The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-06-30

Henry Austin in the Illustrated American
Andrew jackson was the representative
American Of his epoch. When the history
of this country shall be written by some
one who has been enough of a man among
men to be wise weigher Of all kinds of
evidence, and who is possessed of that
imaginative power which enables mind
10 reincarnate itself amid the events and
personalities whose tendency and purpose
il aims to depict and whose meanings and
motives it essays to explain, 1t is probable
that Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lin
coin, two children of the people, born in
poverty, will be accounted not only the
two most typical Americans, but the larg-
est and noblest figures in our populous ma
tional Pantheon.
Charles Dickinson was a Nashville law
yer Of some mark in his profession and in
politics. though chiefly as pistol shot. He
considered himself the best shot in the
world. Perhaps he was. But the pitcher
that goes to the well too often, says the
proverb, gets broken at last. Like most
Tennesseeans of that cratic era, Dickin-
son drank hard at times, and. in his cups,
threw all discretion and decency to the
winds.
Among other unpleasant things it was
reported to Jackson that Dickinson had
alluded to the alleged irregularity or lille
gality Of Jacksons marriage with Mrs.
Rachel Richards, which was, of course, a
very sore point with the general, who
loved his excellent wife devotedly.
Still. Jackson was not boodthirsty TO
fight Dickinson. TO that gentleman's
father-in-law he said:
Il would fain have no quarrel. My politi-
cal enemies, believe. are using this young
man as an instrument TO get me out of
their way. 1 do not wish to fight, but l
WILL to the death, if crowded. Bid him
pause in time"
The suasion of Dickinsons father-in-law
temporarily prevailed, and an apology fol-
lowed, but the smouldering spark of hos
tility was famed into flame soon after.
Some reports of alleged remarks concern
ing certain horse-racing and betting trans
actions caused Dickinson TO repeat his in
suits and to say that If ever such cow
ardly cur as Jackson could be whipped
or spurred into a meeting on the field of
honor he would rid Tennessee and the
country of the ''pestilent poltroon."
Dickinson about this time must have
been meditating an attack of similar ma
ture to the murderous onslaught which
the Benton brothers made on the general
years after, for he Dragged that he was
going to force fight on Jackson.
Thus it began to be a public opinion that
a duel must ensue, and Jackson finally
challenged Dickinson, which was exactly
what the latter had plotted, because a
challenge gives the receiver the choice
Of weapons.
AS Dickinson's cavalcade went along,
stopping now and then at roadside taverns
10 bait their horses and refresh themselves
the hero of the party gave numerous ex-
hibitiOnS Of his ct nj sIrf boI
dollars tossed in air, and in one place,
where bit of string was hanging from a
tree, he shot off the lower half and said
with savage laugh: "Show that to Gen.
Jackson when he comes along this way"
Far different was the temper of the other
party, the tall gaunt, slender stately sol
der riding in front of his comrades with
his old friend and second, Gen. Overton
They gave very grave, though, of course,
a brave, consideration to the matter. Both
knew Dickinson's wonderful skill. In
TACT, at that very hour the Nashville
gambling fraternity, having wind of the
coming event that had cast so many shad-
ows before, were laying heavy odds on
Dickinson.
You viii surely be hit, general" said
Overton, rather testify.
Beyond a reasonable Doubt replied
jackson; but what of that? l shall wing
him, too, never fear!"
I've been thinking said Overton,
that perhaps 1t would be best for you
TO let him fire first
You mean to receive his fire and re-
serve mine?"
YES, general If you should try to
IRE simultaneously on tine signal, and he
should hit you a second before you
pun your trigger that might spoil your
ann Better let him fire hastily. I GU take
deliberate aim. Your will can control
your pain, even if hit. What think you?"
think you are right said Jackson,
and l will do as you say.
That night, at the inn where they stopp-
ed near the chosen ground, Jackson ate
hearty supper, smoked his corn-cob pipe
and conducted himself like an ordinary
genial traveller the landlord however,
dlvining his errand, ana wishing him
safe return
Remounting early next morning, they
found themselves compelled TO swim their
horses across q ford, as no ferryman
was visible to convey them. In the open
heart of a poplar forest they came and
found Dickinson with his second sur
geon and friends awaiting them.
The usual civilities of polite blood spill
ing were duly performed, coins were toss
ed for choice of position, which was won
by Dickinson's second, and the giving of
the word, which he especially valued, fell
TO Gen. Overflow
AS the sun was yet quite low in the
cool heavens, position could not have
SOUllteu Tor mucn IN the way Ol JdChSOh ,
having a sun dazzle in his eyes which
has happened TO some duelists, but 1t is
easy to understand that Dickinson,s sec
ond doubtless posted his man so that
no tree trunk behind him should make
special line as a guidepost to Jacksons
aim Eight PAGES were measured off and
the men were placed.
Are you ready, gentlemen cried Ov
erton.
Il am ready" replies Dickinson.
Il am ready" replies Jackson.
"Ferer'
Overton shoots this word from his mouth
with the old rustic pronunciation coming
back to him in his intense excitement, II
being a common phenomenon that sec
onds are often not half so cool their
principals.
Hardly had the word left his lips, when
ball left Dickinson's pistol. Overton's
Keen eyes noted tiny puff or dust on the
iett breast of Jackson and saw the left
hand go slowly to the breast, but his man
STOOD firm as one of the neighboring pop
lars. Dickinson recoiled few steps IN
dllaZpmnnf nd 4 =.