Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1827-09-25
EX-SENATOR BENTON AND GENERAL
JACKSON

JACKSON
The following account of one of the most brutal
afrays on record, is from the pen OF Mr.. Senator
Benton, of Missouri. 1t deserves careful rea-
ding.
Franklin. Tenn Sept TO- 1918.
"a difference which had been for some months
brewing between General Jackson and myself, pro-
duced, on Saturday, the 4h inst in the town OF Nash
ville the mnst outrageous afay ever witnessed IN
civilized country Ia communicating this affair to
nv friends and fellow citizens, limit myself to the
statement Of few leading facts, the truth OF which
am ready to establish by judicial proofs:
/. That myself and my brother, Jesse Benton ar
irving in Nashville the morning OF the atray, and
knowing of Gen. Jackson's threats, went and took
our lodgings in different house from the one IN
which he staid, on purpose to avoid HIM
9. That the General and some oil his friends came
to the house where we had put up, and commenced
the attack by leveling pistol at me, when had no
weapon drawn, and advancing upon me at quick
pace without giving me time to draw one
8. That seeing this, my brother fired upon Gen.
Jackson, when he had got within eight or ten feet o.
me.
| 4. That four other pistols were fired in quick sue
cesson one by Gen. jackson at me. two by me at
the General. aad one by Col. Coffee at me. In the
course of this firing Gen. Jackson was brought to the
ground, but l received no hurt.
| 5. That daggera were the drawn. Col. Coffee
and MIR. Alexander Dawson made at me, and gave
me five slight wounds Capt. Hammond and Mr.
Stockely Hays engaged my brother, who being stu
weak from the effect of a would he received III
duel, was not able to resist two men. They got Inn
down. and while Cant. Hammond beat him on tn
head to make him lie still, Mr.. Hays attempted
stab him, and wounded him in both arms, as he Ia
on his back parryng the thrusts with his make
hands. From this situation generous hearted CIT
izeu of Nashville, MIR Summer, relieved him. 80
fore he came to the ground. my brother clapped pls
to to the breast of Mr.. Hays. to blow him through
$ but it missed lire.
6. MY own and my brothers pistols carried tw
n balls each, for it was our intention, ii driven
arms. to have no chds play. The pistols fired /
It me were SO near, that the blaze of the muzze OF on
is of them burnt the sleeve of my coat, and the othe
aimed at my head at little more than arm's leDg'
ID from it.
i. z. Cant Carroll was to have taken part in Il
% ARRAY, but was absent by the permission OF Ge
Jackson. as hehas since proved by the Generals &c
y, tiicate; certificate which reflects know not VIII
Their less honor upon the General or upon the "a
tain.
8. That this attack was made upon me in the hol
where the Judge of the district, Mr.. Searcy had
cy odnines So little are the laws and its ministers n
OF pected Nor has the civil authority yet taken CT
Sc nizence of this horrible outrage. These iacts
ID sufficient ito fix the public opinion. For my o
TO part think it scandalous that such things sho'
'ut take place at any time but particularly SO at
on present moment, when the public service requi
for the aid of all its citizens. AS for the name
hat courage, God forbid that should ever attempt
W. gain it by becoming bully. Those who kr
me, know full well that would give thous;
are times more for the reputation Of Croghan IN del
The ding his post, than would for the reputation
~, all the duelliss and gIadators that ever apps
" ed upon the face of the earth. ,-,,o>,
= THOMAS HART BENTON,
r Lieut.. Col. 59th lntantr
Y -.
ira o,,y.~,, NJ, Dr,, Priv
;s - 11oAN meeting friendly to the Administration OF
. nv stare ana Ueherd' Oofe'h "ie'i. '''e " W.