C C Introduction

Messages and Papers of the Presidents: Andrew Jackson
March 4, 1829, to March 4, 1837
Edited by James D. Richardson

Prefatory Note 
The second volume of this compilation, issued a few weeks since, was received with the same degree of favor as the first volume. It was a matter of surprise that only sixteen years of our history, or eight Congresses, could be comprised within the second volume, while the first covered twenty-eight years, or fourteen Congresses. There is greater surprise that this volume includes only the period covered by the four years of the second term of Andrew Jackson and the four years of Martin Van Buren's term—eight years in all, or four Congresses. However, it will be found almost, if not quite, as interesting as the preceding ones. In it will be found the conclusion of the controversy over the United States Bank, including President Jackson's reasons for the removal of the deposits from that bank; his Farewell Address, and other important papers, all of which are characteristic of the man. It was during the second Administration of President Jackson that the act changing the ratio between the gold and silver dollar was passed. 

This volume contains President Van Buren's message recommending the independent treasury or sub-treasury, and the discussion of that subject, which terminated in what has been termed "the divorce of the bank and state in the fiscal affairs of the Federal Government," and which President Van Buren considered a second Declaration of Independence. The controversy with Great Britain in relation to the northeastern boundary of the United States is also included in Van Buren's Administration, and will prove highly interesting. 

JACKSON

There are many things for which Jackson will be remembered by future generations. I should be inclined to say, however, that his most distinguished characteristics were an iron will and unyielding firmness. Andrew Jackson was a great man in very many ways, conspicuously so in upholding with truth and purity the doctrines of the founders of the Republic.

He will be remembered both as a statesman and as a warrior, but chiefly as a statesman. You see he was never in any great battle with the exception of the battle of New Orleans, which was his greatest victory. But the relative importance of his deeds on the battlefield as compared with those as a legislator and as President is not great. Speaking of the battle of New Orleans, there is no question but that the heroic conduct of the officers and men of the Brig Armstrong at the battle of Fayal, had the effect of retarding the British fleet, and thus preventing reinforcements from being sent to Packenham in time to crush the Americans engaged in the defense of New Orleans.

Of course, Jackson made some wonderful campaigns in the Indian wars. He distinguished himself greatly, but it was only in the fight with Packenham that he had to contend against a highly civilized race. You must remember that the same regiments which he defeated at New Orleans were afterwards in the battle of Waterloo with very different results.

As a statesman, the thing in which Jackson was preeminent was for upholding the agricultural and manufacturing interests of the country. Jackson shared the views entertained. by Washington and Jefferson relative to the superior importance of our agricultural interests compared with commerce and manufactures. This will be evident from the part in this Message, which I will quote: "The agricultural interest of our country is so essentially connected with every other, and so superior in importance to them all, that it is scarcely necessary to invite to it your particular attention. It is principally as manufactures and commerce tend to increase the value of agricultural productions, and to extend their application to the wants and comforts of society, that they deserve the fostering care of government." Jackson also says: "While the chief object of duties should be revenue, they may be so adjusted as to encourage manufactures." But he strictly adheres to his demand for light taxes on necessities.

President Jackson was strenuously opposed to any system which might by any possibility tend to establish monopolies. It was upon this subject that he gave utterance to these memorable words: "The ambition which leads me on is an anxious desire and fixed determination to * * * persuade my countrymen, so far as I may, that it is not in a splendid government supported by powerful monopolies and aristocratical establishments that they will find happiness or the protection of their liberties; but in a plain system, void of pomp, protecting all and granting favors to none, dispensing its blessings like the dews of heaven, unseen and unfelt, save in the freshness and beauty they contribute to produce." Gen. Jackson also adds this great and undeniable truth: "It is such a government that the genius of our people requires   such a one only under which our States may remain for ages to come united, prosperous and free."

