Andrew Jackson at the Hermitage
This Portrait by Earl was presented in 1944 by Mrs. Charles W. Frear of Troy, N. Y., in memory of her husband, who owned it for many years.
The Hermitage
Home of General Andrew Jackson
Registered National Historic Landmark
Seventh President of United States
P. O. HERMITAGE, TENN.
Originally Compiled by Mrs. Mary C. Dorris
Revised June, 1963
Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith, Regent
Mrs. Horatio B. Buntin, Secretary
Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Research
- Historical Page 3
- Original Log Hermitage Page 16
- Museum Page 24
- Mansion and Grounds Page 41
- Tomb Page 54
Advice to Andrew Jackson by His Mother
In 1781 Andrew Jackson, then fourteen years of age, enlisted in
the American Army; was captured and thrown into prison, where
he had smallpox. His mother, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, through
exchange, arranged for his release and nursed him back to health.
Responding to an urgent appeal, she left him to go to Charleston to
nurse some sick neighbors who were confined there on a British hospital
ship. This errand of mercy cost her life. She caught yellow fever
and died.
Almost her last words to her young son were:
Andrew, if I should not see you again, I wish you to remember
and treasure up some things I have already said to you. In this
world you will have to make your own way. To do that, you
must have friends. You can make friends by being honest, and
you can keep them by being steadfast. You must keep in mind
that friends worth having will in the long run expect as much
from you as they give to you. To forget an obligation or to be
ungrateful for a kindness is a base crime—not merely a fault
or a sin, but an actual crime. Men guilty of it sooner or later
must suffer the penalty. In personal conduct be always polite
but never obsequious. None will respect you more than you
respect yourself. Avoid quarrels as long as you can without
yielding to imposition. But sustain your manhood always.
Never bring a suit in law for assault and battery or for defamation.
The law affords no remedy for such outrages that can satisfy
the feelings of a true man. Never wound the feelings of others.
Never brook wanton outrage upon your own feelings. If ever
you have to vindicate your feelings or defend your honor, do it
calmly. If angry at first, wait until your wrath cools before you
proceed.
These words were repeated by General Jackson on his birthday,
March 15, 1815, at New Orleans, to three members of his military
family: Major John H. Eaton, Major William B. Lewis, and Captain
W. O. Butler. “Gentlemen,” said General Jackson, “I wish she could
have lived to see this day. There never was a woman like her. She
was gentle as a dove and as brave as a lioness. Her last words have
been the law of my life.”
Copies of the above may be purchased at the Souvenir Shop at the Hermitage
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MRS. ANDREW JACKSON
ANDREW JACKSON
Andrew Jackson
By Reau E. Folk
Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States,
gave the name “Hermitage” to his home. In his inspiring
memory it is preserved.
Youth
Andrew Jackson was of Scotch-Irish lineage. His parents
were of the rugged pioneer type that throughout America
helped to lay the foundation of a great republic. He was born on
March 15, 1767, in what was known as the Waxhaws Settlement,
near the line between North and South Carolina. There has been
some dispute as to which of the two States could claim him. Some
authorities appear to have definitely settled that at the time of his
nativity the Waxhaws Settlement constituted a part of South
Carolina, but that now Jackson’s birth site is comprehended in
Union County, North Carolina. Jackson always gave South Carolina
as his birth state.
Andrew Jackson’s father, for whom he was named, died several
days before he was born. His mother, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson,
to whom tribute should be paid as a truly remarkable woman,
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heroically met the hard situation of rearing and educating her three
small sons. Young Andrew was nourished in the Revolutionary
sentiment, which was rife in the late sixties and early seventies,
bursting into flame in 1775. He and his mother and brothers were
patriots from the inception of the Revolutionary movement. These
fires of patriotism in the Waxhaws were fanned by the fact that
there was much Tory sentiment. When in August, 1776, a newspaper
reached the Waxhaws carrying the Declaration of Independence
young Andrew Jackson, then in his tenth year, was called
upon to read it to an assemblage. In 1781, at the age of fourteen,
he enlisted with the South Carolina forces and was later made
prisoner and struck down by a sword in the hands of a British
officer whose boots he refused to black. His two brothers also
enlisted in the war and gave up their lives. His mother, as a
result of a mission service to Charleston to nurse prisoners from the
Waxhaws there on shipboard, contracted yellow fever and died.
At the successful end of the struggle of the Colonies young Andrew
Jackson, in his fifteenth year, emaciated from desperate prison illness,
found himself alone in the world, an orphan of the Revolution.
Early Career
After completing his schooling, Jackson began the
study of law. In 1786 he was licensed at Salisbury,
N. C., and in 1788 went to Jonesboro, now in Washington County,
Tenn., then in North Carolina. After a brief career at Jonesboro
he received an appointment as U. S. Attorney for the Western
District of North Carolina with headquarters at Nashville. He
reached Nashville in 1788. He took an active part in Public Affairs
and was a member of the Convention that framed the Constitution
of Tennessee. In 1796, when Tennessee was admitted to
the Union, he was chosen as the first Representative of the new
state to Congress. A year later he was appointed to the United
States Senate, and after a short service he resigned and subsequently
became a member of the Superior Court of Law and Equity, holding
this position until 1804, when he resigned to devote himself to
personal affairs.
Military
Andrew Jackson was Major-General of Tennessee Militia
from 1802 to 1814. It was in the War of 1812 that
Jackson became a national figure. This war was the inevitable
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sequence of the Revolutionary War. It was occasioned by the
conduct of England in restricting our commerce, impressing into
her service seamen from our ships, acts of contempt intolerable to
a free people. It has been called in apt phraseology the War OF
American Independence in contra-distinction to the Revolution,
which was FOR American Independence. Andrew Jackson, as
Major-General of Tennessee Militia, threw himself into the conflict.
He inaugurated a campaign against the Creek Indians, who,
allied with the British, had been stirred to deeds of atrocity, the
most revolting of which was the massacre at Fort Mimms, Alabama,
on August 30, 1813. After a series of smaller engagements,
General Jackson, finally, on March 27, 1814, overwhelmingly defeated
and crushed the Creek Indians at the Great Horseshoe Bend.
Two months later, May 31, General Jackson was made Major-General
of the United States Army, with command of the Southern
and Western Divisions.
New Orleans
No sketch of Andrew Jackson, however brief, can
fail of emphasis on the Battle of New Orleans, for it
was his marvelous victory over the greatly outnumbering, confident,
invading British Army on January 8, 1815, that first gave
him national renown and made him a popular idol and hero. It
came at a time when the national spirit was at its lowest ebb, as
a result of a long series of land defeats, and sent a wave of exultant
joy throughout the country. It was a complete and decisive victory.
Historians agree that it was a brilliant victory, but many of
them, and unfortunately school histories, present the view that the
battle was fought after peace and was unnecessary. This has been
exposed as an error. The State of Tennessee in 1927 appointed a
commission to make research into the real value of the battle of
New Orleans, and this commission submitted report to the Governor
who transmitted it to the Legislature of 1935. This report
has been published by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association and is
kept on sale at the Hermitage. It shows by quotation from the
document itself that the treaty of Ghent, signed by the commissioners
of the contending countries December 24, 1814, specifically
provided that it should be effective when ratified by both sides,
and that it was not ratified by the United States until February 17,
1815, forty days after the battle at New Orleans. The report
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further shows by evidence of records that the battle saved the
Louisiana Purchase, or another war with England. It shows also
that the battle reestablished national integrity or peace from within.
The importance of the battle can hardly be overestimated, viewed
either from the immediate effects or the aftermath. The Ladies’
Hermitage Association in 1935 joined with the National Daughters
of 1812 and other patriotic entities in calling for revision of school
histories to accord with revealed facts.
The victory at New Orleans, one of the most decisive defensive
victories of history, will always be celebrated as an illustrious
feat of the American arms and of the military genius of Andrew
Jackson. Jackson mobilized incongruous elements, every available
resource, into defense against the enemy attack. The forces thus
assembled, consisting of Tennessee militia, Kentucky militia, Louisiana
militia, and small contingents of regulars, Baratarian privateers,
free men of color, Mississippi Dragoons, and friendly Choctaw
Indians, numbered in all a little over five thousand. The invading
army consisted of about twelve thousand seasoned British regulars.
The British soldiers fought bravely, as British soldiers always do,
but they could not stand against the well-planned, unerring fire
from the American breastworks. The assault continued for twenty-five
minutes, and then the British retreated in confusion, having
lost in killed, wounded, and captured over twenty-five hundred
of their number, including General Pakenham, chief in command,
and General Gibbs, second in command, both having been killed.
The American loss was put at thirteen killed and wounded. On
the west bank of the river the British succeeded in capturing a
small redoubt, but owing to the catastrophe of the main attack,
this was abandoned.
Jackson was too prudent to yield to the impulse to pursue the
retreating enemy, which he knew still outnumbered him by two
to one, but kept in readiness against a return assault. The British
ten days later broke camp and retired to their ships, and on January
28 set sail for the Dauphine islands. Jackson maintained himself
in constant readiness against possibility of a return attack.
The Judge Hall Fine
As illustrative of Jackson’s character or
one phase of that remarkable character,
brief mention is here given to the incident known as the Judge
Hall fine. When General Jackson began organizing for the defense
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of New Orleans he put the city and environs under strict martial law.
While this was irksome to the civil authorities it was acquiesced in
because of the dire necessities of the situation. Rigid martial law
was continued after the battle of January 8, and after the departure
of the British from our shores. General Jackson took no chances
of being caught unprepared in case of another attack. Some time
in February a delegation was sent to the British fleet to arrange
some exchanges. They reported upon return that a passing ship
had brought the news of the agreement upon the peace treaty by the
commissioners at Ghent. General Jackson refused to abrogate
martial law, saying the news might be a British trick, or even if
true the treaty must be ratified, and that in any event he would
await official dispatches from the Government. A pamphlet appeared
offensively criticizing the continuance of martial law.
Authorship was traced to a member of the legislature. General
Jackson had the offender arrested for spreading sedition in the camp.
The prisoner applied to Federal Judge Hall for a writ of habeas
corpus, which was granted. Thereupon General Jackson had
Judge Hall also arrested and conveyed outside the martial law
jurisdiction. When later (about March 13) official word came
of the ratification of the treaty with proclamation of peace, martial
law was lifted. Judge Hall returned and cited General Jackson
to appear before him on the charge of contempt of court. General
Jackson, in civilian dress, responded. He was followed to the
court room by a large crowd of sympathizers. The judge showed
uneasiness, fearing a mob. General Jackson, mounting a seat, said:
“There is no danger here—there shall be none. The same hand
that protected this city from outrage by the invaders of the country
will shield and protect this court or perish in the effort.” Judge Hall
imposed a fine of a thousand dollars which General Jackson promptly
paid. When he left the courthouse a demonstrative populace took
the horses from his carriage and conveyed him in triumphal way
to his dwelling place. A public subscription was started to pay the
amount of the fine, but General Jackson halted it. In 1843, six
years after Jackson had retired from the Presidency, Congress
refunded the fine plus six per cent interest. This incident is given
as one distinct refutation of the charge so frequently made by
Jackson’s enemies that he was lawless, that he knew no law but his
own will. From this instance, occurring at a crucial time in his
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career, the conclusion, which may be generally interpretative, is
manifest that Jackson, no matter how autocratic in authority, no
matter how intolerant of cross current interference, when occasion
for authority ceased, submitted to, with readiness if necessary to
defend, the civil institutions of his country.
Interim
In 1817 and 1818 General Jackson conducted a successful
campaign against the Seminole Indians. His operations
carried him into Spanish territory and international trouble was
feared. It, however, happily ended in the cession by Spain to us of
Florida. General Jackson was appointed Governor of this territory,
but after a brief service resigned and returned to the Hermitage.
In 1823-24 General Jackson again represented Tennessee in the
United States Senate. In 1824 he was a candidate for President
of the United States and received a plurality of the votes in the
electoral college, but no candidate having received a majority,
under the Constitution the election went to the House of Representatives,
where John Quincy Adams was chosen.
The President
In 1828 General Jackson was elected President,
after a campaign marked by much bitterness.
He received 178 electoral votes, and John Quincy Adams 83.
In 1832 he was overwhelmingly re-elected, receiving 219 electoral
votes. Henry Clay received 49, John Floyd 11, and William Wirt 7.
His administrations were the first to be classed as “Democratic.”
Those of Washington and John Adams were known as “Federal,”
those of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams as
“Democratic-Republican.”
General Jackson’s two administrations were marked by the
force and power of his great personality. One of his memorable
achievements was his prompt and effective dissipation of the cloud
that hung over the Union when South Carolina sought to nullify
the Tariff Act, which her citizens claimed was oppressive. President
Jackson’s great proclamation in this crisis electrified the nation.
South Carolina repealed the nullification act. Another outstanding
feature of President Jackson’s administration was his veto of the
act passed by Congress to re-charter the United States Bank.
Congress declined to pass the bill over his veto, and the Bank went
out of existence as a Federal institution at the expiration of its
twenty-year charter in 1836. President Jackson, by direct instruction
in October, 1833, caused the removal of the Government’s
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deposits from the U. S. Bank. This led to the establishment
of the sub-treasury system, by which the government became the
custodian of its own money and disbursed it in accordance with
specific appropriations by Congress. The removal of these deposits
from the U. S. Bank created a great furor. It was resented by the
Bank and its friends. The U. S. Bank, operating under charter
from Congress, was undoubtedly a strong political factor. It
was the head of what was called the money power, and represented
an opposition so strong that no public man in America, save Andrew
Jackson, could have overcome it. An adverse Senate, under the
leadership of Messrs. Clay, Calhoun, and Webster, adopted a
resolution March, 1834, censuring the President for the removal of
the public money from the U. S. Bank. The resolution provoked
great resentment among the followers of Jackson throughout the
country. Many States, through their Legislatures, instructed their
Senators to vote to expunge the unwarranted resolution from the
Senate records. On January 16, 1837, after a prolonged debate,
in which Clay, Calhoun, and Webster sought to stem the tide, a
majority of the Senate voted to strike from the record the offensive
resolution. Then and there the journal of June, 1834, was produced
and the Senate’s Secretary drew heavy ink lines around the resolution
and wrote across the face thereof the words, “Expunged by
order of the Senate.”
In December, 1834, President Jackson announced the extinguishment
of the public debt.
In 1835, one Richard Lawrence, afterwards pronounced insane,
attempted to assassinate President Jackson on the steps of the
Capitol. The brave-hearted President rushed upon his assailant
with uplifted cane, exclaiming: “Let me get to him, gentlemen;
I am not afraid.” He would not desist until the would-be assassin
was overpowered.
March 4, 1837, General Jackson ended his notable administration
as Chief Magistrate, leaving a Government practically free from
debt and the country in a highly prosperous condition. He retired
to his beloved Hermitage, which became a mecca for the leaders of
his party. He continued to exercise a potent influence upon the
affairs of the nation until his death, June 8, 1845.
The direction which Andrew Jackson gave to our national life
and the marked impress he made upon it are still manifest. In
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every crisis his memory has been, and is still being, invoked as an
inspiration to courage, honesty, and patriotism.
DOMESTIC
General Jackson’s wife was Rachel Donelson. She first contracted
a marriage with Lewis Robards, who lived in the territory
of Kentucky, then under the jurisdiction of Virginia. The marriage
was not a happy one and she returned to her paternal home near
Nashville. Robards presented a petition for divorce to the Legislature
of Virginia, alleging desertion. At that time Legislatures
passed upon and granted divorces. The news came in 1791 that
the divorce had been granted. Later in the year Jackson and Mrs.
Robards were married. It subsequently developed that the Virginia
Legislature had not granted the divorce outright, but had
authorized a court in the Kentucky territory to do so upon hearing
of the facts. The divorce was not made effective until late in 1793.
Immediately thereafter in 1794 Jackson and his wife were remarried.
While this irregularity was without intent on the part of either,
it was in after years used as the basis of attack upon Jackson by his
political enemies, being especially stressed by them in the acrimonious
campaign of 1828. These attacks were met by a plain statement
of the facts to the country by Judge Overton, General Jackson’s
close friend and one-time law partner.
The attacks gave deep distress to Mrs. Jackson, who was a
truly good and noble woman and greatly beloved by all who knew
her. One of the outstanding features of General Jackson’s life
was his tender devotion to her. After her death this devotion
continued to her memory until he was laid by her side. It was
given beautiful expression in the epitaph which he himself wrote and
which is carved upon her tomb in the Hermitage garden. No
student of Jackson should fail to read and reread this epitaph.
Mrs. Jackson died December 22, 1828, just after her husband’s
election to the Presidency. As he sat at her bier, he said: “What
are all the world and its honors to me since she is taken from me?”
A great demonstration planned in Nashville in celebration of
Jackson’s election was cancelled on account of Mrs. Jackson’s death.
General and Mrs. Jackson had no children. In 1809 they
adopted the infant son of Severn Donelson, brother of Mrs. Jackson,
and named him Andrew Jackson, Jr. He bore that name and became
heir to all the estate.
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An Appraisal of Jackson
Many volumes have been devoted to Andrew
Jackson and probably many more will be written.
He looms bigger and bigger in perspective.
Andrew Jackson was absolutely and rigidly honest.
He was absolutely without fear, having not only superb physical
courage but moral courage of the same degree.
