It is somewhat singular that only three of the leading fencing schools in Paris devote their attention to the sword, the weapon with wi all duels & Varme blanche are fought. The others still cultivate, the foil. the idea apparently being that fencing ought to be regarded primarily as a graceful exor-'The aim of the fleurettiste is to pink is adversary in certain well-defined wa just as a first-rate chess player develops game on approved lines and feels his way to-Wards an elegant combination. when all fencing in Paris was done wi foils, but after the use of the epee de combat yas introduced, it was found, in the course of various duels. that army officers and other expert fleurettistes were frequently worste* by vers ordinary swordsman. This led to an ineresse of interest in sword practice. but the foil still holds the upper hand, although the fleurettiste pure and simple is at so great a disadvantage that he must go to a sword school to be conched if he has to fight a duel.
The foil appeals to the artistic temperament the French.. They also regard it, as a national institution which it would be unpatriotic to neglect. Most of the kudos consequently goes to foil artists, such Sirchhoffer and Mérignae, instead of to men who would be far more dangerous opponents in a duel.
I note that the Council in furthering the arrangements between this Office and the Rowing Cub are not to be deemed to waive the rights of the public under the Land Regulations.
Tam, Sir, Your obedient servant,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.