It is in view of such utterances as these that I say that Jackson's future place in history will depend upon his utterances as a statesman, rather than his deeds as a warrior. Caution has been the admonition of the thoughtful and painstaking Monroe, "caution" was the keynote of the policy upon this important question recommended by the impetuous and dauntless Jackson

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF ANDREW JACKSON June 30, 1835

For the first time in our history the hand of the assassin was raised against a President on January 30, 1835, when a painter named Lawrence attempted to shoot Andrew Jackson. Lawrence stood on the portico of the Capitol, near one of the columns. Jackson, leaning on the arm of his Secretary of the Treasury, came within two yards of him. Lawrence drew a pistol from under his coat, raised his arm and fired point blank at Jackson's breast. The percussion cap exploded with a great noise, but the pistol was not fired. Taking another pistol from his coat, the assassin was about to fire when the President sprang upon him, brandishing his cane. The assassin then fled, followed hotly by the aged Executive, but was captured. The pistols, when taken from him, were found to be excellently made, well charged with the best kind of powder, and crammed almost to the muzzle with balls. Their failure to explode was inexplicable and excited the religious fervor of the people as a providential miracle.

Lawrence was tried, but being manifestly insane was committed to an insane asylum where he died thirty or forty years later.

ABOLITIONISM DECRIED NORTH AND SOUTH.

The illustration on the reverse, reproduced from a contemporary print, shows faithfully the character of opposition experienced by the abolitionists in the North. The men who most effectually contended against them were men of property and culture. They thought that a horde of narrow minded fanatics was endeavoring to destroy the Union which Clay and Webster had labored to preserve by compromise, and indeed Garrison was very frank in his statement that unless slavery could be rooted out the Union was not worth preserving. Furthermore, the South tried to retaliate on her critics by reducing her trade with the North. The highly respectable broadcloth coated classes were, therefore, vigorous in dispersing the assemblies and suppressing the literature of the abolitionists.

The mob, following their example, did not spare the agitators. Garrison was rescued from a mob with the halter already on him. The houses of other abolitionists were sacked and burned. Lovejoy, a publisher, whose plant had twice been destroyed, was wantonly murdered in Alton, 111., in 1837. Congressmen and judges led some of these riots. In the North, postmasters, with the connivance of the Administration, searched the mail for abolition literature and destroyed what they could, though to do so was a violation of the Constitution. The people of Charleston, S. C. robbed the United States mails in order to burn abolition literature.

See the article "Abolitionists" in the encyclopedic index

THE BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

This institution was hated, in its day, very much in the same way and for the same reasons as the trusts of today. It was a "hydra-headed monster, a grinding monopoly, robbing the people, making money dear, ruining the State banks, and causing hard times." State legislatures tried to bar it out of their boundaries, and in the West it was particularly hated. The Bank was charged with meddling in politics, in concert with the enemies of Jackson. Receiving word that the administration disfavored him, the president of the Bank visited Jackson and arranged to displace some of his present directors and appoint Jackson partisans instead.

The attack on the Bank seems to have originated with Jackson himself; in time and manner it certainly was contrary to the advice of his ministers. It arose from his belief that Congress had no power to charter a bank to do business anywhere except in the District of Columbia. Beginning with the moderate expressions of his first annual message, Jackson continually called the matter to the attention of Congress. Finally, on July 10, 1832, he sent in his message, vetoing the renewal of its charter. Regarding the removal of deposits from the Bank, Jackson's own statement is the best authority. The Bank went out of existence in 1835, when its charter expired.

RAILROAD DEVELOPMENT.

In 182S New York granted the first railroad charter, to a company called the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad Company. In 1831 its railroad was completed. The type of rolling stock is shown in the illustration. Our earliest application of the railway seems to have been in 1807, when one Stephen Whitney laid rails down the slope of Beacon Hill in Boston to facilitate the transportation of gravel. The full cars rolling down one track pulled empty cars up the other. Another man, in 1809, built a railway from his quarry to tidewater, a distance of three quarters of a mile, and for eighteen years hauled rock over it by means of horse power. In 1827 the Maryland Legislature chartered the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. In 1830 there were in the United States 23 miles of passenger railways. (See Railroads in the Encyclopedic Index.)

Presidential references to railroad building are given in the Encyclopedic Index, under headings beginning with "Railroad Accidents" and ending with "Railway Postal Service." The article "Pacific Railroads" tells the interesting story of the transcontinental systems.

