For a discussion of the rules against dueling in effect in 1864 see Mark
Twain's Letters, Volume 1: 1853-1866, pp. 299-300, notes 2 and 3.

Michael B. Frank
Mark Twain Project

On Mon, 9 Mar 1998, Ellen Oster wrote:

> In  "Mark Twain and His World" Justin Kaplan disputed Twain and Gillis's
> story about the California duel with James Laird. He states that the
> antidueling statute was an invention of Twain's. Hadn't heard that
> before. What is the history of the antidueling statute in Nevada
> Territory, 1864? Did it exist?
>
> Also, Kaplan contradicts the Isaiah Seller's story for the origin of the
> name "Mark Twain" Kaplan suggests the name originated in Nevada when
> barkeeps would mark up two drinks on credit.
>
> Opinions?
>
> Thanks
> Ellen O.
>