Jackson killed a man named Charles Dickinson in May 1806, following a dispute between Jackson and Joseph Erwin over a horse race. Apparently, Erwin owed Jackson some money after losing a bet. When there was difficulty collecting the money, Jackson or one of his friends made a negative comment about Erwin.

Erwin’s son-in-law, Dickinson, intervened and challenged Jackson to a duel. Dickinson, apparently quite handy with a pistol, fired first and hit Jackson. Jackson then returned fire and killed Dickinson. Jackson carried Dickinson’s bullet in his body the rest of his life.