NEW YORK:   AN  INSTANCE  OF  PROGRESS

It is interesting, after scanning a picture like that on the other side, to refer to the forecasts of America's destiny made by the Presidents. During the Civil War, Lincoln wrote that if the population continued to increase at the rate which had been maintained up to that time, we should have by 1911 a population of 250,000,000. That prophesy has not been fulfilled and the increase of our people has slackened considerably since his time. The prosperity of the country depends on the security of the Government, and, vice versa, the strength of a Government may be gauged by the business conditions under it. The Government's part in business affairs was never so active as now. For proof of this assertion, consult the Encyclopedic Index headings " Anti Trust Law," " Inter-State Commerce," "Trusts," "Monopolies," "Corporations," "Conspiracies," "Commerce," " Common Carriers," and " Standard Oil Case." The Presidents have made a profound study of the subject, and references to the pages mentioned by the index under the above headings will be well repaid. President Taft's message on the Interstate Commerce and Anti Trust Laws is one of the best discussions of those statutes which has appeared, because it sums up the experience of previous administrations.

INDIAN  MASSACRE IN  STRONGHOLD
The picture represents the massacre that occurred at Fort Mims on August 30, 1813, but it is typical of conditions in the sparsely settled districts for a decade thereafter.

When the Indians were seen to be wrought up and meditating an onslaught, the white settlers would gather in some house which could be defended. Thus, when the Creeks went on the warpath, Samuel Mims turned his house on the Alabama River into a fort, within whose walls were sheltered nearly six hundred men, women, children, Indians and militiamen. Twice they were warned that Indians were in the neighborhood, but each time they were incredulous. On the 3oth, while the drums were beating the call to dinner, the Indians rushed in upon them. Of the five hundred and fifty three inmates not more than twenty escaped instant death. Two hundred and fifty scalps were carried down to Pensacola on poles. The detachment sent to bury the dead found all of Fort Mims gone but a piece of the stockade and blockhouse. Wood and human ashes were mingled; buzzards and dogs crowded round the corpses on the field; and in some parts the bodies, terribly mutilated, were piled in heaps.

After such an outrage the Government adopted retaliatory measures. In some respects the war with the Indian has been one of extermination on our side as well as on his.

See the article "Fort Mims (Ala.), Massacre," in the Encyclopedic Index; also the twenty three pages of articles and citations regarding the Indians.

RIVER NAVIGATION.

The cost of river transportation in the early days of the Republic was enormous. Flour, grain, corn and produce in general could not bear transportation costs for much more than 150 miles. Most of the crop, therefore, went to nearby markets. Owing to these conditions, states bordering on Canada received and sent goods via the St. Lawrence. Thus it seemed probable that sections of states would break off and form new political connections more in accord with local geography, and some bond stronger than the Constitution was required to preserve the Union.
By deepening and clearing streams, by building roads, and by throwing bridges over chasms trade would be extended, the keenness of local sentiment would abate, a feeling of nationality would arise, and the drift toward disunion would cease. As benefits its gravity, the subject is constantly present in the Presidents' messages and papers.

See the article in the Encyclopedic Index entitled "Internal Improvements." The following citations of Presidential discussions of the subject show how exhaustively they have covered in their state papers every phase of our national development.

DANIEL WEBSTER

"In intellectual endowment, Webster surpassed all of our public men. No one understood the fundamental principles of our policy better; no one approached his wonderful power of expression. The political history of the country for twenty seven years preceding 1850 might be written as well and fully from the speeches, state papers and letters of Webster as the story of the latter days of the Roman Republic from the like material of Cicero. Ticknor describes his sensations during one of Webster's speeches: ' I was never so excited by public speaking before in my life. Three or four times I thought my temples would burst with the gush of blood '; and, though from his youth intimate with Webster,' when I came out I was almost afraid to come near him. It seemed to me as if he was like the mount that might not be touched and that burned with fire!' " Rhodes.

He loved his country as few men have loved it. " I am an American " was his favorite phrase. During his long public life he preached Union and Nationality, and before his keen intellect and mighty oratory the fallacies of secession and nullification dissipated like mists before the wind. When he lay on his death bed, awaiting the final summons, his eyes dwelt lovingly on the National Emblem floating from a masthead, and at night, by the rays of a lantern placed there for him, he still watched it flutter.

