The description of the duel is a Hollywood fiction: there was no standing back-to-back, pacing, and firing. The seconds did the pacing, then the principals stood in their respective positions (marked by lines or swords), face-to-face, and, at a signal (often, the drop of a handkerchief), fired at will.
Hamilton did not fall dead on the spot, as described; he was paralyzed and lingered until the following afternoon, after family and friends had a chance to say their goodbyes.
Hamilton did not fall dead on the spot, as described; he was paralyzed and lingered until the following afternoon, after family and friends had a chance to say their goodbyes.