The Petticoat Duel

Curious Expeditions posts an interesting article on dueling, including this account of a duel between women:

The most famous of these female duels is the 1792 duel between Lady Almeria Braddock and Mrs. Elphinstone, regarding a comment over Lady Braddock’s true age. The ladies dueled first with single shot pistols. The duel came within a foot of fatal when Mrs. Elpinstone’s shot went through Lady Braddock’s hat. Despite the calls of their seconds (every principle duelist must have a second, a sort of right hand man - or madame, in this case) to cease and desist, the determined ladies switched to swords. A short round of fencing ensued, and Mrs. Elphinstone was wounded in the arm. Through her pain, she agreed to write a letter of apology. Honor restored, the ladies curtsied and headed home.

Over a comment about her age. Sheesh.