MIGRATION, SETTLEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT

The settled territory of the United States in 1790 amounted to about 240,000 square miles. In 1812 it amounted to about 400,000 square miles, and roughly speaking, four fifths of the whole area of the United States had not a white settler upon it. There was a constant westward movement from the New England States and Pennsylvania and Maryland into Western New York, where it deployed and scattered. Another stream of emigrants moved into the Ohio Valley, settled all southern Ohio, overran into Kentucky and Tennessee, and as fast as the Indians were pushed back, populated Indian Territory. Stragglers, in 1812, were pushing southward into Alabama. The manner of transportation is shown in the preceding picture.

The rapidity of the movement and the vastness of the area made it impossible for the States to cut half the roads, build half the bridges or clear half the streams necessary for easy communication and trade. An effort was made, however, with some success. Several Of the States ceased spending money on roads, bridges and waterways in the populous sections and spent all available funds on the new and wildest areas. The citizens of the older towns then organized corporations for the construction and management of pikes, bridges and canals.

Between 1790 and 1812, the population increased from 3,250,000 to 7,250,000; five States had been added to the original thirteen; and five Territories had been established.

See the Encyclopedic Index articles, entitled "Western Reserve," " Internal Improvements," and the allied subjects mentioned therein. The number of presidential references to these topics is an excellent indication of the thoroughness with which they have, in their official documents, described the condition of the country.

INDIAN CAMPAIGNS OF ANDREW JACKSON.

Most of us are apt to think of the victory of New Orleans when we recall the military successes of Andrew Jackson, but in his day he bore a formidable reputation as an Indian fighter also. From 1798 to 1814, Jackson was the major general of the Tennessee militia, and in that capacity conducted a vigorous campaign against the Creek Indians, which resulted in their complete submission in 1814. Indeed, it was due very largely to Jackson's exploits in this campaign that he was appointed major general in the United States Army, and given command over the Department of the South, in which office he had charge of the operations which defeated the British at New Orleans. In 1817, Jackson also commanded the United States troops in the prosecution of the Indian Seminole War. The preceding picture contrasts his uniform with the garb of one of the famous Indian chieftains of his day.

RACHEL DONELSON, wife of Andrew Jackson, died the December before his inauguration. Therefore the position of Presiding Lady was accorded to her neice, Emily Donelson, wife of Major Andrew J. Donelson, private secretary to the President. His adopted son's wife, Sarah Yorke Jackson, presided at the Hermitage then, and for many years. Mrs. Donelson was very young when called upon to fulfill her social duties; but innate refinement, ease, grace, dignity and various accomplishments rendered her capable of adding much to this period's noted brilliancy. All admired her, even when party spirit quenched unbiased judgment. In all points of etiquette, she was arbiter, the President deferring everything to her opinion. Her four children were born in the White House. Early in 1836 she returned to Tennessee, as her health was failing, hoping for renewed strength; but consumption developed, and her death followed in December of the same year.

ANDREW JACKSON

Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaw Settlement, North or South Carolina, on the 15th of March, 1767. He was a son of Andrew Jackson, an Irishman, who emigrated to America in 1765 and died in 1767. The name of his mother was Elizabeth Hutchinson. There is little definite information about the schools that he attended. According to Parton, "He learned to read, to write, and cast accounts   little more." Having taken arms against the British in 1781, he was captured, and afterwards wounded by an officer because he refused to clean the officer's boots. About 1785 he began to study law at Salisbury, N.C. In 1788 removed to Nashville, Tenn., where he began to practice law. About 1791 he married Rachel Robards, originally Rachel Donelson, whose first husband was living and had taken preliminary measures to obtain a divorce, which was legally completed in 1793. The marriage ceremony was again performed in 1794. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of Tennessee in 1796, and in the autumn of that year was elected Representative to Congress by the people of Tennessee, which State was then entitled to only one member. Supported Thomas Jefferson in the Presidential election of 1796. In 1797 became a Senator of the United States for the State of Tennessee. Resigned his seat in the Senate in 1798; was a judge of the supreme court of Tennessee from 1798 till 1804. After war had been declared against Great Britain, General Jackson (who several years before had been appointed major general of militia) offered his services and those of 2,500 volunteers in June, 1812. He was ordered to New Orleans, and led a body of 2,070 men in that direction; but at Natchez he received an order, dated February 6, 1813, by which his troops were dismissed from public service. In October, 1813, he took the field against the Creek Indians, whom he defeated at Talladega in November. By his services in this Creek war, which ended in 1814, he acquired great popularity, and in May, 1814, was appointed a major general in the Regular Army; was soon afterwards ordered to the Gulf of Mexico, to oppose an expected invasion of the British. In November he seized Pensacola, which belonged to Spain, but was used by the British as a base of operations. About the 1st of December he moved his army to New Orleans, where he was successful in two engagements with the British, and afterwards gained his famous victory on January 8, 1815. This was the last battle of the war, a treaty of peace having been signed on December 24, 1814. In 1817-18 he waged a successful war against the Seminoles in Florida, seized Pensacola, and executed Arbuthnot and Ambrister, two British subjects, accused of inciting the savages to hostile acts against the Americans. He was appointed governor of Florida in 1821. In 1823 was elected a Senator of the United States, and nominated as candidate for the Presidency by the legislature of Tennessee. His competitors were John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and William H. Crawford. Jackson received 99 electoral votes, Adams 84, Crawford 41, and Clay 37. As no candidate had a majority, the election devolved on the House of Representatives, and it resulted in the choice of Mr. Adams. In 1828 Jackson was elected President, receiving 178 electoral votes, while Adams received 83; was reelected in 1832, defeating Henry Clay. Retired to private life March 4, 1837. He died at the Hermitage on the 8th of June, 1845, and was buried there.

