Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to R.W. Latham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03423 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Hermitage, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 December 1843 Pagination: 3 p. : address : free frank ; 25 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Jackson writes to Latham at Upperville, Virginia. Discusses Stockly Donelson's default on a contract involving the purchase of enslaved people by Andrew Jackson Donelson and Andrew Jackson, Jr. Latham attempted to hold A. J. Donelson and Andrew Jackson Jr. liable for the sum. Tells Latham that Stockly's part of the debt is secured by a deed of trust.
Andrew Jackson was Andrew Jackson Donelson's uncle, and Donelson served in various capacities under Jackson during his political career.
[excerpts]
Your letter of the 10th. instant is now before me. The contents duly noted I reply - That shortly after the purchase of the Negroes by Major A.J. Donelson, & A. Jackson jnr the latter disposed of his interest in that purchase to Stockly Donelson, who became liable for all sums of money on said contract that A. Jackson jnr was liable for having stepped into the [inserted: shoes of the] said A. J. jnr. It has been owing to the default of Stockly Donelson in not complying punctually with his engagement that any delay in payment has happened. To compell S. Donelson to secure the payment of his part of this debt, he having at first refused to give a lien on those negroes, I had to bring suit against him, which was compromised, by his giving to Major A.J. Donelson [2] a deed of trust on twenty eight negroes In arranging this business with Stockly Donelson, Major A.J. Donelson having [inserted: as he states] informed by Major Lewis that Mrs. Eliason was not onerous about the principle provided she could receive the interest...
Mr. A. Jackson jnr [3] has been badly treated by Stockly Donelson, who bought his interest in the negroes, and expected great punctuality in Stockly Donelson, but has been much injured by his failure to comply...
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