Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) to Susan Decatur
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 #: GLC00762 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 June 1831 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Rejects her request and dismisses her complaints firmly but politely. Decatur had asked the President to install an acquaintance of hers in a governmental position. He refuses to do so, saying he needs the best man to do the job.
Susan Decatur was the widow of Stephen Decatur, a naval hero of the War of 1812 and friend of Jackson's.
"it is very mortifying you know, for old & [competent] clerks to be [overstand?] by placing young & inexperienced Gentlemen over them, however talented they may be."
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.