Description:

ANDREW JACKSON
(1767 - 1845) Seventh President of the United States, 'Old Hickory' became a national hero in his defense of New Orleans and as president encouraged Western expansion and paid off the national debt. Excellent content and association A.L.S. 'Andrew Jackson', 4pp. 8 x 12.75 in., Hermitage, Mar. 3, 1823, just one day before he would be sworn-in as U.S. Senator from Tennessee. Jackson writes to EDWARD G. W. BUTLER (1800-1888), for whom Jackson served as guardian following the death of Butler's father in 1803 and who was at this time serving in an artillery unit. Jackson opens his letter apologizing for not responding to Butler's earlier letter, noting: 'It is a fact that writing to me is laborious owing to the failing of my vision...' He states that he is pleased that a dispute with the 'Chief of the Engineer Department had been settled: 'I approve your course! Never make enemies that you can avoid, and never permit injury from any source without a proper assentment...You are continuing into life on the military stage...altho' we are now blessed with peace, it is doubtful, from the collecting clouds in Europe, how long we may enjoy that blessing...I cannot recommend to you a better book than the history of Sir William Wallace for your guide and the example of the immortal Washington. In the history of Wallace, you will find human nature fully displayed, with all its envy, hatred, and treachery... men are not now better than they were in the days of Wallace... never take a man to your bosom as a confidant, until you are certain he merits it... I have declined the mission to Mexico... In the present state of revolution... to present credentials to the tyrant Iturbide might strengthen him on his tottering throne & aid him in riveting the chains of despotism... Spain is about to cede Cuba to England... There cannot be an American who does not see that, if Britain obtains the Gibraltar of the Gulf, as she holds the Gibraltar of the Mediterranean, that she controls the commerce of the world and embargoes the mouth of the Mississippi when she pleases...America must prevent this, or we are involved in open patriot[?] war... I shall communicate to your sisters what you requested to Genl [Sam] Houston...' Jackson closes with warm regards from his wife and daughters. Some clean fold splits with no appreciable loss, otherwise very good. Jackson's timely letter contains many important points. Great Britain was concerned about increasing U.S. interest in Cuba, particularly after the U.S. acquired Florida from Spain in 1821. The Monroe Doctrine, issued in December of the year this letter was written, solidified the U.S.'s view of the Western Hemisphere as its sphere of influence and warned European powers against further colonization. Agustin de Iturbide, the first Emperor of Mexico, led a junta which bled the country until 1823 when he was finally deposed. Finally, in 1823, Europe was marked by the French invasion of Spain and continued conflict in the Greek War of Independence, specifically the Greek civil wars of 1823-1825.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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