Basic HTML Version
“BACK . . . TO THE ORIGINAL READING . . . OF OUR CONSTITUTION”
336
●
JACKSON, ANDREW. Autograph Letter Signed, twice, to Major Edward
George Washington Butler, reporting that his sister and niece have been unwell, noting
that his own health is so poor that he feels “the taper of life slowly burning out,” pledging
his eternal friendship, sharing his enthusiasm about the recent legislative triumphs over
“Modern Whiggery and Federalism,” expressing indignation at the actions of Messrs.
Conrad and Barrow, and berating Judge Hall. Signed at end and again with Franking
Signature in holograph address on terminal page. 3 pages, 4to, written on a single folded
sheet; moderate bleedthrough with scattered tiny holes in heavily-inked areas, moderate
staining affecting text near outer margin of each page but still legible, staining touching
few letters of franking signature. (AKF)
“Hermitage” [Tennessee], 17 August 1842
[4,000/6,000]
“
. . . [D]emocracy . . . has triumphed, —and I add, that I hope it may always triumph in
Louisiana & over the whole Union as it surely will, & our government be brought back in its
administration to the original reading & true principles of our constitution. Missouri & Illinois
have put down Whiggery by large majorities, & Indiana . . . and Kentucky, by electing a
majority of relief members has shown symptoms of returning to her republic on principles &
abandonment of Clay.
“
I have just learned that Capt. Tyler has headed Capt. Botts, & the protective tariffites, by
vetoing the Tariff Bill with its appendage, the distribution of the revenue from the sales of the
public lands. This puts to rest all Clay’s wicked proceedings of the extra session of congress,
except the bankrupt law, which, in its details, throws wide open the door of corruption, perjury
and fraud. This too will be repealed next session of congress.
“
I was . . . prepared for the course pursued by Mr. Conrad and Mr. Barrow. It was a wanton
attack on my fame & memory . . . . I regret, for your sake and that of his respectable connec-
tions, as well as for the memory of that vindictive and unprincipled judge, . . . but to let the
memory of Judge Hall, with his wicked deeds, slumber in the silent grave.”
Published in the
Papers of Andrew Jackson, 1770-1845
, microfilm reel 35, frame 0879.