Jackson Andrew
Andrew Jackson Writes to his Wife Rachel with Eaton Affair Association

ANDREW JACKSON, Autograph Fragments Signed, to Rachel Jackson, January 29, [1824], [Washington, D.C.] 4 fragments, 2.25" x 2" to 7.75" x 2.5". In addition to signature, “Andrews” and “Jackson” also appear in text. One fragment has the word “Free” for the free franking privilege Jackson enjoyed as a senator. Folds and some edge tears; overall good as fragments.

In these fragments of a wonderful letter by Senator Andrew Jackson to his wife, he reflects on his religious faith, the “intrigue & corruption” in Washington, and the mild winter they are experiencing. Jackson sends greetings from “Major Eaton,” his fellow U.S. Senator from Tennessee. After Jackson became president, he appointed Eaton as his Secretary of War. However, the wives of Jackson’s other cabinet members disapproved of widower Eaton’s second marriage to Margaret “Peggy” O’Neill Timberlake and ostracized the couple. Their actions infuriated Jackson. His Secretary of State Martin Van Buren sided with the Eatons and offered to resign, allowing Jackson to ask for the resignations of his entire cabinet in 1831. Jackson replaced all the members of his cabinet except one, and Van Buren’s gesture gained him Jackson’s support as the vice-presidential nominee in 1832.

Excerpts

“...garden is flourishing & green; we have had no winter here, there has not yet been sufficient ice, to fill the ice houses, & it is feared by those interested on this subject; that there will not be this winter.

“This is the 29th of January, & as pleasant a day as is usual in our climate in March....”


“I feel gratefull to the members of the church & my neighbours for giving the name of the church to me; I regret to think I am unworthy of it, but still hope, thro the influence of the Devine Spirit, to become worthy to be a member of it. It was my desire to retire to private life, & live free from the bustle of public life, & the scenes of....”


“...intrigue & corruption that appear to be the order of the day as practiced in this great city. There is one consolation left for me, & that is, that I mingle not in it; I pursue my old course of doing that which my Judgt dictates, & fearing no consequences; thus my conscience is left free from remorse, which is better....”


“[Mr. Monroe has said to me, he wi]ll as soon [as the law passes give him the] appointment [of surveyor in Florida. I have re]cd. my sons [letter, but have not now time to] answer it, say [to him he must write me often an]d must try & [improve his handwriting & his] diction. I am pleased with his letter, but wish him to improve by writing me often.

“Major Eaton & Coll both request to be kindly remembered to you, give my Love to the Andrews Eliza & what young ladies may be with you, to Mr Hume & parson Campbell, Mr McLemore & family & all friends, and believe me to be your affectionate Husband

“Andrew Jackson

“Mrs Rachel Jackson.”


Rachel Donelson Jackson (1767-1828) was born in Virginia and moved with her family in 1779, to Nashville, Tennessee, of which her father was one of the founders. She married Lewis Robards in Nashville, but they separated by 1790. She eloped with Andrew Jackson in 1791, and married him in Natchez, Mississippi. She discovered in 1793 that her husband had not filed for divorce, but he received a divorce in 1794, and she and Jackson wed again in Tennessee. They had no biological children, but they adopted three children: her nephew (Andrew Jackson Jr.) in 1809, a Creek orphan boy (Lyncoya) in 1813, and her sister’s grandson (Andrew Jackson Hutchings) in 1817. Andrew Jackson also served as guardian of several other children. During the 1824 and 1828 campaigns, supporters of John Quincy Adams accused Rachel Jackson of being an adulteress and bigamist, which led her into depression. The death of Lyncoya in July 1828 depressed her as well, and she died suddenly of a heart attack on December 22, 1828, just weeks after Jackson had won election to the presidency. He blamed her detractors for her death.


Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.


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