Dueling in Charleston

by Long, J. Grahame

• ISBN13: 9781609495039
• ISBN10: 1609495039
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-11-20
• Publisher: History Pr

Summary

Though no landmarks or memorials formally recognize dueling in Charleston, it remains a quintessential element of the Holy City’s legacy. Most upstanding locals nourished the duelist’s tradition, many going so far as to make it an integral part of their social lives. For a time, even the most casual character insults or slurs toward one’s moral fiber or family lineage invited a challenge, and, almost always, the offended party was expected to retaliate. Thus, finding full expression in frequency and public acceptance throughout the Lowcountry, a gentleman’s duel was a crucial—albeit deadly—matter of taste and caste. For two centuries, Charlestonians dueled habitually, settling personal grievances with malice instead of mediation. Author J. Grahame Long, curator of history at the Charleston Museum, presents a charming portrait of this dreadfully civilized custom.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 9
Sinners in the Holy City: Charleston's Hot Weather, Hotter Tempers	p. 11
Judicium Dei: In the Beginning	p. 23
Prelude to a Duel: Wars of Words and Whereabouts	p. 33
The Written Word: Mandates, Manuals and Mr. Wilson	p. 45
Seconds Count: Composure amongst Carnage	p. 55
Armed and Dangerous: Weaponry for the Would-Be Duelist	p. 65
Apology Accepted…or Not: Forgiveness in the Field of Honor	p. 77
Sadism and the South: The Malevolent Melees of Men…and Women	p. 87
Civics and Sermons: Dueling's Naysayers and Ne'er-Do-Wells	p. 99
Dooming the Duelist: Francis W. Dawson and a Farewell to Fighting	p. 111
Notes	p. 125
Bibliography	p. 135
Index	p. 147
About the Author	p. 157
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