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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9dbfa40 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #60853 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60853) diff --git a/old/60853-0.txt b/old/60853-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2b161b5..0000000 --- a/old/60853-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,919 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Rachel Jackson - -Author: Nellie Treanor Stokes - -Release Date: December 7, 2019 [EBook #60853] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -_The picture of Rachel Jackson on the cover is a replica of the -miniature which General Jackson wore daily, and only removed at night, -placing it with his Bible and spectacles on a table beside his bed._ - - - - - Rachel Jackson - - - _By_ - NELLIE TREANOR STOKES - (Mrs. Walter Stokes) - - - _Copyright 1942_ - - - - - _FOREWORD_ - - -_Historians and biographers who have immortalized Andrew Jackson as a -statesman and military genius, have invariably touched on the vital -influence exerted on one of the greatest figures in American history by -his beloved wife, Rachel._ - -_In the belief that only close readers of history or biography are aware -of the full beauty of her personality and character, the Board of -Directors of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association offers this short -biography of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes._ - -_Residing in early girlhood at Tulip Grove, a plantation adjacent to the -Hermitage, the author was a frequent visitor in the Hermitage mansion -during those years, and has since continued an intimate association with -members of the Jackson family. Thus, her biography incorporates -first-hand knowledge of family traditions along with careful historical -research concerning the life of Rachel Jackson._ - -_Serving as Regent of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association from 1923 to -1927, and as a member of the Board of Directors continuously since 1921, -Mrs. Stokes through out these many years has remained in constant touch -with all matters pertaining to the Jackson family and home, and the work -of maintaining the Hermitage shrine, to which she has devoted much of -her time, has always been one of her chief interests._ - - Ladies Hermitage Association - -Nashville, Tennessee, -1942. - - - - - _Rachel Jackson_ - - -Rachel Jackson was born at the Virginia home of her parents in June, -1767. Thus her distinguished husband preceded her into the world by only -a few months in the same year. She was the tenth child and fourth -daughter of Col. John Donelson and Rachel Stockley, his wife. She was -given the name of her mother. There was another son born after Rachel, -making four daughters and seven sons, eleven children in all. - -Rachel’s parentage was not only substantial but also distinguished. On -the paternal side she was the granddaughter of Catherine Davies who was -the sister of Rev. Samuel Davies, the eminent Presbyterian Minister who -succeeded Jonathan Edwards as President of Princeton University. “Her -mother,” quoting from Mary French Caldwell, “came from Accomac County on -the Eastern shore of Virginia and the story of her people goes back to -the earliest days of the colony.” - -For thirty-five years the family of Rachel lived on the Bannister River -in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Col. Donelson was a surveyor, the -owner and master of a large plantation, and the owner of an iron furnace -in the vicinity. He was a vestryman in the Church, and an important -member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Where he held membership in -the Trade Committee which dealt with many of the serious and delicate -questions of the day between the Colony and the Mother Country. He -helped frame and sign the “treasonable protest” adopted in adjourned -sessions following dissolution of the Burgesses by order of the Crown. -By doing so he may have placed his liberty in jeopardy in the event of a -British victory in the subsequent war for independence, in which he -served with modest distinction. But most noteworthy was his service by -appointment of the Governor, Lord Botetourt, to assist John Stuart in -negotiating the treaty of Lochaber with the Cherokee Indians. The report -of his superior contains the following reference: “... I arrived here -(Lochaber) the 15th where I found the Cherokee Chiefs with their -followers ... about a thousand in number.... I had also the pleasure of -finding Col. Donelson here; he was exactly punctual to the time -appointed.... I beg leave to return to your Lordship my most sincere -thanks for having sent a gentleman of Col. Donelson’s Discernment and -Probity to assist me.... I beg leave to refer your Lordship to him in -every particular....” William Nelson, temporary successor to Lord -Botetourt, deceased, wrote to the Crown: “I have by the advice of the -Council appointed Col. Donelson to execute the running of the line in -May next, as I think he may be confided in....” - -The assignment referred to is significant in the development of the epic -story of Rachel because it gave to her father an intimate view of and an -undying interest in the great undeveloped country lying to the Westward. -Mrs. Caldwell has well said: “He had formally accepted the commission to -run the line specified in the Treaty of Lochaber and he went out, not as -a nomadic hunter or adventurer, but as the official representative of -the British Government. He was a man of fifty-two years, mature in -judgment and experience and clothed with the authority which his fortune -and prominence in colonial affairs had given him....” - -We may fairly conclude that it is not surprising that with such -parentage and amid the pleasant surroundings of the Bannister plantation -Rachel grew in education and understanding far beyond the average for -the young women of her day. Many were the advantages afforded her. - -When Rachel was born some of the older brothers and sisters were already -married. There were slaves to tend the crops, and cloth was woven on the -place from cotton and wool grown there. It was a busy, self contained, -happy household. So it is not remarkable that the baby Rachel was a -happy and contented little girl, racing her pony over the hills with her -brothers, and hearing stories from an adoring father of the pomp and -circumstance of life at the seat of the government, as well as thrilling -tales of the Cherokees. Her mother saw to it that this youngest daughter -was taught her lessons of reading and writing, as well as to cook, spin, -weave and sew a fine seam, so that when she had a house of her own she -could train her servants in the way they should go. An authority says: -“She was proficient in the household arts, she played the harpsichord, -she danced, was an accomplished horsewoman, and was trained in the -little courtesies and graces of life....” She was bright and quick to -learn and beautiful to look upon. It did seem that this united household -should have lived on there by the smooth flowing Bannister. - -Perhaps the prospect of more room for the ever growing family, and a -first hand knowledge of the beauty and richness to be found farther west -tempted Col. Donelson and his sons and daughters, some of whom had -families of their own, to risk leaving Virginia and move out to what is -now Tennessee. - -In 1779 Captain James Robertson set out to establish a colony on the -banks of the Cumberland at Fort Nashboro, then a part of North Carolina. -His friend, Col. John Donelson of Virginia, was asked to bring the -families of those venturesome men who had cast their lot with his. He -accepted this great responsibility. They were to travel two thousand -almost unknown miles by water, as that mode of travel was deemed safer -than overland through the forests and over the mountains where only a -path marked the way, an impossible task for wagons and women and -children. Even so the chosen route was beset with savages, as well as -all manner of hindrances to be overcome. - -This band of pioneers planned to start the journey after the crops were -“laid by” in the autumn, and for that purpose they were assembled in a -commodious block house on the banks of the Holston River; but there had -been a drouth and the water was not high enough to float the boats which -were ready and waiting. In early November a terrible freeze took place. -These and other factors delayed the departure until just before -Christmas. Finally on December twenty-second, 1779, with all families -aboard and well provisioned, they set sail. “The Good Ship Adventure” -bearing the Donelsons and Mrs. Robertson and family led the way. Other -boats followed, each with one or more families aboard protected by a -complement of able men to come to the rescue in case of attack. - -Thus the twelve-year-old Rachel turned her youthful face toward the land -of promise in the setting sun, happily unaware of the web of romance and -love, lonely tears and poignant grief, which the unseen hand of fate -would weave for her there. But for the present there was only the -priceless zest of a trip into the unknown, laden with hope of high -adventure. Her stout hearted father was by her side, so she knew no evil -could befall her. We may be sure she was a busy little girl, and that -her talents and sprightly bearing added greatly to the happiness and -morale of the company. - -The winter was one of unusual severity. Progress was difficult. They had -sometimes to land and wait for the frozen waters to thaw; there were -rapids and water falls to conquer; and after a while terrible floods and -swift currents laden with trees and drift wood to be avoided. Sickness -and attacks by the Indians, who were armed with rifles as well as bow -and arrows, beset them; food was scarce because much of the wild life -had suffered that winter, and the game which was found was too starved -to be of good quality. Even smallpox developed on one of the boats. -Among such difficulties it was inevitable that examples of great heroism -would arise. - - [Illustration: The Hermitage, home of Andrew and Rachel Jackson] - -Witness the stoic fortitude of Nancy Gower. She was wounded while -steering her boat when the Indians attacked from both river banks. -Although she bled profusely she remained at her post of duty; and not -until the party was beyond the reach of the savages did her companions -know that she was wounded. In that sort of stern school did the child -Rachel learn fortitude in bearing the uses of adversity. - -After four months of hardship mingled with bright intervals of sunshine -the Donelson party arrived on the twenty-fourth of April at the “Big -Salt Lick” near the small settlement of log houses surrounded by a -stockade which was called Fort Nashboro, and which is now Nashville. - -Captain James Robertson with other heads of families had gone through -the country on horseback, and preceded the boat party in time to build -cabins for the expected families. Picture the