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Andrew Jackson Autograph Endorsement Signed "AJ" on the address panel of a lengthy angry letter from his brother-in-law....
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Description
Andrew Jackson Autograph Endorsement Signed "AJ" on the address panel of a lengthy angry letter from his brother-in-law. Five pages, with integral address leaf, 7.5" x 11.75", n.p., [near the Hermitage, outside of Nashville], March 5, 1839. Shortly after Jackson first arrived in Nashville in 1788, he took up residence as a boarder with Rachel Stockley Donelson, the widow of John Donelson, where he became acquainted with their daughter, Rachel Donelson Robards. At the time, Rachel Robards was in an unhappy marriage with Captain Lewis Robards, and due to Lewis Robards' temperament, the two were separated in 1790. Jackson married Rachel after hearing that Robards had obtained a divorce. However, the divorce was never finalized, making Rachel's marriage to Jackson illegitimate. After the divorce was officially completed, Rachel and Jackson remarried in 1794.Rachel's brother, Stockley Donelson, a noted land speculator, apparently held a grudge against Jackson for having made his sister the subject of negative publicity, and argued with him on many issues. Here, Stockley writes an angry and confrontational letter to the former President concerning a road that Jackson had had moved, and a murder in which Jackson's slave George and Donelson's slave Jake were involved. Donelson's letter reads, in part: "Your note[s] of March 3rd and 5th have been duly received, your powers of epistolary writing seem to be quite extensive of late, whether it is the result of a disturbed conscience or otherwise I shall not stop to conjecture. . . . The letter . . . was indecorous and insulting, and a wonton attack on my feelings. . . . I could not view it in any other light than the ebullition [of] your vindictive and unjust feelings towards me - showing in bold relief that remarkable trait in human character - Viz - that the man who inflicts an injury upon his fellow man, is always the most inveterate and most anxious to heap still further injustices upon the object of his hatred. For the truth of this view I could not ask better evidence than that contained in your reply to mine."
Donelson proceeds to rail against Jackson for having moved a well-used road through the neighborhood, and insists that Jackson is behind "the unjust attempt to fix the murder upon an innocent man who was merely attempting peaceably to save the life of his fellow servant from the attack of cold blooded Murderers from justice." The outcome of the disputes between Donelson and Jackson are unknown, but Jackson was careful to keep records of their correspondence, this letter having been docketed on the integral address leaf by Jackson: "Stockly [sic] Donelson, abusive letter to be kept on file. A.J." Letter is moderately age toned and bears a small seal tear on the final page. It is in generally fine condition, and offers an intriguing look at the former President's personal life and relations with his neighbors.
Auction Info
2009 March Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction #6019 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2009
6th-7th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 818
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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