Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-05-26
From The National Journal.

silly engaged in spec ulating on the cIrcumstan-
ces and feelings which may have wrought so
apparently close an union of opinion and cur
pose between Colonel Benton and General
Jackson there has been some curiosity discoy-
cred as to the causes Of the previous personal
alienation which existed between them. The
lapse Of fourteen years had so Tar dimmed and
defaced the impression Of the scenes in which
these indi, duas were pitted against each 9TH
er in contest OF life or death, that but few
seemed able TO revive the recollection of the
circumstances In the last number Of the Ken
lucky Reporter, however, we have Col Ben
TONS owu narrative Of what he calls, and with
truth, if his statement be correct, "the most
outrageous ARRAY ever witnessed in civ
iized country" which was addressed in cir
cular 10 his friends in the fall OF 1915. Pre-
Stunning that the details OF this occurrence are
accurately given, we cannot conceive that they
can be so changed by any explanations or pal
lations, as to bear out the testimony given by
the Nashville Committee. to tine "benevolence s
humanity" which are said by them TO consti-
tute the prominent traits in the character of
General Jackson. As far as we can understand
the usages Of social life, and the rules by which
men Of elevated minds, sound courage, and cor
rect principles regulate their conductive should
regard him who acts towards another as Gen.
Jackson is represented bv Col Benton as acting
towards him, on this occasion, as man with
few of the qualifications which belong 10 man
Of honor. But this opinion we are not author
lied to form in relation TO Gen. Jackson, unless
we could receive with implicit faith, the ALE
cations made against him in this circular Of
Col. Benton's; * Col Benton's strange alliance
with Gen. Jackson, a this moment, is caculat-
ed 10 make US doubt in which Of The charac-
ters, the accuser or friend of the General, he is
the most entitled to credit. What must we
think Of The high mindedness and sincerity Of a
man who will form league OF personal and po-
lltical friendship with one who has attempted
his life, merely for the purpose Of overthrow
ing an Administration against which he has
thought proper 10 array himself? The whole
course of Colonel Benton. taken in connection
with this unnatural association, convinces Us
that to advance his own political interests, he
can compromise his private feelings, forget or
forgive the deepest injuries, and throw the
mantle Of oblivion over the deadliest insults and
injuries.
Taking the narrative which is thus given to
the world under the signature of Colonel Benton
TO be correct, what can we think of General Jack.
sons respect to the laws of his country and the
usages Of men Of honorable standing? Coup.
ling this ARRAY with the affair of the Tennessee
militia men, to which we have recently advert
ed, and of which much vet remains 10 be said,
can our readers acquiesce in the character of
brnev oleDce and humanity claimed for General
Jackson by his friends; or can they bring them.
selves 10 consent to the elevation TO the frs, Of.
fee in the gift of the people, Of man who in
one case has either grossly misunderstood Tho
law of the land, or has disregarded it, to the de.
struction of six of his fellow ciizens and in
another instance, has upon the authority of Col.
Benton incurred the liability to be ranked with
me" of The most desperate and sanguinary ha-
bits and dispositions!
Franklin, Tenn Sept 10, 1918.
difference which had been for some months
brewing between General Jackson and myself,
produced on Saturday, the 4th inst. in the town
Of Nashville, The most outrageous affray ever
witnessed in civilized country. In commu-
nlcaing this affair to my friends and fellow-citi-
zens, limit myself to the statement Of few
leading facts, the truth of which am ready 10
establish by judicial proofs.
|. That myself and my brother, Jesse Benton.
arriving in Nashville on the morning of the al.
fray, and knowing OF Gen, JAG kson's threats,
went and took our lodgings in different house
from the one in which he slad, on purpose to
avoid him.
9. That the General and some of his friends
came to the house where we had put up, and
commenced the attack by level!ing pistol at
me, when had no weapon drawn, and advanc-
ing upon me at az quick pace, without giving
me time 10 draw one.
s. That seeing this, my brother fred upon
Gen Jackson, when he had got within eight or
ten feet OF me.
4. That four other pistols were fired in quick
succession; one by General Jackson at me; two
by me at the General, and one by Col. Coffee at
me. In the course Of this firing Gen. Jackson
was brought 10 the ground; but l received no
hurt.
s. That daggers were then drawn Col COT.
fee and Mr. Alexander Donaldson made at me,
and gave me five slight wohnds Capt. Ham
mon1 and Mr.. Stokley Hays engaged my bro
ther who being still weak from the effect Of
severe wound he had lately received in duel,
was not able 20 resist two men. They got him
down; and while Captain Hammond beat him
on the head to make him Icy still, Mr. Hays al
tempted to stab him, and sounded him in both
arms, as he lay on his back parryng the thrusts