The Virginian

THE VIRGINIAN

LYNCHBURG, OCTOBER 19. 1826.

The Tennessee Duel. —We did not notice the recent difference which occurred in Nashville, between Gen. Houston and John P. Erwin, Esq. because we were of opinion that such things ought to be confined to the parties themselves. But, since it has terminated in a duel, and as the morbid appetite of that many-headed monster, the public, is generally gratified with "wars and rumors of wars" the cause and consequence, more than with the dull details of peaceful life, we must accommodate it with recital of the circumstances that led to the fight—more particularly as Gen. Houston is a member of Congress, John P. Erwin, (who did not fight) an Ex Governor and Post master, and Gen, White (who did fight) an officer of the militia. The account of the duel itself will be found in another column.

The office of Post Master at Nashville some months ago, became vacant, by the resignation of the incumbent. Two candidates, John P. Erwin and Benj F. Currey; the former an administration man, the latter a Jacksonian. In these days of politics and powder, when almost every man is either a Jupiter Tonans, or a sycophant, and when almost every word that is uttered is a command or a slander, it was not to be presumed that so important an office was lightly to be disposed of John P. Erwin was recommended by his abilities—Benj. F. Currey by his politics. As it suits the interest of aspirants for office in Tennessee to be of the same political way of thinking as is Mr. Currey, so it happens that there are but few who think otherwise. These few. it may be naturally supposed, stand but a poor chance in any contest. All the members of Congress, from Tennessee except Gen. Cocke, opposed Mr. Erwin's appointment in a remonstrance to Mr. Adams, which the Jacksonians called energetic, but which the President deemed insulting, and as the said remonstrance was returned to the penners thereof, they flew into a mighty passion, and, being men of warm blood, and valiant withal, they published it in the papers, with comments as"energetic" as the remonstrance itself. It appears, however that Mr. Adams" stiffened his neck." and listened not to the wailings of Messrs. Houston, Eaton, Isaacks, &c. but thought proper to give the appointment to a gentleman who was qualified to perform the duties of the office. This was an insult to the Tennessee delegation, of course— first, because, although the framers of the Constitution of the United States saw fit to vest the appointing power in the national executive, yet this was a mere oversight, or intended to be a nullity, as it can be more judiciously exercised by the delegations. for the time being, of the States, passion being generally admitted to be a better guide in these matters than reason—and secondly because the President manifested great ingratitude in appointing a friend who had labored in vain to convert the good people of Tennessee to his way of thinking, and thereby demonstrated his jejunity ; while a worthy friend of Gen. Jackson, who has so cordially and efficiently supported the measures of the administration. and exhibited so much friendship for Mr. Adams ala mode Randolph and Calhoun. was overlooked! The President is surely very unthinking to appoint his supporters to offices, while he has so many enemies who crave them !-Now, for the ground of opposition to Mr Erwin. Did Mr. Houston say he was incapable? No. Did he say that he was not honest ? Yes. And he certainly had most excellent reasons for so saying! Mr. Erwin had passed through a long life unimpeached—he had been engaged in the most extensive mercantile transactions—he had acted as an editor, attorney, bank director, and clerk of the House of Delegates of Tennessee—millions of dollars had passed through his hands, and not a stain had been attached to his character—but, in an evil hour, the tempter came, and he fell a victim to his witcheries. He came, too, in the shape of a newspaper, (mirabile dictu !) and that newspaper Noah's Advocate, and that Advocate a fac simile of one to which he was entitled in the way of exchange: as an Editor! Thus, a man who had reared up around him, in honor, a family of children, and who had hoped to transmit them the rich legacy of a spotless reputation. committed a most horrible theft, scarcely less damnable than the desecration of a church —he purloined a newspaper from the post office, value three cents, when he would have received himself that newspaper's counterpart! Such was the objection which the discerning Gen. Houston made to the appointment of Mr. Erwin. Gen. H. said in general terms, that Mr. E. was dishonest and this was his-specification! Mr. Erwin, not relishing the charge, called on Gen. Houston for satisfaction, which was most assuredly a very foolish act. Who cares now a days, for being a scoundrel? It is true, many persons who do not scruple to do mean actions have a great aversion to being accused of them—they had as lieves play the rascal as not—but make wry faces if you tell them of it. But, this is wrong. A little gentlemanly rascality is quite convenient and quite common ; and really. we cannot imagine a more gentlemanly instance than the stealing of a " folio of four pages But to return narrative. Gen. Houston refused to fight Mr. Erwin, although he very bravely acknowledged that he had abused him.— Why did he refuse to fight ? It was well observed by the " Richmond Whig," that no man could guess by Christmas day.— It was because Col. Smith, the bearer of the challenge, was not a resident of Tennessee most sapient reason It shows that Gen. Houston knows how to scent danger as well as dishonesty ; for, we have heard it said that both Mr. Erwin & Col. Smith have made deadly aims in single combats, and, that—if they know how to do wrong, they know also how to defend it. Be all this as it may. however. the General contrived to avoid both of these gentlemen, and to drag in another—