Their savage ferocity toward each other when their passions are up, is the natural result of their habit of daily plundering and oppressing the slave.

The North Carolina Standard of August 30, 1837, contains the following illustration of this ferocity exhibited by two southern lawyers in settling the preliminaries of a duel.

“The following conditions were proposed by Alexander K. McClung, of Raymond, in the State of Mississippi, to H.C.  Stewart, as the laws to govern a duel they were to fight near Vicksburg: 

“Article 1st.  The parties shall meet opposite Vicksburg, in the State of Louisiana, on Thursday the 29th inst. precisely at 4 o’clock, P.M.  Agreed to.

“2d.  The weapons to be used by each shall weigh one pound two and a half ounces, measuring sixteen inches and a half in length, including the handle, and one inch and three-eighths in breadth.  Agreed to.

“3d.  Both knives shall be sharp on one edge, and on the back shall be sharp only one inch at the point.  Agreed to.

“4th.  Each party shall stand at the distance of eight feet from the other, until the word is given.  Agreed to.

“5th.  The second of each party shall throw up, with a silver dollar, on the ground, for the word, and two best out of three shall win the word.  Agreed to.

“6th.  After the word is given, either party may take what advantage he can with his knife, but on throwing his knife at the other, shall be shot down by the second of his opponent.  Agreed to.

“7th.  Each party shall be stripped entirely naked, except one pair of linen pantaloons; one pair of socks, and boots or pumps as the party please.  Acceded to.

“8th.  The wrist of the left arm of each party shall be tied tight to his left thigh, and a strong cord shall be fastened around his left arm at the elbow, and then around his body.  Rejected.

“9th.  After the word is given, each party shall be allowed to advance or recede as he pleases, over the space of twenty acres of ground, until death ensues to one of the parties.  Agreed to—­the parties to be placed in the centre of the space.

“10th.  The word shall be given by the winner of the same, in the following manner, viz:  “Gentlemen are you ready?” Each party shall then answer, “I am!” The second giving the word shall then distinctly command—­strike.  Agreed to.

“If either party shall violate these rules, upon being notified by the second of either party, he may be liable to be shot down instantly.  As established usage points out the duty of both parties, therefore notification is considered unnecessary.”