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. >