Broadside entitled 'Fatal Duel!'

Commentary

This report begins: 'An Account of that Fatal Duel that took place, between GEORGE MORGAN, Esq. Banker, and DAVID LANDALE, Esq. Tanner, both of Kirkcaldy, in Cardon Den, on the estate of Raith; above Kirkcaldy, on the 23d August 1826, when George Morgan Esq. Was unfortunately Shot through the Heart on the first fire, and instantly expired.' The broadside, which was priced at one penny, also includes a shorter report headed 'Fire'. The publisher is given as 'John Gullagher', and the place of publication is not noted.

The duel described here is believed to be the last to have taken place in Scotland. David Lansdale withdrew his business from the Bank of Scotland where Morgan worked after Morgan had allegedly discussed Lansdale's financial affairs with another client. Infuriated by Lansdale's decision, Morgan challenged Landsale to fight. The duel took place in a field at Cardenbarns Farm, Cardenden, near Kirkcaldy. Lansdale was later acquitted of Morgan's murder at the High Court in Edinburgh, after a skilful defence by his lawyers.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information such as proclamations as well as ballads and news of the day. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Broadsides offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in, and the National Library of Scotland holds over 250,000 of them.

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