Duel With Andrew Jackson
In 1788, Avery was challenged to a duel by Andrew Jackson, then a young territorial lawyer. Avery, also a lawyer, would often proclaim "I refer to Bacon"—meaning The Elements of the Common Laws of England, the noted law text written by Francis Bacon—when making a point. Jackson once replaced a copy of the text with an actual side of bacon in Avery’s saddlebags. When Avery criticized him for levity in the courtroom, “Old Hickory” issued the duel challenge. The two men met on the field of honor, each intentionally missed the other while firing, and they left fast friends.
Read more about this topic: Waightstill Avery
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