The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-07-06


None Of General Jackson's biogrs-
pliers give the details of his first duel,
and he himself never cared 10 speak Of
the matter in later years, but some years
ago a granddaughter Of Colonel Wait
still Avery told me the fun story.
Waitstill Avery was a Massachusetts,
man who went to North Carolina carry
ing with him letter of recOmmenda-
ton from no less a parsonage than
Jonathan Edwards. He soon acquired
reputation and influence, and in time
became attorney general Of the State.
II was his custom to take students Of
law into his family, who became tutors
Of his children.
In 1854, when Andrew Jackson was
bat Il years old, and ambitious to be-
come a lawyer, he applied for this situa-
ton. The tradition is that he was re-
fused because a daughter of Avery's
took dislike 10 his appearance.
Young jackson next applied 70 Spruce
MeCay, lawyer in Salisbury, n. c.,
in whose Office he was lifted for the
bar, and he shortly made his appear
ance in the courts. When Jackson was
p years Of age he and Avery met in the
trial Of a case at JonesbOro, Tenn.
II was Jaekson's habit to carry in his
saddlebag copy of ''Bseon's Abridge-
ment, f" and to make frequent appeals
TO Il in his cases. This precious book
was always carefully done up in coarse
brown paper, such as groeers used be-
fore the neat paper bags Of the present
day were invented. The unwrapping
of this mueh-prized volume before a
court wss a very solemn function as
performed by Jackson
Now, Avery had by this time dropped
whatever of Puritan sedateness had
commended him to Jonathan Edwards,
aud was uncommonly fond Of a joke.
He procured piece of bacon just the
size of the book, and while Jackson
was addressing the court he slipped
out the volume from its wrapping and
substituted the bacon.
At length Jackson had occasion to
appeal to Lord Bacon. 1t was an inn
p0rtant case and he would not trust TO
ms memory. He would confouud his
opponent by reading from the book
itself While still talking he raised the
bearskin flapof his saddlebsg, drew out
the brown paper package, carefully un-
tied the string, unfolded the paper with
the decorous gravity of a priest hand
ling the holy things of the altar, and
then. without looking at what he held
in his hand, exclaimed, triumphantly:
I'VE will now SEE what Bacon says" :"
The court, bar, jury aud spectators
were convuIsed with laughter before
Jackson saw the trick that had been
played on him OF course he was furi-
Gus. He snatehed a pen and on the
blank leaf of law book wrote a per-
emptory challenge, which he delivered
then and there He asked for no apOi-
ozy-nothing but blood would do. He
commanded Avery to select friend
and arrange for meeting at once.
Avery made no answer to this per-
emptory demand, thinking his pePpery
antagonist would laugh rather than
fight as he grew cooler. But he did
not know the young man. Jackson
grew hotter instead Of cooler. Next
morning he sent this note, which was
full of bad spelling. My North Caro-
lima friend had seen the original, and in
copying it had corrected the OrthOgra-
ply, but these are the exact words:
"Aug. L, 17SS.-Sir: When mans
feelings and character are injured he
ought TO seek speedy redress. You re-
eeived few lines from me yesterday,
and undoubtedly you understand me.
My character you have injured, and,
further, you have insulted me in the
presence of the court and large audi
enee. therefore call upon you, as q
gentlemen, TO give me satisfaction fol-
the same. And further call upon you
( 10 give me an answer Immediately
/ without equivoeation, and | hope you
can do without dinner until the busi'
Z ness is done, for il is consistent with
Z the character Of a gentleman when ht
Injuries another to make speedy repa
ration. Therefore, hope you wiil moi
fail in meeting me this day. From
your obt. St,
ANDREW JACKSON"
"P. s. This evening after court AL.
journs"
Avery concluded to accept this ehal
lenge, and 80 in the dusk of the summel
evening the duel came oil in hollow
north of Jonesboro, ia the presence o
ule same crowd that had laughed a
Jackson's predicament. When tbs
word was given Jackson fiEed quickly
and his ball flicked Avery scar, scratch
ing il slightly.
Now was Avery's chance To ehang'
the later history Of his country, but hii
Puritan blood asserted itself He free
ia tie air, and then advanced anC
offered Jackson his hand, which wal
accepted.
1