The Duelists: Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson lived from seventeen sixty-seven until eighteen forty-five and he was a politician of the United States. He was also prisoner-of-war, saddle-maker, lawyer, and seventh President of the United States.

While a slave-owning cotton farmer, and already a former jurist and U.S. Senator, Andrew Jackson's honour was offended by Charles Dickinson, expert marksman and professional duelist whose record numbered twenty-six kills. Consequently, Jackson shot Dickinson, placing a .70-caliber bullet in Dickinson's abdomen and severing an artery, in a return volley after having already taken one ball in the ribs. Jackson had planned for Dickinson to fire first. Andrew Jackson fired true and he had his satisfaction that day. Charles Dickinson died a few hours later. Dickinson had insulted his wife, at the prompt of Jackson's political opponents. Jackson had fought thirteen such duels. Dickinson's bullet remained lodged close to his heart for the rest of his days.

The year was 1806.