meeting when the boats -arrived and families were reunited; imagine the joy of Rachel at -reaching the end of a long, tired journey and exploring a new home in a -strange and beautiful land. Even now she did not dream that already the -invisible figure of history held her firmly by the hand. - -Here Col. Donelson prospered; accumulated acres, negroes, cattle and -horses. Rachel grew into a beautiful and spirited young woman. On one of -her father’s trips to Kentucky she was allowed to go with him. It -chanced that they went to Harrodsburg, where she met Lewis Robards, the -handsome son of one of the leading families. A courtship ensued, and he -asked her to be his wife. She had other suitors but none so fascinating -as this young man. Her father approved the marriage and after a while he -went home alone, leaving Rachel with her husband there at his mother’s -house in Harrodsburg. There was every reason why they should have -prospered in their love together, but Lewis Robards proved to be of an -insanely jealous disposition. In the very unpleasant scenes to which the -jealousy of Robards subjected Rachel, her part was taken by all the -members of the Robards household. She was then only eighteen. Her -brother, Samuel, was despatched to bring her home, which he did much to -the regret of Mrs. Robards who held a deep affection for Rachel and who -never at any time blamed her for the son’s fiery outbursts. No sooner -had she gone than Robards wanted her back again and made all manner of -promises to persuade her to return. - -While Rachel suffered this sorrow her father was killed mysteriously in -the woods, and her presence at home was a bulwark to the bereaved -family. But this was not for long. - -John Overton, a young law student who resided in Mrs. Robards’ Kentucky -home, planned to come to Tennessee to open a law office. He was -prevailed upon to try to bring about a reconciliation. When he arrived -in Nashville he took a room at Mrs. Donelson’s and was successful in -persuading Rachel to make a new trial with Robards. In due time Robards -arrived and was welcomed by the entire family. It was not long, though, -before jealousy again manifested itself. This time it was Andrew Jackson -of whom he was jealous. - -Jackson had come out from North Carolina with a commission to be -prosecuting attorney for the Mero District. He, with Mr. Overton, -occupied one of the smaller cabins at Mrs. Donelson’s. The unpleasant -scenes to which Rachel was subjected by her husband’s jealousy roused a -just indignation in the breast of the young prosecuting attorney. Mr. -Overton suggested that they move their boarding place, which they did, -going to Manskers, near the boundary between Davidson and Sumner -Counties. This also was a group of log houses close together for common -protection. But Robards was still very unhappy, and finally he decided -to go back to Kentucky, much to the relief of all. Jackson did not move -back to the Donelson home but continued to live at Manskers. He had the -highest ideals of womanhood, and he did not wish for any act on his part -to cast the slightest shadow on the bereft Rachel. - -It is unnecessary in this story of Rachel to go into the history of -Andrew Jackson before he came to Tennessee, further than to say that his -veneration for womanhood originated with his feeling for his mother. -Before leaving for Charleston on an errand of mercy, nursing soldiers -(an errand in which she lost her life), she committed to writing and -left with Andrew one of the most impressive codes of conduct ever -written. He kept these last words of his mother and accepted them as the -credo of his life. His reverence for his mother was evidenced by the -numerous times he referred to her precepts of morals and honor. - -To feel that any woman was mistreated filled Andrew Jackson’s soul with -indignation. When he saw how unhappy Rachel’s beautiful eyes looked he -could hardly contain himself. Then Mr. Robards let it be known that he -was coming to force Rachel to return to Kentucky with him. This she said -she would never do. The family thought it best for her to go on a visit -to relatives in Natchez, Mississippi. Col. Stark, a friend, was going to -New Orleans on business, taking his wife and two daughters with him. It -was arranged that Rachel should go with them as far as Natchez. Col. -Stark asked Andrew Jackson to accompany them because he was so well -known as an Indian fighter. After leaving Rachel at Natchez, Jackson -went on with Col. Stark, making some investments for himself in -Mississippi. While these events transpired, the wheel of fortune was -turning in another quarter. - -Mr. Overton made a visit to Kentucky and again stopped at Mrs. Robards’ -home. While he was there Mrs. Robards had a letter from her son, Lewis, -then in Virginia, telling her that a divorce had been granted by the -Virginia legislature. When Mr. Overton returned to Tennessee he took the -joyful news straight to Mrs. Donelson. She inquired where he got the -information, and he replied: “From his mother, who read a letter from -her son to that effect.” - - [Illustration: Hall and Stairway in the Hermitage - The entrance hall at the Hermitage] - -When Mr. Jackson was told of this by Mr. Overton it was natural that he -as well as everyone else should believe it. The Virginia legislature had -indeed granted the divorce, but Robards failed to record it. Some have -believed that he did this purposely. Anyway, Mr. Jackson went as soon as -possible to tell Rachel that she was a free woman and that he wanted to -marry her. After a short time they were married there in Natchez at the -home of her relatives, the Greens. Mr. Jackson had secured the “Betsy -Jane Trotter,” the same boat that brought Rachel down the river with the -Stark girls. It was made ready for the honeymoon, and on it the newly -married couple returned to Nashville. They lived first at Mrs. -Donelson’s, later at a place called Poplar Grove, then at Hunters’ Hill -where they were most happy. - -Rachel felt a great pride in all the honors heaped upon her husband. He -became the first citizen of Tennessee. He gave the state its lovely -Indian name. He was made a member of the State Supreme Court. He was -sent to the United States Senate. In that period Rachel probably enjoyed -the glamor of public life, but that happy enthusiasm was short lived. - -After two years Mr. Overton arrived at Hunters’ Hill with the news that -the divorce had never been recorded; whereupon Rachel and Andrew were -immediately remarried. Everyone knew that both were entirely innocent of -having done anything wrong. Yet this super legal technicality was used -by Jackson’s political enemies against him, even to the extent that in -the presidential campaign certain pamphlets distributed by the Adams -adherents referred to Rachel as an adulteress; and it was the direct -cause of the duel in which Jackson killed Charles Dickinson. Through it -all Jackson tried to shield Rachel from the calumnies of idle gossips -and political foes; but, possessed of an acute understanding, she was -aware of it all. - -In any study of the Jackson saga one is compelled to the view that the -seemingly small incident of the divorce not being recorded and the -consequent gossip marked a transition in Rachel. The gentle -sprightliness of her radiant nature gave ground before those “Slings and -arrows of outrageous fortune,” and a richer but more restrained -sweetness emerged, in which she was drawn more closely to her husband -and her God. - -And, too, her sadness was quickened by days and months of waiting at -home while her Andrew journeyed to wars and the exciting scenes of the -political forum. Truly, none but the lonely heart may appreciate the -anguish of those long separations. Rachel’s letters to Andrew Jackson -may contain an occasional misspelled word, but they are eloquent in -expressing an all consuming devotion welling from a heart heavy with -loneliness. Witness this as an example: - - “_... you have Been absent monthes at a tim ... you (could) always - tell when you would be at home but now ... nothing on Erth can give me - aney pleasure now But your Letters. I reade them with the tanderness - and affection not to be expresst with my pen ... as often as you find - a Leasure moment from Every Public business spend that with me as - often as I am present with you ... (May God) in time of dainger send a - kind guardian angel to guard your sleepe-ing hours ... if my prayers - and tears Can avail you will be well...._” - -Shortly following the news of the flaw in the divorce, financial losses -came to Andrew Jackson, on account of which he sold the happy Hunters’ -Hill home and bought the Hermitage tract. There Andrew and Rachel -started life anew on a reduced scale. The original Hermitage into which -they moved was a large block house with an ell and surrounding cabins. -It was there that Aaron Burr paid a visit in 1805. And there also in the -year 1809 a new light came into their lives. - -Andrew and Rachel adopted a son. The author of this paper asked Mrs. J. -C. Symmes, a granddaughter of Andrew Jackson, Jr., to write to her what -has been handed down in the family as the true story of how the adoption -took place. An extract from Mrs. Symmes’ letter is fully descriptive, -and it is quoted as follows: - - “_... They (Andrew and Rachel) were happy in each other, but there was - no child in the house. No little one to call their very own. Rachel - had seven brothers. One, the youngest, the seventh son, Severn - Donelson by name, had always been her favorite. She had more or less - mothered him. At this time he was living with his wife and family on - their plantation about a mile or more distant, located back of where - the recent ‘Old Soldiers Home’ was located. One morning in 1809 the - old slave servant, (not ‘Uncle Alfred’) came into their room early at - the break of day, as was his custom, to make the fire in the spacious - fireplace. As he puffed and blew the embers into flame, he said, - ‘Marse Andrew, Marse Severn Donelson and Miss Betsy done had twin boys - borned last night!’ Andrew Jackson roused up as if he had received an - electric shock! ‘What,’ he said, ‘twin boys!’ Turning to Rachel he - said, ‘Dear, we must have one of those boys!’_” - - “_No time was wasted. A call to battle could not have been more - urgent! After a hasty breakfast the carriage was at the door, and the - buoyant couple filled with a great longing and a prayer in their - hearts hastened to the home of Severn Donelson. Sure enough there were - the two tiny boys!