He was intensely patriotic, and having been cradled in the
Revolution in which as a boy he took part, he was imbued with
the underlying spirit of that conflict, and carried that spirit throughout
his life and expressed it in his acts.
He agreed with Thomas Jefferson’s construction of the fundamental
purposes of government and became an active, dynamic exponent
of Jefferson’s democratic ideals; for example, believing in the doctrine
of special privileges to none, with his first message to Congress
he began the fight against renewal of the charter of the United
States Bank, then grown into a great financial and political power,
and continued until he finally destroyed that beneficiary of privilege.
He had what might be called a dominating personality, inspiring
a devoted and confident following, as is the case with a leader
who always knows just where he is and why he is there; he had an
iron will which surmounted difficulties and mastered his own physical
infirmities.
He had at times a violent temper, but it was always subject to his
will.
He had the power of forming quick, comprehensive, and just
judgment, and the faculty of putting judgment once formed into
immediate execution.
In manner he was considerate and scrupulously courteous, being
called by one writer the most polite gentleman in the world.
The rare devotion of his friends and those nearest in contact to
him gives attestation to a warm and kindly nature, probably
nothing giving stronger evidence of this nature than the letters
of fatherly advice written from the White House to his youthful
ward, Hutchins.
His messages are among the strongest papers of all the Presidents,
breathing lofty statesmanship and patriotism inspiring to all who read.
His two terms as President marked a distinct advance in popular
government, and ushered in a new era.
No appraisal of Jackson could be complete without inclusion
of reference to the military phase of his remarkable career. His
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military genius was little short of marvelous. It aimed at and
achieved success in every campaign he commanded. It gives
him rank as one of the greatest generals of our history. It was
conspicuously and gloriously displayed in saving the Republic
at a critical hour. But that military genius was never exercised
except for his country’s defense, being subordinated at all times to
high conception of his country’s good. If, on the other hand,
he had loved military glory for that glory’s sake, if he had been of
the Man-on-Horseback type, that genius and his powers of leadership
might have carried him far in the lists of the world’s military
chieftains. We are told that Napoleon Bonaparte, during the
hundred days of his return from Elba, studied Jackson’s defense of
New Orleans.
The Duel With Dickinson
The duel between General Andrew Jackson and
Charles Dickinson, in which the latter lost his
life, occurred May 30, 1806. Historians commonly
agree that the feeling between the two men had its inception
in remarks made by Dickinson concerning Jackson’s marriage.
Dickinson was reputed to have said that Jackson was entitled to
great military honors because he had captured another man’s wife.
Jackson taxed Dickinson with having made that statement and
Dickinson apologized, saying he must have been in his cups at this
time. While the incident thus passed, it is manifest that a spirit
of animosity was engendered between the two. Being gentlemen,
both were adverse to predicating a duel or fight upon a woman’s
name. The duel had its ostensible origin in a projected horse
race which did not materialize. In 1805 Jackson was the owner of a
celebrated horse, Truxton, and in the autumn of that year a match
was arranged between Truxton and Ploughboy, a horse owned by
Captain Joseph Ervin, father-in-law of Charles Dickinson. The
stakes were $2,000 with a provision for a forfeit of $800 should
either horse fail to appear. Before the race Ploughboy went lame
and was withdrawn, Captain Ervin paying the stipulated forfeit in
certain notes. These notes became the subject of controversy in
which Dickinson entered. It seems manifest that Jackson believed
that Dickinson was a member of a clique in Nashville that wanted
to draw him (Jackson) into trouble.
The mock heroic challenge of one Thomas Swann, to which he
responded by a public caning of the challenger, Jackson regarded
as inspired by Dickinson, and in his letter to Swann (before Swann’s
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challenge) he charged that Dickinson was the instigator. Dickinson
responded, using this language in conclusion: “As to the word
‘coward,’ I think it is as applicable to yourself as to anybody I know.
And I shall be very glad when an opportunity serves to know in
what manner you give your ‘anodynes,’ and hope you will take in
payment one of my most moderate cathartics.” After sending this
letter Dickinson left for New Orleans, where he remained four
months. In the meantime Jackson had a newspaper controversy
with Swann, in which he did not hesitate to connect Dickinson with
Swann and to ascribe to them sinister motives. After Dickinson’s
return he gave a communication to the press in which he denounced
Jackson as “a worthless scoundrel, a poltroon, and a coward.”
Jackson immediately challenged Dickinson to a duel, and the
challenge was accepted before the day ended. General Thomas
Overton was Jackson’s second, and Dr. Hanson Catlet the second
for Dickinson. The meeting was arranged for Friday, May 30,
1806, at Harrison Mills on Red River, Logan County, Kentucky,
the hour being seven o’clock in the morning. Here is the language
of the agreement: “The distance shall be twenty-four feet, the
parties facing each other with their pistols down perpendicularly.
When they are ready, the single word ‘Fire’ is to be given, at which
they are to fire as soon as they please. Should either fire before
the word is given, we pledge ourselves to shoot him down instantly.
The person to give the word to be determined by lot; also the choice
of positions. We mutually agree that the above regulations shall
be observed in the affair of honor depending between General
Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickinson, Esq.” The place fixed
for the meeting was a long day’s ride from Nashville and the duelists
were obliged to start about twenty-four hours in advance of the hour
set. Dickinson, in addition to his second, was accompanied by
a gay party of friends. On the journey he is said to have performed
feats with his pistol, which were related to Jackson and
Overton, who followed. After spending the night in neighboring
cabins both combatants were on the field at the hour appointed.
Overton won the right to give the word. As soon as
he called “Fire,” Dickinson shot and the dust arose from Jackson’s
coat. While badly wounded, Jackson, with deliberation, aimed
and fired, and Dickinson reeled, shot through the body. He died
that night. Jackson was hit in the left breast. He suffered from
the wound at periods years afterwards.
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ANDREW JACKSON, JR.
MRS. SARAH YORK JACKSON
MRS. SARAH YORK JACKSON
By Mrs. Walter Stokes
No history of the Hermitage could be complete without a
sketch of Mrs. Sarah York Jackson, the beloved daughter-in-law
of General Jackson. She was the daughter of Peter Stilley
and Mary Haines York, a wealthy shipowner of Philadelphia.
She and her two sisters were left orphans at an early age and
were educated at Miss Mallon’s School for Young Ladies in Philadelphia.
Sarah was the second and most beautiful of the sisters
and always said she would never marry unless the President should
come courting. One day, while out walking, in the early spring,
she met a cousin of hers, a young army officer, in company with a
very handsome young man. The handsome young man proved
to be the President’s son, Andrew Jackson, Jr. They were introduced.
It was love at first sight. The President approved, and
they were married in October, 1831, at the home of her sister, Mrs.
Joshua Lippincott, in Philadelphia, going immediately by carriage
to the White House in Washington, where a brilliant reception
was held in her honor, and where President Jackson received her
with the greatest affection and pride. At this reception she wore
the lovely wedding dress which is now on display in the National
Museum in Washington, with the costumes of the other mistresses
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of the White House. Her portrait was painted at this time by
Earl. The red velvet dress pictured is in the Hermitage museum.
This portrait hangs in the dining room at the Hermitage, of
which the accompanying picture is a copy. An old copy hangs
in the White House, of which she was mistress for some years,
a position which, by her natural grace and tact and great beauty,
she was eminently fitted to fill. All of her children were born at the
Hermitage, and the family was the solace and comfort of General
Jackson’s declining years. She had grown dearer and dearer to his
heart and came next to his beloved wife, Rachel, who had died
when he was elected President.
HERMITAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Erected in 1823, across the Lebanon Road from Rachel’s Lane, this church is open to the
public and services are still held there. General Jackson, to please his devoutly religious,
beloved wife, was the largest contributor to the building fund and always referred to it as
“Mrs. Jackson’s Church.” In his latter years he was a faithful member, frequently arriving
before the service with his man servant to see that the fires were properly made. Two log
fireplaces were used for heat, home-made brick for flooring, and candles for lighting.
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The HERMITAGE
The log cabin located at the northeast corner of the Hermitage grounds is part of the group
of log houses which comprised the original Hermitage, where General and Mrs. Jackson
resided from 1804 until 1819.
The first home in which Andrew Jackson and Rachel,
his wife, lived was at Poplar Grove. This tract of land was
bought by Andrew Jackson from Captain John Donelson, brother
of Mrs. Jackson, on April 30, 1793, for the sum of one hundred
pounds. In the deed its location is described as being “on the
south side of Cumberland River in Jones’ Bend ... being the
lower end of a survey of 630 acres granted the said John Donelson
by patent....”
When the Jacksons returned to Nashville from Natchez in the
early autumn of 1791 they made their home with Mrs. Jackson’s
mother, Mrs. John Donelson, who lived on the opposite side of the
river from Jackson’s property in Jones’ Bend, near the present
pike which leads from Nashville to Gallatin. Indian hostilities and
the long absences necessitated by Andrew Jackson’s legal business
in the courts of both the Cumberland and the Holston settlements,
made it impossible for him to leave his bride in the home located
outside of the heavily fortified portions of the settlement. Sometime
between April 30, 1793, and the spring of 1794, however, a
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home was built at Poplar Grove and occupied. A letter of Andrew
Jackson’s dated May 16, 1794, was headed “Poplar Grove.” Even
then Poplar Grove was not safe, for as late as September, 1794,
reports to the War Department state that five men were fired upon
by the Indians.
On March 7, 1796, Andrew Jackson bought the Hunter’s Hill
tract of 640 acres from John Shannon for the sum of $700. The
Hunter’s Hill house was located about two miles from the present
Hermitage mansion.
A little more than a month and a half after the sale of the Hunter’s
Hill property, Andrew Jackson purchased the Hermitage estate.
On the twenty-third of August, 1804, he paid Nathaniel Hays
$3,400 for the 425-acre tract, “with its appurtenances,” which
was to become “The Hermitage.” This reference to appurtenances
supports the statement made in later years by Mrs. James K. Polk,
wife of the eleventh President of the United States, that the Hermitage
of the log cabin period “was not the commodious country
house so familiar to devout Democrats in pilgrimages of later years.
It was a group of log houses in close proximity to each other. The
principal one had been built for a block-house in the days of Indian
alarms, afterwards used as a store and, about 1804, converted into a
dwelling. It, like all block-houses, was two stories high. Near
it were three smaller houses, one story high, with low attics. These
were used as lodgings for members of the family or guests.”
Aaron Burr was entertained in these log buildings when he
made his famous visits to the Hermitage in 1805 and 1806, and
it was to this humble home that General Jackson returned after the
Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815), which had made him the
Conquering Hero and idol of the nation.
Sometime during 1818 the site of the brick mansion was selected
and the square house which forms the central portion of the present
building was erected. Diligent research by the leading Jackson
students of the nation has failed to reveal the exact date or details
of the construction of this building. It is generally agreed, however,
that it was completed in 1819 and was occupied when President
Monroe was a guest at the Hermitage in June, 1819. The Marquis
de Lafayette was entertained in this building in 1825, and many
other celebrities knew its hospitality. The simple, but commodious
18
home was the center of the 1828 campaign which resulted in electing
Andrew Jackson to the presidency of the United States.
In 1831 wings and other improvements were added to the square
brick building which had been erected in 1818-1819. At this
time the present kitchen and smoke-house were built and the
tomb in the garden was erected. Three years later—October 13,
1834—fire destroyed much of the interior and the roof of the building.
The present dining-room wing, the kitchen, and out-houses
were not burned, however. With the exception of a few large
pieces on the second floor, all of the furniture, as well as General
Jackson’s valuable papers, clothing, and gifts received after the
victory at New Orleans, were saved.
With the rebuilding the gabled roofs on the wings and central
portions of the building were changed to their present appearance
and the ten rather unattractive columns of the 1831 building gave
place to the present stately ones. The interior was also improved.
The mansion, as it stands today, was repaired and ready for occupancy
by May, 1835. The walls, being sturdily built in the
beginning, withstood the fire, making it necessary for only the woodwork
and the interiors to be rebuilt.
General Jackson died in 1845 at the age of 78 years, and was
buried by the side of his wife in the tomb in the garden.
The Hermitage Farm, of 500 acres, was sold by Andrew Jackson,
Jr., in 1856, to the State of Tennessee for the sum of $48,000.
Andrew Jackson, Jr., and his family then left the Hermitage, but,
at the invitation and solicitation of Gov. Isham G. Harris, returned
in 1860 to become its custodian until further disposition could be
made of the property.
The State of Tennessee offered the Hermitage to the United
States Government for a branch of West Point Academy, but
the Civil War prevented the consummation of the plan.
The family of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr., remained
at the Hermitage during the Civil War.
General George H. Thomas, commandant of the post at Nashville
during the Civil War, sent out a detailed guard to protect the place
and save it from devastation.
Andrew Jackson, Jr., died at the Hermitage in 1865, leaving
his widow, Mrs. Sarah Jackson, and her widowed sister, Mrs.
19
Marion Adams, the sole occupants of the Hermitage. The daughter,
Rachel, had married Dr. John M. Lawrence, and all the young
men, the sons of Andrew and Sarah Jackson, also those of Mrs.
Adams, five in number, joined the Confederate Service. Only one,
Col. Andrew Jackson, returned.
The State Legislature allowed Mrs. Sarah Jackson to remain
tenant at will, during her life, at the Hermitage. She died in 1888,
her sister, Mrs. Adams, having preceded her to the grave. Both
are buried in the garden.
Col. Andrew Jackson, III, after serving gallantly as Colonel
of Artillery in the Confederate Army, returned, the only surviving
soldier of the Hermitage family, a released prisoner from Camp
Chase. He remained with his mother during her life and by her
will inherited the household furniture, mementoes, and relics of
the old hero. Colonel Jackson died in Knoxville, Tenn., December
17, 1906, and was buried in the Hermitage garden by the side of his
brother, Capt. Samuel Jackson. Andrew Jackson, IV, son of
Colonel and Mrs. Jackson, died in Los Angeles, California,
1953, and is buried in the Hermitage garden. His brother, Albert
Marble Jackson, was reputedly lost at sea.
THE LADIES’ HERMITAGE ASSOCIATION
Mrs. Andrew Jackson, III (Amy Rich), conceived the
idea of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The organizers
were Andrew Jackson, III, Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Mr. and Mrs.
William A. Donelson.
On February 19, 1889, Mrs. Rachel J. Lawrence, Mary W. May,
Mrs. Mary Hadly Clare, Mrs. E. L. Nicholson, Miss Louise Grundy
Lindsley, Mrs. Henry Heiss, and Mrs. Mary C. Dorris applied to the
State of Tennessee and were granted a charter incorporating the
Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The objects of the Association
stated in the charter were to purchase from the State of Tennessee
certain land, including the residence and tomb of Andrew Jackson,
and to “beautify, preserve, and adorn the same throughout all
coming years, in a manner most befitting the memory of that
great man, and commensurate with the gratitude of his countrymen.”
The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, on April 5,
1889, conveyed to Trustees for the Ladies’ Hermitage Association
20
twenty-five acres of the Hermitage farm, including the house,
tomb, and surrounding buildings.
Dr. and Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley rendered very efficient service
in securing from the State Legislature the original conveyance of
twenty-five acres to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee (Chapter No.
27, Public Acts of Tennessee, 1923), at the earnest solicitation of
the Officers and Directors of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association,
conveyed 232⁵/₁₀ acres of the Hermitage farm, located in the
Fourth Civil District of Davidson County, Tennessee, to the
Board of Trustees for the Ladies’ Hermitage Association, to the
end that said Ladies’ Hermitage Association be permitted and encouraged
to preserve and beautify same, so as to display the respect,
love, and affection which a grateful State and people cherish
for their illustrious hero and statesman, Andrew Jackson.
The General Assembly of the State of Tennessee in 1935, by
Public Act, conveyed 500 acres of the original Hermitage farm
tract to the Board of Trustees to be maintained under the care and
custody of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. The Hermitage
farm is now under the supervision of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association
for preservation as a perpetual memorial. In 1960 the
Association acquired 125 acres adjoining the north boundary as
protection against future industrial or housing developments,
bringing the total acreage to 625.
The furniture and relics were in the Hermitage at the time of the
organization of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association in 1889, and Col.
Andrew Jackson gave the Association an option upon them. But
failing to raise the necessary money after four years’ trial, the entire
collection of relics and furniture was removed in 1893 by the
owner, Col. Andrew Jackson, to Cincinnati, where he had them on
exhibition for pay. This venture was not a success, so they were
returned to Nashville. From this collection and from various members
of the family and others, the Association has bought the relics
it now owns, that so beautifully adorn the residence where they
first were placed.
The Association in its early years put forth untiring efforts to
raise the funds necessary to restore the mansion and collect the
original furnishings and relics. It inaugurated various enterprises,
such as lectures, concerts, balls, etc.
21
President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Hermitage, October
22, 1907, and in a speech then promised government aid. He incorporated
the matter in his annual message, and as a result and
through the efforts of Senator James B. Frazier and Congressman
John W. Gaines, both of whom were trustees, Congress made an
appropriation of $5,000 to repair and improve the Hermitage.
The present sources of revenue are admission fees, souvenir shop
sales, and Association membership dues.
The collection of relics and furniture now in the house is the result
of years of effort of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. It is
interesting to note, in this connection, that the Hermitage is the
only great National Shrine in this country having original furnishings
throughout. All furnishings in the house originally belonged
to General Jackson, with the exception of a few articles which, in
each case, are noted in the catalogue.
