156 
outrageous. A duellist expects a different mode to this. 
Mathews clearly did right and diplomatised very patiently for five 
hours, thus avoiding increased anger and serious trouble. He 
could not wish to shoot or be shot in such.a way. Charles in his 
mission remembering the “ dastardly” conduct as told him by his 
brother had a notion of getting some concession from Mathews, 
but after two hours altercation he tells that he would “ make no 
concessions.” Just so. The position now was altogether 
different from the night attack on Crutched Friars. A demand 
for a duel brought in due form was duly accepted. 
Accordingly Sheridan, with Mr. Ewart for his second, 
Mathews with Captain Knight, met in Hyde Park next day, 
monday, the 4th May, 1772, about six p.m., and one account 
says they fought there, but after wandering for some time no 
acceptable or suitable place could be fixed upon, so they returned 
through the streets and sought a tavern, but either their appear- 
ance or manner caused suspicion and they were more than once 
refused. In the end they met at the Castle Tavern, then at the 
north-west corner of Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, opposite 
Bedford Court.* Bedford Court stands where it did and over 
against it is still the north-west corner of Henrietta Street where 
it joins Bedford Street, but the old houses are gone, the street is 
modern but lately rebuilt. In a first-floor room in this confined 
space in semi-darkness, by candle light, the two at once engaged 
with swords and soon Sheridan, unexpectedly making a rush in— 
contrary to rule—surprised and disarmed Mathews, and so was 
able to compel him to beg his life and give a written apology. 
The apology as printed in the Buth Chronicle, 7th May, 
1772,t reads :— 
“Being convinced that the expressions I made use of to Mr. 
Sheridan’s disadvantage were the effects of passion and misrepre- 
* “ Authentic Memoirs,” &c. ib: gacoleme 
ee 
@ 
7 
gala net nltalatn: a sapeh ye 
