 Rowan was known throughout his life as an avid <unk> . On January 29 , 1801 , Rowan joined Dr. James Chambers and three other men for a game of cards at Duncan McLean 's Tavern in Bardstown . After several beers and games of whist , Chambers suggested playing Vingt @-@ et @-@ un for money instead . Rowan had determined not to gamble during this session of gaming , but impaired by the alcohol , he agreed . After a few hands , an argument broke out between Chambers and Rowan . The exact nature of the argument is not known . Some accounts claim it was over who was better able to speak Latin and Greek ; others suggest that general insults were exchanged between the two men . A brief scuffle followed the disagreement . 
