Foster, Ephraim H. (1794-1854) to William Graham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02804 Author/Creator: Foster, Ephraim H. (1794-1854) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 April 1814 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Talks about the "glorious & transporting news" of Andrew Jackson's victory over the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, which would prove to be the effective end of the Creek War. Exalts over "the true Genl. Jackson," and his success, while deriding the Northern armies for their lack of action against the Indians. States that he has also enclosed an "account of the whole affair."
I should not have this soon thrown myself in your presence, had not the glorious & transporting news of the victory of the 27th ult. attained by the unconquerable arms of Tennessee reached us yesterday evening. I hasten, my, friend to lay the account before you, that, your heart may feel all the pleasant sensations my own does at this moment. How pleasing is the thought, that while in the North, everything wears the face of discomforture, & disgrace, the American coulours wave triumphant in the South: While [Generals] Wilkinson, Hampton, & Harrison are either lying inactive, or moving to no purpose but to their shame, the great & immortal Jackson, leads the valiant & daring sons of Tennessee to victory & to glory.
More than once has he laid the savage beneath the rod of his victory: More than once has he made those mistaken beings feel the valor of his arms.... behold, behold, my Dear friend, behold the blow he struck on the 27th March. [The battle that effectively ended the Creek War] More than 800 prostrate indians atone for the loss of the brave Major Montgomery & his dead fellow soldiers: More than 2000 atone for the slaughter at Fort Mimms. I am transported beyond conception. Did you ever read of the like. Will the like ever take place again. Yes. Yes. Headed by the Genl. the true Genl. Jackson our soldiers must conquer. The 27th of March, will ever be a jubilee in the annals of Tennessean warfare....
Before this time, General Jackson has set out for the Hickory ground.... In a few days more, we hope to to hear he has added another plume to the name of Tennessee. May the great gods, continue unto him his former successes: May he go on conquering & to conquer, until not one enemy shall dare show himself in the South.
I am somehow so elevated above myself that I can not talk on any other subject. My Graham, I am proud of being a Tennessean. Yes I am.
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