Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Amos Kendall
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01025 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 April 1844 Pagination: 3 p. : address : free frank ; 26 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Writes to the former Postmaster General, also Jackson's close friend and biographer. Jackson relates how he learned that nullifiers secretly sent an agent to Great Britain for aid during the Nullification Crisis of 1832. "... the nullifiers of the south having sent a secrite agent to Great Britain to obtain aid in carrying into effect their designs against the Union." He details the source of his information so that it might be enclosed with his papers by Kendall. Without naming his former vice president, John C. Calhoun, Jackson accuses him and other nullifiers of being traitors and refers to their plan as, "... their wicked plan, to destroy the Union." Prophecies his own death: "My health is very bad, my affliction & debility increasing, & unless a change soon for the better, I cannot hope to live long." Also predicts that Henry Clay will lose the presidential election over the issue of the annexation of Texas, "The people of the west feel great solicitude for the annexation of Texas -- This will destroy Clay even in Ky." Written from Jackson's home, Hermitage, near Nashville, Tennessee.
The Nullification Crisis was a sectional crisis during the presidency of Andrew Jackson over the issue of protective tariffs passed by the federal government in 1828 and 1832 that benefited trade in the northern states but caused economic hardships for Southern states. In response, a number of South Carolina citizens endorsed the states' rights principle of "nullification," which was enunciated by John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president until 1832. South Carolina adopting the Ordinance of Nullification, which declared both the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within state borders. Senator Henry Clay mediated a compromise between South Carolina and the federal government in 1833 but the crisis deepened the divide between the north and the south and planted the seeds for the Civil War.
Hermitage
April 26th 1844 -
My dear Sir,
In my last I advised you of a letter I had received from Col Wm Chambers, formerly of of Louisville, Ky, now of St. Louis Missouri, disclosing the information he obtained from Mr. Hulm of Philadelphia relative to the nullifiers of the south having sent a secrete [sic] agent to Great Britain to obtain aid in carrying into effect their designs against the Union.
Since I wrote you I have not heard from Col Chambers, but reading again his letter his object in writing must have been, to make known to me the fact, that I might obtain from Mr. Hulm of Philadelphia, in writing, the fact as communicated to him. From my debilitated state, & not believing that I can remain much longer here below, and believing that a time may arise when the fact as stated by Col Chambers may be useful to our country, I have concluded to inclose to you, which I now do, Col Chambers letter [not included], that you may thro, Mr Gilpin, obtain from Mr. Hulm, [2] a statement in writing of the fact as stated by Col, Chambers, and have Col. Chambers letter & Mr. Hulms statement filed with my papers, for your use, if you think proper to use them at any time, or that they may be used hereafter, should it become necessary [inserted: hereafter] to recur to the subject of nullification. - Should this be the case, the facts stated, if verified by Mr. Hulm, if living, may be of great importance to shew the object of these nullifiers, in their wicked plans to destroy the Union. Obtaining the statement of Mr. Hulm, can do no harm, even if not used in the history of those times, now it may be useful to our country in other times, and thro Mr. Gilpin Mr Hulm statement verifying the fact as detailed by Col Chambers can be obtained.
My health is very bad, my affliction & debility increasing, & unless a change soon for the better, [struck: soon], I cannot hope to live long. My little Household all unite with me in best wishes to you and yr amiable family. Sincerely yr friend
Andrew Jackson -
Amos Kendall Esqr -
P.S. The people west feel great solicitude for [3] the annexation of Texas - This will destroy Clay even in Ky - Butler I am assured by the best informed will be elected by a large majority -Two thirds of the Whigs in Ky are in favour of annexation
Surely the democracy will pass the Tariff bill now before the Hous before Congress rises.
[free frank:] - Free - / Andrew Jackson -
[address leaf:] Amos Kendall Esqr - / Washington / District Columbia
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