In 1961, the National Park Service of the U. S. Department of
the Interior designated the Hermitage as a Registered National
Historic Landmark.
For forty-five years following the opening of the Hermitage to
the public, Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Baker served as careful and dedicated
custodians of the buildings and grounds. They were succeeded
by their son, Andrew Jackson Baker, who was born at the
Hermitage, and his wife, and it is due to their continued dedication
and interest that the Hermitage has maintained its reputation as
the nation’s best-kept shrine. Due to ill health, Mr. Baker resigned
in 1963.
The present custodian is Steve S. Lawrence.
ANDREW JACKSON CHRONOLOGY
BY W. B. MARR
1767 March 5 | Born near the line between South Carolina and North Carolina. |
1784 Fall | Began study of law. |
1787 May | Admitted to practice law in North Carolina. |
1788 August 2 | Duel with Colonel Waightstill Avery at Jonesboro. |
1788 Spring | Appointed public prosecutor for territory south of Ohio River. |
1791 August | Married Mrs. Rachel Donelson Robards at Natchez, Miss. |
1796 January 1 | Member first constitutional convention of Tennessee. |
1796 | Elected representative In Congress from Tennessee. |
1797 November 2 | Appointed by Governor Sevier Senator from Tennessee, succeeding William Blount, resigned. |
1798 June | Resigned from Senate. |
1798 | Elected member of the superior court of law and equity. |
1801 | Elected major-general of Tennessee militia. |
1804 | Moved from Hunter’s Hill to log house, original Hermitage. |
1804 July 4 | Resigned from superior court. |
1805-6 | Entertained Aaron Burr. |
1806 May 30 | Duel with Charles Dickinson. |
1809 | Nephew of Mrs. Jackson adopted, named Andrew Jackson, Jr. |
1812 June 5 | Offered services of Tennessee Volunteers to the United States Government in the War of 1812. |
1813 January 7 | Started for New Orleans with Tennessee Militia. |
1813 February 15 | Arrived at Natchez. |
1813 March 25 | Started home from Natchez. |
1813 April 22 | Returned to Hermitage. |
1813 September 4 | Wounded in affray with Thomas H. and Jesse Benton. |
1813 October 11 | Started with his command for the Creek War. |
1813 November 3 | Battle of Talluschatches, Creek War. |
1813 November 9 | Battle of Talladega, Creek War. |
1814 January 22 | Battle of Emuckfau, Creek War. |
1814 January 24 | Battle of Enotocopco, Creek War. |
1814 March 27 | Battle of the Horseshoe, Creek War. |
1814 April 19 | Appointed Brigadier-General United States Army. |
1814 May 1 | Appointed Major-General United States Army, Vice William Henry Harrison, resigned. |
1814 August 10 | Had treaty with Creeks signed. |
1814 September 9 | Started first Florida campaign. |
1814 December 2 | Arrived at New Orleans for the defense of the city. |
1814 December 16 | Declared martial law in New Orleans. |
1814 December 23 | First battle in defense of New Orleans. |
1815 January 1 | Second battle in defense of New Orleans. |
1815 January 8 | Won battle of New Orleans. |
1815 March 5 | Caused the arrest of Judge Dominick A. Hall, United States District Judge at New Orleans. |
1815 March 13 | Abrogated martial law at New Orleans. |
1815 March 24 | Fined $1,000 by Judge Dominick A. Hall for contempt of court, which Jackson paid the same day, and which was refunded by Congress with interest in 1842. |
1815 May 15 | Arrived at Nashville from New Orleans. |
1817 December 26 | Entered upon second Florida campaign. |
1818 April 28 | Caused the execution of Arbuthnot and Ambrister. |
1819 February 8 | House of Representatives in Congress sustained Jackson’s conduct in the Florida campaign. |
1819 Jan. and Feb. | Visited eastern cities. |
1819 February | Spain ceded Florida to the United States. |
1819 | Built Brick Hermitage. |
1821 | Appointed by President Monroe governor of Florida. |
1821 May 31 | Resigned from the army. |
1821 July 17 | Took possession of Florida as governor, and it became a territory of the United States. |
1821 October | Resigned as governor of Florida, and returned to Hermitage. |
1822 July 20 | Nominated for President by the Legislature of Tennessee. |
1823 | Offered and declined mission to Mexico. |
1823 October | Elected to the United States Senate from Tennessee. |
1823 | Contributed major part of funds for building Presbyterian church in Hermitage neighborhood. |
1824 March 4 | Nominated for President by the Pennsylvania convention. |
1824 November 4 | Received plurality of electoral votes for President. |
1825 February 9 | Defeated for President in the House of Representatives in Congress by John Quincy Adams, who received the vote of thirteen states, Jackson seven, William H. Crawford of Georgia four. |
1825 | Lafayette visited the Hermitage. |
1825 October | Resigned from the United States Senate. |
1825 October | Renominated for President by the Legislature of Tennessee. |
1826 or 1827 | Communion Sunday, date uncertain, promised Mrs. Jackson to join the church when out of politics. |
1828 November | Elected President of the United States. |
1828 December 22 | Death of Mrs. Jackson. |
1829 January 17 | Left Hermitage for his inauguration. |
1829 March 4 | Inaugurated President. |
1830 April 13 | Offered toast: “Our federal union, it must be preserved,” at Jefferson’s birthday dinner. |
1830 December 7 | Recommended that the Southern Indians be removed to the Indian Territory. |
1831 | Two wings added to the Hermitage. |
1832 July 10 | Vetoed bill re-chartering the Bank of the United States. |
1832 November | Re-elected President of the United States. |
1832 December 10 | Issued proclamation to nullifiers of South Carolina. |
1833 June 26 | Harvard College conferred the degree of LL.D. |
1833 September 23 | Ordered withdrawal of deposits from the Bank of the United States. |
1834 | Hermitage damaged by fire; repaired. No changes since. |
1834 March 28 | Censured by Senate by resolution for removing public deposits from the Bank of the United States. |
1835 December 29 | Treaty with the Cherokee Indians for their removal to Indian Territory. |
1835 January 8 | Proclaimed the payment in full of national debt of the United States. |
1837 January 16 | Resolution passed in the Senate expunging the resolution of censure of 1834. |
1837 March 4 | Issued farewell address to people of the United States. |
1839 | Became a member of the Presbyterian Church near the Hermitage. |
1840 January 18 | Visited New Orleans. |
1845 June 8 | Sunday, at 6 P.M., died. |
1845 June 10 | Buried by the side of Mrs. Jackson at the Hermitage. |
23
The Carriage House
In 1897, Col. Andrew Jackson, from whom
most of the relics were purchased, sold to
the Association the interesting old coach used by Jackson at the
White House for state, ceremonial, and social purposes and for
several trips to the Hermitage. The trip to the Hermitage took
thirty days’ time. His journeys were a continual ovation.
The skeleton of the phaeton is all that is left of the beautiful
vehicle presented to General Jackson by the “Democratic-Republican”
citizens of Philadelphia. It was made from timbers taken
from the old ship Constitution. The phaeton in which General
Jackson rode with Martin Van Buren to the latter’s inauguration
was damaged by fire in Cincinnati, where the Jackson relics were
stored before being acquired by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
(Photograph is on wall.)
Stone doorstep in front of carriage house was presented to Col.
W. W. Parks by General Jackson. Given to the Ladies’ Hermitage
Association by his granddaughters, Misses Annie and Grace Handly.
Display boards on the walls show photostats of the Library
of Congress letters of Rachel Jackson, personal accounts of life at
the Hermitage taken from letters and histories, and pamphlets relating
to the life and times of President Andrew Jackson, presented
to the Hermitage by C. Lawrence Winn, great-grandson of Andrew
Jackson, Jr.
Anvil, used in shoeing General Jackson’s race horses.
Carpenter’s plane, said to have been used by William McCreary
in building the Hermitage. Given by Stanley F. Horn.
The Museum
The brick house now used as a museum, which
was restored and built on the original foundation,
was formerly used for house servants. This is the only piece of
restoration on the grounds, the brick having been made on the
Hermitage grounds years ago.
24
THE MUSEUM
The Museum
SOUTH ROOM
- On the Walls:
- 1. Lace veil intended for Mrs. Rachel Jackson to wear at Jackson’s inauguration
in 1829, but her death occurred shortly before. The veil
was presented by the ladies of Cincinnati. Each letter in the name
Jackson is made from a different pattern of lace. The twenty-four stars
above the name represent the 24 states, and in the center is an emblem
of peace. This veil was inherited by Miss Mary Wilcox from her grandmother,
Mrs. Andrew J. Donelson. Miss Wilcox presented the veil to
the Tennessee Woman’s Historical Association, which, in turn, presented
it to the Hermitage Association.
- 2. Pictures of Jackson’s cabinet members in 1829.
- 3. Part of original parlor draperies.
- 4. Part of original bedroom draperies.
- 5. Jackson’s portrait by Michael Nachtreib, a copy of the Dodge Miniature,
is the likeness of Jackson widely used on stamp and currency issues.
- 6. Part of original parlor curtains.
Case No. 1
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. Gold sword presented to Andrew Jackson by the City of Philadelphia
after the Battle of New Orleans.
- 2. Unique gun cane.
- 3. Turkish sword presented to General Jackson.
- 4. Cannon ball used in the Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815. Presented
by Mrs. Burrell Jackson.
- 25
- 5. Sword captured at the Battle of New Orleans by General Jackson.
Bought by the Association in 1897.
- 6. Cavalry sabre, captured at the Battle of New Orleans, bearing the coat
of arms of the English Government and the initials G. R. (George Rex,
III). Presented by W. E. Metzger.
- 7. Blade of sword presented to General Jackson by the citizens of New
Orleans. This sword was bequeathed to Col. Andrew Jackson Coffee.
Presented by Alexander D. Coffee.
- 8. Air gun and pump.
- Shelf No. 2:
- 9. Leather shot pouch belonging to Andrew Jackson, Jr.
- 10. Sword said to have been used by Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans.
Presented by Mrs. W. M. Calhoun.
- 11. Sword used by General Coffee at the Battle of New Orleans.
- 12. Piece of dining room floor laid in 1835 and removed in 1894.
- 13. Piece of the old bridge built by General Jackson’s troops to cross a
swamp at the head of the Bayou Grand near Fort Barrancas, Fla.
- 14. Gold sword presented to General Jackson July 4, 1822, by the State of
Tennessee for his services at the Battle of New Orleans. It was bequeathed
to Andrew J. Donelson, his former secretary. Purchased by
the Ladies’ Hermitage Association in 1940.
- Shelf No. 3:
- 15. Wax candle found in Cornwallis’ tent in Yorktown the night of his surrender
to Washington. Presented to General Jackson who highly prized
it and lighted it on each anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans.
- 16. Foresight of one of the cannons used at the Battle of New Orleans.
Presented by Capt. E. W. Averell to Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson for the
Hermitage Association.
- 18. Old door knob, removed from one of the doors.
- 19. Pieces of marble from the tomb of Mary Washington, mother of General
George Washington; the cornerstone was laid by Jackson in 1833.
Presented by Walter B. Parmer.
- 20. Military Regalia of General Jackson, presented by Joseph Horton Fall
and John Hill Eakin.
- 21. United States cutlass used on the American Brig Carolina in a fight
against the British in 1814-15, under General Jackson.
- 22. Silver mounted cane of General Jackson.
- 23. Italian carved cane, presented to General Jackson.
- 24. Gold-headed cane presented to General Jackson by Lt. Col. William L.
Harneys, 2nd U. S. Dragoons, Sept. 30, 1838.
- 25. Walking cane of hickory.
- 26. Gun cane.
- 27. Cane made from wood that grew at the tomb of General Washington at
Mt. Vernon. Presented by John Bigelow to General Jackson.
- 28. Folding bamboo camp chair.
- 26
- 29. Walking stick, presented to President Jackson by Thomas Hart Benton
and John C. Calhoun and presented to the Hermitage Association by
Mrs. J. A. Mitchell, Macon, Ga.
- Shelf No. 4:
- 30. Shakespeare volume given and inscribed by Jackson to Henry L. Rucker
of Cincinnati, 1837. Presented by Mrs. C. P. J. Mooney, 1950.
- 31. A British Dragoon flintlock holster pistol found on Jackson’s battlefield
at New Orleans in 1850. Presented by W. E. Metzger.
- 32. A stone from the grave of Andrew Jackson, father of General Jackson,
who died in 1767. The grave is at Waxhaws Churchyard, S. C., and the
stone was procured by Mr. Walter Lacoste Wilson and sent to Mrs.
Rachel Jackson Lawrence, who presented it to the Hermitage Association.
- 33. Dueling pistol (one of a pair) owned by General Jackson. Presented by
Miss Spon. The whereabouts of the other is not known.
- 34. Pistol used at New Orleans. Presented by Bettie Hoffstetter Reise.
- 35. English bayonet embedded in cypress root, found on the battlefield at
New Orleans and presented to General Jackson in 1844.
- 36. The sword and belt of Capt. Samuel Jackson, C. S. A., grandson of
General Jackson.
- 37. Powder flask used by General Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans.
- 38. Old pair of shears.
- 39. Rifle ornamented with plates of German silver, was given by General
Jackson to Andrew Jackson, Jr. It was given by the Jacksons at the
Hermitage in 1861 when a call was made for guns by the Southern Confederacy.
Purchased at Clarksville, Tennessee, by a Federal officer
whose son sold it to Mrs. B. F. Wilson, who presented it to the Ladies’
Hermitage Association.
- Shelf No. 5:
- 40. Picture of Judge Spruce Macay, Justice of the North Carolina Supreme
Court, law preceptor of Andrew Jackson. Gift of Archibald Henderson
of North Carolina.
- 41. Jackson’s license to practice law, 1787, North Carolina.
- 42. Commission of Major-General, issued to Andrew Jackson, 1801, by
Archibald Roane, Governor of Tennessee. Given by J. McGavock Dickinson.
- 43. Healy’s account of his visit to the Hermitage to paint Jackson’s portrait
as commissioned by Louis Philippe.
- 44. Framed Declaration of Independence.
- 45. Letter to General Jackson from Bishop Henry Conwell, Roman Catholic
Bishop of Philadelphia, written when he was in Rome, containing a picture
to Pope Leo XII. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
Case No. 2
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. Door scraper, one of a pair used on the front porch.
- 27
- 1A. Original bedspread used until recently in Jackson’s room, with initials
R. J. in center.
- 2. Mexican leggings, hand-tooled leather. Presented to Major-General
Andrew Jackson by Gov. Sam Houston.
- 3. Old account books of Jackson’s & Hutchings’ Store, December 26, 1803-June
15, 1804.
- 4. Part of one of the original lace curtains.
- 5. Fringe made and used by Rachel Jackson for a bedspread. Presented
by Miss Emma Hoffstetter.
- 6. Sample of original chintz in Jackson’s bedroom. Presented by Miss Cora
Watson, having been given by Rachel Jackson to a member of her
family, who were the Jacksons’ neighbors.
- 7. Lace collar given by Rachel Jackson to Mrs. Governor Carroll, who gave
it to her niece, Miss Bradford. At her death, at the age of 95, it was
inherited by her niece, Mrs. Lizzie Miller Jones, who presented it to the
Association.
- Shelf No. 2:
- 8. Flat silver used at the Hermitage and at the White House, and two
mahogany cases in which it was kept. Silver knife and corkscrew
which belonged to Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Ramsey McIver, II.
- Shelf No. 3:
- 9. Gold watch of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr.
- 9A. Memorandum book of Sarah York and Andrew Jackson, Jr., 1859, and
his vest.
- 10. Daguerreotype of Captain Samuel Jackson, C.S.A., grandson of General
Andrew Jackson, who was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga.
- 11. Two daguerreotypes of Andrew Jackson, Jr., adopted son of General and
Mrs. Jackson.
- 12. Miniature of Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, only daughter of the
Jacksons’ adopted son. Her visiting card and that of her husband,
which were given by Mrs. Richard Plater.
- 13. Portion of a gold link chain purchased by General Jackson in Philadelphia,
1831, and presented to his daughter-in-law, Sarah York Jackson.
Given by Mrs. Joseph H. Thompson. The other portion of this chain
was purchased from Miss Fannie O. Walton, great-great-niece of Mrs.
Jackson.
- 14. The christening robe was worn by the children of Andrew and Sarah
York Jackson.
- 15. The baby cap, which belonged to Rachel Jackson Lawrence, was given
by her grandson, C. Lawrence Winn.
- 15A. Heart pin cushion, made by Rachel Jackson Lawrence of dress scraps
from the Hermitage household. Given by Mrs. R. H. Oliphant, whose
mother received it from a member of the Jackson family. The second
heart pincushion, also made by Rachel Jackson Lawrence, the pearls
from the Sarah York Jackson necklace, and the sample of the lining
of the Jackson coach were acquired from Miss Effie McIver, whose
forebears were close friends of the Jacksons.
- 28
- 16. Pearls which were given to Mrs. Sarah York Jackson, wife of Andrew
Jackson, Jr., by President Jackson, when she went to the White House
as a bride in 1831. She wore them to receptions given in her honor as a
bride and also later as lady of the White House. The pearls have adorned
seven brides in the immediate Jackson family. Purchased from the
family by the Hermitage Association.
- 17. Small knife and fork set; were given by General Jackson to his grandson,
Andrew Jackson, III.
