Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1877 — Fighting Fitzgerald’s Last Duel. [ARTICLE]

Fighting Fitzgerald’s Last Duel.

To the Editor of the New York Sun: On Friday there appeared in your columns an interesting article upon the rules of dueling, in which allusion is made to the notorious duelist of a past age—known as the “ Fighting Fitzgerald” of Ireland, who fraudulently wore concealed armor to protect himself. Permit me to narrate his last and fatal duel—than which none was ever so dramatic in the annals of the code. When Mr. Fitzgerald was introduced at the French Court to King Louis XVI., the Ambassador, thinking to compliment the courage of Fitzgerald, said: “ Your Majesty, this brave gentleman has killed nineteen antagonist? iu as many duels, and never has been wounded!'” The King replied, in sorrowful rebuke: M. I’Ambassadeur! I should have been more pleased to have heard that he had saved the lives of nineteen persons, or even of one of His Majesty’s subjects.” It was a fact that he had never been wounded, though opposed by excellent marksmen, who were instructed in those days to aim between the belt and throat; for, to shoot above or below, was considered ungentlemanly and non-cavaliero. Fitzgerald was a terror in the society of every club, and he belonged to many; for no person dared blackmail him for fear of a leaden ball in return. No ofie presumed to put his name upon the bulletin for expulsion for fear of bullets in his own body. He insulted any one who nfiended him by a blow on the face with his glove. The insulted gentleman was compelled to challenge him, which gave Fitzgerald the choice of weapon-his deadly pistol, with which he had often “ snuffed” a candle out at ten paces. People wondered how it was that he was never wounded. Many were the surmises, with bated breath and whispered suggestions. At that time, in Ireland, duelling was the fashion, and ladies favored no lover who had not been out with his man. Fitzgerald, of noble family, was their reigning favorite. There lived in County Galway a rich country gentleman, Richard Martin, who became renowned as a modem Richard Cceur de Liop. He was the father of “ Animal Martin.” so-called from his humanity to animals, —the Henry Bergh, of Parliament. Richard Martin was a quiet, brave man; in manners the reverse of Fitzgerald, who was frivolity personified. The conversation at a club turned upon the marvelous career of the latter, when Mr. Martin observed that he did not believe Fitzgerald dare fight a duel with his body to his belt entirely naked. This suggestive remark reached the duelist, who instantly insulted Martin by striking him across the face with his glove. Richard Martin had never fought aduel, being opposed to it upon principle, unless for libel or slander, or gross personal assault. He was, therefore r compelled to challenge—which fact gave Fitzgerald the choice of weapons. Martin’s second insisted that fiie principals should be placed at thirty paces distance, approach each other at the signal, and fire at pleasure as they approached—each step, of course, lessening the distance between them.

This arrangement was agreed to, the distance measured, and the men placed face to face. “Are you ready, gentlemenF’ “Yes.” “ One, two, three, and Are!” It was noticed that Fitzgerald was nervous, even in the preliminaries, for the original remark of Martin cansing the duel strongly suggested knowledge or belief as to the fraudulently concealed armor. They had advanced only two paces each, when Fitzgerald suddenly fired, and for the first time, missed his man, his bullet, however, carrying away a portion of Martin’s shirt-ruffle. The arrangement was that when either had fired he was to stop and receive the fire of his opponent. There were twenty-six Saces left between them, and Richard iartin slowly advanced, and when within only four paces fired point blank at the very heart of Fitzgerald, who stood erect, smiling and unhurt. Martin instantly reversed his pistol, seized the barrel, and, rushing upon Fitzgerald, inflicted a terrible blow before the seconds could interfere, and as quickly tore open the embroidered shirt of his prostrate foe, disclosing to the eyes of all the concealed bullet-proof coat of mail—close steel chain or ring armor, lined with a wadded inner coat, impervious to bullet, sword or dagger. After the duel, and in consequence of it, came in the fashion of fighting naked to the waist Fitzgerald died almost instantly. Richard Martin was tried for murder and acquitted by acclamation, not only by the lury, but by all Ireland, England and Europe, who saluted him as a public benefactor. George, the Count Joannes.