Note 614 — Chapter XXXVIII · DUELLING.

This duel created an immense sensation at the time, and several accounts of the trial, etc., are preserved. From one of these[614] we will take our facts, premising that the trial took place at the Old Bailey, May 18, 1711. 'The first Evidences were such as related to the quarrel, begun at the Toy at Hampton Court April 27th past, who depos'd that at an Assembly of about Eighteen Gentlemen met there at that Time, a Difference happen'd between the Deceas'd and the Prisoner, upon their struggling and contending with each other, the Wainscoat of the Room broke in, and Mr. Thornhill falling down, had some Teeth struck out by Sir Cholmley Deering's stamping upon him; that upon this, the Company immediately interpos'd to prevent further Mischief; and Sir Cholmley being made sensible of his fault, declar'd himself ready to ask Mr. Thornhill's Pardon which he did not think sufficient for the injury done him in beating out his Teeth; but upon his requiring further Satisfaction, Sir Cholmley reply'd, He did not know where to find him, which Mr. Thornhill said 'twas a Lie; soon after this the company broke up, and 'twas observ'd that those Two Gentlemen went home in different Coaches.