). Certainly not, Colonel Lofty.  Major
Woodson does not expect to do himself the honor of
writing such a note.
Lofty. Colonel (bow), you surprise me beyond measure. I certainly understood you to say, in our informal
conference, that Major Woodson would do himself the
honor of writing such a note.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), I hope you will permit
me to say, respectfully, that you misunderstood me.  I
assure you that no such thought ever entered my mind,
for Major Woodson had concluded to write nothing until he formally answered Captain Porter's note. In the
first place, he thinks this is the proper course under
the code, and in this view I concur with him. In the
next place thefriend of his choice is not with him.
106 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIIE CODE DUELLO.  107
Lofty. Colonel Hurd, I am compelled to pain myself
by differing with you on your first point, and allow me
to say, Colonel, that youi should yield to my greater experience in these affairs. I assure you, sir, that I am
always correct-a written note must have a written
answer.
In nineteen of the affairs of honor which I have had
the honor to conduct, this point was raised under Wilson's Code, and in each of them I required an intermediate answer, respectfully asking time to reply. I
never had any serious contest over this point but once,
when I felt myself compelled to challenge the opposing
second, whose opinion differed from mine, which delayed tihe original affair eight hours and twenty-three
minutes, as I had the pain of killing my antagonist at
the first shot. I always fire before the word "one,"
and almost invariably hit my antagonist just above the
right eye. In the particular case to which I refer, the
new second, selected on the demise of the first, immlediately agreed with me in my construction of the
code.
Hurd. While my respect for your judgment in such
matters, Colonel, is almost unlimited, yet in this instance, as my opinion differs from yours, I am impelled
reluctantly to decline the honor of having you manage
both sides of this interesting affair. The code, if I am
not in error, does not require an instantaneous answer.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), let me beseech you as a
friend to reconsider. I assure you I have only Major
Woodson's honor in view in offering you this advice.
Allow me to have the pleasure of saving his honor.  I
am satisfied that you can no longer refuse my request
when I inform you, that so well do I know my position 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
to be correct, that I shall, if you do not accede to it, remain at this place with my principal for the next fortysix days. I know, Colonel, that you would not inflict
this punishment upon me. The mosquitoes are terrible,
and there are no "bars," and our landlord says, that no
man can remain here more than a week without having
fever and ague; then the whiskey, I assure you, Colonel, is not fit to drink. I had almost as soon drink
wine, or even water. Oh, Colonel, it will be terrible, but
my honor will compel me to stay, and Hercules D.
Lofty will do what honor demands.
Hitrd. Colonel Lofty (bow), while I deeply regret
your decision upon your own account-for the mosquitoes I know to be bad, and from your description the
whiskey is equally so-yet, being convinced that Major
Woodson is right in his decision, I can not advise him,
even after knowing your views differ from mine, to
alter his opinion. We leave here at 8 P. M., on the
next boat, and if you adhere to your determination to
remain, I will do all in my power to alleviate your
suffering. I can ship your mosquito bars and a barrel
of whiskey by next boat from Eufaula, and any other
commission I will be only too happy to execute.
Lqfty. Colonel HIurd, I beg you to consider the expense, and the suffering I must endure, before the bars
and whiskey, you so kindly offer to ship, can reach me;
and if you are not willing to trust my judgment upon
this point, I hope you will be willing to leave it to the decision of Captain Porter's Surgeon, Doctor Courtney.
Hurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), if you will do me the
honor of returning with us on the next boat, I will
agree that Doctor Courtney and General Rock may consider this point when we arrive at Columbus, and
108 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  109
should they decide that an intermediate note is necessary or proper, it shall there be written and ante-dated
as if sent from this point.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), I will, with your permission, take twelve minutes to consider your proposition, after the termination of this most interesting conversation; and, Colonel, allow me now to remark, that I
know Major Woodson came here prepared to fight, and
brought arms with him.
Hrurd. Ah, Colonel! will you do me the honor of
mentioning who informed you that Major Woodson had
arms with him?
Lofty. My dear Colonel (bow), I have no accurate
information on the subject, but I am willing to leave it
to you on your honor to say, whether he has arms with
him, for I know you are the soul of honor and would
scorn to be untruthful in anything.
ilurd. Colonel Lofty (bow), if you leave it to my
honor I will be compelled to honor you and myself by
answering, that if Major Woodson has arms with him,
he has certainly made no display of them. Allow me
to hope, Colonel, that this answer gives all the information you desire.
Lofty. Certainly, Colonel, I was not seeking informa
tion.
And we bowed and parted, and in twelve minutes
afterwards the proposition of arbitrament was accepted,
and we were all rendered happy by the prospect of
Colonel Lofty's company on our return.
Just before the boat arrived, our loquacious landlord
(whom I take pleasure in recommending to all duelists
in the country) approached me mysteriously and said,
with a very fair dueling bow, "Colonel, as I told you 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
the law of Jackson County is all right on fighting, but,
sir, there is a newspaper published in this county, which
is always meddling in other people's concerns, and I
just know they will send a man up here to pump me
about this matter; now, what tale must I tell him?" I
said, "My friend, tell him the truth.  Let that paper
print the truth once, as an example to all other papers."
"But, Colonel," said he, "I don't know  the truth
about this matter." I replied, "Well, my friend, just
tell the truth, as far as you know it. No man knows
the whole truth, but let every man tell it as far as he
knows." "Well, then, Colonel, I will tell the newspaper
man that neither party came here to fight, but that you
and Colonel Lofty are the two politest men I ever saw."
At nineteen minutes past 8 p. M., the up-river boat
left Neil's, with both parties on board, homeward bound.
At eleven minutes after 9 P. M., the Woodson party had
retired to their state-rooms.
110 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 111
CHAPTER XXIII.
DOCTOR KING SEARCHES FOR A DRINM.
AT 5:06 A. M. Doctor King awoke, with a sensation in
his throat as if he had been swallowing dry cotton, and
some of it had lodged therein.
At this early hour no ladies were astir, and hence
Doctor King emerged from his state-room in his nightdress-consisting only of a shirt, which, not being
confined in his pantaloons, as usual with him in the
day, hung out from his body very much like a lady's
dress, except that it was not half so long-made his way
through the boat, and awoke Major Woodson and his
friends, in his search for a drink; and, after they had
been thus aroused, several of them complained of having a sensation in their throats as if they had been
swallowing dry cotton, and some of it had lodged; but
on examination it was found that none of them had
any spiritous, vinous, or malt liquors-their supply had
been exhausted.
Then Doctor King, in his night-dress aforesaid, awoke
the captain, mates, stewards, and cook of the boat, for
the same object, and with a like unpleasant result. The
Doctor, now being desperate, and the sensation of dry
cotton in his throat becoming more and more annoying, seized a tumbler in his right hand, approached
Colonel Lofty's state-room, touched the Colonel, and 
DOWN THE RTRTER; OR,
then actually shook him; finally Colonel Lofty "did
himself the honor to awake," and looking out of his
berth perceived the bowing figure of Doctor King,
apparreled as last aforesaid. The courteous Colonel
cast his eyes upon the glass in Doctor King's hands,
but delayed making any remark until he had raised
himself in his berth to a sitting posture; then he said,
"My dear Doctor King (bow as profound as the limits of
his berth would admit), I will, with pleasure, sir, do myself the honor of drinking with you; and allow me to
remark, that it is most kind and courteous in you, my
dear Doctor, to come around and bring me a drink, at
this early hour of the morning. In fact, sir, it is a
courtesy I have rarely seen equalled under the code;"
and he held out his hand for the glass in the Doctor's
hand. Doctor King bowed and said, "My dear Colonel,
excuse me, I have just called on you for the purpose of
getting a drink, as none of Major Woodson's party
have a drop. This glass is empty, and I have failed to
find any on the boat. Will you be so kind as to allow
me to have access to your' little brown jug?"'
Colonel Lofty exclaimed, "Oh! my dear Doctor, how
you have disappointed me! My friend, Doctor Courtney, and myself, sat up last night and drank all we had
left.  Oh! oh! (placing his hands on his person, just
below his breast) I would give one hundred dollars for
a drink of whiskey."
112 
i,i,.I 
IOoURTESY I HlAVE'ARKRLY $EEN BO.UALED  UNI)ER THlE COI)L."          ~         ae12
—.-       -,         - -           -..i
LPage 112.1  
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 113
CHAPTER XXIV.
COLONEL LOFTY'S OPINION OF THE PRESS.
AT 9 A. M. of the 24th of July we touched at Fort
Gaines, and shipped a small quantity of whiskey. At
12 M. we arrived at Eufaula, and here the boat stopped
long enough to take in a full supply of liquors, and here
we found the morning papers from Coluimnbus, Georgia.
At 12: 50 P. M., just thirteen minutes after we left Eufaula, all of us were standing on deck, smoking, when
Colonel Lofty approached me-not in his usual manner,
but with indignation depicted on his countenance-a
newspaper in his hand.
"Colonel Hurd," said he (omitting his bow), "have
you seen this infamous and insulting piece in the
' Sun?"' "I have not, as yet, done myself the honor to
read the'Sun,'" I replied.
"Then," said Colonel Lofty, "I will inflict upon myself
the pain of reading this horrible piece to you, sir; but
first allow me to make a remark: I hold, that a gentleman's name belongs to himself, and that no man has a
right to use it, write it, or print it, without having first
obtained permission from the owner. Gentlemen do
not want notoriety-we wish to live in a quiet and retired manner, apart from shop-keepers, policemen, and
mere men of business; in a quiet manner, sir, that permits us to settle our affairs of honor in our own way. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
What gentleman wants his name advertised and vended
about in an infamous sheet, like the inventor of some
quack medicine? It cannot be submitted to, Colonel!
Hercules D. Lofty and George W. Hurd will let the
world know, that their names are never to be used, unless permission is first obtained. Just hear me read
the false and lying remarks of this filthy little sheet:  "'The Reported Duel:-For a number of days the
streets have been full of rumors of a duel between Major James F. Woodson, of Alabama, and Mr. Porter, of
Atlanta, Georgia. The quarrel is said to have originated from an advertisement, published in this paper, commenting upon the evidence offered in a lawsuit, so far
as it related to the personal character of a Mr. Thomas
K. Smith, deceased. The Major was one of the counsel. Report states that Mr. Porter demanded a retraction, which Major Woodson refused. Yesterday, Major
W. left here on the steamer "Farley." Colonel Lofty,
who is acting for Mr. Porter, with his principal, and a
Major Shelton, left the city early yesterday morning,
intending to take the boat at Woolfork's. Among those
who took the boat here were Colonel G. W. Hurd said
to be MajorWoodson's second-and Doctors King, Jones,
and Wyatt. All matters connected with the affair are
kept very close, but the general report is, that a challenge will be passed at Neil's Landing, in Florida. Mr.
Porter has not registered at any of the hotels, and we
do not know his given name. We hope the affair can
be settled without a fight; rumors are plentiful, and almost worthless. A telegram received states that the
boat passed Eufaula last night, and no arrest made. "'
After reading this article, Colonel ILofty proceeded:
"Now, Colonel Hurd, you will at once perceive that
114 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 115
every word in this piece is a most wilhfl falsehood."
Doctor Wyatt said, in a mild, conciliatory manner, "I
do not look on it exactly in that light, Colonel; there
may be some errors, but I suppose they were unintentional."  Colonel Lofty proceeded, "Colonel Hurd, you,
sir, being a lawyer, know the force of the maxim,' Falsu8
in uno,.falss tin omnibus,'" and turning to the others,
who were supposed not to be so learned, he said, in
English, "'To be false in one thing, proves that a man
is false in all.' It is a maxim handed down to us from
the time that the Roman Empire was in its pristine
glory, and has always proved true; it is now even entered upon our law-books-as Colonel Hurd will testify.
Now, look at this malicious piece; do you not see it
states that I, Hercules D. Lofty, intended to take the
boat at Woolfork's, when, in fact, I did myself the honor
of stepping on the boat, on the opposite side 6f the
river, at Abercrombie's Bend?" "I would amend by
saying, slided down to the boat," suggested Doctor
King. Colonel Lofty turned to the speaker with an indignlant air, but, before answering the untimely suggestion, his kindness of heart intervened, and he only said,
"Oh, Doctor, please consider that this is no time for a
joke, or a play upon words. The honor of all of us is
at stake, and Hercules D. Lofty will protect it. We all
know the statement I have referred to is false; it therefore follows, that every word and letter of this infamous
and scurrilous squib is false. If I am not correct in
this assertion, then the maxim is false-which is impossible.  Now, Hercules D. Lofty places a higher value
upon truth than upon any other thing in this world, or
the next; for truth is honor, and honor is truth, and, for
a man to be untruthful, or to prevaricate even in the 
IDOWN THE RIVER; OR,
smallest particular, fills me with untold horror. A man
who is untruthful is worse than an infidel. Now I have
concluded to challenge the local editor 0of this paper,
and, Colonel Hurd, I have done myself the honor to
select you as my second, to bear my note to this man."
I replied, "Colonel Lofty, you do me great honor, but
inasmuch as I am so situated as to make it impossible
for me to act, either as principal or second, in an affair
of honor at this time (as I have heretofore explained to
you), I hope you will do me the kindness to excuse me.
Were I differently situated, nothing would give me more
pleasure than to act for you."  Colonel Lofty said,
smiling and bowing, "Colonel, I know that you are so
situated as to be unable to act, and I therefore excuse
you; but, sir, I demand of you, that you appoint one of
your party to bear my message. I think it proper that
this matter should be represented by both parties. I
will do the fighting, and I only require a second from
your party."
I replied, "Colonel, I will readily comply with your
reasonable request; allow me first to appoint them all,
Doctor Wyatt, Doctor King, Doctor Jones, Doctor
Grotius; please approach them, Colonel, and ascertain
which of them is most anxious to act for you, in this
important affair, and inform that gentleman from me,
that I give my full consent to his acting-as he pleases."
Colonel Lofty thanked me kindly, and in turn approached each of the gentlemen named, but each being
convinced that nothing but blood could alleviate his
outraged feelings, declined to act for him, all of them
being friends of Captain De Soto, the editor in question.
So well was I acquainted with the high-toned, sensitive
nature of Colonel Lofty, that I expected him  to chal
116
AV 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 117
lenge each one of the gentlemen refusing, and he would
mundoubtedly have done so, but a happy idea changed
the current of his thoughts; he called both of our parties together and invited us to drink; we drank-then
adjourned to the lower deck, and sat around on some
empty coffins, shipped at Eufaula; then Colonel Lofty
arose from his seat on the largest coffin and remarked,
"This piece, which I hold in my hand, is a most infamous one; and, on reflection, I must think that the man
who wrote it is devoid of truth, and therefore not entitled to be noticed by me-for no man can be a gentleman
who is not truthful in every particular. It has occurred
to my mind to mention how I once acted in a similar
case.  One of the first editors in one of our largest
cities, had caused my name to be printed in his paper,
without first asking permission, and had the impudence
to make some remarks about me, which I considered
insulting, though not to be compared with this scurrilous piece. I purchased a large cowhide, walked
quietly into his sanctum, where I found him with his
coat off; without saying a word I took him by the collar and gave him four cuts across his face, and three
over his left shoulder. I then notified him that a full
and ample apology must be printed in his paper next
day, or I would use my cowhide freely upon his person. Next day a most handsome apology was published.  That editor now, before printing my name, invariably sends round a polite note, asking permission to
do so, with a copy of the piece he proposes to print.
Now, I am inclined to take a similar course in this
most remarkable case;" Doctor Wyatt said he thought
a more temperate method might be adopted, and be
equally beneficial to all parties, but Colonel Lofty's in 
DOWN THE RIVER; Or,
dignation, having been aroused by the falsity of every
word in the article alluded to (-which he had so unanswerably demonstrated), remained obdurate, and announced that the conference was ended, and that "the
little brown jug" awaited us in his state-room. Upon
repairing to the point indicated, we found the statement
of this remarkable man to be true in every particular,
more true than his modesty had allowed him to state,
for not only was the jug there, but "the scent of the
whiskey remained round it still," and a flask of wine set
aside for Major Shelton and myself, whom Colonel
Lofty facetiously called, " the light brigade."
118 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 119
CHAPTER XXV.
MVIORE ABOUT THE SLIDE.
DuRnING the afternoon of the 24th of July, Colonel
Lofty approached me, and remarked: "Colonel, you
doubtless heard the expression used by our dear friend,
Doctor King, about my sliding down to the boat. Now I
am opposed to jokes, and our friend, Doctor King, does
nothing, that I can see, but tell anecdotes about monkeys
and other animals, and crack jokes; and, permit me to say,
that I consider some of his jocular remarks, as (pardon
me) neither witty nor appropriate, on such an occasion
as this, or during the pendency of any affair of honor.
Now the remark to which I refer, jarred very much upon
my sense of honor and propriety.  The point I was
proceeding to discuss, at the time of his interruption,
was one in which his honor was almost as deeply involved as my own, and his jocular way of saying, that
I, Hercules D. Lofty, slided into the boat, was very
painful to me. Is Hercules Diogenes Lofty, M.D., a
piece of timber, to be slided about?"
Hurd. It is rather a difficult problem, Colonel, to find
an expression which conveys the exact truth, and at the
same time is compatible with your dignity, which must
be upheld at all hazards; but allow me to suggest the
words: your " dashing descent," in lieu of your "slide,"
as Doctor King terms it. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), permit me to thank you
for the suggestion you have so kindly made, and while I
really see no necessity for alluding to the circumstance
at all, yet, if it should be alluded to in future, I would
greatly prefer that the expression you suggest should
be adopted. Will you do me the favor, Colonel, to inform your friends that I prefer it?  I have no doubt,
Colonel, that you saw and appreciated the cause of
my —of my "dashing descent."
H/urd. Certainly; the overhanging bank gave way,
and you, unintentionally, came down with it.  Such accidents sometimes occur, even where every precaution
has been taken to avoid them.
Lofty. Ah! Colonel, you do me great injustice. I
would have thought that your great power of observation might have enabled you to see the occurrTence in
its true light. Allow me to explain it; but before
doing so, permit me to remark, thlat it was not an accident, sir.  I am not a creature of accident!  No, sir;
Hercules D. Lofty never allows himself to be swerved
from his course by accident. And neither was myrmy "dashing descent" unintentional.  No, Colonel.  I
had under my care and protection, the lives and honor
of my friends. I saw at a glance, the extreme danger
of the position; my friends were approaching a precipice, whiere a false step might result in death.  What
was my duty under such circumstances?  Hercules D.
Lofty did his duty; he stepped boldly forward, taking
all the danger upon himself.  I well knew, I admit, that
my remarkable presence of mind, and coolness in the
most imminent peril, would, in all probability, save my
life, where the want of those admirable qualities in
my friends might have proved their destruction.  My
120 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 121
effort to save them was successful. By my bold and
prompt action, I demonstrated to my friends where the
dangerous part of the precipice was, and they were
enabled to come down by a safe route, and my own
wvondcrful presence of mind prevented  any injurious
results to myself.   I suppose  you noticed, Colonel,
when thiat snag had inserted itself into and through my
pants and d'awers, tile great coolness I displayed in
turning my body slightly, so as to effectually prevent
its being stuck through my thigh?  Now I hope, my
dear Colonel, that you will explain this matter, so that
no report may be started, discreditable to my judgment,
about an accidental fall.
Hard. Your noble action does you infinite credit, and
should be recorded in history.  It will afford me pleasure to see that thils incident is viewed in its true
light.
At this moment Doctor King approached, eating the
back-bone of a chicken, which the cook had kindly reserved for him, and remarked, "I am sorry we pass
'Abercrombie's Bend' in the night.  I wanted to get
another look at that place.  In case any one should inquire about it when we get home, I would like to be
able to give an accurate description of it. By the way,
gentlemen, that calls to mind a most interesting anecdote, and as we have nothing else to do, I will relate it.
There was a man who
Lofty. My dear Doctor, pardon me for interrupting
you; but you will find these Havanas very fine. Will you
honor me by trying one? (offering them to both of us).
King. My dear Colonel, I am much obliged (taking
a cigar, and putting it in his pocket). You will pardon
my putting this cigar in my pocket. I am not quite
6 
DOWN TlHE RIVERI; OR,
through with my snack, and, besides, you know I can
never tell an anecdote while I am smoking; and as you
seem so much interested in the one I have just conmmenced, I will not deprive you of the benefit of it by
lighting my cigar.  Well, there was a man who had a
most remarkable dog-that dog
ILofty. Pardon me, my dear Doctor, for again interrupting you; but I have some important letters to
write, and hope you will excuse me (and he bowed, and
retired).
Doctor King's face was radiant, his eyes twinkling,
and his sides shaking with laughter (probably at the
recollection of the incidents ill his proposed anecdote),
but he refused to proceed with his recital of it to me,
saving, that he would wait until Colonel Lofty was at
leisure to hear it. "He cannot possibly stay in that
cabin more than ten minutes, for I have just come
through it, and it is hot enough in there to barbecue a
hog. It is perfectly suffocating, without a particle of
fresh air. I tell you, Colonel, he can't stand it. He
will have to come out in a very few minutes, to get air."
And again the fat sides of the Doctor shook with suppressed laughter, until it seemed to impart a trembling
motion to the boat.
But Doctor King was mistaken in supposing that
Colonel Lofty would abandon the cabin, before his selfimposed task was completed. It is true, that several
times the Colonel came to the door and looked out during that sweltering afternoon; but on Doctor King's
calling to him to come out, and stating that he had reserved his seat near us, in the most pleasant part of the
boat, Colonel Lofty politely declined the invitation,
on the ground that he had not completed his letters,
4
1122 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 123
and re-entered the cabin. Each time this was repeated,
the trembling motion was imparted to the boat, by the
shaking of Doctor King's sides.
It pained me to think, that the duty of writing those
important letters should have confined Colonel Lofty to
the uncomfortable cabin for so long a time. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE INTERMEDIATE NOTE QUESTION.
As the sun rose, on the morning of the 25th of July,
we arrived in Columbus, and General Rock was imme diately notified that he and Doctor Courtney had been
selected to decide the momentous question as to whether, under Wilson's Code, it was necessary that Major
Woodson should write a note to Captain Porter, politely requesting the latter to allow a specified period of
time, in which to answer his note of 23d of July.
At 10 A. M. these gentlemen proceeded to investigate
this important subject. After a prolonged and patient
investigation no precedent could be found, embracing
the precise point, which sustained Major Woodson's
view.
Upon the other hand were the nineteen precedents,
embracing this precise point, recollected by Colonel
Lofty, but which had never been published, owing to
the remarkable modesty of that great man, and to
which there remained no living witness except himself.
Each one of these precedents fully sustained Colonel
Lofty's proposition. One of them being of so high a
character as to have cost a gentleman holding an opposite opinion his life. So far, then, as regarded precedents, Colonel Lofty's position seemed impregnable.
And Doctor Courtney, upon an examination of the
entire subject, was of opinion that it was correct.
124 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIlE CODE DUELLO. 125
General Rock, however, appearing to disregard the
nineteen precedents, and applying himself to the high
reason of the code, was of opinion, that only one reply
was necessary, and that it might be made at any period
within the time allowed by the code.  And in the present instance, that an intermediate reply was unnecessary.
At 9 P. i. the question remained undecided.  At 9:45
r. x. an umpire was called in, who decided that a short
note, stating that an answer would be made in the usual
time, would not be inappropriate, and, inasmuch as it
was desired by Colonel Lofty, it might be considered
courteous to send it informally. Thereupon the following note was written, and, by one of the arbitrators,
handed to Colonel Lofty:
" NEIL'S LANDING, July 23.od, 1873.
"SIR:-I have received your note of this date, and
will reply within the usual time.
"I have the honor to be, respectfully,
"J. F. WOODSON.
"To Captain T. J. PORTER."
Whether the umpire weighed fully the nineteen precedents I am unable to inform my readers.  And it is to
be regretted that the question is still an open one.
Standing thus, eighteen simple and one fatal precedents,
remembered by Colonel Lofty, in favor of the necessity
of sending an intermediate note, asking to be allowed
time, against one simple precedent, an arbitration with
a divided board in favor of the propriety of an intermnediate note announcing that an answer would be
made within the usual time.
lWhile this arbitration was in progress, Colonel Lofty, 
DOWN THE RIVER; ORB
after courteously drinking with each friend, whom he
did himself the honor to meet, repaired to the "Sun"
office and there met Captain De Soto.
What occurred during that important interview I regret to say cannot be narrated with the accuracy and
precision so desirable in this history; and inasmuch as
the recollection of Colonel Lofty upon the subject is
stated in a letter to myself, dated 23d August, 1873,
copied in chapter XXXII.; and, as the recollection of
Captain De Soto, being diametrically opposed to that of
Colonel Lofty, is stated in the clippings from the press
herein contained, my own recollection of their interview is intentionally omitted. The fact that I was not
present thereat induces me the more readily to adopt
this course.
126 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 127
CHAPTER XXVII.
AT OPELIKA.
ON the morning of the 26th of July the following
article appeared in the "Sun:"
"From personal information received from Colonel
Hercules D. Lofty, we state that the article published
in yesterday's'Sun' was erroneous in many particulars.
We therefore withdraw the article in toto, regretting
that we have, on the strength of rumors and telegrams,
connected the names of Colonel Hercules Diogenes
Lofty, M. D., Major Shelton, and Captain Porter, in so
mortifying a position."
On the same day I repaired to Opelika, and, upon
stepping from the cars on my arrival, had the honor of
meeting Colonel Lofty, Major Shelton, and Captain
Porter, and was informed that we had traveled on the
same train, but in different coaches. What my readers
and myself have lost by my failure to travel in the same
coach with Colonel Lofty, and hear his varied conversation, can never be known, for the Colonel never repeats,
except on bows and drinks.
