The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-05-07
GIN. TOMBSTONE JONES,
ADJUTANT.GENERAL OF NORTH
CLROLINA,
Denounced bT the Hon. Richmond
Pearson for HTreaehery, Duplic-
ity and Ingratitude."

AsHavILLE, n. c., May 3-An I'M
usual and widespread sensation has
occurred here in regard to a prospec-
tive duel between Richmond Pearson
and Gen. tombstone Jones, both MEM
bers OF the Legislature and representa-
tives OF two OF the most distinguished
families in the State. Richmond
Pearson is the son OF the late Chief
Justice Pearson, OF this State, who was
the grandson OF Richmond Pearson OF
revolutionary fame, who 30 harassed
and impeded the progress OF Corn
wallis az no came South through the
Carolinas. Gen tombstone Jones Is
Adjutant-G General Of this State, and is
q grandson Of Gov. James Iredell, who
represented North Carolina 30 ably in
the United States Senate, and who
was elected by his colleagues TO reply
TO Daniel Webster, but being sick at
the time, r. H. Hsyne was selected.
The father Of Gov. Iredeu was
one of the Justices OF the
United States Supreme Court at its
establishment. These two gentlemen
differed in their views upon the State
law bill for Buncombe county,
Pearson, in an open letter TO his con-
stituents criticising the action Of Gen.
Jones. Jones replied, rejecting on
the courage of Mr.. Pearson. There
upon the latter challenged the former,
who declined TO fight, and published
a card explanatory OF his refusal.
This Mr.. Pearson answered in another
published card, charging Gen. Jones
with Inconsistency in his refusal, and
denouncing him for tire ,chery, duplic'
ity and ingratitude. He concludes as
follows:
Gen. tombstone Jones is a man
VIII sc ancestors have been gentlemen
and gentleWomen. His name has
been distinguished in this State, and
has hitherto been free from any stain
OF cowardice or falsehood. He has
been my social equal and my political
colleague, and is now the commanding
general OF the brave men who con-
stitute the State Guard of North Caro-
lima. AS such his utterances are en-
titled 10 attention. He makes de-
liberate and public charge OF cow
ardice, and whatever pious peo'
pie or progressive moralists
may say the day has not yet come in
North Carolina where man can live
under such a charge unrefuted and be
respected. That which men call
honor will sacrifice everything else tC
save itself. The extent OF the sacrifice
is the test and measure of courage.
do not wish to obtrude upon the pub
lie my life, but this much l must say
that | have lived in this world five
times seven years In the first two
often I've had childish and boyisf
fights. At fourteen l lost my only
brother, whose fiery temper brought
grief to my father and brought my
brother to an untimely grave. since
that have tried to avoid broils, anC
have lived without reproach bu
without fear. There have been ex
actly six Richmond Pearsons in thiI
State whose names have been derived
from father TO son. The last is nov
an infant in his mothers arms, and
feel that I-shUuid have wronged hin
and those who lived before me If haC
suffered that name to be sullied by al
unrequited charge of cowardice pre-
ferred by a man who was my socia
equal, my colleague and my betrayer
RICHMOND PEARSON.