The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1871-03-01

given an extract, was of coarse shown
to Dickinson, who responded prompt
y in sharp epis.lc, ending thus:
''As to the word cotcar1, | think it is |
as applicable to yourself as to any
body know, and shall be very glad,
when an opportunity serves, Ia know iii
what manner you give yonr 'anodyes,'
and he pc yon will take in payment one
of my most moderate cathartics.'
By the time this belligerent message
had reached Jackson the author was
on his way down the river to New Or
leans, and the story says that although,
Dickinson was then considered the
best shot in Tennessee, lie spent his
leisure time during the long trip in
rractiring with the pistol. Meanwhile
Jackson engaged in il long newspaper
controversy with Mr.. Swnnn, in the
course of which he did not hesitate to
reiteratc his opinions concerning Dick
inson. The latter was absent from
Tennessee four months, and immedi-
ately upon his return prepared an ar
tlc!e for the press in response to Jack
sons reflections. Before the article
appeared General Thomas Ovcrton,
warm personal friend of jackson.
heard of it, and conveyed the informa-
ton to the individual most interested.
Jackson requested Oyerton to go at
once to the newspaper Office, read
Dickinson'S manifesto, and icll him the
purport thereof. Overton did as de-
sired, and reported rs follows: ut is
IL piece that can't be passed over
General jackson, You must challenge
him" 10 which the other replied
General, this is an affair of lite and
death. I'll take the responsibility my
self. III see the piece and form my
own Judgment of it," Mounting his
horse lie rode twelve miles to Nash
vile, saw the article, and made up his
mind at once. Indeed. there was no
cihd'iNC 'cie o"V an 'SNoiiiHipuS ic-
treat or fiaht-fur Dickinson had used
the following very plain English:
"Should Andrew Jackson have in
tent ed to apply these epithets to me,
5 declare him, notwithstanding he is !,
Major General of militia Of Mere Dis
r trict, to he worthless scoundrel, Il
: poltr"on and coward"
/, In an hour Jackson had written and
, sent, by the hand of Genera, Overton
e a peremptory challenge, and before tl't
+ day ended, Dickinson's note of accep
i lance was received, and the seconds
began the necessary prclimnaries
e General Overton acting for Jackson ant
t DR.. Hanson Cat'et for Dickinson
6 These preliminaries are worth repro
: ducing as Il souvenir of the times whel
: the code of honor was recognized an'
/, respected feature of American society
h "On Friday, May 30, 1906, we agre
: to meet at Harrison's Mills, on Re-
River, in Logan County, State of Ken
e tncky; and it is understood that til
e hour of meeting is to I've at seven o'cluc
II in the morning. 1t is agreed that til
= distance shall he invent, -fnnr feet til
IT parties to stand facing each other wit
II their pistols down perpendiculnrly.-
e When they are ready, the single wor
! fire is to he given, at which they are 1
It fire as soon as they please. Should
= either fire before the word is given, "
g pledge ourselves to shoot him dow
Il instantly. The person TO give IT,
e word to be determined by lot alsn
\ the choice of positions. We mutual
c agree that the above regulations shall
y be observed in the affair of honor de
d pending between General Andre,
It jackson and Charles Dickinson, Esq.
II days ride from Nashville, and tn
l. duelists were consequently obliged t
j. start twenty -four hours previous
II Dickinson, besides his second, WAS &C
II companied on the fatal journey by
r. number of gay companions, who wen
d to see the meeting, and appeared t
N have cherished the utmost cOnfitlenc
y in the proves of their friend. Ira
X dition states that whenever the part
IN stopped for refreshments Dickinso
l. displayed his skill with his weapon u
3, shooting at n mark, and SD wonderful
10 " accurate was his aim that ut til
f. word of command he put four ball
ei into space covered by a dollar TIVE,
I'll ~ feet distant. At the same distant
re he repeatedly cut small string su'
IN pended from Il boHglf, ami then left
= behind, with instructions to the tavern
!, keeper to show it to General JackSu
:" if he came that way. 1t is also sai
ii that he bet five hundred dollars |
III would hit his enemy within Il hall inc
is. of certain button OH his coat. 81
M whether these stories are true or falls
II we know that jackson and Overt,
to we're employing themselves rs the
ut rode along much more sensibly. Bo
v were conscious that it was indeed TO
ne t;fa n,l lantI, H.,ir aud flny tu