Immediately on my discovery of Colonel Lofty and
his party, I approached and requested them to do me
the honor of walking over to Dunbar's sample rooms,
for the purpose of taking a parting drink 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
To my astonishment, Colonel Lofty politely declined
my invitation; his refusal was so unexpected that I
could, at the moment, make no reply, when the Colonel,
with that penetration which is one of his distinguishing
traits, observing my embarrassment, remarked, "Colonel,
I assure you that it is from no feeling of disrespect that
I decline your most courteous offer, but I have on hand
an affair of such vast importance to my personal honor
as to make my acceptance impossible at this moment;
and it is but courteous that I should state the nature of
the business which now engages my attention, as an
excuse for declining to drink with you. When you hear
me, I am satisfied that you will do me the justice to say
thb at I amn right in even going so far as to postpone a
drink, to accomplish my object. This train remains
here only half an hour; I intend pursuing my journey
to Atlanta upon it.
"You are aware of how grossly I was insulted in
Columbus, by Colonel Strong. Well, sir, I have put myself to the trouble of preparing a most humble apology,
for Colonel Strong to sign, which states, among other
things, that he considers himself a low dog, and begs me
to forgive him for the wrong he has done me, and
promises to make a similar apology in the next issue of
his paper. I propose to make him sign this paper
instantly.  If you, Colonel, will be so kind as to show
me his office, I will probably be through with this little
affair in less than five minutes, for I do not intend to
allow Colonel Strong to speak, but merely let him sign
this paper. I do not think I shall even take the trouble
to read it to him. When it is signed, Colonel, if there
is time, I will do myself and you the honor of drinking
with you."
128
t, 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 129
I bowed low and said, "Colonel, I think it will probably be longer than you at present calculate before
Colonel Strong's signature is affixed to that paper, although it reflects credit on yourself that you should
be willing even to postpone a drink, not to speak of
the danger of your present undertaking, to save your
honor."
Colonel Lofty straightened himself to his most erect
position and looked me in the eye. I saw at once that
some portion of my remark had "grieved" him.  He
said, "Will you please explain what you mean by your
remark, Colonel Hurd,'That it will be longer than I
calculate before I compel Colonel Strong to sign this
paper?'  I said five minutes, sir, and Hercules D. Lofty
never lies. Colonel, please pardon my insisting on an
explanation from you."
I replied, with my most polite bow, "Colonel, you are
aware that Colonel Strong left this point, for North
Carolina, about the time we left Columbus for Neil's
Landing, and it is reasonable to suppose that his return
by this time is a most improbable event."
Colonel Lofty said, with his usual courteous salutation, "Colonel Hurd, it does me honor to accept your
excuse, and as you think Colonel Strong has not returned, I will now do myself the pleasure of drinking
with you, at the place which you were so kind as to indicate."
And we walked over to the bar-room. As we went
Colonel Lofty requested me to inform Colonel Strong,
on his return, that he had called to see him, but to say
nothing as to the object of his visit, for, he said, "Although Colonel Strong has injured me so deeply, I do
not desire to make his degradation more public than
(* 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
may be necessary to sustain my own honor." Mark
the magnanimity of the man!
After we had imbibed of the best at Dunbar's,
Colonel Lofty did me the honor to take me aside and
remark, "Colonel, I have been considering this affair
between Captain Porter and Major Woodson, and have
come to the conclusion that it may possibly be settled
without bloodshed. I feel a great interest, not only in
preserving the life, but also the honor of Major Woodson. I assure you, Colonel, that I have nothing in the
world against Major Woodson, except one remark, which
he made on our trip. I had asked him most courteously to do me the honor of drinking with me, and he replied, that he had just taken a drink, and preferred keeping his nerves steady, to drinking any more; now, I
might have excused him under the circumstances had
he not added,'But, Colonel, as it is you who do me
the honor to offer the drink, I will take a little, just to
show you that I do not think the liquor you offer me is
poisoned.' I drank first to show Major Woodson that
he was mistaken in supposing that Hercules D. Lofty
would poison liquor. I could not resent the insult at
the time, because the original affair was pending, but I
propose to send him a note, as soon as we can arrange
the matter between himself and Captain Porter; and, as
I had the honor of remarking to you, I have now come
to the conclusion no blood need necessarily be spilt in
that affair. The mode in which I propose to settle it
is, that Major Woodson write just a short note to Captain Porter, which I will do myself the honor to dictate,
stating in substance that he deeply regrets his error,
and hopes that Captain Porter will forgive him. In
this simple manner the lives and honor of both parties
130 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  131
can be saved. I think such a note will be satisfactory
to Captain Porter."
I bowed and said, "Colonel, I have no doubt that
your suggestion is prompted by that kindness of heart
which does you so much honor, yet in this instance it
is useless. You are aware that I am not, and will not
be, Major Woodson's second; when his second is selected, Major Woodson's honor will be in his hands. It
would, you know, Colonel, be indelicate in me to offer
any advice to either. Could I overcome these scruples,
I could not, Colonel, consent to assist in placing you in
so false an attitude as you would occupy should it appear that you attempted the conduct of both sides of
this most intricate affair. I doubt not that you would
fill the delicate position with more - than ordinary prudence, but you know it is so usual to have each side
represented by different parties. Colonel, would you
honor me by your views on this point?"
Colonel Lofty said, that the information he had
given me about the note which, in his opinion, should be
written, was strictly confidential, and that he wished me
on no account ever to mention it. "In fact I would
prefer that it should never be known, that Hercules D.
Lofty, even in the strictest confidence, intimated the
character of the note which Major Woodson should
write in reply to that of Captain Porter."
Of course, Colonel Lofty was assured by me that the
suggestion he had so kindly made would never be referred to. And of course it never was referred to.
And, hence, no benefit was derived therefrom in this
affair. It is only recorde'd here because it is a fact, and
may be useful in some future duel.
After this conversation we lighted our cigars, and
bowed and parted. 
DOWN THE RIVER; O)R
CHAPTER XXVIII.
COLONEL LOFTY'S CARD.
ON the twenty-eighth of July, 1873, I had the pleasure
of receiving through the mail, a copy of the "Herald"
from Colonel Lofty, containing a card from himself; and
as this card refers to Wilson's Code, and, at the same
time, lays down rules greatly in advance thereof, I consider it of great value, as everything from the pen of so
eminent a man must be, and do myself the honor of
copying it:
COLONEL LOFTY'S CARD.
"GENTLEMEN, Editors of Atlanta'Herald:'
" Returning home this evening, I have just read, with
pleasure, your article in reply to the Augusta'Chronicle
and Sentinel.' Will you permit nme, gentlemen, to add to
it?  If so, I would remark, that the first principle of
human nature is,'That every wrong must have its
atonement.' Mlr. Jefferson has said, either wisely or
unwisely,'That all men are, of right, born free and
equal.' }Ir. Blackstone has said,'That the basis of all
law, is the giving up of some right, for the better protection of others.'
"From these three axioms spring the Civil Code, and
the Code of Honor, as well as the Constitution under
which we live.
"Permit me, gentlemen, since I see so mniav con
132 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  133
demning that of which they evidently know nothing, to
hand you John Lyde Wilson's Code of Honor, and ask
you to print it in your columns. I dare not add one
word to the sentiments of that lofty gentleman, but submit if it be not true that the code is lofty, which bows
the head of the most noble gentleman to the level of
the lowest serf, if the gentleman has stooped to insult
the serf. Permit me, also, to add, the duel is not the
result of the code; it is the failure of the code, precisely as amputation is not the result of surgery, but its
failure-the limb cannot be cured, we cut it off. Blood
is so bad that a street-fight will result; parties are too
much incensed; if they meet in the street, probably
neither of them will be hurt, but innocent people will
suffer. Well, the code takes these men out of the
street; prevents their endangering others; leaves not
their case and quarrel to themselves, but turns it over
to two or four disinterested men of equal rank, who say
what shall be done in the matter. If they cannot agree,
they call a Board of Honor, which may consist of as
many men as they see fit to select.
"Where lies, then, the difference between this law
and the law of the land, save, that this gives men trial
by their peers? The law of the land takes a jury; and
we, of the modern day, alas, know what Courts of
Justice are, and know how they are managed.
"And now, gentlemen, I submit to you a grief.
Gentlemen, the principle of meur  et teum.  What is
mine is mine, and is not yours. You have taken, within
the last few days, the liberty of handling my name, and
giving me and my friends, whom I had invited to join
me in a pleasure excursion, a degree of notoriety exceedingly unpleasant to me and to ther. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
"I think, my friends, you owe it to me to withdraw
both my name and theirs from public notice, simply
upon the principle, that the dearest thing a man can
have is his name and fame.'What is mine is not
thine; touch not thou it.' Believe me, my friends,
modern journalism is in error upon that point. If not,
however, as a right, as a favor-spare my name.
"And now, gentlemen, as you have touched my name,
and that of my friends, I have a right to your columns
for reply.
"I beg you, therefore, print me this one time and
spare me in the future.
"I am, gentlemen, with profound respect, your sincere
friend and most obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
It will be seen, from this ably written card, that in
this country a gentleman may now be compelled to
fight a serf.
This liberal practice being established, many of the
prejudices heretofore existing against the code in the
minds of the ignorant, on account of its alleged exclusiveness, must be at once and forever dissipated. I
was at some loss, however, to determine who were the
serfs in this country, as at present organized, and Colonel Lofty being too distant from me to obtain his
opinion, I consulted Doctor King upon the subject. He
said, "that he supposed Colonel Lofty meant boathands when he alluded to serfs."
I give his opinion for what it is worth.
134 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 135
CHAPTER XXIX.
COLONEL LOFTY OPENS A CORRESPONDENCE WITH COLONEL
HURD.
ON the morning of the ninth of August, I was gratified by receiving the following pleasant note from
Colonel Lofty, through the mail:
"ATLANTA, GA., August 7, 1873.}
1:25, P.M.
"COLONEL GEOaGE W. HURD.
"My DEAR SIR:-You did me the honor to ask leave
to call upon me unofficially at Neil's Landing, in Florida,
on the twenty-third of July, at 3:30 P. M. You stated
that your visit was an unofficial one. I replied, that I
was glad to receive you at any time, and in any manner.
You said you would ask me (unofficially), with a view to
adjusting matters to suit our personal convenience, if
the eighth of August would suit me for an answer to the
note from Captain Porter, which I had just delivered
to Major Woodson.
"A debate between you and myself followed, which
referred to a Board of Honor two points, viz.:
"First. How much time was allowed you, or whether
time at all?
"Second. Whether you should-in case time was allowed-address us a note, asking for the time, or announcing to us the time you took? 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,.
"The reply of the'Board' was a note from Major
James F. Woodson, addressed to Captain T. J. Porter,
and handed me by a member of the'Board,' Doctor
Courtney. That note simply announced that Major
Woodson would reply within the usual time.
"Now, Colonel, this may mean any time within fortysix days from the eighteenth of July, when I addressed
my first note to Major Woodson, or it may refer to your
' unofficial' proposition of August eighth.
" TWill you, my dear sir, in view of my personal affairs,
enlighten me as to your time, so that I may have my
personal affairs in readiness; otherwise, I shall be compelled to hold myself in constant readiness to move at
a minute's warning from now until the morning of the
third (3d) day of September, proximo.
"I shall do the latter, if you require it, but for my
personal sake I would ask the charity of some definite
understanding.
I am, my dear Colonel, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D., ILOFTY, M. D.
I answered this note as follows:
"OPELIKA, ALA., August 9, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your favor of the seventh instant to
hand.  Contents noted.  I regret not being able  at
present to give you definite information as to the intentions of the friend of Major Woodson. If I find I can
do so, it will afford me pleasure to comply.with your
request.
"For fear of some future misconstruction, I feel it
my duty to say, that my recollection does not concur
136
11 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TI1E CODE DUELLO. 137
with yours as to what took place between you and myself at Neil's Landing. I would at present call your
attention to one point. You seem, from some reason, to
count time from eighteenth of July, when, according to
my recollection, the first and only note ever received
from Captain Porter by Major Woodson, was dated
twenty-third July, 1873, 3 P. M.  While I have no idea
that this date will ever be material, I deem it proper to
refer to it in answer to your letter.
"I remain, sir, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"G. W. HURD."
On the twenty-second of August, I received the following letter, by mail, from Colonel Lofty:
"ATLANTA, GA., August 21, 1873. 
NATIONAL HOTEL, 7:42, P. M.
"COLONEL G. W. HURD, Opelika, Ala.
"MY DEAR SIR:-I was absent when your favor of the
eleventh, in reply to my note of the seventh instant,
came to hand.
"I am sorry that'your memory' of the occurrence at
'Neil's Landing,' differs from mine. I am quite sure
mine serves me correctly. I shall regret if the'different
opinion' on your part continues, though, as you have
failed to mention it to me, I do not know in what it
consists. However, I have consulted my memory, and
have referred my note to you to Doctor Courtney, and
I am quite sure that the matter was as I had written
you. Should you still, after considering the matter,
continue in your same opinion, I fear we shall find
our difference irreconcilable-in which case I can only
say I am at your service, and humbly await your pleas 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
ure. I am sorry to tell you, that I cannot permit a
count of time to run from the twenty-third of July.
"You are well aware that I commenced action on the
eighteenth, and that I notified Major Woodson on that
day, that I had a'message for him;' and, as all subsequent delay arose from the action of your party, I cannot, in justice to my  friend, permit advantage to be
taken of it. There has been far too much delay, and, I
regret to add, too much publicity, in this affair already;
therefore, I am compelled to notify you, that my action
will commence upon the morning of the third of September,'proximo,' unless I shall hear from your party
sooner. I shall await your pleasure at this point, and
should I be compelled to move earlier, I will notify you,
both by letter and telegram.
"Meanwhile, I am, Colonel,
"Your very obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
To this letter I made the following reply:
"OPELIKA, ALA., August 22, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
"MY DEAR Sin:  Your favor of the twenty-first instant is at hand. It would be very absurd for me to be
offended with you, because my recollection of an'unofficial' conversation does not happen to concur with
yours. Being perfectly satisfied with my own recollection, I freely acknowledge your right to an equal confidence in yours.
"I concur with you in regretting the'publicity,'
which must, however, have been stopped by your card
in the'Herald.'
"As to your intimation of the course you intend to
138 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  139
pursue, in reference to Major Woodson, and the views
you present as to his duty, I do not feel called upon to
make any response, not representing him, as you are
aware, in this matter. I presume that, on inspection,
the correspondence between yourself, and Captain
Porter, and Major Woodson, will speak for itself.
"I am, sir, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"G. W. HURD." 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR0
CIIAPTER XXX.
COLONEL LOFTY'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH COLONEL STRONG.
ON the 11th day of August, 1873, at the hour of
10: 15 A. M., being busily engaged in my office, my attention was suddenly attracted by unusual sounds in
the adjoining office of Colonel Strong. These words
only caught my ear distinctly: Pertinent! IMPERTINENT
PUPPY!! Then followed a crash, as if a blow had been
struck. At once I rushed to the assistance of my friend,
thinking him engaged in some, perhaps mortal, combat.
Hie was alone; his chair upset; a letter in his hand; his
face pale as death —always a sign, with him, of intense
anger and excitement.
In answer to my hurried question as to what was the
matter, he said: "Read that!! (handingme the letter
which he held) and see what a fool your friend, Lofty,
is. But before you read it, tell me, if you please, what
the word pertinent means." I told him. "Exactly," said
he, "that is what Webster says.  Now, Colonel, I know
you admire Colonel Lofty, and certainly your manners
have improved, since you became acquainted with him.
But if he has the impertinence to annoy me by writing
about his'pains and griefs,' occasioned by my asking
him a pertinent question, I'll break a two-year-old
hickory stick over his head."
Regretting, deeply, that my friend Colonel Strong
140 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  141
could not appreciate the sublime traits of character of
my friend Colonel Lofty, I argued the matter with him,
kindly, until he finally became calmer; and I read the
admirable and feeling letter of Colonel Lofty, handed
me by Colonel Strong, as follows:
"OFFICE AND SALES-ROOMI OF PORTER & SMITI,
"Grocers and Commission Merchants, Manufacturers and Importers of Liquors, etc. Consignments and orders solicited.
" ATLANTA, Georgia, August 7,1873.
"COLONEL F. T. STRONG, Editor'Patriot,'
"3My DEAR SIR:-I have this moment seen Colonel
Henry Y. Smith, who has just returned from Opelika,
and tells me that you have returned from your Carolina
trip.
"I did myself the honor to stop to see you at Opelika, on July the 28th, when on my way up from Columbus, Georgia, but had the mortification to find you
gone.
"I hence, with pleasure, avail myself of this, the earliest moment, of addressing you. Permit me to express
the hope, that your trip was a pleasant one.
"And now, my dear sir, for the'res in gestc.' Do
you remember, my dear sir, the first visit that you and
Colonel G. W. Hurd paid to me at the IRankin House,
in Columbus, upon the 18th day of July? It was, I
think, about 4: 30 P. M. of that day, that you occasioned
me a great grief.
"I think, my dear sir, that upon that occasion, without having been properly authenticated to me in writing, or otherwise, than by a verbal introduction, you
permitted yourself to address to me a very pertinent
question-so pertinent, indeed, was it, that I found nmy, 
DOWN THE RIvER; ORn
self unable to answer it, but told you that I would refer
it to my friend, to whom it related. That I did so refer
it, you must have been sure, for I brought my friend
back with me and introduced him.
"You and Colonel Hurd then did me the honor to enter my room, where Colonel Hurd presented me a note.
This note I was about to exhibit to my fiiend Doctor
Courtney, when you permitted yourself, notwithstaniding the sanctity of my room, and the pledge of the introduction I had just given you, to repeat, to Doctor
Courtney, the very same question.
"So pertinent and so singular, Colonel, was your
twice-repeated question, and so marked-I might almost say menacing-was your tone and manner, that I
assure you, my dear sir, it occasioned severe pain and
grief, both to myself and Doctor Courtney.
"My duties, as your host at the time, added to the very
peculiar situation I was then occupying, precluded the
possibility of my saying anything at that moment.
"I now approach you at the earliest moment practicable afterwards, and in doing so, I feel sure that it is
only necessary to state to you the grief under which I
have the mortification to suffer.
"Your earliest reply is respectfully requested.
"I am, my dear sir, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
Colonel Strong answered this feeling letter as follows:
"OPELIKA, AuLLgust 11, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
"SIR: —Your polite communication of 7th instant,
through the mail, has been received.
142 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 143
"I am not aware of having said anything, at the precise time to which you refer, that should have occasioned you either great'pain' or'grief.'
"I always studiously avoid asking other than'pertinent questions.' And, if my recollection of the definition of the word'pertinent' is correct, it seems to me
you should not have been occasioned'pain or grief,'
by my propounding to you a' pertinent question.' If
my memory is not defective, the word'pertinent'
means, related to the subject, or matter, in hand; just to
the purpose; adapted to the end proposed; apposite, etc.
"I am sir, respectfully,
"F. T. STRONG."
In vain did I attempt to induce Colonel Strong to use
the words, "My Dear Sir," in addressing this note to
Colonel Lofty, for I feared that his tender feeling would
be wounde.d by being addressed as "Sir," and if so, the
consequences might be terrible; but that great man
kindly overlooked this important point, and answered
as follows:
"ATLANTA, GA., August 21, 1873. 
2:30 P.M.    )
"COLONEL F. T. STRONG, Editor, etc.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your favor of the 11th instant I
found waiting me on my return.
"Your reply, that you had no intention to pain Doctor Courtney, or myself, is entirely satisfactory to me.
"I have the honor to be, Colonel,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D." 
D)OWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER XXXI.
MAJOR WOODSON SELECTS A SECOND.
ON the 26th day of August, 1873, at 1:30 P. M., I left
the city of Opelika; reached the town of Seal, upon the
same day, at 5 P. M.; and while there, had the pleasure
of meeting Major Woodson.  He informed me, that he
was ready to make his reply to the courteous note of
Captain Porter.
But the question which now perplexed the Major
was, whom, out of his numerous friends, he should select
as his second. After the names of many had been canvassed, Major Woodson straightened himself in his
chair, and bringing his right hand heavily upon the
table near him, said: "Colonel, I shall request my friend,
J. T. Hardy, to act for me."
I suggested, that Mr. Hardy had only arisen to the
rank of Lieutenant in an artillery battalion-had even
dropped that title since the close of the war. And, that,
while Mr. Hardy was a man of undoubted honor, and a
disciple of the code, yet he might be considered as
wanting in that high polish and familiarity with it,
which so distinguished Colonel Lofty; and, possibly,
that gentleman might prefer dealing with a person more
nearly approaching himself in rank and polish
Major Woodson looked me firmly in the eye, and
said: "Colonel, I am not selecting a friend, in this mat
144 
PIRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELLO. 145
ter, merely for the purpose of pleasing Colonel Lofty;
what I mainly desire is, a man who suits myself, and
one upon whom I can rely in any emergency. Now,
Hardy stood by me at Baker's Creek, and through the
siege of Vicksburg. I know him, and can depend on
him; he shall act for me." At this time a messenger
approached us, bringing letters to Major Woodson from
the mail. I noticed a slight flush upon the Major's
cheek, as he read one of these letters.
He presently handed it to me, remarking, "I suppose,
Colonel, you will at least admit that your favorite assumes a good deal, in taking charge of both sides of this
affair."
The letter which Major Woodson handed me, was as
follows:
"ATLANTA, GA., August 24th, 1873. 
"NATIONAL HOTEL, 2:20 P. M.
"MAJOR J. F. WOODSON:
"MY DEAR  SIR:-I  have  just terminated a correspondence with Colonel Hurd, which, as it bears
directly upon yourself, I feel it to be my duty to submit
to you.
"You see, Major, that, either intentionally or otherwise, you failed to properly accredit Colonel Hurd to
me. I consented, however, to receive your notes from
his hands, because of his high character and standing;
only taking the precaution to have each one properly
authenticated, as having been delivered to me from
you, together with the hour of delivery, as, save in one
note, you had failed to fix the hour of writing.
"As Colonel Hurd  1ow declines to hold the position
of your friend, only as it may suit his convenience and
taste, and as I have, certainly, waited a reasonable time 
DOWN TIHE RIVER; OR,
for you to accredit some one to me, I ask you at once to
name some friend, through whom the future correspondence, in relation to the affair between yourself and Captain Porter, may be conducted.
"As I have stated in my letter to Colonel Hurd, and
for the reasons therein recited, I shall expect to receive
your written reply to the note from Captain Porterdelivered by me to you, in person, at Neil's Landing, in
the State of Florida, at 3 P. M. of July 23d-at least, by
10 A. M. of the 3d of September.
"In view of the manner in which I consider Colonel
Hiurd has trifled with me, I will expect, Major, your
next messenger to be properly authenticated to me in
writing.
"I shall await your pleasure at the National Hotel, in
this city, unless some unforeseen circumstance should
arise. Should I suddenly be required to move, I shall
notify you, both by letter and telegram. Meantime,
Major, I am, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"HERcuLES D. LorFT, M.D."
After reading this letter, I remarked, "Colonel Lofty
has more than once assured me, Major, that he took
a deep interest in preserving not only your life, but
your honor. And the advice he gives, is only wrung
from him by that high-toned, chivalrous spirit, which
cannot confine itself to a one-sided view of the question."
Next  morning we took  the train for Columbus,
Georgia, and arrived there at 10:45 A. M. During the
morning, Major Woodson requested me to read his reply to Colonel Lofty, which was as follows:
146 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIIE CODE DUELLO.  147
"COLUMBUS, GA., August 27th, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY:
" SIR:-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your communication of the 24th inst., enclosing a
correspondence between yourself and Colonel Hurd,
and advising me, that you would expect a reply, through
some accredited friend, to Captain T. J. Porter's note of
July 23d, by the 3d day of September, prox. Pardon
me for saying, that I regret the correspondence between
yourself and Colonel Hurd as unnecessary, and improper. HIe was my accredited agent to you, only in the
correspondence which preceded the note of Captain
Porter. Upon the receipt of that note, I became the
custodian of my honor, and promised to reply'within
the usual timle.'
"Any suggestions in the interim, such as your last
note contains, you will again pardon me for saying I
consider unkind.
"When I am ready, Colonel, I shall reply to Captain
Porter; and in the mean time, I have the honor to be,
"Very respectfully,'
"J. F. WOODSON."
Later in the day, Major Woodson had an interview
with Mr. Hardy, who at once assured him, that nothing
would give him more pleasure than to serve him, and
so the question, as to who should act as Major Woodson's friend, was finally settled.
In a private interview with Mr. Hardy, I informed
him, that Colonel Lofty was no ordinary man, and, as a
duelist, had more experience than the gentlemen of Columbus, Opelika, Brownsville, and Scale, and the intervening country all put together, and besought him not 
IDO-WN TIE RIVER; OR,
only to consult the best living authorities, but to read up
on dueling, and practice bowing and drinking whiskey.
All this he pTomised to do, but seemed in no way affected
by nay account of Colonel Lofty. He smniled once or
twice during the minute description which I gave of his
many acts of daring, and quietly remarked, that he
would like very well to see the man.
I felt great uneasiness about the effect of the selection
of Major Woodson, and feared that the deliberate, and
almost sarcastic, manner of Mr. Hardy might irritate
Colonel Lofty.
148 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELLO. 149
CHAPTER XXXII.
COLONEL LOFTY WRITES TO COLONEL HURD.
ON the 28th of August I arrived in Opelika, and, upon
repairing to my office, found the following letter from
Colonel Lofty awaiting me:
"ATLANTA, GA., August 23, 1873.
