John Randolph of Roanoke
Alston and John Randolph of Roanoke had an intense dislike for each other, and once had a pitched fight in a Washington boarding house, where heated words led to them throwing tableware at each other. Six years later, they fought again in a stairwell at the House after Alston loudly referred to Randolph as a "puppy". Randolph beat Alston bloody with his cane and the two had to be separated by other congressmen. Randolph was fined $20 for this breach of the peace.