The Virginia Gazette

Particulars relative to the late unfortunate duel at Bath.

The difference between the deceased Count du Barré and Count Rice, is said by some to have arisen from an ill founded jealousy the former entertained of the latter, relative to the Countess du Barré; but others say it arose from a misunderstanding at play. Whatever might have been the cause, Count Rice it seems took the utmost pains to convince the deceased, that his notions of him were ill founded; and for this purpose he was with him five hours at du Barré's house; but not being able to satisfy him there, they adjourned together to the Three Tuns, where they spent the evening, in the course of which the deceased grew more implacable, and at length so resentful, as to strike Count Rice a violent blow on the face, saying, "Now he had put it out of his power not to meet him," and then proposed their immediately going out, and taking every advantage of each other that might arise in the course of their fighting. Count Rice with great temper replied, that though their fighting was now unavoidable, as the outrage offered to his person was the most atrocious, yet he should wish to settle the affair as became Gentlemen, and agreeable to the mode of fighting in this country; adding, if they were in France, he should be equally anxious to conform to the rules of honour established in that country. A coach was now ordered, and the parties with their seconds &c. reached Claverton-down about 4 o'clock in the morning, when du Barré proposed their instantly engaging: to which the other objected, not on his own account, but in consideration of the Gentlemen who attended them, lest the world should condemn them for suffering them to fight in the dark. Accordingly they agreed to part till it was day-light, and each walked about the Down for near three hours with his friend. As soon as day broke, Count du Barré called out for Count Rice to meet him, which was instantly complied with, by the latter advancing within about ten paces; immediately on which, Count du Barré fired, and wounded his antagonist in the upper part of the thigh, who immediately fell on his knee, after firing his first pistol without effect; but both levelling, and firing their second shot at the same time, the Count du Barré received a ball under his right breast, which passed through his left, and occasioned only a single convulsive spring before he expired.

The body of the unfortunate Gentleman was suffered to lie the whole day on the ground a publick spectacle to thousands of people, who flocked round it to gratify their curiosity. Count Rice's life is yet despaired of by the faculty who attend him; but his conduct through the whole of the fatal transaction is universally spoken of in terms that do him honour. What renders this affair more melancholy is, that Count Rice was the bosom friend of Count du Barré; they came together from the Spa to Bath, and Count Rice was at bed and board in Count du Barré's house. Madame du Barré has a sister with her, and now no other friend. Strangers in this country, and without the language, their situation is deplorable indeed.

BATH, Dec. 3. Count Rice, being out of danger from his wound, is now taken into custody of a tipstaff, belonging to the court of the King's Bench, and consequently must undergo a further trial. This Gentleman is a native of Ireland; and entered early into the French service, where he had a company in the Irish brigades: he quitted this service for that of the King of Poland, by whom he was promoted, and made a Count of the Empire. By his great good fortune in the games of chance, he has acquired some money, which he has very prudently laid out in the purchase of land in his native country.