The Code of Honor | Page 4

stead, by a note directed to him from yourself; and if he
refuses to meet you, you are to post him.
6. In all cases of the substitution of the second for the principal, the
seconds 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 for substitution, is the supposed insult of imputing to you the
like inequality which if 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 son, father or
brother, as a second, you may 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 may heal the breach more effectually.
10. If a stranger wishes 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 him.
CHAPTER II
. The Party Receiving a Note Before Challenge.
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 readily be
complied with. But if the requirements of a 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 propounded, and hand it to your friend, who, it is
presumed, you have consulted, and who has advised the answer; direct
it 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 omitted.
If you receive a note from a stranger, you have a right to a reasonable
time to ascertain his standing in society, unless he is 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 Challenge 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 or error, follow each movement to the
time of sending the note, and harmony will be restored.
3. When your principal refuses to do what you require of hi, decline
further acting on that ground, and inform the opposing second of your
withdrawal from the negotiation.
CHAPTER III
. Duty of Challenger and His Second