Perhaps no form of human conflict symbolizes both its brutality and its dispute-settling potential as dramatically as single warrior combat, either in the context of matched pairs or small groups that split up to fight individually. Simply described, a representative of one group squares off against a representative of another (either by design or by accident) to settle their otherwise insoluble differences. Single warrior combat has ancient roots, with precedents including David and Goliath, Roman gladiators in the arena, armored knights jousting in medieval tournaments, swordplay between fencing musketeers, and pistol duels between gentlemen. Rarely, however, did it reach the ferocity generated when a white Indian fighter and an Indian brave clashed one-to-one.

"The Best Little Indian Fight Ever"

Daniel Boone's younger brother Squire sprinted for the closing gates of the Boonesborough stockade. There...