 Bullock served as Chambers ' second for the duel ; Bibb acted as second for Rowan . According to Bibb , he and Bullock met on February 1 to discuss the parameters for the duel . Bullock proposed that the matter be dropped , but Bibb insisted that Chambers would have to retract his challenge , to which Bullock would not consent . The duel was held February 3 , 1801 , near Bardstown . Both combatants missed with their first shots . Both men fired again , and Rowan 's second shot struck Chambers , wounding him severely . ( Bibb 's account says that Chambers was struck in the left side ; other accounts state that the shot hit Chambers in the chest . ) Rowan then offered his carriage to take Chambers to town for medical attention , and Chambers asked that Rowan not be prosecuted . Despite medical aid , Chambers died the following day . 
