The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-08-06
VOLUME X.---NO. 4.
Old Mickory's Nerye-JacksOn's Duel With
Dickinson.

Dickinson was 4 promising young man be-
longing to highly respectable family in Nash,
Vile, and the junior of Jackson by several
years. Attached to a different and hostile
faction, he imagined rivalry where none
really existed, and being in the habit of drink
ing too freely, occasionally made remarks which
would not bear repetition. Of course they
were repeated, and to the one Of all others
most deeply interested.
When the first ofensc of this sort transpired
Jackson went to Dickinson's father-in-law,
told what he had heard, and begged him to
guard, if possible, against similar occurrence
in the future The warning was of no avail,
for wlcE the wine was again in the ascendant
Dickinson threw out the same surs, and this
time they cost him his hearts blood
The duel ostensbly originated in horse
race, which, by the way, was never run; but
the animus of it, so far as Jackson was con-
ccrncd, lay in the fact that Dickinson had
spoken i'll of Mrs Jackson. Dickinson was Il
dead shot; could hit a half dollar at ten PAGES,
kill birds on the wing, and perform other
miraculous fcats with the pistol. lie was as
brave and cool as he was skilful and never en-
tertaned doubt as to the result OF the COM
bat. The arrangement was that when the word
was given they could fire as soon as they
pleased. Jackson, knowing Dickinsons sup
'erior quickncss with his weapon, resolved not
to attempt to get the first fire, but to take the
chances for second.
The instant the signal was shouted Dckn-
son fired. The dust flew from the breast OF the
loose fitting black frock coat which Jackson
wore, but he stood there like pillar of ad-
amant, apparently unharmcd. Dickinson
started back in horror and amazement, excam-
ing, "lIy God, have missed him. His stern
and unreenting antagonist took deliberate
aim and pulled the trigger. The pistol did
not respond He looked and found it was only,
at half cock. \ second time he took aim, and
as the sharp crack rang out among the silent
woods where the deadly scene was laid, Dick
nson tottcred and fell into the arms of his
friend. He died the same night.
Jackson was able to mount his horse and
ride home next day-barcly able, for the bullet
which seemed to miss him had really passed
through the heshv part Of his breast and cut
the breast bone. His shoes were full of blood
when he walked from the fatal field; but ne
concealed the fact as he said, because he did
not want Dickinson to have the satisfaction OF
knowing that he had hit him at all" In an
sWcr to the question how he could, after re-
ceiving such shock, retain his steadiness of
nerve, he replied 81 believe l should have
killed him had he shot me through the BRAIN"
The wound never healed properly; WAS the
occasion of frequent hemorrlages in laier years,
and intimately caused his death.
There is no evidence going to show that
Jackson ever repcnted this duel. Long after.
rd-indeed, only few weeks before lie died
a friend visiting his sick chamber happened
to pick up an old pistol lying on the mantel;;
The kccn-eyed invalid saw the movement, and
remarked quietly, "That is the pistol with
which killed Mr. Dickinson. From the ST.
Louis Republican.