Duel
a premeditated and prearranged See LEICESTER. weapons, for the purpose of deciding some private difference or quarrel. The combat generally takes place in the presence of witnesses, called seconds, who make arrangements as to the mode of fighting, place the weapons in the hands of the combatants, and see that the laws they have laid down are carried out. fighting, place the weapons in the hands referred to the trial by "wager of battle" which obtained in early ages. This form of duel arose among the Germanic peoples, and a judicial combat of the kind was authorized by Gundebald, King of the Burgundians, as early as 501 A. D. When the judicial combat declined the modern duel arose, being probably to some extent an independent outcome of the spirit and institutions of chivalry. France was the country in which it arose, the 16th century being the time at which it first became common. 6,000 persons fell in duels during 10 years of the reign of Henry IV. In 1602 the king issued a decree against dueling, declaring it punishable with death, but the practice continued. came common. 6,000 persons fell in duels during 10 years of the reign of Henry into England from France in the reign of James I.; but it was never so common as în the latter country. Cromwell was an enemy of the duel, and during the Protectorate there was a cessation of the practice. It came again into vogue, however, after the Restoration, thanks chiefdated the court. As society became more polished duels became more frequent, and they were never more numerous than in the reign of George III. Among the principals in the fatal duels of this period were Charles James Fox, Sheridan, was fought between the Duke of Well- York, the Duke of Richmond, and Lord Camelford. The last mentioned was the was fought between the Duke of Wellmost notorious duelist of his time, and ington and Lord Winchelsea in 1829, but By English law ington and Lord Winchelsea in 1829, but the practice was dying out. It lasted longest in the army. fatal duelling is considered murder, and the seconds are liable to the same penalty as the principals. An officer in the army having anything to do with a duel renders himself liable to be cashiered. In France duelling still prevails to a certain extent; but the combats are usually very mon, and is recognized by law. everywhere prohibited by State laws. In mon, and is recognized by law.
In the United States duels are nearly some of the States the killing of a man in a duel is punishable by death or by everywhere prohibited by State laws. In is forbidden. During the Revolution forfeiture of political rights, and in a large number the sending of a challenge is a felony. In the army and navy it During the Revolution is forbidden. there were a number of duels. Alexander Hamilton was slain by Aaron Burr. Decatur was killed and Barron wounded fighting a duel. Andrew Jackson killed Dickinson, and fought several other duels. Henry Clay and John Randolph fought in 1826. De Witt Clinton was a duelist.