Not all showdowns involved a weapon or had the tincture
of muddy fun as one finds in the films The
Spoilers or McLintock. I offer
this glimpse of fact to illustrate.
The following is from The Sioux City Journal
circa 1880s regarding a “Rough & Tumble Duel” that took place between two
farmers, Duggan Points and Will Moss. At the heart of the duel, the charms of
one, Miss Sallie Craig.
The vicious character of the duel is part and parcel
of the rough and tumble tradition. I warn, the account is violent and the
character of even witnessing such spectated murder is questionable.
Keep in mind, this was a planned for rough and tumble
duel, the accounts of impromptu duels are far more dire.
“The place of the fight was agreed upon as
halfway between the respective residents. A man from Loveland seconded Moss,
and Point’s brother acted as his second. The fight was not to be conducted to
any specified rules, but in the most approved rough-and-tumble style. About
sixty people were on the ground, among whom was the girl over whom the contest
was caused, to witness the brutal affair. The seconds stood with cocked
revolvers in hand and warned no one to interfere. The men commenced fighting
fiercely. They used fists, heels and teeth; and in clinching and tumbling about
rolled over a large area of ground. The fight lasted fifty-five minutes, and
throughout was of the most brutal character. It was brought to a fast
conclusion by Points’ strength entirely giving way, and then Moss, with the
last efforts of his madness, stamped upon his prostrate foe and crushed in his
breast and kicked in his head. The spectators at this overpowered the seconds
and dragged the men apart. Points was dying when picked up, and expired soon
afterwards. Moss had been severely bitten by his antagonist, having had two
fingers, an ear and his nose taken off, and was in a deplorable condition from
other injuries.”
The account does not offer if Miss Craig was happy
with the outcome or impressed by the efforts in her favor.
[The above is research from my day job/avocation/vocation
as a fight trainer and combat historian. If this intrigues have a look here or
here.]