" 8 P. M., National Hotel.
"COLONEL G. W. IIURD:
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your prompt favor of 22d inst., in
reply to mine of 21st, is to hand.  While I am gratified,
Colonel, at your promptness, you will forgive me if I
say, that I am grieved at the lack of perspicuity in your
reply.
"Let me deal with you frankly.  I am not, like yourself, learned in the law and skilled to write words that
convey a sound that soothes the mind and lulls to hope,
but, at the period that should bring fruition, breaks the
word of promise to the hope while keeping it to the ear,
leaving dull despair and shameful dishonor to the waiting fool. I am, Colonel, but a plain, blunt man, unskilled in craft or wily tactics-a man who says exactly
what he means, and means exactly what he says.
"Forgive me, then, if I find your note unsatisfactory.
And believe me, in the name of truth, when I point out
wherein it is unsatisfactory.
" In your letter of the 11th, you said, in reply to my 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
note of the 7th, that your memory of the occurrences
at Neil's Landing dcliffered from mine.
"Now, Colonel,'I had written you upon the 7th what
my memory was. If, therefore, your memory differs
from mine, and you are not in error, either I had wilfully and deliberately lied, or I must have been a most
egregious ass, to have written privately to you a thing
or things of which I was not sure.
"This condition of things occurring to me, I was
greatly distressed. I at once sent for Major Shelton
and Doctor Courtney and consulted them. I referred to
my letter to you, and have looked over all the papers in
the case in order that my mind should come accurately
to the point of our unofficial conversation. I gravely
announce to you that I am unable, after all this care, to
find a single error in my letter of 7th inst.
"I therefore respectfully ask, that you will at once
specify distinctly wherein your memory differs from
what I have written, as I assure you that I cannot consent to remain under a charge like that, though it be
vaguely expressed and known only to you and myself.
"You regret, with me, the publicity this affair has obtained, and presume it was stopped by my card in the
'Herald.' I cannot permit you, Colonel, even in your
own mind, to do my friends of the'Herald' so much
injustice.   The'Herald' only printed my card, and
reprinted (as the cause of their action) the card of retraction of the'Sun.'
"And this retraction of the'Sun,' I am sure you
know, cost me the pain of slapping the face and pulling
the nose of Major De Soto, the editor. You know I
had promised, both to your party and mine, that I
would compel such a retraction, and you know I redeemed my word.
150 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO.  151
"You say as to the course you intend to pursue in
reference to Major Woodson, and the views you present as to his duty,'I do not feel called upon to make
any response, not representing him, as you are aware.
An inspection of the correspondence between yourself,
Captain Porter, and Major Woodson, will speak for itself.'  Well, Colonel, I have consulted, and will let it
speak.
"I find from it that although you were never officially
authenticated as the friend of Major Woodson, nevertheless you permitted yourself to bear every communication which I received from him.
"I own that you formally, but verbally, told me that
in view of your connection with him, you could not proceed further in the case. I was therefore surprised
(but agreeably so, as I was glad to find myself coifronted by so courteous a gentleman) to find you on the
boat with Major Woodson.
"After the delivery by me of Captain Porter's note
to Major Woodson, you made me that informal visit,
about which I have had the misfortune to find you differing from me in memory.  It is, therefore, with trepidation that I remember you stated, that the Major
would like to have his friend with him.  When I expressed surprise, as you were there, you again reminded
me of your relationship. I will not discuss this further
with you, Colonel.  I do not feel that'the game is
worth the candle.'
"I will only say to you plainly, as a plain man, that it
seems to me you have trifled with me.
"As you now say distinctly, and in writing, that you
are not the friend of Mlajor Woodson, I shall annoy
you no further about it, but at once address Major 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Woodson, and request him to authenticate some friend
to me with whom I may correspond.
"In conclusion, Colonel, I hope I shall not be thought
going too far when I say that I trust, after your written
disclaimer, that all active interference in this matter
will cease, unless you intend fully to assume the responsibility of such action.
"I remain, Colonel, your very obedient servant,
"Humbly awaiting your pleasure,
"HERCULEs D. LOFTY, M.D."
While deeply engaged in reading and pondering over
this admirable letter, I was much irritated on being in terrupted by the entrance of Charley Chip, to whom I
remarked hastily: "Have you brought that miserable
little tin account? I have certainly paid it, but call
when I am at leisure, and I will pay it again, if I do not
find your receipt. You see that I am engaged at
present."
"No, sir," he replied in a more dignified manner than
is usual with him, "the account is all right. No, sir, I
called round, Colonel, to hand you this note from Colonel Lofty," and he presented mce the following note:
"OPELIKA, August 28th, 1873. }
"ADAMS HOUSE, 10 A.M.
"COLONEL G. W. HURD, present en ville.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Will you pardon me if I remind
you, that up to this moment, my letter of the 23d remains unanswered. Allow me to respectfully inform
you, that I am in this city, at the Adams House, where
I will reside until I depart for Columbus, where I shall
remain until the morning of the 3d of September. I
shall reside at the Rankin House while there, and shall
duly notify Major Woodson of my arrival.
152 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO.  153
"Permit me, Colonel, to call your attention again to
my letter of the 23d inst., and allow me to renew my
request, that you will state to me, in writing, wherein
your memory differs from mine.
"Permit me to observe, that a charge so vague as this
is very painful; and is one under which I cannot rest
quietly with honor.  It is one you should not make,
without full specification and proof. I have now asked
you no less than three times, to specify the charge you
have made.
"Once more I beseech you; say distinctly and fully,
in what your memory differs firom mine.
"I humbly await your pleasure.  With profound respect, Colonel,
"I am your most obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
After reading this letter, I turned to young Chip
solemnly, and said: "Charley, do you bear me this note
from Colonel Lofty, as his friend or second? "
"No, sir! No, sir! Oh! no, Colonel; he asked me
just to step in, and hand it to you. Do you want me to
wait for an answer, Colonel?" he replied.
"No, Charley, you need not wait; tell Colonel Lofty,
that I will honor myself by replying to his letter by
mail. You may go now, Charley."
[Exit Charley. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XXXIHI.
MR. HARDY MEETS COLONEL LOFTY.
PROFESSIONAL business occupied my attention during
the twenty-eighth of August, and until 12:30 P. M., of
the twenty-ninth.  When  I encountered Mr. Hardy
stepping off the train from Columbus, he accosted and
requested me to introduce him to Colonel Lofty. We
repaired to the Adams House, and there met the
Colonel.
After mutual profound salutations and expressions
of pleasure at meeting, between Colonel Lofty and myself (during which Mr. Hardy stood by, perfectly unmoved, his eyes quietly directed upon Colonel Lofty,)
I respectfully asked permission to introduce Mr.
Hardy to Colonel Lofty, and, upon permission being
granted, did so.
Colonel Lofty, with repeated salutations, expressed
his great pleasure and delight at being honored by the
acquaintance of Mr. Hardy. The latter, with a slight
movement of his body, something like a bow, said, "He
had wished for some days to see Colonel Lofty, and
that he desired a private interview."
Colonel Lofty bowed profoundly and remarked, "That
it would afford him great pleasure if MIr. Hardy would
honor him by entering his humble apartment. I believe," he continued, "you are a brother of my old
friend, Colonel 0. L. Hardy?" Mr. Hiardy replied,
7*
151 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO.  155
"That Colonel 0. L. Hardy was his brother."  Upon
my making a movement to retire, Mr. Hardy requested
me to wait for him. "I will not detain you more than
two minutes," he said.
I smfiled, as they retired into Colonel Lofty's apartment, and looked at my watch, for I thought Mr.
Hardy had reckoned without his host, in allowing only
two minutes, when thirty or sixty would, in my opinion,
be necessary-for I knew his business was to deliver a
note, and, under the etiquette of the code, a note could
not be delivered in less than thirty minutes, even if
the whiskey part of the imposing ceremony was taken
"strcaight."
Imagine, then, my astonishment when, at the expiration of one and one-half minutes, I saw both gentlemen
returning. We walked into the passage of the hotel together, and had approached the flight of steps leading
to the street, when Colonel Lofty, having left his hat
and gloves, returned to search for them, and Hardy
and myself stood together, he lounging negligently on
the railing of the steps. I exclaimed, "It is not possible
that you have delivered the note already?"  "No," replied Hardy, "not exactly.  You see, when we first
went into the room, Colonel Lofty told mie he would be
honored and pleased, etc., to take the note as soon as
we took whiskey. I told him that I always took business first and whiskey afterwards; then Colonel Lofty
said,'he wanted Mr. Count Bismarck and others to
witness his taking the note.' It did not seem to me
appropriate to have witnesses, especially as those he
proposed, I knew, were not disciples of the code, and
suggested the point to him, but he said,'The way to
make men admire the code and convert them to it was 
DOWN THIE RIVER; OR,
to let them see the practical workings of it,' and I, just
to save time, told him to bring in his witnesses, and be
quick about it, but it seems that we will have to tramp
over the city to find these unconverted anti-duelists."
I replied, that it seemed to me unusual, but I supposed the overwhelming necessity of making converts
to the code in these degenerate days might well excuse
conducting the affair in a slightly irregular manner.
Colonel Lofty joining us, we walked up to Count
Bismarek's store.  I stopped at the door, but being requested by Colonel Lofty to assist in witnessing the
important ceremony, entered, and we approached the
Colonel, who stood in the middle of the store. (During
the interview which followed, I could but be gratified at
the evidently increased trade of my old friend Bismarck.
His store was crowded.)
Jfr. Hardy remarked: Colonel, have you now witnesses enough?
Lofty. Colonel Hardy (bow), I think, sir, that these
gentlemen (bowing to first myself and then to Count
Bismarck) will be sufficient. In some cases I require
as many as four.
Hardy. Here is the note, then (handing it to Colonel
Lofty).
Lofty. Colonel Hardy (bowing and taking the note
lightly by the corner), I will now, sir, do myself the
honor to take this note.
At this moment Mr. Hardy released his hold upon the
note, not knowing that it was necessary, at this stage of
the proceeding, for both gentlemen to hold the note up
between them until the remarks of the recipient were
concluded. Colonel Lofty not being prepared for this
sudden withdrawal of the support from the opposite
156  
I.'
AS QUIETLY RESTING ON THE FLOOR AND NO ONE COULD TAXE IT trP."       [Page 157.]
I 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELLO. 15T
corner of the missive, it unfortunately fell between them.
Mr. Hardy leaned back against a pile of corn-sacks,
glancing in a quiet, self-possessed manner alternately at
the note, as it lay upon the floor, and at the face of
Colonel Lofty, which had assumed a startled and surprised expression.
The question arose in my mind as to whose duty it
was, under these most peculiar circumstances, to raise
the note from the floor. I was willing to do it, but not
being connected with the affair, except as a witness,
was satisfied that it would be presumptuous in me to
touch it. A second glance at Colonel Lofty's face
showed me, that while that great duelist had probably
never in his life been placed in so delicate and harassing a position, yet he was of opinion, that inasmuch as
the delivery of the note and its reception, under the
code etiquette, had not been completed, that it was the
duty of Mr. Hardy to raise it from the floor, but that it
would be indelicate in him, more especially as the
point was novel and difficult, to express his views.
On glancing again at Mr. Hardy, I saw, from his nonchalant and satisfied expression of countenance, that he
considered it no affair of his, and that he construed the
words of Colonel Lofty, "I will now do myself the
honor to take this note," accompanied by the actual
taking a corner of it in his hand, as a delivery; and so
the matter stood, and it is probable that a dead lock
would here have been made, which might have stopped
any further progress in the affair which I am recording,
for the note was quietly resting on the floor, and no
one could take it up-or at least each thought the other
should do it-and there it must have remained had not
our anti-dueling friend, Count Bismarck, who had been 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
a few moments absent, waiting on a customer, returned
and assisted the duel on its legs again by taking up the
note and handing it to Colonel Lofty, saying: " Here is
the note you dropped, Colonel," in such a quick impulsive way, that the Colonel had it actually in his hand
before he was aware of what he was doing.
So solemn andl impressive had been this scene, that
trade had been suspended in Count Bismarck's store
during its continuance. Not an article had been purchased (save and except two-and-a-half pounds of sugar,
which Bismarck had himself weighed and sold to a poor
woman), every tongue was still, every eye was turned
alternately from the note to each of the living actors in
the scene, every ear was attentive; even the casual
passer-by on the side-walk paused with breath suspended and outstretched neck; and when, at last, by the
action of the accommodating Bismarck, the note reached Colonel Lofty's hand, there was a long-drawn audible respiration of relief from the spectators, and trade
went on —or at least as I at this moment turned my face
to the spectators they turned theirs to the counters,
and I heard inquiries as to the price of various articles.
Colonel Lofty now stood in his most erect position,
with the note in his outstretched hand, and remarked'.
"Gentlemen, I am now placed in a most overwhelming
and delicate position; never in the course of my experience have I seen subch a serious accident occur as the
unfortunate dropping of this note, after its delivery had
been commenced, and before it had been completed.
I am unable to say what would have been the result
had not our fiiend, Mr. Count Bismarck, so courteously
placed this note in my hands, acting, as it were, as the
proxy, or agent of Mr. Hardy." And turning to Hardy,
158 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIlE CODE DUELLO.  159
said, bowing low, "I suppose, Mr. Hardy, that you ratify
and adopt the act of our friend, Mr. Count Bismarck,
in completing the delivery of this note to me on your
behalf?"
/H(rdy. I am not responsible for what Bismarck may
do, or has done; I delivered you the note and you took
it, and then let it fall, and he handed it to you.  I see
nothing wrong about the matter, and don't pretend to
understand why you should stand and look at the note
so long; I know but little about dueling.
Lofty. My dear Colonel Hardy (bow), it then seems
you consider that you had completed the delivery of
the note, when it unfortunately fell to the floor.  That
being the case, and inasmuch as I am now de facto in
possession of the note, and as it would be discourteous
in me to replace it on the floor, so as to place matters
in 8stat guo, I will, in this peculiar and most interesting
state of affairs, adopt your views. At the same time,
feeling it my duty to say (pardon the expression), that
your view is erroneous, and that I will never, in any
future duel, be governed by this precedent.
]ac,dy. Colonel, I would be glad to get off on the
first train, and if it suits your convenience to hurry
matters, I would be pleased.  If not, I will stay over.
-ofty. Colonel Hardy (bow), to suit your private interests, we will dispense with as much  ceremony  as
possible in so important a matter; but, sir, it grieves me
to do so.
Hardy. Then, Colonel, don't do it; I will stay over for
the next train; just go on and talk as much as you wish.
Lofty. By no means, sir (bow).  I will do myself the
hionor to read this note at once, without even waiting
to be requested to do so (and he read as follows): 
DOWIN THE RIVER; OR,
~ COLUMBUS, GA., August 28th, 1873.
"CAPTAIN T. J. PORTER:
"SIR:-I regret if the delay, which I have found
necessary in framing a reply to your note of 23d
of July, may have caused you inconvenience. Your
complaint is, that over my signature in the'Sun' of
25th June, an advertisement appeared, containing cruel
statements in regard to the character of your deceased
relative. The greater portion of that article contains
simply references to sworn testimony in a law case, to
which I presume your note does not refer-"
At this point Colonel Lofty stopped reading, heaved
a sigh, and said, "Major Hardy, it pains me exceedingly to decline to take this note, but it is my duty to
do so; and Hercules Diogenes Lofty will do his duty,
cost him what it may.
Hardy. Do you find anything discourteous or disrespectful in the note, Colonel Lofty?
lofty. Mr. Hardy (bow), on the contrary, sir, I
find it most courteously expressed and respectful in its
terms. I will, with your permission, state the important reasons which prevent my receiving this most courteous note. Captain Porter had a fourth cousin, who is
now dead, and being dead, it is a maxim, handed down
to us from time immemorial, that his virtues, if he had
any, must live after him, and be remembered, and his
faults must be buried with him. Nothing can authorize any fault of a deceased person to be ever mentioned, or referred to, in any way. Major Woodson
mentions sworn testimony, and presumes that Captain
Porter's note does not refer to that portion of his article. Now, gentlemen, in the first place, no sworn testi
160 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 161
mony should ever be allowed in any case where it may
affect injuriously the character of the dead. The bad
character of the dead can never be discussed in any
manner, or for any purpose; any living man or woman
must be allowed to suffer or die, if need be, rather than
assail the character of the dead. These principles are
so well established under the code, that it is unnecessary to discuss them at length, and I will proceed now
to show the gentlemen here present, what Major Woodson's note should have been, to be satisfactory to Captain Porter. First, then, he should have said
ITardy. I would prefer, Colonel, your reducing your
reasons for declining to take this note, to writing, to
hearing your views about what character of note would
be satisfactory to Captain Porter; but if you prefer
talking longer, I will hear you through.
Lofty. Colonel Hardy (bow), I will do myself the
honor, forthwith, to act as you desire.
And we walked into the back-room of Bismarck's store,
and Colonel Lofty sat down to write, with his back
towards a pail of fresh water standing near. Mr. Hardy
raised a dipper full to his lips, remarking, "Bismarck,
I'll take a drink."  As the last word fell from Hardy's
lips, Colonel Lofty arose, and in his most urbane manner, bowing profoundly, said, "Your suggestion, Mr.
Hardy, is a most timely one; I will do myself the honor
to join you." At this instant, his eye caught the dipper
suspended in Hardy's hand, and he turned suddenly
back to his writing, saying, "Thank you, Colonel, thank
you; I never drink water. I consider it unhealthy, sir,"
and I saw a melancholy, disappointed look settle for a
moment on his face.
In a few moments he turned again to Mr. Hardy, 
DOWN THIE RIVER; oR,
remarking, "My dear sir, I am very much at a loss to
know by what title to address you; will you do me the
honor to inform me as to the title you prefer to be addressed by?"
Hardy. Certainly; just write me down a "field hand."
I have no title.
Lofty. My  dear sir (bowing), I beg that you will
allow me to use some title; I assure you, sir, that if we
should ever be compelled to print this most interesting
correspondence, it will look much better.
Hardy. I never expect to have it printed; in fact,
that is not my object; if we can settle the thing for
these gentlemen fairly and honestly, I am willing, and
if we cannot, then, I say, let them fight, and not print.
lofty. My dear sir, your views do you great credit;
but, as a personal favor to myself, I hope you will
allow me to add the word Esquire after your name?
Ifardy. I rather prefer being addressed as a "field
hand," but, if it will gratify you, write me down Esquire.
And Colonel Lofty proceeded to write. When he was
through, Bismarck stated that he had a great curiosity
to hear the rest of Major Woodson's letter; "And I
think," said he, "being called in as a witness, I am entitled to hear it all."
Lofty. If Mr. Hardy does not object (bow), I do not
observe any particular objection. I deem it proper to
state, however, that no matter what it may contain, the
effect will be the same upon Hercules Diogenes Lofty.
Hardy. It is a matter of indifference to me; Colonel
Lofty can do as he pleases.
Colonel Lofty thereupon read aloud the remainder of
Major Woodson's letter, as follows:
162 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  163
" I confine my reply, therefore, to that portion which
refers to his intercourse with Caroline Myers, and the
circumstances connected with that transaction, embracing his disconnection with the Church. Permit me, in
the outset, to state, that the article in question was
written in reply to an anonymous correspondent of the
'Herald,' in defence of my client and kinsman, against
whom the foulest charges had been preferred, pending
his trial. The averments of that publication led me to
an examination of all the facts in the case, and I was
forced by it-reluctantly I confess-to state circumstances connected with your deceased relative which I
would not have done, but for the attacks of this anonymous writer, and to disabuse the public mind of the
prejudice sought to be engendered by it. These facts
were derived from the very best authority, and their
publication would never have been made had not le0
character of my information justified it. You will remark, also, that in the very letter of which you coinplain, I.offer to correct any mistake which I may have
made as to facts.  Having premised this much then,
I cannot do you the injustice to suppose, that in your
request to me for the retraction of injurious reflections,
you desire that I should retract anything which is true.
I am unwilling to indulge any such violent presumption
against any man whom I regard, and with whom I correspond, as a gentleman.
"Proceeding, then, upon this hypothesis, I have the
honor to submit to your consideration the enclosed certificates, numbered from one to four,* from gentlemen of
the highest respectability, and also some official records,
covering your ground of complaint, the originals being
* See Appendix. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
subject to your inspection at any time you may desire.
I assure you that I regret the necessity of calling your
attention to these facts, and would not do so if justice
to myself did not require it.
"Additionally, I will state, that at the time I was first
approached by your friend, Colonel Lofty, I was engaged in ferreting out a discrepancy in my charges, to
which my attention had been called, and find that Mr.
Smith, deceased, instead of being dropped, as stated by
me, from the Church, had withdrawn at his own request.
I cheerfully, therefore, make this correction, and any
other in which you may be able to satisfy me that I
have been misinformed.
"In conclusion, permit me to say, that you are correct in supposing that I did not intend wantonly to
assail the dead, or gqratuitou8sly to wound the living.
My discussion of the errors of the dead was forced
upon me in the defense of my client; to the living, I
intended no wound, gratuitous or otherwise. I meant
simply, in the vindication of a cause to which I owed
the most solemn obligations, to refute the assailants
of my client with truth. Again trusting that I do
not misconceive the purport of your request, and that
this reply may be satisfactory to you, I transmit the
same by the hands of my friend, J. T. Hardy, through
whom any future communication may be made to me.
"I am, sir, respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"J. F. WOODSON."
164 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  165
CHAPTER XXXIV.
AT THE RUBY.
WHEN Colonel Lofty finished reading the letter of
Major Woodson, he said: "Gentlemen (bowing), the
reading of that letter has made me very thirsty. May
I indulge the hope, that you will honor me by drinking
with me?" We bowed an assent, and he continued:
"There are four of us, and it will cost.one dollar. I
have plenty of money, but allow me to remark, that I
would not live, permanently, in any city where drinks
are twenty-five cents; not that there is any difference
between fifteen cents and twenty-five cents, but I consider it an imposition upon the gentlemen of our country." He then turned, and politely requested one, of a
number of persons who had approached us, to copy the
note he had written to Mr. Hardy, which request was
acceded to with great alacrity.
Then we solemnly and silently marched down to the
Ruby; for solemnity and secrecy are necessities in
dueling, now, when the laws of the land are so much
opposed to the system.
On arriving at the Ruby, each ordered his favorite
beverage; then we bowed, and clinked our glasses together, and drank with the reverberation of the martial
sound, and bowed again, lighted our cigars, and returned,
using the utmost prudence and solemnity, to prevent 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
any one from suspecting that a duel was contemplated.
To effect this object more certainly, Colonel Lofty and
Mr. Hardy walked together, so that the people should
see they were friendly. Count Bismarck and myself followed, arm in arm. As we walked thus, he whispered:
"Colonel Hurd, I am opposed to dueling on principle,
and know but little about it; but the only part of it
which I do understand, I like very much. That is the
drinking part."
When we arrived at Bismarck's store, the copy of
Colonel Lofty's note was complete. The original was
delivered to MAr. Hardy; but, I regret to say, that the
beautiful ceremony of delivery was shortened by Mr.
Hardy's quietly, but firmly, seizing with an iron grasp
the note, as soon as it was within his reach-it being
held by Colonel Lofty, suspended with his thumb and
forefinger by its extreme corner-saying, "All right, Colonel; you see that I never drop a note when it is
handed to me."
He then slowly read the note, as follows:
"OPELIKA, ALA., August 29thl, 1873. 
"Bismarck's store, back-room, 2 P. M.
"J. T. HARDY, ESQ., present en ville.
"MY DEAR SIR:-I hope you will pardon my returning to you the letter and enclosed certificates from
Major Woodson, addressed to Captain Porter, which
you have to-day presented to me.
"I cannot consent to bear this letter to Captain Porter, as I do not conceive that it in any way touches the
ground of his complaint against Major Woodson.
"Captain Porter cannot consent to any investigation
of the memory of the dead, whose faults, if they had
166 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  167
any, should be sacred; their good deeds, if any they
have done, should live after them.
"Be pleased to refer to the verbiage of the note of
Captain Porter, to which I have referred.
"If you should desire it, I will, at any time, write
what will be satisfactory to Captain Porter.
"I am, dear sir, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
" HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
After reading this note, Mr. Hardy quietly, and without asking permission, placed it in his pocket, together
with the note of Major Woodson, and we repaired again
to the Ruby, using the same precautions as on our first
visit. Arriving there, I was pleased to see the trade of
that bar on the increase so much, so that we could not
approach the counter, and time being precious, Colonel
Lofty, with a profound bow, requested us to honor him
by holding a conference, and, upon an assent being
given, he led the way to the side of the room, opposite
the bar counter, and, at least, fifteen feet distant from
it, so that our conference should be strictly private. In
fact, we were so situated that, although plainly in view,
we would not necessarily be heard by the patrons of the
bar amid the clink of glasses, unless they deliberately
chose to listen, which no gentleman would do, under such
circumstances; and it was to be presumed that none
but gentlemen entered the Ruby. Colonel Lofty turned,
facing us and the bar, and said: "Gentlemen (bowing),
I wish, with your kind permission, to do myself the
honor of making a few remarks. My course in declining to bear the note of Major Woodson, may seem to
you singular and unprecedented; but, gentlemen, I as 
DOWN THIE RIVER; OR,
sure you, that in four of the most important affairs I
ever conducted, this precise point arose, and I decided
it in the same way. And I assure you, Mr. Hardy, that
if you feel aggrieved by my course, I will only be too
happy to meet you. (At this moment, the eyes of Mr.