_” - - “_Just what was said is unknown. But in the light of the mother’s - delicate health, and the father’s great love for his sister, Rachel, - and their admiration and respect for Andrew Jackson, they consented. A - blue ribbon was tied around the wrist of the one of their choice, and - with great pride he was named Andrew Jackson, Jr. The parents asked - that Jackson suggest a name for the other little boy. He therefore - named him Thomas Jefferson Donelson.... After three days they returned - to the home of Severn and Elizabeth Donelson to receive their son, - brought him home and enthroned him in their hearts._” - - “_The Legislature was in session at this time in Nashville, Tennessee. - Andrew Jackson went immediately and had all legal papers drawn up and - signed—legally changing his adopted son’s name from ‘Donelson’ to - ‘Andrew Jackson, Jr.,’ thus making him his son and heir...._” - -The fact of the success of the adoption is attested in all of the -correspondence between Andrew and Rachel, which developed while General -Jackson traveled far afield as public service made greater demands upon -him. Andrew, Junior, was truly a Godsend to Rachel in those days, and he -grew into a young manhood, clean and strong and dependable. He was only -a boy of ten when the first Hermitage mansion house was built in 1819, -but he became about the most important part of its life in the eyes of -his mother and father. Later, in 1831 after his mother’s death and while -Jackson was President, Andrew, Junior, married the beautiful young Sarah -Yorke of Philadelphia. President Jackson received her as “My Daughter”; -and, some time after, this new daughter served with dignity and grace as -Mistress of the White House. - - [Illustration: The Hermitage church which Andrew Jackson built for - his “beloved Rachel”] - -When the master was at home in 1819 the Hermitage was the scene of -extensive entertaining, and upon the shoulders of Rachel fell the -responsibility of reigning as the gracious mistress. Guests were from -the most distinguished and cultured circles of the United States, and -there were many foreign visitors, notably Lafayette, and the artist, -Earl, who lived several years at the Hermitage very much as a member of -the family. As a woman of high character and as a devoutly devoted wife, -Rachel had not failed to meet the measure of the commanding stature of -her husband. It has been fairly and authoritatively stated on this phase -of her life: - - “_One of the most interesting things about Rachel Jackson is that she - could hold the chivalrous heart and deep love and devotion to the last - day of her life; that she could so live that her distinguished husband - could write her epitaph in words of noble and restrained tenderness - and grief, through which truth and candor runs like a golden thread in - a rich tapestry, is undying testimony of the intrinsic worth and - nobleness of the woman so deeply, so tenderly loved and cherished._” - -But, how was Rachel Jackson as a hostess? - -A full and complete answer is found in the words of Thomas Hart Benton, -distinguished Tennessean, United States Senator from Missouri, and -frequent guest at the Hermitage: - - “_She had a faculty—a rare one of retaining names and titles in a - throng of visitors, addressing each one appropriately, and dispensing - hospitality to all with a cordiality which enhanced its value. No - bashful youth, or plain old man, whose modesty sat them down at the - lower end of the table, could escape her cordial attentions any more - than the titled gentlemen on her right and left. Young persons were - her delight, and she always had her house filled with them—clever - young women and clever young men—all calling her affectionately, ‘Aunt - Rachel.’ I was young then, and was one of that number. I owe it to the - early recollections and_ _to cherished convictions—in this last notice - of the Hermitage—to bear this faithful testimony to the memory of its - long mistress—the loved and honored wife of a great man._” - -No true student of Rachel Jackson can escape the impression that a -quality of queenliness in natural grace and dignity hovered about her -and made her not unlike the great Victoria in all social and domestic -qualities. - -If no other manifestation of the life and character of this woman were -left to us today, the little Hermitage Church, which was built for her -in 1823, would stand as an everlasting monument to the simple greatness -of her inmost soul. She inspired true things and good things, and the -beauty of her spirit is reflected in every corner that one searches in -the place that was her home. More often than not great deeds of men find -their fountain head in the inspiration welling from the being of a -beloved and cherished woman. Who shall view the epochal career of Andrew -Jackson and gainsay that one sees Rachel, too! - -The last chapter of her life was the most trying, but it did not break -her spirit. It was engaged with the bitter campaign in 1828 between -Jackson and Adams for the presidency. Political opponents dragged out -the old divorce question and ridiculed her as an unlettered woman from -the backwoods, totally unsuited to be mistress of the White House. Here -the thought is advanced that these base and purely politically inspired -statements constitute the only basis for the widely accepted version of -Rachel as an ignorant and crude personality, a pure fiction that is -false to its very core. Through all of this Rachel maintained a calm -dignity. She did not like politics, and it was natural that the -bitterness of that memorable campaign should have drawn her closer to -her home and her God. She would have preferred the simplicity and peace -of private life for herself and her husband, but she accepted both the -outrages of the campaign and the final victory with quiet resignation. - -On the eve of a victory banquet in Nashville in honor of the newly -elected President, she died peacefully in the bosom of her home. Almost -her last words with her husband had been to exact a promise from him -that he would attend the banquet in spite of her illness, which was not -considered as being serious. She died on December 22, 1828, just -forty-nine years to the day since trustingly she turned her face -Westward on the “Good Ship Adventure.” With the same child-like -confidence, her great and good soul now passed beyond the veil and the -mystery to the eternal home of her Maker. Upon her tomb in the Hermitage -garden is inscribed an epitaph dictated by the stricken heart of Andrew -Jackson: - - “_Here lies 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 yet 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._” - - [Illustration: The Jackson tomb in the garden at the Hermitage] - - [Illustration: Plan of the Hermitage garden] - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -—Silently corrected a few typos. - -—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - -—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - -***** This file should be named 60853-0.txt or 60853-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/8/5/60853/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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text-indent:-2em; font-size:80%; } -p.pcap { margin-left:0em; text-indent:0; text-align:center; margin-top:0; } -p.pcapc { margin-left:4.7em; text-indent:0em; text-align:justify; } -span.attr { font-size:80%; font-family:sans-serif; } -span.pn { display:inline-block; width:4.7em; text-align:left; margin-left:0; text-indent:0; }</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Rachel Jackson - -Author: Nellie Treanor Stokes - -Release Date: December 7, 2019 [EBook #60853] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div id="cover" class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Rachel Jackson" width="500" height="758" /> -</div> -<p><i>The picture of Rachel Jackson on the cover is a -replica of the miniature which General Jackson -wore daily, and only removed at night, -placing it with his Bible and spectacles -on a table beside his bed.</i></p> -<div class="box"> -<h1><span class="sc">Rachel Jackson</span></h1> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller"><i>By</i></span> -<br />NELLIE TREANOR STOKES -<br /><span class="smaller">(Mrs. Walter Stokes)</span></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><i>Copyright 1942</i></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_2">2</div> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="small"><i>FOREWORD</i></span></h2> -<p><i>Historians and biographers who have immortalized -Andrew Jackson as a statesman and military genius, have -invariably touched on the vital influence exerted on one -of the greatest figures in American history by his beloved -wife, Rachel.</i></p> -<p><i>In the belief that only close readers of history or biography -are aware of the full beauty of her personality and -character, the Board of Directors of the Ladies’ Hermitage -Association offers this short biography of Rachel -Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes.</i></p> -<p><i>Residing in early girlhood at Tulip Grove, a plantation -adjacent to the Hermitage, the author was a frequent -visitor in the Hermitage mansion during those years, and -has since continued an intimate association with members -of the Jackson family. Thus, her biography incorporates -first-hand knowledge of family traditions along with careful -historical research concerning the life of Rachel -Jackson.</i></p> -<p><i>Serving as Regent of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association -from 1923 to 1927, and as a member of the Board of -Directors continuously since 1921, Mrs. Stokes through -out these many years has remained in constant touch with -all matters pertaining to the Jackson family and home, -and the work of maintaining the Hermitage shrine, to -which she has devoted much of her time, has always been -one of her chief interests.</i></p> -<p><span class="lr">Ladies Hermitage Association</span></p> -<p class="smaller">Nashville, Tennessee, -<br />1942.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="small"><span class="large"><i>Rachel Jackson</i></span></span></h2> -<p>Rachel Jackson was born at the Virginia -home of her parents in June, 1767. Thus her -distinguished husband preceded her into the -world by only a few months in the same year. She -was the tenth child and fourth daughter of Col. John -Donelson and Rachel Stockley, his wife. She was -given the name of her mother. There was another -son born after Rachel, making four daughters and -seven sons, eleven children in all.</p> -<p>Rachel’s parentage was not only substantial but -also distinguished. On the paternal side she was the -granddaughter of Catherine Davies who was the -sister of Rev. Samuel Davies, the eminent Presbyterian -Minister who succeeded Jonathan Edwards -as President of Princeton University. “Her mother,” -quoting from Mary French Caldwell, “came -from Accomac County on the Eastern shore of Virginia -and the story of her people goes back to the -earliest days of the colony.”