#j. ward

J. Ward. Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. 19th century.

The gentleman who was to give the word then explained to the parties the rules which were to govern them in firing, which were as follow: "The parties being placed at their stations, the second who gives the word shall ask them whether they are ready: being answered in the affirmative, he shall say present, after this the parties shall present and fire when they please. —If one fires before the other, the opposite second shall say, one, two, three, fire, —and he shall then fire, or lose his fire." —He then asked if they were prepared? Being answered in the affirmative, he gave the word present as was agreed on; both parties presented and fired in succession...