26/41 Just after came Hamilton with his seconds, and the surgeon, Dr.Hosack. The distance was punctiliously measured, and these directions read solemnly to the principals: "The parties, being placed at their stations, shall present and fire when they please. If one fires before the other, the opposite second shall say 1--2--3--fire; and he shall then fire or lose his fire." Then came the word "Present!" from one of the witnesses. Both duellists fired and Hamilton dropped. |