Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Samuel Smith
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 #: GLC03188 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 14 June 1830 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 31.7 x 19.8 cm Order a Copy
Jackson thanks Smith for supporting his veto of the Maysville Road bill. Jackson says that while his veto may have opposed internal improvements, it was for the greater good of the Government. In a statement to Congress explaining his reasons for the veto Jackson argued that using federal money for a purely local project was wrong, no matter how desirable internal improvements were. Jackson also had a political motivation to veto the bill, since the road was set to be built in Kentucky, the home state of his chief rival Henry Clay.
Samuel Smith was a Jacksonian Senator from Maryland.
My Dear Sir,
In the great mass of business which the knowledge of my intention to depart in a few days on a visit to my farm in Tennessee, has thrown upon me, I can scarsely find a moment to acknowlege the receipt of your favor of the 10th. instant; But I must thank you for its contents.
It is gratifying to me to know that the considerations which produced the veto on the Maysville road bill, are likely to be satisfactory to the great body of my friends, tho' there may be many, like the citizins intrusted in the Rockville bill, whose local situations, rather than their judgemnt, will force them for awhile to withold their acquiescence. In relation to this class of my friends, this step must take its chance, appealing to their reason and patriotism alone. If the evils [2] which it anticipates are worth avoiding, as dangerous to the purity of the Government, and the durability of our Union, I have the fullest confidence that this zeal in the cause of internal improvements will be as far moderated as, at least, to give me the credit of good intentions.
I pray you to accept my best wishes for your happiness and believe me sincerely
Yr. obt. Sert
Andrew Jackson
Genl Saml Smith
[address leaf]
Genl Saml. Smith
Senator U. States
Baltimore
[docket]
Gen: A. Jackson
President. U. States
14 June 1830
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.