</p> -<p>For thirty-five years the family of Rachel lived -on the Bannister River in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. -Col. Donelson was a surveyor, the owner and -master of a large plantation, and the owner of an -iron furnace in the vicinity. He was a vestryman in -the Church, and an important member of the Virginia -House of Burgesses, Where he held membership -in the Trade Committee which dealt with many -of the serious and delicate questions of the day between -the Colony and the Mother Country. He -helped frame and sign the “treasonable protest” -adopted in adjourned sessions following dissolution -of the Burgesses by order of the Crown. By doing -so he may have placed his liberty in jeopardy in the -event of a British victory in the subsequent war for -<span class="pb" id="Page_4">4</span> -independence, in which he served with modest distinction. -But most noteworthy was his service by -appointment of the Governor, Lord Botetourt, to -assist John Stuart in negotiating the treaty of Lochaber -with the Cherokee Indians. The report of his -superior contains the following reference: “... I -arrived here (Lochaber) the 15th where I found the -Cherokee Chiefs with their followers ... about a -thousand in number.... I had also the pleasure of -finding Col. Donelson here; he was exactly punctual -to the time appointed.... I beg leave to return to -your Lordship my most sincere thanks for having -sent a gentleman of Col. Donelson’s Discernment and -Probity to assist me.... I beg leave to refer your -Lordship to him in every particular....” William -Nelson, temporary successor to Lord Botetourt, deceased, -wrote to the Crown: “I have by the advice -of the Council appointed Col. Donelson to execute -the running of the line in May next, as I think he -may be confided in....”</p> -<p>The assignment referred to is significant in the development -of the epic story of Rachel because it gave -to her father an intimate view of and an undying -interest in the great undeveloped country lying to -the Westward. Mrs. Caldwell has well said: “He -had formally accepted the commission to run the line -specified in the Treaty of Lochaber and he went -out, not as a nomadic hunter or adventurer, but as -the official representative of the British Government. -He was a man of fifty-two years, mature in judgment -and experience and clothed with the authority -which his fortune and prominence in colonial affairs -had given him....”</p> -<p>We may fairly conclude that it is not surprising -that with such parentage and amid the pleasant surroundings -of the Bannister plantation Rachel grew -in education and understanding far beyond the average -<span class="pb" id="Page_5">5</span> -for the young women of her day. Many were -the advantages afforded her.</p> -<p>When Rachel was born some of the older brothers -and sisters were already married. There were slaves -to tend the crops, and cloth was woven on the place -from cotton and wool grown there. It was a busy, -self contained, happy household. So it is not remarkable -that the baby Rachel was a happy and contented -little girl, racing her pony over the hills with her -brothers, and hearing stories from an adoring father -of the pomp and circumstance of life at the seat of -the government, as well as thrilling tales of the -Cherokees. Her mother saw to it that this youngest -daughter was taught her lessons of reading and writing, -as well as to cook, spin, weave and sew a fine -seam, so that when she had a house of her own she -could train her servants in the way they should go. -An authority says: “She was proficient in the household -arts, she played the harpsichord, she danced, -was an accomplished horsewoman, and was trained -in the little courtesies and graces of life....” She -was bright and quick to learn and beautiful to look -upon. It did seem that this united household should -have lived on there by the smooth flowing Bannister.</p> -<p>Perhaps the prospect of more room for the ever -growing family, and a first hand knowledge of the -beauty and richness to be found farther west tempted -Col. Donelson and his sons and daughters, some of -whom had families of their own, to risk leaving Virginia -and move out to what is now Tennessee.</p> -<p>In 1779 Captain James Robertson set out to establish -a colony on the banks of the Cumberland at -Fort Nashboro, then a part of North Carolina. His -friend, Col. John Donelson of Virginia, was asked -to bring the families of those venturesome men who -<span class="pb" id="Page_6">6</span> -had cast their lot with his. He accepted this great -responsibility. They were to travel two thousand -almost unknown miles by water, as that mode of -travel was deemed safer than overland through the -forests and over the mountains where only a path -marked the way, an impossible task for wagons and -women and children. Even so the chosen route was -beset with savages, as well as all manner of hindrances -to be overcome.</p> -<p>This band of pioneers planned to start the journey -after the crops were “laid by” in the autumn, and -for that purpose they were assembled in a commodious -block house on the banks of the Holston River; -but there had been a drouth and the water was not -high enough to float the boats which were ready and -waiting. In early November a terrible freeze took -place. These and other factors delayed the departure -until just before Christmas. Finally on December -twenty-second, 1779, with all families aboard and -well provisioned, they set sail. “The Good Ship Adventure” -bearing the Donelsons and Mrs. Robertson -and family led the way. Other boats followed, each -with one or more families aboard protected by a complement -of able men to come to the rescue in case -of attack.</p> -<p>Thus the twelve-year-old Rachel turned her youthful -face toward the land of promise in the setting -sun, happily unaware of the web of romance and -love, lonely tears and poignant grief, which the unseen -hand of fate would weave for her there. But -for the present there was only the priceless zest of -a trip into the unknown, laden with hope of high adventure. -Her stout hearted father was by her side, -so she knew no evil could befall her. We may be -sure she was a busy little girl, and that her talents -and sprightly bearing added greatly to the happiness -and morale of the company.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<p>The winter was one of unusual severity. Progress -was difficult. They had sometimes to land and wait -for the frozen waters to thaw; there were rapids and -water falls to conquer; and after a while terrible -floods and swift currents laden with trees and drift -wood to be avoided. Sickness and attacks by the Indians, -who were armed with rifles as well as bow and -arrows, beset them; food was scarce because much -of the wild life had suffered that winter, and the -game which was found was too starved to be of good -quality. Even smallpox developed on one of the -boats. Among such difficulties it was inevitable that -examples of great heroism would arise.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig1"> -<img src="images/p00.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="356" /> -<p class="pcap">The Hermitage, home of Andrew and Rachel Jackson</p> -</div> -<p>Witness the stoic fortitude of Nancy Gower. She -was wounded while steering her boat when the Indians -attacked from both river banks. Although -she bled profusely she remained at her post of duty; -<span class="pb" id="Page_8">8</span> -and not until the party was beyond the reach of the -savages did her companions know that she was -wounded. In that sort of stern school did the child -Rachel learn fortitude in bearing the uses of adversity.</p> -<p>After four months of hardship mingled with bright -intervals of sunshine the Donelson party arrived on -the twenty-fourth of April at the “Big Salt Lick” -near the small settlement of log houses surrounded -by a stockade which was called Fort Nashboro, and -which is now Nashville.</p> -<p>Captain James Robertson with other heads of families -had gone through the country on horseback, and -preceded the boat party in time to build cabins for -the expected families. Picture the meeting when -the boats arrived and families were reunited; imagine -the joy of Rachel at reaching the end of a -long, tired journey and exploring a new home in a -strange and beautiful land. Even now she did not -dream that already the invisible figure of history -held her firmly by the hand.</p> -<p>Here Col. Donelson prospered; accumulated acres, -negroes, cattle and horses. Rachel grew into a beautiful -and spirited young woman. On one of her father’s -trips to Kentucky she was allowed to go with -him. It chanced that they went to Harrodsburg, -where she met Lewis Robards, the handsome son of -one of the leading families. A courtship ensued, and -he asked her to be his wife. She had other suitors -but none so fascinating as this young man. Her -father approved the marriage and after a while he -went home alone, leaving Rachel with her husband -there at his mother’s house in Harrodsburg. There -was every reason why they should have prospered -in their love together, but Lewis Robards proved to -be of an insanely jealous disposition. In the very -<span class="pb" id="Page_9">9</span> -unpleasant scenes to which the jealousy of Robards -subjected Rachel, her part was taken by all the members -of the Robards household. She was then only -eighteen. Her brother, Samuel, was despatched to -bring her home, which he did much to the regret of -Mrs. Robards who held a deep affection for Rachel -and who never at any time blamed her for the son’s -fiery outbursts. No sooner had she gone than Robards -wanted her back again and made all manner of promises -to persuade her to return.</p> -<p>While Rachel suffered this sorrow her father was -killed mysteriously in the woods, and her presence -at home was a bulwark to the bereaved family. But -this was not for long.</p> -<p>John Overton, a young law student who resided -in Mrs. Robards’ Kentucky home, planned to come -to Tennessee to open a law office. He was prevailed -upon to try to bring about a reconciliation. When -he arrived in Nashville he took a room at Mrs. Donelson’s -and was successful in persuading Rachel to -make a new trial with Robards. In due time Robards -arrived and was welcomed by the entire family. It -was not long, though, before jealousy again manifested -itself. This time it was Andrew Jackson of -whom he was jealous.</p> -<p>Jackson had come out from North Carolina with -a commission to be prosecuting attorney for the Mero -District. He, with Mr. Overton, occupied one of the -smaller cabins at Mrs. Donelson’s. The unpleasant -scenes to which Rachel was subjected by her husband’s -jealousy roused a just indignation in the -breast of the young prosecuting attorney. Mr. Overton -suggested that they move their boarding place, -which they did, going to Manskers, near the boundary -between Davidson and Sumner Counties. This also -was a group of log houses close together for common -protection. But Robards was still very unhappy, -<span class="pb" id="Page_10">10</span> -and finally he decided to go back to Kentucky, much -to the relief of all. Jackson did not move back to -the Donelson home but continued to live at Manskers. -He had the highest ideals of womanhood, and he did -not wish for any act on his part to cast the slightest -shadow on the bereft Rachel.