An Overview of the Duel in the Antebellum Era
A Brief History
As long as people have been having disputes, there have been ways to settle these disputes. One popular method in the past was the duel. To us in the 21st century, resorting to violence on matters of honor seems alien, even ridiculous. In that feeling, we are not alone. Although the practice of dueling was common in the United States in the early 19th century, it was a practice not without controversy and opposition.
Dueling was exclusive to the upper levels of American society, common among the landed gentry of the American South. The practice had arrived in the New World through European colonization, and dueling was an age-old practice in the Old World. Dueling was trademark among the high society in Europe, a means for gentlemen to settle affairs of honor; the Atlantic crossing hardly changed the practice.[1] Popular dueling codes would dictate the procedure of dueling: if a person felt that their honor was insulted, they would demand satisfaction. The two duelists would then arrange a time and place for the duel, as well as a choice of weaponry. The principal duelists would have a second, a friend and trusted confidant, to aid in this venture; the seconds would attempt to negotiate a settlement and even stand in for the principal if need be. Once the agreed date arrived, the two parties would arrive at the agreed place, and duel. It is important to note that death was not always the outcome, but was a reality both parties had to contend with.[2]
Dueling was a popular practice among the moneyed classes, but support and practice were not universal. Many Americans viewed the practice of dueling as senseless violence, even pointless barbarity. It was difficult to comprehend the level which honor was held, and to what lengths men would go to defend that honor.
[1] Warren F. Schwartz; Keith Baxter; David Ryan, "The Duel: Can These Gentlemen Be Acting Efficiently," Journal of Legal Studies 13, no. 2 (June 1984): 321-356
[2] Drake, Ross. “Duel!” Smithsonian. Smithsonian.com, March 2004.