The Code of Honor | Page 7

a mooted and vexed question.
On this subject, no rules can be given that will be satisfactory. The old
opinion, that a blow must require blood, is not of force. Blows may be
compromised in many cases. What those are, much depend on the
seconds.
APPENDIX.
Since the above Code was in press, a friend has favored me with the
IRISH CODE OF HONOR, which I had never seen; and it is published
as an Appendix to it. One thing must be apparent to every reader, viz.,
the marked amelioration of the rules that govern in duelling at the
present time. I am unable to say what code exists now in Ireland, but I
very much doubt whether it be of the same character which it bore in
1777. The American Quarterly Review for September, 1824, in a notice

of Sir Jonah Barrington's history of his own times, has published this
code; and followed it up with some remarks, which I have thought
proper to insert also. The grave reviewer has spoken of certain States in
terms so unlike a gentleman, that I would advise him to look at home,
and say whether he does not think that the manners of his own
countrymen, do not require great amendment? I am very sure, that the
citizens of the States so disrespectfully spoken of, would feel a deep
humiliation, to be compelled to exchange their urbanity of deportment,
for the uncouth incivility of the people of Massachusetts. Look at their
public journals, and you will find them, very generally, teeming with
abuse of private character, which would not be countenanced here. The
idea of New England becoming a school for manners, is about as
fanciful as Bolinbroke's "idea of a patriot king." I like their fortiter in re,
but utterly eschew their suaviter in modo.
"The practice of duelling and points of honor settled at Clonmell
summer assizes, 1777, by the gentleman delegates of Tipperary,
Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, and prescribed for general
adoption throughout Ireland.
"Rule 1.--The first offence requires the apology, although the retort
may have been more offensive than the insult.--Example: A. tells B. he
is impertinent, &C.; B. retorts, that he lies; yet A. must make the first
apology, because he gave the first offence, and then, (after one fire,) B.
may explain away the retort by subsequent apology.
"Rule 2.--But if the parties would rather fight on: then, after two shots
each, (but in no case before,) B. may explain first, and A. apologize
afterward.
"Rule 3.--If a doubt exist who gave the first offence, the decision rests
with the seconds; if they won't decide or can't agree, the matter must
proceed to two shots, or a hit, if the challenger requires it.
"Rule 4.--When the lie direct is the first offence, the aggressor must
either beg pardon in express terms; exchange tow shots previous to
apology; or three shots followed up by explanation; or fire on till a
severe hit be received by one party or the other.
"Rule 5.--As a blow is strictly prohibited under any circumstances
among gentlemen, no verbal apology can be received for such an insult;
the alternatives therefore are: the offender handing a can to the injured
party, to be used on his own back, at the same time begging pardon;

firing on until one or both is disabled; or exchanging three shots, and
then asking pardon without the proffer of the cane.
"If swords are used, the parties engage till one is well-blooded, disabled
or disarmed; or until, after receiving a wound, and blood being drawn,
the aggressor begs pardon.
"N.B. A disarm is considered the same as a disable; the disarmer may
(strictly) break his adversary's sword; but if it be the challenger who is
disarmed, it is considered ungenerous to do so.
"In case the challenged be disarmed and refuses to ask pardon or atone,
he must not be killed as formerly; but the challenger may lay his sword
on the aggressor's shoulder, than break the aggressor's sword, and say,
'I spare your life!' The challenged can never revive the quarrel, the
challenger may.
"Rule 6.--If A. give B. the lie, and B. retorts by a blow, (being the two
greatest offences,) no reconciliation can take place till after two
discharges each, or a severe hit; after which, B. may beg A.'s pardon
for the blow, and then A. may explain simply for the lie; because a
blow is never allowable, and the offence of the lie therefore merges in
it. (See preceding rule.)
"N.B. Challenges for individual causes, may be reconciled on the
ground, after one shot. An explanation, or the slightest hit should be
sufficient in such cases, because no personal offence transpired.
"Rule 7.--But no apology can be received, in any case, after the parties