HSE to SdS, re duel with JBD

[Peter T Davies]

To the esteemed Lt. General Baron Soire de Success (SdS)   Sir,   I write concerning the forthcoming duel between my good self and Major Chevalier Jean Baptiste Doutron (JBD), whom I understand you will be seconding in this matter of honour. Please excuse this direct communication, but my second, the honourable Captain Jean de Lacey (JdL), is hard pressed repulsing the accursed foreign foes of our beloved France, even as I hurriedly write in this brief respite from fighting.   While the choice of rapiers has been agreed, I am a little concerned that there remains, at least in my mind, a little confusion over the precise terms of the engagement. I originally asked that the duel be fought to first blood, after having been made keenly aware by my second of the views of his immediate commanding officer, the most esteemed Major Alain de Sevigny (AdS), Commissioner of Public Safety. Major Doutron wished to reject this proposal, perhaps understandably, for fear that some lucky blow from myself might surprise him and count as a victory for myself. His response was a request to fight to half-endurance.   When discussing this with Captain de Lacey, I suggested a middle path between these two ways, one which I referred to as "second blood." Please forgive my inexperience with such matters, but this was not some codified means of agreeing to fight to half endurance as might have been first imagined. I merely meant that, just as "first blood" affords a victory to the duellist who first strikes his opponent, "second blood" was used as a means to denote the winner would be the first duellist to successfully gain two hits against his opponent.   This "middle way" should, I trust, allay the fears of Major Doutron of losing to a lucky blow of mine, but should not seriously incapacitate either of ourselves, should further combat at the front be necessary. (I realise this is far more likely for myself than Major Doutron, unless I am privileged enough to gain some pecuniary success when looting our defeated foes this month). I hope that honour would be satisfied with this proposal, and would be grateful if you would discuss the matter further with your principal, and send word to me of the outcome of your deliberations. Thank you, sir.   Your humble and obedient servant.   Henri Serf-Edly (HSE), Captain and Regimental Adjutant, Grand Duke Max Dragoons.