Dueling in Charleston

Download or read book Dueling in Charleston written by J. Grahame Long and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2012-11-20 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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. Charleston historian J. Grahame Long presents a charming portrait of this dreadfully civilized custom.