Although dueling was popular around 1804, there were many people who spoke out against the practice. The Catholic Church rallied against dueling. Dueling was even illegal in many states. However, the duel was still very popular with politicians and people of the day. Even Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States took part in a duel. A mighty scandalous duel at that, but we’ll save that for a later date.

So, the Catholic Church and state laws were not the only voices in opposition to duels. Both George Washington and Benjamin Franklin frowned on the art of the duel. Franklin said about duels, “murderous practice… they decide nothing.” Washington’s reason for disliking the practice may have been more beneficial to him as the General of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Washington could not afford to lose troops to duels, he needed the manpower. It is interesting that Alexander Hamilton took part in duels while the man he looked up to, Washington, discouraged them.