</p> -<p>It is unnecessary in this story of Rachel to go into -the history of Andrew Jackson before he came to -Tennessee, further than to say that his veneration -for womanhood originated with his feeling for his -mother. Before leaving for Charleston on an errand -of mercy, nursing soldiers (an errand in which she -lost her life), she committed to writing and left with -Andrew one of the most impressive codes of conduct -ever written. He kept these last words of his mother -and accepted them as the credo of his life. His reverence -for his mother was evidenced by the numerous -times he referred to her precepts of morals and -honor.</p> -<p>To feel that any woman was mistreated filled Andrew -Jackson’s soul with indignation. When he saw -how unhappy Rachel’s beautiful eyes looked he could -hardly contain himself. Then Mr. Robards let it be -known that he was coming to force Rachel to return -to Kentucky with him. This she said she would -never do. The family thought it best for her to go -on a visit to relatives in Natchez, Mississippi. Col. -Stark, a friend, was going to New Orleans on business, -taking his wife and two daughters with him. -It was arranged that Rachel should go with them as -far as Natchez. Col. Stark asked Andrew Jackson -to accompany them because he was so well known -as an Indian fighter. After leaving Rachel at Natchez, -Jackson went on with Col. Stark, making some investments -for himself in Mississippi. While these -events transpired, the wheel of fortune was turning -in another quarter.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>Mr. Overton made a visit to Kentucky and again -stopped at Mrs. Robards’ home. While he was there -Mrs. Robards had a letter from her son, Lewis, then -in Virginia, telling her that a divorce had been -granted by the Virginia legislature. When Mr. -Overton returned to Tennessee he took the joyful -news straight to Mrs. Donelson. She inquired where -he got the information, and he replied: “From his -mother, who read a letter from her son to that -effect.”</p> -<div class="img" id="fig2"> -<img src="images/p01.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="338" /> -<p class="pcap">Hall and Stairway in the Hermitage -<br />The entrance hall at the Hermitage</p> -</div> -<p>When Mr. Jackson was told of this by Mr. Overton -it was natural that he as well as everyone else -should believe it. The Virginia legislature had indeed -granted the divorce, but Robards failed to -record it. Some have believed that he did this purposely. -Anyway, Mr. Jackson went as soon as possible -to tell Rachel that she was a free woman and -that he wanted to marry her. After a short time -they were married there in Natchez at the home of -<span class="pb" id="Page_12">12</span> -her relatives, the Greens. Mr. Jackson had secured -the “Betsy Jane Trotter,” the same boat that -brought Rachel down the river with the Stark girls. -It was made ready for the honeymoon, and on it the -newly married couple returned to Nashville. They -lived first at Mrs. Donelson’s, later at a place called -Poplar Grove, then at Hunters’ Hill where they -were most happy.</p> -<p>Rachel felt a great pride in all the honors heaped -upon her husband. He became the first citizen of -Tennessee. He gave the state its lovely Indian name. -He was made a member of the State Supreme Court. -He was sent to the United States Senate. In that -period Rachel probably enjoyed the glamor of public -life, but that happy enthusiasm was short lived.</p> -<p>After two years Mr. Overton arrived at Hunters’ -Hill with the news that the divorce had never been -recorded; whereupon Rachel and Andrew were immediately -remarried. Everyone knew that both were -entirely innocent of having done anything wrong. -Yet this super legal technicality was used by Jackson’s -political enemies against him, even to the -extent that in the presidential campaign certain pamphlets -distributed by the Adams adherents referred -to Rachel as an adulteress; and it was the direct -cause of the duel in which Jackson killed Charles -Dickinson. Through it all Jackson tried to shield -Rachel from the calumnies of idle gossips and political -foes; but, possessed of an acute understanding, -she was aware of it all.</p> -<p>In any study of the Jackson saga one is compelled -to the view that the seemingly small incident of the -divorce not being recorded and the consequent gossip -marked a transition in Rachel. The gentle sprightliness -of her radiant nature gave ground before -those “Slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” -<span class="pb" id="Page_13">13</span> -and a richer but more restrained sweetness emerged, -in which she was drawn more closely to her husband -and her God.</p> -<p>And, too, her sadness was quickened by days and -months of waiting at home while her Andrew journeyed -to wars and the exciting scenes of the political -forum. Truly, none but the lonely heart may appreciate -the anguish of those long separations. Rachel’s -letters to Andrew Jackson may contain an occasional -misspelled word, but they are eloquent in expressing -an all consuming devotion welling from a heart heavy -with loneliness. Witness this as an example:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<i>... you have Been absent monthes at a tim ... you -(could) always tell when you would be at home but -now ... nothing on Erth can give me aney pleasure now -But your Letters. I reade them with the tanderness -and affection not to be expresst with my pen ... as often -as you find a Leasure moment from Every Public business -spend that with me as often as I am present with -you ... (May God) in time of dainger send a kind -guardian angel to guard your sleepe-ing hours ... if -my prayers and tears Can avail you will be well....</i>”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Shortly following the news of the flaw in the divorce, -financial losses came to Andrew Jackson, on -account of which he sold the happy Hunters’ Hill -home and bought the Hermitage tract. There Andrew -and Rachel started life anew on a reduced scale. The -original Hermitage into which they moved was a -large block house with an ell and surrounding cabins. -It was there that Aaron Burr paid a visit in 1805. -And there also in the year 1809 a new light came -into their lives.</p> -<p>Andrew and Rachel adopted a son. The author of -this paper asked Mrs. J. C. Symmes, a granddaughter -of Andrew Jackson, Jr., to write to her -what has been handed down in the family as the true -story of how the adoption took place. An extract -<span class="pb" id="Page_14">14</span> -from Mrs. Symmes’ letter is fully descriptive, and -it is quoted as follows:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<i>... They (Andrew and Rachel) were happy in each -other, but there was no child in the house. No little -one to call their very own. Rachel had seven brothers. -One, the youngest, the seventh son, Severn Donelson -by name, had always been her favorite. She had more -or less mothered him. At this time he was living with -his wife and family on their plantation about a mile -or more distant, located back of where the recent ‘Old -Soldiers Home’ was located. One morning in 1809 the -old slave servant, (not ‘Uncle Alfred’) came into -their room early at the break of day, as was his custom, -to make the fire in the spacious fireplace. As he -puffed and blew the embers into flame, he said, ‘Marse -Andrew, Marse Severn Donelson and Miss Betsy done -had twin boys borned last night!’ Andrew Jackson -roused up as if he had received an electric shock! -‘What,’ he said, ‘twin boys!’ Turning to Rachel he -said, ‘Dear, we must have one of those boys!’</i>”</p> -<p>“<i>No time was wasted. A call to battle could not have -been more urgent! After a hasty breakfast the carriage -was at the door, and the buoyant couple filled with a -great longing and a prayer in their hearts hastened to -the home of Severn Donelson. Sure enough there were -the two tiny boys!</i>”</p> -<p>“<i>Just what was said is unknown. But in the light -of the mother’s delicate health, and the father’s great -love for his sister, Rachel, and their admiration and -respect for Andrew Jackson, they consented. A blue -ribbon was tied around the wrist of the one of their -choice, and with great pride he was named Andrew -Jackson, Jr. The parents asked that Jackson suggest a -name for the other little boy. He therefore named -him Thomas Jefferson Donelson.... After three days -they returned to the home of Severn and Elizabeth -Donelson to receive their son, brought him home and -enthroned him in their hearts.</i>”</p> -<p>“<i>The Legislature was in session at this time in Nashville, -Tennessee. Andrew Jackson went immediately -and had all legal papers drawn up and signed—legally -changing his adopted son’s name from ‘Donelson’ to -‘Andrew Jackson, Jr.,’ thus making him his son and -heir....</i>”</p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>The fact of the success of the adoption is attested -in all of the correspondence between Andrew and -Rachel, which developed while General Jackson traveled -far afield as public service made greater demands -upon him. Andrew, Junior, was truly a Godsend -to Rachel in those days, and he grew into a -young manhood, clean and strong and dependable. -He was only a boy of ten when the first Hermitage -mansion house was built in 1819, but he became about -the most important part of its life in the eyes of his -mother and father. Later, in 1831 after his mother’s -death and while Jackson was President, Andrew, -Junior, married the beautiful young Sarah Yorke -of Philadelphia. President Jackson received her as -“My Daughter”; and, some time after, this new -daughter served with dignity and grace as Mistress -of the White House.</p> -<div class="img" id="fig3"> -<img src="images/p02.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="363" /> -<p class="pcap">The Hermitage church which Andrew Jackson built for his -“beloved Rachel”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>When the master was at home in 1819 the Hermitage -was the scene of extensive entertaining, and -upon the shoulders of Rachel fell the responsibility -of reigning as the gracious mistress. Guests were -from the most distinguished and cultured circles of -the United States, and there were many foreign visitors, -notably Lafayette, and the artist, Earl, who -lived several years at the Hermitage very much as -a member of the family. As a woman of high character -and as a devoutly devoted wife, Rachel had -not failed to meet the measure of the commanding -stature of her husband. It has been fairly and authoritatively -stated on this phase of her life:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<i>One of the most interesting things about Rachel -Jackson is that she could hold the chivalrous heart and -deep love and devotion to the last day of her life; that -she could so live that her distinguished husband could -write her epitaph in words of noble and restrained -tenderness and grief, through which truth and candor -runs like a golden thread in a rich tapestry, is undying -testimony of the intrinsic worth and nobleness -of the woman so deeply, so tenderly loved and cherished.