Johann Wilhelm von Archenholz, 1788:
Until recently, it was common for a border soldier and a Turk, in the case of an insult received, to challenge each other to a duel. These duels always took place before the eyes of several thousand spectators, who would gather on the battlefield on the designated day. The Turk would arrive on a brave horse, armed with two pistols, a sabre, and a lance, which he knew how to throw with great skill and force over a considerable distance. The Croat came on foot. His weapons were two rifles, two pistols, and a well-sharpened sabre.
While the spectators tried to stir up the fighting spirit of the opponents with shouting, the Turk would initiate the fight. With hundreds of feints, concealed and swift attacks, and sudden, often repeated retreats, he would try to throw his opponent off balance and provoke a missed shot. The Croat, however, would remain motionless and half-kneeling, waiting for his opponent; with his eyes, he would follow the rider's erratic movements and, with his trigger always cocked, lie in wait for the right moment to fire.
The outcome of the fight would most often end badly for the Turk, as he would fall dead before managing to use his weapons. The victor would cut off the defeated man's head and take it as a trophy; on one side, cheering and joy would arise, on the other, fear and sorrow and so the spectators would peacefully return to their homes. These duels have not taken place for several years now.
Johann Wilhelm von Archenholz, History of the Seven Years' War in Germany, 1788.
Scot, Croat, Cossack.