on 9 april 1694, john law fought a duel with another british dandy, edward "beau" wilson, in bloomsbury square, london. wilson had challenged law over the affections of elizabeth villiers. law killed wilson with a single pass and thrust of his sword. he was arrested, charged with murder and stood trial at the old bailey. he appeared before the infamously sadistic 'hanging judge' salathiel lovell and was found guilty of murder, and sentenced to death. he was initially incarcerated in newgate prison to await execution. his sentence was later commuted to a fine, upon the ground that the offence only amounted to manslaughter. wilson's brother appealed and had law imprisoned, but he managed to escape to amsterdam.