</i>”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>But, how was Rachel Jackson as a hostess?</p> -<p>A full and complete answer is found in the words -of Thomas Hart Benton, distinguished Tennessean, -United States Senator from Missouri, and frequent -guest at the Hermitage:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<i>She had a faculty—a rare one of retaining names -and titles in a throng of visitors, addressing each one -appropriately, and dispensing hospitality to all with a -cordiality which enhanced its value. No bashful youth, -or plain old man, whose modesty sat them down at the -lower end of the table, could escape her cordial attentions -any more than the titled gentlemen on her right -and left. Young persons were her delight, and she -always had her house filled with them—clever young -women and clever young men—all calling her affectionately, -‘Aunt Rachel.’ I was young then, and was one -of that number. I owe it to the early recollections and</i> -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -<i>to cherished convictions—in this last notice of the Hermitage—to -bear this faithful testimony to the memory -of its long mistress—the loved and honored wife of a -great man.</i>”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>No true student of Rachel Jackson can escape the -impression that a quality of queenliness in natural -grace and dignity hovered about her and made her -not unlike the great Victoria in all social and domestic -qualities.</p> -<p>If no other manifestation of the life and character -of this woman were left to us today, the little Hermitage -Church, which was built for her in 1823, -would stand as an everlasting monument to the simple -greatness of her inmost soul. She inspired true -things and good things, and the beauty of her spirit -is reflected in every corner that one searches in the -place that was her home. More often than not great -deeds of men find their fountain head in the inspiration -welling from the being of a beloved and cherished -woman. Who shall view the epochal career of -Andrew Jackson and gainsay that one sees Rachel, -too!</p> -<p>The last chapter of her life was the most trying, -but it did not break her spirit. It was engaged with -the bitter campaign in 1828 between Jackson and -Adams for the presidency. Political opponents -dragged out the old divorce question and ridiculed -her as an unlettered woman from the backwoods, -totally unsuited to be mistress of the White House. -Here the thought is advanced that these base and -purely politically inspired statements constitute the -only basis for the widely accepted version of Rachel -as an ignorant and crude personality, a pure fiction -that is false to its very core. Through all of this -Rachel maintained a calm dignity. She did not like -politics, and it was natural that the bitterness of that -<span class="pb" id="Page_18">18</span> -memorable campaign should have drawn her closer to -her home and her God. She would have preferred the -simplicity and peace of private life for herself and -her husband, but she accepted both the outrages of -the campaign and the final victory with quiet resignation.</p> -<p>On the eve of a victory banquet in Nashville in -honor of the newly elected President, she died peacefully -in the bosom of her home. Almost her last -words with her husband had been to exact a promise -from him that he would attend the banquet in -spite of her illness, which was not considered as being -serious. She died on December 22, 1828, just -forty-nine years to the day since trustingly she -turned her face Westward on the “Good Ship Adventure.” -With the same child-like confidence, her -great and good soul now passed beyond the veil and -the mystery to the eternal home of her Maker. Upon -her tomb in the Hermitage garden is inscribed an -epitaph dictated by the stricken heart of Andrew -Jackson:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>“<i>Here lies 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 -yet 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.</i>”</p> -</blockquote> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<div class="img" id="fig4"> -<img src="images/p03.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="669" /> -<p class="pcap">The Jackson tomb in the garden at the Hermitage</p> -</div> -<div class="img" id="fig5"> -<img src="images/p05.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="502" /> -<p class="pcap">Plan of the Hermitage garden</p> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Silently corrected a few typos.</li> -<li>Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - -***** This file should be named 60853-h.htm or 60853-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/8/5/60853/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Rachel Jackson - -Author: Nellie Treanor Stokes - -Release Date: December 7, 2019 [EBook #60853] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -_The picture of Rachel Jackson on the cover is a replica of the -miniature which General Jackson wore daily, and only removed at night, -placing it with his Bible and spectacles on a table beside his bed._ - - - - - Rachel Jackson - - - _By_ - NELLIE TREANOR STOKES - (Mrs. Walter Stokes) - - - _Copyright 1942_ - - - - - _FOREWORD_ - - -_Historians and biographers who have immortalized Andrew Jackson as a -statesman and military genius, have invariably touched on the vital -influence exerted on one of the greatest figures in American history by -his beloved wife, Rachel._ - -_In the belief that only close readers of history or biography are aware -of the full beauty of her personality and character, the Board of -Directors of the Ladies' Hermitage Association offers this short -biography of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes._ - -_Residing in early girlhood at Tulip Grove, a plantation adjacent to the -Hermitage, the author was a frequent visitor in the Hermitage mansion -during those years, and has since continued an intimate association with -members of the Jackson family. Thus, her biography incorporates -first-hand knowledge of family traditions along with careful historical -research concerning the life of Rachel Jackson._ - -_Serving as Regent of the Ladies' Hermitage Association from 1923 to -1927, and as a member of the Board of Directors continuously since 1921, -Mrs. Stokes through out these many years has remained in constant touch -with all matters pertaining to the Jackson family and home, and the work -of maintaining the Hermitage shrine, to which she has devoted much of -her time, has always been one of her chief interests._ - - Ladies Hermitage Association - -Nashville, Tennessee, -1942. - - - - - _Rachel Jackson_ - - -Rachel Jackson was born at the Virginia home of her parents in June, -1767. Thus her distinguished husband preceded her into the world by only -a few months in the same year. She was the tenth child and fourth -daughter of Col. John Donelson and Rachel Stockley, his wife. She was -given the name of her mother. There was another son born after Rachel, -making four daughters and seven sons, eleven children in all. - -Rachel's parentage was not only substantial but also distinguished. On -the paternal side she was the granddaughter of Catherine Davies who was -the sister of Rev. Samuel Davies, the eminent Presbyterian Minister who -succeeded Jonathan Edwards as President of Princeton University. "Her -mother," quoting from Mary French Caldwell, "came from Accomac County on -the Eastern shore of Virginia and the story of her people goes back to -the earliest days of the colony." - -For thirty-five years the family of Rachel lived on the Bannister River -in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Col. Donelson was a surveyor, the -owner and master of a large plantation, and the owner of an iron furnace -in the vicinity. He was a vestryman in the Church, and an important -member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Where he held membership in -the Trade Committee which dealt with many of the serious and delicate -questions of the day between the Colony and the Mother Country. He -helped frame and sign the "treasonable protest" adopted in adjourned -sessions following dissolution of the Burgesses by order of the Crown. -By doing so he may have placed his liberty in jeopardy in the event of a -British victory in the subsequent war for independence, in which he -served with modest distinction. But most noteworthy was his service by -appointment of the Governor, Lord Botetourt, to assist John Stuart in -negotiating the treaty of Lochaber with the Cherokee Indians. The report -of his superior contains the following reference: "... I arrived here -(Lochaber) the 15th where I found the Cherokee Chiefs with their -followers ... about a thousand in number.... I had also the pleasure of -finding Col. Donelson here; he was exactly punctual to the time -appointed.... I beg leave to return to your Lordship my most sincere -thanks for having sent a gentleman of Col. Donelson's Discernment and -Probity to assist me.... I beg leave to refer your Lordship to him in -every particular...." William Nelson, temporary successor to Lord -Botetourt, deceased, wrote to the Crown: "I have by the advice of the -Council appointed Col. Donelson to execute the running of the line in -May next, as I think he may be confided in...." - -The assignment referred to is significant in the development of the epic -story of Rachel because it gave to her father an intimate view of and an -undying interest in the great undeveloped country lying to the Westward. -Mrs. Caldwell has well said: "He had formally accepted the commission to -run the line specified in the Treaty of Lochaber and he went out, not as -a nomadic hunter or adventurer, but as the official representative of -the British Government. He was a man of fifty-two years, mature in -judgment and experience and clothed with the authority which his fortune -and prominence in colonial affairs had given him...." - -We may fairly conclude that it is not surprising that with such -parentage and amid the pleasant surroundings of the Bannister plantation -Rachel grew in education and understanding far beyond the average for -the young women of her day. Many were the advantages afforded her. - -When Rachel was born some of the older brothers and sisters were already -married. There were slaves to tend the crops, and cloth was woven on the -place from cotton and wool grown there. It was a busy, self contained, -happy household. So it is not remarkable that the baby Rachel was a -happy and contented little girl, racing her pony over the hills with her -brothers, and hearing stories from an adoring father of the pomp and -circumstance of life at the seat of the government, as well as thrilling -tales of the Cherokees. Her mother saw to it that this youngest daughter -was taught her lessons of reading and writing, as well as to cook, spin, -weave and sew a fine seam, so that when she had a house of her own she -could train her servants in the way they should go. An authority says: -"She was proficient in the