On this present day in 1888, in an early “battle of the sexes,” a lady known as Jaguarina defeated Capt. Wiedemann in an epic sword contest on horseback on the previous Pacific Seashore racetrack.
The match was divided into 11 rounds of three minutes every, and when it was throughout, Jaguarina had received by a rating of six to 5.
From The San Diego Union, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 1888:
THE SWORDS CLASH.
Jaguarina Wins Six Factors, Prof. Wiedermann 5.
An Attention-grabbing Handicap Race—Wheelbarrow Race—An Immense Crowd–Shut of the Match
Wonderful climate, the biggest gathering of individuals ever received collectively within the district of San Diego, a programme of uncommon sights, and a administration excellent intimately, characterised “the Folks’s day: on the driving park on Sunday. 1000’s of admirers of Jaguarina went out to see the nice swordswoman measure blades together with her skillful antagonist whereas the stalwart Captain Wiedermann, of many battles, attracted a legion of representatives of the far-off Teutonic fatherland….
THE SWORD COMBAT.
The occasion of the day got here subsequent, and a rush was made to each vantage level and crowds of the spectators swarmed upon the observe, so that view of the fight could possibly be obtained. Captain Wiedemann was the primary to journey into the sector. He wore blue army trousers, metal breast and again plates, and a regulation broadsword masks. He fought with a German rapier. Upon arriving on the bottom he was joined by his second, Sergeant H. C. Roos, late of the Sacramento Huzzars, and was lustily cheered by his many pals.
Jaguarina adopted a couple of minutes later, being accompanied by ex-Governor Ryerson, of Decrease California, who officiated as second for her. She was cheered heartily upon making er look. She was wearing fawn-colored knee breeches, prime boots and a white flannel shirt. As she rode bareheaded in entrance of the grand stand, she regarded the image of well being, and wore an air of supreme confidence. She quickly donned a effective French army cuirasse, of brass and copper, which nonetheless bears deep indentations, as marks of respect from captains Davis, Jennings and Marshal, acquired in former contests.
The customary salutation of the combatants having been made to one another, the judges, referee and the viewers, they retired to their respective corners, Weideman on the north and Jaguarina on the south. the seconds took up their correct positions to the appropriate of the principals, and the referee on one aspect of the middle of the sector, the huge crowd was now on the tiptoe of expectation, and, at once, the tones of the trumpet sounded the sign to the primary assault.
Each plied their spurs and met within the middle of the sector at a gallop and misplaced no time in crossing arms, Jaguarina taking the initiative with a excessive carte lower, which was skillfully parried by her opponent, who tried a return, which was once more neatly stopped by a return parry and shortly adopted by a main lower, which was efficient and introduced house a powerful whack. this, the primary level, was claimed and allowed for Jaguarina.
