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Lot 35
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A. Jackson On Public Trust, Integrity in Government, The Presidency, James Monroe, Upcoming 1824 Election, & Affairs in Florida, Among the Finest Extant. 2x Signed ALS
A. Jackson On Public Trust, Integrity in Government, The Presidency, James Monroe, Upcoming 1824 Election, & Affairs in Florida, Among the Finest Extant. 2x Signed ALS
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Description:

A. Jackson On Public Trust, Integrity in Government, The Presidency, James Monroe, Upcoming 1824 Election, & Affairs in Florida, Among the Finest Extant. 2x Signed ALS

A 7pp autograph letter twice signed by future 7th President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the first time as "Andrew Jackson" at the letter's conclusion; and the second time initialed as "A.J." in the postscript. June 29, 1822. This very letter sold at Heritage Auctions in 2013 for over $19,000! At the Hermitage, Jackson's estate near Nashville, Tennessee. Inscribed in Jackson's hand on two packets of bifold paper. The outer leaf of the second packet has been docketed, presumably in the hand of Jackson's recipient. Expected wear including even toning. Flattened transmittal paper folds, with scattered tiny holes and separations including a 5" closed tear along the crease between pages 6 and 7. Minor loss to the bottom edge of page 5. Else near fine. 8" x 10." The letter is accompanied by a large engraving of Jackson featuring his facsimile signature, measuring 9.625" x 13.375."

Supporting documentation includes a Beckett Letter of Authenticity, certification number AC84185, dated January 3, 2024; along with material from Raab Collection (Ardmore, Pennsylvania), from where this item was purchased for $12,000 in September 2019. The Raab material includes a signed Letter of Authenticity; a lengthy auction catalog description; and a typed transcript of the entire letter contained in a
handsome gilt embossed clamshell case measuring 9" x 11" x .25."

In this remarkable, wide-ranging letter addressed to Jackson's former aide de camp Richard Keith Call (1792-1862), Jackson gives his young friend personal career advice. He then moves on to surprisingly bitter criticism of sitting 5th U.S. President James Monroe (1758-1831), accusing him of popularity-seeking and incompetence. Jackson next turns to the question of ambition, and whether those who actively seek the presidency are trustworthy of being rewarded with it. Jackson follows with a fascinating and insightful look at his fellow candidates in the upcoming 1824 presidential election, scathingly criticizing William H. Crawford (1772-1834), and to a lesser extent Henry Clay (1777-1852), while praising future 6th U.S. President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848). He ends by saying that he always sought the public good in Florida, but receives no credit for it.

On President James Monroe & Integrity in Government                                                                     Jackson opines in part:

"I have read with attention your remarks on Mr. Monroe's conduct of the appointment of officers for the Floridas. I sincerely regret the course he has pursued; it has lost him the esteem of his friends and has giving [sic]ample scope for his political enemies to assail him. In short, Sir, his popularity is fleeting from him - and if he does not alter his course, he will go out of office with less popularity than any of his predecessors - he has lost his popularity by seeking it- and making appointments that he conceived would augment it - never looking to the welfare of the republic in making them - by which he has disgusted his friends, sacrificed the interest of his country and practically damn'd himself…" (p. 1-2)

"As to myself I have no confidence in his promises, I am determined never to recommend another to office as long as he is President - all his Cabinet is by the ears, all up for the Presidency, and he sits and looks on viewing scenes that will and must disgrace us in the eyes of Europe…" (p. 2-3)

On The Presidency
Jackson writes in part:

"The voice of the people I am told would bring me to the Presidential chair, and it is probable, some of the legislatures may bring my name before the public - but I have long since determined to be perfectly silent - I never have been a candidate for office, I never will. The people have a right to call for any man's services in a republican government - and when they do it, it is the duty of the individual to yield his services to that call - neither saying aye, or nay, although I have been often solicited" (p. 5-6)

