You wouldn't guess it by the hair, but this man was quite popular with the ladies.
As I am fond of saying, Tennessee history is better than any sordid soap opera. You'll find no better evidence of this than in the TSLA's newest online exhibit, "
The Volunteer State Goes to War: A Salute to Tennessee Veterans."
In the section devoted to pre-1800s veterans, the TSLA has a great letter from John Sevier to Andrew Jackson containing some of the best insults you're likely to read all day (and shoot, if anyone wants to talk about the incivility of online commenters, remember, these dudes were writing insulting letters AND challenging each other to "interviews" which is fancy language for "duels"):
I am again perplexed with your scurrilous and poltroon language. You now pretend you want an interview in this neighborhood, this evening, or tomorrow morning!! And all this great readiness after you have been so repeatedly informed that I would not attempt a thing of the kind within the State of Tennessee. I have constantly informed you I would cheerfully wait on you in any other Quarter and that you had nothing to do but name the place and you should be accommodated. I am now constrained to tell you, that your conduct, during the whole of your pretended bravery, shows you to be a pitiful poltroon and coward, for your propositions are such as you and every other person of common understanding so well know is out of my power to accede too [sic], especially you a Judge!! Therefore the whole tenor of your pretended readiness is intended for nothing more than a cowardly evasion. Now Sir, if you wish the interview accept the proposal I have made you, and let us prepare for the campaign. I have a friend to attend me. I shall not receive another letter from you, as I deem you a coward. John Sevier
