War of 1812 Bicentennial

Interesting Letter from Andrew Jackson to his Wife.

We are indebted to Major J. L. Pugh, of the gallant 4th Ohio (Col. Kennett's) Cavalry, for the autograph copy of the following letter, which was handed over, according to his request, to the Y. M. M. Library Association for preservation among its relics. It was given to the Major by Andrew Jackson ("little Andrew" mentioned in the letter,) at the Hermitage:

My Love: I have with great solicitude awaited the receipt of a letter from you or some of my friends in Nashville, for several mails, and am still without the receipt of any. It appears that all the patriots must have buried themselves on the news of the burning of the Capitol, as though our national existence or liberties depended alone on that gothic mass of costly marble. It cannot affect us, but it ought and will give impulse to the nation—and every man who has a spark of national pride, an ounce of love for his country, will step forward, and at one blow at every point, crush the enemies to our country, wheresoever they can be reached.

I hope my letters have reached you. Advise me, whether the bills of sale for the eight negroes have got to your hands. I have had a very violent attack of the fever—I am recovered; for two days I have been clear of fever, and to-day have rode out and exercised the artillery. My neighbors, since their severe repulse at that point, appear quiet. I hope ere long to be able to arouse them a little; but I can here nothing from the army from Tennessee. Kiss my little Andrew for me; tell him I will send shortly for him and his mother, to stay with me.—Present me affectionately to all my friends, Colonel Hays' family and Mrs. Coberry's, particularly, and believe me to be your affectionate husband,

Mrs. Rachel Jackson.