On Competitors in the Presidential Election of 1824
Jackson states in part:

"It is passing strange that he [Monroe] sticks fast to Crawford - as far as I know Mr. Adams, he steers a strait-forward [sic], correct course - attends to the duties of his office well. I believe Mr. Colhoune [sic] [John C. Calhoun (1782-1850)] does the same, but his friends have injured him - and it will be by great prudence that he can absolve himself from Injury. - The reduction of the army has brought upon him the influence of Crawford's friends, and the course pursued, has given them strong grounds - they have & will make the best of it. The Mix contract has given them a hold, that they stick to, with great glee and will operate against Colhoune [sic] with some - and Keep the eyes of the people closed to the intrigue & corruption of Crawford; - whilst him & his friends are silently continuing their intrigue to the best advantage. -The attempts made against Mr. Adams, by the letter of Russell, detailing the proceedings at Ghent - was a wicked thing - Mr. Adams has turned the tables upon Clay & Crawford, and has given Russell as severe a drubbing as an Rascal ought to receive - It has placed Mr. Adams on high ground, extended his popularity, and forever damn'd Russell and all concerned in the villainous scene." (p. 3-4)

Jackson was a popular personality in his home state of Tennessee as well as nationally. Jackson turned down an offer to run for governor of Tennessee but accepted a plan to have the Tennessee legislature nominate him for president. It was always his position that he would never seek the presidency, but would accept it if the people called him to serve. In July 1822, he was officially nominated as a Democratic-Republican candidate. Jackson had strong feelings about his fellow candidates.

In the 1824 presidential election, no candidate acquired the necessary majority of electoral votes, and it was up to the House of Representatives to decide. The House gave the presidency to Adams, despite the fact that Jackson had garnered the most popular and electoral votes of any candidate. It was a surprising turn of events and resulted in one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history. Jackson swept into the White House in 1828.

On Affairs in Florida
According to Jackson, in part:

"I did my duty with an eye single to the public good - and I am content. I have never been able in the public prints to see one sentiment on this subject - nor has ever the bill been yet published - But I think it will be well for the Legislative Council of Florida to give this subject an investigation, and severe comment - The best interest and security of your Country require it. I have no doubt but it was intended silently to affect my standing. This they cannot do; I am silent, but the papers are not - " (p. 5-6)

No American had more to do with the acquisition of Florida than Andrew Jackson. After the War of 1812, Jackson was ordered to the Georgia-Florida frontier, which had become chaotic. Florida at that time was owned by Spain, but the British were intrigued by the area and wanted influence there. Jackson was directed by President Monroe to acquire it through any means necessary. On March 10, 1818, Jackson invaded Florida with just 3,000 men, marching down the Apalachicola River. On April 6, 1818, the Americans reached St. Marks near Tallahassee, with its Spanish military fortress, and seized it. Jackson located and executed two British operatives in the region, effectively ending the British threat in Florida. On February 22, 1819, the Adams-Onis Treaty was signed in Washington, which gave all of Florida to the United States. On March 10, 1821, President Monroe named Jackson Commissioner of the United States of the former Spanish territory, and was later appointed Governor of Florida. Jackson left Florida in September 1821 but maintained an interest in events there.

This is a truly remarkable letter, shedding light on Jackson in every possible way - his beliefs, his personality, his assessments of prominent men, his view of public service, and even his advice on how to build a career.

Jackson's correspondent, Call, had served with Jackson in 1813 during the Creek War as Jackson's aide de camp. Call practiced law in Pensacola, first with Henry Brackenridge, and after June 1822, with Richard Easter, specializing in land claims arising out of Florida's transfer to the United States. Call later served as a member Legislative Council, delegate to Congress, receiver of the West Florida land office, and brigadier general of the West Florida militia. He served as territorial governor of Florida from 1835-1840 and 1841-1844. Ex Heritage, Raab Collection.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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Bid Increments
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$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000