"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.
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