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Into History.

com. It's November 16,

It's November 16,

1763.

Wynne rustles the branches of London's Hyde Park as John Wilkes

hurries along a path, eager to be on time for an unusual rendezvous.

The park is a popular location for locals and tourists alike,

but Wilkes isn't here for the scenery.

Instead, it's to meet a fellow member of Parliament, Samuel Martin.

Wilkes is a radical, whose anti-government sentiments and criticism of the crown

have brought him the ire of many of his peers, including Martin.

Recently, the two have traded insults and Barnesbs in the political arena, but today they're

swapping words for pistols.

After Wilkes' latest article criticizing King George, Martin decided to challenge Wilkes to a duel.

But Wilkes stands by every one of his words and is here today to fight for his reputation and honor.

A servant who has accompanied Wilkes points out his adversary who is waiting by a nearby line of trees.

Wilkes pauses a moment, stealing himself for what's to come.

He approaches Martin and the two men exchanged terse greetings.

Both he and Wilkes have brought a pair of pistols each.

...