Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to John Y. Mason
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03319 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Hermitage, Tennessee Type: Letter signed Date: 1 August 1844 Pagination: 5 p. : address ; 26 x 21 cm Order a Copy
Jackson argues that Tyler must withdraw his candidacy to allow the election of Polk and Dallas. If Tyler remains in the race he will split the Democratic vote, and allow Henry Clay to win election. Is confident that Polk can beat Clay, as long as Tyler does not run. Assures Mason that even though Tyler appointed him to his post, Tyler's resignation would not mean that Mason would have to retire. The letter is in the hand of Major Donelson, Jackson's nephew, but signed by Jackson, who says that he is too weak to write. Though Tyler had been elected as a Whig, he had been thrown out of the party, and therefore posed more of a threat to the Democrats.
John Y. Mason was the Secretary of the Navy from 1844-1845 and 1846-1849.
Hermitage August 1st. 1844
Mr Dr Sir,
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter marked private & confidential of the 23d ulto, and although worn down from a bad cough, pain in my left side and shortness of breath, I shall endeavor to answer it.
Whilst I sincerely thank you for your kind attention to my request in favor of the youth John Adams, I do assure you, that I highly approve of your course not to permit under any circumstances an infraction of the law. To obey the law is the imperious duty of all officers in our Republican Government.
Regarding you always as a real Republican I observed with pleasure your call to the cabinet. Mr Tyler had given evidence that he desired to administer the Government on pure Jeffersonian principles; and hence it seemed to me to be the duty of the Democrats not to withhold their aid from hem when respectfully invited.
I trust that Mr Tyler may continue to act in such a manner as will prove him throughout his administration worthy of the confidence of the [2] Democracy: but to do so it seems to me he ought not to occupy the position he now does as a candidate for the Presidency: and as you have requested the frank disclosure of the considerations on which this opinion rests I will briefly state them.
These are 1st
Because he has no possible chance of election, the great body of the Democracy being pledged to the nomination of Messrs. Polk & Dallas.
2d Because of his position on the question of Annexing Texas to the United States. His enemies have charged that his course on that subject was dictated by a desire to enhance his popularity and make capital for his election to the Presidency. His withdrawal will remove this imputation and thereby disencumber the question of much of the prejudice which has been thrown around it by such demagogues as those are who ascribe our conduct in the south to sectional feeling alone.
3d His withdrawal is necessary to relieve him of the imputation of holding on to the canvass for the purpose of strengthening Clay. Should the Democracy be defeated this will be a serious charge and will seperate him [3] forever from the party. But whatever may be the result of the present election if Mr Tyler retires or rather withdraws from the canvass in good time, and makes such an appeal to the country as his good sense will suggest, all true Republicans will thank him and take a pride in reembering him as one that has performed a noble part in resisting the encroachments of the Federalists. His popularity will be increased and those who are now supporting him for the Presidency will have no reason to oppose the nomination of the Democratic party.
I have been already asked by many of the personal friends of Mr Tyler who are anxious for the success of the Republican party and therefore will vote for Mr Polk, what will be Mr Tylers course? I have always said he will withdraw - he will not endanger the election - he will not expose himself to the imputation of helping Clay and his British allies. The manner in which these anticipations have been received satisfies me that Mr Tyler must withdraw, or that if he does not he will forfeit the confidence of the Republican party.
If he retires with a suitable address calculated to arouse his country to the dangers [4] which threaten the Republic if Mr Clay succeeds his popularity will be encreased and his reputation will become the property of the friends of Jefferson - If on the contrary he perseveres as a candidate thereby dividing the Republican party he is as effectually joined to the Whigs as he could be by an open avowal of their doctrines.
If Mr Tyler should not withdraw you suggest that your situation will be unpleasant, and intimate that it may become proper for you to resign. This does not follow. If Mr Tyler takes no decided step of an administrative character against the Republican doctrine there can be no necessity for your resignation. We know that your principles are too pure to be contaminated by Whiggish or conservatism, and no suspicion can therefore attach to you by remaining in the cabinet if Mr Tyler continues in the field.
It is now but a few months to the election - to the election of Polk & Dallas from whom I trust we may expect the revival [5] of Jeffersonian democracy in the support of which you have always been faithful.
I close this reply to your letter by repeating my belief that Mr Tyler will withdraw, and that he will thereby add to his popularity and fame. The sooner he does so the better it will be for him & the country:
I send this in the handwriting of my friend & nephew Majr Donalson, with whom it is entirely safe & confidential. I am too weak to write. Accept assurances of my great respect and regard.
Yr. friend
Andrew Jackson
Honble
J. Y. Mason }
[address leaf]
Private & confidential
Honble
J. G. Mason
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