Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-08-04
Old Hickory'S Nerve-JaciksOn's
Duel with Dickinson.
From the St. Louis Republican.


Dickinson was n promising young
mau belonging to a highly respectable
family in Nashville, and the Junior OF
Jackson by several years. Attached
TO different and hostile faction, he
imagined rivalry where none really
existed, and being in the habit OF
drinking too freely, occasionally made
remarks which would not bear repiti-
ton. Of course they were repeated,
and to the one of all others most deep
ly interested.
When the first offence of this sort
transplred, Jackson went to Dickin-
sons father-in-law, told what he had
heard, and begged him to guard, if
possible, against similar occurrence
i'm the future. The warning was Of no
avail, for when the wine was again in
the ascendant. Dickinson threw out
the same slurs, and this time they cost
him his hearts blood.
The duel ostensibly originated in a
horse race, which, 10y the way, was
never run , but the animus of il, 50
far as Jackson was concerned, lay in
the fact that Dickinson had spoken Ill
OF Mrs. Jackson. Dickinson was a
dead shot; could hit half dollar at
ten PAGES, kill birds on the wing, and
perform other miraculous feats with
the pistol. He was as brave and cool
as he was skilful and never entertained
a doubt as to the result of the combat.
The arrangement was that when the
word was givrd they could fire as soon
as they pleased. Jackson, knowing
Dickinson's superior quickness with
his weapon, resolved not to attempt
to get the first fire, but to take the
chances for a second.
The instant the signal was shouted
Dickinson fred. The dust flew from:
the loose-fitting black frock coat which
Jackson wore. but he stood there like
a pillar of adamant, apparently un-
harmed. Dickinson started back III
horror and amaZement, exclaiming
my God have / missed him? His
stern and unrelenting antagonist took
deliberate aim and pulled the trigger.
The pistol did not respond. de looked
and found it only at half cock. A Sec
ond time he took aim, and as the SHARP
crack rang out among the silent woods
where the deadly scene was laid, Dick
inson tottered and fell into the arms o.
his friend. He died the same night.
Jackson was able to mount his horse
and ride home next day barely able
for the bullet which seemed TO mis-
him had really passed through tbs
ileshy part OF his breast aud cut The
breast bone. His shoes were full o
blood when he walked from the tata
field: but he concealed the fact, as h,
said. "because he did not want Dick
inson 10 have the satisfaction OF know
ing that he had hit him at all" II
answer to the question how he could
after receiving such a shock. retain
his steadiness Of nerve, he replied. .
believe l should have killed him hat
ne shot me through the BRAIN"
The wuond never healed properly
was the occasion of frequent hemor
rhapes in latter years, and ultimatel.
caused his death.
There is no evidence going to shoy
that Jackson ever repented this duel
Long afterward-indeed, only lev
weeks before he died-a friend WISH
ing his sick chamber happened 10 picI
mn an old pistol lying on the mahtel
Tbe keen-eyed invalid saw the move
n,eut and remarked quietly, thas
tl,e nistol with which l klileu Mi
Dickinson.