Part II. Duel
“The lawn chosen for the duel was a small wasteland, almost entirely covered with snow. The cars remained on the road, everyone headed towards the wasteland as a group. I only had to walk a few dozen steps. The entire wasteland was covered with deep snow, so many of those present very conveniently turned out to be dressed in deep felt boots. In one group there were seconds, agreeing on the details of the fight, and in the other – opponents and doctors Familiant. When the seconds agreed on the terms, there was silence. P.N. Krupensky methodically measured out 25 steps. But at both ends of the distance they stuck canes into the snow.
Guchkov was dressed in a winter coat, Count Uvarov arrived in a fur coat. The opponents took a position opposite each other. Krupensky explains to them the conditions of the duel for the last time and hands over loaded pistols. Count Uvarov and his opponent take off their outer dresses. The seconds make sure that the duelists do not have any solid objects, watches, cigarette cases, etc. hidden in their pockets or in their dresses. Opponents, having received revolvers, hold them until the words of the command are raised. On command – one, the revolvers are lowered, during the period of time until Krupensky says: Two, three.. The opponents must shoot at each other. At 2:20 am the first words of command were heard. Guchkov and Uvarov simultaneously lower their pistols. Then, almost simultaneously, two shots are heard. Uvarov staggered a little, lowered the pistol and said in a quiet voice: “I’m wounded.” Krupensky declares the duel over and invites the doctor to come up and examine the wounded man. At 2:25 pm the duel ended. The wounded Count Uvarov turned his back to the enemy and with a firm step, without the help of seconds, walked up to the car and got into it on his own. The motor drove back to the city…
(“Petersburg newspaper”, November 18, 1909)
Uvarov’s wound did not cause concern among doctors. In an interview that was published the next day in the Petersburg Gazette, the count stated, “The doctor’s examination found a minor scratch in the forearm area, so in a few days I will be completely healthy. At home they gave me a second dressing, thanks to which I feel so good that I can not interrupt my work.” Alexei Uvarov died in 1913, and Alexander Guchkov took an active part in the February Revolution and was the Minister of War of the Provisional Government. He died in 1936 in Paris.
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