WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1827
114
caused to be done, his statements to the successful applicant. Upon his return home, instead of the greeting of all his con- stituents, he found a challenge ready, for what he had said in discharge of a public duty. The object was to disqualify him, if he accepted, to degrade and disgrace him if he would not. How was the challenge delivered? Not in his room; not in secret. Even duelling, gentlemen, has its laws of honor. The chal!enge was delivered on the public square in view of the multitude; and with a gentleman who had attended as a witness, he had some words which produced a challenge from him. With that gentle- man he had always been on friendly terms- against him he had no ill will- but with him he must risk his life in mortal combat, or be degraded and driven out of the country. This was an alternative he could not agree to. He had risked his life in defence of his country's honor, he must do the same in defence of his own. You have heard the rest. Thank God my adversary was injured no worse. But here the matter, it seems, ,vas not to rest- Houston should not be governor, is the decree of those in power and their minions. A witness is sent from Tennessee to Kentucky, an indictment is there framed and a grand jury pro- cured to find it a true bill, and I am proclaimed a felon. Yes, a felon, under the belief that no freeman would have a felon for his governor, and with a view to its being generally known it is published in their favorite prints, "The Focus," and the "Whig and Banner." · If my fellow citizens think of me in the light of a horse thief, a felon, they ought not to vote for me; and should I be favored with · a majority, I will be governor of Tennessee, the decree of the federal administration and their minions to the contrary not- withstanding, because the statute incapacitating me is unconsti- tutional. I beg leave to conclude by offering the following sentiment: The citizens of Monroe county- May they be as prosperous and happy as they are benevolent and patriotic. 1 Nilcs Register, XXXII, 413-414. S. G. Heiskell, Andrew Jackson and tho Early History_of Tennessee, II, 161-162. 2 As a result of political alignment and rashness on the part of both men, General William A. White. and Houston fought a duel, September 22, 1826. White was seriously wounded. [Niles Registe1·, May 28, 1827.]
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