- 18. Invitation to General Jackson’s funeral. Presented by Mrs. M. G.
Buckner.
- 19. Presidential ticket (printed on satin) announcing Andrew Jackson’s
candidacy for the Presidency. Presented by N. B. Patterson, of Chicago.
Printed by his grandfather, Col. J. B. Patterson, who was subsequently
editor of the Jacksonian.
- 20. Bank book of General Jackson, dated 1810.
- 21. Physician’s statement, 1826. Presented by Mrs. Leonard K. Whitworth.
- 22. Knife of General Jackson. Presented by J. H. Baker.
- 23. Engraving of Judge John Overton, Jackson’s law partner and life-long
friend. Presented by his great-grandson, J. McGavock Dickinson, Jr.
- 24. Letter from Andrew Jackson to the Hon. John Overton, August 21, 1831.
Presented by Judge John H. DeWitt.
- 25. General Jackson’s ruler, with outstanding dates of his life engraved
thereon.
- 26. Pair of scales for weighing gold coin.
- 27. General Jackson’s lancet, used by Dr. Esselman when he bled his patient.
Presented by Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence.
- 28. Original photograph of Dr. Benjamin Rohrer, physician to President
Jackson during the entire time he was in the White House. Presented
by Cordelia Jackson, 1922.
- 29. Latin Bible belonging to General Jackson, printed in Anno MDXCIII.
- 30. Prayer book of General Jackson.
- 31. Bible of Rachel Jackson.
- 32. Brass compass of General Jackson which was like one used by George
Washington at Valley Forge.
- 33. Hair of General Jackson in two frames, and lock of his hair presented
by Mrs. Jack M. Bass.
- 34. Jackson’s peace medal.
- 35. Jackson’s temperance medal.
- 36. Billfold purchased by General Jackson in Tuscumbia, Ala., May 3, 1828.
- 37. Pocket comb belonging to General Jackson.
- 38. Miniature gloves made by an admirer and presented to Andrew Jackson.
- 39. Congressional medal, presented to Major-General Andrew Jackson after
the Battle of New Orleans.
- 40. Picture of General Jackson and lock of his hair.
- 41. Porcelain French pipe.
- 29
- 42. Real amber pipe.
- 43. Pipe from the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, where Davy Crockett died.
- 44. Turkish wooden pipe.
- 45. Two snuff boxes.
- 46. Sunglass used to light his pipe. Presented by Roy Roe of Mobile, Ala., to
Mrs. George Nelson of Murfreesboro, who presented it to the Association.
- 47. Dutch pipe.
- 48. Jackson’s watch, engraved: “Presented to General Andrew Jackson by
W. W. C. January 12, 1815.” Given by Rogers C. Caldwell in memory
of his mother.
- 49. General Jackson’s Prayer Book.
- 50. The stick pin worn by President Jackson. Presented by Mr. and Mrs.
T. Graham Hall, in memory of his mother, Mrs. Jennie McIver Hall.
- 51. Gold-rimmed glasses worn by General Jackson until a few years before
his death and presented by him to his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Sarah York
Jackson. She gave them to the only granddaughter, Rachel Jackson, who
presented them to John Marshall Lawrence. Purchased from him by
the Association.
- 52. Miniature of Rachel Jackson, worn by General Jackson continuously
until his death and only removed at night and placed with his Bible
on a table by his bed.
- Shelf No. 4:
- 53. “The Works of Lord Byron,” presented to Jackson by Earl. Interesting
letter from Byron to publishers of this volume is shown in Case H in
opposite room.
- 54. Tortoise shell card case which belonged to R. E. W. Earl, given by
Mrs. Stanley Horn.
- 54A. Card case and purse of Earl’s, presented by C. L. Winn.
Pen portrait of Earl.
- 55. Jackson Electoral Ticket, 1832. He was overwhelmingly reelected, receiving
219 votes out of 286.
- 55A. Miniature of Jackson, given by Mrs. Benjamin A. Brakenbury, of Santa
Barbara, Calif.
- 56. Jackson’s Cabinet, 1829. Gift from Jackson to Major A. J. Donelson,
Secretary to President Jackson.
- 57. New York, Nashville, Clarksville weekly papers of 1845, containing
notices of the death of Jackson. Presented by W. M. Drane of Clarksville
in 1920.
- 58. Badge worn at Jackson’s funeral. Presented by Mrs. Frank Jefferson
Blodgett of New York City, through Mrs. Lindsay Coleman of Nashville.
- 59. Badge used in commemoration of the death of Jackson. Presented by
Charles Costleigh in memory of members of his family.
- 60. Letter from Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, 1821, regarding James Leander
Cathcart.
- 61. Silver spoons, one of which is from a set of Jackson’s spoons and the
other from a set of Felix Grundy’s. The handles were molded into
Columbia Liberty Bells.
- 30
- 62. Silver cheese scoop, engraved, “G.W.C., Hermitage, Jan. 11, 1860,”
Editor of Harper’s Weekly, to whom it was presented by the Jackson
family.
- 63. Shaving case used by General Jackson.
- 64. Water color of Stockley place in Virginia, the home of Rachel Jackson’s
grandfather.
- 65. Gavel made of wood taken from the birthplace of Rachel Donelson, wife
of Andrew Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Myrtle Blair Motley, Wm. Pitt
Chapter, Chatham, Va.
- 66. Mortar and pestle used for compounding medicine.
- 67. Case for aquamarine necklace of Rachel Jackson (displayed on figure in
opposite room).
- 68. Rachel Jackson’s night cap. Presented by Mrs. John H. Cunningham of
San Antonio, great-granddaughter of Mrs. William Watson, a neighbor
and friend of Mrs. Jackson who was with her during her last days and
to whom Mrs. Jackson gave the cap.
- 68A. Preliminary sketch made by Sully of one of his portraits of Jackson.
- 69. Sewing case made and used by Rachel Jackson.
- 70. Long beaded purse, made by Rachel Jackson.
- 71. Spinning wheel in bottle presented to General Jackson.
- 72. Flat iron used at the Hermitage during Jackson’s lifetime, presented by
Andrew Jackson Baker, Jr.
- 73. Miniature of Jackson in youth.
- 74. Pair of gold-rimmed spectacles used by Mrs. Jackson.
- 75. Needlepoint bag.
- 76. Jackson beaded bag. Loaned by Tennessee State Library.
- 77. Miniature frame of onyx and gold inlay, containing lock of General
Jackson’s hair. Presented by Mrs. Joseph H. Crenshaw of Ft. Royal, Va.
- 78. Work bag of Rachel Jackson.
- 78A. Pearl comb, which belonged to Rachel Jackson. Given to her niece,
Rachel Donelson Eckford, then to Mrs. H. J. Darden, who willed it to her
cousin, Dr. M. M. Cullom. Presented by Dr. Cullom to the Association.
- 79. Rachel Jackson’s pearl ring.
- 80. Set of Mosaic jewelry consisting of belt clasp, necklace and ear rings,
each medallion representing a different ancient temple, purchased by
Andrew Jackson from widow of Stephen Decatur.
- Shelf No. 5:
- 81. Part of letter written by Jackson to his wife, Rachel, regarding the
Hermitage church and its pastor, the Rev. William Hume. Given by
one of the latter’s descendants, Leland Hume.
- 82. Painting of the Hermitage church, by Cornelius Hankins.
- 83. Poem on the death of Mrs. Jackson.
- 84. Letter from John Adams, Quincy, Mass., March 25, 1822 to James L.
Cathcart.
- 85. Letter written by General Jackson to William Donelson, November 29,
1842. Presented by Miss Matilda Allison Porter, 1946.
- 31
- 86. Small portrait of Andrew Jackson, painted by Franklin Witcher of New
York, for Jackson’s Presidential campaign. Bought from a relative Of
the artist.
- 87. Springfield, Jefferson County, Miss., where Andrew and Rachel Jackson
were married in 1791. Presented by Daniel Clay Bramlette of Woodville,
Miss.
- 88. A letter of General Jackson to Mrs. Jackson, January 29, 1824. Presented
by Judge John H. DeWitt.
- 89. Hermitage (or Ephesus) church membership roll 1824-1839 including
the Jacksons, given by C. L. Winn.
- 90. A photostat of Jackson’s list of contributions for repairs of the Hermitage
church and suggested alterations made by Andrew Jackson Donelson,
given by Stanley F. Horn.
Case No. 3
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. The green and white covered dishes, the six flowered soup plates, and the
small knife and fork, which all belonged to the Jacksons, were given by
Mr. and Mrs. T. Graham Hall, in memory of his mother, Mrs. Jennie
McIver Hall, a friend of the Jackson family.
- 2. China platter and six matching soup plates, which were the Jacksons’.
Given by Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield Clark, Jr., in memory of Mrs. Sheffield
Clark, Sr.
- 3. Brass dinner gong.
- 3A. Pottery pitcher, given by Wylie B. Ewing, of Delray, Fla. Made
for a dinner given in honor of Jackson, June 11, 1834, in Wheeling.
W. Va.
- Shelves No. 2 and No. 3:
- 4. Forty-three pieces of gold and white china, used at the White House
during Jackson’s administration.
- 5. Pieces of buff and gold china used constantly in the White House. From
a set of 600 pieces, which was given to Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence
when she was married.
- 6. Cup, saucer, plate, fork and spoon used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
on the occasion of his visit to the Hermitage, November 17, 1934.
- 7. Six silver tablespoons of the Jacksons, loaned by Vanderbilt University.
- Shelf No. 4:
- 8. Silver basket.
- 9. Some of the valuable Jackson-Decatur silver, which included 16 round
and oval dishes, which were purchased by Jackson from the widow of
Commodore Decatur, and used constantly for years at the Hermitage.
(See letter regarding the purchase in Document Standard in Case B.)
- 10. Jackson’s memorandum to his secretary regarding the purchase of the
Decatur silver.
- 11. Salad fork and spoon, which were presented by Mrs. Andrew Jackson,
Jr., to Miss Sarah Livingston on the occasion of her marriage to Judge
Beard, at Tulip Grove, and were presented to the Hermitage Association
by her daughters, Mrs. Thos. Pierce of St. Louis, Mrs. Beverly R.
McKennie, and Mrs. Weaver Harris.
- 32
- 11A. Silver compote, one of the pieces of the Decatur silver.
- 12. Old English silver coffee pot on trivet, presented to Wm. H. Calhoun,
Nashville, in 1848 by Andrew Jackson, Jr. These pieces were in daily
use during General Jackson’s residence at the White House. Loaned
by Vanderbilt University.
- 12A. Pieces of flat silver in daily use at the Hermitage.
- 13. Silver sugar tongs.
- 14. Silver muffinier or sugar shaker.
- 15. Pair of silver napkin rings.
- 16. Silver cups, marked A. J. and R. J., in daily use by General and Mrs.
Jackson.
- 17. General Jackson’s Communion Cup.
- 18. China cup, out of which General Jackson drank on the day of his death,
and spoon used daily.
- 18A. A buff and gold china tea cup and saucer, given to Mrs. C. A. R. Thompson
by Rachel Jackson Lawrence. Presented to the Hermitage by the
heirs of Miss Annie Kenneth Thompson.
- 19. China cup and saucer, of Louis Philippe, purchased by Jackson from
his stewart, Boulanger. Obtained from the McIver family.
- 20. Original blue plate, one of set of china used by General Jackson at the
Hermitage. (English reproductions of this plate are sold in the Souvenir
Shop.)
- Shelf No. 5:
- 21. Silver in daily use at the Hermitage.
- 22. A pair of coasters with glass decanters.
- 23. Salt cellar.
- 24. Caster with glass bottles.
- 25. Silver nut crackers and picks.
- 26. Wine cart on wheels (mate in dining room).
- 27. Wine glass used by President Jackson at the White House, 1829-1837.
Given by Bettie Hoffstetter Reise.
- 27A. Hock or wine glass, used at the dinner in honor of Lafayette. Given
by a member of the Jackson family to Mrs. W. L. Granbery, a friend
and neighbor at Tulip Grove, the adjoining plantation. Presented to the
Association by Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Granbery.
- 28. Bohemian decanter.
- 29. Cut glass used at the White House during Jackson’s administration,
including a decanter, eight wine glasses, five tumblers.
- 30. Silver and cut glass pickle jar.
Case No. 4
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. Letter from President Jackson to Major Andrew J. Donelson, Louisville,
1837.
- 33
- 2. Letter from Mrs. Heyne, presenting shell letter racks to Mrs. Jackson
(shell racks on mantel in Earl’s room).
- 3. Letters of General Jackson, May 24, 1833.
- 4. Letter from Thos. Jordan, requesting appointment as Revenue Agent
for the State of Maine, initialed “A. J.” with memorandum.
- 5. Letter from Columbus, Ohio, supporters of Jackson, December 12, 1832,
with notation in Jackson’s handwriting.
- 6. Communication from Andrew Jackson to the U. S. Senate, nominating
members of his Cabinet: “Edward Livingston of Louisiana, Secretary
of State; Lewis McLane, of Delaware, Secretary of the Treasury; Lewis
Cass, of Michigan, Secretary of War; Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire,
Secretary of the Navy; R. B. Taney, of Maryland, Attorney
General of the United States.” Dated, December 7, 1831.
- Shelf No. 2:
- 7. “The Jackson Wreath,” published 1829, includes an interesting account
of the last hours and death of Rachel Jackson. Presented by Mrs. James
A. Wemyss, of Gallatin, who inherited it from her great-grandfather,
John Branch, Secretary of the Navy in Jackson’s cabinet.
- 7A. Invitation from General Jackson to his neighbors, Dr. and Mrs. Doyle,
Fountain of Health, to dine at the Hermitage, Dec. 26, 1840. Presented
by Miss Decatur J. Page, descendant of the Doyles. Copy of the Globe,
Dec. 5, 1837, inscribed “Jackson, Fountain of Health” which was the
nearest Post Office. Given by Mrs. Lee Hunt.
- 8. General Jackson’s Farewell Address (1837), printed in satin. Was
carried as a banner in his funeral procession in Nashville, 1845. Statement
of Wm. W. Bell, of Chicago, who presented it.
- 9. Inaugural address of General Andrew Jackson, March 4, 1833.
- 10. Jackson’s Message refusing to re-charter the U. S. Bank, July 10, 1833.
- 10A. Jackson’s Nullification Proclamation.
- Shelf No. 3:
- 11. Communication of John Quincy Adams, 1819, to John Rodgers, President
of the Navy Board.
- 12. Invitation to the Eighth of January Ball, 1831, Nashville, issued to
Miss Clementine Boyd.
- 13. Letter from Emperor of San Domingo to Commodore Elliott, September
6, 1832, with notation by Jackson.
- 14. Extract from letter, signed Frederick P. Ladd, Boston, August 29, 1829,
regarding Jackson’s candidacy for President.
- 15. Letter to Andrew Jackson from N. Gevelot, Dec. 28, 1833, presenting
bust of Jackson.
- 16. Letter regarding supplies ordered for White House, June 19, 1829.
- 17. Letter from James Madison to M. Cathcart.
Case No. 5
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. Letter from Charleston, S. C., officials, expressing gratification over
Major-General Jackson’s proposed visit to the city, March 7, 1821.
- 34
- 2. Commodore Elliott’s invitation to Martin Van Buren to visit Navy Yard.
- 3. Address to citizens of Connecticut by the friends of Andrew Jackson in
1828.
- 4. Medallions, illustrating stories from the Bible. On the reverse side
is the story itself. This unique set was presented to General Jackson
by an admirer.
- 5. Pamphlet containing refutation of charges made about Jackson’s
marriage by political enemies in Cincinnati, 1827.
- 6. Pamphlet in vindication of General Jackson regarding the executions
of Arbuthnot and Ambrister, 1824.
- 7. Wooden statuette given by Jackson to his granddaughter, Rachel,
whose family gave it to the Hermitage after her death in 1923. The
figures represent Louis Philippe and Jackson, saluting one another
upon the payment of the indemnity due from France. The carving
on the base represents the vessels bringing the gold from France;
the hickory tree symbolizes the firmness of Jackson in demanding
payment; the circle formed by the arms of the two symbolizes the
lasting friendship between them. Carved by Pierre Joseph Landry,
comrade-in-arms of General Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans;
this was presumably presented to Jackson by the sculptor.
- 8. Pamphlet on the Battle of New Orleans.
- 9. Cartoon showing Jackson receiving cash payment from French cavalry
March 1836.
- 10. Copy of letter of Commodore Elliott, presenting the sarcophagus of
Emperor Severus to General Jackson (see [Page 55]), given by the Hon.
John Wesley Gaines.
- 11. Copy of General Jackson’s letter declining the sarcophagus, presented
by the Hon. John Wesley Gaines. (See [Page 56]).
- 12. Photographs of the sarcophagus, now on the grounds of the Smithsonian
Institute, given by former Secretary of War, Jacob McGavock
Dickinson.
- 13. Copy of New York Herald of June 25, 1845, with pictures and description
of Jackson’s funeral procession. Given by Mrs. James A. Wemyss, of
Gallatin.
- 14. Jackson’s first message to Congress, December 8, 1829, printed on silk.
Presented by Mrs. Kendall Stickney, Monrovia, California.
NORTH ROOM (MUSEUM)
- On the Walls:
- 1. Bronze bust of General Jackson by Belle Kinney.