Hardy were quietly raised to those of Colonel Lofty,
and remained fixed upon them. After a momentary
pause, the Colonel continued:) At the same time, I feel
it but just to myself to state that no offense was intended. I acted as I did, simply because I knew I was
right.  It was Captain Porter's duty to protect the
character of his deceased cousin. No other man could
do it. Some persons may contend, that the duty devolved upon the brothers or the sons of the deceased,
and this might be a plausible point, were it not for the
fact that Captain Porter's first name, Tom, is the same
as that of his cousin; therefore, the duty of cleansing
his cousin's memory from all stain more particularly
devolves upon him, and he having undertaken this important task under my direction, Hercules Diogenes
Lofty will not permit him to have that relative's faults
mentioned, and, to satisfy him, Major Woodson must
write a different kind of note.
Now you, Colonel Hardy (I hope you will permit me
to address you as Colonel? it is more pleasant and
convenient to me), have admitted that you are not very
familiar with dueling, and nothing will give me more
pleasure than to give you any advice you need in carrying on this affair; and you may trust in my judgment
implicitly; and when you desire it, let me know, and I
will give you the draft of a note, which Major Woodson
can copy in his own hand, and which, I assure you, will
be satisfactory to Captain Porter.  And allow me to
168 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELILO.  169
remark, Colonel Hardy, that nothing is more probable,
than that you and myself will be compelled to fight,
before we satisfactorily wind up this affair. It almost
invariably happens, in the affairs which I do myself the
honor to conduct, that I fight and often kill the opposing second, for some difference of opinion from me; and,
therefore, if we should meet, I assure you in advance,
that my feeling to you will be friendly.
Hardy. Colonel Lofty, while I think we might have
found a more appropriate place to discuss matters, yet,
since you have broached the subject here, I will reply
to you by saying, first, that while I know but little
about the code, I take the liberty of differing with you
on every proposition you have laid down, and every
position you have taken, since my acquaintance with
you began.
I think you should have taken this note to Captain
Porter, and if he was not satisfied with it, let Brim say
so. I do not see that you have any right to presume
that Major Woodson is so anxious to write a note satisfactory to Captain Porter, as to allow you to write his
reply.
As to the character of the dead, I do not consider
that more sacred than the character of the living, and
in some cases it may be attacked.
As to your habit of fighting the seconds opposed to
you, for differing with you, I have nothing to say (not
having been present at any of your fights), except to let
you know, that at any time you wish me to fight for
differing with you, or for anything else, just let me
know in plain English, so that I can understand you,
and I'll give you all the satisfaction you desire. And
now, Colonel, as we have come to a full understanding of 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
our respective positions, we had better take our drinks,
and not talk any more about fighting, until we get fixed
to do a little of it.
Lofty. My dear Colonel Hardy (bow), it gives me untold pleasure to have formed the acquaintance of such
a gentleman as yourself.  And if we ever meet on the
field of honor (which I do not say will be absolutely
necessary), we will take a drink together, just before we
fire, and, in the mean time, we will take one now, as you
propose.
And we drank with the usual ceremonies. And then
Colonel Lofty turned to me, saying, "Colonel Hurd,
will you, sir, do me the honor of granting a private interview?"
I replied, "Colonel, it pains me beyond measure, to
be compelled to ask you to excuse me from honoring
myself by complying with your polite request. Please
be so kind as to remember, that we differed in our
recollection of what once took place between us in a
private interview.  I hope you will agree with me, as to
the propriety of not placing ourselves in a position
where another difference might occur, until the last is
satisfactorily settled.
Lofty. Colonel Hurd (bow), considering the most remarkable circumstances by which we are surrounded,
I think your excuse is sufficient; but, allow me to
remark, that I am awaiting, most anxiously, your reply
to my letter of 23d instant. (And then we smoked, and
bowed, and parted, and Mr. Hardy took the 3.10 P. M.
train for Columbus.)
170 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 171
CHAPTER XXXV.
BETWEEN COLONEL LOFTY AND COLONEL
HURD PROGRESSES.
AT 5: 20 P. M. of the 29th of August I was sitting in
my office, with Colonel Lofty's letter of 23d instant, and
my answer to it, which I had just completed, lying before me. On looking up, after signing my name, I was
surprised to see, standing directly in front of me, Charley
Chip, dressed in his best suit, a slight twitching perceptible about the corners of his mouth.
With an air of importance I had never seen him exhibit before, he said, holding his hat before him, with
both hands: "Colonel, I've got another note for you,
sir, from Colonel Lofty."
"Ah! what is it about, Charley?" I replied.
"It's just a copy of the last note I brought you,
Colonel, except Colonel Lofty has put my name in it at
the bottom" (straightening himself with pardonable
pride).
"Am  I to understand, Charley, that you bring this
note as Colonel Lofty's friend?"
"Yes, sir; yes, sir, I reckon so, Colonel," he said in an
excited and tremulous manner.
On hearing this reply, I rose from my seat slowly and
stood erect, assuming all the solemnity and dignity
which I had acquired from Colonel Lofty, and looking
down on him said:
CORRESPONDENCE 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
"Mr. Chip, I shall be compelled to pain myself and
you by declining to receive the note you bear. You are
entitled, under the code, to have my reasons for declining in writing, and I will proceed at once to give them
to you, unless you prefer to take the night to reflect
upon this momentous subject, which may be the turning point in your life."
He replied, "Yes, sir, if you please, sir; I would like
to take to-night to think about it; please let me wait
until morning, sir." I said, "Yes, Charley, you mlay wait
until to-morrow, and then present the note if you wish
to do so."
"Thank you, Colonel, thank you, sir; I never worked
at such a business as this before," he replied. (Exit
Charley Chip.)
Thereupon I mailed my letter to Colonel Lofty, which
was as follows:
"OPELIKA, August 29, 1873, 4 r. M.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY:
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your favor of the 23d reached me
only yesterday. About the same time I received a note
from you, sent by a messenger, asking a reply to the
same. I stated to your messenger that I would send you
a reply by mail, at my earliest convenience.
"First, then, I have made no chlarge against you, and
a re-perusal of my notes will show it.
"Second, my memory differed from yours, and I mentioned that fact to you.
"I am surprised that you should, for a moment, suppose that it was necessary, to sustain your honor, that
my memory should concur with yours in every particular. But to the point. You wish to know wherein my
172 
PRACTICAL LESSONS IJNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 173
memory differs. In complying with your request, I find
it more convenient to state, as nearly as I can, what I
remember of our conversation, and leave you to judge
of the difference.
"On the evening of 23d July, at 3: 30 r. M., I called
on you, and upon your bowing most profoundly, I stated
that my call was informal, and the following conversation ensued:
"Colonel Lofty (with a low bow). It gives me pleasure,
sir, to see you at any time and in any manner.
"Hurd (with bow equally low). Allow me, sir, to express an equal pleasure in seeing you.
"Lofty (bow as before). Will you do me the honor,
sir, to be seated?
"H urd (bow as before). I will do myself the honor
of sitting as you request.
" Hurd (on taking his seat). Colonel, will you permit me
to inquire, where you can be found on or about the 8th
day of August? I take the liberty of inquiring because Major Woodson's selected friend is not here, and
I do not think that his reply will be ready before that
time.
"Lofty. Major Woodson has certainly the right, under the code, to double the time taken by Captain Porter, but it would suit my convenience better if Major
Woodson could reply before my return to Atlanta. You
are, perhaps, aware, Colonel, that my principal, Captain
Porter, is a wealthy man, and I know that Major Woodson is also wealthy, but you and myself are both poor,
and it comes very hard on us to have to make two trips
here. It is so expensive.
" turd. I have no doubt that Major Woodson and
his friend will do anything that they can, consistently 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
with their own convenience, to avoid putting you to expense or inconvenience, and I would suggest, that it is
possible, before we part on our return, after Major
Woodson consults with his friend, that some arrangement may be made to suit the mutual convenience of
all parties.
"Lofty. Would you object, Colonel, to indicating to
me what weapon Major Woodson will be likely to select, if the affair progresses to that point?
"Hurd. I am not at liberty to give you the information you desire, and allow me to suggest, that it is the
duty of seconds to exhaust every effort to prevent a
collision, before selecting weapons-is it necessary,
therefore, to calculate beforehand that their efforts will
be fruitless? But your experience is so much more extended than mine, that I feel a great delicacy in making
any suggestion.'
"Lofty (rising with profound bow). Yes, Colonel, I
have been engaged in forty-two affairs of honor, as
principal and second, and I concur with you fully in
your suggestions. It is the duty of a second to prevent a resort to arms, if possible. I recollect in one of
the first duels I ever fought, I came very near losing my
life by having a fool for a second.  He allowed me  to
fight the best swordsman in Europe with a rapier. I,
at that time, was not so proficient as I am now in the
use of that weapon, and considered my life as good as
lost, but met my antagonist fearlessly, and, after parrying a few of his thrusts, was compelled to allow him to
pass his sword entirely through my stomach, the point
coming out at my backbone. As I stood thus transfixed, it occurred to my mind to do an act which I have
never heard of being equalled, before or since. I, with
.174 
-t 
"I CAME VERY NEAR LOOSING MY LIFE BY HAVING A FOOL FOR A SECOND."         [ r'Pqe 17 1
,.;'t
,r Iv 7A
it II,    
,-  o-.,  
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER TIHE CODE DUELLO. 175
my left hand, with remarkable presence of mind, coolness, and firmness, seized my adversary's blade, holding
it so firmly, that he could neither turn it in me or pull
it out, and in that position, plunged my sword entirely
through my adversary's left breast up to the hilt, just
one inch and a half above his heart; and what is remarkable, is, that we both recovered-(and, thereupon,
you removed a portion of your clothing and pointed to
the spot). Nothing was said in this conversation, that I
recollect, about a board of honor, or any note from Major Woodson. (Later in the evening we had another
conversation, which I do not give, as your letter refers
only to the one at 3:30P. M.)
"Why you should have to consult Messrs. Shelton
or Courtney, or the correspondence, to refresh your
mind, I am unable to conceive, for neither of the gentlemen were present at the 3:30 conversation, and none
of the correspondence refers to it.
"I only give my best recollection, and while on many
points it may be incorrect, permit me to state that yours
may not be any more reliable than mine.  Of course,
no gentleman would intentionally state an untruth, but
it is rare for men's memories to concur exactly.  Take,
for instance, your statement to me in your note, that
you had pulled the nose and slapped the face of Major
De Soto. Now, I am assured that Major De Soto, who
is a high-toned, truthful man, has no recollection of such
an occurrence.
"You surprise me by alluding, in your letter, to the
possibility of your being an'egregious ass,' and a'waiting fool.' I am sure that no expression, in either of my
notes, could be construed as making such a charge, and
if you so construe my writing, I beg to assure you I had
no such intention. 
DOWVN THE RIVER; OR,
"You assure me of the pleasure you experienced in
my going on the boat. Allow me, sir, in return, to assure you that never have I experienced more pleasure
and enjoyment than on that trip, for which I am mainly indebted to yourself, and I assure you that I am not
alone when I state that your urbanity and courtesy were
unsurpassed. In fact, on this point, I think the memory of all parties concurs.
"And now, Colonel, I assume the honor of signing
my name, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"GEO. W. HIURD."
On the 30th, at 12 M., I was deeply gratified by receiving, through the mail, the following admirable and
characteristic letter from Colonel Lofty:
"' OPELIKA, ALA., August 30, 1873.
" ADAMS HOUSE, Room 6, 10 A. M.
"COLONEL GEO. W. HURD, present en ville.
"MY DEAR SIR: -Your most extraordinary letter of
this A. M., in reply to mine of 23d instant, is to hand.
Its contents are so strange and voluminous that I cannot say they are as yet carefully noted. I will reply in
due time.
"I am, Colonel, most truly,
"Your friend and obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. Lo=Y, M. D."
176 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UTNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 177
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN COLONEL LOFTY AND MR. HARDY.
AT 1: 05 P. M., of 30th of August, I entered the train for
Columbus, and arrived in that city at 3:35 P. M. of the
same day, and found there Major Woodson and Mr.
Hardy, the latter quite unwell, but of opinion that he
would recover by the morrow.
On the 1st day of September, 1873, Colonel Lofty, accompanied by Major Shelton, Captain Carter, and
Captain Wilson, arrived in.the city. Colonel Lofty occupying room 10 at the Rankin House, and the other
gentlemen of his party occupying rooms 12 and 14
adjoining.
At 3:45 P. M. Mr. Hardy handed to Colonel Lofty the
following note from himself:
"COLUMBUS, GA., August 30, 1873, 3 P. M.
"COLONEL H. D. LOFTY.
"DEAR SIR:-Your note of the 29th instant is before
me, in which you say,'I cannot consent to bear this
letter to Captain Porter, as I do not conceive that it in
any way touches the ground of his complaint,' and in
which you are pleased to refer me to the verbiage of
the note of Captain Porter.
"I have, at your suggestiqn, examined the note of
8* 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Captain Porter (which I had not seen until this moment),
to ascertain whether or not Major Woodson's note of
the 28th August did touch the ground of his complaint,
and on that examination I have concluded that it does
touch the ground of complaint, mentioned in Captain
Porter's note.
"I am, Colonel, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"J. T. HARDY."
What occurred at this interview, except the bare delivery of the note, I regret not being able to state, for
Mr. Hardy, continuing quite unwell, failed to give me
the particulars.
At 5 P. M. Colonel Lofty sent, by his friend Captain
Carter, the following note to Mr. Hardy:
"COLUMBUS, GA., RANKIN HOUSE, ROOM 10,   1
"September 1st, 1873, 4:45 P. M.
"J. T. HARDY, ESQ., present en vil'e.
"MY  DEAR SIR: Your favor of August 30, delivered
to me by yourself, about 3:30 P. M., is before me. You
quote my language, and say that I said,'I cannot consent to bear this letter to Captain Porter, as I do not
conceive that it in any way touches the ground of his
complaint.' In reply, you say,'I have, at your suggestion, examined the note of Captain Porter, to ascertain
whether or not Major Woodson's note, of 28th August,
did touch the ground of his complaint; and, on that examination, I have concluded that it does touch the
ground of complaint mentioned in Captain Porter's
note.' My dear sir, the issue you make with me is a
very peculiar and personal one.  I have  taken the
178 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 179
trouble to send for Captain Porter, who has come to
me, and fully sustains me in what I have done. I
now have the honor to notify Major Woodson that his
letter is unsatisfactory to Captain Porter. As to the
difference of opinion between you and myself, I have
the pleasure to say, that Captain Porter and myself will
leave this, at 8 A. M. of to-morrow, for the ground to
which Major Woodson once invited us, and both Captain Porter and Major Woodson, as well as you and myself, can continue our correspondence. For the original
matter, I will say, once more, that Major Woodson's
reply is unsatisfactory to Captain Porter, as well as to
myself; and hence, should I not hear further, my action
upon the 3d instant will be the same as if no reply had
been made. My friend, Captain J. C. Carter, whom
I beg to introduce to you, will hand you this, and will
bear me any reply you may choose to make.
"I am, sir,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D."
Again, I am only able to express regret at my inability to state what took place at the moment of
delivery of this important note, having only heard
some of the concluding remarks on the subject, as
follows:
Hardy. It will be inconvenient, Captain Carter, for
me to answer this note before twelve to-morrow.
Carter. The hour you name will exactly suit Colonel
Lofty's convenience; he is residing at the Rankin
House, room number ten. I reside in number twelve,
where you or your friend can find me. We would be
greatly obliged, Colonel Hardy, if your reply is made at 
1 80I DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
as early an hour as convenient, for our expenses are
very heavy.
Hardy. My reply will be made at as early an hour as
possible.
And they bowed, and parted.
180 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  181
CHAPTER XXXVII.
COLONEL HURD REFUSES TO RECEIVE
COLONEL LOFTY.
AT the hour of 6:30 P. M., on the 1st day of September,
1873, I was sitting in General Rock's office, quietly
smnoking a cigar, and conversing with my friend, Doctor
Jones. Mr. Hardy was lying on a couch, suffering
from a severe headache.
Our conversation was interrupted by the entrance of
Captain Carter, Major Shelton, and Captain Wilson.
Major Shelton greeted me cordially, and introduced
me to Captain Carter and Captain Wilson. Captain
Carter then requested a private interview, and he and
myself retired into another room, where he presented
to me the following note:
"COLUMBUS, GA., RANKIN HOUSE, ROONI 10. 
"Septemiber 1st, 1873, 6:10 P. M.
"COLONEL GEORGE W. HURD, present en ville.
" MY DEAR SIR:-Your polite and courteous letter, of
29th instant, reached me on the morning of the 30th.
I have not, as yet, quite mastered its contents, as business of overwhelming importance has not allowed me to
devote more than one half of my time to it. When I
am at leisure I will honor myself by replying. I will
only say now, that I think you omitted one bow I made
A NOTE FROM 
DOWN TIIE RIVER; OR,
you.  To this note I wish no answer.  It will be handed
to you by Captain Carter, Major Shelton, and Captain
Wilson, who are authorized to act for me.
"I remain, my dear Colonel, with profound respect,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D."
It pained me exceedingly to be obliged to refuse to
receive this elegant note, but honor compelled me to do
so, and I stated my reasons to Captain Carter, in
writing, as follows:
"COLUMBUS, GA., GENERAL ROCK'S OFFICE. 
" September 1st, 1873, 7:11 P. M. 
"CAPTAIN J. C. CARTER.
"DEAR SIR:-I respectfully decline to receive the
note you bear from Colonel Lofty, because, first, I am
informed by it that no reply is desired; second, Colonel
Lofty has seen fit to open and conduct his correspondence with me on this subject by mail, and I prefer not
carrying on, simultaneously, a double correspondence
on the same subject, through  two distinct channels.
Besides the above, other important reasons exist, whlich
prevent my reception of this note.
"I am, sir, very respectfully,
"G. W. HURD."
This note was delivered by me to Captain Carter in
person, in the presence of the gentlemen who accompanied him, and of those who were with me on his
arrival.
Now, although Colonel Lofty was not present at the
time of the presentation of his note to me by Captain
Carter, yet he has kindly reduced to writing his recol
182 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 183
lection of that occurrence, in a letter to me of September 17th, 1873, copied in chapter XLI. And the
question which has agitated my mind, ever since I commenced this chapter, is, whether it would be courteous
in me to give my recollection of that occurrence, it
being different from that of Colonel Lofty
After calm deliberation, when I reflect on how much
my readers and myself owe to Colonel Lofty, I feel
that it is but due to him that his recollection of this
occurrence  should stand as he has written it, and
that the harmony of this work may not be marred by
contradictions. 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MR. HARDY, FROM HIS SICK-BED, CONTINUES TO CORRE             SPOND WITH COLONEL LOFTY.
ON the morning of the 2d of September the city was
rife with reports of Mr. Hardy's alarming illness. The
best physicians hurried to his bedside.  Major Woodson and myself, of course, procured a carriage, rode out
to see, and found him delirious with a raging fever. His
physicians reported that he might be better or worse in
a few days.
Ah! but for the present, what could be done? Colonel
Lofty's note must be answered by 12 M. of this day.
It was now  9 A. M.  Patiently we waited by his bedside, hoping for a lucid interval; notwithstanding the
surgeon's opinion, we hoped for it, and, finally, it came
at 11:30 A. M. He was barely able to address two brief
notes;  and  then he rolled again upon  his bed of
pain.
Our horses were harnessed, and, at 11:45, we were in
the city; a friend was selected to informally deliver the
notes; and they reached Captain Carter's hands at
11:55 A. M., in ample time.  They read as follows:
"AT HOME, September 2, 1873.
" CAPTAIN J. C. CARTER.
" DEAR SIR:-I am to-day confined to my bed by a
violent attack of sickness, which compels me to transmit
184: 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  185
you my reply to the note of Colonel Lofty, of yesterday, by the hands of a gentleman who has kindly consented to bear it. Please hand the same to Colonel
Lofty, and oblige,
"Very respectfully,
"J. T. HARDY."
"COLUMBUS, GA., September 2, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULEs D. LOFTY.
"DEAR SIR:-Your note of yesterday was received by
the hands of Captain J. C. Carter, in which you say that
the issue I make with you is a very peculiar and personal
one. I cannot, however, conceive that the issue is
either peculiar or personal it certainly was not designed to be so. Upon the contrary, I thought, and still
think, that Major Woodson's letter, of the 28th ult., did
touch the ground of Captain Porter's complaint, in his
letter of the 23d of July. This, then, is the issue
between us. Captain Porter, it appears, sustains your
views-my own are unchanged. Now, in this state of
affairs, when gentlemen thus honestly differ, I suggest,
for your consideration, that the point be decided by
gentlemen chosen, to whom the same may be referred.
"I am, sir, respectfully,
"J. T. HARDY."
At 3:40 P. M. Captain Carter called on Mr. Hardy,
and found him still prostrate, and handed him a note
from Colonel Lofty. Mr. Hardy being unable to raise
himself in his bed, was also unable to bow upon the
reception of this note, but this important part of the
ceremony  of delivery was courteously waived  by
Captain Carter, as was also that of reading the note 
DOwVN THE RIVER; OR,
and the drinking, on account of the illness of Mr.
Hardy; the ceremony of delivery, being greatly shortened thereby, occupied less than three minutes. When
it ended, Captain Carter entered his buggy, which stood
ready at Mr. Hardy's gate, and drove rapidly back toward the city. The note which Captain Carter thus
left on the bed of Mr. Hardy was in the following
words:
"COLUMBUS, GA., RANKIN HOUSE, ROOM NO. 10.
"September 2, 1873, 2: 30 P. M.
"COLONEL J. T. HARDY.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your reply of this instant, delivered,'informally,' to Captain J. C. Carter, by Doctor
D. W. Jones, lies before me.
"You  say,'I cannot, however, conceive that the
issue is either peculiar or personal-it certainly was
not designed to be so.'
"My dear sir, this would certainly be as full an
apology as I could ask of you if you had not, I have
no doubt unthoughtedly, added a reiteration of the
point of difference. You do me the unkindness to say,
'I thought, and still think, that Major Woodson's note,
of the 28th ultimo, did touch tihe ground of Captain
Porter's complaint, in his letter of 23d July. Captain
Porter, it appears, sustains your views. My own are
unchanged. Now, in this state of affairs, when gentlemen thus honestly differ, I suggest, for your consideration, that the point between us be decided by gentlemen chosen, to whom the same may be referred.'
"My dear sir, let me understand you distinctly. I
understand that you wish to refer the point between
you and myself to a board of gentlemen. If so, I consent. But if you mean with regard to Captain Porter
186 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 187
and Major Woodson, I have to inform you, that three
times I have submitted to boards of honor. Once, the
gentlemen proposing, concluded that they could not act
(that was the second one, and at Eufaula). The first and
the last were here; and, I regret to say, that Mlajor
Woodson quibbled in each case, and the boards therefore failed.
"I regret to be so plain, but you leave me no alternative. I make this assertion with all its responsibilities.
I therefore respectfully decline to have any further delay in Captain Porter's matters.
"I am going to the point I indicated at 4 P. M. of this
day. If I go, and return without a satisfactory answer,
I shall certainly act as I have four times before notified
your party.
"With regard to our personal difference, if that is
what you wish to refer, I can only say, I will refer it or
not, as you please. If that be the point, I name Doctor
Courtney and Major Shelton as my party. Please notify
me of yours, and the time of meeting, which I leave to
you, provided it be after my return fromin the trip upon
which I am starting. Or it may, if you like, take place
upon the boat as we journey.
"I am, my dear sir,
"Most truly your obedient servant to command,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D." 
8DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER XXXIX.
A MASTERLY MIAN(EUVRE.
AT 5 P. M., on the 2d of September, Major Woodson
and myself were sitting with Doctor Wyatt, in front of
his office, enjoying some very fine Havana cigars,
when a mounted messenger dashed up to us, and handed Major Woodson a note from Mr. Hardy, inclosing
the letter from Colonel Lofty to himself, of 2: 30 P. M.,
copied in last chapter.
By immediate inquiry at the depot and hotel, we as ertained that Colonel Lofty and his party had taken
the 4 P. M. train, to connect with the boat at Eufaula.
This sudden and unexpected movement, of course,
produced considerable excitement, not only among the
friends of Major Woodson, but throughout the city; for
the secrecy and solemnity, necessarily observed, had
awakened curiosity and inquiry; and, it being impossible for a gentleman to " tell an untruth, or to prevaricate in the slightest degree," everything seemed to be
known, except some minor details.
Many and varied were the expressions of opinion
upon the subject of this last movement of Colonel
Lofty.
Some considered Major Woodson's honor as lost, and
blamed Colonel Lofty for robbing him of it, without
allowing him a possible chance to defend it. Others
went so far as to say, that Colonel Lofty was afraid a
188 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  189
fight would ensue, if Major Woodson had been allowed
an opportunity of accompanying this party to Neil's
Landing, and that he had executed this stratagem to
avoid one.
All did the chivalrous and considerate gentleman
most grievous injustice, and attributed to him motives
which never for a moment could have been harbored in
that gallant breast.
But who could expect the opponents of dueling, and
those but slightly acquainted with it, to appreciate or
understand that delicate sense of honor which actuates
a man who makes it his life-long study, and sleeps with
a copy of the code under his head?
To my mind (owing to my intimate association with
him), the motive of Colonel Lofty was commendable.
His action filled me with admiration. I now understood
his often repeated remarks to myself, that he desired to
save not only the life but the honor of Major Woodson.
At the time they were made, they seemed to me mysterious, but now all was clear. By this admirable manceuvre, Colonel Lofty protected Major Woodson's
honor, and prevented any peril to his life. It being impossible for Major Woodson to go to Neil's Landing, on
account, 1st, of the illness of his second, who could not,
under any circumstances, be left; 2d, because no spot
had been agreed on; 3d, because of the physical impossibility of reaching there; his honor, of course, remained untarnished; and no blame, under the code,
could attach to a gentleman for not doing that which
was impossible, and which honor and self-respect prohibited him from doing.
