Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 May 1884 — Jackson’s brief for His Wife. [ARTICLE]

Jackson’s brief for His Wife.

We have before us the original letter of Andrew Jackson, written on the 30th of November, 1829, to his intimate friend, Col. Robert I. Chester. Jackson was elected president in 1828, and shortly after his election and before his inauguration Mrs. Jackson died. This letter was one of many friendly, let us p.ay family, letters—for Mrs. Chester was a relative —written to Col. Chester by the old General while he was President. Col. Chester was one of his most

intimate friends; had been under him in the Indian wars, filling an important position as a quartermaster, though a mere boy; had always been his firm friend and adtairer; and had his entire confidence. Below we give an extract from the one named. It was not written for the public, but to a long-tried and cloee friend in relation to private and family matters. It now comes before the public for the first time. It is valuable because it unfolds and opens to the public eye the heart of the great warrior: “As the meeting of Congress approaches my labors increase. I am engaged in preparing for them, and this, with my other labors, employs me day and night I can with truth say mine is a situation of dignified slavery. But my hope of happiness fled with the severe bereavement I met with in the loss of my dear wife. The only consolation on this side of the grave is when I look forward to the time when I can again retire to the Hermitage (if God permits me),, there to spend my latter days beside the tomb of the only solace of my life, set my house in order, and lay my bones beside her.” —Nashville American.