- 2. Battle of New Orleans. Presented by C. F. Gunther, of Chicago,
Endicott & Co., Lithographers, published by T. Yeager, Race Street,
Philadelphia.
- 3. Print of General Jackson at New Orleans.
- 4. Portrait of Jackson.
- 5. Engraving of the Hermitage. This is not correctly drawn. (Francis
Strickland, Architect, Lith. of Endicott & Co., N. Y.).
- 6. Engraving of Jackson.
- 35
- 7. Picture of Jackson at the Hermitage, 1830. Given by J. McGavock
Dickinson.
- 9. Land Grant signed by President Jackson. Given by J. McGavock
Dickinson.
- 10. Appointment of Chas. A. Anderson as secretary to the French Court by
Jackson, 1836. Presented in memory of Ewin Lamar Davis by his wife.
- 11. Illustrated Map of Nashville 1832.
- 12. Certificate of Major-General Andrew Jackson’s membership in the
Hibernian Society, March, 1819.
- 13. Three pictures of Uncle Alfred, colored servant, born 1803 and died in
1901. He lived in the log house back of the mansion and is buried
in the garden next to the Jacksons’ tomb. Given by Dr. Harry Vaughan
and Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt.
- 14. Equestrian Statue of Jackson. This picture hung in President James K.
Polk’s room at the White house. Presented by Mrs. George William
Fall.
- 14A. Engraving of General Jackson from a painting by Thomas Sully.
- 15. Death of Pakenham. Presented by C. F. Gunther, of Chicago, Endicott
& Co., Lithographers, published by T. Yeager, Race Street, Philadelphia.
- 16. Blueprints showing the battlefield of Chalmette at New Orleans.
Presented by Hon. John Wesley Gaines.
- 17. Drawing by Norman Marsh of original Hermitage. Copy of print
from the collection of Mrs. Samuel Heiskell, now at the University of
North Carolina.
- 18. Engraving of Andrew Jackson given by Mr. and Mrs. Whitefoord Cole,
Jr., in memory of his mother.
- Case No. 1
- 1. Engraving of General Jackson.
- 2. Clothing worn by General Andrew Jackson: dressing gowns and slippers,
wool socks used when riding in winter weather; night shirts, pen marked,
“Andrew Jackson,” and numbered in indelible ink.
- 3. Account books used in stores owned by Jackson—Gallatin, 1803;
Hunter’s Hill, 1804; Clover Bottom, 1805.
- 4. Picture of “Aunt Hannah,” Mrs. Jackson’s personal maid, who was
with her at her death.
- 5. Writing case inscribed “Presented to Andrew Jackson, President of the
U. S., from the State of New Hampshire.”
- Case No. 2
- British uniform (coat and waistcoat) taken at the Battle of New Orleans.
Loaned by Andrew Jackson Lawrence, grandson of Andrew Jackson, Jr.
- Case No. 3
- Uniform and hat of Major John T. Reid, who fought with General
Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans. Presented by his grandson,
Mr. Maury T. Reid.
36
Case No. 4
- Shelf No. 1:
- 1. Original letter of Amos Kendall, Nov. 20, 1829, and notation in Jackson’s
handwriting “Mr. Kendalls letter and remarks on my plans on
National Bank.”
- 2. Photograph of Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, in costume for a January 8 Ball.
Mrs. Dorris was one of the four organizers of the Ladies’ Hermitage
Association, the first secretary and later Regent, and a life-long worker
in the preservation of the Hermitage. Book, “Preservation of the
Hermitage” by Mrs. Dorris (Copies may be purchased in Souvenir Shop).
- 3. Small Liberty Bell, made from the overflow of the Columbia Liberty
Bell. These small bells were purchased by patriotic associations to be
rung on patriotic occasions.
- 3A. Mourning badge worn at the time of the death of General Andrew
Jackson.
- 4. Photograph of Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, Jackson’s favorite
grandchild and namesake of Mrs. Jackson.
- 5. Photograph of Colonel Andrew Jackson, III, whose wife, Mrs. Amy
Jackson, conceived the idea of the Hermitage Association and it was
from this couple that most of the relics were purchased.
- 6. Picture of Emily Donelson, white house hostess during Jackson’s Administration,
presented by Mrs. Frank Klapthor. Frame given by
Felice Ferrell.
- 7. Bust by Zolnay of Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, first Regent of the Ladies’
Hermitage Association. Also an appeal to Association members
dated 1895 and signed by Mrs. Nathaniel Baxter, Regent.
- 8. Booklet and program on the exercises held at the presentation of
Jackson’s statue by the State of Tennessee to the United States Capitol,
April 11, 1928. The statue, which is by Belle Kinney, stands in the
Capitol Rotunda.
- 9. Picture of Healy, artist sent by Louis Philippe to paint Andrew Jackson
and other prominent Americans.
- 10. Original floor plan of the Hermitage (changes in this were made during
construction).
- 11. Souvenirs of President Theodore Roosevelt’s visit in October, 1907.
Special Register with autograph signature.
- 12. Poem to Rachel Jackson Lawrence by Emma Look Scott.
- 12A. Lace scarf worn by Emily Donelson at President Jackson’s inaugural
ball. Given by Mrs. Robert S. Cheek, in memory of her mother, Mrs.
Joseph Darling Pickslay.
- Shelf No. 2:
- 13. Copy Book of Maine Student containing interesting references to the
Presidential election of 1825, given by Mrs. Henry W. Dearborn, Cape
Elizabeth, Maine.
- 13A. Messages by President Andrew Jackson to U. S. Congress. Leather
bound volume, printed on silk.
- 37
- 13B. Commemorative and regular issue Jackson and Hermitage stamps,
1863-1963. Given by Dr. Pembroke J. Hart.
- Shelf No. 3:
- 14. Flag from the grave of Lafayette, procured for the Association by
Miss M. E. Ford through General Horace Porter, Ambassador to France.
- 15. Letter written by President Jackson, 1828, to Lafayette. Presented
by Reed Schermerhorn.
- 16. Appointment of Samuel B. Marshall as Marshal of Western District of
Tennessee, April, 1831. Presented by Mrs. Joseph A. Gray.
- 17. Coin token with head of Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Wm. H. Dow,
Portland, Maine.
- 18. Cane. Charles Sayers, personal friend of Jackson, cut the cane while
walking on the Hermitage grounds with Jackson. Presented by Mrs.
Wm. P. Delafield, Dallas, Texas.
- 19. Cane. Presented by H. V. S. Negus of Bound Brook, N. J. It was a
present from General Jackson to Mr. Negus’ grandfather, James Engle
Negus, a native of Philadelphia who had visited General Jackson at
the Hermitage frequently as they were close friends.
- 20. A Cane hand made by Major McCalla, who served with General Jackson
at the Battle of New Orleans. Presented by Dr. C. A. Miller.
- 21. Silhouette of Andrew Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Whitefoord Cole.
- 23. Pictures of:
(A) Mrs. Emily Donelson, first hostess at the White House.
(B) Sarah York Jackson, wife of adopted son.
(C) Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, in childhood.
- 25. Picture of costume worn by Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Jr., at her wedding
reception in the White House, and now in the National Historical
Museum in Washington, D. C., with costumes of other mistresses of the
White House.
- 26. Centennial medal, Jackson, Michigan, designed and presented by
James B. Field of Jackson, Michigan, in honor of General Jackson.
- 27. Octagon House, Washington, D. C., where General Jackson was entertained.
In a perfect state of preservation. Headquarters of the
American Institute of Architects. Presented by Mrs. Cordelia Jackson,
September 20, 1922.
- 28. Letter to Andrew Jackson written by Robert C. Foster, and presented
to Mrs. Harry W. Evans, Regent, by Robert Coleman Foster, VII,
great-grandson of the writer.
- 29. Watch given by Andrew Jackson to his ward, General Daniel Smith
Donelson, upon his entry to West Point. Presented by Samuel Donelson,
grandson of the original owner.
- 30. Home of Christopher Taylor, near Jonesboro where Andrew Jackson
boarded. Presented by L. M. McCowan.
- Shelf No. 4:
- 31. Photostat copies of bill from doctor attending Rachel Jackson in her
final illness and bill for her coffin, 1828. Presented by C. Norton
Owen of Chicago.
- 38
- 32. Photostat copy of Deed of Trust for family graveyard, in Hermitage
garden, to John H. Eaton, John Coffee, and Andrew Jackson, Jr.
Presented by West Morton, 1926.
- 33. Bill of conveyance of slaves. Presented in memory of Jonas Redelsheimer.
- 34. Andrew Jackson (by Earl) in the capitol of Montgomery, Alabama.
Presented to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association by Sarah E. Cowan,
great-niece of Rachel Jackson.
- 35. Itemized statement of Dr. McCorkle’s bill to Andrew Jackson, October,
1825. Presented by Mrs. E. A. Lindsey. Of special interest in reference
to Jackson’s solicitude for the health and welfare of his slaves.
- 36. President Jackson’s Contract with his cook, Prevaux. Presented by
Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
- 37. Currier & Ives Print; Death bed scene of General Jackson.
Case No. 5
Clothing and personal possessions of the Jacksons:
The red velvet dress, worn by Sarah York Jackson at the White House
(which is the same as in the Earl portrait of her in the Hermitage dining room)
was given by her great-granddaughter, Sue Rhea Symmes McCutcheon,
in memory of her grandmother, Rachel Jackson Lawrence. Velvet sample
shows original color. The shawl, which was presented by Mrs. W. H. Wemyss,
belonged to Miss Jennie Treanor, who lived at Tulip Grove and was a friend
of the Jacksons. The letter was written by Andrew Jackson from the White
House, 1832, to his daughter-in-law, Sarah York Jackson. The leather hat
box has the following name plate: “General Andrew Jackson, President of the
United States” and the hat with the ten-inch mourning band is the one he
wore in Washington following the death of his wife. The rosewood cane
was his favorite walking stick. Displayed with one of his suits is a linen
shirt made by seamstress Gracey who lived at the Hermitage. The lavender
moire dress, which was Rachel Jackson’s, was presented by her great-granddaughter,
Marion Lawrence Symmes, and the white shawl, said to have been
hers, was given by Mrs. Bertha Pierce, of Daytona, Fla. The lace cap belonged
to Rachel Jackson, and also the aquamarine necklace (the case for
this is in the south room of the museum).
FLOOR STANDARD
- A. Letters from Senator Edmond de Lafayette, grandson of General
Lafayette, concerning the French chair he gave to the Hermitage,
which is in the Brides’ Room.
- B. Steubenville Republican Ledger, reporting supper given in honor of
Jackson’s triumph, Nov. 26, 1828, and Jackson’s election returns, 1828.
- C. Copy of National Banner and Nashville Whig, Aug. 12, 1828, given by
C. L. Winn, great-grandson of Andrew Jackson, Jr. and Sarah York
Jackson. Contains commendations of Jackson’s Policy during Creek
Campaign.
- D. Interesting expressions of Jackson’s characteristics of spirituality and
patriotism in a letter (January 8, 1822) to his ward, E. G. W. Butler,
purchased from his grandson, E. G. Butler.
- 39
- E. Signed military orders from various officers, 1814.
- F. Pay-rolls from Capt. Haley, Llewellyn Griffith and Major H. D. Peire.
- G. Military orders signed by Jackson and muster roll of regiment commanded
by Stokely Donelson, 1792. Extracts from letters of Capt.
Thos. Preston, John Overton, and J. Winchester and receipts signed by
Jackson.
- H. Letter from Jackson to Dr. John L. Wynn. Photostat letter from Rachel
Jackson to her brother, Capt. John Donelson, Aug. 25, 1821.
- I. Note of presentation of plaster cast of Powers bust, from Levi Woodbury
and Jackson’s reply. Letter from Jackson to Sarah York Jackson,
April 14, 1835.
- J. Letter of condolence from Rachel Jackson to her niece, Catherine
Caffery Walker, on the death of her sister, Jane Caffery Earl. A letter
from Andrew Jackson to Catherine Caffery Walker, regarding business
matters, presented by a descendant, Vera Walker Morel.
- K. Letter from D. Morrison, contractor, concerning additions to the
house and erection of the tomb.
- Letter from Jackson to A. Donelson, presented by Mrs. P. H. Manlove.
- L. West Carolinian Extra Dec. 7, 1833, containing Jackson’s message to
Congress. This paper, which originally belonged to Jackson’s Law instructor
Judge Spruce Macay, was given by Mrs. Fannie McNeely of
Salisbury, N. C.
WALL STANDARD
- Case A:
- Jackson’s appointment as Judge of Superior Court, signed by John Sevier,
December 22, 1798.
- Jackson’s receipt from post office, June 2, 1826, for payments on his 17
newspaper subscriptions.
- Invitation to Military Ball given at Huntsville Inn, 1825, in commemoration
of the Battle of New Orleans. Presented by Mrs. George Dury, to whose
grandmother the invitation was issued.
- Photostatic copy of statement by Dr. Catlet regarding Dickinson duel.
- Letter from Jackson to Col. John Overton, regarding the former’s “conduct
in Florida” and Eaton’s appeal. September 16, 1831.
- Case B:
- Letter describing White House reception for Andrew Jackson, Jr., and his
bride, from Emily Donelson, Washington, 1831.
- Note from Jackson to his wife, February 6, 1804.
- Letter from Mrs. Stephen Decatur regarding sale of silver and china and
Jackson’s signed receipt of his purchases.
- General Jackson’s orders for medicine and hospital stores, Nov. 4, 1813.
- Case C:
- Photostatic copy of letter regarding birthplace of Jackson and burial
place of his mother and father, from James H. Witherspoon, Lancaster,
S. C., April 16, 1825.
- Land grant, signed by Jackson, presented by Mrs. J. C. Cartwright.
- Letter from Dr. Beaumont to Jackson, expressing solicitude for latter’s
health and presenting his book on medicine.
- 40
- Photostat of Major General Jackson’s orders to his troops, Nov. 24, 1812.
- Election returns from Globe Extra, November 15, 1832. Presented
by Judge John H. DeWitt.
- Case D:
- Letter from Jackson to Maj. A. J. Donelson, 1837, relating the ovations
he received en route from Washington to Nashville.
- Letter from Jackson to Maj. A. J. Donelson, July 25, 1833, giving instructions
for Hermitage farming operations and requesting him to check
and report on them.
- Official nomination of John H. Baker as Secretary of French Treaty Commission
notation by Jackson.
- Letter to Jackson from Roger B. Taney, Attorney General, regarding New
Orleans banks.
- Case E:
- Letter in French regarding Louisiana colonies.
- Ship passport, signed by Jackson, June 4, 1835.
- Letter accompanying original Treasury Draft, remitting the famous
Judge Hall fine.
- Case F:
- Photostatic copies of bills and letters from Philadelphia dealers regarding
Hermitage furnishings purchased in 1837 and of bills for remodeling
mansion after the fire in 1834.
- Case G:
- Copies of bills for Hermitage furnishings purchased in 1837.
- Letter from Jane Caffery, Hermitage, Feb. 1815, regarding the Battle of
New Orleans, presented by Vera Walker Morel.
- Poem written on Jackson’s birthday, March 15, 1837, White House.
- Letters to Major A. J. Donelson, telling of marauder’s attempt to break in
to President Jackson’s bedroom.
- Case H:
- Letter from Jackson to his neighbor Dr. Doyle, requesting his consultation
with Col. Jeremiah George Harris’ physicians at the time of his accident.
- Letter from Lord Byron, Venice, 1819, to his Paris publishers, remonstrating
against publishing under his name volumes of which he was not the
author. Presented by Earl to Jackson, along with volume of Byron’s
poems.
- Case I:
- Letter from Jackson to Maj. Wm. B. Lewis, February 28, 1845, regarding
Polk’s cabinet and other political matters.
- Letter to President Jackson from Edward Livingston, Paris, May 6, 1834.
- Letter, Emily Donelson to Andrew Jackson Donelson.
- Case J:
- Letter from Andrew Jackson to Major William B. Lewis, Aug. 6, 1814,
referring to military matters.
- Letter from Andrew Jackson to Dr. Doyle, Fountain of Health, requesting
bill for services to his ward, Dec. 27, 1840.
- Letter, Andrew Jackson to Andrew Jackson, Jr.
41
MANSION AND GROUNDS
The Hermitage is built in “Southern Colonial” style of architecture,
with large verandas in front and rear, a wide hallway, with
two rooms on either side, and wings supplementing these. The
rooms are spacious, and are eleven in number, besides pantry,
storeroom, kitchen, cellar. There is a smoke-house and other
outhouses. In 1922 a steam furnace was installed at a safe distance
from the mansion, eliminating danger of fire from this source.
The Hall
The hall contains the original hat rack, umbrella stand,
two mahogany sofas, pier table, Brussels stair carpet
and brass rods, and the chandelier. The hall floor originally was
covered with oilcloth. The pictorial wallpaper was printed by
duFour in Paris, about 1825. The complete set consisted of
twenty-five strips in colors, and was ordered by General Jackson
in 1835, being the original paper used when the house was rebuilt.
It was shipped by way of New Orleans up the Mississippi and
Cumberland Rivers. This paper is of outstanding historical interest,
one of the few historic, scenic papers preserved in this country.
The paper represents the legend of the travels of Telemachus
42
in search of Ulysses, his father, and is that part of the story of
his landing on the island of Calypso. He is accompanied by
Mentor.
- Scene I. The landing and the Queen advancing to meet them.
