Autographs
Andrew Jackson Criticizes Sitting President James Monroe & Discusses Fellow 1824 Presidential Election Candidates
ANDREW JACKSON (1767-1845). Seventh President of the United States (1829–1837), a Politician and American Army General who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814), and the British at the Battle of New Orleans (1815).
June 29, 1822-Dated, Extraordinary Important Political and Presidential Content, Autograph Letter Signed, “Andrew Jackson”, also Initialed “A. J.” both as a United States Senator, 7 pages, measuring 8” x 10”, at the Hermitage [Tennessee], being written to Captain R.K. Call, Choice Very Fine. On July 30, 1822, the Tennessee Legislature would nominate Andrew Jackson, the War of 1812 hero, and so-called “Champion of the Common Man,” to be a Candidate for President in the upcoming 1824 Presidential Election. In this Letter, Jackson discusses his views regarding the current President, James Monroe, along with his other fellow Candidates for President of the United States. Written entirely in Jackson’s own renowned bold writing style. There are a few trivial separations at folds with very slight chipping along edges and minimal loss of text in one word on the last page. Andrew Jackson writes, in part:

“Hermitage June 29th 1822 --- Dear Call --- I have read with attention your remarks on Mr. Monroes conduct of the appointment of officers for the Floridas - I sincerely regret with the course he has pursued, it has lost him the esteem of his friends, and hes giving ample scope for his political enemies to assail him. In short sir his popularity is fleeting from him. - and if he does not alter his course, he will go out of office with less popularity than any of his predecessors - he has lost his popularity by seeking it - and making appointments that he conceived would augment it - never looking to the welfare of the republic in making them - by which he has disgusted his friends, sacrificed the interest of his country and practically damd [sic] himself. .. As to myself I have no confidence in his promises, I am determined never to recommend another to office as long as he is president - all his cabinet is by the ears, all up for the presidency, and he sits and looks on viewing scenes that will and must disgrace us in the eyes of Europe - was I President I would remove all who have come out as candidates for the presidency - and fill my Cabinet with those whose whole time would be devoted to the duties of their office, and not to intrigue for the presidency.

It is passing strange that he [Monroe] sticks fast to [William H.] Crawford - as far as I know Mr. [John Quincy] Adams, he steers a strait-forward [sic], correct course - attends to the duties of his office well - I believe Mr. [John C.] Calhoune [sic] does the same, but his friend has injured him - and it will be by great prudence that he can absolve himself from injury. The reduction of the army has brought upon him the influence of Crawford's friends, and the course pursued, has given them strong grounds - they have, & will make the best of it. The mis contract has given them a hold that they stick to, with great glue, and will operate against Calhoune [sic] with same - and keep the eyes of the people closed to the intrigue & corruption of Crawford; -- whilst him & his friends are silently continuing - their intrigue to the best advantage.

The attempt made against Mr. Adams, by the letter of Russell, detailing the proceedings at Ghent - was a wicked thing. Mr. Adams has turned the tables on Clay & Crawford, and has given Russell as severe a drubbing as any rascal ought to receive - it has placed Mr. Adams on high ground, extended his popularity - and forever damd [sic} Russell and all concerned in the vilanous [sic} scene ... I am silent, but the papers are not - the voice of the people I am told would bring me to the Presidential chair, and it is probable, some of the legislatures may bring my name before the public - but I have long since determined to be perfectly silent. I never have been a candidate for office, I never will.

The people have a right to call for any mans services in a republican government - and when they do it, it is the duty of the individual to yield his services to that call, I will be silent - neither says aye, or nay, altho I have been often solicited ... Present me to my friend Shields & Miller, Gornus & all other friends - Mrs. Jackson - and the little Andrews join me in best wishes - and believe me yr friend --- (Signed) Andrew Jackson”.

“P. S. Present me to Brunaugh & Overton if they have reached you - say to them that all friends are well & I expect to hear from them. - (Signed) A. J." With a Docket located on the final back page.

Following the dissolution of the Federalist Party, the Democratic-Republicans were the sole political entity on the national scene. With the approach of the 1824 election, the Republicans split, with four separate candidates vying for the presidency: Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, Senator Andrew Jackson, Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford and Speaker of the House Henry Clay.

The election was inconclusive, as no candidate acquired the necessary majority votes, thus it was up to the House of Representatives to decide. The House gave the Presidency to Adams, despite the fact that Jackson had garnered the most popular and electoral votes of any candidate. It was a shocking turn of events, and resulted in one of the most contentious elections in all of United States history. Vivid and bold in appearance, written in rich deep brown upon clean period wove paper. The concluding signature, “Andrew Jackson” measures a huge 3.75” long with his standard flourish below. Provenance, Ex: W. C. Putnam Collection.