ANDREW JACKSON

Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaw Settlement, North or South Carolina, on the 15th of March, 1767. He was a son of Andrew Jackson, an Irishman, who emigrated to America in 1765 and died in 1767. The name of his mother was Elizabeth Hutchinson. There is little definite information about the schools that he attended. According to Parton, "He learned to read, to write, and cast accounts—little more." Having taken arms against the British in 1781, he was captured, and afterwards wounded by an officer because he refused to clean the officer's boots. About 1785 he began to study law at Salisbury, N.C. In 1788 removed to Nashville, Tenn., where he began to practice law. About 1791 he married Rachel Robards, originally Rachel Donelson, whose first husband was living and had taken preliminary measures to obtain a divorce, which was legally completed in 1793. The marriage ceremony was again performed in 1794. He was a member of the convention which framed the constitution of Tennessee in 1796, and in the autumn of that year was elected Representative to Congress by the people of Tennessee, which State was then entitled to only one member. Supported Thomas Jefferson in the Presidential election of 1796. In 1797 became a Senator of the United States for the State of Tennessee. Resigned his seat in the Senate in 1798; was a judge of the supreme court of Tennessee from 1798 till 1804. After war had been declared against Great Britain, General Jackson (who several years before had been appointed major-general of militia) offered his services and those of 2,500 volunteers in June, 1812. He was ordered to New Orleans, and led a body of 2,070 men in that direction; but at Natchez he received an order, dated February 6, 1813, by which his troops were dismissed from public service. In October, 1813, he took the field against the Creek Indians, whom he defeated at Talladega in November. By his services in this Creek war, which ended in 1814, he acquired great popularity, and in May, 1814, was appointed a major-general in the Regular Army; was soon afterwards ordered to the Gulf of Mexico, to oppose an expected invasion of the British. In November he seized Pensacola, which belonged to Spain, but was used by the British as a base of operations. About the 1st of December he moved his army to New Orleans, where he was successful in two engagements with the British, and afterwards gained his famous victory on January 8, 1815. This was the last battle of the war, a treaty of peace having been signed on December 24, 1814. In 1817-18 he waged a successful war against the Seminoles in Florida, seized Pensacola, and executed Arbuthnot and Ambrister, two British subjects, accused of inciting the savages to hostile acts against the Americans. He was appointed governor of Florida in 1821. In 1823 was elected a Senator of the United States, and nominated as candidate for the Presidency by the legislature of Tennessee. His competitors were John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and William H. Crawford. Jackson received 99 electoral votes, Adams 84, Crawford 41, and Clay 37. As no candidate had a majority, the election devolved on the House of Representatives, and it resulted in the choice of Mr. Adams. In 1828 Jackson was elected President, receiving 178 electoral votes, while Adams received 83; was reelected in 1832, defeating Henry Clay. Retired to private life March 4, 1837. He died at the Hermitage on the 8th of June, 1845, and was buried there.