Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to James Ronaldson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.041 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 February 1820 Pagination: 1 p. : docket : free frank ; 25 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions his failing health. The plaster bust of Jackson, by William Rush, was ordered by Ronaldson for a number of important Americans. The only surviving terra-cotta is at the Art Institute of Chicago; the only surviving plaster is at the collection of Montgomery Place, the estate of Edward Livingston (J.G. Barber, Andrew Jackson: A Portrait Study, 1991). Partially quoted from copies at the Library of Congress in Susan R. Stein, The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello p. 226. Stein identifies the Chicago bust as Jefferson's. See also Mila M. Naeve, "William Rush's... Busts of General Andrew Jackson," American Art Journal, 21 (1989): 1.
Note: Not in Bergh. Jefferson's opinion of Andrew Jackson is much disputed. Apparently he admired the general's military prowess at New Orleans but Jefferson "is reported to have told Daniel Webster and George Tichnor... that Jackson was unfit for the presidency, being a man of violent passions..." (quoted in Malone, Sage of Monticello, p. 436-37, citing a December 1824 memorandum of Webster). Some scholars question Webster's reliability. Ronaldson was a typefounder who had in 1809 received an introduction from Jefferson for Dupont de Nemours (Bergh 12: 293-96).
Monticello Feb. 7. 20
I thank you, dear Sir, for the present of the bust of Genl. Jackson. He holds a high place in my esteem, as an undeviating patriot and a military character who has deserved well of his country. I shall give his bust a place in my most honorable suite, with those of Washington, Franklin, Fayette Etc. It's value is moreover heightened as from the hand of an Artist of whom our country has a high and just estimation.
To the political parts of your letter I cannot answer. My health is so entirely gone, <with> little prospect of it's return, that I am obliged to withdraw my attention from every thing beyond the walls of my chamber, and particularly from politics. I leave these to the generation now on the stage, who will I am sure govern as wisely as their predecessors. I feel safe under their wing, and able now to contribute nothing but my prayers for my country which comprehends them, you, and every thing else dear to me. Unable to write but with pain and difficulty I must here conclude with my friendly & respectful salutations
Th: Jefferson
[address leaf:]
free
Th: Jefferson
Mr. James Ronaldson
Philadelphia
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