Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Rachel Jackson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01609 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 January 1819 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 26 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Writes to his wife that he has arrived in Washington, a day after Henry Clay made an inflammatory speech against him. However, he is confident, because he believes that "a very large majority" of Congress sides with him. He has also learned that Jefferson and Madison have written to Monroe in his favor, and that all three Presidents appear to support him. Congress was investigating Jackson for his conduct during the First Seminole War is 1818, when he pursued a group of Seminole Indians into Spanish Florida, upsetting a number of powerful foreign nations.
Washington City Janry. 25th. 1819
My Love
I reached hire at five oclock on the morning of the 23d. Instant, somewhat fatigued, but my health in nowise impaired, the excitement of mind from the [inserted: conduct of a] combination in the house of Congress, to wound my feelings and thereby reach the President of the U States, kept me up - in this combination I found Mr Clay of Kentucky, who had on the day preceeding my arival delivered a very lengthy, & in flamatory speech on the subject - my arival has been in good time, I am well defended on the floor of Congress, & I am this moment advised con fidential, that Mr Jefferson & Mr Madison, has both wrote to Mr Monroe, fully approving of my conduct, & his, in his full approbation of my conduct - This will put down my enemies compleatly - I am told I will have in my favour a very large majority on the floor of Congress. I have been treated with great attention since my arival - but I have determined to decline all invitations, of dining out or vissitting untill the question before the house is decided. I have been so crowded with company since my arival, that untill this moment I have had no time to write you. I met [2] my friends Colo. Butler & the Doctor, & Doctor - Brunaugh - to the Colo. & Doctor Brunaugh for their attention & friendship I feel greatly Indebted, say to Rachel & Patsey, that they - need not expect them to leave this untill the question is decided. I have not been in Congress Hall nor do I intend to vissitt it - untill the question is decided. -
Kiss my sons for me, present me to my friends, & accept of my blessing, I am your affectionate Husband.
Andrew, Jackson
Mrs Rachel, Jackson
[address leaf]
Mrs Rachel Jackson
near Nashville
Mail} Tennessee
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