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Post by schlager7 on Jul 15, 2006 12:26:35 GMT -6
No one has posted much here for awhile, so I thought I'd add this. It takes place in New Orleans (where else!) in the Victorian Age. You think epee DEs go the distance now? Image if they had real points!:
On September 9, 1883, two young men named Florence and Flannery, who despite their surnames were described in the press as "young Creoles belonging to good social circles," fought a duel with what the newspapers called "straight swords or rapiers."
Florence, the challenged party, was employed at a "soda-water stand" on Canal Street. The challenger, Flannery, had called for a drink. Upon being served he declared the glass was dirty. Florence disputed his statement, the slur cochon went back and forth. Soon after, Florence received the challenged, which he accepted.
The "straight swords or rapiers" (likely smallswords or epees du combat) were acquired and they met at a place in the rear of Carrolton, an upper suburb. Both were described in the press as "expert swordsmen" and duel lasted an amazing 87 minutes with no injuries on either side. Finally Florence made "a dextrous thrust" and wounded Flannery in the forearm. Flannery wanted to continue, but their friends intervened and the duel ended with honor satisfied.
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Post by vraptor on Jul 15, 2006 13:05:47 GMT -6
A long epee DE settled by wrist sniping. The more things change...
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Post by kd5mdk on Jul 15, 2006 15:31:03 GMT -6
I find it interesting that people of sufficient social stature to participate in duelling (or "belong to good social circles") would work at "soda-water stands".
What does "the slur cochon" mean? Is that a particular insult, or does it describe who did the insulting?
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Post by schlager7 on Jul 15, 2006 16:02:59 GMT -6
Google translates "cochon" as "pig."
In the late 19th century "soda" was something of a novelty and not to be found everywhere. In fact in this era, which gave rise to the first large-scale temperance movements, soda water was seized upon as a kind of tonic, endorsed for its healthful effects. Such establishments were actually quite fashionable (and profitable), frequently patronized by people (especially ladies) of the better families.
While it is not mentioned in the accounts I read, I always suspected there was a young women in the picture somewhere. Perhaps Flannery was looking to denegrate Florence in the presence of a young woman both were attached to.
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