The causes were unclear; witnesses believe it started as a minor misunderstanding about precedence that grew rapidly into deep dislike. Fortunately, a remarkable incompetence resulted in no lives being lost.
Firstly, Comte dArtois demonstrated a weakness in his ability to count, drawing two pistols while General Nicholls drew only one. Convincing him to holster the second required some minutes of explanation on the part of the witnesses.
Secondly, after agreeing to the traditional terms of standing back to back and walking twenty paces away from each other before turning to shoot, the two gentlemen had much difficulty in complying with the back-to-back request. They finally succeeded, but rather than assuming their initial position in the centre of the wharf, they chose to start their pacing directly outside of the tavern at the eastern end. This meant that although the Count was able to walk his full twenty paces, General Nicholls could not, having to stop after reaching the water's edge after only three or four steps.
Meanwhile, M. dArtois proved hard of hearing. His walk having taken him some distance from the pace-counter, he could not hear when she ordered the parties to turn and fire. As a result, he was shot in the back by the General, who had been slow to start walking and who had neglected to point out his problem with the pacing distance, but proved very ready to turn and shoot.
Luckily, General Nicholls had a poor aim and only nicked M. d'Artois, who nonetheless fainted. Upon the Counts revival, the gentlemen agreed that with regard to all circumstances, the outcome of the duel would have to be declared invalid. For reasons they have not stated, they have not pursued a second meeting.
What was the duel about?
Scandalous!!
who won?
The causes were unclear; witnesses believe it started as a minor misunderstanding about precedence that grew rapidly into deep dislike. Fortunately, a remarkable incompetence resulted in no lives being lost.
Firstly, Comte dArtois demonstrated a weakness in his ability to count, drawing two pistols while General Nicholls drew only one. Convincing him to holster the second required some minutes of explanation on the part of the witnesses.
Secondly, after agreeing to the traditional terms of standing back to back and walking twenty paces away from each other before turning to shoot, the two gentlemen had much difficulty in complying with the back-to-back request. They finally succeeded, but rather than assuming their initial position in the centre of the wharf, they chose to start their pacing directly outside of the tavern at the eastern end. This meant that although the Count was able to walk his full twenty paces, General Nicholls could not, having to stop after reaching the water's edge after only three or four steps.
Meanwhile, M. dArtois proved hard of hearing. His walk having taken him some distance from the pace-counter, he could not hear when she ordered the parties to turn and fire. As a result, he was shot in the back by the General, who had been slow to start walking and who had neglected to point out his problem with the pacing distance, but proved very ready to turn and shoot.
Luckily, General Nicholls had a poor aim and only nicked M. d'Artois, who nonetheless fainted. Upon the Counts revival, the gentlemen agreed that with regard to all circumstances, the outcome of the duel would have to be declared invalid. For reasons they have not stated, they have not pursued a second meeting.
Oh my goodness ... how I have laughed here! Thank you for this; I needed help changing my mood ~