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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Edward B. Donelson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00126 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Hermitage, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1844 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank : 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Tells his troublesome nephew to "hereafter never do an act of disobedience," and instead "pursue your education." Advises that this course is "the only way to make you a great and good man"

Hermitage
Febry 9th, 1844--

My Dear Master Edward,

I have just received your letter of the 13th.. of January last, from which I learn, as well from one recd from your dear uncle Major E.J.W. Butler, that you and your dear Mother are under his roof & protection, that her health & spirits are very much improved, and that you have just commenced your studies under the Excellent Teacher of his formerly, the Revd Mr Jay and that you have promised to perform & become a dutiful & clever boy.
This is truly pleasant intelligence, to me as it must be gratifying to your dear distressed Mother. This intelligence, with the pledge you have given me in your letter now before me, "that you have determined hereafter never to do an act in disobedience to your dear mothers command & wishes," prepares me to believe, that you will pursue your education with asiduity & profit, & never cease until you obtain a thorough education, and that your acts thro life will be such as comforts with that of the Real gentleman and good Christian - Then my dear Edward you will become a useful citizen and esteemed by all good men - This ought to be & I hope will be, always before your eyes as the Chief object in view - I pray you to adopt this course, it is the only one to make you a great & good man, and to [inserted: give] happiness to yr dear Mothers gratification to all yr best friends and to no one more than to your affection uncle

Andrew Jackson

Master E.B. Donelson -
Thy [Illegible] whole household salute office honorably & your dear mother, Major Butler & his honorable family
. A.J.

ADD ADDRESS LABEL

[address]
-Free-
Andrew Jackson
Master
Edward B. Donelson
MVR Bayvel Goula
Post Office -
State of Louisiana

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

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