University Archives, duPont-Ball Library, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida
Date
1841
Identifier
Surratt 07
Description
September 10, 1841 (3 pages). Letter from Tennessee Congressman Cave Johnson to Reynolds. The reverse has a red postmark 'Washington City.' Apparently in reply to a request from Reynolds for a position, Johnson bemoans the Whigs and tells of difficulties of accomplishing anything in Washington. He describes a 'scuffle' on the floor of Congress: 'Wise [Henry A. of Virginia] & Stanly [Edward of North Carolina] had a real battle upon the floor, fisticuffs - the whole House rushed to the spot - all intending to part them. Arnold [Thomas D. of Tenn.] collared Butler [William O.] of Ky - & a scuffle ensued. The scene equalled any you ever saw in courtyard, in the evening when all are merry with hard cider.' For more information on the event on the floor of the House, see the Congressional Globe report at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llcg&fileName=009/llcg009.db&recNum=458.
