A FIGHT between two dogs in Hyde Park led to a tragic duel between their owners this week 200 years ago.
The Journal of 1803 explained: "A duel, attended with the most fatal consequences, took place on Wednesday evening between Captain Macnamara of the Navy and Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery of the 9th Foot.
"About four o'clock in the afternoon, these two gentlemen were out riding in Hyde Park, each followed by a favourite Newfoundland dog. Alas, the two dogs quarrelled near the Serpentine River and, in attempting to separate them, high and warm words arose between their owners, addresses were exchanged, and a meeting was appointed on Primrose Hill in two hours.
"At the scheduled time, they stood at 12 paces and fired simultaneously. Colonel Montgomery received a ball in the left breast and immediately fell. He was conveyed to Chalk Farm-house where he expired in a few minutes.
"Captain Macnamara was wounded in the abdomen but was able to walk to his carriage, and returned to his apartments. He was after put under arrest."
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