household arts, she played the harpsichord, -she danced, was an accomplished horsewoman, and was trained in the -little courtesies and graces of life...." She was bright and quick to -learn and beautiful to look upon. It did seem that this united household -should have lived on there by the smooth flowing Bannister. - -Perhaps the prospect of more room for the ever growing family, and a -first hand knowledge of the beauty and richness to be found farther west -tempted Col. Donelson and his sons and daughters, some of whom had -families of their own, to risk leaving Virginia and move out to what is -now Tennessee. - -In 1779 Captain James Robertson set out to establish a colony on the -banks of the Cumberland at Fort Nashboro, then a part of North Carolina. -His friend, Col. John Donelson of Virginia, was asked to bring the -families of those venturesome men who had cast their lot with his. He -accepted this great responsibility. They were to travel two thousand -almost unknown miles by water, as that mode of travel was deemed safer -than overland through the forests and over the mountains where only a -path marked the way, an impossible task for wagons and women and -children. Even so the chosen route was beset with savages, as well as -all manner of hindrances to be overcome. - -This band of pioneers planned to start the journey after the crops were -"laid by" in the autumn, and for that purpose they were assembled in a -commodious block house on the banks of the Holston River; but there had -been a drouth and the water was not high enough to float the boats which -were ready and waiting. In early November a terrible freeze took place. -These and other factors delayed the departure until just before -Christmas. Finally on December twenty-second, 1779, with all families -aboard and well provisioned, they set sail. "The Good Ship Adventure" -bearing the Donelsons and Mrs. Robertson and family led the way. Other -boats followed, each with one or more families aboard protected by a -complement of able men to come to the rescue in case of attack. - -Thus the twelve-year-old Rachel turned her youthful face toward the land -of promise in the setting sun, happily unaware of the web of romance and -love, lonely tears and poignant grief, which the unseen hand of fate -would weave for her there. But for the present there was only the -priceless zest of a trip into the unknown, laden with hope of high -adventure. Her stout hearted father was by her side, so she knew no evil -could befall her. We may be sure she was a busy little girl, and that -her talents and sprightly bearing added greatly to the happiness and -morale of the company. - -The winter was one of unusual severity. Progress was difficult. They had -sometimes to land and wait for the frozen waters to thaw; there were -rapids and water falls to conquer; and after a while terrible floods and -swift currents laden with trees and drift wood to be avoided. Sickness -and attacks by the Indians, who were armed with rifles as well as bow -and arrows, beset them; food was scarce because much of the wild life -had suffered that winter, and the game which was found was too starved -to be of good quality. Even smallpox developed on one of the boats. -Among such difficulties it was inevitable that examples of great heroism -would arise. - - [Illustration: The Hermitage, home of Andrew and Rachel Jackson] - -Witness the stoic fortitude of Nancy Gower. She was wounded while -steering her boat when the Indians attacked from both river banks. -Although she bled profusely she remained at her post of duty; and not -until the party was beyond the reach of the savages did her companions -know that she was wounded. In that sort of stern school did the child -Rachel learn fortitude in bearing the uses of adversity. - -After four months of hardship mingled with bright intervals of sunshine -the Donelson party arrived on the twenty-fourth of April at the "Big -Salt Lick" near the small settlement of log houses surrounded by a -stockade which was called Fort Nashboro, and which is now Nashville. - -Captain James Robertson with other heads of families had gone through -the country on horseback, and preceded the boat party in time to build -cabins for the expected families. Picture the meeting when the boats -arrived and families were reunited; imagine the joy of Rachel at -reaching the end of a long, tired journey and exploring a new home in a -strange and beautiful land. Even now she did not dream that already the -invisible figure of history held her firmly by the hand. - -Here Col. Donelson prospered; accumulated acres, negroes, cattle and -horses. Rachel grew into a beautiful and spirited young woman. On one of -her father's trips to Kentucky she was allowed to go with him. It -chanced that they went to Harrodsburg, where she met Lewis Robards, the -handsome son of one of the leading families. A courtship ensued, and he -asked her to be his wife. She had other suitors but none so fascinating -as this young man. Her father approved the marriage and after a while he -went home alone, leaving Rachel with her husband there at his mother's -house in Harrodsburg. There was every reason why they should have -prospered in their love together, but Lewis Robards proved to be of an -insanely jealous disposition. In the very unpleasant scenes to which the -jealousy of Robards subjected Rachel, her part was taken by all the -members of the Robards household. She was then only eighteen. Her -brother, Samuel, was despatched to bring her home, which he did much to -the regret of Mrs. Robards who held a deep affection for Rachel and who -never at any time blamed her for the son's fiery outbursts. No sooner -had she gone than Robards wanted her back again and made all manner of -promises to persuade her to return. - -While Rachel suffered this sorrow her father was killed mysteriously in -the woods, and her presence at home was a bulwark to the bereaved -family. But this was not for long. - -John Overton, a young law student who resided in Mrs. Robards' Kentucky -home, planned to come to Tennessee to open a law office. He was -prevailed upon to try to bring about a reconciliation. When he arrived -in Nashville he took a room at Mrs. Donelson's and was successful in -persuading Rachel to make a new trial with Robards. In due time Robards -arrived and was welcomed by the entire family. It was not long, though, -before jealousy again manifested itself. This time it was Andrew Jackson -of whom he was jealous. - -Jackson had come out from North Carolina with a commission to be -prosecuting attorney for the Mero District. He, with Mr. Overton, -occupied one of the smaller cabins at Mrs. Donelson's. The unpleasant -scenes to which Rachel was subjected by her husband's jealousy roused a -just indignation in the breast of the young prosecuting attorney. Mr. -Overton suggested that they move their boarding place, which they did, -going to Manskers, near the boundary between Davidson and Sumner -Counties. This also was a group of log houses close together for common -protection. But Robards was still very unhappy, and finally he decided -to go back to Kentucky, much to the relief of all. Jackson did not move -back to the Donelson home but continued to live at Manskers. He had the -highest ideals of womanhood, and he did not wish for any act on his part -to cast the slightest shadow on the bereft Rachel. - -It is unnecessary in this story of Rachel to go into the history of -Andrew Jackson before he came to Tennessee, further than to say that his -veneration for womanhood originated with his feeling for his mother. -Before leaving for Charleston on an errand of mercy, nursing soldiers -(an errand in which she lost her life), she committed to writing and -left with Andrew one of the most impressive codes of conduct ever -written. He kept these last words of his mother and accepted them as the -credo of his life. His reverence for his mother was evidenced by the -numerous times he referred to her precepts of morals and honor. - -To feel that any woman was mistreated filled Andrew Jackson's soul with -indignation. When he saw how unhappy Rachel's beautiful eyes looked he -could hardly contain himself. Then Mr. Robards let it be known that he -was coming to force Rachel to return to Kentucky with him. This she said -she would never do. The family thought it best for her to go on a visit -to relatives in Natchez, Mississippi. Col. Stark, a friend, was going to -New Orleans on business, taking his wife and two daughters with him. It -was arranged that Rachel should go with them as far as Natchez. Col. -Stark asked Andrew Jackson to accompany them because he was so well -known as an Indian fighter. After leaving Rachel at Natchez, Jackson -went on with Col. Stark, making some investments for himself in -Mississippi. While these events transpired, the wheel of fortune was -turning in another quarter. - -Mr. Overton made a visit to Kentucky and again stopped at Mrs. Robards' -home. While he was there Mrs. Robards had a letter from her son, Lewis, -then in Virginia, telling her that a divorce had been granted by the -Virginia legislature. When Mr. Overton returned to Tennessee he took the -joyful news straight to Mrs. Donelson. She inquired where he got the -information, and he replied: "From his mother, who read a letter from -her son to that effect." - - [Illustration: Hall and Stairway in the Hermitage - The entrance hall at the Hermitage] - -When Mr. Jackson was told of this by Mr. Overton it was natural that he -as well as everyone else should believe it. The Virginia legislature had -indeed granted the divorce, but Robards failed to record it. Some have -believed that he did this purposely. Anyway, Mr. Jackson went as soon as -possible to tell Rachel that she was a free woman and that he wanted to -marry her. After a short time they were married there in Natchez at the -home of her relatives, the Greens. Mr. Jackson had secured the "Betsy -Jane Trotter," the same boat that brought Rachel down the river with the -Stark girls. It was made ready for the honeymoon, and on it the newly -married couple returned to Nashville. They lived first at Mrs. -Donelson's, later at a place called Poplar Grove, then at Hunters' Hill -where they were most happy. - -Rachel felt a great pride in all the honors heaped upon her husband. He -became the first citizen of Tennessee. He gave the state its lovely -Indian name. He was made a member of the State Supreme Court. He was -sent to the United States Senate. In that period Rachel probably enjoyed -the glamor of public life, but that happy enthusiasm was short lived. - -After two years Mr. Overton arrived at Hunters' Hill with the news that -the divorce had never been recorded; whereupon Rachel and Andrew were -immediately remarried. Everyone knew that both were entirely innocent of -having done anything wrong. Yet this super legal technicality was used -by Jackson's political enemies against him, even to the extent that in -the presidential campaign certain pamphlets distributed by the Adams -adherents referred to Rachel as an