- Scene II. Telemachus relating the story of his travels to Calypso, the
faithful Mentor by his side.
- Scene III. Calypso gives a fete in his honor, and Cupid begins to play
a part.
- Scene IV. Telemachus resolves to escape; Calypso’s maidens burn his boat,
and he jumps from the cliffs.
In October, 1930, the paper was removed from the walls by
Mr. James Wilson from the Metropolitan Museum in New York,
for the purpose of treating the walls to insure the preservation
of the paper, and was then put back.
- 1. Brass candlestick, presented by Mrs. Percy Warner.
- 2. Glass Celande or Hurricane shade.
The Front Parlor
All the furnishings in this room are originals.
The chandelier, the Parian marble vase and
French china vase on wall brackets, the gold oval mirror, the mantel
of Italian marble, mirror over mantel, the pair of Dresden urn vases,
the Japanese bronze clock inlaid with enamel, the matching candelabra,
the two mahogany carved chairs, marble top table, portfolio
and autograph album (inlaid with mother-of-pearl, containing
two signatures of Sam Houston and presented by Mr. and Mrs.
Richard Plater), Bohemian glass dish, mahogany whatnot, brass
cup, large mahogany sofa, carpet and pier table are all pieces used
when the Jacksons were living in the Hermitage. The lace curtains
are exact reproductions of the original ones, made by Salmon
Freres of Paris, France. The original red brocatel draperies were
replaced in 1954 with exact reproductions of the fabric, made by
Scalamandre Silks, which fabric was also used to replace the upholstering
on the red chairs and the matching draperies in the back
parlor. (Part of the original curtains and draperies displayed in
the museum.)
- 1. Two carved chairs presented to Jackson by the Khedive of Egypt, when
Jackson was President.
- 2. Portrait of General Jackson presented by Mrs. Thomas M. Stegor.
- 3. Portrait of Mrs. Jackson in ball dress.
- 5. Pair Dresden vases used in the White House while Jackson was President.
- 6. Bronze andirons, representing the Vestal Virgin.
- 43
- 7. Portrait of Andrew Jackson by Healy, the artist who was commissioned
by Louis Philippe to paint the portrait, only two of which are in existence.
The other one hangs in the Louvre, Paris, painted eight days
before Jackson’s death. See Healy letter in Museum.
- 8. Opal vases presented by Andrew and Albert Marble Jackson.
- 9. Two liqueur bottles, presented by Lafayette to General Jackson.
- 10. One of a pair of brass lamps with crystal prisms used at the Hermitage
by the Jackson family. Purchased from the heirs of Samuel Jackson
Lawrence by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
- 11. Silver filigree basket.
- 12. Chair used in the White House during President Jackson’s administration.
Presented by Miss Laura Friesbee of Washington, D. C.
- 13. Portrait of General Jackson by R. E. W. Earl, given by Mr. and Mrs.
William Randolph Hearst, Jr.
Back Parlor
All furnishings in this room are also originals
(except lace curtains and draperies). The chandelier,
pier table, mahogany chair, two chairs and tilt top table with
mother-of-pearl inlay, mahogany card table, two velvet chairs,
Parian marble and French china vase on wall brackets, pair of
Empire urn-shaped “mirror vases” on the mantle of Tennessee
marble (duplicate of Italian marble one in front parlor), brass
andirons and fender, gold oval mirror, beaded mat and silver candlestick
are all pieces used at the Hermitage by the Jacksons.
- 15. Sewing box inlaid with mother-of-pearl belonged to Mrs. Andrew
Jackson; Mrs. Jackson presented it to Mrs. Emily Donelson; Mrs.
Donelson gave it to Mrs. Wilcox (her daughter); Mrs. Wilcox gave it to
Mrs. Andrew Price; through Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plater it was presented
to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
- 16. Portrait of General Coffee.
- 17. Portrait of General Bronaugh.
- 18. Portrait of Colonel Gadsden.
- 19. Portrait of Lieutenant Eastland.
(These four constituted the Staff Officers generally called “General
Jackson’s military family.”)
- 20. Clock, one of the oldest relics, in the Hermitage before the death of
Mrs. Rachel Jackson. The hands are set at the hour Jackson died.
- 22. Jackson piano presented by Colonel Andrew Jackson, grandson of
Andrew Jackson.
- 23. Music book belonging to Mrs. Emily Donelson, First Lady of the White
House. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
- 24. Two gilt wall brackets bought by Andrew Jackson, Jr.
- 25. Flower jar presented by Andrew Jackson, IV, and Albert Marble Jackson
(on wall bracket). Duplicate in front parlor.
- 26. Mirror willed to the Association by Mrs. Alice Watkins Shields of
Knoxville in 1934, originally at the Hermitage.
- 44
- 27. Nut bowls, and compote (on pier table).
- 28. Guitar of Mrs. Jackson, loaned by the Rev. Walton Lawrence Smith,
a descendant.
- 29. Mahogany center table. The only piece remaining of the set presented
to General and Mrs. Jackson when on a visit to New Orleans after the
battle. The gold spectacles on the table were worn by Mrs. Jackson
and the volume of Robert Burns’ poems is inscribed, “Rachel Jackson
from her beloved husband, Andrew Jackson.”
- 30. Mahogany sofa bought by Mrs. Hoffstetter at the sale of the adopted
son’s effects in 1866. Presented to the Association in 1897 by Miss
Bettie Hoffstetter of Nashville.
- 31. Pair of silver lustre vases sent to General Jackson from the Czar of
Russia.
General Jackson’s Bedroom
This room is as it was the day he died,
with the same furniture he used, the bed
he died upon, the chair he sat in, etc.
The furnishings consist of bedstead, bureau, wardrobe, washstand
with china pieces, table, chair, settee or sofa, wallpaper, bedspread,
andirons and fender, mirror, brass candlestick, etc. The same
pictures are on the wall. The bedspread is a replica of the original,
handmade with the initials R. J. embroidered on it. The original
is in the Museum. The bed and window draperies are exact
reproductions of those used in the winter during Jackson’s lifetime,
having been made by Scalamandre Silks, Inc., in New York, N. Y.
Part of the original fabric is in the Museum.
- 1. Portrait of his wife by Earl, over the mantel, upon which his dying
gaze rested.
- 2. Portrait of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr., in childhood, by Earl.
- 3. Earl portrait of the granddaughter, Mrs. Rachel J. Lawrence (eldest
child of the adopted son), the pet and companion of his declining years.
- 3A. French china teapot or veilleuse, with place for light at bottom, sometimes
used as night light. This relic of General Jackson’s was sold by
descendants to the McIver family. The Association purchased it in
1959 from Miss Effie McIver, in memory of Miss Felicia Grundy Porter.
- 4. Chinese Mandarin scent bottles. Belonged to Mrs. Jackson.
- 5. Shell jewel case, which was Mrs. Jackson’s.
- 6. Portrait of Jackson.
- 7. Shell vases on mantel, which belonged to Mrs. Jackson.
- 8. Steel engraving, the “Sixth Seal.” This is an illustration of The Revelation,
Chapter 6:12, 17, engraved by G. H. Phillips from the original
picture by F. Danby, A. R. A., in collection of Wm. Beckford, Esq.
- 9. Colored print, “Battle of the Thames.”
- 10. Colored print, “Battle of North Point.”
- 45
- 11. Tobacco box, used by the General.
- 12. His leather hatbox.
- 13. Rachel Jackson’s sewing box, made by an admirer who gathered the
shells.
- 14. Picture of Judge John Overton, bearing his signature, Judge Overton
was Jackson’s law partner and lifelong friend.
Andrew Jackson, Jr.’s Bedroom
This was General and Mrs. Jackson’s room
previous to the death of Mrs. Jackson in
1828, afterwards the bedroom of Mr. and Mrs.
Andrew Jackson, Jr. The furniture was purchased by Jackson
after the fire in 1834.
The mahogany bedstead, one of eight purchased after the fire of
1834, the mahogany bureau with toilet articles, mahogany washstand
with original washstand set, original hair brush and clothes
brush, strawberry design painted on back, mahogany marble top
center table, triple mirror, brass andirons, cut glass oil lamp, the
brass candlestick were all used in this room. The carpet is not
original, but an old one of the period. The portrait of Sarah York
Jackson was painted by Healy. The leather chair was one used
constantly by her.
The wallpaper is a reproduction, presented by the Robert Graves
Company of New York and copyrighted (1925). The wood blocks
from which the paper was made were purchased by the Association.
Candlestick on mantel, presented by Mrs. Anne Hoyte Hicks
Joyce, which was purchased by her grandmother, Mrs. Maggie L.
Hicks, at an early auction, was used by General Jackson at the
Hermitage.
Bohemian glass jar, which belonged to Rachel Jackson. Presented
by Mrs. W. T. Mallison.
Andrew Jackson’s signature is on fly leaf of open volume, History
of England, 1793.
Side Hall
- 1. Famous Military Portrait (by Earl).
- 2. Secretary presented to General Jackson.
- 3. Original sofa purchased by the Association in 1937.
- 4. The wallpaper in the side hall (downstairs) is a copy of the original, the
part upstairs is the original.
- 5. Marble bust of General Jackson, presented by Hon. Lawrence Cooper,
of Huntsville, Ala.
- 46
- 6. Precepts, given to Jackson in his early youth by his mother, which he
said ruled his life. This copy presented by E. A. Lindsey and Reau E.
Folk.
- 7. Jackson’s Masonic Apron loaned by Stanley F. Horn.
- 8. Copy of Jackson’s portrait, which hangs in the Nashville Masonic
Temple, the original having been painted when Jackson was Grand
Master. Presented by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of Tennessee.
- 9. Presentation copy of Masonic Manual, dedicated to Jackson and presented
to him by the author, Wilkins Tannehil.
- 10. Early portrait of Jackson, showing in the background the Hermitage as
it was before it was remodeled in 1831 and preceding the fire of 1834.
It was presented by Mrs. Charles W. Frear, of Troy, N. Y., in memory
of her husband, who owned it for many years.
- 11. Jackson portrait by Sully. Presented in 1958 by Mrs. John Valentine
Mershon of Philadelphia, whose grandfather, Jonathan Paul Worrall,
was one of the group who originally proposed Jackson’s nomination for
the presidency, and who previously owned the portrait. It was carried
at the head of political parades.
- 12. 1819 Map of the United States given by Mrs. James Wemyss of Gallatin,
Tennessee.
Office or Library
For thirty years the Hermitage was the
political center of the United States, and
Andrew Jackson was the most influential man of his party. Many
visitors, political and otherwise, were constantly being received by
General Jackson in this office.
The books are those that constituted General and Mrs. Jackson’s
library and some of those of the two succeeding generations. The
bookcases, which were General and Mrs. Jackson’s, hold volumes
of history, poetry, fiction, theology, military regulations, law,
medical practices for the home, veterinary science, gardening,
bound state papers and newspapers of the time, school books, etc.,
numbering over 400.
The tables of mahogany, the brass candlestick, mahogany
chairs, pair of bronze oil lamps, cut glass celande or hurricane
shade, brass spittoon, boar paperweight, and owl inkstand are all
original. The carpet, not originally in the Hermitage, was obtained
from the home of Mrs. Edgar Foster, which was built in
the period of the Hermitage. Other original furnishings are:
- 1. Three cherry bookcases.
- 2. Chair, made from wood of the frigate Constitution, presented to Levi
Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, 1837; Secretary of the Treasury,
1834, to March, 1837; during the administration of President Jackson.
Presented to the Hermitage by Miss Ellen C. Woodbury, daughter of
Levi Woodbury, in 1900.
- 47
- 3. Mahogany bookcase and desk.
- 4. Bust of General Jackson by Hiram Powers. This Powers bust of Jackson,
by the sculptor before he went to Italy for study, is one of the best
examples of pure American art.
- 5. Old map of New Hampshire.
- 6. and 7. Pair of paintings of DeSoto and his wife, Isabella. Presented by
Louis Philippe to President Jackson.
- 8. Jackson’s bound copies of the Globe Democrat, Published at Washington,
D. C., while he was President of the United States. Presented by Mrs.
Bettie M. Donelson.
- 9. Old Newspapers of Jackson’s time (Bound). Presented by Mrs. Rachel
Jackson Lawrence. Atlas with Andrew Jackson’s signature Sept. 12,
1835.
- 10. Bust of Levi Woodbury, of General Jackson’s cabinet.
- 11. Case, made of historic wood taken from the old building first used as a
statehouse in Nashville, 1812-1815. The case was made to protect the
bound volumes of newspapers of Jackson’s day. Wood given by Mrs.
Jennie C. Buntin.
- 12. Invalid chair, presented to General Jackson by the mechanics of Nashville.
Invented by Dr. Holmes of South Carolina, who presented duplicates
to Queen Victoria and John C. Calhoun.
- 13. Mahogany candlestand, upon which General Jackson always opened his
mail, and candlestick on beaded mat; his Bible and spectacles.
- 14. Marble-topped table at which General Jackson issued directives at the
Battle of New Orleans. Presented by Judge John Minnick Williams of
Altus, Okla., formerly of Nashville.
- 15. Chair, presented to Jackson by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney.
- 16. Pair of bronze and crystal oil candelabra on mantel.
- 17. Portrait by Earl of General Jackson on Sam Patch, white horse presented
him in 1833 by the citizens of Pennsylvania. General Jackson rode this
horse in a civic and military parade given in his honor in Philadelphia,
after which it was sent to Nashville. Federal soldiers whom General
Geo. H. Thomas had placed as guard at the Hermitage fired a military
salute over the grave of the horse.
- 18. The walnut office desk with a number of secret drawers; used constantly
when Jackson was practicing attorney.
- 19. Steel engraving of George Washington.
- 20. Bust of Lewis Cass, Secretary of War and Minister Plenipotentiary to
France under General Jackson.
- 21. Liquor Chest of General Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Michael Mullens
of Baltimore, Maryland.
The Nursery
This room, used until 1955 as the museum for
relics and papers, was at one time during the
48
residence of the Jacksons the overseer’s room, at another the
nursery.
The cherry cradle was made at the Hermitage for Andrew Jackson,
Jr., and was purchased by the Association from a member of the
family. The quilt on the cradle was made by Mrs. W. L. Nichol,
neighbor and friend of the Jacksons, for her daughter, Julia Nichol
More. Coverlet, given by Mrs. Minos Fletcher, Jr., and Paul
Shwab. The bed and the rug are types used in that period. The
chair, which was given by Mrs. D. W. Cantrell, belonging to a member
of the Jackson family. The chest of drawers and the washstand
were part of the original Hermitage furnishings, and the china toilet
set, of the Jackson period, was presented by Mrs. Edgar Foster.
The clock and the unique china candlesticks were also part of the
Hermitage furnishings, and the thermometer was General Jackson’s.
The silver cup was presented by Martin Van Buren to his godson,
Andrew Jackson, III, on the occasion of his christening at the
White House. The portrait over the mantel, which was at the
White House and also hung in the Hermitage nursery, is of the
twin children of Marcus Talmage, of New York, namesakes of
Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Presented by the Talmages. The
French doll of 1830 was given to The Hermitage by the Dixie-Dollers
Club.
The wooden hat box, which belonged to Jackson’s mother,
Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, was given by Mrs. Clara Hudgins
Cowgill. The print of General Jackson is by Currier and
Ives. One of the pictures is of Mrs. Lucius Polk and her son,
William. As Mary Eastin, she spent much time at the White
House with the Jacksons during her young ladyhood and was
married there. The other picture is of Mary Eastin and Madame
Pageot (daughter of Jackson’s close friend, Maj. Wm. B. Lewis)
who was also one of the Jacksons’ favorites and was married there.
Both pictures, made from portraits owned by the family of Mrs.
Lucius E. Burch, were presented by Mrs. Burch. The small oil
painting by the ten-year-old daughter of Peter G. Washington was
a gift to Jackson during his presidency.
THE UPPER CHAMBERS
Earl’s Room
Ralph E. W. Earl, son of the distinguished artist,
Ralph Earl, was a member of the Hermitage and
White House households for 20 years. He married Jane Caffery,
niece of Mrs. Jackson, who died within a year and Earl never remarried.
He painted numerous fine portraits of Jackson and other
notables. He is buried in the Hermitage garden, the gravestone
being inscribed, “Erected in memory of Col. R. E. W. Earl, Friend
and Companion of General Andrew Jackson, who died at the
Hermitage, Sept. 16, 1838.”
49
The bed, the chest, the mirror, the chair of Venetian ironwork,
used as a barber’s chair, all belonged to the original furnishings.
The wallpaper is also the original. The carpet which is of the
same period was presented by Mrs. Horatio Berry. A quilt of the
period is the gift of Mrs. Louise Blackwell, of Warrenton, Va.
- 1. Portrait of Col. Jeremiah George Harris. Purser of the Navy, Editor
of National Union and close friend of Jackson. Presented by his daughter,
Mrs. Van S. Lindsley.
- 2. Portrait of Jackson by Earl.
- 3. Pair of shell letter racks presented to Mrs. Jackson in 1827 (letter of
presentation in the Museum.)
- 4. Profile portrait of Jackson by Earl. Presented by Miss Mary McLemore,
Donelson descendant, whose brother, John C. McLemore, III,
had bequeathed it to the Hermitage.
- 5. Banjo owned by President Jackson, loaned by Miss Emma Hoffstetter.
