Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) 7th president of the United States (1829-1837).
Autograph letter signed as President, 4pp (recto/verso), Washington, June 27, 1832. To A. Jackson Jr. (1804-65), his adopted son, who was the son of Rachel's brother Severn Donelson, regarding farm matters such as the collection of debts and the hiring of a new overseer. In part: "…I am happy you have concluded a settlement with him [Mr. Steele], and when I look over the account and find charges for 14 ploughs, having a blacksmith of my own, I think with you, that it is time to make a change….[L]ook out for a good overseer engage him and then in due time I will notify him that at the close of the year we will seperate--but this must be kept secrete from him or he will neglect all business and leave everything, crop & all, in as bad a state as he can….I have noted Mr. Wards conduct in enticing your cousin Andrew overseer from his service--it is an act of baseness, that I sincerely regret any of our neighbours would be guilty of…." He tells Andrew to talk to his cousin William Donelson and Major Donelson's overseer and gives detailed advice on how to get the overseer away from Ward once "your Cousin Andrew or his agent relinquishes all idea of retaining him." The letter is written on both sides of two conjoined sheets, with heavy show-through from Jackson's very bold penmanship.
Jackson continues philosophically, "As to the loss of the mare, when all precaution has been taken, I never repine, it is only when loss is sustained by carelessness, or mismanagement that we ought to repine, & even then only to remember it, as a beacon by which to shun a repetition of mismanagement or carelessness, because we cannot by repining change the event which has passed….I do not yet know when congress will adjourn, and whether I can visit you this summer…." He adds a P.S. which is signed with his initials.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
Ex The Rosenbach Company.
U.S. Presidents