adulteress; and it was the direct -cause of the duel in which Jackson killed Charles Dickinson. Through it -all Jackson tried to shield Rachel from the calumnies of idle gossips -and political foes; but, possessed of an acute understanding, she was -aware of it all. - -In any study of the Jackson saga one is compelled to the view that the -seemingly small incident of the divorce not being recorded and the -consequent gossip marked a transition in Rachel. The gentle -sprightliness of her radiant nature gave ground before those "Slings and -arrows of outrageous fortune," and a richer but more restrained -sweetness emerged, in which she was drawn more closely to her husband -and her God. - -And, too, her sadness was quickened by days and months of waiting at -home while her Andrew journeyed to wars and the exciting scenes of the -political forum. Truly, none but the lonely heart may appreciate the -anguish of those long separations. Rachel's letters to Andrew Jackson -may contain an occasional misspelled word, but they are eloquent in -expressing an all consuming devotion welling from a heart heavy with -loneliness. Witness this as an example: - - "_... you have Been absent monthes at a tim ... you (could) always - tell when you would be at home but now ... nothing on Erth can give me - aney pleasure now But your Letters. I reade them with the tanderness - and affection not to be expresst with my pen ... as often as you find - a Leasure moment from Every Public business spend that with me as - often as I am present with you ... (May God) in time of dainger send a - kind guardian angel to guard your sleepe-ing hours ... if my prayers - and tears Can avail you will be well...._" - -Shortly following the news of the flaw in the divorce, financial losses -came to Andrew Jackson, on account of which he sold the happy Hunters' -Hill home and bought the Hermitage tract. There Andrew and Rachel -started life anew on a reduced scale. The original Hermitage into which -they moved was a large block house with an ell and surrounding cabins. -It was there that Aaron Burr paid a visit in 1805. And there also in the -year 1809 a new light came into their lives. - -Andrew and Rachel adopted a son. The author of this paper asked Mrs. J. -C. Symmes, a granddaughter of Andrew Jackson, Jr., to write to her what -has been handed down in the family as the true story of how the adoption -took place. An extract from Mrs. Symmes' letter is fully descriptive, -and it is quoted as follows: - - "_... They (Andrew and Rachel) were happy in each other, but there was - no child in the house. No little one to call their very own. Rachel - had seven brothers. One, the youngest, the seventh son, Severn - Donelson by name, had always been her favorite. She had more or less - mothered him. At this time he was living with his wife and family on - their plantation about a mile or more distant, located back of where - the recent 'Old Soldiers Home' was located. One morning in 1809 the - old slave servant, (not 'Uncle Alfred') came into their room early at - the break of day, as was his custom, to make the fire in the spacious - fireplace. As he puffed and blew the embers into flame, he said, - 'Marse Andrew, Marse Severn Donelson and Miss Betsy done had twin boys - borned last night!' Andrew Jackson roused up as if he had received an - electric shock! 'What,' he said, 'twin boys!' Turning to Rachel he - said, 'Dear, we must have one of those boys!'_" - - "_No time was wasted. A call to battle could not have been more - urgent! After a hasty breakfast the carriage was at the door, and the - buoyant couple filled with a great longing and a prayer in their - hearts hastened to the home of Severn Donelson. Sure enough there were - the two tiny boys!_" - - "_Just what was said is unknown. But in the light of the mother's - delicate health, and the father's great love for his sister, Rachel, - and their admiration and respect for Andrew Jackson, they consented. A - blue ribbon was tied around the wrist of the one of their choice, and - with great pride he was named Andrew Jackson, Jr. The parents asked - that Jackson suggest a name for the other little boy. He therefore - named him Thomas Jefferson Donelson.... After three days they returned - to the home of Severn and Elizabeth Donelson to receive their son, - brought him home and enthroned him in their hearts._" - - "_The Legislature was in session at this time in Nashville, Tennessee. - Andrew Jackson went immediately and had all legal papers drawn up and - signed--legally changing his adopted son's name from 'Donelson' to - 'Andrew Jackson, Jr.,' thus making him his son and heir...._" - -The fact of the success of the adoption is attested in all of the -correspondence between Andrew and Rachel, which developed while General -Jackson traveled far afield as public service made greater demands upon -him. Andrew, Junior, was truly a Godsend to Rachel in those days, and he -grew into a young manhood, clean and strong and dependable. He was only -a boy of ten when the first Hermitage mansion house was built in 1819, -but he became about the most important part of its life in the eyes of -his mother and father. Later, in 1831 after his mother's death and while -Jackson was President, Andrew, Junior, married the beautiful young Sarah -Yorke of Philadelphia. President Jackson received her as "My Daughter"; -and, some time after, this new daughter served with dignity and grace as -Mistress of the White House. - - [Illustration: The Hermitage church which Andrew Jackson built for - his "beloved Rachel"] - -When the master was at home in 1819 the Hermitage was the scene of -extensive entertaining, and upon the shoulders of Rachel fell the -responsibility of reigning as the gracious mistress. Guests were from -the most distinguished and cultured circles of the United States, and -there were many foreign visitors, notably Lafayette, and the artist, -Earl, who lived several years at the Hermitage very much as a member of -the family. As a woman of high character and as a devoutly devoted wife, -Rachel had not failed to meet the measure of the commanding stature of -her husband. It has been fairly and authoritatively stated on this phase -of her life: - - "_One of the most interesting things about Rachel Jackson is that she - could hold the chivalrous heart and deep love and devotion to the last - day of her life; that she could so live that her distinguished husband - could write her epitaph in words of noble and restrained tenderness - and grief, through which truth and candor runs like a golden thread in - a rich tapestry, is undying testimony of the intrinsic worth and - nobleness of the woman so deeply, so tenderly loved and cherished._" - -But, how was Rachel Jackson as a hostess? - -A full and complete answer is found in the words of Thomas Hart Benton, -distinguished Tennessean, United States Senator from Missouri, and -frequent guest at the Hermitage: - - "_She had a faculty--a rare one of retaining names and titles in a - throng of visitors, addressing each one appropriately, and dispensing - hospitality to all with a cordiality which enhanced its value. No - bashful youth, or plain old man, whose modesty sat them down at the - lower end of the table, could escape her cordial attentions any more - than the titled gentlemen on her right and left. Young persons were - her delight, and she always had her house filled with them--clever - young women and clever young men--all calling her affectionately, - 'Aunt Rachel.' I was young then, and was one of that number. I owe it - to the early recollections and_ _to cherished convictions--in this - last notice of the Hermitage--to bear this faithful testimony to the - memory of its long mistress--the loved and honored wife of a great - man._" - -No true student of Rachel Jackson can escape the impression that a -quality of queenliness in natural grace and dignity hovered about her -and made her not unlike the great Victoria in all social and domestic -qualities. - -If no other manifestation of the life and character of this woman were -left to us today, the little Hermitage Church, which was built for her -in 1823, would stand as an everlasting monument to the simple greatness -of her inmost soul. She inspired true things and good things, and the -beauty of her spirit is reflected in every corner that one searches in -the place that was her home. More often than not great deeds of men find -their fountain head in the inspiration welling from the being of a -beloved and cherished woman. Who shall view the epochal career of Andrew -Jackson and gainsay that one sees Rachel, too! - -The last chapter of her life was the most trying, but it did not break -her spirit. It was engaged with the bitter campaign in 1828 between -Jackson and Adams for the presidency. Political opponents dragged out -the old divorce question and ridiculed her as an unlettered woman from -the backwoods, totally unsuited to be mistress of the White House. Here -the thought is advanced that these base and purely politically inspired -statements constitute the only basis for the widely accepted version of -Rachel as an ignorant and crude personality, a pure fiction that is -false to its very core. Through all of this Rachel maintained a calm -dignity. She did not like politics, and it was natural that the -bitterness of that memorable campaign should have drawn her closer to -her home and her God. She would have preferred the simplicity and peace -of private life for herself and her husband, but she accepted both the -outrages of the campaign and the final victory with quiet resignation. - -On the eve of a victory banquet in Nashville in honor of the newly -elected President, she died peacefully in the bosom of her home. Almost -her last words with her husband had been to exact a promise from him -that he would attend the banquet in spite of her illness, which was not -considered as being serious. She died on December 22, 1828, just -forty-nine years to the day since trustingly she turned her face -Westward on the "Good Ship Adventure." With the same child-like -confidence, her great and good soul now passed beyond the veil and the -mystery to the eternal home of her Maker. Upon her tomb in the Hermitage -garden is inscribed an epitaph dictated by the stricken heart of Andrew -Jackson: - - "_Here lies 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 yet 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._" - - [Illustration: The Jackson tomb in the garden at the Hermitage] - - [Illustration: Plan of the Hermitage garden] - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Silently corrected a few typos. - ---Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - ---In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rachel Jackson, by Nellie Treanor Stokes - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RACHEL JACKSON *** - -***** This file should be named 60853.txt or 60853.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/8/5/60853/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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