Little Rachel’s Room
First child of the adopted son, Andrew
Jackson, Jr., and Sarah York Jackson,
“Little Rachel” was born at the Hermitage. She was always the
special pet of Jackson and was one of those who stood by his bedside
when he died. This room was refurnished for her with these
rosewood pieces when she married Dr. J. M. Lawrence in 1852.
The table belonged to Jackson. The wall paper is original, but the
carpet is one of the period. The quilt was made by “Little Rachel”
and was presented by Mrs. R. H. Oliphant, of San Mateo, Calif.,
in memory of her mother. The portrait over the mantel of Rachel
Jackson Lawrence in her latter years was presented by her family.
She is pictured wearing the miniature of her grandmother Jackson,
for whom she was named, and which was given to her by President
Jackson with the injunction never to go without it. A portrait of
Andrew Jackson by the artist Wood, acquired by the Association
in 1910. Washstand set of the period, given by Mrs. David P.
Adams.
The bronze lamp on mantle was among the original Hermitage
furnishings.
The Upper Hall
- 1. Jackson’s old cedar chest.
- 2. Steel engraving “Sortie on Gibraltar.”
- 3. Steel engraving, “Siege of Gibraltar.”
- 4. Steel engraving of Jackson on Sam Patch, willed to the Association by
Miss Elizabeth Archer.
- 5. Oration on General Jackson, delivered by George Bancroft, U. S. Secretary
of the Navy, in Washington, June 27, 1845 (one of 24 public
eulogies delivered by various national leaders following Jackson’s death).
Guest Room
It was the Hermitage custom to welcome all travelers;
this room was one used to accommodate some
of the numerous guests. The two mahogany beds are original.
50
The Association possesses six of the eight mahogany beds purchased
when the house was refurnished in 1835. Also among the original
furnishings are the cedar chest, mahogany washstand and wardrobe,
the mirror, the mother-of-pearl inlay plate, the small leather trunk
and the hatbox, and the wallpaper is original. The bowl and pitcher,
presented by Mary Felice Ferrell, were given to her grandfather by
Jackson. The Venetian ironwork chair was used as a barber’s
chair. The carpet is an old one of the period.
- 1. Portrait of Jackson by Earl.
- 2. Portrait of Jackson by an unknown artist.
The Brides’ Room
As General and Mrs. Jackson were greatly
beloved by the younger members of her
family and of their friends, many came, including Henry A. Wise
(later Governor of Virginia) and his bride, to spend their honeymoons
at the Hermitage. This guest room, therefore, was known
as the Brides’ Room. The mahogany bed, French dresser, wardrobe,
chest and shaving stand, table, mirror and china vases were
all among the original furnishings. The bedspread is handwoven,
the silk quilt was made by Mrs. Julia Nichol More, granddaughter
of Josiah Nichol, friend and neighbor of the Jacksons. The carpet
was a gift from Miss Myrtle Drane, of Clarksville, who inherited
it from her grandfather.
- 1. Portrait of Mrs. Jackson. Presented to the Association by Mrs. Ellen
Call Long, whose father, General Call, eloped with Miss Mary Kirkman
and was married at the Hermitage. This portrait and also one of General
Jackson, were given to the young couple as a bridal present.
- 2. Chair from the Chateau de Lafayette, presented to the Association in
1890 by Senator Edmond de Lafayette, the grandson of General Lafayette.
Senator Lafayette’s letter in relation to this gift is in the
Museum.
- 3. Masonic Lodge candlestick used in Gallatin by General Jackson. Presented
by Col. Thomas H. Boyers.
- 4. Portrait of Jackson presented to the Association by Mr. and Mrs. David
C. Mosby, San Francisco, Calif.
The Dining Room
Rachel Jackson’s Blessing was: “Sanctify,
O Lord, we beseech Thee, this provision
for our good and us to Thy service for Christ’s sake, Amen.”
The dining room contains the original sideboard, table, some of
the chairs, side table, pier table, sugar chest, andirons, and some of
the silver and glass. The drapery fabric is an exact reproduction
of an old brocatel pattern, by Scalamandre Silks; the curtains are
of the type originally used; the carpet is one of the period. The
floor is the only one in the mansion that has had to be replaced; a
piece of the original flooring is in the Museum.
51
Adjoining the dining room is the pantry and farther to the rear
the storeroom. A passageway leads directly from the dining room
to the porch connecting with the kitchen.
All articles in the dining room are originals unless otherwise
specified.
- 1. The “Old Hickory” or January 8 mantel, made of bits of hickory bark
worked on only on the 8th of January of successive years, by one of
Jackson’s soldiers in the Battle of New Orleans. Presented to General
Jackson January 8, 1839 and placed in the dining room by General
Jackson, January 8, 1840.
- 2. Pair of French vases, on the mantel.
- 3. The original dining table, at which several Presidents have dined:
James Monroe, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, Theodore Roosevelt,
and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin
Pierce, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William H. Taft,
General Sam Houston, and the Marquis de Lafayette were also among
the distinguished guests who have been entertained at the Hermitage.
- 4. Silver tray given to Jackson by Sam Houston. Presented to the Association
by Mrs. Alice Watkins Shields. The large coffee pot with the
initials A. J., once owned by Jackson, was returned by its recent owner,
Mrs. John MacVeagh, Santa Barbara, Calif.; the three other pieces are
Hermitage originals.
- 5. Candelabra with “wind glasses.”
- 6. Epergne.
- 7. Silver wine cart. Mate in Museum.
- 8. Two of the Decatur silver vegetable dishes.
- 9. Silver egg and toast rack. Presented by Mr. and Mrs. T. Graham Hall
in memory of his mother, Mrs. Jennie McIver Hall, to whose family
these were given by the Jacksons.
- 10. Cruet set.
- 11. Silver covered dishes, part of the silver pieces purchased by Jackson
from the widow of Commodore Decatur. The silver originally included
sixteen round and oval dishes, which were used constantly for years at
the Hermitage.
- 12. Silver candelabrum, one of a pair used at the White House, given by
Miss Mary R. Wilcox.
- 13. Additional pieces of the Decatur silver.
- 14. Bohemian wine decanters and silver holders.
- 15. Silver wine cooler.
- 16. Portrait of John Donelson, one of the Tennessee pioneers, brother of
Rachel Jackson.
- 17. Portrait of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr. by Earl.
- 18. Portrait of Sarah York Jackson (wife of Andrew Jackson, Jr.). The dress
in which she is pictured is in the Museum.
- 19. Portrait of Mrs. John Donelson (Mary Purnell).
- 20. Portrait of Rachel Jackson, wife of Andrew Jackson.
- 52
- 21. Portrait of Andrew Jackson, about 1820.
- 22. Oil painting of Christopher Columbus (over the mantel). Presented
to Jackson by S. D. Bradford of West Roxbury, Mass
- 23. Portrait of General Coffee.
- 24. Portrait of Mary Donelson Coffee, wife of General Coffee, daughter of
John Donelson and niece of Rachel Jackson. These portraits were
presented by Hon. Alexander Donelson Coffee, son of General and Mrs.
Coffee.
Kitchen
The restoration of the furnishings of the old kitchen
to its oldtime glory of yawning chimney piece, its crane
and pothook, its ovens and skillets, its candle molds and spinning
wheels, brings back reminiscences of the cook, “Betty,” and the
old regime of Jackson’s day. The large stone hearth is as it was
in General Jackson’s day.
- Spinning wheel and reel, over 100 years old. Presented by Andrew Jackson
Baker, former custodian, who was born at the Hermitage.
- Table of the period, given by Mrs. W. H. Wemyss.
- Candle molds. Presented by Miss Louise Baxter, Mrs. W. J. McMurray,
Mrs. M. A. Spurr, and Mrs. George L. Cowan.
- Pothooks and Flax Hacker. Used in Revolutionary days. Presented by
Miss Louise Baxter and Miss Louise G. Lindsley.
- Some of the original kitchen utensils. Presented by Mrs. Andrew Jackson
III.
- Copper kettle given to Rachel Jackson by Peggy O’Neal.
- Old grease lamp, given by Mrs. W. A. Hargis.
- Original water cooler. Always used in the pantry.
- Brass kettle. Presented by Mrs. Whitefoord Cole.
- Original churn of Jackson’s. Loaned by Miss Emma Hoffstetter.
Six dish covers, pair tongs of Major Andrew Jackson Donelson’s. Presented
by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
- Original old wafer irons. Presented by Mrs. L. D. Hill and Mrs John K.
Maddin.
- Original kitchen “safe,” for keeping food.
- Pie tins and custard cups, used by Aunt Betty, the cook.
- Original spice jars, brought from China.
- Original flour and meal chest.
- Original chest which contained Decatur silver (see letter in Museum).
- Original brass kettles, used for preserving.
- Plate given by Mary Hook, once used at the Hermitage.
- Iron spit, given by Mary Felice Ferrell.
- The bells overhead on the back porch were rung from the parlor and front
door.
The Old Smokehouse
A remnant of days long gone by, when
the smokehouse was the most important
house on a plantation. Built in 1831.
53
Original trough for salting meat made from one log, presented by
Mrs. Cleves Symmes, granddaughter of Jackson’s adopted son.
The iron kettle, used for rendering lard, was given by Mrs. E.
W. Graham, great-great-grandniece of Rachel Jackson. The
imitation hams show how they were hung from the beams.
A normal supply of meat for the 100 slaves, family and guests
when hogs were killed was from 20,000 to 25,000 pounds.
The Garden
To the east of the mansion is the flower garden
which General Jackson had laid out in 1819 for
his wife, Rachel, whose chief interest it was.
It was designed by William Frost, a well-known English Landscapist,
and it is considered by authorities to be an outstanding
example of early American garden design.
More than an acre in area, the garden contains about fifty
varieties of old fashioned plants and great hickory and magnolia
trees planted by General Jackson.
Other interesting varieties of trees in the garden and on the
grounds have markers showing their common and botanical names.
Copy of an old English sundial given by Thomas H. Berry.
Base given by James W. Pearre.
The tomb of General and Mrs. Jackson is in the south-east corner
of the garden, and many other members of their family and household
are buried in the plot nearby.
54
THE TOMB
The tomb was built by General Jackson in 1831 and was erected
over his wife, with a vault for himself.
The inscription on General Jackson’s tomb is:
General Andrew Jackson
Born March 15, 1767
Died June 8, 1845
The inscription on Mrs. Jackson’s tomb was written by her
husband, and is as follows:
“Here lie the remains of Mrs. Rachel Jackson, wife of President Jackson, who died the 22nd
of December, 1828. Age, 61 years. Her face was fair, her person pleasing, her temper amiable,
her heart kind; she delighted in relieving the wants of her fellow creatures, and cultivated that
divine pleasure by the most liberal and unpretending methods; to the poor she was a benefactor;
to the rich an example; to the wretched a comforter; to the prosperous an ornament; her piety
went hand in hand with her benevolence, and she thanked her Creator for being permitted to do
good. A being so gentle and so virtuous slander might wound, but could not dishonor. Even
death, when he bore her from the arms of her husband, could but transport her to the bosom of
her God.”
The other graves on the plot are those of the adopted son, Andrew
Jackson, Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Sarah York Jackson. Two infants
lie buried there; also one son, Samuel Jackson, who was killed at
55
Chickamauga; the grave of Dr. John M. Lawrence, who married
Rachel, the idol of the old General’s life. In February, 1923, the
spirit of Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence passed into the great
beyond, and her body rests beside her husband and near her grandfather,
the great hero, who affectionately looked upon and called
her his “beloved little Rachel.” The grave of Col. R. E. W. Earl,
friend and companion of Jackson, is there. Further apart from the
other graves is that of Mrs. Marion Adams, the widowed sister of
Mrs. Sarah Jackson who always resided with her, and whose family
was reared at the Hermitage. On December 19, 1906, Col. Andrew
Jackson, grandson, was laid beside his kindred dust in the garden,
and his wife, Mrs. Amy Jackson, who died January 9, 1921, lies
beside him. There are also the graves of John Marshall Lawrence,
1859-1926, and Thomas Donelson Lawrence, 1869-1942, sons of
Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence; and Anne Laurie Lawrence Smith,
born at the Hermitage April 3, 1855, died February 4, 1937, and
Sazie Lawrence Winn, born at Hermitage March 15, 1854, died
May 6, 1882, daughters of Mrs. Lawrence. Andrew Jackson, IV,
son of Col. Andrew and Mrs. Amy Jackson, was buried here in
1953.
The grave of Uncle Alfred, freed slave who preferred to remain
at the Hermitage and who wanted to be buried near General Jackson,
is located to the north of the tomb in the garden.
The stone seat near the tomb is one of three presented to the
Hermitage by Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness, Mr. Robert F. Jackson,
Jr., and Mr. N. Baxter Jackson of New York, in memory of their
mother, Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, who served as Regent of the
Ladies’ Hermitage Association. Mrs. Robert F. Jackson’s grandmother,
Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, served as first Regent 1889-1899.
THE SARCOPHAGUS OFFER
In March, 1845, Commodore Elliott offered to General Jackson a sarcophagus
which he had obtained at Palestine. In a letter of appreciation,
but ringing with American spirit, General Jackson declined the offer.
Copies of two letters touching this incident were presented to the Association
by Hon. John Wesley Gaines and are as follows:
Washington City, March 18, 1845.
My Dear General—Last night I made something of a speech at the National
Institute, and have offered for their acceptance the sarcophagus which I
obtained at Palestine, brought home in the Constitution, and believed to
contain the remains of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus, with the
56
suggestion that it might be tendered you for your final resting place. I
pray you, General, to live on in the fear of the Lord; dying the death of a
Roman soldier, an emperor’s coffin awaits you.
I am, truly, your friend.
Jesse D. Elliott.
To Gen. Andrew Jackson.
Hermitage, Tenn., March 27, 1845.
Dear Sir—Your letter of the 18th inst. tonight with a copy of the Proceedings
of the National Institute, furnished me by their corresponding
secretary, on the presentation by you of the sarcophagus for acceptance on
condition it shall be preserved and in honor of my memory, have been received
and are now before me. Although laboring under great debility and affliction,
from a severe attack from which I may not recover, I raise my pen and endeavor
to reply. The steadiness of my nerves may perhaps lead you to conclude
my prostration of strength is not so great as here expressed. Strange
as it may appear, my nerves are as steady as they were forty years gone by,
whilst from debility and affliction I am gasping for breath. I have read the
whole proceedings of the presentation by you of the sarcophagus, and the
resolutions passed by the board of directors so honorable to my fame, with
sensations and feelings more easily to be conjectured than by me expressed.
The whole proceedings call for my most grateful thanks which are hereby
extended to you, and through you to the president and directors of the
National Institute. BUT WITH THE WARMEST SENSATIONS THAT
CAN INSPIRE A GRATEFUL HEART, I MUST DECLINE ACCEPTING
THE HONOR INTENDED TO BE BESTOWED. I CANNOT CONSENT
THAT MY MORTAL BODY SHALL BE LAID IN A REPOSITORY
PREPARED FOR AN EMPEROR OR KING.
MY REPUBLICAN FEELINGS AND PRINCIPLES FORBID IT;
THE SIMPLICITY OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT FORBIDS IT.
EVERY MONUMENT ERECTED TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY
OF OUR HEROES AND STATESMEN OUGHT TO BEAR EVIDENCE
OF THE ECONOMY AND SIMPLICITY OF OUR REPUBLICAN
INSTITUTIONS AND OF THE PLAINNESS OF OUR REPUBLICAN
CITIZENS, WHO ARE THE SOVEREIGNS OF OUR GLORIOUS
UNION AND WHOSE VIRTUE IT IS TO PERPETUATE IT. TRUE
VIRTUE CANNOT EXIST WHERE POMP AND PARADE ARE THE
GOVERNING PASSIONS. IT CAN ONLY DWELL WITH THE
PEOPLE—THE GREAT LABORING AND PRODUCING CLASSES—THAT
FORM THE BONE AND SINEW OF OUR CONFEDERACY.
For these reasons I cannot accept the honor you and the president and
directors of the National Institute intended to bestow. I CANNOT PERMIT
MY REMAINS TO BE THE FIRST IN THESE UNITED STATES TO BE
DEPOSITED IN A SARCOPHAGUS MADE FOR AN EMPEROR OR A
KING. I again repeat, please accept for yourself, and convey to the president
and directors of the National Institute, my most profound respects
for the honor you and they intended to bestow. I have prepared an humble
depository for my mortal body besides that wherein lies my beloved wife,
57
where, without any pomp or parade, I have requested, when my God calls
me to sleep with my fathers, to be laid; for both of us there to remain until
the last trumpet sounds to call the dead to judgment, when we, I hope,
shall rise together, clothed with that heavenly body promised to all who
believe in our glorious Redeemer who died for us that we might live, and by
whose atonement I hope for a blessed immortality.
I am, with great respect, your friend and fellow citizen,
Andrew Jackson.
To Commodore J. D. Elliott, United States Navy.
On January 8th, the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans,
an annual pilgrimage is made to the tomb of Andrew Jackson by
the Association, school groups, patriotic and civil official organizations.
Representatives place wreaths on the tomb. The Andrew
Jackson State Park, commemorating his birthplace, is located 10
miles north of Lancaster, S. C.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, largely a memorial to
General Jackson, is located on the site of the Battle of Horseshoe
Bend, on the Tallapoosa River, east central Alabama.
