Chapters 16-17 Summary and Analysis

"Sharp Knife" follows the Indian battles during the War of 1812, which yield Old Hickory a second nickname, this one bestowed by his enemies. In the spring of 1813, Jackson's protygy and aide-de-camp, Thomas Hart Benton, breaks with him and convinces Nashville that he is a rogue. By September, Jackson is of a mind to thrash Benton and his brother Jesse, and is shot in his left shoulder and arm trying to whip Jesse. A melee ensues. Carried away, Jackson forbids amputation and the bullets are left inside. For weeks, he cannot move. A decade later, Thomas and Jackson meet as senators united by the danger of John Quincy Adams. Jesse goes to his grave damning Jackson as a "poltroon." Duels have "lost their cachet" and Tennesseans wonder why a man of Jackson's age and reputation is "brawling with youngsters." Luckily...