Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 169

This issue of the New York Weekly (Vol. 11, January 18, 1882) features "Corporal Cannon, the Man of Forty Duels," a military adventure serial by Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery, a fencing instructor and author of numerous martial tales. The narrative begins with a prologue set in 1809 Europe, involving French robber Cartouche and brigand Cornaro raiding an Italian count's estate, resulting in two orphaned infants and a servant, Neil Krapp, left for dead. One foundling boy is adopted by a French cavalry sergeant named Cannon; another orphan, Jean Cannon, emerges decades later as a cavalry recruit in the 17th Horse Chasseurs. The opening chapter depicts Jean's first conflict when veteran soldier Marcel insults and strikes him during a whist game in barracks, leading to an arranged duel the next morning at Toulon. The brutal saber fight ends dramatically with the young recruit overpowering the veteran in hand-to-hand combat, demanding satisfaction. The serial combines military detail with dueling action and hints at mysterious family connections.