At the same time this eminent tactician had been
equally careful to preserve, not only the life and honor 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR.
of his principal, but that of his entire family, for he
took with him four distinguished gentlemen, besides
himself, to give a certificate to that effect.
And a publication of almost all the correspondence
in the "Atlanta Herald," cleared the last vestige of a
stain from the honor of Captain Porter.
Thus, by a single effort of that master mind, the lives
of all were saved, the honor of all preserved.
The attempt which I made to impress this practical
solution of the action of Colonel Lofty, upon the
friends of Major Woodson, was without avail. They
would not hear me, and hence I have written my views
of the motives which actuated this great duelist, that
future generations may do justice to his memory, and
imitate his example.
Not having accompanied Colonel Lofty in this second
trip to Neil's Landing, I am unable to state accurately
what occurred there; but, through the kindness of the
Colonel in allowing the newspapers to print some of the
correspondence and circumstances in this remarkable
case, I am enabled to give my readers the following
copy of the certificate, which had the effect of clearing
the honor of Captain Porter from all stain:
" NEIL'S LANDING, FLA., 6 P. M., Sept. 6, 1873.
"CAPTAIN T. J. PORTER.
"DEAR SIR:-We, Hercules D. Lofty, M.D., of Mobile, Ala., Atlanta, Ga., and Paducah, Ken.; J. F. Courtney, of Columbus, Ga.; Major J. F. Shelton, of Atlanta, Ga.; Captain J. C. Carter, of Charleston, S. C.;
Captain Henry A. Watson, of New Orleans, La., certify
that we have accompanied you on this your last expedition to this point; the first three of us were with
190 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 191
you on your first trip. We have witnessed, and are
cognizant of the cause of your wrong, and of the efforts
you have made to right it. Having remained with you
throughout your stay at this point, we now cordially
endorse your action throughout, and declare your family honor vindicated, and your antagonist shamed.
"We are, dear sir, your obedient servants,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M.D.,
"J. F. COURTNEY, M. D.,
"J. F. SHELTON,
" HENRY A. WATSON,
"J. C. CARTER."
I also take the liberty of copying two letters from
Captain Porter, published also in the "Herald," as follows:
" NEIL'S LANDING, FLA., Sept. 3, 2 P. M.
"MAJOR J. F. WOODSON.
"MY DEAR SIR -YOU grossly injured and insulted
me by your published card of 25th June. For fifty
days I have persistently sought redress. You have, in
every instance, evaded, while pretending to meet me.
"I now demand from you the satisfaction due between gentlemen, and require an immediate answer.
"With profound respect,
"I am your obedient servant,
"T. J. PORTER."
"I certify that I saw Captain Porter hand the above
note to Colonel Hercules D. Lofty.
"J. F. SHELTON." 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
"NEIL'S LANDING, FLA., 6 P. M., 6th Sept., 1873.
"MAJOR J. F. WOODSON.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your favor of 28th August, handed
to Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, in presence of Mr. Count
Bismarck and Colonel Hurd, which my friend refused to
bear, on the ground that it was insulting, is unsatisfactory.
"You, sir, first insulted and then evaded me in every
way.  I, therefore, assume the right-which I have-to
declare your card of the 25th of June to be false and
untrue in every particular. I declare you to be a man
who has slandered the dead, yet shrink from meeting
one of his living relations.
"I, therefore, respectfully proclaim you to the world
as Nidering! as lost to Los and honor! and dismiss
you to the contempt of the world.
"With somewhat lessened respect,
"I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
"T. J. PORTER."
"I certify that Captain Porter handed the above note
to Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, in my presence.
"J. F. SHELTON."
For these admirable letters to affect Major Woodson, they must have been delivered to him; but written,
as they were, merely to clear the honor of Captain Porter, a delivery to Major Woodson was entirely unnecessary; but Colonel Lofty, whose grasping mind took in
everything, provided against all possible technical objection, on account of the failure to deliver them to
Major Woodson, by causing Captain Porter to deliver
them formally to himself, in the presence of a witness.
(Oh, that I could have been there to witness the impos
192  
~>>
2; F:
1''                                      ~        /1                     ~
OFFICER INFORMED COLONEL LOFTY AS TQ THE BEST POINTS FOR ANGLING."   [Page 193.] 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THiE CODE DUELLO. 193
ing ceremony!)  And, in his magnificent generosity,
acting for the moment, as it were, as MIajor Woodson's
proxy, took upon himself, spiritually, all the censure
which could, by possibility, attach to Major Woodson,
reminding one forcibly of that ancient ceremony,
whereby one spotless, perfect animal was elected to
bear the sins of an entire nation.
On reliable information, believed true, I state that
the Sheriff of Jackson County kindly met Colonel Lofty
and his party at Neil's Landing, and consented to receive their hospitality during their entire stay. This
considerate officer informed Colonel Lofty as to the
best points for angling, and courteously remained with
the party while they indulged in that fascinating sport.
This well-meant attention of the Sheriff made the spiritual delivery of the notes, by proxy, above-mentioned,
a matter of great delicacy and eminent peril-but what
is peril where honor is at stake?
The period of time necessary to wash clean the honor of Captain Porter having expired, Colonel Lofty
returned to Atlanta, and aired it in the columns of the
"Herald," by allowing almost all the correspondence to
be printed in that paper.
9 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER XIL.
- COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
THE correspondence between Colonel Lofty, Major
Woodson, Mr. Hardy and myself, and between Captain
Porter and Major Woodson, being all published, even
fear of Colonel Lofty could restrain the press no longer;
and I insert a few comments clipped from the journals
of the day.
The stupendous advance of the American press, which,
by means of its agents, interviewers, and correspondents, collects and delineates its facts equally from
the distant foray, and the wild river bank, as from the
crowded mart, cannot be too much admired, and the
general accuracy of whose statements, in the present
instance, I have no reason to question.
"SUN."
"The'Herald' understands, that Colonel Hercules
I). Lofty, M. D., intends to visit Opelikla on Monday
next. Gentlemen here apprehend more duelistic troubles. The several statements this man has repeated
concerning our city editor were originated, and exist
only, in Mr. Lofty's heated imagination."
"THE UNION AND RECORDER."
"After waiting until out of all patience, the party in
Florida, it is said, picked up a stable door, and, after
194 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 195
marking the size of their antagonist on the door, set it
against a tree, and measuring off the distance sanctioned
by the code, drove a ball through the centre of it.  If
this is true, the party in Alabama ought, in honor, to
acknowledge, if he had been there, in place of the door,
he would have been shot; but instead of that, he pertinaciously denies through the newspapers, that he has
been killed either in person or vicariously.  But this
controversy has revealed a perfect prodigy in the person of Colonel or Doctor Lofty.  If we knew which
title he preferred, we would give it to him, for we don't
wish to offend a man who has fought forty-two duels,
and has been thrust through the heart, liver, lights, and
midriff, as often as Jack Falstaff was thlrough the hose
and doublet.  It is said, he thinks no more of killing
five or six men before breakfast than he does of drinking a mint julep.  That is awful!  As he is the only
specimen of a live Anthropophagi ever seen in this
country, it would pay well if he could be carried about
and exhibited.   His cage should be very strong, or
people will be afraid to come near enough to look at
him."
"WEEKLY NEWS."
"' NIDERING,'' LOS,' AND'SPIRITUAL NOSE-PULLING.'Our State exchanges are feasting over these expressions, which emanated from the recent muss between
Porter, Woodson, Lofty, De Soto, et al., wherein Porter,
in his final denunciation of Woodson, makes use of the
following:'I, therefore, proclaim you to the world as
Nidering! as lost to -Los and honor!'  The question
now perplexing and being agitated by the Press is, where
the devil did the war-horses get the words'Los' and
'Nidering.' 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
"The'spiritual nose-pulling' is Colonel Lofty's invention.  He stated that he did not, in reality, pull the
nose of the city editor of the'Sun,' but he did do it
'spiritually.'
"The'Enquirer' has gone to immense expense to
search out the mysterious'Los.'  The editor of that
paper has succeeded in furnishing us a little light on the
subject:
"'Los is a word that we cannot fathom, and therefore it must mean something terrible. When Daniel
O'Connell had his fuss with a fish woman, and demnolished her by saying " She was a hypothenuse, and a
parallelogram in petticoats," he could have settled her
hash in an instant, by telling her she was "lost to Los."
Our philological editor has scratched himself bald trying to find this word.  We  saw him last night diving
into dictionaries and encyclopedias that rose about him
as he read like a block house. He thinks the word is
Modoc, and means the same as "Keno;" but this is
not satisfactory, for it explains one hard word by another.  Who knows the meaning of "Keno" in this
land? A dispatch received per cable, an hour ago, from
the celebrated philologist, Max Miiller, reads as follows:
"" LIMBURG, STATE OF NASSAU, G(ERMANY. 
""'September 17th, Midnight. 
""'Los is a Gaelic word, or rather Erse.  It is now
nearly obsolete, and means a man without any tail to
his coat.  It was once used in Ireland, when fighting
was more in vogue, it being the custom of those impetuous people who were always anxious to fight anybody,
to wear long coat-tails, which dragged behind them for
several yards on the ground, and the person stepping
196 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  197
on the coat-tail, challenged as it were, the coat-tailee,
and the coat-tailee at once turned, and belted the coattailor over the head, with a complicated weapon known
as a shillalah. Some of the people, under the influence of Christianity, and a dread of sore heads, abbreviated their coat-tails, so as to avoid being insulted;
and thereat, the long-coat-tailmen became indignant,
and called them'Los.'  But why  they called them
'Los,' I am at this moment at a'Los' to state.  The
'Los' people are now legally in the majority, and men
wear coat-tails for convenience, and not as the means of
kicking up a rumpus.
""' "MAX  MULLER.
"' "Collect $196.14."
"The'Enquirer' also has the following:
"' Last night a man rushed into our office, with anger
in his eye, a club in his hand, and a short clay pipe in
his mouth. He wore a long-tailed coat, and he announced his presence by a whoop that would make Santanta die with envy; and as he whirled his stick above
his head, he screamed, "Do Oi luck loike a Los?"
He struck an offensive attitude, that influenced our
ready answer of "No, my friend, your coat-tail is
too long." "Too the divil wid ye an' me coat-tail. The
word ain't Oirish, an' if ye don't take it back, by this
and by that, I'll wallop ye till yer tailor wouldn't know
ye!"
"' This incarnate and blood-thirsty fiend held out a
piece of yellow paper, and ordered us to "print it at
once, or prepare for a wake." "Soothe thy irate feelings,
friend, thy injunctions shall be complied with," we said,
in a soothing way. He left; and informed us that he 
DOWN THIE RIVER; ORl
would be round in the morning, and he "wanted it wurd
fur wurd, and lether fur lether."
"' Here it is:
"  "COLUMBUS, GEORGY,
"' " Siptimber 18th, 1873.
""' EDITHER INKWIRER:
'" "suR:-In yer durty sheet, this morning, ye accuse
the Oirish unjusty, an ye say what ain't so be no manner of manes, an if ye dont publish this an say so,
I wouldn't give tuppince fur yer hide fur practicle purposes.-Whose Max Mule-r? I'd like to know! He's
dutchman that niever sot fut on the ould sod, an
if he dared to do it the insulted gintleminen of that nation would fill him as fall uf holes as a siv.  He's a
desaver, fur he knows in his heart, if he has any, and
it's my opinion he hasn't fur he has all stummack, loike
a bellus, that'Los' ain't Oirish, but a dutch worrud, an
manes'spiled cheese.''Whin i was at Hidilburg larnin langige, for which I have a natural tashte, I got this
kink. Cheese in Garminny, ye know, has to be purty
bad before they called it'spiled,' an have no use for it,
and so the stheudints bear wid a man a long time
before they call him'.Los,' or'spiled cheese,' and they
only do it whin a fellow won't take a dhrop of the crayther, and throw the rest in a man's face to git up a
foight.  I did this to Max Mule-r, mesilf, and begorra
he wiped his face and wint out widthout saying a wurd,
and thin the byes called him'Los,' and now he takes
revinge by atthribitin the wurd to my nation.
"' "Retract or die!
""' LARRY FLAGHERTY."'"
198 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THlE CODE DUELLO.  199
"ALBANY NEWS."
"' NIDERING.'-It is now a matter of the utmost importance to that large and respectable class of peacemakers, who are engaged in the sensation business, and
are responsible for the integrity of the code, and the
quelling of perturbed spirits, to know all about this
exhumed epithet.
"We  have, at great labor and  midnight toiling,
searched the best authorities, and find flithat an old man
by the. name of Noah Webster, who was born in a little
town called Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, about
three miles from the centre of that village, in a small
house that was covered with boards, and had a stickand-dirt chimney, just before day, on the morning of
the 16th of October, 1758-thoroughly comprehended
its beauty and its uses, and fully accounted for its etymology.
"Here is what that good old man tells us about it:
"'NIDERING, a. (See Niding). Infamous; dastardly.
"       On              pain of being held faithless, mansworr, and nidering."                                      W. Scott.
"'NIDING, n. (Written also [ithinA.)  A.-S. AXidhiug,
from -Yidth, wickedness, malice, hatred; Dan. & Sw.
Niding; Icel. _Nidingr.] A despicable coward; a dastard. (Obs.)
"' NITHING, n. (See Niding.) A coward; a dastard; a
poltroon. (Obs.)'
"There now, we have given all Uncle Noah knew
about'Nidering,' and don't want to be asked any more
questions about it. John Lyde Wilson overlooked it
when compiling the code." 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
CHAPTER XLI.
COLONEL LOFTY VISITS OPELIKA.
ON the 16th of September, Colonel Lofty arrived in
Opelika; his intention to do so having been first published in the " Herald." His unconquerable courage induced him to come unarmed, and almost unattended;
and so reckless was he of life, that he actually walked
the streets of Opelika with only one attendant, and at
one time, requested even that gentleman to walk not
with him, but twenty-one and one-half paces behind
him.
On the morning of the 18th of September, among the
letters brought me from the mail, was the following
from Colonel Lofty:
"OPELIKA, ALA., Septemiber 17, 1873, 10:30 A. M.
"COLONEL G. W. HURD, present en ville:
"MY DEAR SIR: -Upon the 30th of August you sent
me a letter, through the mail, which bore date inside,
29th of August.
"This letter, you claimed, was in reply to mine to
you of 23d of August, to which you had neglected to
reply. Failing to get an answer, I left Atlanita, came
to Opelika, and addressed you a note, through MAr.
Charley Chip, to whom you gave a verbal reply, pleading, in your usual evasive manner, that you would re
200 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THlE CODE DUELLO] 201
ply, but hadn't time then. I then sent you a second
note, to which you attempted an evasive answer, which
Mr. Chip refused to receive, saying to you, that he demnanded a written reply to a written note.
"You then promised him that you would reply by
10 A. M. of the 30th, stating, that you preferred replying
to my letter of 23d before my later ones; and, as that
had been sent through the mail, you asked leave of Mr.
Chip to send the reply the same way, assuring him,
that, when sent, you were of opinion that I would not
ask a reply to the two last.
"Mr. Chip referred the matter to me, and I consented to wait.
"At 10:30 A. M. of the next day, Mr. Chip brought
me your reply.
"I am sorry, George W. Hurd, you should ever have
written it-because I am sorry to cease to think you a
gentleman. I had believed you one, and had treated
you with courtesy accordingly.
"But, Colonel George W. Hurd, from the time you
wrote that letter you were no longer a gentleman-because, sir, you had wilfully, deliberately, and with premeditation, LIED-lied, sir; not once, but many times;
for, Mr. Hurd, your heart tells you that no such conversation as you report, ever passed between us; therefore
you had no such memory.  Oh, sir! sir! how could you
degrade yourself so shamefully?
"When I had read your letter, I at once sent you a
reply by Captain Carter, stating what you know well to
be true-that business of greater importance prevented
my replying then, and that I would reply at my convenience. You know what that business was, for you
had brought me Mr. Hardy, the day before, and wit                        9* 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
nessed our interview. You were aware, I am sure, too,
of the telegram he sent, after his return home, requesting me to come to Columbus. IHIence, you fully understand what was meant by business of a more imperative nature.
"This note, sir, was sent to you by the hands of
Captain Carter at once, and he found that you had left
the city immediately upon mailing your insult to me.
Captain Carter went to your office to deliver my note,
found that you had left, and endorsed the fact upon
the back of the note, and stated to me, that he would
hunt you until he found you. There were accredited
to you, besides Captain John C. Carter, also Major
Shelton, and Captain Wilson. These gentlemen found
you at Columbus, when they went to deliver my reply
to Mr. J. T. Hardy, in General Rock's office.
"Captain Carter, as the immediate custodian of the
note, asked to see you alone, as there were others
present. You took him to a private room; as he entered, you drew and cocked a pistol, which you held
behind you, and retreated backward behind a large
table.  Captain C. is a small man, unarmed.  You
refused the note with the pistol in your hand; but
Carter told you that you must receive it, and you took
it. It required no answer, yet you wrote one, stating,
that as the correspondence had been commenced by
mail, you proposed to continue it that way. Upon
entering that room, you shut the door in the face of
Captain Wilson and Major Shelton, and stood alone
with Captain Carter, and drew your pistol. Oh, sir!
are you not ashamed, as you remember this scene?
"Well, sir, as soon as the Porter-Woodson matter was finished, I, as I had promised, left Atlanta for
202 
Th
" OH, SIR, ARE YOU NO ASHAM   A YOU REMEMBER THIS SCEN0E.
i'
T, 
-q!E
l j'
I
. VIOb
[Page 202.]  
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  203
this point, alone and unarmed. It was my intention, if
I met you on the street, to say to you, personally and
privately, that you had lied, and dismiss the matter. I
run around here all day yesterday for that purpose,
and no other. I saw you but once-that was, as I returned from the'telegraph office.' You were standing
on the porch of your office. An elderly gentleman was
sitting on your porch, reading. Mr. Fred. Smith was
with me.  I said to Mr. Smith, at once, to leave me,
and not approach nearer to me than twenty-one and
one-half paces.  He did so, and I walked alone to the
front of your office.
"As you saw me coming, and while I was yet thirty
or forty yards away, you turned suddenly and went
into your office; the old gentleman, too, looked at me,
rose, and left the porch.  (I have been told, that so
soon as you got inside, you seized a double-barreled
shot gun, and watched for my coming through the
door.)
"Of course, I never contemplated going into your
'office.' I paused for a second, in front, then walked
slowly on to the'post-office;' waited there some three
minutes, then sauntered slowly over to the hotel.
"Since that time I have been three times past your
'office,' but, save that time, have never seen you.
"Every one in this city has been a witness to the
manner in which a party of your friends attempted to
bully and intimidate me yesterday, by parading the
streets heavily armed, and posting themselves near the
door of the hotel, where I was stopping. I have been
told that you were with that party. If so, you remained inside some of the doors, for I did not see you,
though I saw the others, as I passed through. 
DOWN TIHE RIVER; OR,
"Now, Colonel Hurd, failing to see you, I mail you
this reply to your extraordinary letter, and close all
correspondence with you forever. There is only one
way I shall ever notice you again-that is, if you should
send a friend to me with a polite note, requesting me to
meet you on mutual ground, your friend shall be received, and I promise to grant your wish, and restore you
to the gentility you have forfeited.
"I remain here until 12 to-night, when I go to Columbus. I shall stay there twenty-four hours, and then
return to Atlanta.
"I am, sir, entirely at your service,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
It was with great pain that I perceived, on reading
this letter, that owing to one or two hasty, and doubtless unintentional, expressions, I must, under the code,
return it to the distinguished writer. In taking this
course, however, I could but admire those noble traits
of character exhibited by the Colonel in this feeling
letter. It is true that his great mind being swayed to
earth, as it were, by a whirlwind of passion (caused by
some malicious knave who, possessed of the garb and
address of a gentleman, had insinuated himself into the
Colonel's confidence, and persuaded him that my
respectful letter, of the 29th, was designed to offend
him), had induced him to use expressions in his last
letter more usual among shoulder-hitters than among
gentlemen.
Yet the general tone of his letter showed that he
wrote more in grief than in anger. And the chivalrous
magnanimity of the man could not, even in the moment
of extreme emotion, be wrested from his heart. For
204 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THIE CODE DUELLO. 205
it will be noted, by some with astonishment, that in the
last paragraph, while under the influence of uncontrollable agitation, with reason, for the moment, driven
from her throne, he believed I had lost the position of a
gentleman. Yet he gallantly offered to "restore me to
the gentility (he thought) I had forfeited," by a meeting
which might cost his life-blood!
Natural affection may cause a mother to risk life for
her babe.  But nothing, save that high sense of honor
implanted by the code, and exemplified so ably in
Colonel Lofty, could impel a man to offer his life to
restore one, who, he thought, had injured him, to the
gentility he had forfeited.
While my admiration of Colonel Lofty was so greatly
increased, by having it exemplified that passion, which
leaves most men bereft, not only of reason, but of generosity, could only affect him so far as to cause the use
of expressions not considered courteous among gentlemen, but left his generosity and magnanimity  unimpaired; still, under the code, I was compelled to
return his note, and I afterwards had the pain of
seeing it published in the "Constitution" and "Herald,"
which Colonel Lofty had, I doubt not, inadvertently
allowed, without a reperusal of it; and the copy which
I have placed in this chapter was clipped from one of
those papers.
On seeing this letter published, it, of course, became
necessary for me to explain to the public (which always
takes a deep interest in the honor of gentlemen) a fact
which Colonel Lofty had omitted to state, and the following card was published in the "Constitution" and
"Herald:" 
DOWN THIE RIVE R; OR,
"September 23d, 1873.
"EDITORS' CONSTITUTION' AND'HERALD.'
"GENTLEMEN:-Pardon my troubling you in reference
to the correspondence between Colonel ILofty and myself. That gentleman has done me an injustice (unintentionally, I have no doubt), by publishing his last
letter to me, and omitting to state the fact, that it was,
immediately upon my receipt of it, returned to him
through the mail. It was with great regret that I pursued this course, and no personal disrespect was intended to the Colonel, but, owing to the fact that his
letter contained expressions (induced, doubtless, by the
necessary hurry of his reply) which, by the rules of the
code, had to be considered discourteous and inadmissible, I was compelled to return it, and deprive myself
of the pleasure of answering. I am pleased to be able
to clip a copy, which I place in my manuscript work,
entitled'Down the River,' etc.
"I remain, very respectfully,
"G. W. HURD.
206 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 207
CHAPTER XLII.
COLONEL LOFTY VISITS COLUMBUS.-COMMENTS OF THE
PRESS.-REPORT OF THE NIGHT POLICE.
AT the hour of 12: 20 p. M., on the 18th day of September, Colonel Lofty stepped on the train at Opelika,
and arrived in the city of Columbus at 3: 30 p. M., his
movements being announced through the columns
of the "Herald," and other journals, as follows:
"HERALD," SEPT. 18th.
"By a special telegram, we learn that Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, M. D., will leave Opelika for Columbus,
on the 12:20 P. M. train. It is hoped no blood will be
shed in his affair with Captain De Soto.
"We learn from a friend of Colonel Lofty, that he
states that he pulled, not the flesh and blood nose of
Captain De Soto, but his spiritual nose, and if Mr. De
Soto will ad-mit this, Colonel Lofty will be satisfied."
"SUN,' SEPT. 19th.
"H. D. Lofty came to the city on the 3: 30 r. Y.
train, according to his programme, published in the'Herald.' The object of his visit we know not, and care as
little. We have simply denounced as gross falsehood,
and still do so, every statement he made regarding us, 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
which falsehoods he traveled out of his duelistic correspondence to wantonly introduce.
"We  desire also to state, that the rumor that he
pulled our nose in any sense, is as false as any statement
he has made.
"DE SOTO, City Editor."'
"LOFTY-DE  SOTO.
"' HERALD' SPECIAL REPORT FROM COLUMBUS, Sept. 19th,
1873.
"All quiet and serene.  Colonel Lofty is occasionally
seen on the streets.  De Soto is attending to his usual
duties.  Numbers gathered at the'Sun' office this
morning, as it was thought that a difficulty might occur
on account of De Soto's card. The crowd dispersed in
a short time. Colonel Lofty leaves to-night or in the
morning.                                         X."
"OPELIKA OBSERVER," SEPT. 19th, 1873.
"The greatest wonder of the age, Colonel Hercules
Diogenes Lofty, M.D., after remaining in our city for
two days, departed for Columbus on yesterday. We
are happy to report that he did no material damage
while here; a careful reckoning shows that none of our
inhabitants have been destroyed."
Important business prevented my accompanying
Colonel Lofty on this important and perilous journey,
and I am only able to give meagre accounts of what
occurred, ascertained from reliable gentlemen.
While on this visit to Columbus, Colonel  Lofty resided at the Rankin House, Room number 10, and on
the day of his arrival, at the hour of 3: 40 P. M., accom
208 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 209
panied by a single friend, he walked in a dignified and
fearless manner, down the southern  side of Perry
street, the office of the "Sun " being on the northern
side of the same street.  At the hour of 5: 30 he again
walked in the same manner, accompanied by the same
friend, down the same side of the same street;  and
during his entire stay in the city he continued in the
same manner to walk down the same side of said street,
on an average of once every three hours, rarely accompanied by more than one friend; and one of my informants reports, that in one of these walks, when Colonel Lofty had arrived at a point directly opposite the
"Sun" office, and only seventy feet from it, he deliberately paused, and placed the first finger of his left hand
by the side of his nose, at the same time placing the
thumb of his right hand between the second and third
fingers thereof, and then twisted said last-mentioned
hand around several times.  This last information may
possibly be incorrect, as my informant states the remarkable circumstance to have occurred at 9: 20 P. M.,
and that the street at that point was indifferently
lighted.
