[ London Times ]
This newspaper, most correctly known simply as The Times, began publication in 1785 and continues to this day.
The April 8, 1803 edition of The Times carried the following notice about a fatal duel that began because of a couple of Newfoundland dogs.
A duel, attended with the most fatal consequences, took place on Wednesday Evening, between Captain MACNAMARA of the Navy, and Colonel MONTGOMERY of the Guards. The unhappy cause of the quarrel originated as follows: — About four o'clock in the afternoon, Col. M. was riding in his curricle, in Hyde Park, followed by a Newfoundland dog, which he greatly prized. He had not proceeded far along the ride, before he observed his favourite engaged in a fight with another of the same species. This dog happened also to be held in great value, and beloged to Captain MACNAMARA. The Colonel immediately alighted from his curricle, and while in the act of parting the two animals, struck with a small stick Captain MACNAMARA's dog, which being observed by his owner on horseback, induced him to alight, and go to the protection of his dog. On coming up, a great deal of irritating language passed on both sides, and a meeting was appointed immediately at Primrose-hill. About seven o'clock they met in the valley under the hill, Colonel MONTGOMERY, attended by Major Kerr, and Captain MACNAMARA, accompanied by another Gentleman. The ground measured was twelve paces. They both fired together. Colonel MONTGOMERY received a ball in his right breast, and fell; Captain MACNAMARA was wounded in the groin. At the report of the pistols, a Gentleman who accidentally happened to be near, ran to the spot, and carried the Colonel to his coach, which drove to Chalk Farm, where Mr. HEAVISIDE, the Surgeon, immediately attended; before his arrival, however, the Colonel expired.
Captain MACNAMARA and Col. KERR returned to town, and were shortly afterwards taken into custody by the Bow-street officers. They are at present at a Hotel in Jermyn Street.
The Times published a follow-up article a few days later; that article is available here at The Cultured Newf, as is the third article The Times published about this incident.
And wait, there's more: there is additional discussion of this incident between Capt. McNamara and Col. Montgomery and its aftermath here and here at The Cultured Newf.
As the other discussions, here at The Cultured Newf (see links above), explain, Capt. MacNamara was tried in court and, even though dueling was illegal and even though MacNamara readily confessed his guilt, he was fully acquitted.
