I'm just trying to glean some extra information (if any?) regarding a pistol duel on Jersey in November 1796 involving my 3 x great grandfather, Captain/Major Stephen WATTS.
WATTS came to the Island about 1781 as Captain in charge of a Company of Invalids (he having lost a leg in American Revolution). In 1796 he became Barrack Master, and in November that same year he was involved in a pay dispute with Dr.SANDERSON which resulted in a pistol duel. WATTS was shot in his raised pistol hand, losing his thumb, and the ball then entered his head. Some 15 English newspapers of the day reported the incident indicating it would result in a "most fatal issue" and the "the ball had not been extracted from his head". Fortunately, one newspaper reported on 2/12/1796 that he was recovering thanks to his brother-in-law Dr.HERIOT, and did in fact survive.
I'm just wondering if there was anymore local information about the duel other than that reported in the English papers? Was Dr.SANDERSON ever charged, as duelling was illegal, and he decamped from the scene leaving WATTS to die? Or where the duel may have been fought? Though I do know he was posted at Elizabeth Castle.
I have WATTS' details while he was in America, on Jersey Island, and his death (suicide!) in 1810, as well as all family details. It's just that I will be visiting Jersey in October 2018, and would like to know more about the duel (if possible?) before I arrive, as my time on the island will be limited.
Thanks
Les