Andrew Jackson

Early Career

How did Jackson almost come to a deadly fight with Tennessee’s governor?

In 1803, Jackson entered into a quarrel with John Sevier, the governor of Tennessee; both men felt they should become the leader of the state’s militia. Jackson made a comment about Sevier’s past service to the state, which caused Sevier to reply that Jackson’s only contribution had been to take a trip “with another man’s wife.” Upon hearing this insult of Rachel, Jackson became enraged and the two shot at each other.