Be that as it may, all who had any desire to be so,
were convinced that Colonel Lofty knew not the feeling
of fear, and was prepared for any emergency which
might arise.
At 1 A. M. of the 20th, an incident occurred, of which
I am forced to give only the version of the police, not
having been present myself, and not having seen Colonel Lofty since, to get the true state of facts.
The report of two policemen was as follows:
Policeman No. 1. At 1 A. M. 23d September, saw a
tall gentleman, in Tenth Ward, bowing to a lamp-post 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
several times; considering the action singular, continued to notice him, and called the attention of Pat
O'Connor. As we watched, at 1: 03 A. M., tall gentleman
went forward to the lamp-post and put both his arms
around it.  Pat O'Connor then went up to tall gentleman and asked him his name. Tall gentleman straightened himself and bowed, first to me, and then to Pat,
and said his name was Hercules Diogenes Lofty, M.D.,
and that he resided at the Rankin House, Room No.
10, and then he requested Pat and myself to search
him and see if he had any arms, which we did, and
found none. He then asked us to let the people of Columbus know, early next morning, that Hercules Diogenes Lofty, M.D., was alone and unarmed, so that
they might resume their ordinary occupations without
fear, and begged us to state further to the people, that
he would not interfere with any of them if they attended quietly to their own business and did not offend
him in any way. He then asked Pat and myself to
take a drink with him, which we did, going for that purpose to the Sans Souc.  And then we walked with the
tall gentleman to the Rankin House, Room No. 10, and
he laid down with his boots on, stating that he considered it true courtesy not to pull his boots off so early,
for that, if a friend called and asked him out to take a
drink, it would be impolite to keep him waiting, while
he was pulling his boots on.
Report of Policeman No. 2, was to the effect that the
report of No. 1 was true in each detail, but, he added,
" that the tall gintleman was the cliverest and the perlitist gintleman he had iver seen this side of the Ould
Country."
And thus we see, even by the meagre and dry report
210 
i
' HE THEN REQUESTED PAT AND MYSELF TO SEARCH IIIM
AND SEE IF )HE HAD ANY ARMS,."
L[ Pa.Qqe 210.1
I;
iE
f  
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 211
of the night police, the thoughtful and kind consideration of this great man, exemplified in his great care for
the people, and his desire to keep them peaceful and
happy, and free from alarm and terror. His own greatness and notoriety he could not avoid, but to the extent of his ability he allayed the fears of the people.
At 11 A. M. of the 20th, Mr. Hardy encountered Colonel Lofty upon the sidewalk of Broad street, as the
latter emerged from the Rankin House, and accosted
him thus: "Colonel Lofty, I think I understood you to
say that my brother, Colonel O. S. Hardy, was an intimate friend of yours."
lofty. My dear Colonel Hardy (bow), you certainly
understood me correctly; I have no dearer friend than
your brother, and he has a higher opinion of me than
almost any man I know; he would do anything for me;
he would go to the end of the world to serve me. I can
safely refer you to him for my character, if you have
the slightest doubt upon that subject. And, allow me
to say, that your brother is a man whom any one might
well be proud to be able to refer to for his character
and standing, for I do not know of a more perfect gentleman or a more honorable man.
Hardy. I have this morning received a letter from
my brother, and as it refers to you, I was on my way to
your room to show it to you, when I met you just now.
It is but proper, however, before I show you his letter,
to state to you, that as my brother will not be here for
some weeks, I, in handing you his letter, assume fully
the responsibility for all he writes, or, if you prefer
seeing him, in person, I will dispatch him to come on
at once. Here is my brother's letter (handing Colonel
Lofty the letter). 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
Lofty. It is with great pleasure that I read anything
to which your brother's signature is affixed. With
your permission I will do myself the honor of reading
this letter at once; and he read it as follows:
" NEw YORK, September 17, 1873.
"DEAR BROTHER:-Your favor received, and contents
noted. I hasten to reply to that portion inquiring about
' Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, M.D.'
"You say the Colonel referred you to me, as'being
an intimate friend.' Unfortunately (if the Colonel is the
same Hercules D. Lofty I knew in Mobile), I have
known him for about four or five years, and know him
to be a most consummate dead-beat, and a coward. You
cannot have any correspondence or intercourse with
him other than to use a horsewhip on him, should he
insult you. Be kind enough to hand him this, as he
refers you to me for his character; and say to him, I
will be South about the 10th of October.
"The hotel-keepers of Mobile can give you further
information regarding the Colonel-' so called.'
"Yours truly,
"0. S. HARDY."
During the reading of this letter Mr. Hardy
watched the face of Colonel Lofty with intense interest,
evidently expecting an attack upon himself, at, or
before, the reading of it had been completed.  What,
then, was his surprise, at seeing Colonel Lofty, as soon
as he had finished reading the note, throw himself back,
convulsed with laughter, which continued several
minutes. After two or three efforts, and free use of a
pocket handkerchief, Colonel Lofty so far recovered
212 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 213
himself as to be able to speak.  He then said, "Colonel,
I hope you will excuse my laughter. I assure you that
no offense was intended by it; but that letter-(and here
he was interrupted by another irresistible fit of laughter). Your brother, sir, is one of the most gifted men I
ever saw; his social qualities are unsurpassed; he is
the greatest humorist I ever met; and, when he wrote
that letter, he was in one of his happiest veins. I would
freely give a year of my life to have been with him at
that time."
Colonel Lofty then invited Mr. Hardy to drink
with him.
At 10:40 P. M., of the 20th, Colonel Lofty quietly departed from the city of Columbus, en route for Atlanta,
and it was after his arrival in that city that his letter to
me of the 17th of September, and my card hereinbefore
set out, were published.
On the morning of the 21st, the following appeared
in the "Sun."
"ALL SERENE.
"This is the holy Sabbath morning, and we are glad
that we can report all quiet along the Chattahoochee,
from Atlanta to Neil's Landing.'Grim-visaged war
doth smooth his wrinkled front,' and those who
were lately in lively expectation of an opening tragedy
are now laughing at something else. We feel sure that
the effect of the late excitement will be a wholesome
one. It will make people reflect on the folly of stirring
up personal quarrels, and a resort to other than peaceable means for the settlement of differences not demanding the shedding of blood. Much money has
doubtless been spent-much time lost-much anxiety 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
and excitement occasioned-and now things are in statu
quo. Let us rejoice, that it has the appearance of a
peaceable situation at last, and that the temple of Janus
will be closed during a long reign of the'piping times
of peace.'"
214 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 215
CHAPTER XLIII.
BETWEEN COLONEL LOFTY AND COLONEL
HURD.
ON the morning of the 28th of September, 1873, I
observed published in the columns of the "Constitution" and "Herald," the letter of Colonel Lofty to
myself of 17th instant.
The duty of calling Colonel Lofty to account seemed
now to devolve upon me, and imitating his noble example, I did my duty.
First, I sought my friend, Colonel Jasper P. Bartow,
and after placing my honor in his hands, the following
correspondence ensued:
"OPELIKA, ALA., September 29th, 1873. 
"R. R. Depot, 1: 20 A..
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
"MY DEAR SIR:-While honor prevents my answering your favor of 17th instant, yet self-respect demands
that I should ask an explanation of a part of that letter, inasmuch as it has now been published. Before
doing so, however, it is my duty, and I perform it with
pleasure, to explain to you that portion of my letter of
29th August, which gave you so much pain. Although
your letter does not distinctly specify the point of
which you complain, yet, through the kindness of our
CORRESPONDENCE 
DOWN THiE RIVER; OR,
mutual friend, Colonel J. W. Hiouser, I am informed,
that my statement of only forty-two duels in which you
had been engaged, while the correct number was much
greater, very naturally gave you offence, which your
delicacy, in writing to me, prevented your mentioning
particularly.  Now, while I must say, that my recollection of the number which you stated to me in the 3: 30
conversation, is still the same, yet I will add, cheerfully,
that I have heard you, both before and since that time,
mention a much larger number.  And Dr. Jones, who
is the soul of honor, informs me, that you stated to him
the number of duels in which you had been engaged,
to be ffty-seveit.  Now, my dear Colonel, having explained, as far as I am able, the point of difference
between us, which gave rise to your favor of 17th inst.,
I hope you will pardon my respectfully asking of you
an explanation of a part of that letter.
"I had at one time intended to ask an explanation of
you of those expressions in that letter, which were disrespectful in terms, but a careful examination of the
code and precedents, shows me that I cannot do so.
In the first place, it being a settled maxim, that no
gentleman could intentionally write to another gentleman in such disrespectful terms it follows that I could
not presume that you, being undoubtedly a gentleman,
could intentionally have written those expressions. And
if you used them unintentionally, I do not see how I
could insist upon your meeting me for a mere lapsus
penne, and to require you to explain that it was unintentional on your part, would be a mere waste of time;
for if you could, by possibility, violate the presumption
that it was unintentional, then you would prove yourself unworthy of my recognition, which would be reduc
216 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 217
tio ad absurdumn. In other words, if you, in a letter to
me, deliberately and intentionally state that I have
'lied,' the fact that you do so write your letter, proves
you not to be a gentleman, and hence I could not ask
an explanation of, or meet you under any circumstances. I am, therefore, bound to presume, either that
you never wrote such a letter, or that such expressions
therein, as are disrespectful in terms, were uqnintentional.
"The usual presumption indulged in such cases, is, I
am informed, that the writer of the letter did not write
such a letter at all, and hence the custom among gentlemen arose, of returning such letters to the persons
from whom they purport to come; that person, being
presumed at once to see that it was a base forgery, is
presumed to treat the whole matter with silent contempt, unless he finds that he did intentionally write
the letter.
"But the matter which has now arisen between you
and myself, is not in the usual course.  Here a remarkable fact has transpired, to wit, the publication of your
letter of the 17th, after it had been returned to you,
without first sending a note to me to require an explanation of my returning it.
"In this most unprecedented case, then, I must presume that your letter of the 17th was not a forgery, and
I must also presume, that the expressions referred to
were unintentional.
"The point, however, on which Irespectfully ask an explanation of you, is of much graver import. Your letter
admits that you were in Opelika on the 16th of September, and had passed by my office (the precise hour not
given); that you had seen me on the porch of my office,
10 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
and that you paused a moment in front of my door, and
then passed on, without entering. And you say, that
you never even contemplated entering my office.
"I assure you, sir, that this action on your part has
caused me great grief, and I am compelled to ask you
to explain why you should pass my office, knowing me
to be within, without calling. The excuse which you
make in your letter, I am compelled to say, does not
satisfy me. Ordinary men might be supposed to be
afraid of a double-barreled gun leveled at them, but for
you, Colonel Lofty, to make such a paltry excuse as that
to me! Oh, sir! how could you attempt it, after explaining to me the thousands of deadly perils you had
encountered; after I had seen you; after I had known
you!
"I must, therefore, ask you to be kind enough to explain to me your most astonishing and unaccountable
action, in not calling to see me when you passed my
office.
"This letter will be handed you by my friend,
Colonel Jasper P. Bartow, to whom I beg to introduce
you, and who will be the bearer of your reply to me.
"I remain, dear Colonel, with profound respect,
"Your obedient servant,
"GEORGE W. HURD."
"P. S.-As an excuse for the delay of thirteen days,
in asking an explanation of your most singular conduct
in passing my office without calling, I have only to say,
that the astounding and unprecedented nature of the
offence you thereby gave me, and the pain and grief
thereby inflicted, were so great, that I could not recover
sufficiently therefrom to write you before this A. M.
218 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  219
And, in addition, I think that my pain at your action
can only be considered as commencing from the time
of the publication of your letter; before that time,
your letter, having been returned to you, could not be
considered as paining me.  Colonel Bartow agrees with
me on this point; but another question here arises:
you caused this letter to be published on the 25th
inst., and I did not see the paper containing it until
the 28th. Now, the question is, did my'pain and
grief' commence on the 25th, or on the 28th. My dear
Colonel, permit me to say, that I do not see, under all
the circumstances, how you can claim that I was'pained or grieved' before the 28th inst.; and this being the
29th, it follows that I have lost no time asking an explanation.
"I again sign myself, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"GEORGE W. HURD."
"ATLANTA, GA., September 30th, 1873. 
"National Hotel, Room 22, 4: 10 P. M. 
"COLONEL GEORGE W. HURD.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your astonishing letter of 1:40 A. M.,
of 29th inst., by the hands of Colonel Jasper P. Bartow,
is this moment received; and while I do myself the
honor to agree with you in considering your excuse for
not making an earlier demand on me as sufficient, yet,
sir, I ask, as a personal favor to myself, and for my
personal sake, that you allow me ten days in which to
answer your most remarkable letter, hoping within that
time to find some excuse satisfactory to you for my
not calling on you; and should no sufficient excuse
occur to my mind, then, with not more pleasure and 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR,
alacrity would a lover spring to the arms of his mistress, upon their bridal night, than will I to the neighborhood of the field of honor, where we can proceed
with our correspondence.
"I am, dear Colonel, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
This pleasant letter was handed me by Colonel Bartow, at 1:50 A. M. of 1st of October, and with earnest
solicitude did we consider the momentous questions,
as to whether I should allow Colonel Lofty ten days
time to answer, and as to whether I could be supposed
to survive so long a delay, after so singular and unprecedented an offence, as that of which I had complained.
After great deliberation, we concluded to allow the
time, and I wrote to Colonel Lofty as follows:
"OPELIKA, ALA., October 1st, 1873. 
"At Office, 3: 10 P. M.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
MY DEAR SIR:-I have just had the honor of reading
your polite note of 30th of September, and I assure you
that it gives me great pleasure to comply with your
very reasonable request. This note will be handed
you by my friend, Colonel Jasper P. Bartow, who will
bring me your reply at such time as may suit your perfect convenience.
"I remain, Colonel, with profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"G. W. HURD."
On the tenth day of October at 1:45 P. M., I received by the hands of my friend Colonel Bartow, the
following letter from Colonel Lofty:
220 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 221
' ATLANTA, GA., October 9, 1873. 
"NATIONAL HOTEL, 3: 20 P. M. 
"COLONEL GEORGE W. IHURD.
"MY DEAR SIR:-In reply to your courteous letter of
the 29th of September, I do myself the honor of saying,
that the statement of our distinguished friend, Doctor
Jones-of my having been engaged in FIFTY-SEVEN affairs
of honor-is correct; of course, neither the affair between Captain Porter and Major Woodson, or between
myself and Colonel Strong, Major De Soto, Mr. Hardy,
Major Woodson, or yourself, were included in that
number. It would have been dishonorable in me to
have counted them, as they were not at that time ended,
some of them not commenced, and I frequently omit to
count slight affairs, which do not result in bloodshed.
Now, as you. agree with Doctor Jones, I must consider
your apology on that point as sufficient. I will say,
further, that you are entirely correct in supposing that
the discourteous words used in my letter to you were
entirely accidental; and now, I will address myself to
the important question upon which you ask an explanation, which I will be so candid as to say is one
which perplexes me greatly. I have never been engaged in but one affair in which this point was raised,
and in that case the presenting a pistol, cocked and
loaded, at the head of a visitor, was considered a sufficient excuse for not calling. But, sir, that man was
not Hercules D. Lofty.  Neither a pistol nor a gun
would, for one moment, deter me from visiting a friend,
or seeking an interview with an enemy; therefore, I
must, being a candid man, state to you the true reason
why I did not do myself the honor of calling:
"While at the telegraph office, I was told that a new 
DOWN TIE RIVER; OR,
bar-room, called the' Lyott,' had been opened near the
post-office, in Opelika, in which the very best whiskey
was sold, and I was hasting there to try the whiskey,
and paused for a moment in front of your door, with a
view to inviting you to do me the honor of drinking
with me, when, reflecting that you did not drink whiskey, and not knowing about the wine at the'Lyott,' I
concluded not to ask you to drink until I had made
some inquiry on that point. And, besides, I was at the
moment somewhat perplexed by a point of honor, which
was, whether it would not be more proper for you to invite me to drink first, as I was a visitor to your city, and
I postponed calling, that I might reflect on this most
intricate and perplexing question.
"I hope, my dear sir, that this full and sufficient excuse will be satisfactory to you. If it is not, I can only
say, that I humbly await your pleasure.
"This note will be borne by my friend, Captain J. C.
Carter, who is authorized to act for me, fully, in this
matter.
"I remain, my dear Colonel,
"With profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"HEROULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
It is needless to say that this sublime letter gave infinite satisfaction, both to myself and to my friend,
Colonel Jasper P. Bartow, who was, however, of opinion
that Colonel Lofty should have called on me on the
16th, and that, thereupon, I must necessarily have asked
him to drink, and, thereafter, Colonel Lofty could have
insisted on my accompanying him to the Lyott Saloon.
My reply was as follows:
222 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 223
"OrELIKA, ALA., October 10th, 1873. 
"At Office, 2 r. M.
"COLONEL HERCULES D. LOFTY.
"DEAR SIR:-I have just had the pleasure of reading
your favor of the 9th October, and have only to say,
that your explanation is satisfactory in Avery particular, and I can only wonder at my obtuseness in not at
once surmising the reason of your action.
"This note will be conveyed to your friend, Captain
Carter, by my friend, Colonel Jasper P. Bartow.
"I hope you will allow me to assume the honor of
signing myself, with most profound respect,
"Your obedient servant, till death,
"GEORGE W. HURD." 
DOWN THE RIVER; OR)
CHAPTER XLIV.
COLONEL LOFTY PROPOSES A PARTNERSHIP.
IT is with regret that I omit from this volume an account of the progress and termination of the affair of honor between Colonel Lofty and Major Woodson, originating from the latter's remark about "poisoned liquor;"
but inasmuch as nothing further has, up to this time,
actually occurred, I hope that excuse will be received
by my readers as sufficient for my omission. Rather
than mention one fact in this history before it occurred,
I would wait, and, if necessary, publish another volume.
It is almost unnecessary for me to state, that Colonel
Lofty and myself, having adjusted all our differences,
were impressed with a very high opinion of each other's
character, courage, and courteous deportment. But to
the end that no cloud of doubt may rest upon this
point, I copy here a letter recently received by me from
that distinguished gentleman, and my reply:
"MOBILE, ALA., 8: 40 P. M., December 1, 1873.
"COLONEL GEORGE W. HURD, present en ville.
"MY DEAR COLONEL:-Since the termination of our
last most delightful correspondence, you have been
rarely absent from my mind. I think of you night and
day.
224 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO.  225
"You will pardon me, I hope, for saying that there
is but one drawback to your being now the most
polished duelist on the globe. You well know to what
I refer; it is to your principles, or rather-prejudices, on
the subject of drinking whiskey. This I consider your
only weak point, and has, I candidly admit, caused me
to hesitate about making you a proposition of vast importance to ourselves and to the world at large.
"But, upon mature reflection, I have arrived at the
conclusion that no other man is so competent to take
the position I wish you to occupy, as yourself.
"I therefore make this proposition to you: That you
and myself enter into a partnership, for the purpose of
advancing the noble profession of dueling.
"You are well aware that many duels are not commenced, simply and alone because the party aggrieved
is unable, in these degenerate days, to procure a
second.
"Now, I propose to remedy this great and increasing evil, by publishing the inclosed card. When
that is done, no gentleman who is aggrieved can have
any excuse for not redressing his grievance under the
Code of Honor.
"While my only object in forming this partnership
with you is for the good of the public, yet most decided
financial advantages will necessarily accrue to ourselves,
as I will here proceed to explain, * * * and exemplify
by the light of my past experience   *     *    *      *
(This portion of Colonel Lofty's letter being confidential, I omit the three pages thereof relating to the subject of finance. On the fifth page, his letter continues
as follows:)
10* 
DOWN TiE RIVER; OR,
"Now, my dear Colonel Hurd, in order to carry out
successfully this stupendous design, which I have done
you and myself the honor to conceive, it will be necessary for us to acquire as complete a mastery over the
codes of honor of all nations as we have over those of
America, England, and Ireland. I am now engaged in
mastering the Code of Honor of Russia. I inclose you
in this letter the French Code, which I know you will
appreciate highly.
"And now, my dear Colonel, while anxiously awaiting your reply,
"I have the honor to remain,
"With profound respect,
"Your most obedient servant,
"HERCULES D. LOFTY, M. D."
The French Code which Colonel Lofty inclosed was
as follows:
THE BRANTOME CODE.
"Rule 1. On no account whatever let an infidel be
brought out as a second or a witness; it is not proper
that an unbeliever should witness the shedding of
Christian blood, which would delight him; and it is
moreover abominable that such a wretch should be allowed such an honorable pastime.
" Rule 2. The combatants must be carefully examined
and felt, to ascertain that they have no particular drugs,
witchcraft, or charms about them. It is allowed to wear
on such occasions some relics of Our Lady of Loretto,
and other holy objects; yet it is not clearly decided
what is to be done when both parties have not these
II' 2 6 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 227
relics, as no advantage should be allowed to one combatant more than to another.
"Rule 3. It is idle to dwell upon courtesies: the man
who steps into the field must have made up his mind to
conquer or die, but above all things never to surrender;
for the conqueror may treat the vanquished as he thinks
proper-drag him round the ground, hang him, burn
him, keep him a prisoner; in short do with him whatever he pleases.
"Rule 4. Every gallant Knight must maintain the
honor of ladies, whether they may have forfeited it or
not,-if it can be said that a gentille dame can have forfeited her honor by kindness to her servant and her
lover.
"Rule 5. A soldier may fight his captain, provided
he has been two years upon actual service and quits
his company.*
"Rule 6. If a father accuses a son of any crime that
may tend to dishonor him, the son may demand satisfaction of his father, since he has done him more injury
by dishonoring him, than he had bestowed advantage
by giving him life.
"Rule 7. That all challenges from a roturier, a mere
citizen, or a man in business, must be considered as
null and void.
"Rule 8. You can refuse to fight a bastard; it is,
therefore, strongly recommended to all noblemen to
legitimatize their sons, that they may be rendered
worthy of the honor of Knighthood and of dueling."
* Notwithstanding the high authority of Brantone, this is a questionable point. La B6randibre, Basnage, and Alciat, have discussed
the point very minutely. The last author came to the conclusion,
that such a meeting could only be tolerated when both parties were off
duty-postfunctioner sects. 
DOWN THIE RIVER; OR,
The card which Colonel Lofty enclosed was as follows:
"NOTICE.-The undersigned offer to the gentlemen of
the world their services as seconds, in any affair of honor
which may hereafter arise in any civilized country. One
of us proposes to act for the challenger, and the other for
the challenged. We are actuated, in making this offer
to the public, not by mercenary motives, but solely for
the good of the present and future generations; being
satisfied that we can conduct almost any affair to a satisfactory conclusion, and embellish it with  all those
courtesies so necessary in such matters. Our services
can only be obtained by gentlemen, as we both have an
utter and unspeakable abhorrence of anything shoddy.
"Should either of the parties whom we may represent,
prefer not having an actual meeting, for any reason except fear, we will adopt the quarrel, by such means as
will effectually preserve the honor of both principals,
and fight it out between ourselves, to a fatal conclusion,
unless the matter should happen to be settled between
us, amicably and honorably, by correspondence.
"While each of us shrinks from notoriety, yet, in
such remarkable cases as we may find that it is necessary to preserve the honor of our principals, we will
allow the correspondence to be published.
"We absolutely require those who may obtain our
services, to preserve that secrecy so necessary in conducting such affairs.
"Should we find it necessary, in conducting  any
affair, to repair to Central Africa, or to the polar
regions, we will respectfully suggest to our principals
the propriety of insuring our lives, for the benefit of
our helpless families.
"Humbly awaiting the pleasure of all gentlemen who
228 
PRACTICAL LESSONS UNDER THE CODE DUELLO. 229
may need our services, we subscribe our names, with
profound respect,
"Their most obedient servants,
"HERCUIEs D. LOFTY, M.D.,
"Mobile, Ala.,
"Atlanta, Ga.,
"Paducah, Ky.
"GEORGE W. HURD,
"Opelika, Ala.
"P. S.-Inasmuch as we do not desire notoriety, only
those respectable journals, which are conducted solely
for the public good, and are not actuated merely by a
desire for private gain, have permission to publish this
card-sending their bills therefor to the principals in
the first affair we may do ourselves the honor to
conduct.
" HERCULEs D. LoFTY, M. D.,
" G. W. HURD."
After several hours of deep thought and consideration, I replied to this captivating letter as follows:
"MOBILE, ALA., 10 P. M., December 2d, 1873.
"COLONEL HERCULEs D. LOFTY.
"MY DEAR SIR:-Your most remarkable letter, of
1st instant, reached me at 9 P. m., of that day.
"Now, after thirteen hours consideration, I am unable to find words to express the proud satisfaction and
honor I felt at being the recipient of such a letter from
such a gentleman as yourself. I am astonished at the
stupendous nature and scope of the enterprise you
propose. No intellect, save yours, could have conceived of such a proposition. No heart, save yours,
would have dared to undertake it. 
DOWN THE RIVER.
"While I feel incompetent to fill the position to
which you propose to assign me, yet the honor you
confer on me, by offering it, is so great, and the
benefit to the public so surprising, that I scarcely know
how gracefully to decline your noble offer. But I
must decline; not altogether on account of my incompetency (for a prolonged intercourse with yourself
would, doubtless, remove that objection), but my professional engagements are such, at present, as make
it impossible for me to enter into the partnership
you propose.
