New View

H.Q. Base Camp The Troops C. Roche N.Brunicardi Laird's Story Duties UDC Letter Letters Home War Songs B.Hammond Maps Interviews Final Leaving Photo Mêlée Quiz Biography Credits E mail

Captain Markham and Colonel McDonald at Fermoy Barracks.

This duel, which proved fatal for one of the parties, is recalled by J.R.O'Flanagan son of Barrack Master Captain O'Flanagan, in "An Octogenarian Literary Life",1896:

"About the year 1834 a very sad event took place in the exercising ground behind our house in the barracks of Fermoy. A company of infantry under the command of Captain Markham marched in, and as is usual when an officer of a regiment is passing, where a regimental mess is in the place, the officers were invited to dine at the mess. Captain Markham had been previously stationed in Fermoy, and when my father invited him to dine he thanked him, but said he was engaged to dine at the mess of the 92nd Highlanders, but promised to call on my mother and sisters next day. Alas! his death prevented the fulfilment of his promise.

After dinner with the Highland Corps, the conversation turned on the Peninsular Campaigns, and Captain said, "the victories were all gained by the Household troops and the Cavalry."

"Oh no," replied Colonel McDonald, who had shared many of the battles in the Peninsula and left an arm at Busaco, "you are quite mistaken, the victories were won by the line."

"Colonel McDonald," replied Captain Markham " there is no use in arguing with you, know nothing at all about it."

This was too much for the Peninsular veteran's hot Celtic blood. He rose instantly from his chair, and tapping one of his officers, Major Lockhart, passed into the ante-room. When joined by Major Lockhart he said, "Lockhart, you heard how I was insulted. You must demand either an apology or a meeting. "The Major tried to induce the Colonel to attribute the words to too much wine, and to pardon the offender as his guest, but in vain. The Colonel was peremptory, so the Major had to try to get Captain Markham to apologise. This was also in vain, and the alternative was accepted. A duel was arranged to take place at six o'clock next morning in the exercising ground back of the new barracks. The principals, with their seconds, and many, who were aware of the fracas, were on the ground. The twelve paces measured and the signal given. One pistol alone, that of Captain Markham, was discharged, without effect.Colonel McDonald's having burned priming therfore did not explode. Immediately Markham asked for a fresh pistol.

"What," exclaimed Colonel McDonald," is Captain Markham going to fire at me again?" "Yes" replied the Captain hastily; "I did not come here for child's play."