Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Emma Y. Donelson
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.036 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Hermitage, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1845 Pagination: 5 p. : free frank ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written primarily by Sarah Yorke Jackson. Discusses family, mutual friends, and the president's declining health in detail. Andrew Jackson adds postscript notes regarding his health and the inheritance Emma should receive for caring for her aging mother. Sarah Yorke Jackson married the president's adopted son, his wife's nephew, Andrew Jackson, Jr. Emma Y. Donelson married Andrew Jackson Jr.'s twin brother, Thomas Jefferson Donelson, who was not adopted by the president.
[excerpt]
[Sarah Yorke Jackson writes] My family are all in fine health except my dear Father, and he is very low, some days not able to rise all day, and some days a little better, his disease appears to have assumed a [dropsical] form, he is swollen all over some times his face is out of all shape, and his sufferings are very great - he has revived a little to-day and is sitting up, but yesterday he was scarcely able to move, indeed he is never able to rise without assistance, and sometimes suffers himself to be carries to the carriage to take the fresh air, I fear unless he can obtain relief, he can not long be with us, and God only knows how great a loss he will be to us […]
[Andrew Jackson writes] My health is very low. I am compelled to employ an amanuensis, not being able today to sit up much […]
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.