Deck Fight on The Carnation

"So you finally showed up. Got the message from the punch club members?"

— Shura McLeod

This is about the first known fight Purpure was involved in, according to her memory.

The Conflict

Prelude

Shura McLeod, a fifteen-year-old on the Carnation, decided to pick on another younger passenger to test her strength.
Her first act was to rudely challenge Purpure when they were waiting at the Southampton dock to get on their ship to the New World.
Purpure ignored the duelling request, which frustrated Shura.
On the ship itself, she got two of her lackeys to harass Purpure by refusing to let the latter into her cabin until Purpure agreed to meet Shura.

Deployment

Frustrated and tired because she wanted to get to her cabin, Purpure agreed to meet Shura on deck.
It is unknown whether Purpure had asked for an adult's help first.

Battlefield

The fight took place on the top deck of the Carnation, which was out in the Atlantic at the time.

Conditions

It was evening when Purpure and Shura got into the fight.

The Engagement

"Will you stop bothering me if I fight you?"
"Let's see how you do in a real fight first. Do well enough and I'll leave you alone."

— Dialogue before the fight.

The two girls squared off, doffed their hats, and got to it.

Outcome

Both girls were told off by their chaperone, Sophie Bowd, for fighting on ship.
Sophie concluded that the fight was unforeseen, but not unexpected due to Shura's roughhousing nature. What she did not expect was Purpure agreeing to a fight.

Aftermath

Shura kept her word and no longer picked on Purpure for the rest of the voyage.

Historical Significance

Legacy

Purpure learned that she had a knack for boxing after all, something which other fights in her life would prove.

Conflict Type

Duel

Battlefield Type

Naval

Start Date

1839

Ending Date

1839, the same day