Not long after his inauguration, Sevier met Jackson in Knoxville,
where Jackson was holding court. The charges against Sevier were
then being made the subject of legislative investigation
instituted by Tipton, and Jackson had published a letter in the
Knoxville "Gazette" supporting them. At the sight of Jackson,
Sevier flew into a rage, and a fiery altercation ensued. The two
men were only restrained from leaping on each other by the
intervention of friends. The next day Jackson sent Sevier a
challenge which Sevier accepted, but with the stipulation that
the duel take place outside the State. Jackson insisted on
fighting in Knoxville, where the insult had been offered. Sevier
refused. "I have some respect," he wrote, "for the laws of the
State over which I have the honor to preside, although you, a
judge, appear to have none." No duel followed; but, after some
further billets-doux, Jackson published Sevier as "a base coward
and poltroon. He will basely insult but has not the courage to
repair the wound." Again they met, by accident, and Jackson
rushed upon Sevier with his cane. Sevier dismounted and drew his
pistol but made no move to fire. Jackson, thereupon, also drew
his weapon. Once more friends interfered. It is presumable that
neither really desired the duel.
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