"Should you, however, in the future be engaged in
any such remarkable affairs of honor as might admit
of being recorded for the benefit of the present and
future generations, it will afford me much pleasure to
record them for you, and to see that the public have
a correct version thereof.
"It was with great pleasure that I read the French
Code, by Brantome, which you did me the kindness to
inclose in your last; it is short, but very comprehensive.  I was much surprised this morning, to hear a
French gentleman, to whom I was speaking of it, in
terms of praise, say that it was scarcely recognized in
France now, and that a more recent code had taken its
place. This gentleman was kind enough to lend me
the code to which he referred, which I inclose to
you, hoping for your opinion on this interesting
subject.*
"I now take the liberty of signing myself, with
greatly enhanced respect and esteem,
"Your most humble and obedient servant,
"G. W. HURD.
* For French Code, see Appendix.
230 
POSTSCRIPT.
WHY  may not a book have a "postscript" as well as a
letter?  Take a case like mine in writing this book: after
the type is set, a fact occurs relating to the hero; is it not
admissible to stop the printers and induce them to add a
short postscript? Now, in any work of fiction, a postscript might be considered inadmissible, for if the writer
is at liberty to invent his facts, of course there is nothing
easier than to have all the dates and facts arranged before
the work reaches the printer, cause the hero to walk ini
marble halls, and sleep on beds of eider-down, if not
throughout the book, at least in the concluding chapter;
and a most lovely and virtuous heroine may be invented
to soften the jagged outlines of your tale.
But note the contrast when you are confined to facts
alone. Only one lady is herein even referred to, and she
remained but a moment on the stage, and might scarcely
have been noticed had not the eagle glance of Colonel Lofty
observed her beauteous form, and singled her out as he
made his "dashing descent."
The facts which I add this postscript to narrate, occur
at an inconvenient time, and except that some great principles and important law questions are involved, might be
omitted. They are stated quite accurately in the Herald,
and other journals, copies of which reached me this (Saturday) morning.
I only give an outline of the facts. One of these journals says:
" The very small distance from the sublime (?) to the
ridiculous, so frequently alluded to by public speakers and
writers, received a practical illustration in Atlanta on
Wednesday last. 
* POSTSCRIPT.
"The celebrated Colonel (?), alias Doctor (?), who is gifted
with an extraordinary memory-and once had a fool for a
second-it seems lodged and boarded for a considerable
length of time at the National Hotel in that city, and
drank at the bar of said hotel divers kinds and varieties of
liquors, principally, however, of the beverage known by the
vulgar name of whiskey, and in addition to the drinks taken
and consumed by the Colonel (?) in his own proper person,
divers and sundry other persons did drink at said bar, at
and upon and by the express invitation of the said Colonel, the barkeeper understanding that the Colonel did
thereby impliedly become responsible for said drinks. It
appears that nearly two months ago, the Colonel, being
annoyed by the pertinacious applications for money made
upon him by the agents, proprietors, and managers of
said hotel, quietly left it after supper one night, or before breakfast next morning-there seems to have been
some conflict as to the exact time.* That he left in his
apartment a quantity of baggage consisting of two large
dry-goods boxes, supposed to contain his wearing apparel.
"Now, the proprietor of said hotel failing to receive a
reply to any of the numerous letters addressed by him to
the Colonel, did, after his departure on last Wednesday
morning, cause and procure a writ of attachment to be
placed in the hands of the sheriff and levied upon the bagga,ge aforesaid, upon which the officer made the following
return:
"' ATLANTA, GA., Feb. 12, 1874.
"' Levied the within attachment on two dry-goods boxes,
measuring each 2ft. x 4ft. x 6ft., marked H. D. L., M.D.,
and containing three two-gallon demijohns, four one-gallon jugs, thirteen quart flasks, seventy-three quart bottles,
all empty; one pair of dueling pistols in a case.  Pistols
* I do not see that in this instance time is material.
232 
POSTSCRIPT.
and case supposed to be worth $17.50, balance of plunder
above specified worth $5.50, pointed out to me as the property of Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, M.D. No other property to be found in my county on which to levy this attachment.
"'JOHN H. HOPKINS,
"' Sheriff.'
"It is stated on most reliable information that the pistols
mentioned in this levy were the identical pistols used by
Colonel Hercules D. Lofty, M. D., on both the expeditions
which he made to Florida in the Porter-Woodson affair of
honor.
"These facts were related by one of the attorneys in the
cause to a knot of lawyers in the Solicitor General's office
yesterday, when a very distinguished lawyer remarked that
he thought in this case dueling pistols ought to be exempt from levy and sale, they being the'implements of
Colonel Lofty's trade."'
Notwithstanding the opinion thus publicly expressed of
the eminent lawyer referred to in the above copied article,
it is generally understood that the attorneys of the plaintiff in attachment will contend that the pistols are not exempt, and admitting the facts that they are the implements of Colonel Lofty's trade, and that the law of Georgia exempts the implements of a man's trade from levy
and sale, yet they hope by some legal quibble or technicality to avoid the logical force of these propositions.
Can they do it? Will the judiciary of Georgia permit
it? Be their decision what it may, certain it is that Colonel Lofty has not been treated in this instance with that
courtesy inculcated by the code. Colonel Lofty would, I
am certain, had he been requested in a polite manner, have
presented to the proprietor of the National all the bottles,
jugs, flasks, and demijohns (they being empty) seized by
233 
POSTSCRIPT.
the sheriff, and his generosity would doubtless have led
him to add the two dry-goods boxes, making an attachment entirely unnecessary.
And there can be no doubt that the leaving of the pistols among these empty bottles, etc., was an oversight on
the part of Colonel Lofty, occasioned doubtless by the
hurry of his departure from Atlanta. Now, is it fair? is
it just? is it in accordance with the code of honor, that
advantage should be taken of the mere oversight of the
Colonel, and that his pistols should be thus seized by the
minions of the law?
It is with regret that I close this book without answering any of the perplexing questions which have occurred
to my mind since being informed of the facts above stated.
234 
APPENDIX.
THE AMERICAN CODE.
CODE OF HIONOR;
OR,
RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF PRINCIPALS AND
SECONDS IN DUELING.
BY JOHN LYDE WILSON.
TO THE PUBLIC.
THE man who adds in any way to the sum of human
happiness is strictly in the discharge of a moral duty.
When Howard visited the victims of crime and licentiousness, to reform their habits and ameliorate their condition,
the question was never asked whether he had been guilty
of like excesses or not.   The only question the philanthropist would propound should be: Has the deed been
done ill the true spirit of Christian benevolence?
Those who know me can well attest the motive which
has caused the publication of the following sheets, to which
they for a long time urged me in vain. Those who do
not know me have no right to impute a wrong motive;
and if they do, I had rather be the object than the authors
of condemnation.
To publish a CODE OF IHONOR, to govern in cases of
individual combat, might seem to imply that the publisher
was an advocate of dueling, and wished to introduce it as
the proper mode of deciding all personal difficulties and 
APPENDIX.
misunderstandings. Such implication would do me great
injustice.
But if the question were directly put to me whether
there are not cases where duels are right and proper, I
would unhesitatingly answer: There are. If an oppressed
nation has a right to appeal to arms in defence of its
liberty and the happiness of its people, there can be no
argument used in support of such appeal which will not
apply with equal force to individuals. Hiow many cases
are there that might be enumerated where there is no
tribunal to do justice to an oppressed and deeply-wronged
individual? If he be subjected to a tame submission to
insult and disgrace, where no power can shield him from
its effects, then, indeed, it would seem that the first law of
nature, self-preservation, points out the only remedy for
his wrongs.
The history of all animated nature exhibits a determined
resistance to encroachments upon natural rights-nay, I
might add, inanimate nature; for it also exhibits a continual warfare for supremacy. Plants of the same kind,
as well as trees, do not stop their vigorous growth because
they overshadow their kind, but, on the contrary, flourish
with greater vigor as the more weak and delicate decline
and die. Those of different species are at perpetual warfare.
The sweetest rose-tree will sicken and waste away on
the near approach of the noxious bramble, and the most
promising fields of wheat yield a miserable harvest if
choked up with tares and thistles. The elements themselves war together, and the angels of heaven have met in
fierce encounter.  The principle of self-preservation is
co-extensive with creation, and when by education we
make character and moral worth a part of ourselves, we
guard our possessions with more watchful zeal than life
itself, and would go farther for their protection. When
236 
THE AMERICAN CODE.,
one finds himself avoided in society, his friends shunning
his approach, his substance wasting, his wife and children
in want around him, and traces all his misfortunes and
misery to the slanderous tongue of the calumniator, who,
by secret whisper or artful innuendo, had sapped and undermined his reputation, he must be more or less than man
to submit in silence.
The indiscriminate and frequent appeal to arms, to settle
trivial disputes and misunderstandings, cannot be too
severely censured and deprecated. I am no advocate for
such dueling. But in cases where the laws of the country
give no redress for injuries received, where public opinion
not only authorizes but enjoins resistance, it is needless
and a waste of time to denounce the practice. It will be
persisted in as long as a manly independence and a lofty
personal pride in all that dignifies and ennobles the human
character shall continue to exist. If a man be smote on
one cheek in public, and he turns the other which is also
smitten; and he offers no resistance, but blesses him that
so despitefully uses him, I am aware he is in the exercise
of great Christian forbearance, highly recommended and
enjoined by many very good men, but utterly repugnant
to those feelings which nature and education have implanted in the human character.
If it was possible to enact laws so severe and impossible
to be evaded, as to enforce such a rule of behavior, all that
is honorable in the community would quit the country
and inhabit the wilderness with the Indians. If such a
course of conduct was infused by education into the minds
of our youth, and it became praiseworthy and honorable to
a man to submit to insult and indignity, then, indeed, the
forbearance might be borne without disgrace.
Those, therefore, who condemn all who do not denounce
dueling in every case, should establish schools where a
passive submission to force would be the exercise of a
237 
APPENDIX.
commendable virtue. I have not the least doubt if, I had
been educated in such a school, and lived in such a society,
I would have proved a very good member of it. But I
very much doubt, if a seminary of learning was established
where this Christian forbearance was inculcated and enforced, whether there would be many scholars.
I would not wish to be understood to say that I do not
desire to see dueling cease to exist, entirely, in society.
But my plan for doing it away is essentially different from
the one which teaches a passive forbearance to insult and
indignity.  I would inculcate in the rising generation a
spirit of lofty independence.   I would have them taught
that nothing was more derogatory to the honor of a gentleman than to wound the feelings of any one, however
humble. That, if wrong be done to another, it was more
an act of heroism and bravery to repair the injury, than to
persist in error, and enter into mortal combat with the
injured party.  That this would be an aggravation of that
which was already odious, and would put him without the
pale of all decent society and honorable men.
I would strongly inculcate the propriety of being tender
of the feelings of those around him. I would teach immutable integrity, and uniform urbanity of manners.
Scrupulously to guard individual honor, by a high personal self-respect and the practice of every commendable
virtue. Once let such a system of education be universal,
and we should seldom hear, if ever, of any more dueling.
The severest penal enactments cannot restrain the practice of dueling, and their extreme severity in this State
the more effectually shields the offender. The teaching
and preaching of our eloquent clergy may do -some service,
but is wholly inadequate to suppress it. Under these circumstances the following rules are given to the public, and
if I can save the life of one luseful nmember of society, I will
238 
THE AMERICAN CODE.
be compensated. I have restored to the bosom of many,
their sons, by my timely interference, who are ignorant of
the misery I have averted from them. I believe that nine
duels out of ten, if not ninety-nine out of a hundred,
originate in the want of experience in the seconds. A book
of authority, to which they can refer in matters where
they are uninformed, will therefore be a desideratu(m.
How far this code will be that book, the public must decide.
CHAPTER I.
THE PERSON INSULTED, BEFORE CHALLENGE SENT.
1. WHENEVER yOU believe you are insulted, if the insult be in public, and by words or behavior, never resent it
there, if you have self-command enough to avoid noticing
it. If resented there, you offer an indignity to the company, which you should not.
2. If the insult be by blows, or any personal indignity,
it may be resented at the moment, for the insult to the
company did not originate with you. But although resented at the moment, yet you are bound still to have satisfaction, and must, therefore, make the demand.
3. When you believe yourself aggrieved, be silent on the
subject, speak to no one about the matter, and see your
friend, who is to act for you, as soon as possible.
4. Never send a challenge in the first instance, for that
precludes all negotiation. Let your note be in the language
of a gentleman, and let the subject-matter of complaint be
truly and fairly set forth, cautiously avoiding attributing
to the adverse party any improper motive.
5. When your second is in full possession of the facts,
239 
APPENDIX.
leave the whole matter to his judgment, and avoid any consultation with him, unless he seeks it. Hie has the custody of your honor, and by obeying him you cannot be compromitted.
6. Let the time of demand upon your adversary, after
the insult, be as short as possible, for he has the right to
double that time in replying to you, unless you give some
good reason for your delay. Each party is entitled to reasonable time to make the necessary domestic arrangements,
by will or otherwise, before fighting.
7. To written communication you are entitled to a written reply, and it is the business of your friend to require it.
SECOND'S DUTY BEFORE CHALLENGE SENT.
1. Whenever you are applied to by a friend to act as his
second, before you agree to do so, state distinctly to your
principal that you will be governed only by your own
judgment, that he will not be consulted after you are ill
full possession of the facts, unless it becomes necessary to
make or accept the amende honorable, or send a challenge.
You are supposed to be cool and collected, and your
friend's feelings are more or less irritated.
2. Use every effort to soothe and tranquilize your principal; do not see things in the same aggravated light in
which he views them; extenuate the conduct of his adversary whenever you see clearly an opportunity to do so,
without doing violence to your fi-iend's irritated mind. Endeavor to persuade him that there must have been some
misunderstanding in the matter. Check him if he uses
opprobrious epithets towards his adversary, and never permit improper or.insulting words in the note you carry.
3. To the note you carry in writing to the party complained of, you are entitled to a written answer, which
will be directed to your principal, and will be delivered to
240 
THE AMERICAN CODE.
you by his adversary's friend. If this note be not written
in the style of a gentleman, refuse to receive it, and assign
your reason for such refusal. If there be a question made
as to the character of the note, require the second presenting it to you, who considers it respectful, to endorse upon
it these words: "I consider the note of my friend respectful, and would not have been the bearer of it, if I believed
otherwise."
4. If the party called on, refuses to receive the note you
bear, you are entitled to demand a reason for such refusal.
If he refuses to give you any reason, and persists in such
refusal, he treats not only your friend, but yourself, with
indignity, and you must then make yourself the actor by
sending a respectful note, requiring a proper explanation
of the course he has pursued towards you and your friend,
and if he still adheres to his determination, you are to
challenge or post him.
5. If the person to whom you deliver the note of your
friend, declines meeting him on the ground of inequality,
you are bound to tender yourself in his stead, by a note directed to him from yourself, and if he refuse to meet you,
you are to post him.
6. In all cases of the substitution of the second for the
principal, the second should interpose and adjust the matter, if the party substituting avows he does not make the
quarrel of his principal his own. The true reason of substitution is, the supposed insult of imputing to you the
like inequality which is charged upon your friend; and
when the contrary is declared, there should be no fight, for
individuals may well differ in their estimate of an individual's character and standing in society. In case of substitution and a satisfactory arrangement, you are then to
inform your friend of all the facts, whose duty it will be
to post in person.
7. If the party, to whom you present a note, employ a
11
241 
APPENDIX.
son, father, or brother, as a second, you must decline acting with either, on the ground of consanguinity.
8. If a minor wishes you to take a note to an adult, decline doing so on the ground of his minority. But if the
adult complained of, had made a companion of the minor
in society, you may bear the note.
9. When an accommodation is tendered, never require
too much; and if the party offering the amende honorable
wishes to give a reason for his conduct in the matter, do
not, unless offensive to your friend, refuse to receive it;
by so doing, you heal the breach the more effectually.
10. If a stranger wish you to bear a note for him, be well
satisfied, before you do so, that he is on an equality with
you; and in presenting the note, state to the party the relationship you stand towards him, and what you know
and believe about him; for strangers are entitled to redress for wrongs as well as others, and the rules of honor
and hospitality should protect them.
CIIAPTER II.
THE PARTY RECEIVING A NOTE BEFORE Cl:HALLENGE.
1. WHEN a note is presented to you by an equal, receive
it, and read it, although you may suppose it to be from
one you do not intend to meet, because its requisites may
be of a character which may be readily complied with.
But if the requirements of the note cannot be acceded to,
return it through the medium of your friend to the person
who handed it to you, with your reason for returning it.
2. If the note received be in abusive terms, object to its
reception, and return it for that reason, but if it be respectful, return an answer of the same character, in which respond correctly and openly to all interrogatories fairly pro
242 
THE AMERICAN CODE.
pounded, and hand it to your friend, whom, it is presumed,
you have consulted, and who has advised the answer, directed to the opposite party, and let it be delivered to his
friend.
3. You may refuse to receive a note from a minor, if
you have not made an associate of him; one that has been
posted; one that has been publicly disgraced without resenting it, one whose occupation is unlawful; a man in his
dotage and a lunatic. There may be other cases, but the
character of those enumerated will lead to a correct decision upon those aomitted.
If you receive a note from a stranger, you have a right
to a reasonable time to ascertain his standing in society,
unless he be fully vouched for by his friend.
4. If a party delays calling on you for a week or more
after the supposed insult, and assigns no cause for the
delay, if you require it, you may double the time before
you respond to him; for the wrong cannot be considered
aggravated if borne patiently for some days, and the time
may have been used in preparation and practice.
SECOND'S DUTY OF THE PARTY RECEIVING A NOTE BEFORE
CHI-IALLENGE SENT.
1. When consulted by your friend' who has received a
note, requiring explanation, inform him distinctly that he
must be governed wholly by you in the progress of the dispute. If he refuses, decline to act on that ground.
2. Use your utmost efforts to allay all excitement which
your principal may labor under; search diligently into the
origin of the misunderstanding, for gentlemen seldom insult each other, unless they labor under some misapprehension or mistake; and when you have discovered the
original ground of error, follow each movement to the time
of sending the note, and harmony will be restored.
243 
APPENDIX.
3. When your principal refuses to do what you require
of him, decline further acting, on that ground, and inform
the opposing second of your withdrawal from the negotiation.
CHAPTER IlL
DUTY OF CHALLENGEE AND HIS SECOND BEFORE FIGHTING.
1. AFTER all efforts for a reconciliation are over, the
party aggrieved sends a challenge to his adversary, which
is delivered to his second.
2. Upon the acceptance of the challenge, the seconds
nmake the necessary arrangements for the meeting, in which
each party is entitled to a perfect equality. The old notion
that the party challenged was authorized to name the
time, place, distance and weapon, has been long since exploded, nor would a man of chivalric honor use such a
right if he possessed it. The time must be as soon as
practicable, the place such as had ordinarily been used
where the parties are, the distance usual, and the weapon
that which is most generally used, which in this State is
the pistol.
3. If the challengee insist upon what is not usual in
time, place, distance and weapon, do not yield the point,
and tender in writing what is usual in each, and if he refuse to give satisfaction, then your friend may post him.
4. If your friend be determined to fight and not post,
you have the right to withdraw. But if you continue to
act, and the challengee name a distance and weapon not
usual, and more fatal than the ordinary distance and weapon, you have the right to tender a still more deadly distance and weapon, and he must accept.
5. The usual distance is from ten to twenty paces, as
244 
THE AMERICAN CODE.
may be agreed on, and the seconds in measuring the
ground usually step three feet.
6. After all the arrangements are made, the seconds
determine the giving of the word and position by lot, and
he who gains has the choice of the one or the other, selects
whether it be the word or position, but he cannot have
both.
CHAPTER IV.
DUTY OF CHALLENGEE AND SECOND AFTER CHALLENGE
SENT.
1. THE challengee has no option when negotiation has
ceased but to accept the challenge.
2. The second makes the necessary arrangements with
the second of the person challenging. The arrangements
are detailed in the preceding chapter.
CHIAPTER V.
DUTIES OF PRINCIPALS AND SECONDS ON THE GROUND.
1. THE principals are to be respectful in meeting, and
neither by look nor expression irritate each other. They
are to be wholly passive, being entirely under the guidance
of the seconds.
2. When once posted they are not to quit their positions
under any circumstances without the leave or direction of
their second.
3. When the principals are posted, the second giving the
word must tell them to stand firm until he repeats the
giving of the word, in the manner it will be given, when
the parties are at liberty to fire.
4. Each second has a loaded pistol, in order to enforce a
245 
APPENDIX.
fair combat according to the rules agreed on; and if a
principal fires before the word or time agreed on, he is at
liberty to fire at him, and if such second's principal fall, it
is his duty to do so.
5. If, after a fire, either party be touched, the duel is to
end, and no second is excusable who permits a wounded
friend to fight; nor no second who knows his duty will
permit his friend to fight a man already hit. I am aware
there have been many instances where a contest has continned, not only after slight, but severe wounds had been
received. In all such cases I think the seconds are blamable.
6. If, after an exchange of shots, neither party is hit, it
is the duty of the second of the challengee to approach the
second of the challenger and say: "Our friends have exchanged shots, are you satisfied, or is there any cause why
the contest should be continued?"  If the meeting be of
no serious cause of complaint, where the party complaining had in no way been deeply injured, or grossly insulted,
the second of the party challenging should reply: "The
point of honor being settled, there can, I conceive, be no
objection to a reconciliation, and I propose that our principals meet on middle ground, shake hands, and be
friends." If this be acceded to by the second of the challengee, the second of the party challenging will say, "We
have agreed that the present duel shall cease, the honor
of each of you is preserved, and you will meet on middle
ground, shake hands, and be reconciled."
7. If the insult be of a serious character, it will be the
duty of the second of the challenger to say, in reply to the
second of the challengee, "We have been deeply wronged,
and iT you are not disposed to repair the injury, the contest must continue." And if the second of the challengee
offers nothing by way of reparation, the fight continues
until one or the other of the principals is hit.
246 
THE AMERICAN CODE.
8. If, in cases where the contest is ended by the seconds,
as mentioned in the sixth rule of this chapter, the parties
refuse to meet and be reconciled, it is the duty of the seconilds to withdraw from the field, informing their principals
that the contest must be continued under the superintendence of other friends. But if one agrees to this arrangement of the seconds, and the other does not, the second of
the disagreeing principal only withdraws.
9. If either principal on the ground, refuse to fight, or
continue the fight when required, it is the duty of his
second to say to the other second, "I have come upon the
ground with a coward, and have to tender you my apology
for an ignorance of his character; you are at liberty to
post him." The second by such conduct stands excused
to the opposite party.
10. When the duel is ended by a party being hit, it is
the duty of the second to the party so hit, to announce the
fact to the second of the party hitting, who will forthwith
tender any assistance he can command to the disabled
principal. If the party challenging hit the challengee, it
is his duty to say he is satisfied, and will leave the ground.
If the challenger be hit, upon the challengee being informed of it, he should ask, through his second, whether he
was at liberty to leave the ground, which should be assented to.
CHAPTER VI.
WHO SHOULD BE ON THE GROUND.
1. THE principals, seconds, and one surgeon  and one
assistant surgeon to each principal; but the assistant surgeon may be dispensed with.
2. Any number of friends that the seconds agree on may
241 
APPENDIX.
oe present, provided they do not come within the degrees
of consanguinity mentioned in the seventh rule of Chapter I.
3. Persons admitted onl the ground are carefully to abstain, by word or behavior, from any act that might be the
least exceptionable; nor should they stand near the principals or seconds, or hold conversations with them.
CHAPTER VII.
ARMS, AND MANNER OF LOADING AND PRESENTING THEM.
1. THE arms used should be smooth-bore pistols, not ex ceeding nine inches in length, with flint and steel. Per cussion pistols may be mutually used if agreed on, but to
object on that account is lawful.
2. Each second informs the other when he is about to
load, and invites his presence, but the second rarely attends
on such invitation, as gentlemen may be safely trusted in
the matter.
3. The second in presenting the pistol to his friend
should never put it in the pistol hand, but should place it
in the other, which is grasped midway the barrel, with the
muzzle pointing in the contrary way to that which he is
to fire, informing him that his pistol is loaded and ready
for use. Before the word is given the principal grasps the
butt firmly in his pistol hand, and brings it round, with
the muzzle downward, to the fighting position.
4. The fighting position is with the muzzle down, and
the barrel from you; for although it may be agreed that
you may hold your pistols with the muzzle up, it may be
objected to, as you can fire sooner from that position, and
consequent]y have a decided advantage, which ought not
to be claimed, and should not be granted.
248 
THE AMERICA  CODE.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE DEGREES OF INSULT, AND HOW COMPROMISED.
1. THE  prevailing rule is that words used in retort,
although more violent and disrespectful than those first
used, will not satisfy, words being no satisfaction for
words.
2. When words are used, and a blow given in return,
the insult is avenged, and if redress is sought, it must be
from the person receiving the blow.
3. When blows are given in the first instance and returned, and the person first striking be badly beaten or
otherwise, the party first struck is to make the demand,
for blows do not satisfy a blow.
4. Insults at the wine-table, when the company are overexcited, must be answered for; and, if the party insulting
have no recollection of the insult, it is his duty to say so
in writing and negative the insult. For instance, if a man
say, "You are a liar and no gentleman," he must, in addition to the plea of want of recollection, say, "I believe
the party insulted to be a man of the strictest veracity and
a gentleman."
5. Intoxication is not a full excuse for insult, but it will
greatly palliate. If it was a full excuse, it might well be
counterfeited to wound feelings, or destroy character.
6. In all cases of intoxication the seconds must use a
sound discretion under the above general rules.
