Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-01-05
From the Louisville cOurier.l
Ges. sael..a asa csl. ss..se.

Having recently observed an interest
ing extract, touching the character of
Gen. Jackson. published in the papers
from Col. Benton's work. "Thirty Years
in the Senate" probably the re-publi-
cation of the following communication
written by the Col. forty years ago,
will be interesting to the readers of the
Courier:
Franklin (Tenn. } Sept. 10, 1918.
To THE PUBLIc.-"A difference which
had been for some months brewing be-
tween Gen. Jackson, and myself, pro-
duced on Saturday, the 14th inst, in the
streets of Nashville, the most outrage
Gus affray ever witnessed in civilized
country. In communicating this affray
to my friends and fellow citizens, limit
myself to the statement of few lead
ing facts, the truth Of which l am ready
to establish by judicial proofs.
81. That myself and my brother Jes-
Sc Benton, arrived at Nashville on the
morning of the afray,-and knowing of
General Jackson's threats, went and
took our lodgings in different house
from the one in which he was, on pur-
pose to-avoid him.
"2. That the General and some of his
friends came to the house where we had
put up, commenced the attack by lev
elling a pistol at me. when had no
weapon drawn and advancing upon me
at quick pace, without giving me time
to draw one.
g. That seeing this, my brother
fred upon General Jackson, when he
got within eight or ten feet of me.
''4. That four other pistols were fred
in quick succession: one by Gen. Jack
son 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 to the ground, but received no
hurt.
"5. The daggers were then drawn by
Col. Coffee and Mr.. Alexander Donal-
son, who made and gave me FIVE slight
wounds. Captain Hammond and Mr..
Stokley Hays engaged my brother, who
being still weak from the effect of Sc
we're wound he had lately received in a
duel, was not able to resist two men.
They got him down, and while Capt.
Hammond beat him on the head to make
him lie still, Mr. HAYS attempted to
stab him, and wounded him in both arms
as he lay on his back, parrying the
thrusts with his naked hands. From
this situation a generous hearted citizen
of Nashville, Mr.. Summer, relieved
him. Before he came to the ground,
my brother clapped loaded pistol to
the breast of Mr.. Hays, TO blow him
through, but it missed fire.
sc. My own and my brothers pistols
carried two balls each; for it was our in
tention, If driven to arms to have no
child's play. Two pistols fred at me
were so near that the blaze of the muz-
zle of one of them burnt the sleeves Of
my coat, and the other aimed at my
head, at little more than an arms
length from it.
"7. Capt. Carrall was to have taken
part in the affray, but was absent by the
permission of General Jackson, as he has
since proved by the Gems certificate, a
certificate which reflects less honor, l
know not whether upon the General or
upon the captain.
"8. That this attack was made upon
me in the house where the judge of the
district, Mr.. Searcy,-had his lodgings!
So little are the laws and its ministers
respected Nor has civil authorities yet
taken reeognisance of this horrible out
rage. THOMAS HART BENTON.
Lieut.. Col. 29h Infantry.