Uncle Alfred’s Cabin
Uncle Alfred was General Jackson’s
body-servant and lived in his cabin in the
rear yard. Born in 1803, he lived until 1901, and for many years
entertained visitors when acting as guide through the Hermitage.
At his request, he is buried near the Jackson tomb in the garden.
This cabin has been furnished according to Uncle Alfred’s time.
In one of the rooms of the cabin is an old spinning jinny (original)
presented by Mrs. W. B. Walton, a great-niece of Mrs. Jackson.
This was inherited by Mrs. Walton from the family.
Old Carriage House From Hunter’s Hill
Log building used as a carriage house
during Jackson’s residence at Hunter’s
Hill, was moved from there and now located
near the spring, used as a tool house.
The Log House by the Spring
Completed in 1940, was built
for the use of the Hermitage
Association members. It consists of two spacious rooms and a
kitchen equipped for simple cooking. It is used for the annual
58
spring and fall outings of the Association, and members have the
privilege of using the kitchen and one or both rooms for entertaining,
upon application to the custodian and payment of a small fee.
One of the rooms was furnished in memory of Mrs. Walter Stokes,
former Regent, by her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Wemyss, and her son,
Walter Stokes, Jr.
GENUINENESS OF THE RELICS
That there might never be a question raised as to the genuineness
of the relics purchased, the Association has obtained from Colonel
Jackson and his sister, Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, the following
affidavit:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is to certify that all the articles of furniture or relics purchased by the
Ladies’ Hermitage Association from Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, granddaughter,
and Col. Andrew Jackson, grandson of General Andrew Jackson
are the identical pieces of furniture owned and used by General Jackson
during his lifetime. They were in the Hermitage when General Jackson
died and were there when the Ladies’ Hermitage Association took possession
in 1889. The entire collection was removed in 1893, when Col. Jackson
left the Hermitage, and have been restored from time to time as the Association
was able to purchase them.
The articles restored up to the present time, March, 1900, are those in
General Jackson’s bedroom, which is complete as it was the day he died;
the library, or office, entire; the hall, entire; and all furniture now in the
dining room and parlors.
(SEAL)
Rachel Jackson Lawrence.
Col. Andrew Jackson.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this March 13, 1900.
R. S. Cowan, Notary Public.
Since 1900 many more pieces of the Jackson furniture and relics have been
acquired and restored to the Hermitage by purchase, gift, or loan; and while
it is well furnished throughout with original pieces, information is still being
gathered and evaluated on some outstanding relics.
59
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
LADIES’ HERMITAGE ASSOCIATION
Regent | Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith |
First Vice-Regent | Mrs. William P. Cooper |
Second Vice-Regent | Mrs. Edward W. Graham |
Treasurer | Mrs. Roy C. Avery |
Recording Secretary | Mrs. Horatio Buntin |
Corresponding Secretary | Mrs. Douglas M. Wright |
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Miss Marian Craig
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness
- Miss Martha Lindsey
- Mrs. Gilbert Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. Fred Russell
- Mrs. Laird Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
- Mrs. John Reid Woodward
- Mr. Stanley F. Horn, President, Nashville
- Mr. William Waller, Vice President, Nashville
- Mr. C. Lawrence Winn, Secretary, Old Hickory
- Mr. Henry Barker, Bristol
- Mr. Thomas H. Berry, White Pine
- Mr. Walter Chandler, Memphis
- Mr. Lewis R. Donelson, Jr., Memphis
- Mr. T. Graham Hall, Nashville
- Mr. James G. Stahlman, Nashville
60
The Following Boards Have Had Control of the Association Since Its Organization
ELECTED MAY 15, 1889
- Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
- Mrs. A. S. Colyar, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. J. M. Dickinson, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. William Morrow
- Mrs. John Ruhm
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. Duncan B. Cooper
- Mrs. Felix Demoville
- L. F. Benson, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 20, 1891
- Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
- Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. William Morrow
- Mrs. John Ruhm
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks
- Dr. William Morrow, Treasurer
ELECTED JUNE 7, 1893
- Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
- Mrs. Albert S. Marks, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. John Ruhm, Auditor
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. Isabel M. Clark
- Mrs. J. M. Dickinson
- Mr. Edgar Jones, Treasurer
ELECTED OCTOBER 30, 1895
- Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
- Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. John Ruhm, Auditor
- Mrs. Hugh Craighead
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. Isabel Clark
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 19, 1897
- Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
- Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. R. G. Throne
- Mrs. J. M. Dickinson
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
- Mrs. A. M. Shook
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 17, 1899
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
- Mrs. J. M. Dickinson. First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Eugene C. Lewis, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. R. G. Throne
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
- Mrs. A. M. Shook
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. J. C. Buntin
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 15, 1901
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. William J. McMurray
- Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
- Mrs. J. C. Buntin
- Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 13, 1903
- Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. John C. Gaut
- Mrs. William J. McMurray
- Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
- Mrs. J. C. Buntin
- Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Treasurer
- Mrs. Lindsley expiring July 5, 1903. Mrs. A. M. Shook was elected Regent, Miss Louise Lindsley, a director.
ELECTED MAY 17, 1905
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Regent
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Louise Lindsley, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Secretary
- Mrs. William J. McMurray
- Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
- Mrs. J. C. Buntin
- Mrs. A. M. Shook
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 15, 1907
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Regent
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Secretary
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
- Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson
- Mrs. Joseph M. Ford
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 19, 1909
- Miss Louise Grundy Lindsley, Regent
- Mrs. Walter Allen, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
- Mrs. J. Cleves Symmes
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson
- Mrs. Joseph M. Ford
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
- Mrs. M. S. Cockrill expired 1910. Mrs. Shelby Williams elected her successor.
61
ELECTED MAY 17, 1911
- Miss Louise Grundy Lindsley, Regent
- Mrs. J. Walter Allen, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. J. Cleves Symmes
- Mrs. John C. Brown
- Mrs. A. M. Shook
- Mrs. James H. Campbell
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 21, 1913
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson, Regent
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Miss Carrie Sims
- Mrs. R. A. Henry
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
ELECTED MAY 19, 1915
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson, Regent
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Miss Carrie Sims
- Mrs. R. A. Henry
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
- Mrs. P. H. Manlove expiring February 27, 1917. Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks was elected treasurer and Mrs. Porter Phillips a director.
ELECTED MAY 16, 1917
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson, Regent
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks, Treasurer
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. A. M. Shook
- Mrs. Porter Phillips
- Mrs. R. A. Henry
- Mrs. J. Washington Moore
ELECTED MAY 21, 1919
- Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson, Regent
- Mrs. B. F. Wilson, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks, Treasurer
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. E. T. Lowe
- Mrs. Porter Phillips
- Mrs. Harry Evans
- Mrs. R. A. Henry
ELECTED MAY 18, 1921
- Mrs. Harry Evans, Regent
- Mrs. Alex Caldwell, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James S. Frazer, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. R. A. Henry
- Mrs. Joseph H. Thompson
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Harry Evans resigned April 4th 1922. Mrs. Henry elected Regent and Mrs. McFarland a director. Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks resigned December, 1921. Mrs. E. A, Lindsey elected treasurer. Mrs. Joseph H. Thompson resigned and Mrs. Reau Folk elected October, 1921.
ELECTED MAY 1922
- Mrs. R. A. Henry, Regent
- Mrs. Alex Caldwell, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James S. Frazer, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Reau Folk
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Craig McFarland
ELECTED MAY 16, 1923
- Mrs. Walter Stokes, Regent
- Mrs. Alex Caldwell, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James S. Frazer, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
- Mrs. E. A. Lindsey, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Reau Folk
- Mrs. Craig McFarland
- Mrs. John T. Henderson
ELECTED MAY 20, 1925
- Mrs. Walter Stokes, Regent
- Mrs. James Frazer, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Reau Folk, Secretary
- Mrs. E. A. Lindsey, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Craig McFarland
- Mrs. H. L. Sperry.
- Mrs. J. H. Overton
ELECTED MAY 18, 1927
- Mrs. James S. Frazer, Regent
- Mrs. Edward A. Lindsey, 1st Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk, Secretary
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. H. L. Sperry
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell, Sr.
ELECTED MAY 15, 1929
- Mrs. Edward A. Lindsey, Regent
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. E. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. H. L. Sperry, Secretary
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
ELECTED MAY 20, 1931
- Mrs. Edward A. Lindsey, Regent
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Secretary
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
62
ELECTED MAY 17, 1933
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk, Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes, Corresponding Sec.
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. E. A. Lindsey
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. George Blackie
ELECTED MAY, 1935
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk, Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes, Corresponding Sec.
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. E. A. Lindsey
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. George Blackie
ELECTED MAY, 1937
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton, Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes, Corresponding Sec.
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. E. A. Lindsey
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. George Blackie
- Mrs. Reau E. Folk.
ELECTED MAY, 1939
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton, Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Geo. Blackie, Corresponding Secretary
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Charles Buntin
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. James E. Caldwell expired 1939, and Mrs. Edgar Foster was elected her successor. Miss Martha Lindsey was elected to the Board.
ELECTED MAY, 1941
- Mrs. Edward W. Graham, Regent
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. George F. Blackie, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Charles E. Buntin
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
ELECTED MAY, 1943
- Mrs. Edward W. Graham, Regent
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. George F. Blackie, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Recording Secretary
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Charles E. Buntin
- Miss Louise G. Lindsley
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, Sr.
ELECTED MAY, 1945
- Mrs. George F. Blackie, Regent
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt
- Mrs. Chas. E. Buntin
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Miss Fermine Pride
- Mrs. William P. Cooper
- Mrs. Roy Avery
ELECTED MAY, 1947
- Mrs. George F. Blackie, Regent
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, Sec. Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Lyon Childress, Treasurer
- Mrs. Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt
- Mrs. Chas. E. Buntin
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Miss Fermine Pride
- Mrs. William P. Cooper
- Mrs. Roy Avery
ELECTED MAY, 1949
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Fermine Pride, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy Avery, Treasurer
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Mrs. Charles E. Buntin
- Mrs. Lyon Childress
- Mrs. Paul DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
ELECTED MAY, 1951
- Mrs. W. H. Wemyss, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Fermine Pride, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Mrs. Charles Buntin
- Mrs. Lyon Childress
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
63
ELECTED MAY, 1953
- Mrs. W. H. Wemyss, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Fermine Pride, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Cor. Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Mrs. Charles Buntin
- Mrs. Lyon Childress
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith
ELECTED MAY, 1955
- Mrs. Douglas Henry, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Fermine Pride, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Corres. Secretary
- Mrs. Geo. F. Blackie
- Mrs. Horatio B. Buntin
- Mrs. Lyon Childress
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
ELECTED MAY, 1957
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, Regent
- Miss Martha Lindsey, First Vice-Regent
- Miss Fermine Pride, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Mrs. Horatio B. Buntin, Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Corres. Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. E. W. Graham
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Robert F. Jackson
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
ELECTED MAY, 1959
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Regent
- Mrs. Douglas S. Henry, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Mrs. Horatio B. Buntin, Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Corres. Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Mrs. William P. Cooper
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
- Mrs. John Reid Woodward
ELECTED MAY, 1961
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Mrs. Horatio Buntin, Recording Secretary
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright, Corresponding Secretary
- Mrs. George F. Blackie
- Miss Marian Craig
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness
- Miss Martha Lindsey
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. Fred Russell
- Mrs. Laird Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
- Mrs. John Reid Woodward
ELECTED MAY, 1963
- Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith, Regent
- Mrs. William P. Cooper, First Vice-Regent
- Mrs. E. W. Graham, Second Vice-Regent
- Mrs. Roy C. Avery, Treasurer
- Mrs. Horatio Buntin, Recording Secretary
- Miss Martha Lindsey, Corresponding Secretary
- Mrs. George M. Blackie
- Miss Marian Craig
- Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
- Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
- Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
- Mrs. Douglas Henry
- Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness
- Mrs. Gilbert S. Merritt
- Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
- Mrs. Fred Russell
- Mrs. Laird Smith
- Mrs. William H. Wemyss
- Mrs. John Reid Woodward
- Mrs. Douglas M. Wright
64
Publications Sold By The Ladies’ Hermitage Association
- Guide Book (Catalogue, Historical Data, Pictures)
- 25 Cents
- The Hermitage, Home of Old Hickory, $3.95
- Stanley F. Horn
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, $1.50
- Mary French Caldwell
- The Battle of New Orleans, Its Real Meaning, 35 Cents
- Reau E. Folk
- Mr. Bancroft’s Oration on the death of Andrew Jackson
- 25 Cents
- Preservation of the Hermitage, $2.00
- Mrs. Mary C. Dorris
- Rachel Jackson, 35 Cents
- Mrs. Walter Stokes
- Advice to Jackson from His Mother
- illuminated, 25 Cents
- Andrew Jackson, Man of Destiny, 10 Cents
- William E. Beard
- President’s Lady, $3.95
- Irving Stone
- Historical Homes of the Old South (Drawings)
- 75 Cents
- The Hermitage, 50 Cents
- Stanley F. Horn
- Constitution of the United States, Declaration of Independence Historical Facts and Data
- 30 Cents
- Historic Documents; Declaration of Independence, Constitution of United States, Bill of Rights, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
- $1.00
- Andrew Jackson and Freemasonry, By Dr. Paul E. DeWitt
- 25c
- Various Postcards and Slides
FOR YOUNG READERS
- Andrew Jackson, $2.50
- Genevieve Foster
- Rachel Jackson, Tennessee Girl, $1.95
- Christine Noble Govan
- The Jacksons of Tennessee, $2.95
- Marguerite Vance
- Andrew Jackson, The Fighting Frontiersman, $1.75
- Frances Fitzpatrick Wright
- Sam Houston, Fighter and Leader, $1.75
- Frances Fitzpatrick Wright
- Andrew Jackson, Frontier Statesman, $3.50
- Clara Ingram Judson
65
Books and Pamphlets on Andrew Jackson
IN THE STATE LIBRARY DIVISION OF TENNESSEE STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
Author | Title | Date of Publication |
Jackson, Andrew | Correspondence, 7 vols., ed. by John S. Bassett | 1926-35 |
An American Officer | Civil and Military History of Andrew Jackson | 1825 |
Bassett, John S. | The Life of Andrew Jackson, 2 vols. | 1911 |
Bowers, Claude G. | Party Battles of the Jackson Period | 1922 |
Brady, Cyrus T. | The True Andrew Jackson | 1906 |
Brown, William G. | Andrew Jackson | 1900 |
Buell, Augustus G. | History of Andrew Jackson | 1904 |
Campbell, Tom W. | Two Fighters and Two Fines | 1941 |
Citizen of New York | Memoirs of General Andrew Jackson | 1845 |
Cobbett, William | Life of Andrew Jackson | 1834 |
Colyar, Arthur St. C. | Life and Times of Andrew Jackson | 1904 |
Dusenbery, Ben M. | Monument to the Memory of Gen. Jackson | 1845 |
Eaton, John H. | The Life of Andrew Jackson | 1817 |
Frost, John | Pictorial Life of Andrew Jackson | 1847 |
Gentleman of the Baltimore Bar | Some Account of Gen. Jackson | 1828 |
Goodwin, Philo A. | Biography of Andrew Jackson | 1832 |
Headley, Joel T. | The Life of Andrew Jackson | 1880 |
Heiskell, Saml. G. | Andrew Jackson and Early Tenn. History, 3 vols. | 1920 |
James, Marquis | Andrew Jackson, 2 vols. | 1938 |
Jenkins, Jno. S. | Life and Public Services of Gen. Andrew Jackson | 1880 |
Johnson, Gerald W. | Andrew Jackson, An Epic in Homespun | 1927 |
Karsner, David | Andrew Jackson, The Gentle Savage | 1929 |
Macdonald, Wm. | Jacksonian Democracy, 1829-1837 | 1906 |
Mayo, Robert | Political Sketches of Eight Years in Washington | 1839 |
Nicolay, Helen | Andrew Jackson, The Fighting President | 1929 |
Ogg, Frederic A. | The Reign of Andrew Jackson | 1921 |
Parton, James | Life of Andrew Jackson, 2 vols. | 1860 |
Peck, Charles H. | The Jacksonian Epoch | 1899 |
Rowland, Eron O. | Andrew Jackson’s Campaign Against the British | 1926 |
Schlesinger, Arthur M. | The Age of Jackson | 1945 |
Snelling, William J. | A Brief, Impartial History by a Free Man | 1831 |
Sumner, William G. | Andrew Jackson | 1910 |
Syrett, Harold G. | Andrew Jackson, His Contribution | 1953 |
Van Deusen, Glyndon | The Jacksonian Era, 1828-1848 | 1959 |
Waldo, Samuel P. | Memoirs of Andrew Jackson | 1819 |
Walker, Alexander | Jackson and New Orleans | 1856 |
Ward, John W. | Andrew Jackson, Symbol for an Age | 1955 |
FOR YOUNG READERS
Coy, Harold | Real Book About Andrew Jackson | 1952 |
James, Bessie R. | The Courageous Heart | 1934 |
Judson, Clara I. | Andrew Jackson | 1954 |
In addition to the above, the State Library has many valuable, rare,
and out-of-print pamphlets on General Jackson.
Microfilms of Hermitage Letters and Documents are available at
Joint University Library.
66
Entrance to the Hermitage
Transcriber’s Notes
- Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.
- Added headings in the text to match the Table of Contents
- Corrected a few palpable typos.
- In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.