7. Can every insult be compromised, is a moot and vexed
question.   On this subject no rules can be given  that
will be satisfactory. The old opinion, that a blow must
require blood, is not of force. Blows may be compromised
in many cases. What those cases are, must depend on the
seconds.
11*
249 
APPENDIX.
CODE OF DUELING ESTABLISHED IN FRANCE.
COPIED FROM MILLINGEN'S "HISTORY OF DUELING."'
THE French admit three sorts of offences:
First. A simple offence.
Second. An offence of an insulting nature.
Third. An  offence with personal acts of violence.  In
these cases they have established the following rules, which,
indeed, so long as dueling is tolerated, may be considered
most judicious, and such as should regulate the arrangement of all quarrels.
Rule 1. If, in the course of a discussion, an offence is
offered, the person who has been offended is the injured
party. If this injury is followed by a blow, unquestionably
the party that has been struck is the injured one,. To
return one blow by another of a more serious natureseverely wounding, for instance, after a slap in the facedoes not constitute the person who received the second
blow, however severe it may have been, the party originally
insulted. In this case, satisfaction may be demanded by
the party that was first struck.  Such a case must be referred to the chances of a meeting.
Rule 2. If an insult follows an unpolite expression-if
the aggressor considers himself offended, or-if the person
who has received the insult, considers himself insultedthe case must also be referred to a meeting.
Rule 3. If, in the course of a discussion, during which
the rules of politeness have not been transgressed, butt in
consequence of which, expressions have been made use of
which induce one of the party to consider himself offended,
250 
THIE FRENCH CODE.
the man who demands satisfaction cannot be considered
the aggressor, or the person who  gives it the offender.
This case must be submitted to the trial of chance.
Rule 4. But if a man sends a message without a sufficient
cause, in this case he becomes the aggressor; and the
seconds, before they allow a meeting to take place, must
insist upon a sufficient reason being manifestly shown.
Rule 5. A son may espouse the cause of his father, if he
is too aged to resent an insult, or if the age of the aggressor
is of great disparity; but a son cannot espouse the quarrel
of his father if he has been the aggressor.
Rule 6. There are offences of such a galling nature, that
they may lead the insulted party to have recourse to acts
of violence. Such acts ought invariably to be avoided, as
they can only tend to mortal combat.
Rule 7. The offended party has the choice of arms.*
Rule 8. When the offence has been of a degrading nature, the offended has the right to name both the arms and
the duel.t
Rule 9. When the offence has been attended by acts of
violence, the offended party has the right to name his duel,
his arms, the distance, and may insist upon the aggressor
not using his own arms, to which he may have become accustomed by practice; but in this case the offended party
must also use weapons in which he is not practised.
Rule 10. There are only three legal arms; the sword,
the saber, the pistol. The saber may be refused even by
the aggressor, especially if he is a retired officer; but it
may be always objected to by a civilian.
Rule 11. When a challenge is sent, or a meeting demanalded, the parties have a mutual right to the name and
address of each other.
* This is a point of such vital importance, that it is impossible to
be too careful in ascertaining, coolly and deliberately, from which of
the parties the insult originated.
f To name a duel, refers to time and place.
251 
APPENDIX.
Rule 12. The parties should immediately after seek
their seconds, sending to each other the names and ad dresses of their seconds.*
Rule 13. Honor  can never  be compromised  by the
offending party admitting that they were in the wrong.
If the apology of the offending party is deemed sufficient by the seconds of the offended; if the seconds express their satisfaction, and are ready to affirm this opinion
in writing; or if the offender has tendered a written apology, considered of a satisfactorv nature; in such a case
the party that offers to apologize ceases to be the offender;
and if his adversary persists, the arms must be decided by
drawing lots. However, no apology can be received after a
blow. An amicable arrangement of a quarrel should take
place before the parties meet on the ground, unless circumstances prevent a prior interview. Howbeit, if when upon
the ground, and even when armed, one of the parties
thinks proper to apologize, and the seconds of the offended
party are satisfied, it is only the party that tenders the
apology upon whom any future unfavorable reflections can
be cast.
Rule 14. If the seconds of the offending party come to
the ground with an apology, instead of bringing forward
their principal, it is'only to them that blame can be attached, as the honor of their principal was placed in their
hands.
Rule 15. No challenge can be sent by collective parties.
If any body or society of men have received an insult, they
can only send an individual belonging to it, to demand
* 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 endeavor 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.-Miltingen.
252 
THE FRENCH CODE.
satisfaction. A message collectively sent may be refused;
but the challenged party may select an antagonist, or leave
the nomination to chance.
Rule 16. All duels should take place during the fortyeight hours that have succeeded the offence, unless it is
otherwise stipulated by the seconds.*
Rule 17. In a duel with pistol or saber, two seconds to
each combatant are indispensable; one will suffice when
the sword is used.
Rule 18. It is the duty of the seconds to decide upon the
necessity of the duel, and to state their opinions to their
principals. After having consulted with them in such a
manner as not to allow any chance of avoiding a duel to
escape, they must again meet, and exert their best endeavors to settle the business amicably. If they fail in
this attempt, they must then decide upon arms, time, place,
distance, and mode of fighting; and at the same time they
must endeavor to come to some arrangement regarding
any difficulties that might arise, when the parties are on
the ground.
Rule 19. Seconds are not witnesses; and each second
should have a witness.
Rule 20. No second or witness shall become a principal
on the spot. Any insult received by them constitutes a
fresh offence.
Rule 21. The seconds should not remain more than ten
minutes on the ground without a combat.
Rule 22. The seconds in a duel with swords, may request
that the offended party shall be allowed to ward off a lunge
with the left hand. This, however, may be refused by the
seconds of the aggressor.
* 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.-Millingen.
253 
APPENDIX.
Rule 23. The seconds of the aggressor may, if they think
proper, refuse to fire by signal, if the aggressor had not
struck his antagonist.
Rule 24. The seconds must determine whether the com batauts in sword duels shlall be allowed to take breath.
Rule 25. The seconds will also decide (without acquaint ing their principals of this decision), whether the parties
are to be separated after the first wotnd.  In this arrangement they will be guided by the nature of the quarrel.
Rule 26. They will also decide whether a fencing-glove,
or any other article to wrap round the hand, is to be allowed;
a string,* or common glove, are always allowed.
Rule 27. The seconds are never to let their principals
know that they are of opinion that the nature of the insult
received is such as to render a mortal combat necessary.
Rule 28. The seconds may refuse the sword, if the principal is unable to use it from any infirmity, unless the
offended party has received a personal injury.
Rule 29. The second of a person blind of one eye, may
object to the pistol, unless the ag'gressor has struck him.
SRule 30. The sword or saber may  be declined by the
seconds of a person with only one leg or arm.
Rule 31. The seconds of a young man shall not allow
him to fightt an adversary above sixty years of age, unless
this adversary had struck him; and in this case his challenge must be accepted in writing. His refusal to comply
with this rule is tantamount to a refusal to give satisfaction, and the young man's honor is thereby satisfied.
Rule 32. If any unfair occurrence takes place in a duel,
it is the duty of the seconds to commit the circumstance
to paper, and follow it up before the competent tribunals,
when they are bound -n honor to give true evidence.
Rule 33. It is the ditty of seconds to separate the comn
* Sword-knot.
254 
THE FRENCH CODE.
batants the very moment that the stipulated rules are
transgressed.
Rtule 34. A father, a brother, a son, or any relative in
the first degree, cannot serve as a second fox or against his
relative.
Rule 35. In sword duels the seconds will mark the
standing-spot of each combatant, leaving a distance of two
feet between the points of their weapons.  The standingground to be drawn for by lots.
Rule 36. The swords must be measured to ascertain that
they are of equal length; in no instance must a sword
with a sharp edge or a notch be allowed.
Rlule 37. The combatants will be requested to throw off
their coats, and to lay bare their breasts, to show that they
do not wear any defence that could ward off a thrust. A
refusal to submit to this proposal is to be considered a refusal to fight.
_Rule 38. The offended party can always use his own
weapons, if they are considered of a description fitting the
combat. If, on comparing arms, the swords should be
found to differ, the choice must be decided by chance, unless the disproportion is of a material nature.
Rule 39. When  the hand is wrapped up in a handkerchief, an end of it is not allowed to hang down. Should
the party refuse to draw it up, the seconds may insist that
he throws it off altogether, and is only allowed a swordknot. If fencing-gloves are allowed, and one party declines their use, the other is not to be deprived of them;
but if only one glove has been brought to the ground, it
cannot be used.
Rule 40. When the combatants are on the ground, the
seconds are to explain to them all the stipulated arrangements, that they may not deviate from them on plea of
ignorance. This being done, the signal of attack is given
in the word "Go" (allez); but if before this signal the
255 
APPENDIX.
parties have already crossed swords, the signal is not
necessary; but the first who advanced without it is liable
to censure.
Rule 41. The seconds shall hold a sword or a cane, bear ing the point downward, and, standing close to each com batant, be prepared to stop the combat the moment that
the rules agreed upon are transgressed.
Rtile 42. Unless previously stipulated, neither of the
combatants shall be allowed to turn off the sword of his
adversary with the left hand; should a combatant persist
in thus using his left hand, the seconds of his adversary
may insist that the hand shall be confined behind his back.
Rule 43. In a sword duel the combatants are allowed to
raise themselves, to stoop, to vault to the right or to the
left, and turn round each other.
Rule 44. When one of the combatants exclaims that he
is wounded, or a wound is perceived by his second, the
combat is to be stopped. With the consent of the wounded
man the combat may be renewed.
Rule 45. If the wounded man, although the combat is
ordered to be stopped, shall continue to press upon his adversary with precipitation; this act is tantamount to his
desire to continue the conflict, but he must be stopped
and reprimanded. If, under similar circumstances, the
combatant that is not wounded continues to press on his
antagonist, although ordered to stop by the seconds, he
must be immediately checked by them, and considered as
having infringed the stipulated rules.
Rule 46. When a second raises his sword or cane, it
must be considered as the signal to stop; in such cases, the
other second shall cry out "stop," when the parties must
recede one step, still remaining in guard.
Rule 47. In pistol duels, the nearest distance should be
fifteen paces. The sight of the pistol should be fixed, and
not more than fifteen lines difference be allowed in the
256 
THE FRENCH CODE.
length of the barrel. It is also desirable that the barrel
should not be rifled, and that the pistols should be of a
similar description.
Rule 48. The stand of each combatant to be decided by
lot.
Rule 49. It is desirable that the same pair of pistols be
used by both parties.
Rule 50. The seconds shall load the pistol with most
scrupulous care, and in the presence of each other. If one
pair of pistols is used, each second will use a similar
charge, by allowing the other to try the charge with a
ramnrod, or by loading in the presence of four witnesses.*
Rule 51. The combatants must be placed on the ground
by their respective seconds; if thirty-five paces have been
fixed upon, the offended party has the right to the first
fire; if only fifteen paces are marked, the first fire must be
decided by drawing lots.
Rlle 52. The seconds have a right to ascertain that the
principals do not carry any defense about their persons.
A refusal to submit to this examination is to be considered as a refusal to fight.
Rule 53. The seconds of both parties shall stand together; having taken their ground, they first command,
"Make ready," which is followed by the word " Fire."
Rule 54. A miss-fire is cousidered a shot, unless stipulation to the contrary has been made.
Rule 55. If one of the party is wounded, he may fire
upon his antagonist, but not after the expiration of two
minutes.
Rule 56. When both parties have fired without effect,
the pistols are to be re-loaded, in the same manner as before.
* "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 cause cure a fair proceeding," etc.Milingen.
257 
:APPENDIX.
Rule 57. In the pistol duel d volonte, the seconds are to
mark out the ground, at a distance of thirty-five to forty
paces; two lines are then to be traced between these two
distances, leaving an interval of from twenty to fifteen
paces, thus each combatant can advance ten paces.
Rule 58. The ground being taken, one of the seconds,
.drawn by lot, gives the word, "March."
Rule 59. The combatants then advance upon each other,
if they think proper, holding their pistols vertically while
advancing; but they may level the weapons and take aim
on halting, although they may not fire at the time, but
continue to march on unto the line of separation, marked
with a cane, or a handkerchief, where they must stop and
fire. But, although one of the parties may thus advance
to the limits, his antagonist is not obliged to move on,
whether he has received the fire of his antagonist, or reserved his own.
Rule 60. The moment one of the combatants has fired,
hle must halt upon the spot, and stand firmly, to receive
the fire of his adversary, who is not, however, allowed
more than one minute to advance and fire, or to fire from
the ground he stands on.
Rule 61. The wounded party is allowed one minute to
fire upon his antagonist, from the moment he is hit; but
if he has fallen on the ground, he will be allowed two
minutes to recover.
Rule 62. In this form of duel, a pair of pistols may be
allowed each combatant; but this is only allowed when
one of the parties has received a blow. In these cases, a
pistol of a different pair is to be given to each combatant.
The affair cannot be considered terminated, unless the
four pistols have been discharged.
Rule 63. When four pistols are used, if one of the party
is wounded, the contest must cease, and the wounded manl
not be allowed to fire, as it is evident that his antagonist,
258 
THE FRENCH CODE.
who might remain with a loaded pistol, would have an
unfair advantage over him, in a cool, deliberate fire.
Rule 64. When one of the parties is wounded, the affair
must be considered ended, even though the wounded party
should express his wish to proceed, unless the seconds consider him in a fit state to continue the combat.
Rule 65. In the pistol duel called a m)arche interronpre,
a distance of forty-five or fifty paces is measured, and two
lines are traced and marked between the distance of fifteen
to twenty paces; thus the combatants may advance fifteen
paces.
Rule 66. On the word "Mlfarch," the combatants may
advance in a zigzag step, not exceeding two paces. They
may take aim without firing, and, while advancing, stop
when they choose, and advance again; but once having
fired, both parties must halt on the spot.
Rule 67. The combatant who has not fired may now
fire, but without advancing, and the party who has fired
must firmly stand the fire of his antagonist, who for that
purpose is allowed half a minute; if he allows a longer
time to elapse, he must be disarmed by the seconds.
Rule 68. In the pistol duel called a ligne parallle, two
parallel lines are traced by the seconds, fifteen paces from
each other, and from thirty-five to twenty-five paces in
length.
Rule 69. The combatants are placed at the extremity of
each line, fronting each other.
Rule 70. The seconds stand behind their principals, in
a situation that may not expose them to the fire of the
parties.  The signal is given by the word "March."
Rule 71. The combatants then advance, not upon each
other, but in the direction of the line that has been traced
for them; and therefore, whether one of the adversaries
has advanced or not, he will find himself placed fifteen
paces from the other.
259 
APPENDIX.
Rule 72. The champion who fires must stop; but he may
halt without firing, take aim, and continue to advance.
Rule 73. In the pistol duel called au signal, the signal
is to be given by the second of the offended party, by three
claps on the hand, three seconds being counted between
each clap, which will take up nine seconds; or two seconds
which will take up six seconds. In other cases the seconds draw lots for giving the signal.
Rule 74. The combatants, when they have received their
arms, are to walk, but to keep the muzzles of their pistols
pointing to the ground; at the first signal they will raise
their arms, take aim at the second signal, and fire simultaneously at the third.
Rule 75. If one of the combatants fires before the third
signal, or half a second after it, he is to be considered as a
dishonorable man, and, if his antagonist is killed, an assassin. And if he fires before the signal without effect, his
opponent has a right to take as much time as he thinks
proper, to level at him and shoot him.
Rule 76. If one of the parties has fired agreeably to the
stipulated signal, and his antagonist has dishonorably reserved his fire, it is the duty of the seconds, at all risk and
peril, to rush upon him and disarm him. In this case, the
party who has observed the rules, has a right to demand
another duel of a different form.
Rule 77. The second who is to give the signal, should
warn the combatants of the nature of the signal, in a loud
and audible  voice, in the following words: "Recollect,
gentlemen, that honor demands that you should only fire
upon the third signal being given; that you are not to raise
your  arm until the first signal, and not to fire until the
third. I am now going to give the signals, which will
consist of three claps onil the hand."
Rule 78. In the duel with sabers, the seconds should en(leavor to have it fought with short sabers, these arms being less fatal than long ones.
260 
,THE FREiNCH CODE.
Rule 79. The ground taken, the antagonists are to be
placed opposite each other, at the distance of one foot from
their saber points.
Rule 80. In general these duels are fought with cuffgloves; but, otherwise, the parties mnay wrap a handkerchief round their hand and wrist, provided that no end is
allowed to hang down.
Rule 81. In regiments, the regimental saber is to be the
one selected, provided that they are of the same length,
and mounted in the same manner. The same precautionary steps are to be adopted as in the sword duel, to ascertain that no defence is worn by either party.
Rule 82. The signal of "A llez," "Go," having been
given, the combatants advance upon each other, and either
give point or cut; vaulting, advancing, or retreating at
pleasure.
Rule 83. To strike an adversary when disarmed, to seize
his arm, his body, or his weapon, is a foul proceeding. A
combatant is disarmed when his saber is either wrenched
from him or dropped.
Rule 84. In saber duels in which the point of the arm is
not to be used, sabers without a point are to be chosen.
To give point and kill an adversary by the infringement
of this rule, is to be considered an assassination. These
duels should always be considered as terminated on the
first loss of blood.
The preceding rules, which are founded upon long experience, in this fatal practice, have been sanctioned by
twenty-five general officers, eleven peers of France, and
fifty officers of rank. The Minister of War, who could not,
consistently with his public duties, affix his signature to
the document, gave his approbation in an official letter,
and the majority of the prefects equally sanctioned the
regulation.
261 
APPENDIX.
IRISH CODE.
AS GIVEN BY SIR JONAH BARRINGTON, IN PERSONAL
SKETCHES OF HIS OWN TIME.
RULES OF DUELING.
THE practice of dueling and points of honor settled at
Clonmell Summer Assizes, 1877, by the gentlemen dele  gates of Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Roscom  mon, and prescribed for general adoption throughout
Ireland.
Rule 1. The first offence requires the first apology, though
the retort may have been more offensive than the insult.
Example: A tells B he is impertinent, etc.; B retorts that
he lies-yet, A must make the first apology, because he
gave the first offence; and then (after one fire) B may
explain away the retort by subsequent apology.
Rule 2. But if the parties would rather fight on, then,
after two shots each (but in no case before), B may explain
first, and A apologize afterwards.
N. B. The above rules apply to all cases of offences in
retort, not of a stronger class than the example.
Rule 3. If a doubt exist who gave the first offence, the
decision rests with the seconds; if they won't decide, or
can't agree, the matter must proceed to two shots, or to a
hit, if the challenger require it.
Rule 4. When the lie direct is the first offence, the
aggressor must either beg pardon in express terms, exchange two shots previous to apology, or three shots, followed by explanation; or fire on until a severe hit be
received by one party or the other.
.262 
THE IRISH CODE.
iRule 5. As a blow is strictly prohibited under any circumstances amongst gentlemen, no verbal apology can be
received for such an insult; the alternatives therefore arethe offender handing a cane to the injured party, to be
used on his own back, at the same time begging pardon;
firing on until one, or both, is disabled; or exchanging
three shots, and then asking pardon, without the proffer of
the cane.
If swords are used, the parties engage till one is well
blooded, disabled, or disarmed; or until, after receiving a
wound, and blood being drawn, the aggressor begs pardon.
N. B.-A disarm is considered the same as a disable;
the disarmer may (strictly) break his adversary's sword;
but if it be the challenger who is disarmed, it is considered
ungenerous to do so.
In case the challenged be disarmed, and refuses to ask
pardon, or atone, he must not be killed, as formerly, but
the challenger may lay his own sword on the aggressor's
shoulder, then break the aggressor's sword, and say, "I
spare your life!" The challenged can never revive that
quarrel-the challenger may.
Rule 6. If A gives B the lie, and B retorts by a blow
(being the two greatest offences), no reconciliation can
take place, till after two discharges each, or a severe hit,
after which B may beg A's pardon humbly for the blow,
and then A may explain simply for the lie; because a blow
is never allowable, and the offence of the lie, therefore,
merges in it. (See preceding rule.)
N. B.-Challenges for undivulged causes may be reconciled on the ground, after one shot. An explanation, or
the slightest hit, should be sufficient in such cases, because
no personal offence transpired.
Rule 7. But no apology can be received in any case after
the parties have actually taken their ground, without exchange of fires.
263 
APPENDIX.
Rule 8. In the above case, no challenger is obliged to
divulge his cause of challenge (if private), unless required
by the challenged so to do before their meeting.
Rule 9. All imputations of cheating at play, races, etc.,
to be considered equivalent to a blow, but may be reconciled after one shot, on admitting their falsehood, and begging pardon publicly.
Rule 10. Any insult to a lady under a gentleman's care
or protection, to be considered as, by one degree, a greater
offence than if given to the gentleman personally, and to
be regulated accordingly.
Rule 11. Offences originating or accruing from the support of ladies' reputation, to be considered as less unjustifiable than any others of the same class, and as admitting
of slighter apologies by the aggressor, this to be determined
by the circumstances of the case, but always favorably to
the lad;.
Rule 12. In simple unpremeditated rencontres with the
small sword, or couteau-de-chasse, the rule is-first draw,
first sheathe; unless blood be drawn; then both sheathe and
proceed to investigation.
Rule 13. No dumb shooting or firing in the air admissible in any case. The challenger ought not to have challenged without receiving offence; and the challenged
ought, if he gave offence, to have made an apology before
he came on the ground; therefore, children's play must be
dishonorable on one side or the other, and is accordingly
prohibited.
Rule 14. Seconds to be of equal rank in society with the
principals they attend, inasmuch as a second may either
choose or chance to become a principal, and equality is
indispensable. 
Rule 15. Challenges are never to be delivered at night,
unless the party to be challenged intend leaving the place
264 
THE IRISH CODE.
of offence before morning; for it is desirable to avoid all
hot-headed proceedings.
Rule 16. The challenged has the right to choose his own
weapon, unless the challenger gives his honor he is no
swordsman; after which, however, he cannot decline any
second species of weapon proposed by the challenger.
Rule 17. The challenged chooses his ground; the challenger chooses his distance; the seconds fix the time and
terms of firing.
Rtlule 18. The seconds load in presence of each other,
unless they give their mutual honors they have charged
smooth and single, which should be held sufficient.
Rule 19. Firing may be regulated-first, by signal; seconldly, by word of command; or, thirdly, at pleasure-as
mnay be agreeable to the parties. In the latter case the
parties may fire at their reasonable leisure, but second presents and rests are strictly prohibited.
Rule 20. In all cases, a miss-fire is equivalent to a shot,
and a snap or a non-cock is to be considered as a missfire.
Rule 21. Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation
before the meeting takes place, or after sufficient firing or
hits, as specified.
Rlule 22. Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves, and
necessarily make the hand shake, must end the business
for tiat day.
Rule 23. If the cause of meeting be of such a nature that
no apology or explanation can or will be received, the challenged takes his ground, and calls on the challenger to
proceed as he chooses; in such cases, firing at pleasure is
the usual practice, but may be varied by agreement.
Rule 24. In slight cases the second hands his principal
but one pistol; but in gross cases two, holding another
case ready charged in reserve.
Rule 25. Where seconds disagree and resolve to ex
265 
APPENDIX.
change shots themselves, it must be at the same time, and
at right angles with their principals, thus:
S.
P. P.
>4                              ~~~~~~~~~~S.
If with swords, side by side, with five paces interval.
N. B.-All matters and doubts not herein mentioned,
will be explained and cleared up by application to the
committee, who meet alternately at Clonmell and Galway,
at the Quarter Sessions, for that purpose.
CRow RYAN, President.
JAMIES KEOGH, 1
AMBy BODKIN  Secretaries.
ADDITIONAL GALWAY ARTICLES.
R?ule 1. No party can be allowed to bend his knee or
cover his side with his left hand; but may present at any
level from the hip to the eye.
Rule 2. None can either advance  or retreat, if the
ground be measured; if no ground be measured, either
party may advance at his pleasure, even to touch muzzles;
but neither can advance on his adversary after the fire, un  less the adversary steps forward on him.
N. B.-The seconds on both sides stand responsible for
this last rule being strictly observed; bad cases having
accrued from neglecting of it.' 
I  266 
THE IRISH - CODE.
When the above code was issued, it was directed that all
gentlemen throughout the kingdom should observe it, and
keep a copy always in their pistol-cases, that ignorance
might never be pleaded.
267
t 
CERTIFICATES.
No. 1.
Oath of Caroline Myers, chaging paternity of her illegitimate child to Thomas K. Smith. Sworn to before
Peter Carson, Justice of the Peace, 7th of October, 1871.
Certified to by F. H. Buford, Clerk Circuit Court, Bibb
County, Alabama.
No. 2.
MIAJOR WooDso N:-At your request, I state what I know
of the Smith-Myers bastardy case.  I was an attorney engaged to prosecute Thomas K. Smith, and had in my possession several letters written by him to her, advising the
taking the life of the child, and the swearing of it first to
one and then to another gentleman in the city. Upon the
settlement of the case, Mr. Smith admitted to me his criminal intimacy with prosecutrix, and that the letters aforesaid had been written by him.
CHARLES FORD.
No. 3.
I was formerly a partner of Thomas K. Smith, and he
frequently mentioned to me his criminal intimacy with
Caroline Myers, detailing circumstances.
WILLIAM IHART.
No. 4.
I certify that three months before the birth of the child,
Thomas K. Smith came to me and stated that he had frequent criminal connection with Miss Caroline Myers, and
that he expected a prosecution, and employed me to defend
him; that he had advised her to swear the paternity of the
child to a gentleman living il the city, but she had refused
to do so.
GEORGE M. GULP,
Attorney-at-Law.